About us
The Recent History of the WCC
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.”
Sir Winston Churchill
In 2021, the Woodstock Coin Club began an important rebuilding chapter after the challenges of the COVID-19 years. Like many community groups, the Club faced uncertainty, financial strain, and even questions about its future—just as its 65th anniversary was approaching.
A dedicated Executive team stepped up to steady the Club and focus on unfinished business. One major milestone was creating the Club’s first official constitution since its founding in 1957. Thanks to the hard work of long-time members, it was completed and approved before the summer break.
Another highlight was completing the long-planned medal and woods display at the Woodstock Museum. Working closely with museum staff, the display was brought to life.
Along the way, the Club gained something special: its very first official logo, which continues to represent us today.
Looking ahead to the 65th anniversary in 2022, the Club made a bold decision to produce a commemorative medal. Despite financial concerns, members chose to move forward with optimism and teamwork. That decision captured the spirit of the Woodstock Coin Club—resilient, forward-looking, and built on a shared love of numismatics and community.
2022 – Present
Medals, Woods, and a New Chapter
As the Woodstock Coin Club approached its 65th Anniversary in 2022, the Club entered a period of renewed growth and stability.
Membership was increasing, finances were improving, and several long-standing projects, such as the Club Constitution and the Woodstock Museum display, were nearing completion. This momentum set the stage for a new era of creativity, collaboration, and commemorative medals.
Following the passing of long-time Treasurer Jim Watson, Shaynne Stevens stepped into the role, bringing fresh energy to the Executive. With this transition, the Club turned its attention to designing a special medal to mark its Sapphire Anniversary.
2022
The 65th Anniversary Medal
The 2022 anniversary medal honoured both the Woodstock Coin Club’s past and its future. The obverse debuted the Club’s new logo, designed by Adam Pollard, while the reverse recognized the founding Executive from 1957: Jack Griffin (President), Jim Walker (Vice President), Bill Allen (Secretary), and Gordon Bowerman (Treasurer).
The design reflected the Club’s evolution, inspired by the changes to the Canadian five-cent piece in the early 1920s. A total of 100 medals were produced in antique gold, silver, copper, and brass. One full set was reserved for a future museum display—a practice that continues today—and the project also helped honour the legacy of long-time Treasurer Jim Watson.
2023
Growth, Leadership, and the Joe Boyle Medal
In 2023, Angus Sutherland joined the Club after presenting on Communion Tokens and soon became Vice President. He played a major role in completing the Woodstock Museum medal display, helped secure missing pieces, and went on to serve as Chair of the Medals and Woods Committee alongside Rick Johnson.
That year’s featured medal honoured Joseph W. Boyle (1867–1923) on the 100th anniversary of his passing. Featuring Boyle’s bust and the Dawson Nuggets’ 1905 Stanley Cup challenge, the medal sold out quickly, with a full set acquired by the Dawson City Museum. Later that year, Rick Johnson was awarded a Life Membership for his long-standing service.
2024
Expanding Creativity and Financial Strength
By 2024, the Club’s improved financial position made it possible to launch two major medal projects. The first revisited Rear Admiral Henry Vansittart, featuring a detailed bust on the obverse and the HMS Fortunee on the reverse, with both colourized and 3D versions produced.
The second project was especially meaningful: a Presbyterian Communion Token, the first ever produced by a coin club.
Created in both Club and Church versions, it commemorated 190 years of Knox Presbyterian Church in Woodstock. These distinctive rectangular medals with clipped corners were produced in multiple finishes and received wide praise. The year also reflected strong stewardship, with successful Coin Shows, new branded Club items, and a donation of 10% of show proceeds to the Ontario Numismatic Association.
2024
Estelle the Streetcar
Plans for a new collaborative medal took shape with the Estelle Streetcar, which ran between Ingersoll and Woodstock from 1900 to 1925. Proposed by Angus Sutherland, the project involved both the Woodstock and Ingersoll Coin Clubs. The Oxford Historical Society was invited to participate, and Catherine Spears, a Director of the Society, joined the Woodstock Coin Club and later became Secretary of the Club Executive, allowing a smooth transition for long-time Secretary Dale to retire.
To make the project even more special, Sean Sinclair, past president of the WCC, proposed creating commemorative “woods” for promotional purposes. Members approved an initial order of 200 pieces, with the Ingersoll Coin Club and Oxford Historical Society placing additional orders. Catherine Spears added a unique twist to the OxHS pieces: Morse code around the edge spelling “OxHS.” This marked the first time three organizations collaborated on a single project. The wooden pieces were distributed to members in the December 2024 Christmas meeting along with a special holiday card.
In 2025, Catherine took an even more central role, helping produce medal insert boards and creating custom pouches for the woods featuring a magnified image of Estelle and its passengers. The Estelle the Streetcar medals went into production with two versions: the Woodstock Coin Club medal featured the Club logo on the reverse, while the Ingersoll version had the Ingersoll Coin Club logo. A total of 170 Woodstock medals and 130 Ingersoll medals were made in various finishes, with extra pieces reserved for informational displays—bringing this long-awaited, historic project to life.
2025/2026
WCC Woodstock 125 Contest
The Woodstock Coin Club invited residents to take part in a special coin design contest inspired by the theme “What Woodstock Means to Me.” Open to all ages, the competition featured both adult (18+) and youth categories, with a submission deadline of January 31, 2026. Participants were welcome to submit multiple entries for a chance to have their creativity showcased.
At the Club’s February meeting, members reviewed the designs and voted to select one adult and one youth winner. Each winner will receive a set of medals featuring their design and initials, along with a numismatic prize. The official announcement will take place in partnership with the City of Woodstock during the Victoria Day celebrations in May 2026—stay tuned for more details!
2026 & onward
Looking Ahead
As the Club continues through 2026 and beyond, ideas are already forming. Through innovation, partnerships, and a shared passion for numismatics, the Woodstock Coin Club remains committed to creating “first-of-their-kind” projects that excite collectors, educate the community, and welcome new members into the hobby.