Start spreadin’ the news, ANA’s New York show was great!
The American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) World’s Fair of Money® 2002 in New York City was some kind of wonderful.
More than 11,600 people came through the doors of the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square between July 31 and August 4. Hundreds of 25- and 50-year members in the area received special invitations, and more than 200 new members signed up at the convention. The ANA sold nearly 700 of its World Mints Passports, which offered attendees the opportunity to collect coins from 17 countries represented at the show.
Dealers were active throughout the convention, as people bought and sold coins, paper money, tokens and medals. ANA Library and Museum Services staffs were busy with author signings, reference help and valuation services.
An extensive newspaper, television and radio advertising and publicity campaign, orchestrated by the ANA and ITQ/ Minkus & Dunne Communications of Chicago, drew tremendous attention from the media. News stories appeared on ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox and NBC network television and affiliate stations. Several radio interviews aired, including one on National Public Radio. Numerous stories about the ANA show were published in Long Island Newsday, New York Daily News, New York Post, New York Sun, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, and a story was released by the Associated Press news wire service.
The United States Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s (BEP) $1 Billion Exhibit, which featured $100,000 bills, and the U.S. Mint’s booth literally took center stage on one of three floors of the 47-floor Marriott Marquis Hotel. Mint Director Henrietta Holsman Fore helped open the show, conducted a forum to gather collector and dealer input, and spent hours signing souvenir cards for visitors. U.S. Treasurer Rosario Marin, who took office a year ago, made her first visit to an ANA convention and spoke along with BEP Director Thomas Ferguson about the coming changes to the nation’s paper money.
At the opening ceremonies on Wednesday, July 31, convention General Chairman and ANA past President Anthony Swiatek received the Good Fellowship Award, and Julius Turoff was recognized as honorary general chairman. The show was co-hosted by the Currency Club of Long Island and Massapequa Coin Club, which were made life members of the Association.
ANA Executive Director Edward C. Rochette was joined at the opening ceremonies by Fore, Swiatek, ANA President John W. Wilson and special guest Princess Maria-Luisa of Bulgaria, whose uncle was Italy’s last monarch, King Victor Emmanuel III – a noted numismatist and member of the American Numismatic Association. Before cutting the ribbon, Wilson introduced Christopher Cipoletti, ANA’s general counsel, as the next executive director of the Association. Rochette intends to retire next July after working with Cipoletti, who will assume his new duties early next year.
Originally Release Date: August 15, 2002
ANA Contacts: Phone: 719-482-9872
Email: pr@money.org