In the News

This page is where you can view the latest numismatic related news, many are press released from the American Numismatic Association. You'll find news articles, most with links to the sites where those stories were found. It is our intention to make the West Chester Coin Club website more user friendly and at the same time make it more useful. Items that we feel newsworthy will be added to this list as they are received, and will be removed at a later date. As of this time, the length of time the item will be kept on this page has yet to be determined.
Note: For easy access, the LIVE GOLD & SILVER CHARTS will be kept here, at the top of this page, with the next newest item below the charts.

LIVE GOLD & SILVER CHARTS FROM KITCO

Note: Use your Refresh button to update the charts.

July 29, 2010: ANA Show in Boston, Group Rates

The Wilmington Coin Club has reserved a block of rooms at a hotel a few blocks from the convention center in Boston. Rates are $110 for a single and $189 for a double plus local taxes. If you plan to attend the Convention which runs from August 10th through the 14th, and are interested in booking a room through the Wilmington Club, you must have your reservation in by Friday July 30th. A $50 deposit will hold your room.

A number of members are planning to take the train to Boston on the 11th and return on the 14th. If you are interested in joining, you must also let us know ASAP. We will be buying the tickets early next week.

You can send an email to David Stitely [Dstitely@comcast.net] or call Bob List at (609) 330-4548 to reserve a room or a train ticket.

April 20, 2010: 2010 National Coin Week "Beautiful Places: Landmarks and Mintmarks"

Across the country collectors are celebrating National Coin Week with educational programming, exhibits and other activities to spread the joys of numismatics in their communities. Sixty member clubs received materials from the ANA to promote the event and its theme, “Beautiful Places: Landmarks and Mintmarks,” a tribute to the beautiful and historic places featured on money. For more on National Coin Week please see National Coin Week.

April 16, 2010: New Categories and Prizes Announced for ANA YN Literary Awards

Top winners in annual competition to receive $1,000 in cash and books. Each summer, during its World's Fair of Money, the American Numismatic Association presents literary awards to outstanding young writers. For more on YN Literary Awards please see YN Literary Awards.

April 14, 2010: An Important Message Regarding Import Restrictions on Numismatic Objects from Italy

According to an email sent by the ANA to it's members, an issue has recently come to light that could damage our hobby. The Untied States government is about to decide whether cultural property of Italian origin should be restricted from entry into the U.S. unless accompanied by Italian export permits. On May 6-7, the Cultural Property Advisory Committee (CPAC) will hold hearings regarding the 5-year renewal of an already existing agreement. Although ancient coins have been exempted twice before in these renewals, there is good reason to believe that Italy and members of the archaeological community will this time seek to add coins to the list of restricted items. For more on this story please see Import Restrictions on Numismatic Objects. This link will take you to the Ancient Coin Collectors Guild where the story originated.

April 9, 2010: Summer Seminars at the ANA

For many, Summer Seminar is a life-changing event. It has catapulted the careers of many of the nation's most successful numismatic collectors, authors and dealers, and guided young numismatists to become hobby leaders. For more on Summer Seminars please see Summer Seminars at the ANA.

March 28, 2010: Notice of Changes to the 2011 West Chester Coin Show Contract

Please be advised that the following changes, effective immediately, have been made in reference to the West Chester Coin Club Coin Show, contract for a table, to be held at the West Chester, PA Holiday Inn on March 6, 2011.

1 - Randy Mastrangelo has taken over the position of Show Chairman. Randy may be contacted by writing to:

Randy Mastrangelo, Show Chairman

West Chester Coin Club

P. O. Box 818

West Chester, PA 19381-0818

or phone him at: 484-315-8488, or email him at: randym99@gmail.com.

2 - The hours that the show will be open to the public is 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Here is a printer friendly Coin Show flyer that you can print out if you so desire.
Any other questions, or information about the club, may be directed to:

Robert Csernek, Secretary

West Chester Coin Club

P. O. Box 818

West Chester, PA 19381-0818

or Email: wccc0818@verizon.net

January 13, 2010: Applications Sought for 2010 ANA Summer Internships

The American Numismatic Association is accepting applications for two summer internships at its headquarters in Colorado Springs. Young collectors, college or graduate students and numismatic professionals who are ANA members are encouraged to apply. For more on this story please see Applications Sought.

