Dec 15, 2020 | Announcements, Shows & Conventions
February 4-6, 2021 Long Beach Expo Is Cancelled, Hopes
Remain High For June 2021
As a national show, the safety of our visitors, dealers, and employees will always be our top priority. With that in mind, it is with much sadness that we, in coordination with the Long Beach Convention Center, are announcing the cancellation of the February 4-6, 2021 Long Beach Coin, Currency, Stamp, and Sports Card Expo. Governor Gavin Newsom’s March 12 Executive Order to cancel all large gatherings due to the spread of COVID-19 must still be followed. It’s important to reiterate that there will be no business being conducted at the Long Beach Expo during the allotted show times in February.
If you are interested in participating in the February Long Beach Expo U.S. Coins Auction hosted by Heritage Auctions, the world’s largest numismatic auctioneer, they will be accepting online and phone bidding only. A link to the corresponding auction information and listings can be found here: U.S. Coins Auction
If you’re looking for that collectible show feel with an online experience, make sure you check out Collectors Corner. Many of the Long Beach Expo Dealers are selling their inventory on Collectors Corner today, so if you need that rare coin, currency, stamp, or sports card to complete your collection, make sure you give Collectors Corner a try. The marketplace is truly a one-stop shop for everything collectibles! A link to the Collectors Corner marketplace can be found here: Collectors Corner
With the spread of the coronavirus rapidly increasing throughout California, we want to wish everyone good health and safety. 2020 has truly been a difficult year for us all, but as long as we continue to stick together as an industry, 2021 will certainly be the light at the end of the tunnel.
For the Long Beach Expo, our focus will transition to doing everything in our power to make the June 17-19, 2021 Long Beach Expo a reality. When our show comes back, we will be ready to provide the BEST possible show to make up for all these cancellations. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back in our doors. We hope to see you then.
Stay tuned to all future Long Beach announcements: www.LongBeachExpo.com.
For all information regarding COVID-19: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov
-Long Beach Expo
Aug 15, 2020 | Announcements, Shows & Conventions
“Save the Date” Issued for Alternate Venue
(Baltimore, Maryland)—The Whitman Coin & Collectibles Expo scheduled for November 12–14, 2020, has been forced to move from the Baltimore Convention Center by Maryland’s ongoing mitigation of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
Maryland’s COVID-19 mitigation strategies include restricting public access to state buildings, including the Baltimore Convention Center, and controlling the size of public events.
Although the Expo has been forced to move from Maryland and the Baltimore Convention Center, it will still take place, at a venue to be announced. Whitman Expo manager Lori Kraft has issued a “Save the Date” to the hobby community. “We’re working on an alternate show venue,” Kraft said. “Collectors and dealers can count on an Expo event being held November 12–14, 2020. We’ll make an announcement soon with more details.”
Management and staff of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Expo express their concern for everyone affected by COVID-19. “We’re so thankful for the medical workers who continue to provide front-line care, and for everyone staying safe and looking out for their families and neighbors,” said Kraft.
The new location and a complete schedule of November Whitman Expo activities will be publicized as soon as the venue is confirmed. Updates and news will be posted at expo.whitman.com. Stack’s Bowers Galleries is monitoring the situation and will provide details of its still scheduled November 2020 Auction on their web site, www.stacksbowers.com, as soon as complete details are available.
For updates on COVID-19 in Maryland and elsewhere, visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov.
Jul 9, 2020 | Announcements, Shows & Conventions
Hopes for Return in February 2021
It is with a heavy heart that we, in coordination with the Long Beach Convention Center, are announcing the cancellation of the September Long Beach Coin, Currency, Stamp and Sports Card Expo. We are still adhering to the guidelines set forth by Governor Gavin Newsom’s March 12th Executive Order to cancel all large gatherings due to the spread of COVID-19. This show was initially scheduled for September 17-19, 2020. Once again, it’s important to reiterate that there will be no business being conducted at the Long Beach Expo during the allotted showtimes in September.
