May 10, 2012 | ANA, coins, shows
Regular readers know that I am proponent of electronic books and using technology to expand the reach of the hobby. But there is one thing that the hobby cannot make electric and that is the coin show.
This week, the American Numismatic Association National Money Show is being held in Denver. While not as big of a production as the summer’s World’s Fair of Money, it is still a premiere event of the numismatic calendar. Sure, there are other significant shows, but nobody puts on a show like the ANA.
Even if you go to one of the other larger shows or a smaller regional show, there is nothing that can duplicate the atmosphere and energy of a show’s bourse. There is nothing like walking into a room full of tables and seeing coins, currencies, medals, tokens, and other numismatics fill rooms, ballrooms, or convention centers. All for sale!
There is nothing like the dealers and collectors that you meet on the bourse floor. While their personalities are as varied as what they sell or collect, numismatic collectors are intelligent, fun, and engaging. Even those dealers, authors, and researchers who are “famous” in the industry are as approachable as anyone else.
The last time I was able to attend the National Money Show was in 2007 that was held in Charlotte, North Carolina. When I first entered the Civic Center in downtown Charlotte, I was surprised as to how much smaller the show was than the Whitman Baltimore Expo but was even more surprised when the energy surpassed that of the Baltimore shows.
The difference is the ANA—they put on a heck of a show!
Since Whitman took over the Baltimore Expo, they have improved the experience making it more of a destination show—one I hope to attend in June. But the ANA shows are different in that as a membership organization, they have generate a fraternal feeling amongst those who attend the show that cannot be duplicated.
But that does not mean other shows are now worth attending. On the contrary, local and regional shows can be as much fun as the large national shows. Local shows can be destinations to bring local numismatists together. They are also places to meet the local and regional dealers who can help you put together your collection.
If you cannot attend a national show, attend a local show. Get out from behind the computer screen and meet your fellow collectors and the dealers. Experiencing the numismatic community at a show cannot be duplicated in email, on a forum, or through a blog. You have to experience it for yourself.
The Whitman Baltimore Expo starts on Thursday, June 28 and end on Sunday, July 1. Unless something comes up, I plan on attending on Saturday, June 30. The World’s Fair of Money will be August 7-11 in Philadelphia. I will be there for a few days during that show. If you are going to attend either of these shows feel free to stop me and say hello. I would love to meet you!
Feb 14, 2012 | ANA, commentary
Anyone who has followed the issues at the American Numismatic Association over the last few years does not have to be told that the organization has had its share of problems. While the economic problems appear to be settled for now, the ANA continues to have issues that have not been addressed by the current or previous Boards of Governors.
Recently, Dr. Lawrence J. Lee, the former director of the ANA Money Museum in Colorado Springs had an opinion piece published in CoinWorld basically saying that the ANA should be reorganized around the museum.
“What I find is that most people confuse the ANA organization, its structure and goals and board members and all of their ‘stuff,’ with the ANA Money Museum, as if they were one and the same,” writes Lee. “If only they were. One is the dog. One is the tail. The problem is that for many years the tail has been wagging the dog.”
With all due respect to Dr. Lee, the ANA is more than the Money Museum. The ANA is an association of collectors of all types and dealers of all sizes for the sole purpose of perpetuating and promoting numismatics as a hobby, investment, and business. To support its members, the ANA provides many services that members can use to enhance their collecting pursuits and enjoyment of numismatics. Along with the Edward C. Rochette Money Museum, the ANA publishes The Numismatist monthly, offers education through the Florence Schook School of Numismatics, provides research materials through the Dwight N. Manley Numismatic Library, and the offering of other group benefits available to all members.
In short, the ANA is, and should be, a comprehensive organization that should be focused on education where the Money Museum is only one attraction of the resources provided to its members and the communities it touches.
