SPECTACULAR EXHIBITS, LARGE BOURSE, EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS HIGHLIGHT ANA NATIONAL MONEY SHOW IN DENVER
A large bourse, great numismatic inventory, numerous family activities and a chance to meet the Treasurer of the United States await attendees of the American Numismatic Association’s Spring National Money ShowSM, May 10-12 in Denver.
The spring coin show and convention, at the Colorado Convention Center, will also feature top-rate educational programs and a superb collection of numismatic rarities assembled for the ANA’s Museum Showcase. Plus, children visiting the show can take home a special Mother’s Day coin for their moms.
“Everyone who comes to the National Money Show in Denver will have a fantastic experience,” said ANA President Tom Hallenbeck. “The bourse floor is bigger than last year’s spring show in Sacramento. The Museum Showcase will feature some amazing pieces from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and the ANA Money Museum, along with items with cool Colorado connections from private collections.”
Show hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 10-11 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 12, with ticket sales ending 30 minutes before closing. Admission is free for ANA members and $6 for non-members. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free.
AMAZING EXHIBITS
The Museum Showcase (booth 636) will delight visitors with seldom-seen pieces from notable museums and private collections, some with a distinct Colorado flavor. One impressive display provides a history of American Indian Peace Medals, documenting the practice of giving medals to tribal leaders on behalf of U.S. Presidents.
The exhibit will feature four medals from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science collection, including a rare large piece depicting Thomas Jefferson carried by Lewis and Clark during their expedition to explore the Louisiana Purchase. Indian Peace Medals are often cited as a symbol of the relationship between the federal government and American Indians in the 18th and 19th centuries and were given by presidents from Washington to Benjamin Harrison.
The finest, most comprehensive collection of Colorado Territorial Gold will be on display: The Frederick Mayer Collection. Comprising 26 pieces, the exhibit includes territorial pieces minted by the Denver City Assay Office; Clark, Gruber and Company; Dr. John Parson; and J.J. Conway & Company. When gold was discovered in an area, territorial gold pieces minted by local assayers turned gold dust and nuggets into usable, easy-to-spend gold tokens.
Colorado gold nuggets from an anonymous private collection will also wow visitors.
Treasures from the ANA’s collection include a 1792 half disme, the Idler/Bebee specimen 1804 dollar, the McDermott/Bebee specimen 1913 Liberty Head nickel, and a selection of Colorado National Bank notes.
The National Money Show marks the debut of a new U.S. Treasury area (booth 1036) that combines the U.S. Mint and Bureau of Engraving and Printing displays. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing will bring its Billion Dollar Display of high-denomination money, including $100,000 notes – plus give regularly scheduled demonstrations of its Civil War era, one-ton, hand-turned money printing press.
The BEP is observing its 150th anniversary with the 2012 Intaglio Print program. At the National Money Show, it will release one of three intaglio print cards featuring vignettes from its storied history.
The BEP will hold a drawing for the opportunity to buy the first print at noon on May 10; Treasurer of the United States Rosie Rios will sign the first print and present it to the winner. From 12:30-3 p.m. at the U.S. Treasury area, she will sign the public’s bank notes or, for a $2 trade, will sign a special display holder containing $1 coin and $1 note. Rios also will speak at opening ceremonies.
The United States Mint, which is observing its 220th anniversary, will sell a number of new and current Mint products.
The ever-popular Collector Exhibits area gives ANA members the opportunity to share their collections and research with fellow hobbyists. Several dozen competitive and noncompetitive exhibits will be displayed this year on a wide range of topics.
FUN FOR FAMILIES
Kids Zone and Treasure Trivia (booth 836) provide children and families with a variety of activities and chances to win valuable prizes. Children can pick up a free Mother’s Day elongated coin, featuring a bouquet of flowers, for their mothers at The Elongated Collectors area (booth 733).
Many of the nearly 500 numismatic dealers attending the show will provide free, informal appraisals for visitors who bring in their old coins and paper money.
At the ANA Area (booth 836), visitors can find out more about ANA membership, educational opportunities and watch videos about the ANA and coverage of the show itself. Members can start an ANA Library account and check out books on site. Visitors can also spin the prize wheel and enter for the chance to win 30 seconds in the Cash Cube.
EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Numismatic Theatre, held May 11-12, lets ANA members discuss their research and ideas in lecture format. Talks range from ancient coins to counterfeiting along with several talks dedicated to Colorado’s numismatic history.
Two fee-based convention seminars will be offered. Noted counterfeit expert Dr. Gregory Dubay will teach “Facing the Chinese Counterfeit Threat” from May 8-9; and professional numismatist and paper money grading expert Glen Jorde will present “Grading U.S. Paper Money” from May 8-9. Call 719-482-9850 to enroll.
“Coin Collecting 101,” an informal 30-minute presentation for numismatic newcomers, will be held at various times at booth 431. Want to learn more? Take the free course “Coin Collecting Basics” with ANA Numismatic Educator Rod Gillis from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. May 12. The ANA will offer Boy Scout Coin Collecting Merit Badge and Girl Scout Fun with Money Patch workshops on May 12 (registration required).
Chuck D’Ambra is the event’s general chairman and Howard Hinsey is the assistant chair. The Denver Coin Club is the host club. For more information on the show, call 719-482-9849 or go towww.NationalMoneyShow.com.