If you are interested in participating in the September Long Beach Expo U.S. Coins, Currency, or World Paper Money Signature Auctions hosted by Heritage Auctions, they will be accepting online and phone bidding only. Links to the corresponding auction information and listings can be found here: U.S. Coins Auction, U.S. Currency Auction, World Paper Money Auction.
With the increased spread of coronavirus cases throughout Southern California, we need to stand by our policy of putting the health and safety of our attendees, our exhibitors, and our staff first. After seeing the collectibles industry as a whole band together and support one another over the past couple of months, we at the Long Beach Expo are honored to be a part of this wonderful hobby. We know that we’ll all get through this together.
For the Long Beach Expo, well, our focus immediately turns to February 4-6, 2021 in Hall C. We can all agree that 2020 has been a difficult year; however, we think 2021 will present great highs for all of us. After all, it’s the Long Beach Expo way to offer the best auctions, exhibits and dealers in the business. We hope to see you then.
Stay tuned to all future Long Beach announcements: www.LongBeachExpo.com.
For all information regarding COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov
We wish you all continued good health and safety.
-Long Beach Expo
Jun 17, 2020 | ANA, Announcements, Shows & Conventions
ANA Board of Governors to Consider Alternate Options
The American Numismatic Association (ANA) announced today the suspension of the 2020 World’s Fair of Money®. The show, originally scheduled for August 4-8 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is the largest annual coin and paper-currency event in the United States.
The ANA Board of Governors has been deliberating the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the show and whether aggressive mitigation requirements to ensure the safety of attendees made continuing with the Pittsburgh event feasible. Current State of Pennsylvania guidelines restrict indoor gatherings to a maximum of 250 people at any one time. The World’s Fair of Money typically attracts upward of 10,000 people during its 5-day smorgasbord of educational offerings, live auctions, affiliated club meetings, and a bourse floor with nearly a thousand dealers and government mints from around the world.
The Board resolved in a vote on June 16 to postpone the show and to consider alternate sites and/or dates for the 2020 World’s Fair of Money.
According to Jennifer Ackerman, ANA conventions director, because of Pennsylvania’s restrictions on indoor gatherings, “none of the usual World’s Fair of Money offerings would be possible at the Pittsburgh show. No exhibits, no educational programming, no Kids Zone, no club meetings, no banquet, and a significantly reduced bourse. Our team has been in nearly daily conversations with the convention center, but it’s become evident that they are unable to fulfill their contractual obligations.”
Pittsburgh World’s Fair of Money Committee Chair Tom Uram noted the Pennsylvania Association of Numismatists (PAN) had “anticipated a convention that would showcase the ANA and the city of Pittsburgh. But based on our analysis and review of all relevant information – the diminished show experience for attendees, health and safety issues, security, financial impact and the significant unknown outside variables – the host committee recommended that the ANA Board not hold the Pittsburgh World’s Fair of Money,” he says.
Since 1891, the American Numismatic Association’s convention has only been cancelled twice; in 1918 during the flu pandemic and again in 1945 because of World War II.
“The decision to postpone the World’s Fair of Money was very emotional and extremely difficult,” says ANA President Steve Ellsworth. “The convention staff and the Pittsburgh organizing committee worked hard to make the show a reality. PAN went beyond all expectations to deliver what would have been a fantastic event, and I’m deeply disappointed that the collecting community won’t be able to experience the results of their efforts. I know we will return to Pittsburgh in the not-so-distant future. In the meantime, we will pursue opportunities to host the event in another city in the weeks ahead.” Options briefly discussed include The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the Mountain America Expo Center and Salt Palace Convention Center, both of which are located in Salt Lake City, Utah.
“During these trying and socially-isolated times, we were looking forward to reconnecting with our fellow numismatists,” says ANA Executive Director Kim Kiick. “We’re disappointed we won’t be seeing everyone in Pittsburgh but are working hard to create other opportunities to connect.”
