Krause Publications, a leading producer of books, magazines, events and online products for the coin and paper money collecting hobbies, will celebrate its 60th year in business in 2012.

Chet Krause created Numismatic News from his mother's kitchen table in rural Iola, Wis., in 1952. A carpenter by trade, Krause was also a coin collector looking for a way to connect with other collectors around the country.

From the launch of this magazine, the Krause Publications numismatic media portfolio came to include magazines such as Coins, World Coin News and Bank Note Reporter; books like the revolutionary Standard Catalog of World Coins, North American Coins and Prices and U.S. Coin Digest; events like the Chicago International Coin Fair and Chicago Paper Money Expo; and websites like NumisMaster.com.

The company also diversified to include other enthusiast media properties in areas such as automobiles, antiques, records, firearms and knives, and hunting.

Krause Publications was acquired by Cincinnati-based F+W Media in 2002, but continues to operate primarily from its Iola offices.

"We are honored and humbled to be celebrating 60 years of serving such a wonderful hobby," said KP numismatics publisher Scott Tappa. "Thousands of hobbyists have used our products over the years to deepen their appreciation of collecting, and we thank every one of them for giving us the opportunity to serve them. This year we remember fondly the last 60 years while at the same time laying the foundation for the next 60 years!"

KP plans to mark its 60th anniversary with a variety of special products and events over the course of 2012. More details will be released in the months ahead.

Long-time KP staff members such as Dave Harper, Bob Van Ryzin, Tom Michael or George Cuhaj are available to speak further about KP's anniversary. Please contact Tappa at scott.tappa@fwmedia.com for more information.