Collector Exhibits

Explore over three dozen fascinating exhibits submitted by ANA members. Exhibits include “Token for an Ice Worm Cocktail in Alaska”; “American Dependence and Independence on Paper Money”; “Chaim Gross’ Ten Commandments Sculpture Medals”; “The Currency of War”; “A Selection of Ancient Minting Errors”; and many more.

EXHIBIT RULES AND APPLICATION

2023 World’s Fair of Money® Collector Exhibits

Discovery: The last $10 1902 Plain Back printed for The Pacific National Bank of Nantucket

The discovery of the last 1902 $10 PB from The Pacific National Bank of Nantucket. How my curiosity and the resources and steps I used in the discovery of this important note. A brief history and the importance of this bank to the population of the island and the whaling industry in the 1800’s. I will also include photos and postcards of the historic bank building. The Pacific Bank was a prolific issuer of national currency, and I will provide bank note information for Charter# 714. The history of the bank will include a short biography on the bank president Albert Brock and whose signature is on my note

A Glimpse of the Life of Charles T. Steigerwalt 1852 to 1912

This exhibit will show Mr. Steigerwalt’s involvement in our hobby and his community

Secretary of the U.S. Treasury Andrew W. Mellon Pittsburgh Native and Signer of U.S. Currency

To show the transformation from large currency to small currency – denominations and relative rarity.

Token for an Ice Worm Cocktail in Alaska

The Portage Glacier Lodge token is a typical “Good For” token with only basic lettering on the obverse and reverse. The token was ordered by the Portage Glacier Lodge and was good for one “Ice Worm Cocktail” Most tokens have a two or three-digit serial number (S/N) on the reverse. The exhibit shows the token types. The exhibit includes the only known silver token, with S/N 1 and the brass token with S/N 1. The Ice Worm Cocktail was the lodge’s signature alcoholic drink from the late 1950’s until about 1972. The cocktail used ice from the glacier, and the ice contained ice worms. Ice worms (Mesenchytraeus Solifugus) are small worms about a few millimeters in length that are indigenous to the glaciers in the area. The State of Alaska Health Department by the early 1970’s, no longer allowed glacier ice with ice worms to be consumed by people.

American Dependence and Independence on Paper Money

This exhibit includes notes from 14 issuing authorities: each of the 13 colonies which became states, and the Continental Congress which became the federal government. They are arranged somewhat chronologically to document the movement from loyal royal colony to independent state.

Feline Elongated Type Set

Elongated coins sport myriads of different designs. Zoos and wildlife parks frequently sell elongated coins with wildlife themes as inexpensive souvenirs. This exhibit shows more than two dozen such elongated coins portraying felines. It shows one of each identifiable species, subspecies, and genetic variation, explaining the feline portrayed as well as exploring the history of the issuer as it relates to felines, and describing the coin itself.

Vermont’s Catamount

This exhibit describes the unusual design of the Vermont Sesquicentennial half dollar, shows other medals using a similar design, and discusses the history of the Catamount Tavern and its namesake catamount.

Chaim Gross’ Ten Commandments Sculpture Medals

The Ten Commandments have been a popular theme in art and numismatics for centuries. An unusual set of sculptures that interprets the commandments visually were designed by Chaim Gross. This exhibit contains two versions of these sculptures as well as two large drawings based on the same design as two of the medals.

Birth of the Netherlands

During the Franco-Dutch War, Bernhard von Galen, the Bishop of Munster, laid siege to the city of Groningen. In an historic confrontation that tested the strength of the fledgling United Provinces, the Dutch claimed victory over von Galen in what many historians consider the birth of the Netherlands. This exhibit will tell the story of the 1672 siege of Groningen and celebrate the defense of the city by tracing its numismatic legacy of siege coins and remarkable series of siege medals.

The Currency of War

Siege money is rare, historic and has a special place in numismatics. This presentation traces the history of the paper currency produced during sieges and addresses the unique circumstances surrounding their issue – from pasting prayer book pages together to meticulously writing notes by hand; from printing notes on pieces of cloth cut from old shirts to using an “engraving plate” carved from a croquet mallet.

