Exhibit Descriptions
A March of Dimes to a Song of Sixpence
This is an exhibit of dime-sized 19th and 20th century silver coins from around the world. Similarities in weight and composition are noted and discussed , along with the causes for these similarities. The exhibit highlights the effects of colonization, monetary unions, and trade on these minor silver coins.
Un Bon de Solidarité ne se refuse pas! – ‘You can’t say no to a Solidarity Bond’
The history, use, issues and common misconceptions surrounding this French State program that collectors cannot refuse.
During World War II, the French State (Vichy France) was established under the strict “supervision” its German occupiers. With that came the Nazi mandate to privatize public assistance programs, typically under the banner of the local National Socialist Party. This exhibit explains the implementation of the French State’s Bon de Solidarité program, its often-misunderstood use, issues and financial connection to the French National Lottery during the occupation. Although this area of numismatics is very poorly researched and commonly misunderstood, these pieces of ephemera are visually stunning and very popular with wartime numismatists. This exhibit contains each denomination issued, discusses the major varieties and dozens of minor variations that are available to collectors.”
Remembering the Gentleman in the Blue Blazer
This exhibit honors one of the nicest gentlemen I have ever met at an A.N.A.’s World Fair of Money convention. You will learn a little about his life and many numismatic achievements and awards.
Who Charles Steigerwalt
The exhibit discusses Mr. Steigerwalt’s life from his childhood to his tragic death. You will learn he was not only an auctioneer but also a coin dealer, publisher, and collector of many articles. He would become one of the foremost numismatists of his time. Even today, Mr. Steigerwalt is still referred to in coin auction catalogs and other numismatic publications.
A Zionist So-Called Dollar
This exhibit centers around a discovery piece, a World War One Armistice medal (So-Called Dollar HK-896) with an American flag crossed with a Zionist (now called Israel) flag. It gives the historic context of the role of Zionism in the Allied war effort, including other artifacts and commemoratives of Britain’s Jewish Legion.
Collecting Commemorative Israel Coins by Series
Since 1958, Israel has issued commemoratives annually, in a wide variety of metals, denominations, and subject matter. Collecting or studying these coins (and associated notes and medals) can be overwhelming. This exhibit breaks down all commemorative coins, mint sets, notes, and bullion issues into a score of series, according to the forthcoming revised catalog by the American Israel Numismatic Association, to show the breadth of issues, and to encourage collecting by specializing in a particular series or creating a type set across series.
Israel’s Coin Designs: Ancient Masterpieces and Modern Inflation
The State of Israel was founded in 1948 as the Third Jewish Commonwealth, successor to the tribes, judges, and monarchies of ancient Israel. The modern state reflected this in her circulating coinage, which only uses designs based on ancient artifacts or motifs. Due to inflation, Israel’s coinage has evolved through 32 different denominations of 20 unique values, utilizing 17 distinct designs. This exhibit describes the designs used on coins at nine distinct points in time, as well as the changes to denominations and metal content wrought by inflationary pressures.
Vermont’s Catamount
This exhibit describes the unusual design of the Vermont Sesquicentennial half dollar, shows other medals using a similar design, and discusses the history of the Catamount Tavern and its namesake catamount.
Tragic Dynasty: The Heraclians of Byzantium
“In AD 610 the Byzantine Empire was ruled by a brutal tyrant and on the brink of collapse in the face of an invasion. Heraclius, son of the Exarch (Governor) of Africa, removed the tyrant, destroyed the invaders, restored the Empire to greatness, and founded the first great Byzantine Dynasty. When the Dynasty fell in 711, the Empire’s ruler – Heraclius’ great-great-grandson – was a brutal tyrant and the Empire had lost most of its territory and population to a new invader.
The history of the Heraclian Dynasty is a tragedy of Shakespearean proportions. This Exhibit tells that story.”
24 Centuries of the Denarius
“The coin known as the Denarius served as the foundation of Roman economic power for over 450 years. Although Rome abandoned the coin more than 17 centuries ago, the Denarius lives on in our cultural memory. Over the centuries many nations have minted coins that were based on the Denarius but which were known to their users in their own languages as a Dinars or some comparable term that came directly from “Denarius.”
This Exhibit presents a gallery of 24 “Denarius” coins, one for each century in which these coins have been minted. The coins were minted by different nations at different times under different circumstances, but they are linked by their common descent from one small silver coin that long ago helped build the greatest empire the world had ever seen.”
Lost and Found! A Selection of Shipwreck Numismatics
Featuring coins and currency recovered from lost ships, this exhibit examines how shipwreck treasures are discovered, conserved, and authenticated. Through certified examples, it tells the stories of the voyages, the recoveries, and the enduring legacy of shipwreck numismatics.
