Home U.S. Coin Forum

ANA money troubles

CaptHenwayCaptHenway Posts: 33,769 ✭✭✭✭✭
From the Colorado Springs Gazette:

http://www.gazette.com/display.php?id=1320477&secid=1
Numismatist. 54 year member ANA. Former ANA Senior Authenticator. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and ANA Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Also won the PNG's Robert Friedberg Award for "The Enigmatic Lincoln Cents of 1922," Available now from Whitman or Amazon.
«13

Comments

  • roadrunnerroadrunner Posts: 28,371 ✭✭✭✭✭
    linky trouble with tribbles?

    roadrunner
    Barbarous Relic No More, LSCC -GoldSeek--shadow stats--SafeHaven--321gold
  • pontiacinfpontiacinf Posts: 8,915 ✭✭
    thanks for sharing that Tom. I wonder what affects if any it will have in Denver this week.
    image

    Go BIG or GO HOME. ©Bill
  • dorancoinsdorancoins Posts: 2,095 ✭✭✭
    I read the article - looks like "Little Chris" is in the spotlight again, at the expense of the ANA membership.
    DORAN COINS - On Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), & www.dorancoins.net - UPCOMING SHOWS (tentative dates)- 2/26/2026 - Joliet, IL
  • Thanks for the article. Since hanging around here I've learned about the ANA and have considered joining based on a few things I've read. This however, trumps them all. I'll sit back and watch before I stroke a check.

    John
    Coin Photos

    Never view my other linked pages. They aren't coin related.
  • I was considering joining, but maybe I'll wait....
    What do you think, Mr. Bigglesworth?
    image
  • dorancoinsdorancoins Posts: 2,095 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Thanks for the article. Since hanging around here I've learned about the ANA and have considered joining based on a few things I've read. This however, trumps them all. I'll sit back and watch before I stroke a check.

    John >>



    Actually, if you're a member, then you can really voice your concerns. I am one of those "throw the bums out" voters who get sick and tired of the "romper room" politics of the ANA. I do complain about the antics of the current board, especially when late last year a freshman board member got expelled over a breach of confidintiality (over a simple rookie mistake.) Most of the problems will take care of itself in about a year from now when people like me "throw the bums out!"

    If you want to join, I can mail you an application - send me a PM if you wish.
    DORAN COINS - On Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), & www.dorancoins.net - UPCOMING SHOWS (tentative dates)- 2/26/2026 - Joliet, IL
  • dorancoinsdorancoins Posts: 2,095 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I was considering joining, but maybe I'll wait.... >>



    As I told the other gentleman in my previous post, if you're not a member, then you really can't do anything. Becoming a member can change all of that.
    DORAN COINS - On Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), & www.dorancoins.net - UPCOMING SHOWS (tentative dates)- 2/26/2026 - Joliet, IL
  • michaelmichael Posts: 9,524 ✭✭✭
    oh my

    my my my my my my my my my my my my my my............................................
  • BarryBarry Posts: 10,100 ✭✭✭
    The only reason I'm still a member is so I can vote them all out next election. It's really pitiful what's going on behind closed doors there.
  • LeeGLeeG Posts: 12,162
    I'm a member and my voice will be heard.
  • MichiganMichigan Posts: 4,942


    << <i>I'm a member and my voice will be heard. >>




    The ANA is having several open board meetings at the upcoming ANA convention in Denver, not sure of the format as to
    whether they have a question and answer period but if they do then this would be the time to speak your mind.


  • << <i>The only reason I'm still a member is so I can vote them all out next election. It's really pitiful what's going on behind closed doors there. >>



    Same here!
  • ScarsdaleCoinScarsdaleCoin Posts: 5,434 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I would urge anyone on this forum to become a member of the ANA ..... like many groups ....some times are harder than others....but the ANA is our industry voice and not only deserves our support as members but what the members receive far outways the small cost.....

    aside from a great magazine each month, you can visit the musueum, you can call the library and ask for a copy of a book sent out......the ANA is there for all of us and again I strongly urge you to join.....
    Jon Lerner - Scarsdale Coin - www.CoinHelp.com
  • IGWTIGWT Posts: 4,975
    "Another issue is that in addition to being executive director, Cipoletti serves as the ANA’s general legal counsel. Cipoletti said because he’s a plaintiff, it would not make sense for him to defend himself and the organization in the lawsuit, so the ANA has hired a Denver law firm. . . . Cipoletti’s salary reflects his two jobs. In fiscal year 2004, he was paid $233,299 plus benefits."

