The Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation (ACEF) has expanded its prestigious Alan Kreuzer Memorial Award for 2026. This year, recipients will receive cash stipends ranging from $1,500 to $2,000, in addition to the award’s signature 3-inch bronze medal.
Strengthening the Fight Against Counterfeits
The Alan Kreuzer Memorial Award honors numismatists who dedicate their time and expertise to combating counterfeit coins and collectibles. These individuals play a critical role in protecting the integrity of the hobby.
“Fraudulent coins don’t just undermine a marketplace; they devalue our American heritage,” said Chandra Kreuzer Rudd, daughter of Alan Kreuzer.
Her continued support has proven essential. In 2017, she donated $50,000 to launch the anti-counterfeiting task force that eventually evolved into ACEF. Since then, her contributions have funded the annual award program.
Honoring a Legacy of Vigilance
The award commemorates the work of the late Alan “Al” Kreuzer, a respected coin dealer from Castro Valley, California. Kreuzer helped alert the numismatic community to the growing threat of counterfeit third-party certification holders and fake insert labels.
Today, the award recognizes a broad range of contributors. These include collectors, dealers, and law enforcement professionals who work to safeguard the numismatic marketplace.
Nomination Deadline and Submission Details
ACEF has set June 1 as the deadline for 2026 nominations.
Candidates must demonstrate meaningful volunteer efforts in anti-counterfeiting initiatives. To submit a nomination, participants must include:
- Nominee’s full name
- Business affiliation
- Volunteer activity details
- Contact information
- A clear explanation of why the nominee deserves the award
Submit nominations via email to [email protected]
. A nomination form is also available on the ACEF website. Additionally, nominators must provide their own name and contact information.
ACEF’s Mission: Education and Protection
ACEF continues to serve as a frontline resource against numismatic fraud. The organization provides educational tools designed to protect collectors from counterfeiters.
Notably, ACEF maintains a free directory of more than 200 vetted Trusted Experts. This tool allows collectors to locate reputable dealers within a 50-mile radius.
Moreover, during major coin shows, ACEF offers a critical service. The organization applies COPY countermarks to counterfeit coins in compliance with the Hobby Protection Act. This process clearly identifies fakes and makes them legal to own.
Supporting ACEF’s Work
ACEF operates entirely through donations. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, all contributions are tax-deductible.
Collectors and supporters can contribute directly through the online donation form available on the ACEF website. These funds ensure continued education, enforcement, and recognition efforts within the hobby.
