SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA – The Professional Coin Grading Service has gained three new team members who bring a wide range of numismatic knowledge and business acumen.
Well-known banknote and counterfeit expert Bruce Thornton is serving as Director of Banknote Grading, numismatic educator and vintage coin grader Steve Feltner is the Director of Numismatic Education and Outreach, and Michael Oviedo, business development expert, is the new Director of International Business.
Banknote Business
As the director of Banknote Grading, Thornton’s initial focus will be building PCGS’ existing banknote business in the China and Asia markets.
Thornton is a professional banknote expert with more than 20 years of experience working in the industry. His passion for banknotes began early in his life while working at his father’s business where he gained exposure to banknote dealing and collecting.
“I sold my first banknote years ago at the young age of 12 to a popular banknote and coin dealer from China/Asia. I had a different childhood than most, and I could look notes up in the Pick catalog before I could tie my shoes,” reflected Thornton.
Thornton worked for nearly ten years as a grader/senior finalizer while participating in the collecting community in China and Asia to establish the market acceptance of certified banknotes throughout the world. He is also an educator and a member of various numismatic and business industry organizations.
Inspiring and Educating
In his role as director of Numismatic Education and Outreach, Steve Feltner hopes to inspire collectors young and old. He began collecting at the age of eight and was immediately hooked on the history and number of amazing designs.
“My young mind was captivated, and I was insatiable in my quest for knowledge,” he reflected. At the age of 13 he became heavily involved with the American Numismatic Association and began attending their Summer Seminars. Not only does he attend the Summer Seminars, but for the past 8 years he’s served as a grading course instructor.
This role with PCGS is a bit of a homecoming for Feltner, who worked for the company as a vintage grader earlier in his career. “I could not be more excited about this role with PCGS as I feel it is a perfect fit for my desire to educate, while continuing to learn from those around me,” he said.
International Operations
Michael Oviedo, director of International Business, will operate from the PCGS Asia office in Shanghai, China. Oviedo obtained both an MA in Philosophy from Texas A&M University and an MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management. His rigorous study of the Chinese language allowed him to pass the HSK6, the highest level of proficiency on China’s national language exam. Throughout his career he’s lived and worked in China at various times.
“I come from a family of collectors, so joining CU is an amazing opportunity, especially since this role combines both my passion for collectibles and experience in Asia,” said Oviedo, “My goal is to continue market growth by utilizing the talents of the existing team and building on the successes of our global offices.”
Oviedo’s father built the Dr. George F Oviedo Collection of which several coins ended up in leading collections such as the D. Brent Pogue Collection.
For information about PCGS products and services, visit www.PCGS.com or call PCGS Customer Service at (800) 447-8848.
