American Numismatic Assoc

The American Numismatic Assoc, frequently referred to as the ANA, is the largest organization for coin collectors and general education about money. It is a nonprofit, educational organization, dedicated to help people to discover and explore money in its various forms.
Dr. George F. Heath formed the ANA in 1891. His aim was to inform people about money and the history behind it. In fact he taught himself a good deal about American and world history by studying his own coin collection, and was determined to share his passion with the rest of the world. Congress gave the American Numismatic Assoc a Federal Charter in 1912 for its efforts in numismatic education. The organization’s mission, according to their website, is to help encourage the study and collection of currency and money. The non-profit educational organization counts close to 33,000 paid members, including collectors, educators, professionals and the general public. 

The ANA does require a membership fee, but it includes quite a bit, like the Numismatist journal of money, access to the library, collection insurance, educational seminars, access to reputable online dealers and a special program for young coin collectors. For a small fee they will also determine the grade of a coin and provide certification.

There are a number of different membership levels, including special rates for seniors 65 and older, juniors under the age of 23, as well as lifetime memberships and special club affiliations. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in coins and the study of the history of currency.

The ANA hosts a number of events, like conventions and money shows that are an excellent way to learn more about coin collecting, find out about different types of money and purchase coins. The group sponsors the Worlds Fair of Money each summer, and the National Money Show every spring. The locations vary each year, and current location and show information is available on their website. They also sponsor the Las Vegas Coin, Stamp and Collectibles Show, part of the yearly Las Vegas Antiques Arms Show in the fall.

The ANA offers many local and regional resources as well as national information. Their site offers information on regional clubs you can join through the organization, which is great for new and old collectors alike.

For more information about the American Numismatic Assoc, visit their Web site at www.money.org.

The ANA also has a money museum located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. They offer guided tours and an extensive collection of coins and paper money that represent centuries of US and foreign art, history and science.

Can’t make it to the museum? Let the museum come to you. The ANA also has small traveling exhibits that are more focused on a particular theme. These exhibits are perfect for helping you collect a specific series of coins related to an era, person or place. The ANA will visit clubs of members, museums, schools and libraries to help educate people about money.

Current traveling exhibits include:
* Spades, Knives & Cash – The History of Chinese Coinage
* The History and Romance of Hobo Nickels
* Coins of the Olympic Games
* Money in Early America
* Money of the Civil War
* Benjamin Franklin: A Man for all Times

For locations of these events and an updated schedule of such events, visit museum@money.org