John Albanese: A Titan in the World of Numismatics

Celebrated for his significant influence in the numismatic community, John Albanese has left an indelible mark on the industry through his numerous contributions and innovation.

John began his numismatic journey in 1978, with the establishment of his own company. It wasn’t long before his expertise and dedication opened up additional opportunities. In 1986, John co-founded the Professional Coin Grading Service (PGCS) which, at the time, set the gold standard for professional coin grading. The following year, John founded the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) where he personally graded over one million coins and served as president, cementing his reputation and establishing himself as a top authority in his field.

A Master of Innovation

In 2007, John founded the Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC), a service that elevated the reliability and accuracy of coin grading. CAC evaluates coins that have previously been graded by other major services, confirming their grade and ensuring that only those meeting the absolute highest standards receive the coveted green CAC sticker. In 2023, CAC expanded to include a separate grading entity, CACG, providing rare coin owners with the absolute pinnacle of rare coin grading and certification. CAC-stickered coins have positively impacted  the numismatic market because that sticker will often command prices higher than more traditionally graded coins.

John’s expertise isn’t limited to grading, however. In 2001, he created Intercept Shield, products specifically designed to protect coins from corrosive gasses. And in 2005, he founded the Numismatic Consumer Alliance (NCA), which has helped recover millions of dollars for buyers who fell victim to unscrupulous coin dealers.

His keen eye for quality and rarity has allowed him to handle some of America’s greatest numismatic treasures, including an 1804 Silver Dollar, a 1794 Specimen Silver Dollar and a Brasher Doubloon. And if that weren’t enough, he also served as the only numismatic marketing strategist for coins recovered from the shipwreck S.S. Central America.

Awards and Recognition

John’s  contributions have been widely recognized. He has received prestigious awards such as the Abe Kosoff Founder’s Award and the Sol Kaplan Award from the Professional Numismatic Guild (PNG), and he was inducted into the PCGS CoinFacts Coin Dealer Hall of Fame.

In 2022, he was awarded the National Silver Dollar Roundtable Lifetime Achievement Award. And in 2023, John was named Numismatist of the Century by COINage.

Legacy and Current Work

Today, John Albanese remains a pivotal figure in numismatics. His lifelong dedication to the field, coupled with his numerous achievements, have cemented his legacy as one of the most influential leaders in the field.

John’s career is a testament to his passion and commitment to excellence. His work has elevated the standards of coin grading and he is responsible for protecting and educating countless collector and investors in the rare coin market.

At Blanchard, we are immensely proud of our longstanding partnership with John. His dedication to excellence and integrity aligns perfectly with our values and we are honored to work alongside him.