The 1804 Large Cent
The 1804 Large Cent has fascinated numismatists for over 200 years. From the advent of American coin collecting and continuing into the present day, it has been viewed as one of the key dates to the series, and one of the rarest cents issued in the 233-year history of the denomination. With that background, it has also become one of the most studied issues. Here, I will take a look at some of the research into this exciting coin using materials from Walter Breen and R.W. Julian, as well as a pair of coins: one 1804 original and one “restrike”.
Our National Pastime: Baseball on Elongated Coins
This exhibit will feature a selection of baseball-themed elongated coins that pay tribute to our national pastime.
A Celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Sacagawea Dollar
In honor of the ANA convention theme “Native American Heritage” as well as the 25th anniversary of the Sacagawea Dollar, I will be exhibiting a collection of the coins from 2000-2025, with special focus on the 2009 and later issues honoring important contributions made by Native Americans to our national development.
A Counterfeiter’s Paradise: North Carolina’s Handwritten Money of 1729
This exhibit explores North Carolina’s 1729 emission of fully handwritten paper currency—a format that proved irresistible to counterfeiters. It showcases original research comparing authentic signatures of the note signers, drawn from 18th-century wills and documents, with those found on a contemporary note that was rejected as counterfeit.
Jacques Wiener’s “Most Remarkable Edifices of Europe” – The Complete Varieties
The purpose is to showcase the known varieties of these architectural medals within the context of the buildings they commemorate. Examples of all but two varieties are provided; for these two varieties images are substituted. The exhibit is organized by edifice, showcasing the building, its history, an image of the edifice from the mid-19th century when the medals were produced, and the associated 60mm medals created by Wiener. In most cases, obverses and reverses are displayed along with information based on the exhibitor’s research. This exhibit is the precursor to the book published by the ANS in 2019. An earlier version of this exhibit won Best of Show at the 2016 NMS.
Personal Military Challenge Coin Collection
This military challenge coin collection aims to highlight a fifteen-year career. Beginning with the active-duty U.S. Navy, one case will highlight the ship USS Truxtun that accounted for four of the six Navy years, along with associating ships and naval stations. Case two will feature U.S. Air Force coins, showcasing the seventh through fifteenth years. Features AWACS coins from the Reserve Squadron at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. A third case provides for extracurricular military-related coins, such as volunteering with the Civil Air Patrol.
World War I Centennial Medals from 2018
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the end of “the war to end all wars”, all five U.S. Military branches from that era are represented with a unique design that highlights each of the branches involvement in the war.
Fractional Currency Literature
To showcase some of the different reference books, dealer fixed price lists, articles and auction catalogs related mainly to fractional currency. It will include books with heavy fractional currency information that is not the main purpose of the book.
Spencer Morton Clark–Maligned and Misunderstood–But Ever a Loyal Servant
To show most of the varieties of the third issue five-cent fractional series with the central vignette of Spencer Morton Clark, the first superintendent of the BEP.
Inflationary Currency of Israel, 1980-1985
This exhibit shows how the economic problems faced by Israel in the early 1980s necessitated annual changes in the country’s coinage and paper money. After implementing a transition from the lira to the sheqel in 1980, Israel had to add higher denominations of coins and banknotes each year from 1981 to 1984, and eventually discontinued the lower denominations from the original series. The story of Israel’s currency in the early 1980s demonstrates the effects the economic situation of a country has on the coins and banknotes the country produces.
George Washington Carver on U.S. Coins and Medals
This exhibit displays U.S. coins, medals, and tokens depicting George Washington Carver, the celebrated agricultural scientist and Tuskegee Institute researcher. Dr. Carver was featured on the 2024 American Innovation dollar for Missouri, and had previously been honored along with Booker T. Washington on a series of half-dollar commemoratives in the 1950s. This exhibit showcases these coins along with various unofficial tokens and medals.
Selection of FAO Coins that Depict Fishes
A topical exhibit celebrating the fascinating design of fishes by showcasing Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) commemorative coins that depict various kinds of fishes. Including both circulation coins and special, non-circulating coins from various parts of the world. Compositions of silver, copper-nickel, steel, aluminum, and bronze coins are included, spanning years from 1971 to 2001. The exhibit also features coins from the FAO’s World Fisheries Conference of 1983-1984.
Postage Stamp Scrip Notes
Rare with two unique obsolete scrip notes issued during the War of 1861 with actual postage stamps attached to them, so they could be used as actual money.