September 15, 2009: Rare Coins: Family Treasure or Ill-Gotten Goods? [1933 Gold Double Eagle]

Apparently there is more news about those famous 1933 Double Eagle gold coins. In a recent New York Times article they published the following story. Roy Langbord had guessed that someone in his family might have hidden away a great treasure decades before, but not until his mother had him check a long-neglected safe-deposit box did he realize just how great it was. For more on this story please see the rest of the story.

April 19, 2009: West Chester Coin Club exhibit for National Coin Week [viewers]

The West Chester Coin Club has placed an exhibit promoting National Coin Week, April 19-25, in the Henrietta Hankin Branch Library in Chester Springs. The display will remain there for the entire week. The club wishes to thank Branch Manager Andrea Berstler and her staff for all their help and permission for the exhibit. You can view additional photos
of the exhibit at this website by selecting Gallery of Pictures. Also see the January 9, 2009 article, below, for more information on National Coin Week. PLEASE NOTE: For those who are not aware, or may have forgotten, the club has given a subscription to COIN WORLD magazine to the Henrietta Hankin Branch Library and it is available in the newspaper and magazine reading area towards the back of the main library area.

March 18, 2009: ANA Board Sets New Membership Rates

The American Numismatic Association Board of Governors has finalized new membership tiers, reducing annual dues for those who prefer reading The Numismatist online while increasing rates for those who want to have the magazine delivered to their door each month. Please see new membership rates for the complete article.

January 28, 2009: Invitation to a Ribbon Cutting Rescheduled

This morning, the West Chester Coin Club received the following email in regard to the Ribbon Cutting at the Philadelphia Mint: "The UHR exhibit ceremony has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2009 at 10am." For the updated invitation please see the new invitation. Note: You must RSVP if you are planning to attend. It would also be a good idea to print the invitation and take it with you. Please watch this website for up to the minute announcements.

January 27, 2009: Invitation to a Ribbon Cutting Postponed

Just a couple of hours ago, the West Chester Coin Club received the following email in regard to the Ribbon Cutting at the Philadelphia Mint, tomorrow, Wednesday, January 28, 2009: "The event for tomorrow has been postponed due the current weather conditions and the overnight and early morning predicted ice storm. We are sorry for any inconvenience and look forward to rescheduling this asap. We will keep you posted." Please watch this website for up to the minute announcements.

January 24, 2009: Invitation to a Ribbon Cutting

The West Chester Coin Club members have received an invitation to the United States Mint in Philadelphia to attend the ribbon cutting of the Ultra High Relief exhibit, in conjunction with the public release of the Ultra High Relief Double Eagle Gold coin. The event will take place on Wednesday, January 28, 2009, at the Philadelphia Mint, 151 N Independence Mall, East, Philadelphia, PA. The United States Mint Director will host the event followed by a special guided tour of the Mint. Persons planning on attending this event must RSVP to (202) 354-7698, or e-mail ddawson@usmint.treas.gov.

January 10, 2009: Tips on How to Buy and Sell Gold & Silver

Gold and silver prices have been at or near record levels recently, heightening interest in buying and selling gold and silver coins. Consumers, however, should resist the temptation to make impulse buys or to sell an item before researching its potential value. Please see Tips on How to Buy and Sell Gold & Silver for the complete article.

January 9, 2009: “Lincoln’s Legacy: A Nation United” Chosen as Theme for 2009 National Coin Week

“Lincoln’s Legacy: A Nation United” has been chosen as the theme of the 86th annual National Coin Week, April 19-25. The theme, provided by Ryan Berman of Baltimore, will help the American Numismatic Association and collectors everywhere celebrate the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, and his impact on history and numismatics. For his winning entry, Berman receives a 50 cent Fractional Currency note featuring Lincoln. Please see 2009 National Coin Week for the complete article.

December 16, 2008: Applications Sought for 2009 ANA Summer Internships

The American Numismatic Association is accepting applications for two summer internships at its headquarters in Colorado Springs. Young collectors, college or graduate students and numismatic professionals who are members of the ANA are encouraged to apply. Please see 2009 ANA Summer Internships for the complete article.

July 17, 2008: ANA Announces Results of Convention Survey

ANA members favored Baltimore and Chicago as potential convention sites in an e-mail survey distributed July 3 by the American Numismatic Association. Please see Results of Convention Survey for the complete article.

