Enthusiasm trumps economy at Iowa show

This year’s 70th Annual Iowa Numismatic Association Coin Show and Convention, held Oct. 11-2, provided something for everyone. With 69 tables of coins, currency and numismatic material there was plenty to search through for collectors and viewers alike. Thirty-six dealers were set up to help collectors find that special coin or piece of currency.

The two-day show had an attendance of just over 300 collectors and viewers. The numbers attending the coin show were less than would have been expected for a normal market, but with the economic downfall the number who attended was a pleasant surprise. A survey of several dealers showed that business was better than they expected, especially with the depressed market. The dealers agreed that the coin show was well organized and that it was a fun two days.

Two educational seminars were presented on Oct. 11, one by Iowa National Bank Note specialist Donald Mark and another by Gary Henderson on Iowa “good for” trade tokens. Henderson is currently revising The Iowa Trade Token Book, which is due to go to the publisher within the next year.

There were also four displays for attendees to view. These were Bobby Hamling’s impressive collection of Civil War tokens, Mark’s collection of Iowa National Bank Notes, Henderson’s assortment of Iowa “good for” tokens and Tom Robertson’s vast assortment of Wapello County Trade Tokens. The INA displayed its museum collection of numismatic material as well.

The INA held its annual membership meeting and breakfast at 7 a.m. on Oct. 12, and 38 members were in attendance. Scott Nichols gave an informative and enjoyable presentation on his cross country bicycle trip to California.

The Aloes, a five-part harmony group, performed at the gathering. The song “I Don’t Know Why” was sung as a surprise to dealer Eugene Bright, and boy was he surprised! It was a special and emotional moment as the ladies sang and he danced with lead singer and INA member Marian Walker.

The meeting began with outgoing President John Jackson thanking the INA board of governors and the INA membership for their support during his term. He then introduced newly elected President Lee Roe and turned the president’s gavel over to him. Roe thanked Jackson for his two years of devoted service to the INA and presented John with the traditional outgoing president’s gavel. Roe then called the membership meeting to order, and it proceeded in normal fashion through to adjournment.

Denny Ross is bourse chairman for the Iowa Numismatic Association’s annual show.