2024 World’s Fair of Money a Success
From left, ANA President Tom Uram, U.S. Mint Director Ventris Gibson, and ANA Governor Phyllis Ross cut a ribbon signifying the official opening of the 2024 World’s Fair of Money in Rosemont, Ill.
American Numismatic Association
From August 6 to 10, the Chicago suburb of Rosemont, Ill., became a hot spot for the collector community. More than 9,000 budding and experienced numismatists flocked to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center to attend the American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) World’s Fair of Money (WFM). One of the most popular and well-attended coin conventions in the nation, the WFM set the bar high this year. Rosemont was the place to be, with 1,359 dealers and 15 mints from around the world, as well as rarities, displays, educational programming, auction lot viewings, social events, and more.
During the convention, the 505-table show floor was filled with collectors and dealers.
“The World’s Fair of Money is more than just an event; it’s an immersive and engaging experience that remains unmatched in the hobby community,” Tom Uram, ANA president. “I got such a kick out of walking the floor, meeting with the hardworking clubs and sharing my passion with so many amazing individuals.”
Numismatic News contributing writer and market analyst Rich Giedroyc was in attendance and made several observations about business on the bourse.
“Overall the dealers on the bourse floor were pleased with the turnout and their resulting sales,” said Giedroyc. “If anything, there were some complaints there wasn’t sufficient fresh material to be found. Others acknowledged there were plenty of desirable rarities to be had. I don’t have any hard statistics to back me up, but it appeared the attendees included a nicely balanced mix of young numismatists and adult collectors of all ages. Older collectors did not dominate the attendance. This is always a good sign for the future of the hobby.”
He continued, “In general, there was something for everyone, be you a novice or veteran collector. This was a well-organized and -conducted show.”
The United States Mint, along with Director Ventris C. Gibson, had a strong presence on the bourse.
For the second year in a row, United States Mint Director Ventris C. Gibson participated in the official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 6 alongside ANA representatives. Director Gibson was also a constant fixture at the Mint’s booth, where she signed official Mint products and shared information about upcoming products and programs.
During the show’s opening ceremony, Uram bestowed the Goodfellow Award upon Host Chair Dale Lukanich. This year, Len Augsburger was recognized as the honorary host chair. Additionally, the Chicago Coin Club was recognized with the Louis S. Werner Host Club Award.
Learning opportunities were abundant and well-attended during the show, including an offering of 15 Money Talks presentations and the Maynard Sundman/Littleton Coin Company Lecture Series. Money Talks topics included mythical creatures on coins, hobby trends, German hyperinflation notes, and more.
Coin of the Year book author Donald Scarinci poses after giving a Money Talk titled “Collecting Coin of the Year Winners.”
Donald Scarinci, author of the book Coin of the Year: Celebrating Three Decades of the Best in Coin Design and Craftsmanship, gave a Money Talk titled “Collecting Coin of the Year Winners.” The Coin of the Year (COTY) program is presented by World Coins News, a sister publication to Numismatic News.
The COTY awards ceremony was held on Thursday, Aug. 8. Sponsored by the ANA and The Journal of East Asian Numismatics, this annual competition recognizes outstanding coin designs worldwide. The United States won the top prize for its American Liberty high relief $100 gold coin. Berlin’s World Money Fair generously sponsored a celebration reception following the event. (See more coverage on page 16.)
Auggie H. tries his hand at the coin toss game in Ernie’s Treasure Treehouse during the ANA convention.
American Numismatic Association
Making its first appearance at a WFM, Ernie’s Treasure Treehouse (formerly the Kid’s Zone) had 271 young collectors lining up throughout the week to enjoy arcade-style activities. The ANA’s Treasure Trivia game, available to young children to learn about numismatics and earn prizes as they explore the bourse floor for answers, welcomed 120 participants. Saturday morning, The Young Collectors Corner offered valuable beginner information about coin collecting to 27 kids, with a surprise visit from U.S. Mint Director Ventris Gibson.
Benjamin Franklin reenactor Patrick McBride stands at The Elongated Collectors (TEC) booth with the machine and TEC representatives that stretched out coins for attendees.
American Numismatic Association
As an added bonus, Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington impersonators strolled the show floor, entertaining attendees with their hobby and history know-how.
The show floor featured one-of-a-kind exhibits. GreatCollections, the ANA’s official auctioneer, displayed the Specimen-66 1794 Flowing Hair silver dollar – which it purchased for $12 million in 2022 – at its table. Researchers and numismatic experts believe this was the first silver dollar ever minted at the U.S. Mint. This piece is now in private hands, giving collectors a once-in-a-lifetime chance to view this stunning rarity.
Show attendees take time to peruse the collector exhibits on display in Hall A of the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
American Numismatic Association
Also commanding attention was the Tyrants of the Nile exhibit. Billionaire collector, Dan O’Dowd’s display, debuted at the WFM and highlighted over 350 rare Egyptian treasures. One of the most notable coins in the collection was a c. 361-250 B.C. stater of Nectanebo II. It’s one of the only known Egyptian coins to feature hieroglyphic script.
The Collector Exhibits area featured over 60 competitive displays covering every conceivable numismatic interest. Professional numismatist Mark Ferguson presented a Marquee Exhibit (non-competitive) on what’s considered to be the world’s most famous coin: the 1804 dollar. With over 30 years of research, the exhibit was a collection of exceptionally rare numismatic literature, memorabilia, and original works of art (c. 1887) associated with the 1804 dollar.
The ANA’s own Money Museum Showcase highlighted two extraordinarily rare experimental-finish Saint-Gaudens double eagles (gold $20), a unique, complete U.S. denomination proof set of 1868 coins struck in aluminum (an extremely rare and expensive metal at the time) and obsolete bank notes from the Bank of the United States.
ANA Event Auctioneer Partners Stack’s Bowers Galleries and Heritage Auctions held lot viewing during the show, with their official sales taking place the following week.
Two popular collectibles made a huge impression on show attendees. Minted Assets gave away 200 free commemorative coins each day of the show at its table. This popular promotion had collectors lining up to get their hands on one. China’s ANA Show Pandas made their return to the WFM. Available exclusively from GovMint, these popular commemoratives with a one-year-only design feature landmarks or elements from the convention’s host city and always sell out fast.
ANA member awards and exhibit recognitions were held on Thursday and Friday, where members and member clubs accepted longevity membership pins, and numerous ANA authors received literary awards for exemplary articles that appeared in The Numismatist.
Chang Bullock (left) of Minted Assets and Tom Uram (right), present the 2024 Ascension Island $1 legal tender coin designed by Joel Iskowitz in celebration of the Chicago World’s Fair of Money and the birth of the ANA to Tom Michael, Coin of the Year co-coordinator.
Many deserving members received service awards and notable accolades during the banquet, including Dwight N. Manley (Chester L. Krause Memorial Distinguished Service Award), Bob Campbell (Lifetime Achievement Award), and Nancy Wilson (Elvira Clain-Stefanelli Memorial Award for Achievement in Numismatics). Top exhibit prizes were also presented at the event. The Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society was recognized with this year’s Philanthropy Award for its commitment to cultivating numismatic research and generous financial support to the ANA’s educational programs.
The next ANA convention is the 2025 National Money Show, to be held Feb. 27-March 1 at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, Ga. Visit nationalmoneyshow.com for up-to-date information about this event.
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