Israeli Ten Agorot Coins

Discussion of the ten agorot coins of Israel, including notable errors and varieties.

Early Republic of Mexico Hand-on-Book Half Escudo Gold Coins 1825-1870

Displayed is the 96+% complete all time finest PCGS registry set of early Republic of Mexico half escudo gold coins. The exhibit contains over 100 of these coins. Acquiring the last four coins will be difficult. There are only one or two known of each. Major highlights of the exhibit are the 1840 Guadalajara and the 1864 Durango. Both are the finest known of two. This collection was started sixteen years ago. A senior Mexican numismatist advised “the only thing rarer than the [half escudo] coins are the number of people that collect them.”

1858 Canadian Ten Cent Coin Varieties

This exhibit contains the major varieties of the 1858 Canadian ten cent coins. The 1858 no error and 1858 first 8/5 are tied for finest known. The finer of two 1858 5/5 is the solo finest known. The exhibit will explain that the “marker I” obverse variety is really a “marker one.”

The US Mint’s Golden Girl

The three gold $5 gold commemoratives designed By Elizabeth Jones

The Lion Monument at Tel Hai

This exhibit describes the Tel Hai Lion monument, its significance to modern Israel, and the medals portraying the monument. Several varieties of the medals are shown and described.

The Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most recognized bridges in the world. This exhibit provides information about the bridge and displays some of the early elongated coins about the Golden Gate Bridge including its dedication in 1937.

U.S. Marshal Service Gold Coin, Celebrating a Career

The U.S. Marshals Service is the oldest federal law enforcement agency. This exhibit provides history of the U.S. Marshals, information about the 225th Anniversary Commemorative coin and the celebration of a career.

An Elongated Tribute to the Pittsburgh Area

This exhibit displays elongated coins related to the early history of Pittsburgh, its steel industry, sports teams, and places to visit.

The Making of the Liberty Nickel

This exhibit will display the patterns leading up to the final accepted design of the Liberty nickel. As the metal Nickel was not used in US coinage before, the patterns struck in various Nickel Copper compositions will also be included. It was also display two coins, for the cents & no cents reverses, as well as the common obverse.

Elongating in Franconia Notch

New Hampshire’s Franconia Notch was home to the beloved Old Man of the Mountain and is a favorite tourist area. Five venues have elongating machines so visitors may get souvenirs of their travels. This exhibit shows the coins from Clark’s Trading Post, Lost River Gorge, The Flume, the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, and the White Mountains visitor Center.

Casting History: a Selection of Medals by Karl Goetz

Karl Goetz was a German medalist active from the early to mid-20th century. His work depicted his and the German people’s reactions and feelings about world events from World War 1 through the post-Nazi era. This exhibit will examine a selection of his medals (with an emphasis on the satirical emissions) and the stories behind the designs.

Zeppelins and the Great War: Medals Commemorate the Role of German Military Airships in World War I

The presented selection of commemorative medals offers valuable insights into the pivotal role of zeppelins in World War I (1914–1918). These medals, predominantly produced in Germany with a few examples of trench art, served as potent bearers of propaganda. While most aimed to glorify the zeppelins and their impact on the German war effort, this exhibit transcends such glorification, presenting a comprehensive view that encompasses the victims and the harrowing realities of war.

I was a Teenage Emperor: Decoding Denarii from the Eastern Mints of Elagabalus

This exhibit studies the imagery on silver denarii produced c. A.D. 218–219 in Syria and Asia Minor under the Syrian sun-priest Elagabalus, a youth of only fourteen years old when he became emperor of Rome. Some coins portray his grandmother, who engineered the coup that brought him to power. Others show imagery promoting his right to legitimate rule. Several design types depict traditional Roman gods, while others bear exotic representations of Elagabalus’s Eastern sun god. Coins related to the journey of Elagabalus and his retinue from Syria to Rome are also shown. Finally, die-linked coins are examined; these provide direct evidence of mint operations.

Boar Hunt!

