John Kraljevich is striking out on his own, starting a numismatic business named John Kraljevich Americana and Numismatics.

“As a wide-eyed boy of 11 years, I resolved that by the age of 30 I’d be either the Phillies starting third baseman or an independent professional numismatist,” Kraljevich said, citing Q. David Bowers as a role model and mentor.

Kraljevich’s new firm will be based in New York City and specialize in early American historical items. In particular, he intends to work with Colonial, pre-federal, and early U.S. Mint coins up to the introduction of steam; early American paper money; American historical medals and unusual paper and metallic Americana.

A collection of California National Gold Bank Notes highlights Lyn Knight Currency Auctions’ Sept. 11-12 auction in Lenexa, Kan.

Lyn Knight said this NGBN collection was “built over the last 30 years and includes many of the greatest rarities that I sold the collector privately from the Amon Carter collection, and these were purchased from B. Max Mehl who had sold him the Harley Freeman collection in 1953-1954.”

Knight pointed to a $50 from the Farmers National Gold Bank of San Jose, saying, “There has not been a $50 NGBN of this quality sold at auction since the Grinnell sale.” He grades it fine-very fine.

The Higgins Foundation and Museum has announced the publication of the reference book Iowa National Bank Notes, A Comprehensive Census of the Notes and History of the Banks by James C. Ehrhardt and Steven J. Sweeney.

The book presents detailed information on the census of 11,058 reported Iowa notes. This is about 3,000 more notes than previously published sources contain.

Listings for each note detail type, denomination, serial numbers, plate position letter, Friedberg number, condition, bank signatures and pedigrees to the Higgins Museum and other public institutions or events. Data summarizing the census by town, county, note type and Treasury signatures are also listed.

A 32-page chapter provides full-color images of all known types of Iowa notes, as well as many rare and interesting notes. Capsule histories of several large hoards are given by authors who were involved with them. The book also offers a study of the growth and decline of banks. Case studies are provided on the Abram Rutt National Bank and the 1932 bank holiday in the town of Nevada.

The American Numismatic Association’s School of Numismatics is coming to the Whitman Coin and Collectibles Atlanta Expo from Oct. 11-13. The ANA will offer two courses of great value and interest to collectors: Fundamentals of Grading Paper Money and Coin Care, Conservation and Preservation Methods.

During Fundamentals of Grading Paper Money, instructor Wendell A. Wolka will equip students with the tools and techniques needed to discover issues and flaws on and beneath the surface of U.S. currency. The class will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 11.

During Coin Care, Conservation and Preservation Methods, instructor Brian Silliman will show students the right way to conserve and preserve a coin collection and keep it safe from accidental, environmental and human harm. The class will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 13.

Each course costs $145 for ANA members or $165 for non-members. Register online by visiting www.money.org or call 719-482-9826 or 719-482-9857.

Every year, Whitman Coin and Collectibles presents four conventions a year, including a bourse, educational seminars by numismatic experts and exhibits. The Atlanta Expo’s exhibits will include Augustus Humbert’s personal example of the 1854 Kellogg & Co. $20 gold piece – the finest known Territorial gold coin.
The American Numismatic Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and encouraging people to study and collect money and related items. With nearly 32,000 members, the Association serves the academic community, collectors and the general public with an interest in numismatics.

The ANA helps all people discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of programs including its education and outreach, museum, library, publications, conventions and seminars. For more information about the ANA, call 719-632-2646 or visit www.money.org.