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Bert Koper (1899-1963) of Winnipeg: A Canadian Numismatic Pioneer, Tragic Hero and Archetype

(2021)


Multi-Media Summary

Bert Koper (1899-1963), a Dutch immigrant to Winnipeg, almost single-handedly kept the torch of organized numismatics burning in Canada through the dark years of the Depression and World War II. His Park Coin Shop, Canadian Numismatic Art Society, and subsequent Canadian Coin Club Society (fl. 1935-1951) filled the gap between the Antiquarian and Numismatic Society of Montreal's demise in 1934 and the Canadian Numismatic Association's birth in Ottawa in 1950. Numismatic literature aficionados collect his publications; his enthusiasm inspires collectors today. He nearly succeeded in organizing a nation-wide numismatics association. Koper burned out, but he passed the Canadian numismatic torch to the RCNA. He is Engel's local example of an unsung numismatist whose contribution to the hobby is worthy of research. You may find such numismatists in your own backyard.Speaker: Howard R. Engel.
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