Exploration of meaning on a group of Roman coins depicting hunted wild boars.

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Bracteates* (*but were afraid to ask)

The coin known to us as the “bracteate” was created to deal with a 12th Century monetary crisis. Its success in resolving that crisis led to the bracteate serving as a primary European coin type for 0ver 200 years. Its distinctive beauty continues to draw great interest. This Exhibit tells the story of the bracteate, from its origin in small German monasteries to its adoption throughout Central and Eastern Europe (and to lands a bit beyond).

Vive le Franc!

France traces its origin as a nation to the coronation of Clovis I as King of the Franks in 509. The new kingdom of Francia (France) began striking coins almost immediately, but France’s signature coin – the franc – did not appear until 1360. The franc began as a gold coin, evolved into a silver coin, and eventually appeared in aluminum, copper-aluminum, aluminum-bronze, and nickel … eventually finishing its run with a return to gold and silver. This exhibit presents examples of franc-denominated coins from each French king, emperor or republican government that issued such coins. Together, these coins tell the history of the franc – which is, in large part, the story of France itself since 1360.

It’s Elementary!

Metal coins were (probably) first used as money in the 7th Century BCE in two widely separated areas: in the West, coinage began in what is now Turkey with round coins struck in electrum, an alloy of the metallic elements Gold and Silver, while in the East, coinage began in China with knife-shaped and spade-shaped coins cast in bronze, an alloy of the metallic elements Copper and Tin. Over the past 27 centuries, 20 additional metallic elements have been used to mint legal tender metal coins. Together, the coins in this exhibit demonstrate the use of all 24 of these metallic elements.

What’s Past is Present

Some numismatists argue that the designs on U.S. coins and currency are old and stodgy: the general design of the $1 Federal Reserve Note has not changed since it was introduced in 1963, and the obverse design of the Lincoln cent has largely gone unchanged since 1909. Those designs (and other designs used with U.S. coins and currency) certainly seem to be long in years. Or are they? What if a country printed currency using the design of a coin that circulated over 2,100 years ago? And what if that country were an Islamic Republic, and the coin design not only honored the sons of a Greek god, but also named a long dead king as the country’s ruler? That would seem unlikely, but that is exactly what Afghanistan has done. Let’s take a closer look.

A Selection of Ancient Minting Errors

In this exhibit, the public will view mint striking errors dating from the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine Empires (2nd century B.C. to 6th century A.D.) The error types will include brockages (obverse and reverse), off center strikes, and double strikes, etc. One particularly interesting off center strike reveals that the current piece, a silver siliqua of Constantius II was overstruck on a silver denarius of Caracalla, previously struck nearly 150 years earlier. Viewers must remember that ancient coins were struck individually, by hand. It’s uncertain how many employees were involved in the minting process. However, at least two and probably three or four workers were used. Hopefully, the public will walk away with a better understanding of the ancient minting process.

The Story of the Great Philadelphia Sanitary Fair of 1864

The exhibit discusses the story behind the 1864 medal issued by the US Mint to commemorate the Philadelphia Sanitary Fair of June 1864 as well as the two tokens issued during the fair to raise funds for the US Sanitary Commission.

A Selection of Elongated Pennies and Postcards: Scenes of the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair

The 1933-34 Chicago World’s Fair closed 89 years ago, but the memories of its buildings and attractions remain. Many of the souvenirs are gone but we still have the elongated pennies that recorded views of so many fair attractions. This exhibit will take the viewer on a walk thru the fair using the images on the coins, accompanied by matching postcards.

Pittsburgher Max Klein’s Gambling Chips

Pittsburgher Max Klein’s Gambling Chips , along with other Max Klein advertising ephemera and collectibles.

Engraved Coins from President McKinley’s Funeral Train

Coins and tokens that were crushed/flattened by President McKinley’s Funeral Train, and then engraved as souvenirs/keepsakes.