June 27, 2008: Exhibits, Special Events and Educational Programs Highlight Baltimore World’s Fair of Money

The American Numismatic Association’s 2008 World’s Fair of Money® will give visitors a chance to see millions of dollars in rare coins, learn from the world’s top numismatists, and explore the history of Baltimore. The event, held July 30 to August 3 at the Baltimore Convention Center, will feature over 1,100 dealers and numismatic vendors, world-class exhibits, 15 mints from five continents and a variety of educational presentations for every age and level of interest. Please see Special Events and Educational Programs for the complete article.

June 12, 2008: GAIL BAKER TO CHAIR ANA MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

Gail Baker, long time member of the West Chester Coin Club and former education director for the American Numismatic Association, has been named chairperson of the ANA Membership Committee. Baker, who retired May 31 following a 10-year career with the ANA, will replace Alan Herbert, who is stepping down as chair, but will continue a member of the committee. Please see: Gail Baker to chair ANA Membership Committee for the complete article.

May 15, 2008: ANA WORLD'S FAIR OF MONEY WORKSHOPS & SEMINARS

The American Numismatic Association will offer a variety of classes, workshops and seminars, catering to all ages and interests, before and during the Baltimore World's Fair of Money®. Educational programs begin with a variety of pre-convention seminars on July 28-29, and continue throughout the show. For more information see: Workshops & Seminars (this page takes a while to load due to content).

The World's Fair of Money will be held July 30 to August 3, 2008 at the Baltimore Convention Center, One West Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland. The show brings together people of all ages who share an interest in coins, paper money, tokens and medals, art, history and related areas. The event features more than 1,100 numismatic dealers; a Mint Promenade featuring Mints from around the world; an Artists & Authors Alley that showcases the hobby's literary and artistic side; the Collector Gallery exhibit area; marquee exhibits of numismatic rarities; a multi-million-dollar auction by Heritage Auction Galleries; hourly educational presentations, seminars, meetings and workshops; and special events including the ANA's annual awards banquet.

The show is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. This is the "big one" on the east coast!

May 9, 2008: CURRENCY CLUB PLANS SHOW

The Currency Club of Chester County is in the investigation stage of sponsoring a currency show to be held in this area. First reports indicated that the two day show would be held in the West Chester, Pennsylvania area. Watch for the latest information and updates as they become available.

May 9, 2008: ANA SCHOOL OF NUMISMATICS COMING TO CONNECTICUT

It looks like if you missed the course in New Jersey (see below) you can catch the one in Connecticut. Just a little farther, but still closer than Colorado! The American Numismatic Association's School of Numismatics will offer its Fundamentals of Grading United States Coins, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. November 8-9 during Coinfest in Stamford, Connecticut. For more information, call 719-632-2646 or visit www.money.org.

April 30, 2008: ANA SCHOOL OF NUMISMATICS COMING TO NEW JERSEY

The American Numismatic Association's School of Numismatics is coming to the Garden State Numismatic Association Convention in May in Somerset, New Jersey. The ANA will offer its Fundamentals of Grading United States Coins, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 16-17. To register for Fundamentals of Grading United States Coins, call 719-482-9845, e-mail education@money.org or access this link Register Now!.

April 23, 2008: SPINK ACQUIRES SMYTHE

One of the oldest paper money and scripophily firms in the United States has been purchased by a European firm. RM Smythe, originally founded in 1880 in New York, has been acquired by Spink, a London-based paper money auctioneer founded in 1666. We’ll see how this plays out. Smythe had really dialed back its scripophily involvement in recent years, including the cancellation of the Strasburg, Pennsylvania stock and bond show – once the industry’s most important event. Luckily, Bob Schell picked up the industry and organized the annual show in Virginia, which has proven to be quite an attractive show for both dealers and collectors. We can only hope the new incarnation, to be known as Spink USA, will better serve the scripophily industry, filling the niche the “Old Smythe” used to. Strory by Stephen Schweikhart of stocklobster.com

April 7, 2008: CHARTER MEMBERS ATTEND SHOW

Shown at the right are four of the original members of the West Chester Coin Club attending the March 2008 Coin Show. Having joined in 1962, the first year the club was founded, they all are in the elite group of being Charter Members. We thank them for the legacy they have helped pass on to the newer members. They all certainly have something to be extremely proud of. And we thank them for supporting the West Chester Coin Club as we celebrate our forty-sixth anniversary. Shown, left to right, are: Bob Ford; Ray Sheller; Tom Werner; and Bob Sheller. Photo courtesy of Ray Sheller.

