The American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) World’s Fair of Money® in Anaheim is rapidly approaching and promises to be the biggest, most fun coin show of the summer. The convention takes place August 9-13 in Hall D of the Anaheim Convention Center at 800 West Katella Ave., adjacent to Disneyland.
The five-day event features nearly 1,000 dealers buying and selling coins, currency and related items; a wide range of seminars and educational presentations by notable numismatists; major auctions by Stack’s Bowers Galleries and Heritage Auctions; as well as exhibits showcasing priceless rarities from the Money Museum and private collections.
Show hours are 10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. August 9-12 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. August 13. Admission is $8 for adults; ANA members and children 12 and under are always free. Last admission is 30 minutes prior to closing.
A $2 discount coupon for non-members is available online at www.worldsfairofmoney.com. ANA members can enter the show 30 minutes before the public on Wednesday, Aug. 10 through Saturday, Aug. 13.
Going once, going twice, sold!
Heritage Auctions and Stack’s Bowers Galleries are serving as the Official Auctioneers for this year’s event. Treasures being auctioned include:
Heritage Auctions:
Stack’s Bowers Galleries:
Museum-Quality Displays
The American Numismatic Association will present a stunning Museum Showcase of numismatic rarities, featuring displays of objects seldom seen by the public. Highlights include:
- The Idler/Bebee 1804 silver dollar and McDermott/Bebee 1913 Liberty Head nickel, as well as a comprehensive selection of California National bank notes.
- A rare Massachusetts 20-shilling note from 1690–an example of the first government-issued paper money in the Western world; only seven examples are known.
- The remarkable Horseneck Collection of Type 1 $20 gold pieces–introduced in 1850 during the California Gold Rush, the $20 double eagle is the largest regular-issue U.S. gold coin.
- An incredible sampling of California gold coins and bars recovered from the SS Central America wreck. Its cargo included thousands of 1857 $20 gold pieces produced at the San Francisco Mint, as well as privately struck gold coins and ingots.
- A display from Banco de Mexico titled “The Odyssey of the Porfirian Notes,” exhibiting a selection of rare notes that circulated during the administrations of Mexican President Porfirio Díaz (1877-80 and 1884-1911).
Educational Programs
Show attendees are encouraged to sign-up for the pre-convention, two-day Technical Series Seminars. From the fundamentals of grading United States coins to the more advanced techniques of detecting counterfeit gold coinage, the technical seminars offer proven tips and tools to enhance any collector’s numismatic skills and their enjoyment of the hobby. Both seminars take place August 7-8 at the Hilton Anaheim Hotel, located at 777 Convention Way.
Fundamentals of Grading U.S. Coins
- Instructors: Rod Gillis, ANA education director; and Sam Gelberd, ANA numismatic educator.
- Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (each day)
Knowledge of coin grading not only helps collectors be more confident on the bourse floor, but helps take the worry out of numismatic purchases. The two-day seminar covers many topics and emphasizes the fundamental principles of grading circulated U.S. coins, including the history and evolution of grading standards, analysis of a coin’s focal points, technical and market grading, how to determine initial signs of wear and evaluating surface marks, strike, luster and eye appeal.
Detecting Counterfeit U.S. Gold Coinage
- Instructor: Brian Silliman, professional numismatist, and former NGC grader/conserver.
- Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (each day)
Many collectors and dealers have unwittingly bought and sold deceptive counterfeits of U.S. gold coins. It’s a humbling and expensive mistake to make. But detecting counterfeit U.S. gold coins is relatively easy to learn. Through digital presentations and extensive hands-on coin exercises, students will learn the genuine characteristics and counterfeit diagnostics needed to authenticate most U.S. gold coins.
Guests are also invited to attend the free Money Talks lectures. The informative 30- to 45-minute programs are presented by some of the hobby’s most noted authorities. Presentations are offered Thursday, August 11 through Saturday, August 13, in the Avila Room of the Hilton Anaheim Hotel. Topics to be covered include: Trends that are Shaping the Coin Collecting Hobby Today, Double Dimes and the Amazing Discovery at the Carson City Mint; Hidden Profits in Modern U.S. Mint Silver and Gold Medals; The ANA Celebrates Its 125th Anniversary; The Olympic Games: History & Numismatics; and more.
To view a full list of Money Talks presentations and times, click here.
Collector Exhibits
Collector exhibits are among the most popular features at every ANA show. It’s a great opportunity for hobbyists to share their collections and research with fellow numismatists through high-quality displays. The individual creativity is often rivaled only by the quality and variety of the items on display. Visit booth 103 to view this year’s exhibits.
Social Events
The Anaheim World’s Fair of Money is the perfect venue to socialize and network with fellow hobbyists in a fun, friendly atmosphere. The ANA welcomes hobbyists to the following Anaheim social events.
125th Anniversary Reception
Join the ANA in celebrating a milestone birthday at a special 125th Anniversary Reception on August 9 at the Anaheim Hilton. Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow numismatists, hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and a special 125th anniversary keepsake; the cost to attend is $25.
Registration closes July 27.
Sundman Luncheon
The Sundman Luncheon celebrates “Grande Dames: How the Portraits and Contributions of Women Have Influenced Numismatics.” Guests are encouraged to attend the luncheon on Aug. 10, priced at $15 per person, and stay for the Legacy Series, which will honor the life and contributions of David Sundman, president of Littleton Coin Company.
Registration for the luncheon closes July 27.
ANA Member and Donor Reception
The always-popular ANA Member and Donor Reception takes place August 11 and recognizes 25- and 60-year members, lead donors, Dealer Booster of the Year, John and Nancy Wilson Member Booster Award, Century Club awards, and service awards. This is a great event for members to meet new friends and catch up with old acquaintances.
Admission is free.
ANA Banquet and Silent Auction
The ANA awards banquet honors members and outstanding individuals for their dedication and work advancing the hobby of numismatics. The annual banquet takes place August 12 at 7 p.m. at the Hilton Anaheim in the California D Ballroom; the cost to attend is $110. A Silent Auction during the banquet raises funds to underwrite full and partial scholarships to the ANA’s Summer Seminar.
Banquet registration closes July 27 (tickets will not be available at the show).
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For additional information visit www.worldsfairofmoney.com or call (719) 482-9867.
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