Money Museum Showcase Highlights
Show attendees have the opportunity to see some of the world’s most beautiful and valuable coins, paper money and related numismatic treasures not seen anywhere else.
The Museum Showcase features rare and historic items from the ANA’s Money Museum and items generously lent to the ANA from private collections.
Two Extraordinarily Rare U.S. Pattern Sets from the Black Cat Collection
This exhibit features the only remaining complete 16-Coin 1868 Aluminum Die Trial Proof Set. These coins were struck in aluminum at a time when it was more valuable than gold! The set is composed of one coin from each of the designs issued in 1868 and struck with proof dies, creating a spectacularly beautiful finish. Only eleven sets were created, all of which, except for this one, have been broken up.
The other very special set is a complete proof set of 1882 Liberty head Shield Earring coins in copper and silver, illustrating how Liberty could have looked had the designs been selected. These coins are remarkable for their rarity, especially as part of a complete set, and their spectacular conditions. This exhibit is a must-see for any serious U.S. pattern collectors! Brought to you from the Black Cat Collection via Legend Numismatics.
1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The story of the 1913 Liberty Head nickel begins with a mystery — no one is sure how or why the five known pieces were produced. Over the years, the “fab five” have become some of the world’s most valuable coins and have consistently been among the price leaders in the numismatic market — each time one appears at auction, it is a major numismatic event.
1943 Bronze Cent Error
Visitors can see a unique World War II era Lincoln cent made in 1943 of bronze alloy, rather than zinc-coated steel to conserve copper, that sold for more than $1 million. The objects from this exhibit have been generously loaned by Ron Firman.
1944 Zinc-plated Steel Cent Error
Though not as well known, 1944 steel cent errors are also quite rare, with perhaps 35 examples in existence from all mints. It was created through the same process as its more famous 1943 bronze cousin. This coin makes a perfect match for the 1943 bronze cent.
Bank of the United States Notes
Highlights from a recent donation to the Edward C. Rochette Money Museum by ANA Life Members John & Nancy Wilson of Bank of the United States obsolete banknotes. This extensive collection includes checks signed by President Andrew Jackson and General Winfield Scott.
The First U.S. Dimes
The U.S. Mint began operations in 1792. It did not issue a full range of authorized denominations until 1796 – the year the first dimes were put into circulation. This display features three 1796 and 1797 dimes showing the small eagle variety issued only in those two years – thus representing the first regular-issue dimes of the United States. The objects from this exhibit have been generously loaned by Ron Firman.
The King of U.S. Coins
The First U.S. Cents
Starting with the Fugio cents of 1787, this exhibit features the first cents produced for the United States, all from the 18th century. These rare early coins illustrate the evolution of the earliest images of Liberty on American coins. The objects from this exhibit have been generously loaned by Ron Firman.
Zimbabwe Inflation Notes
Zimbabwe has endured the worst recent case of hyperinflation. At its height from 2008 to 2009, Zimbabwe’s hyperinflation was estimated at 79.6 billion percent per month. This exhibit uses paper currency to document the history of this ongoing national disaster.
Parthia; The Forgotten Empire
Parthia was one of the great empires of the Middle East – centered on modern Iran and Iraq – and the only civilized empire that managed not only to survive contact with the expanding Roman Empire but even defeat it on multiple occasions. Yet it is largely neglected in the history books despite almost 500 years of existence and having a long numismatic history.
