Award-winning numismatist and author Q. David Bowers will headline Maryland State Numismatic Society’s inaugural Distinguished Lecturer Series during the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Baltimore Expo, set for June 11-14 at the Baltimore, Md., Convention Center.
Bowers’ lecture, titled, “The Challenge of Colonial Collecting,” will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. June 12 in Room 301 of the convention center.
“The association will also sponsor a competitive and non-competitive exhibit area – a first for the Expo,” said David Crenshaw, Whitman Expo general manager.
Another educational speaker scheduled for the show is Lawrence Schuffman, whose talk, “Capitalizing on American Pride and Patriotism: The Liberty Loan Bond Story, 1917-1923,” will take place on the morning of June 13.
A major auction of rare coins and paper money by Bowers and Merena Auctions will kick off the show. The Presidential Coin & Antique Company’s 79th Exonumia Sale will feature a collection of American art medals as well as “so-called dollar,” political campaign and inaugural offerings. See related auction story on Page 22.
A large bourse of coin and paper money dealers is another attraction of the expo.
“Hundreds of dealers travel to the show from around the country,” said Crenshaw. “They are happy to look at coins and paper money and offer value appraisals.”
Numismatic groups to meet at the event are the Fellowship of Christian Coin Dealers, Liberty Seated Collector’s Club, Maryland Token and Medal Society and Early American Coppers Club. All meetings are scheduled for June 13.
Grown-ups are not the only ones welcome at the show. Young collectors are encouraged to take part in the “Kid’s Korner” activities that begin at 10 a.m. on June 12-13. All attending YNs between the ages of 6 and 14 will go home with free coins and prizes, Crenshaw promises.
The National Federation of the Blind continues its partnership with the expo to promote the “Braille Readers are Leaders” campaign, which will raise $8 million for Braille literacy programs. The initiative is based on sales of the Louis Braille commemorative silver dollar, plus matching fund-raising.
Expo visitors will have the opportunity to purchase the Louis Braille dollar, and anyone donating $10 or more will receive a limited edition souvenir card while supplies last.
Doors open to the general public at 2 p.m. on June 11 and at 10 a.m. on June 12-14. New Sunday hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free and all are welcome.
For more information, visit Web site www.whitmanexpo.com, e-mail info@whitmanexpo.com or call (404) 214-4373.
