World’s Fair of Money Tours Highlight History and Glamour of Los Angeles

Attendees of the American Numismatic Association’s 2009 World’s Fair of Money®, August 5-9 in Los Angeles, can take advantage of special tours that explore the glamour and culture of one of the world’s most exciting cities. Tours include visits to famous museums, sports venues, restaurants, and Hollywood hotspots.

Bus tours and walking tours depart from the Los Angeles Convention Center, where the convention takes place. Take advantage of early discounts through July 10. To register for a tour or event, visit www.worldsfairofmoney.com and select the “I Want to Attend” button. For more information, call 719-482-9857 or e-mail convention@money.org.

• Federal Reserve Bank Walking Tour
  Two Tours: August 5 and 6, 9:15-11:45 a.m. Price: $8 through July 1; $10 after
  See the second largest cash vault in the U.S., and witness millions in deposits being dropped off on behalf of Southern California and Las Vegas banks. Exhibits use interactive technology and displays to highlight the Fed's role in the economy. The historic currency collection includes an 1899 $5 note featuring Sioux Chief Running Antelope; high-denomination notes; and fractional currency used during the Civil War.

• Wells Fargo Bank and Museum
  August 5, 12:45-2:15 p.m. Price: $14 through July 1; $18 after
  The museum explores the company’s role in Southern California. Exhibits include an original Concord Coach, a 27-ounce challenge nugget, a panoramic painting of Los Angeles in 1859, an historically recreated Agent’s office, and a look at the Wells Fargo/Hollywood connection.

• Friendship Luncheon at Maddalena/San Antonio Winery
  August 6, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Price: $48 through July 1; $55 after
  Celebrating special occasions and dining among the casks at the Winery has been a tradition since 1975. Maddalena Riboli was born in the northern Italian province of Asti, known for its simple but flavorful cooking. In her restaurant, you will discover the essence of her homeland: fresh pastas, grilled entrees, rotisserie chicken, gourmet salads, sandwich plates, delicious desserts and fantastic on-site winery.

• Page Museum/La Brea Tar Pits
  August 7, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Attendees have the option to include Peterson Car Museum across the street) Price: $25 through July 1; $30 after
  The Page Museum is located at the Rancho La Brea Tar Pits, recognized for having the largest and most diverse assemblage of extinct Ice Age plants and animals in the world. Learn about L.A. as it was between 10,000 and 40,000 years ago, when saber-toothed cats and mammoths roamed the area. In Hancock Park, replicas of several extinct mammals are featured.

• Major League Baseball – Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Atlanta Braves
  August 7, 5:15-10:15 p.m. (7:10 p.m. game time) Price: $45 through July 1; $50 after
  Dodger Stadium opened in 1962 and has been host to some of the game’s most memorable moments. The Dodgers have six World Series Championships to their credit, and are favored by some to return to the World Series this year. Watch them take on the Atlanta Braves. Come hungry – seats are in the “all-you-can-eat” section!

• Getty Villa and Museum and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre
  August 8, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Includes box lunch. $33 through July 1; $40 after
  The Getty Villa and Museum is dedicated to the study of the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome and Etruria. View antiquities arranged by themes including Gods and Goddesses and Stories of the Trojan War. Grauman’s Chinese Theatre opened in 1927, and is one of the most famous theatres in the world. Declared a cultural landmark in 1968, it still plays host to some of Hollywood’s most glamorous movie premieres.

The World’s Fair of Money is the country’s premiere money show. The event features 1,100 numismatic dealers; a Mint Promenade with mints from around the world; marquee exhibits of numismatic rarities; the Collector Gallery exhibit area; hourly educational presentations, seminars, meetings and workshops; and special events including the ANA's annual awards banquet.

The show is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $6 ($20 for a five-day pass), and free for ANA members and children 12 and under.

G. Lee Kuntz is the event’s General Chairman and Bill Grant is the Honorary Chairman. The California State Numismatic Association, Numismatic Association of Southern California and Verdugo Hills Coin Club are the event’s host clubs. The Glendale Coin Club, Long Beach Coin Club and Unrecognized States Numismatic Society are the event’s honorary host clubs. Bowers and Merena Auctions is the official auction company.

The American Numismatic Association is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to encouraging people to study and collect money and related items. The ANA helps its 32,000 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 visit www.money.org.