    You have GOT to be kidding me. Obscene!
  • CoinHuskerCoinHusker Posts: 5,034 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I was considering joining, but maybe I'll wait.... >>




    Actually this is the BEST time to join. They need the input of their members. PLUS, there was an offer to pay from one year and Rare Coin Wholesalers would pay for your 2nd year. 2 for 1. Great deal and a great way to have your say.

    Sign up through Rare Coin Wholesalers.
    Collecting coins, medals and currency featuring "The Sower"
  • MacCrimmonMacCrimmon Posts: 7,058 ✭✭✭


    << <i>"Another issue is that in addition to being executive director, Cipoletti serves as the ANA’s general legal counsel. Cipoletti said because he’s a plaintiff, it would not make sense for him to defend himself and the organization in the lawsuit, so the ANA has hired a Denver law firm. . . . Cipoletti’s salary reflects his two jobs. In fiscal year 2004, he was paid $233,299 plus benefits."

    You have GOT to be kidding me. Obscene! >>




    EXACTLY THE REASON I QUIT OVER 7 YEARS AGO.image


  • << <i>

    << <i>I was considering joining, but maybe I'll wait.... >>




    Actually this is the BEST time to join. They need the input of their members. PLUS, there was an offer to pay from one year and Rare Coin Wholesalers would pay for your 2nd year. 2 for 1. Great deal and a great way to have your say.

    Sign up through Rare Coin Wholesalers. >>




    They need the input but do they really want to receive it and if they do receive it what are they going to do with it?


    I know there is the election coming up but I have my doubts that much is going to change anyway, I'll bet the executive director
    is going to still be there.
  • greghansengreghansen Posts: 4,301 ✭✭✭
    As I told the other gentleman in my previous post, if you're not a member, then you really can't do anything. Becoming a member can change all of that.

    The only reason I'm still a member is so I can vote them all out next election. It's really pitiful what's going on behind closed doors there.

    Good points. I dropped out last year as a 'protest' of all the crap. I reckon I'd better re-up so I can vote 'em all out.

    Greg Hansen, Melbourne, FL Click here for any current EBAY auctions Multiple "Circle of Trust" transactions over 14 years on forum

  • ebaytraderebaytrader Posts: 3,312 ✭✭✭


    << <i>oh my

    my my my my my my my my my my my my my my............................................ >>





    image
  • dorancoinsdorancoins Posts: 2,095 ✭✭✭


    << <i>As I told the other gentleman in my previous post, if you're not a member, then you really can't do anything. Becoming a member can change all of that.

    The only reason I'm still a member is so I can vote them all out next election. It's really pitiful what's going on behind closed doors there.

    Good points. I dropped out last year as a 'protest' of all the crap. I reckon I'd better re-up so I can vote 'em all out. >>



    If you want an application, I'll be happy to send you one, and I'll even sponsor you!
    DORAN COINS - On Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), & www.dorancoins.net - UPCOMING SHOWS (tentative dates)- 2/26/2026 - Joliet, IL
  • BarryBarry Posts: 10,100 ✭✭✭
    I wonder if any of the Director candidates will have the bawls to run on a "I plan to fire the Executive Director" platform...
  • dorancoinsdorancoins Posts: 2,095 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I wonder if any of the Director candidates will have the bawls to run on a "I plan to fire the Executive Director" platform... >>



    Good question - if I had the money, name recognition, and time - I would be happy to do it!

    Lets see what stupidity come out of Denver - and then begin some serious "heck-raising"!image
    DORAN COINS - On Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), & www.dorancoins.net - UPCOMING SHOWS (tentative dates)- 2/26/2026 - Joliet, IL
  • RichieURichRichieURich Posts: 8,620 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I'm puzzled by this statement early in the article:


    << <i>Cipoletti rejects the criticism and maintains that the organization is financially sound, is more open about its dealings than ever before and is expanding its membership and programs. >>



    "is more open about its dealings than ever before"

    Does anyone believe this statement?

