National Coin Week : American Numismatic Association

Daily Trivia Articles & Reading List Exhibits & Webinars Youth Activities History & Proclamation

Articles and ANA Reading List

A Coin for the Queen of Soul

To honor soul music legend and Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, the Perth Mint released a 1-ounce, .999-fine silver $1 proof coin for Tuvalu. Image: Perth Mint

James Bond Coins Are Back

On November 15, 2023, the United Kingdom’s Royal Mint launched a seven-coin series of James Bond proof collector coins.

An Orwellian Commemorative

The Royal Mint is commemorating George Orwell, renowned author of Nineteen Eighty-Four, Animal Farm, and Coming Up for Air, with a £2 coin. Image: Royal Mint

Germania Mint “Blockbuster Bars”

Collectors are raving about a new type of collectible—cast silver bars with colorful designs and an antique finish. Image: Germania Mint

The “Bard” Breaks into Coins with New Release

For the newest release in APMEX’s Icons of Inspiration coin series, the company is going no-holds “bard”… the Bard of Avon, that is, better known as William Shakespeare (1564-1616). Image: APMEX

Pirate Coins

From the fictional adventures of Captain Jack Sparrow to the real-life exploits of Blackbeard, pirates have fascinated people for hundreds of years.

Q&A with Sandra Deiana

The George Michael Royal Mint commemorative (left) features the frequencies of the chorus for “Faith,” the artist’s most recognizable hit. Image: Royal Mint

Star Privy Silver Eagles Entice Young Collectors

The United States Mint and a video game studio are collaborating to issue the second-ever silver American Eagle with a privy mark to help nurture a new generation of coin collectors.

Rogue Release

In January the Royal Mint unveiled the fourth coin in its Star Wars series, which began in July 2023. The final design features the rogue duo Han Solo and Chewbacca. Image: Royal Mint

Silence is Golden

Members of the Deaf community have achieved success in many fields, as currency worldwide attests.

Blockbuster Hobby Promotion

Coin collecting could really take off. All it needs is a little star power and direction from Hollywood.

Cartoon Coin

An Aussie mint gives life to an animated family with a new series.

Galactic Collector

The newest addition to the Star Wars universe has an unexpected numismatic connection.

Insert Coin to Play

Space Invaders and the 100 yen myth. A popular video arcade game has a numismatic backstory.

The Elvis/Lindbergh Connection

Historic U.S. Mint medals became wardrobe accessories for the “king of rock ‘n’ roll.”

I’ll Take the Radio, Please!

A mid-20th-century coin dealer and entrepreneur offered merchandise in exchange for coins.

Carving Out a Niche

Currency carvings exhibit a range of individual artistry.

ANA Library Reading List

View this year’s reading list and expand your knowledge of numismatics.

Webinars & Virtual Exhibits

Live Webinars

The public is invited to attend FREE live webinars during National Coin Week, April 21-25 at 12PM (MT).

Liberty’s Trappings: American Values on Coinage 1792-1947
Presented by Russ Bega | April 21

The Search for Meaning in 21st Century Coin Design
Presented by Donald Scarinci | April 22

Pop(ulist) Art – The Fight Over the Soul of Money in America as Reflected in Art From 1870-1900
Presented by Dr. Karell | April 23

The Power of the Penny: Launching Superman
Presented by Caroline Turco | April 24

Some Trends Affecting Coin Collecting in 2025
Presented by Steve Roach | April 25

Child’s Play

A “Play Money” collection details a fun, ongoing series for young and young at heart.

Saint Nicholas Bank Notes

As busy as he is during the holiday season, how did Santa Claus ever find time to pose for a series of bank notes in 19th century America?

Question 7 | April 26

In 2022, the Pacific island nation of Samoa issued a coin commemorating a comic book superhero that was shaped like his signature weapon.

Question: Who is this crime fighter and what is the name of the weapon? [Hint: the United States mint will release coins and medals depicting this hero in 2025.]

Answer: Batman and Batarang

Day Seven Winner: Christa Janis

“Samoa 2022 Five Dollars” — Images courtesy Christian Strayhorn.

Question 6 | April 25

In 2024, the Royal Mint released a series of coins celebrating which iconic musician, known for being a member of The Beatles and Wings, as well as for his solo career?