“The ANA and PAN recognize that dealers, clubs and many individuals may have already made plans and reservations in Pittsburgh for August,” says Ackerman. Hotel room reservations within the reserved block in the Omni William Penn, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Courtyard or Westin Convention Center that were made through VisitPittsburgh Housing Services automatically will be cancelled within 48 hours; do not contact the hotel directly. For those that made lodging accommodations directly with a hotel, cancellation will need to be made directly with those entities. Lodging questions should be directed to housing@visitpittsburgh.com.
Dealers will be contacted directly by the ANA convention team. “To mitigate the influx of calls and emails, dealers will be contacted by phone within the next week to discuss the option of a future credit towards an ANA show or a refund,” Ackerman says. “The ANA convention staff will be reaching out to every dealer who reserved a table at Pittsburgh. Your patience is much appreciated.”
Jun 17, 2020 | Announcements, Shows & Conventions
Health restrictions force cancellation of planned events
(Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) June 17, 2020 –Citing pandemic-related restrictions imposed by the Governor of Pennsylvania, the Professional Numismatists Guild (www.PNGdealers.org) has canceled its planned 2020 PNG Day Show that was scheduled for Monday, August 3, in the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh.
The 2020 PNG show had been conveniently set to be in the same location as the American Numismatic Association’s World’s Fair of Money® which now has also been canceled. Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf’s latest coronavirus-related proclamation continues to impose limits on the number of people who can gather in one location, such as a convention or coin show.
“Because of the health and safety concerns, PNG is canceling its planned 2020 PNG Day show and the PNG awards banquet that was to be held on August 3 in Pittsburgh has also been canceled,” said PNG Executive Director Robert Brueggeman.
For additional information, contact the Professional Numismatists Guild by phone at 951-587-8300 or by email at info@pngdealers.org.
May 26, 2020 | Announcements, Shows & Conventions
It is with great disappointment that the FUN board of directors is announcing Summer FUN 2020 is cancelled. The FUN board has worked hard to make this show a reality, desperately wanting to provide a venue for our dealers to get back to what they love and have our numismatic community be able to convene again. However, it has become clear that the “cons” far outweigh the “pros” at this point in time.
First and foremost is the concern for the health and well-being of our dealers, our service providers and our public attendees. There are currently many concerns and also many unknowns about how things will be in early July. The FUN board voted and approved the purchase of masks and hand sanitizer for our attendees, but was still apprehensive about being able to keep everyone safe with some level of social distancing and other safety measures.
From Bob Hurst, President of FUN: “Our auction partner, Heritage Auctions, has endorsed this decision and has graciously agreed to transfer the Summer FUN auction consignments to their upcoming official auction of the ANA in Pittsburgh August 3rd-8th.”
From Steve Ivy, C.E.O. of Heritage Auctions: “We understand and fully endorse the decision of the FUN organization. The safety and health of the numismatic community is the first and foremost consideration. Heritage Auctions and its entire staff look forward to the upcoming winter show and auction in January with even more anticipation than normal.”
Our clubs are unable to get their members to commit to attend the show and are canceling their FUN-sponsored club buses. We believe this is a good indicator that the public is not yet comfortable attending a convention.
If you booked a hotel reservation through FUN’s official housing bureau your reservation will automatically be cancelled.
FUN deeply regrets disappointing many people, but we look forward to better days ahead and a hugely successful show in January 2021. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate these unprecedented situations.
May 22, 2020 | ANA, Announcements, Shows & Conventions
August Convention Remains on the Schedule
While the country begins to re-open for business and stay-at-home restrictions are lifted, the American Numismatic Association (ANA) continues to plan for the World’s Fair of Money. The premier convention features all things related to coin collecting. This year, the ANA is returning to Pittsburgh, Penn., Aug. 4-8.
Amid the pandemic, the ANA has been communicating with the convention committee of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The situation is fluid and the status of the show depends on COVID-19 restrictions set up by the State of Pennsylvania. At present, the City of Pittsburgh is following the guidance of Governor Tom Wolf, and final decisions have not yet been made regarding summer convention center activities.
