Well, another milestone has been reached. It is hard to believe that we have now welcomed our 250th member. It is amazing to me just how fast we have grown in the last few years.
As most of you know, the 1715 Fleet Society was basically a private organization from 2008 until November 2014. It was administered by the three people who founded the organization: Ernie Richards, Phil Flemming (our current VP), and me. By 2014, the demand for others to “join” the Society became so overwhelming that we opened it up to membership. It took us nearly five years to reach 100 members. But now, in the span of six years, we have reached 250! (Actually, we picked up our last fifty members from January 2024 to the present.) Quite an amazing feat if you ask me.
Our newest milestone member is Troy Baker from Redondo Beach, California. Troy has a long and distinguished career in numismatics. When he is not engaging in numismatics, he enjoys cars, preferably fast ones! A true gentleman, here is more about our milestone member:
Troy Baker entered the numismatic field more than two decades ago, joining Adam Crum in what was then a bold career shift from the technology industry into the world of rare coins. Since that time, he has cultivated expertise in areas that deeply resonate with collectors, including Type I Double Eagles, Morgan Silver Dollars, and Ancient Roman coinage.
What truly distinguishes Troy is his scholarship and passion for the fabled S.S. Central America treasure. Bob Evans, the chief scientist, historian, and co-discoverer for the recovery projects, has even described him as “a fellow enthusiast and SS Central America expert,” highlighting both his knowledge and dedication to this extraordinary chapter of American numismatic history.
Over his 21 years working alongside Adam Crum at Finest Known, Troy has become a trusted colleague and respected professional. His promotion to Assistant Vice President in 2021 recognized not only his accomplishments but also his steadfast commitment to the advancement of the exciting field of numismatics.
With his experience, enthusiasm, and focus on areas of enduring collector and investor interest, Troy brings more than expertise — he brings a genuine passion for sharing knowledge and insight. He will be an invaluable resource and an engaging contributor to the 1715 Fleet Society’s ongoing discussions.
