In Memory of Ron Landis (1955–2025)
A True Artisan of American Numismatics
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Ron Landis, master engraver, die sinker, and visionary co-founder of the Gallery Mint Museum. Ron’s contributions to the numismatic world were profound, and his legacy will endure in the coins, medals, and memories he left behind.
Ron was widely celebrated for reviving traditional hand-engraving techniques and bringing early American coinage to life through historically accurate reproductions. At the Gallery Mint Museum in Eureka Springs, AR, he worked with antique screw presses and hand-cut dies to educate the public and create museum-quality copies of legendary coins like the 1804 Silver Dollar and Brasher Doubloon—each carefully marked in compliance with the Hobby Protection Act.
He also played a pivotal role in the modern hobo nickel movement, transforming the folk art of coin carving into a respected medium of sculpture. His carvings—marked by extraordinary depth and character—remain treasured by collectors worldwide.
Perhaps less known but equally significant, Ron was invited to submit prototype designs for the U.S. golden dollar in the 1990s. His Liberty portrait was a finalist, a testament to his artistic and technical mastery.
Beyond his numismatic talents, Ron was a mentor to many and a generous spirit in the hobby. His passion, precision, and storytelling will be deeply missed.
Rest in peace, Ron. Your art will outlast time.
Comments
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https://youtu.be/h8Fv6RfiRVc?si=HbQCZVDDI32m4efAA terrific interview with him.
Lots of fun insights and behind the scenes stories to tell.8 -
another loss for the world, and the community. i wish his family strength in the face of their terrible loss
Current maintainer of Stone's Master List of Favorite Websites // My BST transactions0 -
I am so sorry to hear that. He did a lot for numismatics. RIP
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Oh, man! Huge loss for the hobby. Ron had been posting on Facebook into last week. He had already sold a lot of his coin and banjo pick production equipment and recently stopped his involvement with music within the past few months, citing his health. RIP, Ron.
John
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution0 -
Very skilled engraver and minter. May he RIP. :'(
Does anyone have any coins or tokens that he created who can share pictures with us?Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire0 -
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@PerryHall said:
Very skilled engraver and minter. May he RIP. :'(
Does anyone have any coins or tokens that he created who can share pictures with us?Many. Perhaps I'll start a GMM megathread later in the same spirit as Mike Hayes' Barber megathread unless @coinsarefun beats me to it. She has/had a ton of his stuff.
John
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution2 -
Very sorry to hear this news about Ron Landis. He made many contributions to numismatics, including allowing those with limited funds to purchase excellent replicas of coins, the originals of which they would not be able to afford. He deserves our thanks for doing that!
My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
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Condolences to all. A loss in our community. He was an innovative engraver, for sure. I am grateful to have a complete nickel train and them some. Rest in peace my friend. 😔
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Was always a joy doing error coin biz with Ron and earlier Ron & Joe Rust who passed in 2005.
70 is too young, RIP Ron !
Here's Ron's facebook page:
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Rest in peace to a true craftsman.
Ron engraved this medal for the ANA.
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Sad news indeed. That man had real talent and a passion for the arts.
May he rest in peace.Dead Cat Waltz Exonumia
"Coin collecting for outcasts..."0 -
I'll start with some 1792 reproductions. More to come in the future.
John
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution9 -
RIP to him. Never met him but from what I saw from the interview he was an amazing guy! Would love to have talked to him.
Proud follower of Christ! I love the USA! Land of the Bright and Beautiful! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
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John
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution0 -
This is very sad news. Numismatics has just lost another visionary. RIP, Ron.
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RIP, Ron
You will be greatly missed.
WayneKennedys are my quest...
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I am so sad…….he was truly a good soul.
CoinsAreFun Pictorials Album FOR SALE SOME will mark final ones before auction
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CoinsAreFun Toned Silver Eagle Proof Album
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Gallery Mint Museum, Ron Landis& Joe Rust, The beginnings of the Golden Dollar
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More CoinsAreFun Pictorials NGC FOR SALE14 -
Rest in peace, Mr. Landis....
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I visited the Gallery Mint Museum a number of years back. Joe Rust and Ron Landis are the most underappreciated engravers. I never met them in person, but I am a huge fan of them.
“When you don't know what you're talking about, it's hard to know when you're finished.” - Tommy Smothers1 -
“When you don't know what you're talking about, it's hard to know when you're finished.” - Tommy Smothers0
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it's not appropriate to conduct business on a memorial page
Current maintainer of Stone's Master List of Favorite Websites // My BST transactions2 -
From my visit to GMM in 1998.
John
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution6 -
RIP Ron.
Here is one of his early tokens that I own.
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@PerryHall said:
Very skilled engraver and minter. May he RIP. :'(
Does anyone have any coins or tokens that he created who can share pictures with us?I have to dig them out of the vault but I own several of his original first hobos
Jon Lerner - Scarsdale Coin - www.CoinHelp.com0 -
I can show a few more
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CoinsAreFun Pictorials Album FOR SALE SOME will mark final ones before auction
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CoinsAreFun Toned Silver Eagle Proof Album
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Gallery Mint Museum, Ron Landis& Joe Rust, The beginnings of the Golden Dollar
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More CoinsAreFun Pictorials NGC FOR SALE12 -
I started a write up on Ron but haven’t been well enough to continue
https://www.coinsarefun.com/caf-coin-research/ron-landis-the-gallery-mintCoinsAreFun Pictorials Album FOR SALE SOME will mark final ones before auction
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CoinsAreFun Toned Silver Eagle Proof Album
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Gallery Mint Museum, Ron Landis& Joe Rust, The beginnings of the Golden Dollar
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More CoinsAreFun Pictorials NGC FOR SALE5 -
Original art-deco Jefferson nickel reverse.