    An authorized PCGS dealer, and a contributor to the Red Book.

  • SteveSteve Posts: 3,312 ✭✭✭
    Take a look at my earlier thread and read about the board meeting agenda and materials.
    Steveimage


  • << <i>I'm puzzled by this statement early in the article:


    << <i>Cipoletti rejects the criticism and maintains that the organization is financially sound, is more open about its dealings than ever before and is expanding its membership and programs. >>



    "is more open about its dealings than ever before"

    Does anyone believe this statement? >>



    How could anyone with a straight face say they do? image
  • CameonutCameonut Posts: 7,429 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I can do without the magazine, I can do without the classes (as I can never get there), I can do without the museum (will never be a priority), but I am worried about the library which should be allowed to survive.

    Seems like we have an ANA board that needs a complete house cleaning, and at least one new business person to right the ship.

    I will hang on to my membership to vote the bastiges out, but if there is no new regime, color me gone. What a shame.

    “In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson

    My digital cameo album 1950-64 Cameos - take a look!

  • HighReliefHighRelief Posts: 3,728 ✭✭✭✭✭
    It looks like the ANA needs someone new standing at the cash register.
  • dorancoinsdorancoins Posts: 2,095 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I'm puzzled by this statement early in the article:


    << <i>Cipoletti rejects the criticism and maintains that the organization is financially sound, is more open about its dealings than ever before and is expanding its membership and programs. >>



    "is more open about its dealings than ever before"

    Does anyone believe this statement? >>



    As much as Bill Clinton saying that he doesn't have "bimbo explosions" (yeah, right!)image
    DORAN COINS - On Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), & www.dorancoins.net - UPCOMING SHOWS (tentative dates)- 2/26/2026 - Joliet, IL
  • dorancoinsdorancoins Posts: 2,095 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>I'm puzzled by this statement early in the article:


    << <i>Cipoletti rejects the criticism and maintains that the organization is financially sound, is more open about its dealings than ever before and is expanding its membership and programs. >>



    "is more open about its dealings than ever before"

    Does anyone believe this statement? >>



    How could anyone with a straight face say they do? image >>



    Remember, Michigan - Cipoletti is a Lawyer - that alone should tell you something.
    DORAN COINS - On Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), & www.dorancoins.net - UPCOMING SHOWS (tentative dates)- 2/26/2026 - Joliet, IL
  • dorancoinsdorancoins Posts: 2,095 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I can do without the magazine, I can do without the classes (as I can never get there), I can do without the museum (will never be a priority), but I am worried about the library which should be allowed to survive.

    Seems like we have an ANA board that needs a complete house cleaning, and at least one new business person to right the ship.

    I will hang on to my membership to vote the bastiges out, but if there is no new regime, color me gone. What a shame. >>



    image
    DORAN COINS - On Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), & www.dorancoins.net - UPCOMING SHOWS (tentative dates)- 2/26/2026 - Joliet, IL
  • tcmitssrtcmitssr Posts: 1,570 ✭✭✭
    I do not intend to vote for any incumbent in the next election. If Walt runs, he's got my vote along with any other new person. IMHO, that's the only way for members to have their voices heard.
  • orevilleoreville Posts: 12,287 ✭✭✭✭✭
    An executive director should not hold any other office or contractual position especially as attorney.

    I will check to see if there are any ethical violations as an attorney in the state of Colorado. Christopher is a member of the Colorado Bar Association as well as registered with the Colorado Supreme Court as a Colorado Attorney. According to his registration with the state and bar association, he lists his law firm as Vaughan & DeMuro of Colorado Springs. This bring a question mark of a possible "third hat."

    Do not get me wrong. I happen to like Chris. However, I suspect he cannot hold two/three hats and if I am correct, he will have to decide which hat(s) he needs to give up.

    If in fact, he is not in violation of any ethical standards, then I say he is doing the right thing, ethically. However, I would personally request that any board member who is going to ask for my vote make a pledge to prevent any executive employee of the ANA from wearing two hats, effective immediately.

