ACR & CAB MAGAZINES HISTORY
The Australian Coin Review (ACR Magazine) is one of the world’s longest standing numismatic print publications. First established in 1964 by John Gartner, a pioneer of Australian coin collecting, the magazine has been in print in one form or another for nearly 60 years.
Over the decades, the magazine has seen its fair share of ups and downs. It has survived several Australian or global recessions, a great number of different owners, amalgamations with other numismatic publications, and most recently the struggles of print media in the digital world.
In late 2022, Imperial Group announced the acquisition of the Australasian Coin & Banknote Magazine (CAB Magazine) incorporating the Australian Coin Review from the previous owner John Mulhall. A doyen of Australian numismatics, John was the owner and editor of the magazine from 2002, overseeing perhaps the most tumultuous period in the history of Australian numismatics.
Imperial Group’s founding director and long-time leading Australian numismatist has been appointed the Editor-in-Chief of the magazine, overseeing the complete modernisation of the business – and also the return to the magazine’s original name, the Australian Coin Review.
The magazine has been through a complete redesign for the ACR 2.0 relaunch in March 2023. New content creators have been appointed with a renewed focus on mint issues, third party graded numismatics and community development whilst maintaining the same content loved by subscribers for decades.
Over the course of 2023, a complete digital back catalogue of both the CAB and the ACR magazines going back to 1964 will be made available for subscribers, with other members benefits included, check out subscription packages here.
ACR first issue released by founder John Gartner. ACR had a number of owners and publishers during its print run from 1964 to 2001. John Gartner was in charge from 1964 until 1980.
Release of the now famous Swan (Goose) Dollar or unofficial crown by ACR.
Change of ownership of ACR to M. R. Roberts, editorial duties to Greg Lenthen.
Change of ownership of ACR to Peter Fish, editorial duties to Harold Cuming.
Kesat Pty. Ltd. take ownership of the ACR, editorial duties to well known numismatic identity Joylon Sykes.
First issue of CAB magazine released by founder and editor.
ACR published by Hannanprint Dubbo.
Glen Stephens (of Glen Stephens Stamps) took over both ownership and editorial duties of CAB magazine.
Australian Bull Bank Pty Ltd takes over publishing duties of CAB, and Brian Ahearn is appointed Executive Editor.
ACR moves to publisher Federal Publishing.
The publication of the 441st and last edition of Australian Coin Review magazine. An era in Australian coin magazines was over.
CAB buys and merges with rival publication ACR. The last editor of ACR, Mick Vort-Ronald moves over to CAB as a contributor, Mick remains a regular contributor to this day.
The magazine changed its name to Australasian Coin & Banknote Collectables Magazine with Brian Ahearn remaining as editor. February 2002 saw the amalgamation with ACR and the name changed again to Australasian Coin and Banknote Magazine incorporating Australian Coin Review, with Ahearn still editing and John Mullhall acting as general manager.
John Mulhall takes ownership and assumes editorial duties.
John Mulhall remained in that position until the final issue as the Australasian Coin & Banknote magazine incorporating the Australian Coin Review in late 2022.
Imperial Group announced acquisition of the CAB magazine.
Scott Waterman appointed Editor-in-Chief.
Creation of new website and ACR facebook trading platform launched.
Partnership with PCGS