ANA Governors Review Finances and Investments

The American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) 2019 National Money Show® in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, welcomed a total of 3,002 people to the three-day event, held March 28-30 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. “The Pittsburgh convention was very successful thanks to the combined efforts of the great ANA staff and the tremendous support provided by PAN [Pennsylvania Association of Numismatists] and its volunteers,” said ANA President Gary Adkins. “The show was well attended and the venue overlooking the river and skyline was incredible.”

During the show’s opening ceremonies on Thursday morning, President Adkins presented National Money Show Host Chair Pat McBride with the ANA Goodfellow Award in recognition of his service. Adkins also recognized the host club, the Pennsylvania Association of Numismatists and its president, Tom Uram, with the Lewis S. Werner Host Club Award.

The event featured 180 companies buying and selling coins, currency and related items; a wide range of numismatic educational presentations led by notable speakers; a three-session sale by Kagin’s Auctions; and exhibits of priceless rarities from private collections and the American Numismatic Association’s Money Museum in Colorado Springs.

ANA President Gary Adkins addresses attendees during the PAN-hosted dinner to kick off the National Money Show.

The week kicked off on Wednesday, March 27 with a dinner hosted by PAN at the Five-Star Diamond Award-Winning LeMont Restaurant, known for its spectacular view of Pittsburgh from atop Mt. Washington. United States Mint Director David Ryder gave the keynote presentation on his efforts to revitalize the Mint, including an increase in marketing coin collecting.

A major draw for numismatists and the general public alike were the collector exhibits and the Museum Showcase. On display were a 1913 Liberty Head nickel, one of a mere five struck, and a Class III 1804 silver dollar, one of eight known. Also featured was a1943 Lincoln cent erroneously struck on a bronze planchet, and a world-class case filled with historic Pennsylvania paper money. A 1933 Indian Head eagle (gold $10) on display was a bona fide showstopper.

The Kids Zone offered youngsters a plethora of activities to engage them in coin collecting, including a Treasure Trivia game where they learned about numismatics and earned prizes as they explored the bourse floor in search of answers to trivia questions. A Young Collectors Corner also debuted this year, offering basic information about the hobby.

Former United States Mint Chief Engraver Don Everhart was the guest of honor at the ANA Legacy Series on Thursday afternoon, March 28. During the interview, moderated by Barbara Gregory, editor-in-chief of The Numismatist, attendees learned about his early years, professional challenges, and crowning achievements in the world of numismatic art and design. Everhart elaborated on his decades-long career during his “Money Talks” presentation, “Don Everhart: A Career in Coin Design,” on Friday, March 29. Nearly a dozen free Money Talks presentations were offered at the event, highlighting historically significant events, artistic vision and numismatic objects from around the globe.

Eleven of the 14 individuals who have received the necessary nominations for the 2019 ANA Board of Governors election participated in the Candidates Forum on Friday, March 29 to answer questions and express their views on a number of topics. (Video of the forum can be viewed on money.org/election.) In what can be described as an unusual election, two individuals are running for president, two for vice president and ten candidates are competing for seven governor positions. “This election has the largest number of candidates running that I can remember,” noted former ANA Board President Jeff Garrett. “The election is particularly important this year with so many seats being contested,” he said. “I urge everyone to watch the forum once it is posted.”

The $10 Treasury note from the War of 1812, part of the Joel Anderson Collection of Treasury Notes. The note realized $336,000 during Kagin’s auction at the National Money Show. Photo Courtesy of Kagin’s Auctions.

Kagin’s Auctions of Tiburon, California, served as the official auctioneer of the 2019 National Money Show. The multi-session sale featured a variety of interesting and important numismatic properties, from colonials, encased postage stamps and pioneer gold to tokens, medals and patterns. Total prices realized (with a 20% buyer’s premium) was $2.5 million, including:

  • $336,000 for a unique $10 Treasury note from the War of 1812 (Friedberg TN-14b) part of the Joel Anderson Collection of Treasury Notes. The 16 lots realized a total of $561,720.
  • $180,000 for an 1860 Clark, Gruber & Co. Pikes Peak $20 gold coin with a reeded edge, Rarity 6+, certified Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) “Graffiti [About Uncirculated] Detail.” One of nine known.
  • $38,400 for a 1796 “Reverse of 1794” large cent, graded PCGS Mint-State-62 Brown.
  • $28,800 for an 1888 $3 gold coin, graded PCGS Proof-65 Cameo.

Pittsburgh Show Attendance

According to ANA Executive Director Kim Kiick, attendance at the Pittsburgh National Money Show was relatively slow on Thursday and Friday, but more than a thousand people registered on Saturday. “Pittsburgh is a working town and as such, most people couldn’t get to the show until Saturday,” she said.

Tom Hallenbeck of Hallenbeck Coin Gallery agreed. “The momentum really picked up later in the week,” he said. “We stayed to the very end and it paid off for us. Our sales were great.”

Total attendance was 3,002, reflected as follows:

  • 1,796 general public
  • 708 ANA members
  • 32 volunteers and staff
  • 466 dealers and their assistants, representing 180 companies at 192 tables

Five-Year National Money Show Statistics

Year City Attendance
2019 Pittsburgh 3,002
2018 Irving 2,671
2017 Orlando 2,516
2016 Dallas 2,585
2015 Portland 4,592

The next ANA convention is the 2019 World’s Fair of Money® to be held August 13-17 in Chicago (Rosemont), Illinois, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. The 2020 National Money Show is slated for February 27-29 at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, Georgia. The ANA Board of Governors will be selecting the 2021 National Money Show site in May.

ANA Board of Governors Meeting

The ANA Board of Governors met in open session on Saturday, March 30 to review and approve the IRS Form 990 and Fiscal Year 2018 audited financial statement prepared by Waugh & Goodwin, LLP, and to receive an update on ANA financials from Treasurer Larry Baber.

Fiscal Year 2018 expenses were $5,806,161, of which $4,710,294 were directly related to ANA programs (conventions, magazine, education, museum, library) and $1,095,867 were for support services (marketing, fundraising, membership, development, administration).

“Our investment in the Ben E. Keith Corp. had an exceptional year with an increase in value of over $8.5 million,” Baber reported. “With assets of over $84 million we can continue to provide benefits to our members and the numismatic hobby.”

“The ANA has a very strong financial footing,” said President Adkins, “and a portion of the Keith funds can continue to be invested in the future of numismatic education. These amazing resources will be utilized prudently and judiciously to improve the ANA’s mission and strategic goals, while advancing the Association’s continued relevance and leadership.”

The ANA’s Fiscal Year 2018 audited financial statement and IRS Form 990 are available for review online at money.org/financial-reports.

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