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Wright, Benjamin

Born in Hamlin, Monroe County, New York. Graduate of the State Normal School at Brockport in 1882. Received M.D. from University of Michigan in 1885. At the university he met both George F. Heath and his future wife. Practiced medicine in Syracuse, New York. His wife, Mary Catherine Wright, M.D. joined him in the practice of medicine. They had one son.

Wright was elected as 5th ANA President August 22, 1901. He had no previous experience on the ANA board. He served until October 15, 1904, and continued as chairman of the board of governors 1904 to 1907.

On July 30, 1903, two thieves (Harry Wildwood and Clarence Geagon) broke into the Wright house and made off with about 2000 coins valued at a thousand dollars. When they were unable to sell them at a fair price, they dumped them in a creek. About 300 pieces were recovered.

Wright had a general collection but specialized in store cards. His collection was sold in a series of auctions by Lyman Low and Thomas Elder from 1908 through 1924. Wright was a member of the Masons. His Masonic material was included in an Elder sale. He died in Schenectady, New York. In 1974 he was elected to the ANA Numismatic Hall of Fame.

Wright contributed a series of articles to The Numismatist. These were republished as The American Store or Business Cards in 1963.

bio: NUM 15 Sep 1902 page 277, photo p 257; NUM 74 May 1961 p 585-586

obit: NUM 35 Sep 1922 page 425