“This show will not look like a typical World’s Fair of Money,” said ANA Executive Director Kim Kiick. “We’re working closely with the convention center on modifying meeting rooms to adhere to social distancing protocols and local regulations for lectures, meetings and receptions.”
Some of the changes to the convention could include a more spread out bourse floor to accommodate appropriate distancing between tables, moving presentations to a virtual format and providing supplies such as hand sanitizer, masks and digital thermometers to take the temperatures of attendees.
Given the current state of affairs and a lack of clear guidance from the State of Pennsylvania and the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, the ANA is unable to provide more information at this time. The association continues to closely monitor COVID-19 developments, both locally and nationally, and will keep the public informed with any updates.
“As each day passes, the country continues to adjust and adapt better to the virus,” said ANA President Steve Ellsworth. “Restrictions continue to be eased and each day the status of the show improves. Many dealers, exhibitors and members are still registering to attend the show – we continue to get requests for dealer space from new dealers – and our first priority in planning for this event is the health and safety of our members.”
If the ANA is unable to move forward with the World’s Fair of Money, all payments by exhibitors, dealers and members to the ANA will be fully refunded or given credit towards the 2021 World’s Fair of Money.
Questions, concerns or feedback about the upcoming convention can be sent to convention@money.org.
The American Numismatic Association is a congressionally chartered, nonprofit educational organization dedicated to encouraging the study and collection of coins 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 educational and outreach programs as well as its museum, library, publications and conventions. For more information, call 719-632-2646 or visit money.org.
May 5, 2020 | Announcements, Shows & Conventions
PCGS Considers Additional Members Only Shows to Offset COVID-19 Effects
The numismatic hobby, like seemingly every other part of our lives, finds itself at a crossroads. How and when will it be safe to go back to everyday normal life? Is what we consider “normal” going to be normal at all? The world is on edge, and it’s no different in the world of numismatics. How will the events of the last few months shape numismatics for years to come? We all know there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, but at this moment we simply don’t know what the future holds, and our hobby is currently held hostage by the uncertainty of the ongoing crisis.
While many people think of numismatics as simply a hobby, it’s also a segment of the collectibles industry that employs tens of thousands of people in small and medium-sized businesses around the US. To those who are employed in the numismatic industry or use rare coins to store wealth or invest for the future, it’s much more than just a pastime. Unfortunately, many of these businesses and individuals are largely dependent on in-person interactions to conduct business. The loss of coin shows for the remainder of 2020 would leave a vacancy in the numismatic community resulting in a ripple of further uncertainty. Thankfully, numismatics has proven to be historically resilient, and we at PCGS will be doing our part to ensure our hobby continues to grow and thrive.
In response to this uncertainty, PCGS is announcing the potential addition of three “substitute” PCGS Members Only Shows to the 2020 numismatic show calendar in the event major numismatic trade shows are not able to occur as originally planned. If the August ANA World’s Fair of Money in Pittsburgh, the September Long Beach Expo, and/or the November Whitman Winter Expo in Baltimore are cancelled, PCGS will plan to host smaller, substitute PCGS Members Only Shows during their originally scheduled dates. These shows would likely occur in either Las Vegas, Nevada, or Southern California, depending on local and federal safety restrictions and guidelines in place at that time. Our longstanding relationships with venues in these locations puts PCGS in the unique position of hosting fit-to-scale trade shows on short notice.
For those who have not had a chance to attend, PCGS Members Only Shows are opportunities for coin hobbyists to meet and trade in a smaller, laid-back, casual show environment. Attendance at these shows is included as a free benefit to PCGS Collectors Club members and Authorized Dealers. Since 2009, PCGS has hosted six Members Only Shows per year, with half typically occurring at a major casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the remainder occurring across various venues throughout the United States.
Should these much smaller “substitute” shows occur, PCGS is committed to strictly following state and CDC guidelines to ensure the health and safety of all attendees. Whatever guidelines we need to follow, temperature checks at the door from a licensed professional, social distancing, greater space between tables, limited numbers of people on the bourse floor at one time – we will make it happen. We’ll build an event that safely fits within guidelines laid out by the respective venue as well as state and federal government regulations.