Lee, who worked with Executive Director Edward Rochette “to increase the level of professionalism at the museum” so that the Money Museum could be accredited by the American Association of Museums (AAM) and become a leader in numismatic exhibitions. However, even Lee admits that in order to become AAM accredited, the association must be reorganized around the Money Museum:
In an AAM model, most departments at the ANA that are now separate would be placed under the museum. Without doubt, the education functions of the ANA should already be under the museum, not a separate department. The same is true of the gift shop, the magazine and membership. Basically only the convention department should be a separate entity. The library should be co-equal to the museum as a repository of objects in a collection.
While the Money Museum is an important benefit of the ANA, it is not the reason for the ANA’s existence.
If the ANA were to follow Lee’s recommendation, the ANA’s charter and by-laws would require it being amended to include a diverse mix that would include those from academia and other nonprofit organizations while diminishing the role of coin dealers. While Lee appropriately notes that most Board members are from the for-profit world and try to manage a nonprofit with that mindset, it is the Board that the membership elected to run their organization.
The ANA and the Board of Governors has its problems. It needs strong leaders who can professionally lead a nonprofit and develop a cohesive professional organization in Colorado Springs that could run the organization without the micromanagement from the Board. The Board should be structured in a manner that would best represent all its members while providing the professionals in the Colorado Springs headquarters the support they deserve—including professional development, which seems to be lacking for the ANA’s professional staff.
Lee suggests that the library and museum should be staffed with properly educated and trained professionals, it would help the current staff maintain these jewels in the ANA’s crown for the benefit of its members.
“The ANA coin collection is more than the sum total of all of its individual coins,” writes Lee. But the ANA is more than the sum total of all of its assets and should not be defined in the terms of those assets.
Jan 9, 2012 | ANA, commentary, technology
On Friday, January 6, 2012, the American Numismatic Association Board of Governors held an open meeting at the annual Florida United Numismatists Show in Orlando, Florida. Although it was reported that it was a “dull” meeting, I was disappointed to find out about the meeting on Monday from the press. No other communication options were offered.
This is not making the organization open to its members.
During a Board of Governors meeting in November, an ANA staff member posted highlights to the ANA Twitter and Facebook accounts—and only if you happen to be paying attention at the time. After the meeting I wrote, “Someday the ANA will have a better information management and communications policies so that this information is more accessible to the membership in ways other than relying on Twitter.”
This time, the ANA did not even use Twitter or Facebook.
For an organization whose membership has remained relatively stagnant for the last 20 years, the ANA must find ways to involve membership, especially those under 40 who should be mentored to carry on the association’s long term visions.
Every time I discuss the issue of communications and leveraging social media, I am told that the nuances of social media has to be explained to one or more board members. With all due respect to the members of the Board of Governors, social media is the future of communications and this is how you are going to reach potential members under 40.
I know that Governor Greg Lyon is leading an effort from the Board to look at how technology can help the ANA. But that committee will require a little time to start looking into the issues and suggest policy. That does not mean the Board of Governors could not set interim policies. The new policy can be something as simple as requiring that ANA communications use social media to announce meetings and perform live updates during those meetings.
At least make an attempt to reach out using social media. You might find interest not only with current members but find potential new members in the process.
Dec 11, 2011 | ANA
On Pearl Harbor Day, the American Numismatic Association dropped its announcement that the Board of Governors have begun their search for the organization’s next executive director. According to the press release, “the executive director must have extensive knowledge of nonprofit management skills with the ability to initiate, implement and successfully complete programs and objectives.”
When reading the full job description, I found the “Personal characteristics” section very interesting. It is the first time I have seen that as a section title, but these characteristics specifically spelled out. The first two (Adaptability and Behave Ethically) appear to be direct responses to the circumstances that lead to Larry Shepherd’s “dismissal.” Anyone who has attended a masters program and was required to take a course in organizational management can think back to the in class discussion of what it means to “behave ethically.” I remember that it was a lively discussion with no clear conclusion.
