September 2nd, 2010 – Rev. Dr. Daniel N. Harmelink has informed us that the International Association of Reformation Coins and Medals (IARCM) was founded. The purpose of this association is to prepare the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017 and to promote numismatics connected with the reformation. He sent us the following text:
The excitement has already begun
Anticipation is already building in the numismatic community in preparation for the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. On October 31st, 1517, Martin Luther posted his “Ninety-Five Theses” on the doors of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. The rest is history. What began as a simple protest against the abuses of indulgences became a complete re-working of the authority and central teachings of the Christian Church of Rome — a movement preserved in thousands of coins and medals.
Important plans are already underway
The International Association of Reformation Coins and Medals (IARCM) is now making plans worldwide to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation as it brings together a talented and dedicated group of:
• coin and medal collectors of all kinds;
• dealers specializing in Reformation coins and medals;
• museums with Reformation coin collections; and
• Reformation historians and numismatic researchers
all committed in one way or another to come together in celebrating the 500th anniversary of an event that forever changed the Christian Church and Western Civilization. And the IARCM wants you to be part of the celebration!
Coming together to increase interest
The IARCM is a mutual benefit non-profit organization dedicated to furthering interest in Reformation coins and medals around the world, among young numismatists as well as seasoned Reformation collectors and dealers.
Excitement among collectors and mints
Interest in Reformation coins and medals is now building in these few years before 2017. With mints already planning to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, there will be literally hundreds of additional collectible coins and medals marking the enduring legacy of the Reformation, Martin Luther, Philipp Melanchthon and the other Protestant Reformers.
Promoting interest among museums
Curators of major Reformation coin and medal collections are even now planning exhibitions, catalogues and research publications focusing on the thousands of Reformation coins and medals produced in the last 500 years. The IARCM is committed to encouraging exhibitions and exhibition materials that (in both German and English) make Reformation numismatics available to the greatest number of collectors, dealers and students of Luther and the Reformation.
Promoting interest among coin dealers
Recognized coin dealers are also gearing up for special auctions of Reformation coins and medals — auctions that will certainly eclipse those witnessed during the last major anniversary of the Reformation in 1983 (the 500th anniversary of the birth of Martin Luther).
Facilitating research and resources
Sadly, there has been no significant comprehensive research published on Reformation numismatics in over thirty years. The IARCM is committed to promoting the highest quality research and the publication of printed and electronic resources that further the discipline of Reformation numismatics worldwide for years to come.
Be a part of the excitement – be a part of this new numismatic association
Whether you are a “newbie” Reformation coin and medal enthusiast or a seasoned Reformation numismatist, there is a special place for you in the future of the IARCM.
For more information about this new numismatic society, type in SUBSCRIBE in the subject line of an email message and send to INFO@IARCM-IGRMM.ORG or visit us on the web at: http://www.iarcm-igrmm.org/