CoinClinic: The ANS or the ANA?
From gold as legal tender to the differences between the ANA and ANS, this edition of “Coin Clinic” tackles readers’ numismatic questions.
Several states have recently announced that gold and silver (including coins) are once again to be treated as legal tender. Is anyone taking this seriously?
I don’t think you will see anyone spending a $10 gold American Eagle coin over the counter; however, trading in bullion coins may take place to pay debts. There are also some pilot programs through which gold is deposited somewhere, followed by issuance of a debit-type card through which you can spend that gold at the up-to-the-minute spot price.
Are the ANA and the ANS open to everyone, or do I have to have credentials to join one or the other?
Both organizations welcome the public. Some people may prefer the approach of one over that of the other, but there is no reason you can’t belong to both of them if you so wish.
What is the difference between the American Numismatic Association and the American Numismatic Society?
The American Numismatic Association was founded in 1891 and currently resides in Colorado Springs, Colo. The American Numismatic Society was founded in 1858 in New York City and is currently planning to relocate to Toledo, Ohio. The ANA is primarily a collector organization. It has not only individuals but clubs as members. The ANS is focused on scholarships and research.
Why is the American Numismatic Society relocating from New York to Toledo?
The ANS has changed locations within New York City three times in the past 25 years. The organization is seeking a venue where it can expand its exhibition galleries and some of its additional services. Space is always at a premium in New York. They will be able to have a lecture hall, expanded library area, educational center, and library reading room at their new location. They also hope to attract additional visitors.
The American Numismatic Association publishes a monthly magazine, The Numismatist. What, if anything, does the ANS publish?
The ANS publishes a well-written and well-illustrated magazine, ANS Magazine, quarterly. In addition, the ANS publishes the American Journal of Numismatics annually and offers members the option of receiving The Journal of Early American Numismatics. The long-running Numismatic Notes and Monographs series touches on many numismatic subjects worldwide from ancient to modern times. The organization offers deep discounts on other publications to members as these publications are released.
Why is the American Numismatic Association located in Colorado?
The ANA headquarters was established adjacent to Colorado College in 1967, where, among other things, it has been able to house its headquarters, lending library, and museum. The ANA has the largest circulating numismatic library in the world. Due to the many services and programs the ANA offers collectors and dealers, it is necessary to have significant administrative space as well.
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