War of 1812 Mint Error/Mule of Congressional Medal to Commandant Jesse D. Elliott
Mint error medal combining the obverse of a medal awarded by Congress to Commandant Jesse Elliott hero of the lake Erie battle with the reverse of the medal awarded by Congress to Lieutenant Robert Henley hero of the battle of lake Champlain, both during the war of 1812. The medal which is a later re-strike (ca 1880s-1890s) is a rather rare mint error or mule. The exhibit intends to show evidence that this mule went undetected and is rather uncommon.
Travel is my Therapy
Elongated Coins are one of my favorite souvenirs when traveling. Trips are sometimes even planned around where the machines can be found. Elongateds are the perfect travel souvenir… they don’t take a lot of space, are inexpensive, and can last a lifetime.
Oklahoma Souvenir Medallions
To celebrate five local Oklahoma attractions that are unique and fun to visit, including the world-class Sam Noble Museum of Natural History at the University of Oklahoma, in Norman. Also included is a medallion from the one-of-a-kind Museum of Osteology in south Oklahoma City that features over 800 skeletons from all over the world. And along with the OKC Zoo and the Jenks Oklahoma Aquarium near Tulsa, is the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum close by in north Oklahoma City.
Faith & Identity: Dog Tag Religious Medals
As soldiers were leaving for the uncertainty of war, soldiers, families and religious communities sought to create a way to mark the soldier’s religious identity, whether to call the “right” chaplain or for other reasons. The medals in this exhibit, worn on the soldier’s ID/dog tag chain. were one mark of that faith identity.
TV Shows Memories: An Elongated Coin Series by Don Adams
This exhibit will take visitors on a walk down memory lane by displaying coins depicting a selection of iconic television programs and their stars. The set is a tribute to the earlier, simpler days of television, offering a glimpse into the shows that have come to be considered the “Golden Age” of television.
An Overview of the Liberty Seated Coinage
The Liberty Seated coinage was with us in the United States from 1837-1891, carrying us from Andrew Jackson to Benjamin Harrison, from a union of 26 states to one with 44, from before the telegraph to after the incandescent light, motion pictures, and phonograph, and through the sections, the civil war, reconstruction, and the age of innovation. They are tied into United States history. Many collectors find them inaccessible due to cost, but this exhibit will give an overview that might inspire some to take on this series in a way that covers its entire span without requiring collecting hundreds of coins.
First Wife: A Complete Set of Denarii Struck for Empress Julia Cornelia Paula
The silver coins in this collection, known as denarii, were minted in the name of Julia Paula during her short marriage. There are six coins total: one to show her obverse portrait and one for each of the five official reverse designs. The title “First Wife” alludes to Julia Paula’s place as Elagabalus’s first consort and evokes the modern notion of a “first lady” —a figure meant to project dignity, tradition, and public virtue. Her coins reflect this role, though her time in it was fleeting.
A Young Wife’s Tale: The Rise and Tragic Fall of the Roman Empress Plautilla
This exhibit showcases a curated selection of bronze and silver coins relating to Plautilla, wife of Emperor Caracalla. Struck in Rome and its eastern provinces, they offer a rare glimpse into the brief and enigmatic life of a woman once at the center of Roman power but now mostly forgotten.
Zeppelins and the Great War: A Medallic History of German Military Airships in World War I
The medals shown here offer insight into the pivotal role of zeppelins in this so-called Great War. Most are from Germany. Also included are a few examples of trench art from England made from fragments of zeppelin wreckage. Together, they tell the grim yet fascinating story of zeppelin warfare and its profound influence on the modern concept of total war. In doing so, there is no attempt to catalog every type and variety of medal. Only those used to illustrate this story are discussed, from the prelude to hostilities, as mentioned in the text below, to the complex and devastating dynamics of the zeppelin war in the air.
Flower Fairy Coins
Being unable to go to school due to epilepsy, Cicely Mary Barker spent most of her time drawing and spending time in nature. She went on to write and illustrate her first book of short poems in 1923. Today, the Flower Fairy story has a worldwide audience that has capture the imagination of young and old alike. Almost a century later a beautiful series of commemorative and legal tender coins was released celebrating the Flower Fairy story.
Liberty Centennial Coins
In 2016 the United States Mint celebrated the 100th anniversary of three famous silver coins with the release of three gold coins. The Liberty Centennial Gold Coin Program used the artistry, designs and approximate dimensions of the United States silver coins that were first issued in 1916 including the Winged Liberty or “Mercury Dime”, the Standing Liberty quarter, and the Walking Liberty half dollar.
Berghoff Waiter Tokens
The Berghoff restaurant in Chicago was opened in 1898 and has become a Chicago landmark. The restaurant followed a European accounting system under which waiters purchased food from the kitchen using special Berghoff tokens and resold it to the customers. This exhibit explores the rich history of the restaurant and the rare tokens used by the waiters to facilitate commerce.
