Official 2009 World’s Fair of Money Medals Now Available

The official medal for the American Numismatic Association’s 118th Anniversary Convention, August 5-9 in Los Angeles, is now available. Designed by Garrett & Michelle Burke and Alex Shagin, the medal celebrates the convention’s host city and the grandeur of numismatics.

The obverse design showcases the excitement and glamour of Los Angeles. Lights coming from L.A. hills accent images of past commemorative coins honoring California, including the 1936 Bay Bridge half dollar and the 1915-S Panama-Pacific Exposition $50. At the top, an angel searches for something amidst the lights and coins. The reverse features the same angel, Numisma – sister of Lady Liberty, this time holding a wreath of discovery. The scene brings to life the convention’s theme, “Discover Your Golden Dreams.”

click image to enlarge

Garrett Burke is a prominent artist in the world of entertainment, creating work for brands such as Star Wars, Disney and James Bond. He is the designer of the 2005 California state quarter, and has received the ANA’s Award for Excellence in Medallic Sculpture. Michelle Burke is active in the numismatic arts community and has contributed to many medallic designs. Alex Shagin is the acclaimed former sculptor and engraver for the Leningrad Mint. All three artists previously collaborated to create the medal for the ANA’s 114th anniversary convention in San Francisco.

Only 125 ANA numbered convention bronze medals (2-3/4 inches) will be struck along with 150 two-medal sets (1-1/2 inches, bronze and silver) and 110 convention medal badges (1-1/2 inches). Bronze medals are $50; two-medal sets are $65; and badges are $22. Orders are being accepted for July delivery by calling 1-800-367-9723, ext. 170 or visiting www.worldsfairofmoney.com.

The World’s Fair of Money is the largest coin show in the country, and features more than 1,100 ANA-member dealers, a Museum Showcase featuring some of the hobby’s greatest treasures, a wide array of educational programs, a Collector Gallery of fascinating exhibits created by ANA members, a Mint Promenade with mints from throughout the world, a $1 billion display by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and a special exhibit presented by the United States Mint.

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. For more information, visit www.worldsfairofmoney.com or call 719-482-9857.

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.