Regardless of what happened in the past, I hope this section does not put off potential, talented candidates.
If you are qualified and would like to be the executive director of the world’s largest numismatic organization, I encourage you to apply. Remember, the ANA is located in Colorado Springs, location of the Air Force Academy and about 90 miles south of Denver and east of Pikes Peak. I have not visited Colorado Springs (yet), but I hear it is a really nice area.
Nov 30, 2011 | ANA, commentary, shows
The American Numismatic Association Board of Governors held a teleconference last night. During the telecom, updates were provided on the ANA Twitter account @ANACoins. Here are the highlights with some commentary:
The Chicago Coin Club has been voted as the host for the 2013 World’s Fair of Money.
This is an anticlimactic type of announcement. With so many World’s Fair of Money shows scheduled for Chicago, is there really anyone else who could be the host club? What many people do not know is that if a club is designated as a host club, they automatically earn Life Membership in the ANA. With the shows being concentrated in Chicago and the decision to rotate the spring National Money Show between three cities, the chance for others to not only be part of the experience but earn life membership has diminished.
The board has just voted to hold the 2013 spring National Money Show in New Orleans.
I know where I will be in the spring of 2013! I love visiting New Orleans. There is no place like it in the world. Aside from the French Quarter, there are world class restaurants, the Audubon Zoo, the music, and more. Have you ever been to a Voodoo museum? I have, and it is an interesting sight. Have you ever ridden on a steamboat on the Mississippi? That is a lot of fun, too. Then there’s definition of heaven: sitting at Café Du Monde at the French Market while drinking café au lait and eating beignets, getting powdered sugar on your shirt, and watching the crowds. Try doing this at 2 AM while an event is in town.
The board has voted to reinstate early admittance (aka early birds) at future ANA conventions.
Why did they stop early birds in the first place?
The board OK’d an exhibit award for women in numismatics. An anonymous donor will sponsor the award on a 3-year trial basis.
As I said in a previous post, the hobby has to do better at diversifying. While this announcement is a good start, I think there should be more. What about exhibit awards for minorities? How about something to help the “Lost Demographic” (as I previously discussed)? I realize that this was probably initiated by the anonymous donor, but what about working with those in the donor community to sponsor a program for minorities or the Lost Demographic?
Last update: President Hallenbeck announced that
NGC will continue as ANA’s official grading service for another five years.
As someone who has taken advantage of the self-submission benefit with NGC with much success, I feel this is a good decision.
Someday the ANA will have a better information management and communications policies so that this information is more accessible to the membership in ways other than relying on Twitter. While I appreciate the information appearing on Twitter, too many people cannot handle the level of noise generated on Twitter and how to separate real information from the noise. In fact, if I had not checked Twitter for realtime sports information, I would not have seen the ANA tweets about the Board meeting.
Oct 31, 2011 | ANA, CCAC, legislative, US Mint
In celebration of All-Hallows-Eve, the Coin Collectors Blog presents some of the 2011 numismatic trick-or-treat.
25th Anniversary American Silver Eagle Set
TRICK: Anyone who tried to order the 25th Anniversary American Silver Eagle Set starting at 12:00 Noon ET on Thursday, October 27 found that the U.S. Mint provided the most recent trick by not being able to keep up with the ordering demand
TREAT: If you were able to order your set, it should be a fantastic collectible.
American Numismatic Association
TRICK: There is never a good way to handle certain personnel issues. But regardless of whose feelings were hurt, the last statement issued by the ANA Board of Directors was unnecessary, uncalled for, and really lacked and an adult approach to a tough situation.
TREAT: The ANA actually using social media to reach out to members and respond.
American Numismatic Association, Part II
TRICK: The ANA Board of Directors making a myopic decision on how to handle club tables at their shows. Rather than make simple rules saying that the tables must be staffed at all times except during meetings, the Board went beyond reasonableness and added restriction as to how many clubs could share a table.
