When you collect rare coins, you can learn a lot from what you read in books, websites and forums. You also learn more whenever you visit a coin show or a coin dealer. Whether you’re a lifelong collector or just starting your beginner coin collection, visiting rare coin exhibits can be both educational and inspiring. However, if you want to see some of the most interesting specimens of rare coins, there are a few exhibits that nearly any collector would enjoy. Here are five of the best places in the U.S. to see rare coins in person, including legendary rarities and fascinating historical pieces.
Best Places to See Rare Coins
The Smithsonian Institution – Washington, D.C.
The Smithsonian Museums house the amazing National Numismatic Collection, and no coin collector’s trip to Washington, D.C., is complete without a visit there. The National Numismatic Collection contains over 450,000 coins and 1.1 million pieces of currency. The exhibit, housed in the National Museum of American History, is sure to yield some interesting new tidbits for any collector, whether novice or expert.
Many people don’t realize that the Smithsonian museums started with James Smithson’s donation of a large number of gold British sovereigns, with the purpose of melting and financing a national museum. This collection includes U.S. coins and currency, world coins such as U.S. Grant’s sizeable Japanese coin collection, and a large array of medals as well. It features some of the rarest specimens in the world, and entire famous collections like the Josiah Lilly collection of gold coins. Other famous rarities include the 1849 $20 Double Eagle and 1933 Saint-Gaudens gold coin.
The American Numismatic Association (ANA) Money Museum – Colorado Springs, CO
Operated by the American Numismatic Association and located adjacent to ANA headquarters, the ANA Money Museum offers a fascinating, in-depth look at the history of money from ancient times to the present.
The museum features rotating exhibits and permanent collections that include ancient coins, colonial currency, and rare U.S. coinage. One of its most prized displays is the Harry W. Bass Jr. Collection, which includes an unmatched array of early U.S. gold coins, pattern coins, and proof sets. Interactive displays and educational resources make the ANA Money Museum especially engaging for both beginners and seasoned collectors. It’s an ideal destination to deepen your knowledge and appreciation of coin history.
The New York Federal Reserve Bank Gold Vault and Museum – New York City, NY
A visit to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York offers a rare opportunity to explore the role of gold and currency in global economics—while standing directly above one of the largest gold reserves in the world. The Fed’s Gold Vault, located 80 feet below street level, holds hundreds of billions of dollars in gold bullion for central banks around the globe.
While public visitors don’t get to see individual coins, the on-site Museum and Learning Center offers rich exhibits on the evolution of money, the Federal Reserve System, and currency security features. Interactive displays and educational videos explain how monetary policy and coinage have shaped history. Free tours are available by reservation, and for anyone serious about coin collecting or the history of U.S. currency, the Federal Reserve Bank is a fascinating stop that connects numismatics to the modern financial system.
The United States Mints – Philadelphia & Denver
The U.S. Mints in Philadelphia and Denver offer coin collectors a fascinating look at both the artistry and industrial precision behind American coinage. Each facility provides a unique window into the minting process, from blank planchets to finished coins, and highlights some of the most stunning examples of U.S. coin design throughout history. Both locations also showcase historic machinery, early coin designs, and informative exhibits about the role of coinage in U.S. economic development.
Because of the Coinage Act of 1792 and its free coinage provision, individuals were allowed to bring in foreign coins to be melted and re-minted as U.S. currency. Interestingly, the Mints preserved many of the most exceptional foreign coins that came through, resulting in historically rich displays that include both U.S. and world specimens. Tours of the Philadelphia Mint and the Denver Mint are open to the public, though advance reservations are required. For any numismatist or anyone curious about how coins are made these working mints are must-see destinations.
The FUN Show – Orlando, FL
Numerous national coin shows have educational exhibits, and rare coins are often on display prior to auction. Google “national coin shows” for full lists. Good possibilities are the World’s Fair of Money (Chicago), the FUN Show in Orlando, and several others would be well worth your time!
Hosted by the Florida United Numismatists (FUN) and held every January, the FUN Show is a major destination for serious collectors and offers great opportunities to see (and sometimes buy) legendary coins. This is one of the most prestigious numismatic conventions in the country and includes exhibits, auctions, and educational programs.
Apart from these, you may sometimes run across great websites, such as auction house websites that share a history and spectacular images of rare coins. When you do find an informative site, certainly add it to your bookmarks. However, viewing a coin online is somehow not the same as seeing it in person. So another option is to check with your local coin dealer and see what particularly interesting specimens they currently have in inventory.
Whether you work with a Grand Rapids coin dealer or any other, you never know what you may find. At Grand Rapids Coins, we always welcome your inquiries about great coins in our current inventory, so contact us, or visit us at our Rockford location.
