In a subtle way, the U.S. Mint announced the retirement of Chief Engraver John M. Mercanti after 36 years with the U.S. Mint.
The announcement was made in a tribute video to Mercanti as the U.S. Mint’s first post to their YouTube Channel. The video includes former U.S. Mint Director Ed Moy, and Sculpture and Engravers Don Everhart, Joe Menna, the back and side of Charles Vickers.
When asked what he will do in retirement, Mercanti said he will write a book, represent or consult with other mints and similar organizations, and he wants to be involved with educating young numismatists. “I think there’s a history in coins,” Mercanti said, “and I want to put that out there and I want to work with a lot of young people to get that history out there and inspire them to collect. I think that’s important.”
Note to the American Numismatic Association: it would be in the organization’s best interest to contact Mercanti to get him involved with his educational desires. Mercanti wool be an asset to the ANA in areas like the Summer Seminar or at the conventions. In fact, with the new fall National Money Show that will be held in Pittsburgh, why not invite Mercanti to cross the state to be a featured instructor during the show. It would be a real incentive for me to make the 5 hour drive from the D.C. area to attend the show!
Here is the tribute video from the U.S. Mint:
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