Q. David Bowers, is perhaps the best-known and most noteworthy numismatist of the last 50 years. Beginning in 1953, Dave's contributions to numismatics have continued uninterrupted and unabated to the present day. His work with rare coins is so voluminous and so extraordinary that he was named by COINage magazine in 1999 as one of the "Numismatists of the Century," one of only six living individuals to receive this honor. Dave's dedication to the hobby and his lifelong interest in rare coins, along with his pursuit of scholarly knowledge, have made him one of the most honored and revered numismatists of all time. Dave is the only person to have served as president of both the Professional Numismatists Guild (1977-1979) and the American Numismatic Association (1983-1985). He has received the highest honor from the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG), the Founders Award; and from the ANA, he has received its two most distinguished awards — Numismatist of the Year and the Farran Zerbe Memorial Award, and is enshrined in the Hall of Fame. He lectures annually at Harvard University and has appeared on the "Today Show" as well as programs on CNN, CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox, The Discovery Channel, and The History Channel.

Dave is the most prolific numismatic author of our generation, having produced 50 works, hundreds of auction and other catalogs, and several thousand articles, mostly written in the field of rare coins. In 2000-2003 he was central in the marketing of the gold coins and ingots from the vast treasure of the S.S. Central America and wrote the definitive book on the subject, A California Gold Rush History Featuring Treasure from the S.S. Central America. He also serves as numismatic director of Whitman Publishing LLC, where he has produced many other books including more than a half dozen in the very popular Bowers Series. More of Dave’s books have won “Book of the Year” honors from the Numismatic Literary Guild than any other author. From the PNG, he has received the coveted Friedberg Award a record seven times! During his illustrious career, he has cataloged and sold at public auction many of the finest and most valuable and important collections ever assembled, with The D. Brent Pogue Collection, The Louis E. Eliasberg Collection, Ambassador and Mrs. R. Henry Norweb Collection, The Garrett Collection (for The Johns Hopkins University), The Harry W. Bass, Jr., Collection, and The Walter W. Childs Collection, being but a short list.

Dave is a trustee of the New Hampshire Historical Society and a fellow of the American Antiquarian Society, the American Numismatic Society, and the Massachusetts Historical Society. He has been a consultant for the Smithsonian Institution, the Treasury Department, and the U.S. Mint. For many years he was a guest lecturer at Harvard University.  In Wolfeboro, NH, he is on the Board of Selectmen and is the town historian. 

Christine Karstedt serves as Executive Vice President for Stack’s Bowers Galleries and is deeply involved with consignors in their auction program. A familiar figure at numismatic conventions and auctions for over 35 years, Chris has built a vast network of hobby contacts during her extensive career. Her unstinting and tireless efforts have helped leading collectors and dealers worldwide obtain the very best prices for coins, tokens, medals and paper money, working hand-in-hand with experts and departments within our organization.

Chris started with the Bowers and Merena organization in 1989 and familiarized herself with all aspects of numismatic auctions by learning the process from the ground up. Although the name above the door has changed from Bowers and Merena to American Numismatic Rarities to Stack’s and now Stack’s Bowers Galleries, she has been steadfast in her dedication and contributions to the hobby. Chris never took the leap to becoming a professional numismatist herself commenting that she had Dave Bowers on the right and Harvey and Larry Stack to the left therefore having the most respected expertise in the hobby at her fingertips.

Over a long period of years she has worked with hundreds of buyers and consignors and was instrumental in bringing to market some of the most noteworthy collections of our time, including the D. Brent Pogue Collection, the Louis E. Eliasberg Sr. Collection, the Harry W. Bass, Jr, Collection, the Ambassador and Mrs. R. Henry Norweb Collection, the Walter Childs Collection, and the Cardinal Collection to name a few. She continues to bring many more familiar name collections to auction each year.

In addition, Chris' ability to attract worldwide attention to the sale of numismatic material placed her at the center of the publicity program for the record-breaking $100 million treasure of the S.S. Central America.

Often asked what she collects, she comments “I collect friendships with all the consignors I’ve worked with over the years. I enjoy helping them present their consignments in a world class manner and then enjoy staying in touch. Many times I’ve gone on to assist additional family and friends!”

Chris is a member of the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG), a life member of the American Numismatic Association (ANA), and was awarded the Art Kagin Ambassador Award in 2017, an honor presented by the PNG for those who provide distinguished service as an advocate of numismatic goodwill.