Richard Sperry Yeoman

Born as Richard S. Yeo, Yeoman adopted his pseudonym for his professional work. He attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison and later married Marion Junkerman, with whom he had a daughter. Yeoman's passion for numismatics began when, as a newsboy, he received an Indian Head cent in change, marking the start of his lifelong coin collection. In 1932, he joined Whitman Publishing Company, where he played a key role in developing and promoting coin boards and folders, revolutionizing coin collecting for hobbyists.

Yeoman authored several influential numismatic books, including the Handbook of United States Coins (Blue Book) in 1941 and A Guide Book of United States Coins (Red Book) in 1946. The Red Book, priced at $1.50 for its first edition, became a cornerstone of American coin collecting. He also introduced the Yeoman numbering system with his 1957 Catalogue of Modern World Coins (Brown Book), which expanded to include Current Coins of the World. His innovative work laid the foundation for modern coin cataloging and collecting.

Yeoman's contributions earned him widespread recognition in the numismatic community. He served on the ANA board of governors, won the "Best-of-Show" exhibit award in 1951, and received prestigious honors such as the ANA Medal of Merit (1952) and the Farran Zerbe Memorial Award (1957). He was inducted into the ANA Numismatic Hall of Fame in 1978 and named a Numismatic News Ambassador in 1977. Yeoman's legacy endures, with his image featured on the 1986 ANA convention medal and his 1764-coin donation to the ANA preserving his impact on the field.