NGC Exhibits at the 2010 World’s Fair of Money

The American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) flagship convention is the World’s Fair of Money. This year it will be held at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, Massachusetts from August 10 - 14. In addition to being an important commercial bourse, the convention serves as a first class venue for exhibits of historically significant numismatic objects – making it perhaps the greatest traveling numismatic museum. All convention attendees are strongly encouraged to allocate some of their time at the convention to exploring the riches on display. The exhibits at this year’s convention are sure to set a new level for their quality and rarity.

First, the ANA hosts its own Museum Showcase. This year’s roster includes a complete set of 1874 Bickford $10 coins, among the most important, intriguing and valuable of all US pattern coins, from the Bob R. Simpson Collection. They will also exhibit selections from the ANA Bebee Collection of United States Paper Money, one of the best collections of US currency ever assembled. The ANA also sponsors a traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian, which will include a survey of US Gold Double Eagles including both 1849 and 1933 $20 gold pieces.

Click image to view exhibit >

Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) will also host two numismatic exhibits at its booth (#704) during the convention. The first is also from the Simpson Collection and includes two incredibly rare coins. One is the finest known proof 1804 $10 grading NGC PF65 Ultra Cameo, among the most desirable and most valuable of all US gold coins. Struck in 1834 for presentation to diplomats, just three exist today. The second is the very seldom seen proof 1804 $10 struck in silver graded NGC PF64. This pattern coin, designated as J-34 in the standard Judd reference, is one of no more than five known. This exhibit marks the first time these two companion coins have been exhibited together.

See the online exhibit: Simspon Proof 1804 Eagles >

"It's beyond incredible to see these two coins side-by-side. A silver proof 1804 $10 redefines 'coolness' in my book, and I've handled an awful lot of world-class rarities. The gold 1804 $10 is so sharply struck it looks like a medal, and it's one of the most beautiful coins I have ever seen," notes Laura Sperber of Legend Numismatics. Miss Sperber works with Mr. Simpson to assemble the Simpson Collection of US Pattern Coinage.

Click image to view exhibit >

Also on display at NGC’s booth is an exceptional collection of Massachusetts Coinage, including Colonial and States issues, from a private collection. As the convention is held in Boston, this exhibit carries special geographic relevance, but these coins would form the basis for a world-class exhibit at any locale. It includes six Massachusetts silver coins from the late 17th Century, the popular Oak Tree and Willow Tree types. Each coin on display is either the finest known or tied for finest known. Also on display are finest known examples of the Massachusetts copper coins from the 1787-1788 issue. These latter issues are the first American issues to bear the word cent, and were authorized by the Massachusetts General Court in 1786. Their production was discontinued to comply with the Constitution when it was ratified in 1789.

See the online exhibit: Massachusetts Coinage >

While the online exhibits provide a great opportunity for collectors to learn about these coins if they won’t be in Boston, those attending the show are encouraged to examine these coins in person and pick up a free exhibit guide at NGC’s booth. There is no substitute for viewing such incredible quality and rarity specimens in person. NGC expresses appreciation to Mr. Bob R. Simpson and the Massachusetts Coinage collector for loaning these coins to NGC for exhibit.