Michael Hodder and Q. David Bowers
It is always the Norweb gift of that famous American colonial coin, the Brasher doubloon, to the Society in 1969 that receives the publicity, but an examination of the list of Norweb contributions to the Society's cabinet, beginning in 1955, is astounding for its scope and importance.
The family generosity of sharing its collections with others after having the joy of assembling and studying them is traditional of all of the Holden-Norweb generations, and continues on to this very day. Emery May 'Norweb said it often, how she hoped others would follow intheir footsteps, enjoy and study and then share. This commitment was very deep.
By the time the senior Norwebs had completed their contributions to the Society they had presented well over a million dollars worth of numismatic material-over 10,000 pieces-but priceless in terms of value to numismatic researchers. These are well recorded in the Society's important research tool, its Annual Report. There are United States and colonial coins, English and Canadian coins, tokens and medals, material from Latin America, Greek, Roman, medieval specimens, and contemporary material.
The versatility and interest of the Norwebs in their collecting habits are reflected in the scope of objects-from an Indian Peace medal issued in Canada to a set of portcullis coinage struck in England under Elizabeth I for use in India. Or an aureus of Allectus, a gold stater of Bellovaci, Churchill medals, and a 40-real issue of Uruguay struck in 1854.
The Norwebs helped shape the direction and destiny of the American Numismatic Society for many years as councillors. They knew this institution was the right depository for their numismatic gifts because they knew of its world reputation as a research center for scholars and collectors and its role in furthering numismatic education.
--Margo Russell May 1, 1987