    Why? What Chris is doing creates an unecessary "pallor" over the organization by creating an appearance of a conflict of interest.

    That is not in Chris's or the ANA's best interest long term.


    A Collectors Universe poster since 1997!
  • dorancoinsdorancoins Posts: 2,095 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I do not intend to vote for any incumbent in the next election. If Walt runs, he's got my vote along with any other new person. IMHO, that's the only way for members to have their voices heard. >>



    I hope that Walt (Ostromecki) runs for a board seat, and that Scott Travers runs against Barry Stupler for President. The ANA Board seriously needs reform now.
    DORAN COINS - On Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), & www.dorancoins.net - UPCOMING SHOWS (tentative dates)- 2/26/2026 - Joliet, IL
  • CoinosaurusCoinosaurus Posts: 9,652 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Let's hear what the leadership has to say before jumping to conclusions.

    And if they don't address this in a forthright manner, that will also speak as to what is going on.
  • tcmitssrtcmitssr Posts: 1,570 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I hope that Walt (Ostromecki) runs for a board seat, and that Scott Travers runs against Barry Stupler for President. The ANA Board seriously needs reform now. >>



    Has Scott expressed any interest or are you wishing and hoping?
  • johnsim03johnsim03 Posts: 992 ✭✭


    << <i>I would urge anyone on this forum to become a member of the ANA ..... like many groups ....some times are harder than others....but the ANA is our industry voice and not only deserves our support as members but what the members receive far outways the small cost.....

    aside from a great magazine each month, you can visit the musueum, you can call the library and ask for a copy of a book sent out......the ANA is there for all of us and again I strongly urge you to join..... >>



    image

    John
    John C. Knudsen, LM ANA 2342, LM CSNS 337
    SFC, US Army (Ret.) 1974-1994
  • mrearlygoldmrearlygold Posts: 17,858 ✭✭✭
    What a shameimage
  • dorancoinsdorancoins Posts: 2,095 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>I hope that Walt (Ostromecki) runs for a board seat, and that Scott Travers runs against Barry Stupler for President. The ANA Board seriously needs reform now. >>



    Has Scott expressed any interest or are you wishing and hoping? >>



    Well, when Scott Travers was ANA VP (2001-2003), he stated in print, if I'm right, that he was taking some time off and that he would run for ANA President in 2005. That didn't happen, but there is the possibility that he might run, and since he was ANA VP, he has the right to run just like Barry Stuppler. Quite frankly, Stuppler being President could be a disater in the making. It was Stuppler who has (and still is) picking a fight with Alan Hagar and ASA Accugrade. And we know what resulted (lawsuit, anyone!) As far as disciplinary action goes, if you compare Ostromecki with Stuppler, Ostromecki got booted from the ANA Board over a simple freshman rookie mistake while Stuppler, on the other hand, only got a slap on the hand over the great big fiasco with Accugrade (which, as we know, got most of the ANA board, some well-known numismatic companies, and some leading numismatic experts sued!) The suit was since been dismissed, but is being re-submitted again.

    If I had a choice between Travers and Stuppler, I would pick Travers.
    DORAN COINS - On Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), & www.dorancoins.net - UPCOMING SHOWS (tentative dates)- 2/26/2026 - Joliet, IL


  • << <i>I wonder if any of the Director candidates will have the bawls to run on a "I plan to fire the Executive Director" platform... >>




    It would certainly get some attention that is for sure. Most platforms are very dull and predictable stuff
    with vague statements about strengthening the organization and more educational programs etc.

    If a person was elected and refused to sign the confidentality clause as an act of defiance what could
    they do?
  • dorancoinsdorancoins Posts: 2,095 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Let's hear what the leadership has to say before jumping to conclusions.

    And if they don't address this in a forthright manner, that will also speak as to what is going on. >>



    Do you ever think that, for a minute, would the ANA Board ever say anything forthright. C'mon, these people treat everything as if it was a national security secret. Seems that they (the ANA Board) are afraid of us - but won't admit it!
    DORAN COINS - On Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), & www.dorancoins.net - UPCOMING SHOWS (tentative dates)- 2/26/2026 - Joliet, IL
  • dorancoinsdorancoins Posts: 2,095 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>I wonder if any of the Director candidates will have the bawls to run on a "I plan to fire the Executive Director" platform... >>




    It would certainly get some attention that is for sure. Most platforms are very dull and predictable stuff
    with vague statements about strengthening the organization and more educational programs etc.

