Get a glimpse of a Lincoln penny valued at more than $1 million and bills printed with a variety of errors this week at the National Money Show at the Phoenix Convention Center.
In addition to seeing items valued in the millions, visitors can learn what their old coins and bills may be worth, according to event organizers.
The show will run Thursday-Saturday, March 2-4, at the convention center, Hall F, 100 N. 3rd St. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday.
“The National Money Show is a family-friendly, educational event sponsored by the nonprofit American Numismatic Association,” Dr. Ralph Ross, president of the 25,000-member organization based in Colorado Springs, Colo., said.
“Money is history you can hold in your hands, and you have the opportunity to see many numismatic national treasures in person at the show.”
One display will feature the first Arizona appearance of a mismade, World War II Lincoln cent that sold for more than $1 million.
“Because copper was needed for the war effort, all pennies struck in 1943 were supposed to be composed of zinc-coated steel, but a few were accidentally struck in the previous year’s copper/bronze alloy,” a release announcing the event stated.
The mismade 1943 penny coming to Phoenix has the original mint red color 80 years after it left the Philadelphia Mint.
Among other special exhibits from the American Numismatic Association Money Museum in Colorado are one of the five known 1913-dated Liberty Head nickels. It is one of the world’s most famous rare coins and is insured today for $3 million, according to the organization.
There also will be displays of two-centuries-old medals honoring President George Washington, examples of the first United States dimes from 1796 and 1797 and “funny money” U.S. bills mistakenly printed with various errors, such as upside down or entirely missing serial numbers.
“The National Money Show will provide the public access to hundreds of dealers offering extensive numismatic inventory at all price levels and educational programming for both beginning and seasoned hobbyists,” said Kim Kiick, American Numismatic Association executive director.
“Many of the dealers will provide complimentary, informal evaluations of the public’s old money.”
The registration fee on Thursday and Friday is $10 for adults. Children 12 and under as well as active duty and retired military personnel with valid ID with up to three guests are admitted free.
Entry is free for everyone on Saturday.
For more: www.NationalMoneyShow.com
