Jimmie Lawrence (2015)

An extraordinary banknote collector from Johannesburg, South Africa, he helped found the IBNS in 1961 and served as one if its early presidents for almost a decade.

During this time the IBNS was in the midst of growing pains and he saw it through that period admirably, sharing his paper money knowledge whenever possible. His reputation as a collector and promoter of world banknote collecting was global. Years after his death, he is still remembered fondly by former numismatists. Jimmie Lawrence was understandably proud of his world-class collection of about 50,000 banknotes, specializing primarily in Africa. His South Africa collection was publically displayed in a local bank for many years. His enthusiasm and camaraderie were appreciated by everyone who knew him. Significantly, Jimmie Lawrence is the first IBNS Hall of Fame member from the continent of Africa.