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Michael Fuljenz, president of Universal Coin & Bull in Beaumont, Texas, will be the recipient of the highest honor bestowed by the Congressionally-chartered , the largest organization of coin collecting enthusiasts in the United States. Fuljenz, known as America’s Gold Expert®, grew up in Lake Charles and graduated from LaGrange High School in 1972.

The association announced he will receive the organization’s 2023 Chester L. Krause Distinguished Service Award at the in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on August 11.

According to the association, the “highest honor conferred by the ANA, the Chester L. Krause Distinguished Service Award, is given in recognition of numerous years of outstanding, dedicated service to numismatics.” Fuljenz has also been recognized with the association’s 2023 Philanthropy Award. In 2021, he was named Dealer of the Year, and he received the organization’s Medal of Merit in 2014. 

“No recognition like this happens without the tremendous support of many others in the American Numismatic Association, in the hobby and profession, and my wonderful family,” Fuljenz said. I sincerely thank all those who have helped me help others.”

A cover photo and a story about the award in the August 2023 issue of the association's monthly magazine, The Numismatist, states: "Crime fighter Mike Fuljenz is as much an advocate for the Golden Rule as he is for all things related to precious metals. His  unflagging efforts to eradicate numismatic crime, campaign for collectors’ rights, provide fiduciary support for educational programs, and spread the joy of the hobby are a testament to his upstanding character."

He has received dozens of awards from the Press Club of Southeast Texas and the Numismatic Literary Guild for his four books, weekly newsletters, and television and radio appearances about rare coins and precious metals.

Over the years, Fuljenz has also received awards from the Professional Numismatists Guild and the National Coin and Bullion Association for his consumer protection work combating counterfeits in the marketplace. He has been a significant contributor to consumer alerts released by the Federal Trade Commission, the Attorney General of Texas, and the Better Business Bureau.

Active in many community, education, and youth sports groups in Beaumont, Fuljenz currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Crime Stoppers of Southeast Texas. He is also a member of ÐßÐßÊÓƵ University’s President’s Club and is a longtime supporter of ÐßÐßÊÓƵ academics and athletics – aiding to the music, art, and business departments as well as the golf, soccer, basketball, and baseball programs. ÐßÐßÊÓƵ University recognized him with a 3T (Time Talent and Treasure) Award in 2007.