Look Closely at Your Money During National Coin Week
Every coin, every piece of paper money in your pocket, wallet or purse has a story to tell about history, and the stories will be celebrated by collectors nationwide during the 100th anniversary of National Coin Week April 21-27. You might also find something valuable in your pocket change. “To encourage everyone to closely look at their money, during National Coin Week some dealers and collectors around the country will be deliberately placing into circulation older coins with collector value,” said Kim Kiick, executive director of the American Numismatic Association (ANA). “Check your change. In addition to appreciating the significance of the coins’ designs, you might find something valuable. “Designs on U.S. coins and paper money commemorate notable people, events, accomplishments and shared principles,” explained Thomas J. Uram of Pennsylvania, president of the ANA. This year’s theme, ‘A Hobby for a Changing World – 100 Years and Counting,’ focuses on how coinage and money have evolved and changed to embrace varying cultural values from early civilization to today.”
“Money is history you can hold in your hands,” said Uram. “Each coin and bank note ever produced has a story to tell, from the first ancient coins struck 2,600 years ago to coins and currency made today around the world. There’s no coin shortage or cashless society during National Coin Week.”
Over the centuries, the designs, denominations and metallic content of coins can reveal a great deal about civilizations, past and present, such as famous and not- so-famous political and historical figures, important events and landmarks.
Learn how to find collectible coins in spare change by downloading a free copy of the ANA’S “Treasures in Your Pocket” illustrated e-booklet at info.money.org/ treasures-in-your-pocket. Observed every third week of April, National Coin Week was established a century ago to attract the general public to the hobby of coin collecting. For more information, visit www. NationalCoinWeek.org.