Museum Showcase, World Mints Headline Los Angeles World’s Fair of Money

The American Numismatic Association’s 2009 World’s Fair of Money® gives visitors the chance to see some of the world’s most beautiful and valuable coins, interact with top numismatists, and explore one of the country’s most exciting cities. The event will be held Aug. 5-9 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, and will feature more than 1,100 dealers and vendors, world-class exhibits, 15 mints from four continents and education presentations for every age and interest level.

The Unique 1849 Double Eagle Click image to view enlargement.

“This show promises to be the most spectacular numismatic event you’ll ever see,” said ANA President Barry Stuppler. “The exhibits will be the ANA’s best ever, the educational programs and events offer something for everyone, the dealer activity will be high, and the host city ensures great attendance and an exciting atmosphere.”

The Museum Showcase makes its inaugural appearance in Los Angeles, and will be a centerpiece of the convention. Among the rarities on display will be 20 coins from the Smithsonian Institution’s National Numismatic Collection, including the first (1849 pattern) and last (1933) double eagles ever produced, as well as a 1907 Saint-Gaudens ultra high relief pattern that President Theodore Roosevelt gave his daughter Ethel as a Christmas gift in 1907.

EB-on-breast Brasher Doubloon Click image to view enlargement.

Also featured from the Edward C. Rochette Money Museum and private collections are the finest known – and possibly first minted – 1794 silver dollar; America’s first gold coin, the EB-on-breast Brasher Doubloon; an 1879 gold pattern four dollar “Stella”; four of the five known world-famous Liberty Head nickels; and a rare, 490-year-old original copy of the first illustrated, printed numismatic book, Illustrium Imagines (“Images of the Illustrious”).

Other spectacular exhibits include the Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s "Billion Dollar Display" of high-denomination money at Booth 750; and a special display from the United States Mint at Booth 948.

The always-popular Collector Gallery gives ANA members the opportunity to share their collections and research with fellow hobbyists. More than 90 competitive, non-competitive and marquee exhibits will be displayed this year on virtually every numismatic topic. Highlights include a collection of large stone money from the South Pacific island of Yap, with some pieces weighing more than 100 pounds; and a special display of modern Chinese counterfeit material, presented by Dr. Gregory Dubay and Coin World magazine.

The Mint Promenade will feature mints from around the globe. Visitors can purchase a World Mints Passport at the front entrance to explore the area and collect world coins. Attendees can learn more by attending "World Mint Theatre" presentations Aug. 5-8 on the Hall A Stage, adjacent to the promenade. During these 30-minute presentations, mint representatives will discuss upcoming products, new ideas and current trends.

Many educational opportunities await visitors. The Maynard Sundman/Littleton Coin Company Lecture Series, held Aug. 6, features original academic research; the topic this year is “Instruments of Banking and Finance.” Numismatic Theatre, held throughout the show, lets ANA members discuss their research and ideas in lecture format. Many talks focus on the convention’s host region; this year’s presentations include “California’s Gold Rush-Era Money,” “How to Give an Exciting Young Numismatist Program” and “The Standish Berry Threepence: A Mystery Solved.”

A variety of pre-convention seminars are offered, including “Coin Conservation, Authentication & Grading,” Aug. 3-5 with Brian Silliman, NGC grading expert; “Introduction to Ancient Greek & Roman Coinage,” Aug. 4-5 with Kerry Wetterstrom, editor of The Celator; and “Facing the Chinese Counterfeiting Threat,” Aug. 4-5 with Beth Deisher, editor of Coin World, and Dr. Gregory Dubay, noted counterfeit expert. A variety of tours exploring Los Angeles also are available for attendees. Registration is required for pre-convention seminars and tours; early registration deadline is July 17. Visit www.worldsfairofmoney.com for more information.

“Coin Collecting 101,” an informal 30-minute presentation for numismatic newcomers, will be held at various times on the Hall A Stage. The ANA will offer Boy Scout Coin Collecting Merit Badge and Girl Scout “Fun With Money” Patch workshops on Aug. 8 (registration required). “Treasure Trivia” is available throughout the convention, and is a fun way for children to explore the show, learn interesting facts and win great prizes.

Bowers & Merena Auctions is the official auction company for the Los Angeles World’s Fair of Money and will conduct a live, multi-session auction as well as internet and mail bid auctions. Lot viewings are scheduled Aug. 1-8; for more information, visit www.bowersandmerena.com.

Many of the professional coin and paper money dealers attending the show will provide free, informal appraisals for visitors who bring in their old coins and paper money. The ANA’s annual Awards Banquet will be at 8 p.m. at the Wilshire Grand Hotel.

The World’s Fair of Money is the nation’s premiere money show. The event 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. To register or for more information, visit www.worldsfairofmoney.com or call 719-482-9857.

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 honorary host clubs.

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.