ANACS

Historical overview of ANACS
The American Numismatic Association Certification Service (ANACS) has its roots in 1972 and was born out of an urgent need to protect coin collecting from the growing problem of counterfeiting and alteration. Created by the American Numismatic Association (ANA), a non-profit and educational association similar in importance and educational mission to organizations such as the U.S. Olympic Association and the American Red Cross, ANACS enjoys distinctive recognition through the granting of a charter by the U.S. Congress.

The early days of ANACS
ANACS began in Washington D.C. with a small but highly specialized team of just two experts, motivated by a desire to take full advantage of its strategic proximity to the Smithsonian Coin Cabinet and the opportunity to work closely with the Treasury Department and the Secret Service. This carefully considered initiative came about as a direct response to the prevailing uncertainty within the coin industry regarding the authenticity of coins. It has proven to be indispensable in strengthening and preserving confidence in the future and integrity of the numismatic trade.

Development of coin grading
ANACS played a central role in the coin community by providing certification and grading services based on the technical standards set forth by the ANA. After moving to Colorado Springs in 1976, ANACS developed a detailed grading system that allowed coins to be graded individually.

Era of innovation under Kenneth E. Bressett
In the era under Kenneth E. Bressett, who assumed the honorable position of Director in 1983, ANACS experienced a significant phase of further development. Bressett, who was particularly recognized for his outstanding role as editor of The Red Book, devoted himself to assembling a team of evaluators. With considerable care and circumspection, he built a team under his leadership that was characterized by exceptional expertise. The members of this team, whom Bressett had personally selected and nurtured, would go on to become pioneering and authoritative figures in the field of coin collecting, buoyed by their experiences at ANACS.

Innovation in coin encapsulation
The introduction of coin encapsulation in plastic holders in 1989 marked a turning point for ANACS. This innovation replaced the previous photo certificates and set new standards in coin certification.

Company transitions
In 1990, ANA sold ANACS to Amos Press, and in late 2007, EKW, LLC, acquired the company, which subsequently relocated to Englewood, Colorado.

ANACS Today
Today, ANACS proudly presents itself as a mainstay in the field of numismatics, consistently and steadfastly committed to the high standards of coin certification and grading that have been the guiding objective since the company’s inception.