Former Coin World Managing Editor Bill Gibbs has passed. Coin World Senior Editor Paul Gilkes provided this information for our readers. -Editor

"A native of Castalia, Ohio, he began collecting coins at the age of 10 after his father gave him a leather pouch containing two worn large cents and some German coins he had acquired while serving in the U.S. Army in Germany after World War II.

"In his search for coins and information about coins, our recipient discovered Coin World and became a subscriber in 1969.

"Coin World's Collector's Clearinghouse column quickly became his favorite weekly reading and launched his life-long interest in error coins and varieties. ...

"His interest and knowledge of errors and varieties helped him to land a job with Coin World in October of 1976, where his first assignment was to assist then Clearinghouse Editor Tom DeLorey in identifying and attributing coins submitted by readers.

"His responsibilities included writing to readers to identify the coins they had submitted. At that point in time, Clearinghouse received more than 100 letters per week, often containing more than one coin.

"Readers sought not only identification of their coins, but also an explanation of how the error or variety had been created.

"Under DeLorey's tutelage he became an expert and was offered the Clearinghouse editorship when DeLorey joined ANACS in Colorado Springs. He chose instead to become a reporter ... .

"During his years withCoin World, Bill has written thousands of stories, copy-edited many more thousands of stories, and written thousands upon thousands of headlines and photo captions. He has also authored dozens of books and copy-edited dozens more. Although his volume of work is staggering, the most important aspect to know about and appreciate is Bill's reverence for and insistence upon accuracy.

"Prior to 1985, Coin World had never had a written stylebook. His knowledge and reputation as a stickler for style led to his appointment as project coordinator forCoin World's first written stylebook, which was compiled in 1986. Bill has continued to serve as coordinator for subsequent editions.

Original research

"During his years with Coin World, Bill has published original research including that proving Winged Liberty is the correct name for Adolph Weinman's dime design produced from 1916 through 1945," Deisher wrote.

"He also proved conclusively the existence of bronze-clad steel 1974 Lincoln cent experimental strikes, despite the U.S. Mint's denial.

"He has reported on some of the hobby's most high-profile stories such as recovery of stolen rarities coins from the Willis H. DuPont Collection and the science behind Robert Evans' "curation" of the gold salvaged from the S.S. Central America by the Columbus-America Discovery Group.

"He has covered first-strike ceremonies at every U.S. Mint facility, reported on printing techniques and changes at both Bureau of Engraving printing facilities, and covered hearings conducted by the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. He has also traveled throughout the United States and foreign countries reporting on coin shows and numismatic events."

"Two of his personal collections are unequalled. His collection of Admiral George Dewey medals, badges, and store cards is believed to be the most comprehensive and finest known.

"His personal collection of Coin World medals and tokens serves as the publication's reference collection and is the only known complete collection ever publicly exhibited.

"Bill holds another record: He is the longest continuously serving member of the Coin World staff.

"While I was only able to work with Bill Gibbs for a short period of time, his legacy with Coin World was well established. His concurrent commitment to journalism and the hobby that he had embraced from a young age was evident. He cherished the experiences gained from a job well done and served as a consistent guiding light in remembering why we do what we do."

Bill Gibbs was more than just a terrific writer and editor — he was a friend, a mentor, and the heart and soul of Coin World across six decades in Sidney, Ohio. Bill didn't simply uphold accuracy and integrity; he made sure every story and feature was as engaging and accessible as possible. His keen editorial eye, thoughtful suggestions, and clarifying questions made us all better writers, and working with him was brightened by his quick wit and positive attitude.

Professionally, his record speaks for itself: editorials, thousands of articles, insightful editorials, fascinating features, multiple editions of the Coin World Almanac, his Numismatic Literary Guild Clemy Award, and a half-century of institutional memory and conscience at Coin World.

On a personal note, I feel deeply grateful to have worked alongside Bill for nearly two decades. What always struck me was his thoughtfulness and his sense of responsibility to encourage integrity in our field. Bill took pride not just in sharing familiar stories but in sparking curiosity and excitement in others. Bill's contributions to numismatic journalism were truly epic, but for those of us lucky enough to be mentored by him, his personal legacy means even more. Bill's standards were high, but his guidance was always patient and generous, and his kindness left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

We were lucky to have him.

Bill Gibbs was the consummate team member. He worked until the job was done, no matter how long it took. And never a complaint.

A talented writer and careful researcher, Bill was also a top-notch copy editor who valued accuracy above all else. He had a vast knowledge of U.S. numismatics that proved to be invaluable to Coin World and also to fellow staff members.

Shortly after I became Coin World editor in 1985, the need for a comprehensive stylebook surfaced in our conversations. Bill enthusiastically embraced the assignment of researching and developing the Coin World stylebook, which he did in addition to his regular work. Every style choice was shared with staff members in a series of monthly meetings until consensus was reached. Once finalized, the stylebook was quickly put into use and within a year or so was adopted by various writers and editors throughout the numismatic community. The clarity of consistent numismatic terminology in publishing is one of Bill's greatest legacies.

To many, Bill seemed quiet and shy. But as his co-workers know, he found joy in reading, learning, and collecting. Nothing excited him more than a new find or acquisition for his wide collecting interests.

Bill will be sorely missed by those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.

Here's a bio from Pete Smith's American Numismatic Biographies. -Editor

Born in Sandusky, Ohio. Graduate of Bowling Green State University in 1976. Married Joyce E. Fahnestock September 8, 1984.

Employed by Coin World after October 1976. He began as an assistant editor for the "Collectors' Clearinghouse" 1976 to June 1978, staff writer 1978 to August 1985, senior staff writer 1985 to October 1986, and news editor 1986 to 2015 and managing editor after 2015. His articles appear regularly in Coin World. Some have been reprinted in Penny-Wise, in the Rare Coin Review and one in translation for an Italian numismatic publication.

Gibbs collects numismatic items and memorabilia relating to Admiral George Dewey. He now owns the collection of Dewey items formed by George and Melvin Fuld. He had the only known complete collection of medals issued by Coin World.

Contributed "Numismatic Nomenclature" column to Coin World after January 1, 1986. Author of Coin World Guide to U. S. Coins, Prices & Value Trends. He was co-editor of the 4th and 5th editions of the Coin World Almanac and editor of several editions of Basic Knowledge for the Coin Collector. He has won four awards from the Numismatic Literary Guild including the 1989 "Book of the Year" for the Coin World Guide.