ANA CONVENTION IN DENVER FILLED WITH EXTRAORDINARY EXHIBITS
America’s first gold coin, a spectacular United States silver dollar struck in 1794, two 1913 Liberty Head “V” nickels and many of the world’s most famous and valuable rare coins will be displayed in Denver during the American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money®, Aug. 16-19, in the Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th Street, Denver, Colorado.
The 115th annual ANA convention also will feature the inaugural appearance of the “Frontier Gold” exhibit from the Smithsonian’s National Numismatic Collection, the finest known surviving 1927-D Double Eagle, which is returning to Denver for the first time in 79 years, and the U.S. Treasury Department’s $1 billion exhibit including a full sheet of United States $100,000 bills, the largest denomination of paper money ever printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
“Interest in this event has been exceptional – even by World’s Fair of Money® standards,” said ANA President William H. Horton Jr. “With record sponsorships and a sold-out bourse floor, we anticipate a very active and well-attended show.
“In addition to the busy bourse, Mint Promenade, Club Midway and the spectacular exhibits area, we’ll have a full schedule of club meetings, Numismatic Theatre and special events that will take place throughout the convention center,” Horton said.
More than 1,100 dealers will fill the convention center. On display in the exhibit area will be two of the five known 1913 Liberty Head nickels including the “lost” fifth nickel that was kept in a bedroom closet for more than 40 years after the owner was told it was a replica; a 19th century spider press once used to print paper money; gold doubloons, ancient coins and much, much more.
Mints from 20 nations will be represented as well as members from local, state, regional and national coin clubs, plus the British Royal Mint will launch its “Bermuda Triangle” coin.
Special events planned for the show include tours to the Denver Mint, the Colorado History Museum, and Vail, home to the world-famous ski resort. There will be a block of tickets for ANA members to attend a Colorado Rockies baseball game and the ever-popular Friendship Luncheon at The Fort restaurant in Morrison. The
Saturday evening awards banquet will feature the music of Marston Smith. The show will close on Saturday evening so members can participate in Member Appreciation Day at the ANA Money Museum and Library in Colorado Springs on Sunday, August 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature a ceremony to formally rename the museum in honor of Edward C. Rochette.
In addition to the four two-day courses scheduled for Monday and Tuesday before the show opens, a fantastic lineup of Numismatic Theatre educational programs will be held throughout the week. The Sundman Lecture Series is Thursday, Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the inaugural ANA/WIN Symposium is scheduled on Friday from 2 to 5 p.m. There will be a Consumer Protection Mini-Seminar on Thursday at 11 a.m. and the introductory numismatic class, “Coin Collecting Basics,” on Friday and Saturday at 11 a.m.
Specialty clubs and organizations will hold meetings during the show, including the Numismatic Bibliomania Society and the Token and Medal Society’s symposiums and the Numismatic Literary Guild Bash.
Sessions of the official ANA Denver Auction by Bowers and Merena features a half dozen gold coins privately minted in 1860 and 1861 by Clark, Gruber & Co. of Denver, including an example of the famous $10 “Pike’s Peak” design. The auction also includes outstanding selections of high-grade Lincoln cents and Morgan dollars from the Anne Kate Collection; Indian Head/Buffalo nickels from the Richard Hennessy Collection; Standing Liberty quarters from the James W. Lull Collection; and a virtual treasure trove of proof gold coins and national bank notes.
For young collectors, the ANA will offer a number of events, including the Young Numismatists Awards Breakfast and Auction, Boy and Girl Scout collecting workshops and Treasure Trivia Game.
The ANA also will host a Life Member Reception honoring Numismatist of the Year, Mark Salzberg. Presentations of ANA merit and exhibit awards will be made at the convention center, and at the Association’s Awards Reception and Banquet, held at the nearby Marriott Hotel where the winner of the coveted Farran Zerbe award will be announced.
“Everyone who attends the World’s Fair of Money will have to study their program to select their week’s schedule,” Horton says. “ANA conventions offer so much for collectors, we are certain everyone will find more than enough to see and do.” Hosted by the Denver Coin Club and supported by 10 Colorado and Wyoming Clubs and Organizations, convention attendees are sure to be welcomed and assured a true convention experience, Horton said.
For more information about the World’s Fair of Money 2006, contact the ANA Meeting Services Department, 818 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903-3279; phone 719-482-9857; fax 719-634-4085; e-mail convention@money.org; or visit the ANA website www.money.org.
Originally Release Date: July 24, 2006
ANA Contacts: Phone: 719-482-9864
Email: beeton@money.org