The theme for next year’s 89th annual National Coin Week is "Change In Money: Cowries to Credit Cards," the American Numismatic Association (ANA) has announced. The theme focuses on the many changes in money throughout the years, ranging from objects to coins to electronic implementations.
"Money has gone through some amazing changes in its history," said Andy Dickes, ANA National Coin Week coordinator. "Where we exchanged cowry shells for goods and services thousands of years ago, today we swipe a plastic card or use PayPal. From the first coins and paper money to the steam coin press and polymer notes, the transformation of money is a fascinating journey."
Each year during the third full week of April, collectors celebrate National Coin Week with numismatic exhibits, treasure hunts, fun educational activities and other programs honoring a historic event or person and its impact on coins and paper money. ANA has also announced several events, activities and resources, for the 2012 National Coin Week, including:
- A video scavenger hunt for gold coins and other prizes. Collectors will receive a weekly video clue via the ANA’s YouTube page and website for a numismatic object to collect.
- A club trivia challenge where ANA member clubs compete for prizes and bragging rights by knowing the most about innovations in money.
- A promotional kit for clubs with educational materials, buttons, bookmarks and more.
- An open house at the Money Museum, scheduled for April 20, which will include free admission, activities for children and adults, and the minting of the 2012 National Coin Week medallette in the museum’s Mini-Mint.
- The opening of a new museum exhibit, "The History of Money," on April 12.
- A variety of promotional information onwww.money.org, including a sample press release, proclamation, interactive flyer and Money Museum exhibit panels.
The first National Coin Week was established by the ANA in 1924. For more information about the 2012 National Coin Week that will be held April 15-21, visit the ANA website located here.
About ANA
The American Numismatic Association is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to encouraging people to study and collect money and related items. The ANA helps its 30,000 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.