    If a person was elected and refused to sign the confidentality clause as an act of defiance what could
    they do? >>



    If a board member refuses to sign a confidentiality agreement, then that board member (new or incumbent) cannot be sworn in and thus won't be on the board, if my memory serves me right.
    DORAN COINS - On Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), & www.dorancoins.net - UPCOMING SHOWS (tentative dates)- 2/26/2026 - Joliet, IL
  • Does anyone know if other hobby organizations of comparable size are run like the ANA is?


    I know the national stamp collectors organization (forgot their name at the moment) had a number of
    internal problems over buying a building and maybe some other issues as well.
  • dorancoinsdorancoins Posts: 2,095 ✭✭✭
    Oh, while I was on the CoinLink website, the CBS station in Denver had the article on the ANA Troubles on its website. Pretty much the same content as in the Colorado Springs Gazette article.

    CBS4Denver.com Article on the ANA
    DORAN COINS - On Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), & www.dorancoins.net - UPCOMING SHOWS (tentative dates)- 2/26/2026 - Joliet, IL


  • << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>I wonder if any of the Director candidates will have the bawls to run on a "I plan to fire the Executive Director" platform... >>




    It would certainly get some attention that is for sure. Most platforms are very dull and predictable stuff
    with vague statements about strengthening the organization and more educational programs etc.

    If a person was elected and refused to sign the confidentality clause as an act of defiance what could
    they do? >>



    If a board member refuses to sign a confidentiality agreement, then that board member (new or incumbent) cannot be sworn in and thus won't be on the board, if my memory serves me right. >>




    With that kind of provision how far is a reform minded candidate going to get? Very intimidating I would say.
  • dorancoinsdorancoins Posts: 2,095 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>I wonder if any of the Director candidates will have the bawls to run on a "I plan to fire the Executive Director" platform... >>




    It would certainly get some attention that is for sure. Most platforms are very dull and predictable stuff
    with vague statements about strengthening the organization and more educational programs etc.

    If a person was elected and refused to sign the confidentality clause as an act of defiance what could
    they do? >>



    If a board member refuses to sign a confidentiality agreement, then that board member (new or incumbent) cannot be sworn in and thus won't be on the board, if my memory serves me right. >>




    With that kind of provision how far is a reform minded candidate going to get? Very intimidating I would say. >>



    Michigan, let me tell you - reforming the ANA will not be done overnight, but remember that the ANA hates negative press. To those who want to reform the ANA - don't let stupid stuff intimidate you - fight it!
    DORAN COINS - On Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), & www.dorancoins.net - UPCOMING SHOWS (tentative dates)- 2/26/2026 - Joliet, IL
  • CoinHuskerCoinHusker Posts: 5,034 ✭✭✭
    To add insult to injury, I understand that volunteer regional reps will now also be asked to take a "loyalty oath" to the ANA. It just gets better and better doesn't it? image
    Collecting coins, medals and currency featuring "The Sower"


  • << <i>To add insult to injury, I understand that volunteer regional reps will now also be asked to take a "loyalty oath" to the ANA. It just gets better and better doesn't it? image >>




    Who has more deep dark secrets that they don't want the public to know about? The ANA, CIA or the NSA? image
  • Cipoletti is an ass. He left me and some others out in the cold durring a certain lawsuit.
  • dorancoinsdorancoins Posts: 2,095 ✭✭✭


    << <i>To add insult to injury, I understand that volunteer regional reps will now also be asked to take a "loyalty oath" to the ANA. It just gets better and better doesn't it? image >>



    Doesn't that sound a bit like a piece of Nazi Germany?image
    DORAN COINS - On Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), & www.dorancoins.net - UPCOMING SHOWS (tentative dates)- 2/26/2026 - Joliet, IL

Leave a Comment

BoldItalicStrikethroughOrdered listUnordered list
Emoji
Image
Align leftAlign centerAlign rightToggle HTML viewToggle full pageToggle lights
Drop image/file