Editor's Message: Red Book Quarterly Spring 2026

I am sure many readers can relate to the following experience that has occurred to me more than once recently: through the course of everyday life, as we go to different places and meet new people, at some point in conversation the question of "what is your profession?" arises. I typically reply, "I am a numismatist," with the usual looks of puzzlement and/or curiosity. I then go on to explain the general meaning of the term numismatics and how the industry and hobby is quite large, not only in this country but throughout the world. I explain the various careers that can be made in the field, and the monetary values coins and paper money regularly reach, which is met with the same bewilderment. Even if you are not employed in the hobby, as a collector this type of interaction is commonplace; "you collect what?" is a common reaction, from co-workers, friends, or extended family.

I do admit that, while numismatics is a great conversation starter with people that have never heard of it, I sometimes get mildly frustrated that one would not be met with the same reaction if their job was working at an art gallery, comic book shop, or collectible car dealership. These collectible areas have always been more mainstream. My thought for this article is that this is changing; the concept of coin collecting is slowly, but steadily, moving further into the mainstream consciousness. Thanks to the surge in gold and silver prices and the associated media coverage, along with this year’s celebration of America 250, people in all age ranges are finding coin collecting.

As many people stare down the tunnel of brain rot and want something with depth to turn to, collecting can be that outlet. It was an outstanding occurrence that the National Football League had the foresight to reach out to the Smithsonian Institution for a special item to be used for the coin toss at Super Bowl LX in honor of the Semiquincentennial. While the league originally wanted to use an authentic vintage American coin, they eventually used a silver Paris restrike Libertas Americana medal with special engravings. Imagine my (and hopefully many others who knew what they were looking at) surprise when I saw a famous medal being used at one of the most-watched sporting events of the year. That medal is now on display at the Smithsonian as part of the National Numismatic Collection.

2026 is becoming an outstanding opportunity to expose how rich and fulfilling it can be to learn about numismatics. In a world that many feel "moves too fast," spending a few hours a week enjoying one’s collection is an ideal way to slow everything down.

This week, I am writing this column as I am attending the newly revived Long Beach Expo in California, now under the stewardship of Stack’s Bowers Galleries. I had the exciting opportunity to examine and hold not one, but two silver Libertas Americana medals, two pewter Continental dollars, and one silver Continental dollar (one of four available for private ownership) at the same time. I share this only because it is these types of moments that keep the flame burning and reminds us why we got into this hobby in the first place. The best part is that it only takes a few to fuel the fire for many years. I hope that you have at least one this year!

Sincerely,

Patrick Ian Perez, patrickp@whitmanbrands.com