The Whitman Expos™ Baltimore Winter Expo, held November 14–16 at the Baltimore Convention Center, delivered another landmark numismatic experience, drawing thousands of collectors, families, and enthusiasts to celebrate coin collecting, community, and history.
From the United States Mint’s unveiling of the 230th Anniversary Flowing Hair High Relief Gold Coin from West Point at noon on November 14 to the multiple television crews that helped kick off the show, the excitement was felt early in the show.
"The Baltimore Winter Expo exemplified the passion and vibrancy of the numismatic community," said Lori Kraft, General Manager of Whitman Expos. "From unveiling rare coins in partnership with Stacks Bowers to engaging with collectors of all ages, the Expo was a true celebration of history, craftsmanship, and connection."
Whitman Expos™ Baltimore Winter Expo also brought together some of the most respected voices in the field for live podcasts and discussions at the WEConnect booth. Industry leaders, including John Feigenbaum, John Kraljevich, John Albanese, Jeff Garrett, Greg Rohan, and Lori Kraft, engaged audiences with expert insights and fascinating conversations about numismatics’ past, present, and future. These broadcasts extended the Expo’s reach far beyond the convention floor, connecting enthusiasts worldwide.
Youth engagement was another cornerstone of the event, as the Expo celebrated its ongoing commitment to inspiring the next generation of collectors. More than 30 scouts and their families participated in hands-on workshops, working towards completing their Coin Collecting merit badges and advancing through the Adventures in Coins elective. The show’s "Kids Nook" provided younger attendees with interactive activities, from treasure chest grabs to coin-themed crafts, fostering curiosity and excitement about the world of collecting.
The bourse floor buzzed with activity throughout the weekend, drawing large crowds and facilitating a thriving marketplace for buying, selling, and trading rare coins and collectibles. Dealers reported excellent engagement with attendees, reflecting the strong public interest in numismatics.
The Expo also delivered a show-stopping auction in partnership with Stack’s Bowers Galleries. A newly discovered 1652 Massachusetts silver threepence set a new world record, selling for $2.52 million. This rare coin, found hidden in an old piece of furniture, captivated bidders and added an unforgettable highlight to an already exceptional event.
Whitman Expos invites collectors and dealers to the next Baltimore Expo, which will take place March 27-29, 2025, with more exciting offerings and opportunities. Visit expo.whitman.com for details.
About Whitman Expos™
Whitman Expos is a premier organizer of coin and collectible shows across the United States with a longstanding tradition of connecting numismatic enthusiasts, collectors, and the general public to the fascinating world of coin collecting. Founded on principles of education, community engagement, and passion for history, Whitman Expos offers a unique platform where novices and experts alike can buy, sell, and trade treasured pieces, while also diving deep into the stories they tell. Each event, meticulously curated and hosted in major cities, features an array of activities, expert dealers, and rare collections, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching experience for all attendees.
Learn more at expo.whitman.com.
About Whitman Brands™
Formed from the 2023 merger of the numismatic publishing powerhouses of CDN and Whitman, Whitman Brands™ combines the revered titles of Red Book, Blue Book, 100 Greatest, and Cherrypicker’s Guides, plus an expansive line of folders, albums, and supplies that have long dominated the retail landscape, with the pricing and data-rich expertise of Greysheet, Greensheet, CPG, CDN Exchange, andThe Banknote Book.
Whitman Brands offers a comprehensive and rich coverage of collectibles, literature, cataloging, and pricing, which embraces the heritage of numismatics and seeks to enrich the lives of all coin and paper-money enthusiasts. As North America’s leading producer of coin and currency shows, Whitman Expos™ and its three industry-leading events in Baltimore further enhance the brand portfolio and expand the company’s national reach.
It’s always great to see events with outreach to kids. But I fear the small numbers we’re talking about here spells concern for the future of coin collecting. Frankly the US Mint and companies with vested interests in keeping it going (e.g. big dealers and TPG’s) should be doing much, much more. And I’m not just talking coin events, but involvement in community events, fairs, school events and thinking outside-the-box. Who knows, maybe even sporting events.
Agreed, that was a great read for me. I wish I had the opportunity to be there.
Not only for a shot at a FHG@Mint price, but the bustling dealer/collector vibe on the floor. And that silver threepence(found hidden in an old piece of furniture) auction would’ve been a sight to see!
It’s great to hear about the Merit Badge pursuits going on with those young Scouts too. You don’t hear about that much anymore..
Coin Collecting at it’s best that weekend!.
I agree about the scouts. A good pursuit with a tie-in to the country’s history.