William H. Stickles (2018)

William H. Stickles, (1915-2001), was charter member 97 of the IBNS. His collecting specialties were notes of Africa and memorabilia of the French Foreign Legion. He served in the US Army 1941-1969, retiring in the grade of sergeant-major. He served the IBNS as corresponding secretary 1971-1973 and as treasurer 1974-1993. In March 1993 he was installed as the Society’s third Honorary Director for Life.

In 2001 he was selected as one of the individuals honored with the IBNS silver medal for service with chain. Bill Stickles was not a scholar. He published no books nor articles on paper money, but he served the Society as an officer in three capacities for thirty years – twenty-two of them in critical operational roles. It is dedication such as this that allows a non-profit to serve its members. His years of service were difficult ones for the IBNS; officers were resigning and budgets were tight. Bill Stickles and a few other dedicated individuals, most of whom have already been elected to the Hall of Fame, kept the organization afloat.