We truly hope that our back-up Members Only Shows will not be necessary and that all existing shows occur as originally scheduled, but PCGS stands ready. Our hobby has always been one of face-to-face interactions and transactions. It is massively important to the numismatic community that in-person events resume safely, whether large or small, to keep the spirit of our hobby strong.
Fondly,
Brett Charville
President, Professional Coin Grading Service
Apr 24, 2020 | Announcements, Shows & Conventions
Ongoing Public Health Crisis Has Restricted the Baltimore Convention Center
Stack’s Bowers Galleries’ Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Expo, Will Hold its Auction in California.
(Baltimore, Maryland)—Maryland’s ongoing state of emergency, declared March 12 by Governor Larry Hogan to help control the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, has closed the June 2020 Whitman Coin & Collectibles Expo bourse. The Expo, originally scheduled for June 18–20 at the Baltimore Convention Center, will be closed for all bourse activities including dealer buying and selling, educational programs, and club meetings. The auction of Stack’s Bowers Galleries will be held on the previously announced dates at its California home offices. Please visit www.stacksbowers.com for auction details and updates.
Part of Maryland’s containment strategies include restricting public access to state buildings and controlling public events.
Management and staff of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Expo continue to express their concern for everyone affected by COVID-19. “Social distancing is a crucial part of Maryland’s strategy for flattening the hospital-capacity curve,” said Whitman Expo manager Lori Kraft. “The state continues to monitor the pandemic. We’re grateful for front-line medical workers, and we understand the need to cooperate so everyone stays as safe as possible. Our dealers and the hobby community are looking forward to getting back to business, and we anticipate an even busier and better Expo in November.”
A complete roster of bourse activities will run throughout the November 12–14 Expo. “We have some exciting announcements in the works, some of the greatest names in the hobby will be there, and everyone will be ready to jump back into a booming market after energy has been building for a few months,” said Kraft.
Updates and news regarding the Whitman Baltimore Expo will be posted at expo.whitman.com.
Apr 8, 2020 | ANA, Announcements, Shows & Conventions
American Numismatic Association (ANA) members are encouraged to share their ideas and research with fellow hobbyists by delivering a Money Talks presentation at the 2020 World’s Fair of Money® in Pittsburgh, Aug. 4-8 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
Those interested in giving a Money Talks presentation should submit an online proposal at money.org/numismatic-events/money-talks. Proposals are due no later than May 1 (despite information contained in the April issue of The Numismatist, the deadline to submit materials is Friday, May 1).
The Association continues to closely monitor COVID-19 developments and is hopeful that conditions will have improved by early summer so the World’s Fair of Money can be held as scheduled. In the meantime, planning for the event continues.
The informative 30- to 45-minute Money Talks are presented by some of the hobby’s most noted authorities and allow collectors to share their expertise with the numismatic community. Presentations from previous shows include “Siege Notes: The Currency of War,” “Strategies to Dispose of Your Collection” and “Curious Currency of the World.”
Money Talks presentations should be accompanied with digital images. Speakers should arrive 15 minutes prior to their presentation to set-up. Contact Sam Gelberd, the ANA’s numismatic educator, at (719) 482-9846 for additional information.
Proposals can be submitted online or emailed to sgelberd@money.org.
The World’s Fair of Money is one of the largest, most educational coin shows in the country and features nearly a thousand numismatic dealers with extensive inventories. The show includes a wide range of technical seminars and educational presentations; an exhibits area; major auctions by Heritage Auctions and Stack’s Bowers Galleries; and the ANA Museum Showcase, exhibiting some of the world’s most rare and valuable coins and paper money. For more information, visit worldsfairofmoney.com.
The American Numismatic Association is a congressionally chartered nonprofit educational organization dedicated to encouraging people to study and collect coins and related items. The ANA helps its 25,000 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.
