Remembering John McCloskey

Remembering John McCloskey
1938-2018

As published in a special announcement on December 26, 2018 to all E-Gobrecht addressees, John McCloskey died on December 15, 2018. John was an extremely well-known and admired numismatist, mentor, friend, father, and family man. John was the Past President of the Liberty Seated Collectors Club and the Gobrecht Journal Editor for 40 years. John's numismatic history is extensive, and an excellent write-up can be found in a special autobiographical article from the March 2009 issue of the Gobrecht Journal, and reprinted in the December 30th issue of the electronic publication, The E-Sylum.

This article on John McCloskey, as seen in the E-Sylum can be viewed here.

Below, we share some photos and remembrances of John. Enjoy. He will be missed.

John and Norma, his loving wife of 58 years

John (center) with Randy Wiley (left) and Bill Bugert (right)

John with Larry Briggs

John with Greg Johnson, no doubt talking about quarters

Coin World: John presenting David Lange his "Best Article" Award in 1983

Remembrances:
Leonard D Augsburger: John carried the LSCC on his back for many years. As collector interest ebbed and flowed he would write many of the articles needed to fill the pages of the Gobrecht Journal. He was a disciplined student of die varieties and made numerous discoveries in the bust and seated series. John was "all business" at coin shows and completely focused on the coins and the research. The standard he set for technical research will not be soon forgotten. RIP, John.

Mel Hatfield: John and I were involved in the planning to found an entity known as the Liberty Seated Collector's Club. I served under John as Secretary/Treasurer from 1974-79. We often would travel to coin shows together and share a hotel room...many fun times were had comparing purchases and socializing with friends such as Kam Ahwash and others. I will miss you old friend. Rest In Peace. Mel Hatfield, LSCC #0003

Roy Ash: The passing of John McCloskey leaves a void in the LSCC fraternity that I don't believe can ever be filled. It would be difficult to quantify John by a single word but visionary or mentor comes to mind. It was my priviledge to serve as LSCC Vice President for a few years under John's presidency and to assist in helping edit the Gobrecht Journal upon occasion. John's hand on the tiller was always evident and firm. Godspeed my friend. LSCC #159.

John's induction into the LSCC Hall of Fame, 2008

Joe Trezza: I met John I believe at the ANA Show in 1996. I introduced myself as a member of the LSCC, and he was such a gentleman and welcomed me with open arms. He will certainly be missed in our hobby.

Ken Rubin: Sadly I met John in person only a few months back when he was quite ill. However I remember an email correspondence in the 1990s where he made me aware of a second reverse of the 1872-S quarter. He went above and beyond to help!