The Chickasaw National Recreation Area Commemorative Quarter
As a part of the America the Beautiful Quarters Program the United States Mint issued a commemorative coin honoring the Chickasaw Indian tribe and National Recreation Area as part of the national park system. The reverse image depicts the Lincoln Bridge constructed in 1909 and dedicated to the centennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth.
The Story Behind the Buffalo Nickel
The Buffalo Nickel was designed to showcase the beauty of the American West and to beautify American coinage.
From Kansas Gold Fields … to U.S. Mint and Branches
For three years in the nineteenth century, the annual reports of the Director of the Mint show an increasing amount of Kansas gold deposited at the Mint and Branches. In the three years, the value of the total deposits of Kansas gold (about $2.7 million) was exceded by only the value of California gold. Where are these Kansas Gold Fields?
The Wisdom of the Osage Nation
This exhibit numismatically reveals the Native American heritage, rise and impact of the Osage Nation. Blessed with the wisdom to purchase their own lands and secure their mineral rights, the Osage gained enormous wealth by developing these petroleum reserves. Bureau of Indian Affairs leader Russell G. Fister captured in medallic form the Osage spirit at the Oklahoma Semi-Centennial Celebration in 1957, and the Osage influence on Petroleum development at the 1959 International Petroleum Exposition’s centennial celebration of the discovery of oil. Fister’s book documenting the Heritage of the Osage Nation included fourteen medals of influential Osage tribal leaders since 1870.
Mozart: The Prodigy, The Genius, The Legend
“Mozart is one of the most famous, beloved, and prolific composers in history. During his short life of thirty-five years, Mozart wrote music of every style in the genre of Western Classical Music. From Sonatas to Symphonies, Chamber Music to Concertos, and Choral Music to Operas, Mozart’s melodic beauty, elegance of style, and intricate technical phrasing are showcased in his musical compositions.
This exhibit, featuring a selection of coins, medals and paper money, is intended to familiarize the viewer about the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, as he is remembered and honored through numismatics.”
Pop! Goes the Music
“Many people think that “Pop Music” began in the 1950’s and 1960’s. There definitely was a new style of music created during those years. This new style of Pop Music led to many more styles that developed and are still developing in today’s music world. However, during some earlier periods of time, certain styles of music and music artists were equally well known and revered, as the “pop artists” of the mid twentieth century.
As you view this exhibit, enjoy some of the musical artists which you may associate with pop culture, and some artists of earlier times, which were considered to be “pop artists” in their time. A selection of musicians are featured in this exhibit, some who are famous now and some who were famous many years ago. Each of these artists are featured on a numismatic item: coin, medal, or banknote.”
Paderewski – Polish Pianist, Politician, Patriot, Philanthropist
A story in one case, this exhibit is a synopsis of the many faceted life of Ignacy Jan Paderewski. The story is complemented with numismatic tributes to Paderewski.
Caribbean Stellas
To share and describe the base metal 4 dollar crowns of the member nations of the Caribbean Development Bank.
Oklahoma Related Coin Designs
“To share and provide information on US coins issued with a design related to Oklahoma.”
A Selection of Banknotes Signed by Olympians
To share autographed banknotes of Romania, USA, and Belarus.
A Messed Up Medal of the US Mint
To share an unexpected error from the US Mint.
Five Ugly Half Cents
“The focus of this exhibit are five low grade United States half cents in, what copper collectors would call, “scudzy” condition. Some are even damaged. But they all have some redeeming qualities. These are five of the rarest obverse/reverse die marriages among all of the U.S. Half Cents issued between 1793 and 1857. Moreover, all five were once owned by well known, important Half Cent collectors. It is their rarity and provenance that make these five half cents worthy of an exhibit.
Also included for context, are specimens of the five different half cent design types.”
Elongated Coins of the Oklahoma City Zoo
Elongated Coins are a popular collectible that many enjoy picking up while traveling. The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Center has had many penny press machines over the years. This exhibit presents many of those designs as well as the rich history of the Oklahoma City Zoo.
Sample work of Early Modern Carver – Jackie Allen
This exhibit will show a sample of works by one of the most prominent female Early Modern Hobo Nickel Carver, Jackie Allen. In this set of samples is the rarest – Her first carving.
Auction Catalogues Featuring the 1804 Dollar
Display all auction catalogues from 1867 to 2021 that feature an original 1804 silver dollar. Each catalogue will be described with additional information on the dealer, rarity of the catalogue, and other pertinent information on the 1804 dollar (specimen, sale price, etc.).