Identifying Hobo Nickels Carved By Frank Brazzell

Only a small percentage of Frank Brazzell Hobo carvings were actually signed on the reverse. Other carvers have been known to carve in a similar style. To the untrained eye, they may appear to be by the same carver, but once you know what to look for, you can spot the ‘neo-Brazzells’ quickly. As the value of actual Brazzell original carvings increase, it is important to be able to correctly identify his works.

Multiple Varieties of Elongated Die Carriers

Not all elongated machines are the same, nothing is off the shelf. The wide variety and style of carriers the elongated dies are engraved upon show this without question. Even though the carriers vary, the results are the same. The end product is an elongated coin.

McDonalds 5oth Anniversary of the Big Mac

McDonalds celebrated its 50th year anniversary of the Big Mac Sandwich with a set of (5) different tokens. The artwork on these tokens celebrates each decade since serving its first Big Mac 4-22-1967 in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. It is only fitting that this exhibit is shown at the World’s Fair of Money in Pittsburgh, PA. Especially since the Big Mac was introduced in the Greater Pittsburgh area 50+ years ago

Battle of Plattsburgh – Medals and Notes

The exhibit shows 19th and 20 century medals related to the United States Army and Navy commanders at the September 11, 1814 Battle of Plattsburgh, the clash which led ended the British invasion of New York and led to the Treaty of Ghent three months later, ending the War of 1812. The exhibit includes 19th and 20th century U.S. Mint bronze medals for the three Naval commanders and one Army general at the battle, as well as commemorative medals from the centennial and sesquicentennial, and obsolete notes related to Master Commandant Thomas Macdough.

The Currency of War

Siege money is rare, historic and has a special place in numismatics. This presentation traces the history of the paper currency produced during sieges and addresses the unique circumstances surrounding their issue – from pasting prayer book pages together to meticulously writing notes by hand; from printing notes on pieces of cloth cut from old shirts to using an “engraving plate” carved from a croquet mallet.

The Hoover Electric Suction Sweeper Co. Maximan and Silver Jubilee Medals

The theme is to showcase the medals commissioned and awarded and given away by the Hoover Vacuum Company in the 1920s & 30s.
The purpose is to honor the work of Josephine Kern and Ray Sinnock and how their medallic designs were used over and over again by The Hoover Company.

Enormous Mint Error Die Capped Set

Deepest die cap set known.

Fowler-McCann Lumber Company Scrip

Educational exhibit of Lumber Company Scrip

Series 1929 National Banknotes from Western Pennsylvania

National banknotes from various banks within the western Pennsylvania region.

U.S. Transportation Tokens

In depth look at the history, and collection of, Transportation Tokens in the United States. From the early years of Stagecoaches through the years of Trolley Cars & Interurbans to the Big City Subway Systems. How the Transportation Tokens, and the machines they were used in, helped to carry America and Americans from a fledgling farming country through to the Industrial Revolution. How to find, identify, collect & value them

Whose “John Hancock” is that?

An exhibit of currency and coinage bearing the autograph of various different treasury employees

The Token Price for Alabama’s Natural Resources

Coal, Lumber, and Iron Ore scrip from various companies in Alabama.

The Medal-Of-The-Month Club Medals & Emblems

The Medal-Of-The-Month Club was created by Felicity Buranelli to inspire young people to emulate American leaders and heroes. The medium she chose to do this was medals of Americans with their portraits on the Obverse and their inspiring stories on the Reverse. The theme is to show all the medals she created, the stories of the heroes depicted and how she put her medallic series together. Including her membership emblems. The purpose is to show what one determined person can do to inspire young boys and girls through medals to do great things.

Meet Me At the Fair: A History of US World’s Fairs

This exhibit covers the history of medals from the United States world’s fairs that are officially recognized by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE).

I Like Ike: The History of the Eisenhower Dollar 1971-1978

The purpose of this exhibit is to display the full 32-coin Eisenhower dollar collection. It evaluates each varieties’ die type, composition, mintage numbers, and information on President Eisenhower.