Answer: Paul McCartney

Day Six Winner: Chris Campion

Images courtesy Larry Fischer.

Question 5 | April 24

With headgear that is similar in shape to a liberty cap, these blue fantasy creatures created by Belgian comic artist Peyo where chased by a wizard who believed he could turn them into gold.

Question: What is the name of the creatures and which mint produced the first Euro coins to feature them?

Answer: Smurfs and Monnaies de Paris or Paris Mint

Day Five Winner: Anthony Conseza II

“France 2020 Euro Coin” —Images courtesy Christian Strayhorn.

Question 4 | April 23

Disney Dollars are one of the most recognized forms of scrip. Available for purchase from Disney theme parks starting in the 1980s, this money depicting Mickey Mouse and other characters could purchase goods and services in the theme parks and at the Disney Store.

Question: Like real currency, every Disney dollar is “signed” by a Disney character. What is the name of this character and their title?

Answer: Scrooge McDuck and Treasurer

Day Four Winner: Terri Barker

Images courtesy Akio Lis.

Question 3 | April 22

The Indiana Jones movie franchise was commemorated by a series of coins from the Island nation of Niue. Some of these coins used images of artifacts featured in Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Question: Name the artifacts depicted on the coins. [Hint: the mintage is the same as the year this movie was released.]

Answer: Chachapoyan Fertility Idol and Staff of Ra (see Ra coin)

Day Three Winner: Derek Higgins

“Niue 2023 Two Dollars” —Images courtesy Christian Strayhorn.

Question 2 | April 21

Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) is an American author known for his poetry and tales of the macabre that first horrified audiences in the 1800s. The ANA celebrated Poe by using his image on the obverse of a convention medal for a convention held in the city of his death.

In what city did Poe die and what year did the ANA convention medal include the poet’s image?

Answer: Baltimore, Maryland; 2008

Day Two Winner: William Bennett

Images: ANA Collection

Question 1 | April 20

The Perth Mint in western Australia is known for producing bullion coins of many different sizes depicting Australia’s native fauna. In 1999, this mint produced a set of colorized coins featuring a lasagna loving cartoon cat.

Who is this famous feline and on what country’s coins did this cat appear?

Answer: Garfield, Cook Islands

Day One Winner: James Guy

“Cook Island 1999 Half Dollar” — Images courtesy Akio Lis.

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The History of National Coin Week

The history of National Coin Week began in 1923, when American Numismatic Association Governor Julius Guttag suggested to the association’s President, Moritz Wormser, that a week-long event should be established “to attract the general public to our hobby and consequently increase our membership, and aid in our science.” That December, the first announcement of a “Coin Week” was made in The Numismatist and scheduled for the week of February 9-16, 1924.

The first National Coin Week was a success, and discussion ensued in 1924 about establishing an annual event. The following year, the name was changed to “Old Coin Week,” and the event was planned for February 15-21. In 1925 Wormser said, “Let us all work together for the accomplishments of the principles for which the American Numismatic Association was founded: To disperse numismatic knowledge . . . to demonstrate that numismatics is an educational and entertaining pursuit . . . and to imbue other collectors with your own enthusiasm and love for the subject.”Coin Week enjoyed successful observances in 1926 and 1927 under President H.H. Yawger.
But, from 1928 to 1938, the association did not actively promote the
event, and it existed in name only. In 1939 member Lee Hewitt of Chicago proposed that the American Numismatic Association reinstate Coin Week
as “National Coin Week.” President J. Henri Ripstra confirmed a new March date and announced that prizes would be given to clubs and individuals
who accomplished the most during the week. In 1942 the observance was
moved to the third full week of April, where it has remained ever since.

Coin Week enjoyed successful observances in 1926 and 1927 under President H.H. Yawger. But, from 1928 to 1938, the association did not actively promote the event, and it existed in name only. In 1939 member
Lee Hewitt of Chicago proposed that the American Numismatic Association reinstate Coin Week as “National Coin Week.” President J. Henri Ripstra confirmed a new March date and announced that prizes would be given to clubs and individuals who accomplished the most during the week. In 1942 the observance was moved to the third full week of April, where it has remained ever since.

View the Official 2025 National Coin Week Proclamation