National Coin Week : American Numismatic Association

Preview Unavailable.

Articles and ANA Reading List

A Coin for the Queen of Soul

To honor soul music legend and Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, the Perth Mint released a 1-ounce, .999-fine silver $1 proof coin for Tuvalu. Image: Perth Mint

James Bond Coins Are Back

On November 15, 2023, the United Kingdom’s Royal Mint launched a seven-coin series of James Bond proof collector coins.

An Orwellian Commemorative

The Royal Mint is commemorating George Orwell, renowned author of Nineteen Eighty-Four, Animal Farm, and Coming Up for Air, with a £2 coin. Image: Royal Mint

Germania Mint “Blockbuster Bars”

Collectors are raving about a new type of collectible—cast silver bars with colorful designs and an antique finish. Image: Germania Mint

The “Bard” Breaks into Coins with New Release

For the newest release in APMEX’s Icons of Inspiration coin series, the company is going no-holds “bard”… the Bard of Avon, that is, better known as William Shakespeare (1564-1616). Image: APMEX

Pirate Coins

From the fictional adventures of Captain Jack Sparrow to the real-life exploits of Blackbeard, pirates have fascinated people for hundreds of years.

Q&A with Sandra Deiana

The George Michael Royal Mint commemorative (left) features the frequencies of the chorus for “Faith,” the artist’s most recognizable hit. Image: Royal Mint

Star Privy Silver Eagles Entice Young Collectors

The United States Mint and a video game studio are collaborating to issue the second-ever silver American Eagle with a privy mark to help nurture a new generation of coin collectors.

Rogue Release

In January the Royal Mint unveiled the fourth coin in its Star Wars series, which began in July 2023. The final design features the rogue duo Han Solo and Chewbacca. Image: Royal Mint

Silence is Golden

Members of the Deaf community have achieved success in many fields, as currency worldwide attests.

Blockbuster Hobby Promotion

Coin collecting could really take off. All it needs is a little star power and direction from Hollywood.

Cartoon Coin

An Aussie mint gives life to an animated family with a new series.

Galactic Collector

The newest addition to the Star Wars universe has an unexpected numismatic connection.

Insert Coin to Play

Space Invaders and the 100 yen myth. A popular video arcade game has a numismatic backstory.

The Elvis/Lindbergh Connection

Historic U.S. Mint medals became wardrobe accessories for the “king of rock ‘n’ roll.”

I’ll Take the Radio, Please!

A mid-20th-century coin dealer and entrepreneur offered merchandise in exchange for coins.

Carving Out a Niche

Currency carvings exhibit a range of individual artistry.

ANA Library Reading List

View this year’s reading list and expand your knowledge of numismatics.

Virtual Exhibits & Webinars

Child’s Play

A “Play Money” collection details a fun, ongoing series for young and young at heart.

Saint Nicholas Bank Notes

As busy as he is during the holiday season, how did Santa Claus ever find time to pose for a series of bank notes in 19th century America?

Join the ANA on Social Media

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by American Numismatic Assoc. (@americannumismatic)

National Coin Week Youth Activities (Grades K-12)

Discover the fun and excitement of National Coin Week with youth activities that bring history, art, and culture to life!

Submissions must be received by May 1, 2025

Learn More

Club Resources

Request free promotional materials for your club and help celebrate National Coin Week! Simply fill out our online form to get started. Be sure to check back soon for more club resources.

Get Started

The History of National Coin Week

The history of National Coin Week began in 1923, when American Numismatic Association Governor Julius Guttag suggested to the association’s President, Moritz Wormser, that a week-long event should be established “to attract the general public to our hobby and consequently increase our membership, and aid in our science.” That December, the first announcement of a “Coin Week” was made in The Numismatist and scheduled for the week of February 9-16, 1924.

The first National Coin Week was a success, and discussion ensued in 1924 about establishing an annual event. The following year, the name was changed to “Old Coin Week,” and the event was planned for February 15-21. In 1925 Wormser said, “Let us all work together for the accomplishments of the principles for which the American Numismatic Association was founded: To disperse numismatic knowledge . . . to demonstrate that numismatics is an educational and entertaining pursuit . . . and to imbue other collectors with your own enthusiasm and love for the subject.”Coin Week enjoyed successful observances in 1926 and 1927 under President H.H. Yawger.
But, from 1928 to 1938, the association did not actively promote the
event, and it existed in name only. In 1939 member Lee Hewitt of Chicago proposed that the American Numismatic Association reinstate Coin Week
as “National Coin Week.” President J. Henri Ripstra confirmed a new March date and announced that prizes would be given to clubs and individuals
who accomplished the most during the week. In 1942 the observance was
moved to the third full week of April, where it has remained ever since.

Coin Week enjoyed successful observances in 1926 and 1927 under President H.H. Yawger. But, from 1928 to 1938, the association did not actively promote the event, and it existed in name only. In 1939 member
Lee Hewitt of Chicago proposed that the American Numismatic Association reinstate Coin Week as “National Coin Week.” President J. Henri Ripstra confirmed a new March date and announced that prizes would be given to clubs and individuals who accomplished the most during the week. In 1942 the observance was moved to the third full week of April, where it has remained ever since.

Subscribe to Our Blog

Numismatic news and stories, coin collecting tips, and more. ANA Coin Press is the official blog of the American Numismatic Association.