The American Numismatic Association Board of Governors, on March 27, approved a recommendation from Executive Director Larry Shepherd to name Chicago as the site of the summer ANA World’s Fair of Money® in 2013, 2014 and 2015, and to launch a fall show in 2011.

Shepherd stressed the importance of branding Chicago as the home of the summer ANA World’s Fair of Money, noting the success FUN has had branding Orlando as its home, and Whitman establishing Baltimore as a show destination.

“By selecting a single good location, the ANA will brand its summer convention as an annual ‘coin show destination’ that all collectors and dealers will strive to attend. The dates will be tightly fixed, the location well known and easily accessible at a reasonable cost. But most importantly, it will give us an opportunity to expand our show and set it apart from all others.”

Shepherd said the convention hall space available at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (formerly the Rosemont Convention Center) in Chicago allows the ANA to increase bourse space, create more room for museum-quality exhibits, provide free space for clubs and professional organizations to meet, and provide more table options to attract new dealers and first-time buyer tables.

By encouraging specialty numismatic organizations to gather for the World’s Fair of Money, those organizations could make the summer ANA the destination for all of their annual meetings, symposiums and educational programs. Specialty numismatic organizations would be encouraged to offer educational content to all ANA members, with the ANA coordinating its presentations with those of specialty organizations, thus making it possible to further expand educational offerings. In addition, the time slot between the “Official Pre-Show” and the World’s Fair of Money could be used to add educational classes and tie-ins to Summer Seminar.
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The 59^th annual congress of the International Association of Professional Numismatists (I.A.P.N.) took place in Reykjavik, Iceland in May of 2010. Despite disruptive clouds of volcanic ash interfering with airlines flights the congress was well attended.

Many of the world’s top numismatic firms were in attendance, with eleven countries total being represented. The congress began May 21^st with opening ceremonies by I.A.P.N. President Paul Davies and Olafur Asgeirsson “Director of the National Archives of Iceland”.

Many important topics were discussed during the business sessions. These include the ongoing efforts of The International Bureau for the Suppression of Counterfeit Coins (I.B.S.C.C.) and the work being done to combat forgeries entering the market. The I.B.S.C.C. is a subsidiary of the I.A.P.N that’s primary function is focused on these areas.

Other discussions were held regarding new legislation regarding cultural properties, import regulations and its effects on the numismatic trade. Three new firms were elected including Stephen Album Rare Coins of Santa Rosa, California, Daniel Frank Sedwick of Winter Park, Florida and Patrick Guillard from Paris, France.
The I.A.P.N. also presented its annual book prize. Although many good books were submitted, this year’s winner was Helmut Zottl for his two volume work on the coinage of Salzburg.

Congress attendees were fortunate to visit the Museum of the Central Bank of Iceland where senior numismatist Anton Holt gave a viewing of their numismatic collection. Members were able to view coins tokens and what is considered by many to be the acme of Icelandic banknote collections.

The I.A.P.N. general assembly for 2011 is scheduled to be held in Edinburgh Scotland.
For more information on the I.A.P.N please visit www.iapn-coin.org

ACE projects create a new learning experience for many young students.

Ancient Coins for Education, Inc., entirely run by volunteers, was established in 2001 as a registered non-profit organization to encourage learning about Classical (Greek, Roman, and Byzantine) history and culture through the use of ancient coins. ACE provides coins to students nationwide for their study and attribution with the help of online and computer resources.

ACE is supported by professional and amateur numismatists that have donated coins for the students, their time and knowledge as classroom mentors, and even books on the subject. Each year ACE holds essay contests for students with the subject of the essay being a Roman Emperor or a member of their family. The prize is an ancient coin for the student to keep. Last years national winner, 15-year-old Wendy Owens, was celebrated in her local newspaper:

http://www.gazette.net/stories/03042010/urbanew163749_32555.php

Zee Ann Poerio, an ACE director and teacher at St. Louise de Marillac School in Pittsburgh, PA, pioneered the Ancient Coin Museums project, which has brought displays of history through ancient coins to a growing number of schools. Parents at the first opening in Pittsburgh were amazed to see the exhibits and many said they wished that they had such an opportunity when they were at school.

ACE students are not only learning about history, but are also introduced to archaeology in the form of simulated digs where they can excavate authentic ancient coins. The coins used in this project are mostly in poorer condition than the coins used as inspiration and prizes for the essay contests or in the museum displays. Though actually quite common, they are typical of the coins also found at most Roman period archaeological sites.

The private sector, too, has recognized the valuable work of ACE and the Ancient Coin Museum project. In 2007, a $2,500 Best Buy Teach Award was presented to St. Louise de Marillac School for demonstrating how interactive technology can be used to make learning more fun for students.

The Ancient Coin Collectors Guild (ACCG) supports the valuable work of ACE and all of its teachers in bringing new dimensions to learning about our classical heritage.

For information about ACE, and how to help with their worthwhile projects, visit:
http://ancientcoinsforeducation.org/