Dear Colleagues:

It is with sadness that I share news of the passing of Richard G. Doty, senior numismatic curator at the Museum, Sunday at age 71.

Doty joined the staff in 1986, revolutionizing numismatic research by illustrating poignant human stories reflected in objects from the National Numismatic Collection.

Prior to joining the Smithsonian, he was a curator with the American Numismatic Society in New York City from 1974-1986 where he served as Curator of the Modern Coins and Currency Department.

Doty earned a doctorate degree in Latin Studies from the University of Southern California in 1967. Before he took on the duties of a numismatic curator, he was Assistant Professor of United States and Latin History and Studies, Central College, Pella, Iowa (1967-70); Assistant Professor of Latin American and World History, York College, City University of New York (1970-71); and Assistant Professor of United States and Latin American History at the University of Guam (1971-73).

Throughout his long career, Doty produced numerous books and articles. His most recent, Pictures from a Distant Country: Seeing America Through Old Paper Money, was published in 2013.

He is also the recipient of a number of honors and awards, including a Fulbright Fellowship to the University of Madrid, Spain; Mexican Government Fellowship for study in Mexico City and Guadalajara; the Del Amo Foundation Fellowship for research in Spain, the Millennial Award Medal of the Royal Numismatic Society and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Numismatic Society.

Although Dick lost his battle with lymphoma, he won our hearts through his indomitable spirit, wit, humor and prolific story-telling. A more detailed obituary, including a list of publications, will be released shortly.