The American Numismatic Association was established in 1891, and in that same year the first ANA convention took place in Chicago. However, it wasn’t until 17 years and 8 conventions later that the first convention badge was produced.

The first badge was issued at the 1908 convention in Philadelphia. The ribbon was gold, silver, green and hot stamped in silver print with a 1903 Netherlands half-cent attached to a gold-plated stick pin. While the manufacturer is unknown, it is recorded that there were about 50 ribbons made. This convention badge is extremely rare.

At the time, Farren Zerbe was ANA President and his wife was later thanked in The Numismatist by the Resolutions Committee for, “her thoughtful remembrance in providing the members with the attractive souvenir badge for this Convention.”