“Blue, Gray and Greenbacks” is the theme of 2011 National Coin Week, April 17-23. The weeklong celebration of coins and currency will commemorate the sesquicentennial of the Civil War and the numismatic changes and innovations during the conflict, which began at Fort Sumter, S.C. on April 12, 1861.
Collectors are invited to help the American Numismatic Association celebrate National Coin Week by participating in fun and educational activities. Beginning in March, weekly clues and questions will be distributed online every Monday, challenging participants to hunt for numismatic objects and answers. The activity will follow a virtual tour of battlefields and other important places during the war.
Clubs can participate in a competition this March and April testing Civil War numismatic knowledge and research. Students across the country will be encouraged to create coin and note designs honoring the war and the people who experienced it. Prizes relating to the War Between the States will be awarded for individual, club and student activities.
Resources will be available on www.money.org, including a sample press release, proclamations, an interactive flier and online games.
The Edward C. Rochette Money Museum will offer an activity for children and reduced admission for adults. The main gallery exhibit, “A House Divided: Money of the Civil War,” will be featured throughout the week.
Each year during the third full week of April, collectors celebrate National Coin Week with exhibits, presentations and other activities promoting the fun of collecting and studying coins and other forms of money. The ANA established National Coin Week in 1924. To get involved in the 88 th annual event, call 719-482-9814, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.money.org (select “National Coin Week” from the “Numismatic Events” dropdown menu).
The American Numismatic Association is a congressionally chartered nonprofit educational organization dedicated to encouraging people to study and collect money and related items. The ANA helps its members and the public discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of education and outreach programs, as well as its museum, library, publications, conventions and seminars. For more information, call 719-632-2646 or visit www.money.org.
