PERIODICAL: MCA ADVISORY SUMMER 2026

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V29 2026 INDEX E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 29, Number 32, 2026, Article 7

The Summer 2026 issue of The MCA Advisory has been published by the Medal Collectors of America. If you have even the slightest interest in the topic, you need to be a member. See the link below for more information. -Editor

Libertas Americana: An Anniversary Medal:
The Medal Collectors of America 2026 Annual Medal
by Stephen K. Scher

Introducing a New Original Series:
From William Pitt to Counterfeit
by Doug McIndoe

Coins and Medals of the Khazars – Numismatic Perspectives on Identity
by Ira Rezak

Marcos Moreno from Cuba and the Gold Medal of the Royal Effigy (1798)
Dr. Ángel O. Navarro Zayas

Here's Skyler Liechty's "President's Message" column where he discusses the 250th anniversary of American Independence and the evolving journey of collecting, selling, and beginning new medal collections. -Editor

This year being the 250th anniversary of the founding of America, our medal committee has been even more hard at work than normal. They have something prepared that will take your breath away. This is very special, and I can hardly wait to have an example in hand.

While summer has been progressing nicely, it is easy to let collecting fall to the side in favor of things like taking trips and spending time with family. These are the times that I find I miss bidding on exceptional pieces. At the same time many of the major auction houses have made it easier with tracking and reminding me what is up for auction. I believe this benefits not only the consignor but collectors as well.

Something collectors spend quite a bit of time thinking about is when the right time is to sell a piece of a collection, or the entire collection. And, once that decision is made, what is the next area of interest? As collectors, we understand that the need to collect can be consuming. This has recently affected me personally, as I made the major decision to sell one of my most passionately collected sets, my Indian Peace medals. I feel that I am not alone in this, as I am sure many of our members have likely experienced the same thoughts and questions about what was next.

One of the things I love about medal collecting is that you can often sell a collection and start a new one, without missing a step. You can go very specific or start a very broad collection. Some collections are assembled based on a book, some are based on what you like, and others have themes or events that have not been written about specifically. The latter provides an opportunity for the collector to be the one to write about all that has been discovered, whether that is in a journal like this or in a book. The knowledge is worthy to be shared. Share it!

Here's Doug McIndoe's "Editor's Message" column where he discusses the upcoming MCA annual medal, the 250th anniversary of American Independence, and the strong medal market heading into late 2026. -Editor

With the 250th anniversary of American Independence upon us, 2026 is a great time to be immersed in the field of medal collecting. Not only are there incredible early American medals to collect, but there are also fabulous stories to go along with them. Additionally, MCA is adding a new medal to the catalogue in the coming weeks. Thanks to the efforts of the medal committee and returning artist, Heidi Wastweet, this year's MCA medal pays tribute to an outside cause: the American Revolution. We are all excited to reveal it.

In this issue, you will find a number of other important announcements, such as the particulars of the MCA meeting at the World's Fair of Money this August and our new Facebook page. We also have interesting articles, including a tribute piece on the late, beloved MCA member, Gery Muhl, written by Alex Shagin.

While we cannot hope for another late summer and autumn of Betts medal auctions with the intensity and diversity we saw last year (many pieces from the John W. Adams and John J. Ford, Jr. collections were up for sale), the strong medal market is sure to bring out a number of great finds, nonetheless. So, sit back and enjoy this issue as we gear up for an exciting second half of 2026. If you do not want to sit back and relax, send me an article for the Autumn or Winter issue! The due dates are September 1st and November 15th, respectively.

PERIODICAL: MCA ADVISORY SUMMER 2026

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