March 14, 2008: GAIL BAKER ANNOUNCES HER RETIREMENT

Gail Baker, long time member of the West Chester Coin Club and director of the education department at the ANA, has announced her retirement from ANA effective May 31, 2008. Until that time she may still be reached at the American Numismatic Association, 818 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. Phone 719-482-9853 or email her. I'm sure we all wish her luck with her retirement and the ANA will miss a valuable contributor to their organization.

February 28, 2008: ANA CELEBRATES NATIONAL COIN WEEK

Each year during the third week of April, the American Numismatic Association celebrates National Coin Week with exhibits, presentations and other activities at civic centers, libraries, and schools to let the world know about the joys of collecting and studying coins, paper notes, and other forms of money. For more information on National Coin Week, see National Coin Week

February 25, 2008: ANA SCHOOL OF NUMISMATICS COMING TO NEW JERSEY

The American Numismatic Association's School of Numismatics is coming to the Garden State Numismatic Association Convention in May in Somerset, NJ. The ANA will offer its Fundamentals of Grading United States Coins, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 16-17. For the complete story, and other ANA School of Numismatics offers listed by date, see Coming to New Jersey

February 25, 2008: MATCHING YEAR OF ANA MEMBERSHIP FOR YN'S

Heritage Auction Galleries is awarding a complimentary second year of membership with the American Numismatic Association to young collectors who become junior members at 2008 ANA conventions. For the complete story, see Matching Year of ANA Membership

February 25, 2008: ANA RECEIVES $447,095 DONATION

The American Numismatic Association has received a $447,095 donation to support educational programs and produce a much-needed consumer awareness booklet with helpful information on coin collecting. The donation is from the settlement of a class action lawsuit, Francisco v. Numismatic Guaranty Corporation, concerning First Strikes designation. For the complete story, see $447,095 Donation

January 28, 2008: NGC CONFIRMS COUNTERFEIT SLABS

NGC has identified and confirmed that a counterfeit replica of its holder has been produced. At first appearance, the counterfeit holder resembles the authentic NGC holder. But upon closer inspection, variations in the holder, label and hologram make them easily discernible from authentic NGC-certified coins. For the complete story, see Counterfeit Slabs Note: The site includes some excellent diagnostic information to identify the counterfeit holders.

January 21, 2008: CURRENCY CLUB OF CHESTER COUNTY MOVES MEETING DATE

The Currency Club of Chester County, that normally holds it's meetings on the third Thursday of the month, has moved it's meetings to the second Thursday of the month from now on. Apparently another group, with a larger attendance, has bumped the Currency Club out of that time slot. The only other option for the club was to move to a meeting room that was too small for their needs. So, if you are looking for the Currency Club, they are still in Room 240 of the West Chester Municipal Building, but on the SECOND Thursday of the month, at least that's the plan du jour.

December 18, 2007: WEST CHESTER COIN CLUB WEBSITE DUE FOR OVERHAUL

A message from your Webmaster: Six years ago, almost to the day, the club moved into the 21st Century and began hosting a website on the internet. Now Bob Csernek, the creator and “Webmaster” (and he uses the term loosely) of that site, thinks it’s time for a new look. If you’ve never visited the site, you better look fast because he plans to go live with the newly designed site by the beginning of 2008. Look for a new format, added features and ease of navigating through the site. If you have any ideas or suggestions on how to improve the old (or new) site, or what things they would like to see added, send Bob an email with this link: Contact the Webmaster We look forward to hearing from you with your comments. In the mean time, please check back from time to time and see what changes have occurred. As always, your feedback and ideas are greatly appreciated.

October 10, 2007: WEST CHESTER COIN CLUB MEMBER PUBLISHES BOOK

West Chester Coin Club member and past president Robert Sheller, in collaboration with William Schultz, has published a book entitled “A History in Early Postcards”. This softcover book is 160 pages long and has nearly 275 wonderful views of West Chester streets, buildings, monuments, and people brought together, offering the opportunity to see West Chester as it looked in the first half of the 20th century and is loaded with history. For postcard collectors, this is the first price guide incorporating and understanding the vintage postcards of the Borough of West Chester. Mr. Sheller has offered the book to our club members at a special discounted price. He has also offered to deliver the books and personally autograph them. Another good reason to join the West Chester Coin Club today!

