Garden State Numismatic Association held its 32nd annual convention May 17-19 at the Ukrainian Cultural Center in Somerset, N.J. More than 70 dealers were booked and more than 1,000 people attended.
An auction was conducted by New World Rarities of Hauppauge, N.Y. Sales totaled $447,869 for 186 lots. Highlights were a 1794 Flowing Hair silver dollar PCGS F-12 that sold for $170,500. A 1795 Flowing Hair dollar with two leaves PCGS EF-40 brought $13,200. A 1925-D $20 Saint-Gaudens PCGS MS-64 and a 1925-S $20 Saint-Gaudens PCGS MS-63 each sold for $22,000. A10 percent buyer?s fee was included.
Tim Grant, a U.S. Mint representative, was present Saturday to answer questions about upcoming Mint products and speak to 28 Young Numismatists, said Jim Majoros, GSNA vice president.
The main attraction among the exhibits was the 1920s reproduction of the painting, ?Washington Inspecting the First Coin of the U.S. Mint.? Other exhibits included ?Native Americans,? ?New Jersey Obsolete Currency,? ?European Emergency Money? and ?A Selection of U.S. Coinage and Currency for the Philippine Islands 1903-1945.? Young Numismatist exhibits were ?The Penny ? The first in many ways? by Leo Weismantel, and ?The Lewis and Clark Journey? by Zachary Beier.
Chris Butchko, a teacher from Mendham, was named GSNA Numismatist of the Year. Brian Jen, 16, was called GSNA YN of the Year. Doris Chen, mother of YN of the Year Brian Jen, was given a certificate for her dedication to Jen?s participation in the hobby.
The Ocean County Coin Club was honored as GSNA Club of the Year.
An award was presented to Spencer Peck for his work as GSNA president for five years.
American Numismatic Association President Bill Horton Jr. attended the convention and was present at a table to answer questions about the ANA. Horton presented an ANA President?s Award to Ron Thompson, GSNA treasurer.
?Ron has been a dedicated collector of medals for many years,? Horton said, ?and a fixture with the GSNA as their treasurer and registration director, as well as tremendously active with three other clubs in the state.?
Dates for next year?s convention are May 15-17 at the same location. Information about the Garden State Numismatic Association can be obtained at www.gsna.org.
