The Metropolitan Coin Club of Atlanta is delighted to announce the successful celebration of esteemed numismatist Bill Fivaz’s 90th birthday at their recent club meeting on February 17. The event, organized by the club where Bill serves as a member and on its board of directors, was a memorable occasion filled with camaraderie, reflections, and heartfelt tributes.

The celebration, which took place during the club meeting, deviated from the usual agenda to mark this significant milestone in Fivaz’s life. Attendees were treated to a delightful spread of refreshments provided by club newsletter editor David Crenshaw and club secretary Marvin Dudek, ensuring a festive atmosphere for all.

Among the highlights of the celebration was a sumptuous vanilla sheet cake with fudge icing, complemented by other snacks and sodas. Plastic champagne glasses filled with non-alcoholic sparkling white grape juice cocktail were raised in a special toast to honor Fivaz.

Dudek enhanced the culinary experience with a selection of savory treats including turkey, ham, and roast beef, along with a fresh fruit platter and a cheese party tray. Other members also contributed additional snacks, and several contributed monies to help cover the expenses. The venue was adorned with birthday decorations, creating a joyous ambiance fitting for the occasion.

The evening’s program included heartfelt remarks about Fivaz, delivered by Crenshaw, followed by a toast to honor him.

“I was deeply honored last night at our coin club (MCCA) meeting to have the members participate in celebrating the 50th anniversary of my 40th birthday, complete with a (non-alcoholic) toast, a food spread that was absolutely 5-star, and a delicious birthday cake. It was so nice to see everyone, even several that came from over a hundred miles away, join in the festivities. I thank everyone involved in the party and shall have very fond memories of it forever,” commented Fivaz.

A special surprise organized by board of directors member and YN director, John Phipps, added to the excitement of the celebration.

Attendees had the opportunity to join in the festivities by raising their glasses in a collective toast to Fivaz, expressing gratitude for his immense contributions to the numismatic community. The celebration culminated in a group picture capturing the moment before the lighting of the “90” candles on the cake and a rendition of Happy Birthday to commemorate this milestone.

Fivaz’s wife, Marilyn, daughter Diane and her husband John, and daughter-in-law Jeanne, and grandson Jake were also in attendance, adding to the warmth and joy of the celebration.

Crenshaw, in his remarks to the club members, highlighted the significance of Fivaz’s contributions to the world of numismatics, emphasizing his dedication, expertise, and enduring impact on the hobby. Crenshaw led a heartfelt toast, celebrating Fivaz’s achievements and wishing him continued joy and fulfillment in his 90th year.

“I am proud to see our members come together to honor Bill Fivaz on his 90th birthday. His dedication to numismatics has left an indelible mark on our club and the entire numismatic community,” said Tom Youngblood, president of the Metropolitan Coin Club of Atlanta.

The Metropolitan Coin Club of Atlanta extends its sincere thanks to all who attended and contributed to making Fivaz’s 90th birthday celebration a memorable success. Let us continue to celebrate the life and legacy of a true icon in the world of coins.

Today, February 17, 2024, marks a pivotal moment in naval history. 160 years ago, on this day in 1864, the Hunley submarine achieved a historic feat by sinking an enemy warship, becoming the world’s first successful combat submarine. However, following this groundbreaking achievement, both the submarine and its crew vanished without a trace, leaving behind a legacy and a mystery that endured for over a century.

Thanks to the relentless efforts of treasure hunters and historians, the Hunley was finally located in 1995 by an expedition led by Clive Cussler’s National Underwater Maritime Agency (NUMA). Resting about 4 miles off the coast of Charleston, 30 feet below the surface, the Hunley was raised completely intact on August 8, 2000, in a remarkable engineering feat.

Now undergoing a meticulous excavation and conservation process, the Hunley serves as a time capsule from the 19th century, holding invaluable historical treasures and the remains of its brave crew. Partnering with Clemson University, scientists are working tirelessly to preserve this legendary submarine, extracting harmful salts from its iron skin to prevent decay.

The Hunley’s story continues to inspire innovation and scientific advancements, pushing the boundaries of historical exploration. Important forensic evidence collected during the excavation offers hope of solving the enduring maritime mystery surrounding its disappearance.

The Hunley lab, now a center of excellence run by Clemson University, showcases cutting-edge technologies developed to conserve maritime treasures efficiently. Moreover, the submarine serves as an educational beacon, attracting visitors from across the globe to learn about history, archaeology, and science firsthand.

Join us in commemorating this historic milestone and witnessing the ongoing efforts to preserve the legacy of the Hunley. Click the arrow below to watch the video and delve deeper into the remarkable story of the world’s first successful combat submarine.

As the anticipation builds for Super Bowl 58, fans around the world gear up for the spectacle that marks the pinnacle of American football. Amidst the excitement and fervor, there’s one element that often goes unnoticed but holds significant symbolic value – the flip coin that kicks off the grand event. What many may not know is that this crucial piece of Super Bowl tradition is crafted right here in Florida.

Highland Mint, nestled in the heart of Brevard County, has been the artisan behind the iconic NFL Super Bowl flip coin for an impressive 31 years. Vincent Bohbot, the executive vice president at Highland Mint, proudly shares insights into the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into each coin, marking the beginning of the football extravaganza.

“The game doesn’t start without the flip-coin,” Bohbot emphasizes, underlining the significance of this small yet vital component. For the dedicated team at Highland Mint, the production of these coins is more than just a job; it’s a source of pride and a testament to their craftsmanship.

Bohbot elaborates on the process, explaining, “When we’re watching the game, and they’re doing the coin toss, that’s when you look at it, here we look at it all day long, coins are being flipped, coins are being minted. But then when you see it at the game, that’s when you’re like, hey, that’s our coin, that’s our company that’s doing this.”

Each coin is meticulously numbered, with “0-0-1” determining the fate of the initial kick-off and “0-0-0” poised for overtime, should the need arise. The attention to detail extends to the design, with heads bearing the illustrious Super Bowl logo and tails showcasing the emblems of the competing teams.

This year, as the Super Bowl fever grips the nation, Highland Mint dispatched its latest batch of coins to Las Vegas, where they await their moment in the spotlight. A total of 10,000 coins were meticulously crafted, with only a hundred reserved for the NFL while the rest are made available for avid fans and collectors alike.

Behind the scenes, the 140-member strong team at Highland Mint toils tirelessly, from melting the metals to packaging the finished product. Their dedication reflects a shared sense of pride in contributing to the spectacle of the biggest football event of the year.

“Everybody takes pride in this, how can you not? Whether they’re football fans or not, everybody likes to say that we’re part of the biggest game of the year,” Bohbot asserts, encapsulating the sentiment that permeates Highland Mint.

As Super Bowl Sunday approaches, and millions tune in to witness the clash of titans on the gridiron, spare a thought for the artisans behind the scenes, whose craftsmanship ensures that the spectacle begins with a simple flip of a coin – a coin made with care and precision right here in the Sunshine State.