Interview with Bianca Bart
From childhood on the bourse floor to leading Executive Currency, Bianca Bart reflects on her journey and the future of the hobby.
Bianca Bart of Executive Currency is living the dream of many numismatists. She co-owns the coin and collectibles retail company Executive Currency with someone she’s known her entire life—her father, Dr. Frederick J. Bart. Bianca is deeply involved in the numismatic community, actively participating in numerous organizations, including as a Life Member of the American Numismatic Association and as the third-youngest individual ever to earn full membership to the Professional Numismatists Guild. When she’s not co-running Executive Currency, Bianca serves as an industry expert and consults for grading firms.
Despite her busy schedule, Bianca took the time to speak with Bank Note Reporter about her childhood on the bourse floor, her insights on current bank note trends, and advice for aspiring collectors.
On her start in the numismatic industry*
Bianca Bart (BB): I’m what I like to refer to as a “Diaper Dealer;” I’ve been on the bourse floor long before I could walk it. Born to two legendary figures in the industry, Dr. Frederick J. Bart and Doris A. Bart, my exposure to numismatics was predictable; however, it didn’t take long for fascination to take hold and become my own.
Growing up, afternoons and summers were spent at Executive Currency’s office, where the first task I remember was sorting business cards into stacks for each respective employee—looking back on this now, I’m quite certain this “mixed up stack of cards” wasn’t the accident I was led to believe.
My real entry to buying and selling paper money occurred when I was roughly eight years old, when my dad allowed me to purchase items at our company’s cost, and I could keep the profit, which allowed for the seamless transition from being a page at the conventions to one of the youngest dealers on the floor.
I continued to travel to the major numismatic conventions around the country throughout high school and college. After graduating from Michigan State University, it was finally time for me to enter the world as a full-time professional numismatist. Despite my best efforts (and about 15 years of experience at this time), some dealers couldn’t fathom a young female taking space in the middle-aged, male-dominated industry. Through internships, mentorships, educational seminars, and self-guided learning, I became the third youngest member to be awarded full membership into the prestigious Professional Numismatists Guild.
Today, I serve as a consultant to the grading firms, have appeared as an industry expert on dozens of media interviews, hold membership in multiple local, regional, and national numismatic organizations—including actively serving as a board member for the Michigan State Numismatic Society, and have once again appeared on Coin World’s “100 Most Influential People in Numismatics” list.
On her current role at Executive Currency
BB: After more than 25 years in the business, I’ve been promoted from sorting business cards to steering the company and presently serve as the CEO of Executive Currency. One of my greatest objectives is to increase the accessibility of the hobby; therefore, we’ve expanded our travel schedule to include roughly 35 shows around the country each year, launched a new website at ExecutiveCurrency.com, and significantly diversified our inventory, making us a one-stop shop for paper money, coins, collectibles, and collecting supplies. We’ve also created social media platforms featuring frequent educational posts. We are thrilled to announce the release of the long-awaited fifth edition of “U.S. Paper Money Errors,” co-authored by Dr. Frederick J. Bart and me, scheduled for release in August 2025.
On current paper money trends
BB: Right now, the market is buzzing—large type, small size rarities, fancy serials, errors, nationals, and high-denomination notes are hot in both directions. And with the new edition of our error book, we’re expecting even more movement in that sector, as it has historically trended upward with the release of each of the four previous editions of “U.S. Paper Money Errors” by Dr. Frederick J. Bart.
Advice to new collectors
BB: I’ve had exceptional mentors over the years, so I’ll pass along a few golden nuggets that have helped shape my journey:
1. Education costs nothing but time. Read, research, ask questions, and then read some more.
2. Buy the right note, not the right now note. Patience pays off. Build smart, not fast. Collecting is a journey, and those with decades of experience admit that the thrill lies in the hunt as much as in the acquisition. If a note is on your want list, but beyond your budget, ask if the dealer offers layaway.
3. Never stop learning. I always encourage folks to remain a student of the hobby. I took my own advice and spent two weeks in Colorado Springs at the ANA Summer Seminar to expand my knowledge base. You’re going to make mistakes; just try not to make the same one twice.
4. Share the hobby! There’s something special about connecting with others who get excited about the same things. Bring a friend to a show, post about a cool find, or introduce a young collector to the thrill of the hunt.
5. Don’t underestimate the younger crowd. As a former Young Numismatist, I know what it’s like to be second-guessed or questioned because the individual on the other side of the table “has shoes older than you’.” I also know what it’s like to be humbled and taught by some of the youngest and brightest minds in the room. While they might not be able to help you with a calculus problem or drive a car just yet, this generation of young numismatists is not to be underestimated. Learn from them. Talk with them. Enjoy the hobby together.
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