Sold-out bourse, family activities, world-class exhibits, auction to wow visitors

The American Numismatic Association’s Fall National Money Show will showcase some of the world’s most valuable and historic numismatic items, 500 of the hobby’s best dealers, a world-class auction by Heritage Auctions and a wide variety of educational programs and family activities from Oct. 18-20 in Dallas.

The show at the Dallas Convention Center is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Oct. 18-19 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 20, with ticket sales ending 30 minutes before closing. Admission is free for ANA members and $6 for non-members. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free.

“We’ve sold out the floor in Dallas, and we’re looking at making room for more booths,” said ANA Executive Director Jeff Shevlin. “With precious metals prices high, we expect a lot of excitement and activity from collectors and the public. Our collaboration with Heritage Auctions in their own back yard will result in excellent attendance at the show.”

The ANA’s Museum Showcase (booth 527) will wow visitors with high-value pieces from the ANA Edward C. Rochette Money Museum and private collections, some with a distinct Texas flavor. Selections from the Harry W. Bass Jr. Collection, including the only complete set of $3 gold pieces, will be publicly displayed in Dallas for the first time.

Other highlights include the 1792 Silver Center cent, the 1793 Ameri Chain cent and the 1885 Proof Trade Dollar, courtesy of Bob R. Simpson; a display of famous error coins, featuring a 1943 “copper” Lincoln cent, courtesy of Robert Campbell; and 1892 and 1893 Columbian Exposition half dollars presented to President Kennedy while he was a U.S. senator from Massachusetts, courtesy of William Shamhart, Christine Monk and John Kraljevich.

Treasures from the ANA’s collection include a 1792 half disme, the Walton specimen 1804 dollar, the McDermott/Bebee specimen 1913 Liberty Head nickel, error notes from the Bebee collection and a selection of Texas paper money.

The ever-popular Collector Exhibits area gives ANA members the opportunity to share their collections and research with fellow hobbyists. Several dozen competitive and noncompetitive exhibits will be displayed this year on a wide range of topics.

Many of the more than 500 numismatic dealers attending the show will provide free, informal appraisals for visitors who bring in their old coins and paper money.

Heritage Auctions is the official auction company for the convention. For a complete schedule of lot viewings or for more information on the auction, go to www.HA.com.

“Coin Collecting 101,” an informal 30-minute presentation for hobby newcomers, will be held at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Oct. 18-19 in Hall D. Want to learn more? Take the free course “Coin Collecting Basics” with ANA Numismatic Educator Rod Gillis from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 20.

Gillis and ANA Governor Mike Ellis will present the two-day seminar, “Fundamentals of Grading U.S. Coins,” from Oct. 16-17. The seminar will cover many topics and emphasize the fundamental principles of grading circulated and mint state U.S. coins, including the history and evolution of grading standards, analysis of a coin’s focal points, technical and market grading, how to determine initial signs of wear and evaluating surface marks, strike, luster and eye appeal. The course costs $198 for ANA members or $298 for non-members. To enroll, call 719-482-9850 or go to www.NationalMoneyShow.com.

The ANA will offer Boy Scout Coin Collecting Merit Badge and Girl Scout Fun with Money Patch workshops on Oct. 20 (registration required). Registration information can be found at www.NationalMoneyShow.com.

Money Talks, held Oct. 19-20, lets ANA members discuss their research and ideas in a lecture format. Topics include ancient coins to World War II currency to Texas numismatic history.

Kids Zone and Treasure Trivia (booth 537) provide children and families with a variety of activities and chances to collect cool prizes.

At the ANA Area (booth 537), visitors can find out more about ANA membership, educational opportunities and watch videos about the ANA and coverage of the show itself. ANA members can start a library account, check out books on site and see special items from the library’s archives. Visitors can spin the prize wheel and enter for the chance to win 30 seconds in the Cash Cube.

Tony Hales is the event’s general chairman. The Texas Numismatic Association and the Dallas Coin Club are the show’s host clubs. The Fort Worth Coin Club, Northeast Tarrant Coin Club, Collin County Coin Club, Mid Cities Coin Club, Richardson Coin Club and Numismatics International are honorary host clubs. For more information on the show, call719-482-9849 or go to www.NationalMoneyShow.com.

The American Numismatic Association is a congressionally chartered nonprofit educational organization dedicated to encouraging people to study and collect money and related items. The ANA helps its 28,000 members and the public discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of education and outreach programs, as well as its museum, library, publications, conventions and seminars. For more information, call 719-632-2646 or go to www.money.org.