TREAT: A regional organization could have one table with the support of member clubs and tangentially fit within the rules. After all, these are “members” under one umbrella organization and only members will be staffing the table without violating the ANA’s ridiculous rules.
Over productions of Presidential Dollars
TRICK: National Public Radio did a highly inaccurate story about how the Federal Reserve is holding more than $1 billion in dollar coins in its vaults costing the taxpayers money.
TREAT: Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ) introducing H.R. 2977, the Currency Optimization, Innovation, and National Savings Act (COINS Act) to transition the U.S. from paper dollars to coins. Add to this the unconfirmed rumor that the “Super Committee” is considering adding this to their final bill.
The United States Mint
TRICK: Since the resignation of Ed Moy as Director of the U.S. Mint, the position has gone unfilled.
TREAT: Since being hired as Deputy Director on January 25, Richard Peterson has lead the U.S. Mint in a professional manner questioning whether the U.S. Mint really needs a politician as a director. As for the problems occurred while ordering the 25th Anniversary American Silver Eagle Set, it could be said that the systems not being able to keep up with the loads are a residual problem left over from the previous director not managing the technology properly.
CCAC Blueprint Report
TRICK: As a concept, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee’s report “A Blueprint for Advancing Artistic Creativity and Excellence in United States Coins and Medals” should not be controversial. However, it seems that the CCAC has found two ways of making a good idea irrelevant. First, the CCAC, whose first “C” stands for Citizens, forgot the citizens. They created the report and did not ask for comment from the citizens. Even though I provided comments, I was basically told, “Thanks, but no thanks.” It would be nice if they were inclusive. The other TRICK was that the report has appeared to have become shelfware—a document sitting on the shelf without impact.
TREAT: Even with the issues in the report, it is a step in the right direction and should be something the U.S. Mint should be working on now!
What are your numismatic trick-or-treats for 2011?
Image is of a 2007 $200 commemorative casino token from the Four Queens Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV. Image is courtesy of the Silver Strikers Club. Details of this token can be found on the Silver Strikers Club website.
Oct 27, 2011 | ANA, technology
The American Numismatic Association announced today that users of Android-based smartphones can now read The Numismatist electronically. While the app is free from the Android Market, members are required to login in order to be able to read The Numismatist electronically.
This expands the ANA’s electronic reach following the release of their iPhone app and HD version for the iPad. You can read “Review: E-Numismatist Is Worth Its Quirks” for more about the iPhone and iPad apps (rated MS63).
CALL FOR REVIEWERS
Since I do not own an Android device, I am inviting a guest reviewer for this app. If you are an ANA member with the ability to log in and read The Numismatist electronically, I will publish your review here on the Coin Collectors Blog.
Guidelines:
- Before sending me the review, you must contact me via email (I don’t want to be bombarded with reviews)
- Your review must include screen images of the running app (see my review of the iOS apps as an example)
- Your review must conclude with a rating on the 70-point Sheldon scale with a short justification
- Reviews are subject to editing (spelling and grammar) and reviews by both of us before posting
- I will also need a proper spelling of your name for the by-line and an email address for readers to contact you
Your review will be a great service to the numismatic community and you will have my gratitude.
Oct 16, 2011 | ANA, commentary
As easy as it is to criticize, it should be just as easy to complement. I want to complement the American Numismatic Association, specifically, whomever is responsible for the @ANACoins Twitter account. If you have not been following the tweets for @ANACoins, the updates have been reporting the goings on at the ANA National Money Show in Pittsburgh.
During the open Board of Governors meeting on October 14, person using @ANACoins had the following conversation:
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ANACoins ANA
Under proposal, clubs would get free club tables but all tables would have to be staffed. #ANAshows
14 Oct |
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CoinsBlog CoinsBlog
@ANACoins How about shared club tables so clubs can pool resources?
