Over 3,500 Money Enthusiasts Turn Out for the 2024 National Money Show in Colorado Springs

Cool collectors were surprised by an unexpected spring snowstorm at the Colorado Springs National Money Show® (NMS), held March 14-16 at the world-renowned Broadmoor resort. The ANA welcomed over 3,500 people to the three-day event. "Despite the unexpected cold snap, attendance exceeded our 2022 Broadmoor convention," said ANA Executive Director Kim Kiick. "Thankfully, the snow started melting, and by Saturday, we saw the crowds flock to see the rare and beautiful displays of numismatic treasure!"

"Attendees had a great time participating in this year's educational offerings, and the convention provided some much-needed reprieve from the unusually chilly weather," added ANA Events Director Jennifer Ackerman.

U.S. Mint Director Ventris C. Gibson welcomed the crowd when she delivered her remarks during the show's opening ceremony. ANA President Thomas J. Uram presented National Money Show Host Chair David Starling with the ANA Goodfellow Award in recognition of his service. He also bestowed a Presidential Award on ANA Treasurer Erik Jansen. The Lewis S. Werner Host Club Award, given annually to the event’s host clubs, was presented to the Colorado Springs Coin Club and the Colorado Springs Numismatic Society.

This year's NMS featured 428 dealers at nearly 200 tables buying and selling coins, paper currency, and related items; a wide range of educational presentations led by notable speakers; a reimagined arcade-style destination for K-12 collectors; an exhibit of priceless rarities from private collections and the ANA's Edward C. Rochette Money Museum; and so much more.

Museum Showcase/Exhibit Opening

The Museum Showcase featured a bevy of rarities, including three of the first U.S. dimes; a pristine 1933 eagle (gold $10); a near-complete set of Lesher silver dollars; the first-time public appearance of select Bank of the United States obsolete notes, recently donated by John and Nancy Wilson; and a spectacular collection of 18th century U.S. large cents loaned by Ron Firman.

On Thursday, March 14, the ANA hosted a member reception and exhibit opening for the new Americana Gallery exhibit at its headquarters. Over 170 visitors were delighted with the new permanent display, which features iconic rarities of American numismatics from Money Museum collections.

During the Museum member reception, Kagin's Inc. was presented with this year's ANA Philanthropy Award. This award publicly honors and recognizes substantial contributions donated to the Association in support of its strategic mission that helps to further expand, enhance, and sustain the hobby.

Library Book Sale

Numismatic Library held special book sales at ANA headquarters during each day of the convention. These efforts, led by ANA Library Manager Akio Lis, netted $4,217. "We are so grateful for everyone who donated and purchased items," noted Lis. "These funds will expand the library's holdings and improve our facilities."

Collector Exhibits

Collector Exhibits engaged participants with 25 stunning displays, regarded as some of the best at any National Money Show. (Visit money.org/nationalmoneyshow-exhibit-descriptions to see the full exhibit list.) Steve Shupe won People's Choice for "Trimes—Silver Three Cent Coins, 1851-1873," and Eddie Swanson won Best of Show for "Presidents of the Progressive Era (1897-1920)." The ANA recognized the top educational displays on Saturday afternoon with an exhibit awards presentation and reception.

Educational Talks
Collectors took advantage of the many available educational opportunities, including technical seminars on U.S. coin grading and counterfeit detection. The always popular "Money Talks" presentations from 12 numismatic experts covered various topics. Bob Bair pulled double duty, leading two discussions on numismatic art and coin design. ANA Education Director Christian Strayhorn introduced readers to the ANA's upcoming eLearning Academy Launch. (To learn more about the eLearning Academy before the April 29 release date, visit money.org/education.)

Young Collector Activities

Making its debut at this year's NMS, Ernie's Treasure Treehouse (formerly the ANA Kids Zone) proved massively popular with families and kids. Visitors even had a chance to interact with Ernie, the ANA's official Young Numismatist (YN) mascot, while walking the show floor.

Designed for collectors in grades K-12, Ernie's Treasure Treehouse offered arcade-style activities such as coin-collecting "Plinko" and the opportunity to design a commemorative coin. Participants earned "Hoot Loot," comparable to tickets won at an arcade, that could be redeemed for coin-related prizes. "During peak hours, attendees had to wait in line just to get in. It was exciting to see more than 200 young collectors having so much fun learning about coins," noted ANA Education Director Christian Strayhorn.

Treasure Trivia was a big hit with families, with 189 collectors participating to learn about numismatics and earn prizes as they explored the show floor, searching for answers to trivia questions. A Young Collectors Corner taught by ANA Numismatic Education Manager Sam Gelberd offered basic information about the hobby to 21 young enthusiasts.

Board Meeting

The ANA Board of Governors held a live Open Session meeting at The Broadmoor just before the show on Friday, March 15. They announced the 2025 National Money Show will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, at the Cobb Galleria Centre, February 20-22. The vote was unanimous.

Sponsors

Organizations contributing to the success of the convention include corporate sponsors: GreatCollections, Numismatic Conservation Services (NCS), Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), and Paper Money Guaranty (PMG); sponsors: ANACS, Angel Dee's Coins and Collectibles, C&C Coins and Collectables, Coleman Foster, Early Cents Auctions; Hallenbeck Coin Gallery; U.S. Coins; Classical Numismatic Group (CNG), and Universal Coin & Bullion.