Last week, the American Numismatic Association announced that the National Money Show attracted 3,288 visitors. However, that buries the lead because the attendance figure includes 376 dealers and 69 staff and volunteers, and the actual attendance of the people walking in the door is 2,843.

The first National Money Show in two years attracted only 2,843 visitors.

In 2019, the National Money Show in Pittsburgh attracted 2,504 visitors, an announcement saying the attendance was over 3,000.

The collecting market has improved. In fact, the collecting market remains very hot even though the economy is showing signs of strain. Attendance at other types of collectors shows has increased, as was experienced at a local ComicCon two weeks ago. Unfortunately, attendance for the National Money Show has not improved.

Recent National Money Show Attendance
Year City Attendance*
2022 Colorado Springs 3,288
2020-21 No Show  
2019 Pittsburgh 3,002
2018 Irving 2,671
2017 Orlando 2,516
2016 Dallas 2,585
2015 Portland 4,592
* Attendance figures include dealers and working staff.

The United States Mint reports that bulk sales of collectible American Women Quarters are approaching sellouts. Non-numismatic media is publishing reports about the quarters that have the general public looking at their change again, similar to the beginning of the 50 States Quarters Program.

Also, as the Innovation Dollars make their way around the country, the local media outlets report that their readership shows interest in the coins, including how to find them. Some reports note that once their readers discover the program, they purchase more coins and are now collectors.

The success of the Negro Leagues Commemorative Coins has led to an interest in other baseball-themed coins. One person wrote asking about other baseball-themed coins and where to buy them.

If this is what the modern coin collector wants, the shows must evolve to reflect these changes.

It is deja vu all over again. Every time the industry pats itself on the back to show that it is progressing, the reality makes these pronouncements look like an embarrassment.

Modern coin shows are operated the same as they were in the 2000s. In over 20 years, there have been no changes and no evolution, and there has been practically no growth in ANA membership attendance in over 20 years. Is it time to reimagine how to present a coin show?

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