The John Burns Memorial Numismatic Reference Library will be part of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) National Money Show to be held on March 28 – 30, 2019 at the David Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
John Burns was a popular numismatic book dealer that was often seen at many coin shows in the eastern part of the country. His last coin show was five years ago when he suddenly passed away at the young age of 55 from heart problems while attending the FUN show in Orlando, Florida.
John’s untimely passing prompted the Pennsylvania Association of Numismatists (PAN) to do something special in memory of this beloved western Pennsylvania resident. His estate administrator Patrick McBride, along with longtime friend E-Sylum editor Wayne Homren, decided that a reference library for collectors and dealers to use at the PAN coin shows would be a fitting tribute.
Requests were made to bring it to other coin shows and the library has traveled to the 2015 ANA World’s Fair Money in Rosemont, Chicago and the 2014 Central States Numismatic Society coin show in Schaumburg, Illinois. It is fitting on this fifth anniversary of John’s death that this library will be at the ANA National Money Show.
The reference library will be set up in the club midway area of the show floor. It has grown to nearly 400 books with generous donations from friends and dealers – with recent significant additions from dealers Richard Cross and Harold Weitz. It is a designated quiet spot to sit and browse during the coin show. The books are not permitted to leave the show floor area.
Dealers have used it to take a reference book back to their table to look up a coin, medal, or paper money item. Collectors have used it to do the same before making a decision about a show floor purchase. Exhibit judges have used it to confirm information while judging competitive exhibits. Others have just enjoyed sitting and resting their weary feet and regaling stories about John’s life and the impact he had on the numismatic community.
View the library list or learn more by going to www.PANcoins.org and clicking the Burns Library link.
