Exhibits at Charlotte National Money Show Offer Knowledge and Fun for Visitors
“Bechtler’s Gold,” featuring the story of the famous North Carolina mint that produced the first gold dollars in U.S. history, is one of several outstanding exhibits at the American Numismatic Association’s 2007 National Money Show™. Visitors to the event, held March 16-18 in Charlotte, N.C., will be treated to a wide range of exhibits that appeal to everyone from experienced collectors to numismatic newcomers.
Presented by the Rutherford County Heritage Council, “Bechtler’s Gold” details the history of the Bechtler Mint and explores Carolina gold mining in the 1830s and 1840s. Founded by German immigrant Christopher Bechtler in 1831, the mint’s coins were so well accepted that during the Civil War the Confederacy’s monetary obligations were specified as payable in Bechtler Gold, rather than in Union or Confederate state currency.
The Charlotte show also features several ANA-created exhibits. “Walton: The Collector,” a tribute to the prolific numismatist and part-time Charlotte resident George Walton, displays two of the coins from his legendary collection – a 1921 Zerbe proof Morgan silver dollar and a 1830’s era Bechtler gold dollar. Another Walton exhibit showcases his 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, currently on loan from the Walton family to the ANA. Two traveling exhibits, “Money of the Civil War” and “A New Look for an Old Coin: The 50 State Commemorative Quarters,” are featured at the ANA booth.
The collectors’ exhibit area once again promises to be a convention highlight, with topics ranging from Simon Bolivar to the building of St. Peter’s Basilica. Also included are several exhibits detailing the numismatic history of the convention’s host region, including “North Carolina’s Colonial Paper Money” and “Medallic Images of Fort Sumter-1861.”
The 2007 National Money Show™ will be held at the Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St. Gregory Field is the event’s General Chairman, Halbert Carmichael is serving as Exhibit Chair, and Joe Boling is serving as Chief Judge. The Charlotte Coin Club, the North Carolina Numismatic Association and the South Carolina Numismatic Association are the event’s host clubs.
The National Money Show™ features the always-popular collector exhibits area, hundreds of dealers, and various educational opportunities. It’s free and open to the public 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
Originally Release Date: February 23, 2007
ANA Contacts: Phone: 719-482-9814
Email: pr@money.org