By Jill Westeyn
August 17, 2023
The United States Mint traveled to the iconic “City of Bridges” and participated in the American Numismatic Association (ANA) World’s Fair of Money® on August 8-12, 2023, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh. The show, in its 132nd year, attracts people from sovereign mints around the world, hundreds of numismatic dealers, and collectors of all ages.
With panoramic views of the Rachel Carson bridge in the background, the Honorable Ventris C. Gibson, 40th Director of the United States Mint, participated in the opening ceremony — presenting brief remarks and assisting ANA leadership with the ribbon cutting. On her way to the bourse floor, Director Gibson welcomed attendees and invited them to stop by the Mint booth throughout the week.
Director Gibson is no stranger to the coin collecting community, as this was her third consecutive ANA show. She was in high demand at events throughout the week. In addition to speaking during the opening ceremony, Director Gibson swore in the new officers at the ANA 132nd Anniversary Awards Banquet, spoke at the Liberty Seated Collector’s Club 50th Anniversary Celebration Open House, and gave a presentation to students at the Young Collector’s Corner Program.
Also representing the Mint was Deputy Director Kristie McNally, and Acting Associate Director of Sales and Marketing, Don Bennett. Along with Director Gibson, Kristie and Don met with show attendees daily during “Meet and Greet” events and during each day’s “Director’s Strike Silver Ticket” drawings.
The Mint provided attendees with a unique opportunity: to purchase one of 20 remaining Director’s Strike 2023 Peace Silver Dollar Uncirculated Coins. On July 10, Director Gibson struck 200 of these coins and hand-signed each specially numbered Certificate of Authenticity accompanying each coin. Scores of collectors visited the Mint’s booth each day to get a ticket and returned each afternoon for the daily drawing. Four tickets were selected each day – all 20 of the remaining 200 coins were sold at the booth.
Making these and other in-person purchases possible were members of the Mint’s retail team. Several products launched during the show, including the U.S. Navy Bronze Medal (MNVS); Morgan Silver Dollar Proof Coin (23XF); Peace Silver Dollar Proof Coins (23XL); American Liberty 2023 High Relief Gold Coin (23DA); and American Liberty 2023 Silver Medal (23DB). Three U.S. Mint Police Officers were on site to ensure the safety and security of Mint staff and products.
Besides being a great place to meet staff and purchase products, the Mint’s booth — decked out in full regalia — also provided collectors and young numismatists with a source of learning materials and education activities, to include the annual Treasure Trivia for children.
For more information about our products and upcoming events, visit https://www.usmint.gov/.
See more Inside the Mint articles.