IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 16, 2011

CONTACT: Jake Sherlock

Telephone: 719-632-9872

E-mail: pr@money.org

‘Change In Money: Cowries to Credit Cards’ Named Theme of 2012 National Coin Week, April 15-21

Editor's note: A previous version of this news item incorrectly reported the date of the open house at the Money Museum. The open house is April 21.

From the objects we’ve used as money, to the money we produce, to the money that exists in electronic form, the way we buy and sell goods and services has a long, storied history.

“Change In Money: Cowries to Credit Cards” is the theme for the 2012 National Coin Week, April 15-21. The American Numismatic Association will host a variety of fun, education-based activities online and at the Edward C. Rochette Money Museum in Colorado Springs. Events and activities will focus on how money has changed over the years and the innovations that have allowed those changes to occur.

“Money has gone through some amazing changes in its history,” said Andy Dickes, ANA National Coin Week coordinator. “Where we exchanged cowry shells for goods and services thousands of years ago, today we swipe a plastic card or use PayPal. From the first coins and paper money to the steam coin press and polymer notes, the transformation of money is a fascinating journey.”

Activities and resources for the 89th annual National Coin Week include:

• A video scavenger hunt for gold coins and other prizes. Collectors will receive a weekly video clue via the ANA’s YouTube page and website for a numismatic object to collect.
• A club trivia challenge where ANA member clubs compete for prizes and bragging rights by knowing the most about innovations in money.
• A promotional kit for clubs with educational materials, buttons, bookmarks and more.  
• An open house at the Money Museum, scheduled for April 21, which will include free admission, activities for children and adults, and the minting of the 2012 National Coin Week medallette in the museum’s Mini-Mint.
• The opening of a new museum exhibit, “The History of Money,” on April 12.
• A variety of promotional information on www.money.org, including a sample press release, proclamation, interactive flyer and Money Museum exhibit panels.   

More information on National Coin Week will be made available in the coming weeks. For more information or to request club promotional materials, e-mail ncw@money.org or call 719-482-9814.  

The American Numismatic Association is a congressionally chartered nonprofit educational organization dedicated to encouraging people to study and collect money and related items. The ANA helps its 28,000 members and the public discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of education and outreach programs, as well as its museum, library, publications, conventions and seminars. For more information, call 719-632-2646 or go to www.money.org.