October 5, 2007: ANA CANCELS WASHINGTON, D.C. MUSEUM PLANS

The American Numismatic Association has halted plans for a previously proposed museum in Washington, D.C. “At this point in time we can’t make the financial commitment to raise over $20 million that would be needed for the Washington project. When the association’s finances allow us to do so, we may revisit this proposal in the future,” explained Barry Stuppler, ANA President. Please see: ANA Cancels Washington, D.C. Museum Plans for the complete story on the official ANA web site.

September 11, 2007: WHAT’S GOING ON AT THE ANA?

According to the ANA’s Spring Report released earlier this year, with the headline The ANA in 2010: A Presence in Your Backyard, the ANA was in the early stages of planning to open two annex facilities. According to the article, one of the facilities was planned for San Francisco and the other facility was to be in the Washington, D.C. area. To read the entire report, please click here: The ANA in 2010: A Presence in Your Backyard.

In mid July the West Chester Coin Club received a communication asking us to host a joint meeting, with ANA Executive Director Chris Cipoletti and a number of other coin clubs in the area, to discuss and give feedback to this expansion project. A date of November 19, 2007 was set for the meeting. This meeting was listed in the August Coin Clips, the West Chester Coin Club's monthly newsletter and copies were sent to a number of local coin clubs.

Just prior to our August 20 meeting we received word that the meeting the ANA had scheduled was cancelled! We were hoping that the expansion project itself was not cancelled but, in recent communications with the newly elected ANA Board of Governors, it appears that this expansion project is in serious jeopardy, primarily due to a lack of funding. This update was also published in the September Coin Clips and copies sent to the same local clubs that received the August issue.

What happened to the glowing Spring Report? How can the situation change from such an upbeat plan to such a negative state in such a short time? As we receive additional information we will pass it along, both by posting it on this web site and publishing it in the newsletter. In the mean time, if you were excited about the prospect of a money museum campus in Washington, D.C. we are asking everyone to email the Board of Governors and let them know your feelings. PLEASE, send them an email at: Board of Governors and it will go to all the board members and the executive office.

August 14, 2007: ANA PLANS EXPANSION PROJECT

The ANA has contacted us, the West Chester Coin Club, about the facility that they are planning to open in the Washington, D.C. area. They have asked our club to host a meeting, with a speaker from their organization and a number of local clubs in our area, to discuss this project and get feedback in this matter. We are still in the early stages of coordinating such a meeting, but a tentative date is November 19, 2007. Please watch this web site for updates. Our newsletter COIN CLIPS will also carry updates on this subject.

May 12, 2007: In the interest of conserving space, we are adding a link to the American Numismatic Association's Awareness Alert page. Please note that all other articles found in "WHAT'S NEW" that originated from the ANA C.A.R.E. site will be removed at this time. Please check this site often for all the latest news as these messages are very important. Click here for the ANA Awareness Alert Resources Page. The ANA’s C.A.R.E. program was established to help make the industry safe for collectors and investors. We achieve this goal by arming both members and non-members with knowledge through our many educational resources, fraud alerts and awareness outreach projects and by serving as an advocate to the public through our loss alert/reward program, mediation services and partnerships with local, national and federal law enforcement agencies.

May 5, 2007: The new coin shop Pennies, Pounds & Pesos Coin Shoppe held their Grand Opening today. Stop in and congratulate George Mavrelos and his wife Donna and wish them good luck and much prosperity.

February 13, 2007: A new coin store is coming to Media, PA. [211 S Orange Street]

The Pennies, Pounds & Pesos Coin Shoppe, will be owned and operated by our own club president George Mavrelos and his wife Donna. The shop is scheduled to open in early March of 2007, and will be located at 211 South Orange Street in Media, PA 19063. (See the picture of the sign, upper left, and the storefront at the right.) Watch for his ad in Coin World and coming soon to other numismatic publication. Watch this web site, and the West Chester Coin Club newsletter Coin Clips for additional updates on the opening of this new coin shop.

January 30, 2007: This "IN THE NEWS" page was added to the site.