Heinz Relishes 150 Years in Pittsburgh

In 1869 Henry John Heinz founded the Heinz brand in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with a focus on quality. Heinz was one of the only companies to support the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906. The Heinz Company main plant located on the Allegheny River has been an economic and cultural fixture of Pittsburgh for more than a century; bridging the gaps between labor and management, profitability and safety and bridging the past into the future. Through the years the Heinz has issued beautiful numismatic material to celebrate company anniversaries, accomplishments and documents that reflect the art of doing business.

Making the Grade – The 1900 O Morgan Dollar Grading Set

The purpose of this exhibit is to assemble and present a collection of 1900-O Morgan Dollars from Poor to Mint State. The Grading set can be used as a numismatic reference tool to determine the condition of a Silver Dollar. The exhibit introduces the art and science of numerical coin grading. Beautiful toned coins, rare graded “Low Ball” coins and a mint state 1900 O/CC are included in this unique collection of dollars

Phoenix Rising – Numismatic Impressions of a Legend

The Phoenix is an ancient mythical bird whose symbolism and legend still intrigues us today. It has been the inspirations for stories, artwork and coinage that dates back centuries. This exhibit is an introduction to the mythology of the ancient Phoenix using select numismatic depictions of the mythical bird as well as numismatic issues of the Arizona city that shares its name,

An Introduction to Twentieth Century (1948-1976) Encased Postage Stamp

This exhibit is intended for viewers who have never seen one of these and did not know they existed. Shown are representative examples of the various types.

Texas Numismatic Association Annual Show Medals

This exhibit features official medals of the Texas Numismatic Association from 1969 to the present. Each medal features a famous Texan, a Texas icon or a Texas Numismatic theme.

Honoring Music through a World of Paper Money

This exhibit features a selection of music themed paper money from around the world, highlighting performing artists, composers, and artisans

Who Was Booker T. Washington?

Describe the achievements of Booker T. Washington, explain the history of his commemorative coins and showcase his commemorative coins

Equal Education

Equal Education from School Desegregation and Civil Rights Movement

Columbian Exposition of 1893 – A Selection

To show the public a sample of the many souvenir items available at the exposition such as coins, tokens , medals elongated coins, certificates, badges, ribbons, spoons & other souvenirs

George Westinghouse – Pittsburgh Industrialist

Toi show the collector and general pubic the tremendous Influence George Westinghouse had as an individual and his business which originally created in Pittsburgh, PA. area and spread throughout the world . A diversified selection on medals, badges, pamphlets, booklets, pins, and some souvenir’s, and plated used on various equipment will be displayed. This will only is only be a small representation a sample of the many things the Westinghouse Company produces in over a century in business. It is a shame the Westinghouse is no longer with us and only in our memories.

Western Pennsylvania National Currency

To educate collectors on western PA National Currency

The Historically Significant Two Cent

This exhibit demonstrates both the historical and numismatic significance of the Two Cent Piece, 1864-1872. Coins in general, commemorate a person, event or place- the two cent piece does not. This is the only coin that is significant in itself. View of a top rated PCGS circulating set of two cent pieces. 

The Kings and Queens of England through Maundy Money

This exhibit traces the history and tradition that is Maundy. View Monarchs of England through this exhibit. The tradition is over 300 years old.

Holocaust Numismatics 10 AD-1950? Selected Examples

The purpose of this exhibit is to portray the progression of antisemitism from ancient times through the Holocaust using numismatic examples. With its ancient Roman beginnings, antisemitism continued into the Middle Ages and beyond into the 20th century, resulting in the rise of Nazi Germany, World War II, the Holocaust and its aftermath of millions of displaced persons. This exhibit will further present scrip and tokens produced in conjunction with these events for use in the camps during the Holocaust and immediately following.

Sealing the Deal – The Great Seal of the United States

On July 4, 1776 America’s thirteen original states united to form an independent nation. That same day the Continental Congress agreed to create a national emblem or Great Seal of the United States. The Latin phrase “E Pluribus Unum” or “Out of Money, One” was included on the Great Seal as a unifying motto connecting the people and cultures of the original states. This exhibit explores the artistic symbolism and design elements of the Great Seal of the United States.

 

 

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