Hobby Back in Full Swing at World’s Fair of Money

See below for a photo gallery of the 2022 World's Fair of Money!

If asked what the overall sentiment was of dealers and attendees during the American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) 2022 World’s Fair of Money show Aug. 16-20 in Rosemont, Ill., the overwhelming answer would be a sense of normalcy. Although this was the second show held post-COVID, last year’s event was marked by the paradox of concerns surrounding a gathering that size during a pandemic and a sense of relief and joy for being able to make connections and purchases in person again.

Not so this year. The bourse held a healthy number of dealers, and there was a larger presence of non-dealer participants. For example, the U.S. Mint did not participate in last year’s event, but this year saw a large display and sales area – along with the attendance of newly named Mint Director Ventris C. Gibson.

The show felt, well, normal. There was a steady stream of public attendees and, while there wasn’t quite the buying frenzy seen last year, dealers reported decent business. Many seemed satisfied with the results of business-to-business sales held during Dealer Day on Aug. 15 prior to the convention’s opening.

A main attraction was the S.S. Central America exhibit that showcased the giant submersible machine that has recovered items from the sunken ship, as well as dozens of intriguing artifacts that have been pulled from the depths and restored. 

The major grading services, Professional Coin Grading Service and Numismatic Guaranty Company, were in attendance offering on-site grading, and a couple international mints such as the Royal Canadian Mint and Pobjoy were present.

The Numismatic Literary Guild held its annual awards banquet, and many honors were bestowed by the ANA onto its members. A countless number of club meetings and informational presentations were also held. More to come on these events in a future issue.