Remembering Charles C. Anderson — A Pillar of American Numismatics

The life and legacy of Charles C. Anderson is filled with examples of the power of effective leadership through including principles of kindness and generosity along with astute business practices. Mr. Anderson passed away on June 24, 2026 at the age of 91.

A lifelong resident of Florence, Alabama, Mr. Anderson combined the aspects acquired as a youth with lessons learned through life to incorporate into a successful business empire. As a youth, he held numerous jobs that included working at his father’s newsstand, delivering newspapers and running a fireworks stand. He graduated from Florence State Teachers College (now University of North Alabama), earning a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in marketing and a minor in economics.

Hundreds of friends attended the service to pay their respects to family members.

His interest in numismatics began at the age of 9 in 1943 when he was given a 1921 Alabama 2x2 commemorative half dollar. As an adult, he and his brother Joel established ANCO Collector Supplies, a manufacturer of coin tubes and distributor of many accessories for the coin trade. ANCO purchased H.E. Harris Co., adding coin items to the company’s stamp business. Under Anderson’s leadership, H.E. Harris Co. purchased Whitman Publishing Co. in 2003.

Business interests outside of numismatics included Anderson Media, Anderson Press, Books-A-Million, and TNT Fireworks.

While the success of the business enterprises could be one barometer of a person’s success, Mr. Anderson held true to values learned throughout his life that the real measure of success was not in how much you made but how much you give. He lived a life of giving through endowments and time. Through the establishment of the Charles and Hilda Anderson Foundation and the Anderson Foundation, he remained committed to the support of opportunities for others, He gave because he believed that blessings were meant to be shared and that there is no limit to what you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit.

In the numismatic world, he served as president of the Alabama Numismatic Association, was a life member of the American Numismatic Association. He served as a trustee with the American Numismatic Society and received an honorary Life Fellowship from the organization in 2023. In 2024, he was recognized by COINAge as one of the “Numismatists of the Century.”

His work touched the lives of thousands and stands as a testament to a life well lived. He was often described as a man who led with vision, kindness, and faith.

A memorial celebration of life was held on July 16 in Charles' hometown of Florence, Alabama, attended by over 1,000 people who came to pay their deepest respects to his large family. The event was festive and joyful as every in attendance seemed to have a personal story where Mr. Anderson personally touched their life.

He was preceded in death by his wife of over 67 years, Hilda, who passed away in 2020. He is survived by four sons: Charles Caine “Charlie” Anderson Jr. (Moll), Terrence Carroll “Terry” Anderson (Susan), Clyde Barbour Anderson (Summer), and Harold Myron Anderson (Amber).