John
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution6 -
@coinsarefun said:
I started a write up on Ron but haven’t been well enough to continue
https://www.coinsarefun.com/caf-coin-research/ron-landis-the-gallery-mintSorry to hear you're not feeling well. Great write-up on Ron.
John
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution2 -
Darn shame he's passed.
I posted this in the other Landis thread, but wish to repeat it here. A mule:
I seem to recall that the mule was using the 1793 "strawberry" reverse. Dunno if that's accurate.
Seated Half Society member #38
"She comes out of the sun in a silk dress,
running like a water color in the rain...."3 -
1998 ANA SUMMER SEMINAR Landis & Rust Obverse Die paired with Virginia Jansen Reverse Die
10 Proof issue 1793 Half Cent reproductions 8 of 10 normal with low serial numbers & 2 of 10 special order errors
1975 Hong Kong Dollar placed partially/mostly over GMM Large Cent Planchet, then GMM struck them with an, as requested by me, 1793 RARE Short 1 in date die resulting in another 2 piece mated pair.
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1943D Steel Cent struck into a copper planchet by their 1793 1c Three cuds die pair on their wrong for issue vines & bars edge GMM planchet.
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I visited Gallery Mint in Fall of 1996.
On first day of two days visit I assisted in screw press production of 1796 14 Star Proof Dollars.
At end of my amazing error coinage production holiday Ron & Joe generously gave me an archive set #0000 14 Star for my Gallery Mint Collection one of "61 made"
Being an Error Collector a 14 Star Die overstrike on 15 Star Host was an awesome addition for my archive.
Having choice of serial number I choose #1000. Another one of 61 made, most likely only error from 14 Star production run
I have always enjoyed the simplicity of Off Center Struck coinage
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The very first item I bought from Ron at ANA Summer Seminar YN Auction, I guess it was 1992 as this is a 1992 500th Anniversary Issue.
The staining on the Royal Mint COA was on it when Ron signed it.
I was honored to receive the COA from Ron as it was not included in auction. I was blown away by Ron's Kings Coin Hammer video & ANA presentation so I bid to win, and won. Crazy how time flies, 33 years ago in July.
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Coin World article from 1995 I got Ron & Joe to autograph.
It had striking errors imaged which I saw as a friendly invitation to order up some errors, some "Special Orders"
Everyone who knew him will have another angel in heaven.
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Man, hate to hear this. I’m sure I have a few more, but here are a few:
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About a year or so back Ron made a 1836 Gobrecht Dollar Gold Ron Landis it was offered in silver
But I wanted gold as I thought it would a beautiful example . It’s weighs .999 gold 2.5 or 2.75 . I forget.
1836 Seated Liberty with Gobrecht name in base, no stars, obverse with stars reverse.
As far as I’m aware it the only one in gold.
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CoinsAreFun Pictorials Album FOR SALE SOME will mark final ones before auction
.
CoinsAreFun Toned Silver Eagle Proof Album
.
Gallery Mint Museum, Ron Landis& Joe Rust, The beginnings of the Golden Dollar
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More CoinsAreFun Pictorials NGC FOR SALE13 -
Very sorry to hear this news. I've been a fan for years and even trekked down to Eureka Springs long ago.
See this thread for lots of content, too: https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/1010614/gallery-mint-museum-by-ron-landis-and-joe-rust
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RIP Mr. Landis.
You were a talented and respected artisan.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
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@coinsarefun that gold Gobrecht is utterly gorgeous! The fact that it’s one of a kind makes it even more special!
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
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coinJP, Outhaul ,illini420,MICHAELDIXON, Fade to Black,epcjimi1,19Lyds,SNMAN,JerseyJoe, bigjpst, DMWJR , lordmarcovan, Weiss,Mfriday4962,UtahCoin,Downtown1974,pitboss,RichieURich,Bullsitter,JDsCoins,toyz4geo,jshaulis, mustanggt, SNMAN, MWallace, ms71, lordmarcovan,JWP,dantheman984,olah_in_MA,USMC_61152 -
Nothing but nice things to say about Mr. Landis......RIP.
1 -
OHNS hobo token for 2001. The obverse pictures Hobo in a Dress Hat, and the reverse a Hiking Hobo. The dies were cut by Ron Landis.Positive BST Transactions with:
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coinJP, Outhaul ,illini420,MICHAELDIXON, Fade to Black,epcjimi1,19Lyds,SNMAN,JerseyJoe, bigjpst, DMWJR , lordmarcovan, Weiss,Mfriday4962,UtahCoin,Downtown1974,pitboss,RichieURich,Bullsitter,JDsCoins,toyz4geo,jshaulis, mustanggt, SNMAN, MWallace, ms71, lordmarcovan,JWP,dantheman984,olah_in_MA,USMC_61151 -
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coinJP, Outhaul ,illini420,MICHAELDIXON, Fade to Black,epcjimi1,19Lyds,SNMAN,JerseyJoe, bigjpst, DMWJR , lordmarcovan, Weiss,Mfriday4962,UtahCoin,Downtown1974,pitboss,RichieURich,Bullsitter,JDsCoins,toyz4geo,jshaulis, mustanggt, SNMAN, MWallace, ms71, lordmarcovan,JWP,dantheman984,olah_in_MA,USMC_61153 -
Sorry to hear of this. I have half a dozen Landis pieces because they are just beautiful in hand. I really enjoyed the youtube video posted above.
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One of his later coin offerings. I told him when I ordered it to take the flip insert to the post office on March 15 and have them date stamp it. He ended up doing that with all of them.
John
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution5
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