Exhibits, Special Events and Educational Programs Highlight Baltimore World’s Fair of Money
The American
Numismatic Association’s 2008 World’s Fair of Money® will give visitors
a chance to see millions of dollars in rare coins, learn from the world’s
top numismatists, and explore the history of Baltimore. The event, held
July 30 to August 3 at the Baltimore Convention Center, will feature over
1,100 dealers and numismatic vendors, world-class exhibits, 15 mints from
five continents and a variety of educational presentations for every age
and level of interest.
“Money is history you
can hold in your hands,” said ANA President Barry Stuppler. “We’ll have
thousands of collectors and dealers from around the country buying and selling
items
ranging in value from
a few cents each to $1 million. You can see everything from a half cent to a $100,000
bill, and it’s free.”
United States Mint
Director Edmund Moy will unveil a new, pure gold coin – the muchanticipated 2009-dated Ultra High
Relief Double Eagle – immediately after opening ceremonies on July 30.
It’s a modern, 24-karat version of what many call the most beautiful American coin ever
created, the famous Augustus Saint-Gaudens double eagle.
Exhibits promise to be
a main attraction. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History will display
“Historic Rarities: Early United States Proof Coins,” a special exhibit showcasing
extraordinary objects from the National Numismatic Collection. It includes two unique coins – a
pattern 1860 Paquet reverse double eagle and a new variety of proof 1818 silver half dollar.
Other marquee exhibit
highlights include the Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s “Billion Dollar Display”
of high-denomination money; a spectacular proof 1804 eagle, one of four known and perhaps the
most sought-after gold proof coin in existence; and the famous Walton specimen 1913
Liberty Head nickel that was missing for 41 years until it was authenticated at the
2003 World’s Fair of Money, also held in Baltimore.
The Collector Gallery,
another highlight of every ANA show, gives members the chance to share their
collections and expertise with fellow hobbyists. More than 100 competitive and non-competitive
exhibits will be displayed this year, including “Uncommon Women on Common Currency,”
“Coins of the Ancient Mariners: On Tour with National Geographic” and “Made in
Maryland.”
The Mint Promenade
will feature 15 mints from around the globe. Visitors can purchase an exclusive World Mints
Passport from the ANA booth to explore the area and collect world coins. Visitors can
learn more by attending “World Mint Theatre” presentations from July
30 to Aug. 1 on the Hall A
Stage near the main show entrance. During these 30-45 minute presentations, mints
will talk about new issues and current trends in numismatic production.
A new World’s Fair of
Money attraction, Artists & Authors Alley, gives artists and writers a chance to demonstrate
their craft and informally discuss their work with visitors. Located within Artists &
Authors Alley, Collector’s Corner will feature book and artwork signing opportunities,
demonstrations and informal discussions with many leaders in the field, including designer
Joel Iskowitz and authors Daniel Frank Sedwick and David Lange.
Dozens of other
educational opportunities await attendees. The Maynard Sundman/Littleton Coin
Company Lecture Series, held July 31, features original academic, numismatic research;
this year’s topic is “Money as a Means of Propaganda.” Numismatic Theatre, conducted
throughout the show, lets members showcase their research and creativity in a
lecture format. Many talks focus on the convention’s host region; scheduled presentations include
“Baltimore Stock Certificates & Bonds,” “Exhibit Planning at the Smithsonian” and “The
Unknown Life of Edgar Allan Poe.”
Also offered are a
variety of pre-convention seminars (registration required) and free workshops
(registration requested). ANA Numismatic Educator Rod Gillis will present “Coin Collecting 101,” an
informal, 30-minute presentation for numismatic newcomers, at various times on the Hall A
Stage. Tours exploring the history and beauty of Baltimore are available, including Fort
McHenry, the USS Constellation Museum, the annual Friendship Luncheon and the famous Inner
Harbor.
The ANA will offer Boy
Scout Coin Collecting Merit Badge and Girl Scout “Fun With Money” Patch workshops on
Aug. 2; registration is required for Scout workshops. “Treasure Trivia” is available throughout
the show, and is a fun way for children to explore the show, learn interesting facts and
win great prizes. Many other events meetings and events will take place, including the
annual awards banquet at 7 p.m. at the Renaissance Harborplace Hotel.
Heritage Auction
Galleries is the official auction company for the Baltimore 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 July 28 to Aug. 2; for more information, visit www.ha.com.
“Many professional
coin and currency dealers attending the show will provide free, informal appraisals for
visitors who bring in their old coins and paper money,” said Larry Shepherd, ANA Executive
Director.
The 2008 World’s Fair
of Money 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. To register or for more information, call 719-482-9857, e-mail
convention@money.org, or visit www.money.org. Ed Craig is the
event’s General Chairman, Millard Hajek is the Honorary Chairman, Mark Lighterman is Chief
Exhibit Judge and Simcha Kuritzky is the Numismatic Theatre Chairman.
The Maryland State
Numismatic Association, Catonsville Coin Club and Montgomery County Coin Club are
the event’s host clubs. The Baltimore Coin Club and Maryland Token and Medal Society are
honorary host clubs.
Originally Release Date: June 27, 2008
ANA Contacts: Phone: 719-482-9814
Email: pr@money.org