A massive bourse and best numismatic inventory in American Numismatic Association history awaits attendees of the World’s Fair of MoneySM, Aug. 7-11 in Philadelphia.
The country’s premier coin show and convention, held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in historic downtown Philadelphia, will also feature spectacular educational programs and events as well as the most stunning collection of early American rarities ever assembled for the ANA’s signature Museum Showcase.
Show hours are 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Aug. 7-10 and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Aug. 11. Admission is $6 for adults, and free for ANA members and children 12 and under. Save $2 on admission by downloading a coupon at www.worldsfairofmoney.com.
“We have an absolutely amazing show planned for this year’s World’s Fair of Money,” said Jeff Shevlin, the ANA’s executive director. “Whether it’s the stunning specimens in the Museum Showcase, the top-notch educational programs or the largest bourse of the year, there should be something for every hobbyist and every dealer to enjoy in Philadelphia.”
The Museum Showcase marks the homecoming of the first coins made in Philadelphia, including the ANA’s 1792 Half Disme, which was created by the federal government in a Philadelphia saw-maker’s shop before the U.S. Mint was built. This is complemented by an American Numismatic Society exhibit displaying the first issues of each coinage denomination minted by the Philadelphia Mint from 1792-1796.
Other stunning rarities include an exhibit of early American paper money, including a 1690 Massachusetts Bay Colony 20-shilling note (items courtesy of the ANA, Don Kagin, John Kraljevich and Kenneth E. Bressett); an exhibit of six historically significant early American medals, including two Libertas America Medals, three Sansom medals and a diplomatic medal; historical documents signed by U.S. presidents to appoint directors of the U.S. Mint (courtesy Brian Hendelson); the only known complete $4 Stellas set, which is valued at millions of dollars (courtesy Bob R. Simpson); an array of 19th Century high denomination notes from the expansive collection of Banco de Mexico; and a new mystery discovery ingot from the San Francisco Mint (courtesy of Cybercoins.net Inc.).
Other treasures include the ANA’s Idler/Bebee specimen 1804 dollar and the Walton specimen 1913 Liberty Head nickel, courtesy of the Walton family.
Most displays will be accompanied by Money Talks cell phone audio tours, which feature the country’s top numismatic experts discussing the exhibits.
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is observing its 150th anniversary with its 2012 Intaglio Print program. At the World’s Fair of Money, the BEP will release the second of three intaglio print cards featuring vignettes from its storied history. In addition, the BEP (Booth 104) will bring its “Billion Dollar Display” of high-denomination money plus give regularly scheduled demonstrations of its Civil War era, one-ton, hand-turned money printing press. The United States Mint (Booth 104), which is observing its 220th anniversary, will sell a number of current Mint products. The mint also recently unveiled a brand-new public tour, which is sure to wow collectors.
The 225,000 square-foot bourse, which is nearly sold out, also includes special sections for U.S., world and ancient coins as well as paper money. The Mint Promenade will feature 15 mints from five continents. As always, visitors can purchase a World Mint Passport at the front entrance and collect coins from participating mints. Some mints will also discuss new issues during World Mint Theatre presentations on the World Mint Stage, located in a special suite across from event registration.
The ever-popular Collector Exhibits area gives ANA members the opportunity to share their collections and research with fellow hobbyists. Numerous competitive and noncompetitive exhibits will be displayed this year on a wide range of topics.
Stack’s Bowers Galleries is the official auction company for the World’s Fair of Money and the Official ANA/PNG Pre-Show, Aug. 4-6 in the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Sales begin at the Pre-Show on Aug. 4, and continue through Saturday, Aug. 11. A special Rarities Night Auction on Aug. 9 is a “must-see” for convention attendees, as well as for telephone and Internet bidders. Find out more about the auctions at www.stacksbowersauctions.com.
Many educational opportunities await visitors. The Maynard Sundman/Littleton Coin Company Lecture Series, presented Aug. 8, features original numismatic research on “The Influence & Power of Images.” Presentations include “The First Issue of the Supreme Junta of Zitácuaro and Theories on Early Mexican Symbolism,” by Max A. Keech; “The State Seals on Series 1875-1882 National Bank Notes,” by Peter Huntoon; “A Handful of Symbolism: Discover the Message behind Hands Depicted on Coins, Notes and More” by William Myers; and “Picture This – Nano-Imaging Provides Insight Into Modern Fakes,” by Fred N. Holabird.
Money Talks, held Aug. 7, 9, 10 and 11, allow the nation’s top experts to present interesting, informative talks about all types of money. Topics include coins of the Olympic Games and Mexican numismatics as well as presentations seeped in Philadelphia-area history and numismatic flavor. For a full schedule, visit www.worldsfairofmoney.com/education-and-family-activities/learn-from-top-experts-during-money-talks.
Two fee-based convention seminars will be offered on Aug. 5-6. Professional numismatic photographer Todd Pollock will teach “Fundamentals of Digital Photography” and “Coin Grading, Problem Coins & Conservation” will be taught by Brian Silliman, senior numismatist at Panda America.
“Coin Collecting 101,” an informal 30-minute presentation for numismatic newcomers, will be held at various times on the World Mint Stage. The ANA will offer Boy Scout Coin Collecting Merit Badge and Girl Scout Fun With Money Patch workshops on Aug. 11 (registration required). The Kids Zone along with Treasure Trivia highlights family activities that provide children with a variety of activities and chances to win valuable prizes
At the ANA Area, visitors can learn about the services and benefits the ANA can provide to collectors, including educational courses, access to the Dwight N. Manley Numismatic Library, a subscription to The Numismatist and much more. The library will also host a variety of signings with noted numismatic authors and medal designers.
Many of the more than 1,000 numismatic dealers attending the show will provide free, informal appraisals for visitors who bring in their old coins and paper money.
The World’s Fair of Money is the nation’s premier money show, featuring the most expansive educational programs and best numismatic inventory of any summer show. Kerry Wetterstrom is the event’s general chairman and Catherine Bullowa is the honorary chairwoman. The Red Rose Coin Club is the host club. For more information, call 719-482-9849 or go to www.worldsfairofmoney.com.
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 27,000 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 go to www.money.org.