14 Oct |
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ANACoins ANA
@CoinsBlog 2 clubs are allowed to share one club table under the proposal. Thanks for the question.
14 Oct |
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CoinsBlog CoinsBlog
@ANACoins What about a regional org like MSNA and its member clubs?
14 Oct |
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ANACoins ANA
@CoinsBlog That’s something we need to clarify. I’ve shared your tweet with Gov. Greg Lyon. We’ll get an answer on that.
14 Oct |
I am happy that someone is responding to their Twitter account and I hope to hear from Greg Lyon during the week.
Oct 7, 2011 | ANA, commentary
Late Thursday afternoon, the American Numismatic Association Board of Directors issued a statement in response to Larry Shepherd’s statement on his employment situation.
The problem is that the statement does not say anything of substance. It did say that Shepherd hired legal counsel who suggested that Shepherd was defamed. In response to that, the Board said that they made “an effort to avoid a rancorous, public discussion on personnel matters which are normally best left private.” If so, then why issue a statement?
The statement says that the Board “ended” their employment relationship with Shepherd yet seems to be concerned that Harlan Berk’s statement said Shepherd was fired. However, a person does not have to be a rocket scientist to know that after it was announced Shepherd was put on leave during an investigation and then his employment was “ended” to put the two events together to guess he was fired. In fact, my post on that day was “ANA Fires Shepherd.”
Again, this statement does not say anything of substance. But it appears that the Board feels they have to defend themselves. If the Board did not do anything wrong, what are they defending? Then to have Cliff Mishler, past president and current governor, make a statement, it makes them appear like they are trying to hide something.
What are the ANA Board of Governors hiding?
The ANA released their statement, Harlan Berk had his say, then Shepherd responded. Everyone vented and that should be enough. Why did the Board of Directors have to respond? What are they hiding?
The Board’s statement concludes:
It is most unfortunate that Mr. Shepherd has resorted to a public discussion that the ANA cannot comment upon, instead of moving forward in a dignified manner. We are deeply saddened by his decision. Rather than dwell on past mistakes, the ANA will move forward and fulfill its educational mission to serve the best interests of the entire numismatic community.
If you do not want to “dwell on past mistakes,” then just SHUT UP!
Oct 4, 2011 | ANA, commentary
The former American Numismatic Association Executive Director Larry Shepherd issue a statement regarding his dismissal from the ANA. In that statement, Shepherd emphasized,
During my tenure at the ANA I have not violated the ANA employee handbook, or the code of ethics as stated in the ANA bylaws. I did not violate any provisions of the ANA conflict of interest policy. I did not violate federal EEOC anti-discrimination or harassment guidelines (sexual, age, race, etc.).
Including this in the statement was curious. It is implying that Shepherd was alleged to have said something inappropriate, as I speculated in a previous post. But this allegation may be something that was used as part of someone’s agenda. This is reinforced when Shepherd followed up the above paragraph with:
I offered to the general counsel that I would take a polygraph to clear up any issues or concerns that may have arisen due to unfounded rumors and innuendo, but I sensed they were more interested in finding a cause than in finding facts, as evidenced by my being told on Aug. 20 that I would not be coming back, even before the outside investigation took place.
This is the first act of newly inaugurated ANA President Tom Hallenbeck. Hallenbeck, who was previously ANA Vice President, may have not had a good relationship with Shepherd and wanted to find cause to terminate his contract. When reading between the lines, it is clear that Hallenbeck and allies on the Board was looking for a reason to fire Shepherd rather than try to work with him.
Welcome to the old ANA where it appears that the Board wants to micromanage the operations in Colorado Springs rather than being a body that sets the agenda and allowing the Executive Director to manage the day-to-day operations. It is a big strike against the Board whose two year term has just begun.
Finally, the Coin Collector’s Blog wishes Larry Shepherd well with his new job at Harlan J. Berk, Ltd. Berk’s gain is the ANA’s loss.
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