View Millions in Rare Coins and Numismatic Treasures

The American Numismatic Association’s National Money Show, taking place in Colorado Springs, Colorado, March 14-16, 2024, at the Broadmoor Resort, is packed with must-see exhibits, educational programs, youth activities, auctions, specialty organizations’ meetings, and the expansive bourse floor.

Historic World War II “Short Snorter” display

Be sure to make time to visit the “short snorter” display. This 64-foot-long display features bank notes autographed by World War II-era dignitaries. Courtesy of the non-profit organization Short Snorter Project, more than 1,300 signatures will be on display. According to Tom Sparks, founder of the Short Snorter Project, “This exhibit includes signatures from the short snorter collection of Air Force Major General Clayton Lawrence Bissell (1893-1972) featured on an episode of the popular television program Pawn Stars. There are 294 signatures of World War II admirals and generals, 17 presidents and prime ministers, and 37 ambassadors in the Bissell Collection.” Sparks went on to state that there are autographs from U.S. Presidents Herber Hoover, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Dwight D. Eisenhower when he was an active duty General. Included in the Prime Minister's signatures is Britain’s Winston Churchill. The full exhibit can be seen in Bartolin Hall at the Broadmoor Resort.

Money Museum Showcase

Be sure to make time to visit the Museum Showcase exhibit to see some of the world’s most beautiful and valuable coins and bank notes. The exhibit is located in Bartolin Hall of The Broadmoor. Select pieces from the Edward C. Rochette Money Museum will be on display for all to enjoy. For the first time in many years, one of the most coveted coins, the 1933 eagle, donated to the ANA more than 80 years ago by F.C.C. Boy and James Macallister, will be on display. With more than 312,500 produced, less than 40 are known to exist today. You’ll also see some of the first U.S. dimes from 1796 and 1797, some of the first U.S. large cents from the late 1790s, the unique World War II era Lincoln cent made in 1943 of bronze alloy instead of the zinc-coated steel that sold for more than $1 million. Making their first public appearance at the National Money Show will be a collection of obsolete Bank of the United States notes, including checks signed by President Andrew Jackson and General Winfield Scott.

Youth Programs

Getting youth involved in the hobby is a priority for the ANA. Two opportunities await young collectors attending the event. At the Young Collector Corner, open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., experienced numismatists will be on hand to share information with aspiring young collectors about the hobby. Scouts are encouraged to wear their uniforms and earn their Coin Collecting merit badge or Fun with Money patch.

Ernie’s Treasure Treehouse looks to be fun for the young ones as well. Head over to Table 468 and learn about collecting while playing arcade-style games and earn tokens to redeem for prizes. There will also be family trivia with more loot and treasure to be earned.

Make Time for the Money Talks

These educational 30-to-45-minute presentations are hosted by some of the hobby’s noted authorities and cover topics of interest to today’s collectors. Douglas Mudd, from the ANA, will host a session exploring the new Americana gallery and exhibit and the Edward C. Rochette Money Museum. Sam Gelbert, the ANA’s numismatic educator, will be conducting a session covering Coin Collecting Basics, suitable to all ages. More than a dozen sessions are being offered.

Hands-on Seminars

On Tuesday, March 12, and Wednesday, March 13, prior to the show officially opening, the ANA is offering small classes, limited to 25 attendees per event, which provide numismatists an opportunity to gather and network while gaining even more numismatic knowledge on important subject areas. Topics this year include Counterfeit Detection of U.S. Coins with Emphasis on Chinese-Made Fakes and Fundamentals of Grading U.S. Coins. The grading seminar has reached capacity already, while seats were still open at the time of this writing for the counterfeit detection seminar.

The National Money Show is open to the public Thursday, March 14, through Friday, March 15, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. Attendees 18 and older must present a valid photo ID to enter. For more information, visit the website.