| AdminHistory | The Sheffield and District Numismatic Society was formed in 1946, following John H. Downing's letter to the 'Sheffield Telegraph & Star' newspaper inviting those interested in collecting coins and medals to a meeting, which was duly convened at his house on Victoria Road, off Glossop Road. Downing was the Society's first Chairman, with Mr. W.H. Wilson as secretary.
The Society aimed to encourage the study of all branches of numismatic science (coins, medals, tokens), especially that of the locality; and also to encourage the publication of numismatic research, and provide facilities for lectures, discussions, exhibitions and sales for the benefit of members. It was affiliated to the British Association of Numismatic Societies (BANS), and over the fourteen years following its formation membership grew to fifteen. Membership (by subscription) was open to individuals and institutions.
The officers of the Society included a President, Vice-President(s), Honorary Treasurer, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Librarian and Deputy, BANS representative and Deputy BANS representative; all of whom sat on the Society's committee, along with not more than three other members. Ordinary meetings were held monthly, and the Annual General Meeting in February.
Wilf E. Kitson suceeded W.H. Wilson as secretary in 1958, and John Downing relinquished the Chair on moving to Liverpool. By 1960, with membership increasing, the decision was taken to seek alternative accommodation, and the then Director of the City Museum, Geoff Lewis, offered a room in Weston Park Museum free of charge. As well as organising series of talks by members and visiting speakers, the Society arranged members' quiz competitions, auctions, sales and exchanges, and group excursions.
In recognition of the the Society's founder, the J.H. Downing Award was instituted in 1961, and a certificate and numismatic prize was awarded to the winning writer in an essay competition for both senior and junior members. During the next ten years membership increased to more than sixty. In April 1967 the Society hosted the British Association of Numismatic Societies National Congress.
The AGM of 1983 resolved that, with a then active membership of only 15-20, the formal Committee of the Society be dissolved. It was agreed that business could be conducted at the monthly meetings by the Chairman and Secretary, with the involvement of the full membership as required. Alan Miller was elected Honorary Secretary in that year, a position he held until at least 2003.
From 1992-1994 Society meetings took place in the University of Sheffield's Hicks Building, but by 1995 with a membership of twelve the Society was once again meeting in the house of one of its members. By 2006 the number of members had fallen to four. It is unclear when the Society folded, but it is likely to have been sometime in 2011 or 2012 (2011 being the last year its membership subscription to the British Association of Numismatic Societies was paid).
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