November 28, 2013 – A new scholarship fund, established in the name of longtime Florida coin dealer Robert Lecce, will provide members with financial aid and merit-based scholarships to attend the American Numismatic Association’s annual Summer Seminar. To further honor the memory of Robert Lecce, $10,000 from the fund has been donated to the Professional Numismatists Guild’s Promoting Numismatic Growth internship program.
The Robert Lecce Advanced Scholarship Program was established through a memorial fundraising campaign following his death on July 11, 2011. To date, more than $100,000 has been raised for the fund.
‘He was a dealer’s dealer,’ said his son, Richard Lecce. ‘He was an extremely generous person with his money, his time and his education. He loved to talk to kids and get them interested in the hobby. He was always willing to help aspiring numismatists of all ages, even if that meant he would be competing with them someday.’
Robert ‘Bobby’ Lecce was the owner of Robert B. Lecce Numismatics Inc., a business his son Richard continues to operate today. Robert Lecce was an ANA life member, and he held memberships in the PNG, Florida United Numismatists (FUN) and the Industry Council for Tangible Assets (ICTA). He was also a contributor to ‘A Guide Book of United States Coins’ (commonly known as the Red Book).
‘The ANA Summer Seminar scholarship fund and donation to the PNG internship fund are the perfect opportunities to honor his personality,’ said Richard Lecce. ‘This project will ensure that Bobby’s memory lives forever.’
Scholarships to attend Summer Seminar, the ANA’s annual two-week summer educational program, will be awarded based on need and merit. The scholarships will help defray the costs of tuition, lodging and meals. The application form can be found online.
‘Our mission is to provide quality and diverse educational opportunities to members regardless of age or financial resources,’ said Susan McMillan, the ANA’s education project manager. ‘The Robert Lecce Advanced Scholarship program will allow us to do just that.’
The ANA plans to conduct a silent auction during the Awards Banquet at the annual World’s Fair of MoneySM as a fundraiser for the scholarship fund. Members can make a tax-deductible donation to the fund now or anytime on the internet.