Kickstarting the Numismatic Year 2024: Ancient Numismatics Are Still Flying High
by Sebastian Wieschowski
In the elegant five-star hotel, traders and collectors from around the world gathered for the "New York International Numismatic Convention," recognized as a reliable barometer for the mood in the numismatic society
The 52nd New York International Numismatic Convention (NYINC) took place from January 12 to 14 at the InterContinental New York Barclay Hotel, marking a successful start to the coin year 2024. The convention, held in an opulent setting reminiscent of the Golden Twenties, featured over 100 exhibitors in the Empire and Grand Ballroom, as well as adjacent gallery areas. The event, known for its elegant ambiance, serves as a barometer for the upcoming year in numismatics.
The NYINC distinguishes itself from typical "Coin Shows" by deliberately offering a unique experience. Unlike other major coin events, it lacks the usual American coins of recent times, such as Morgan Dollars, Quarters, or Pennies, as well as common bins of modern coins from around the world. Instead, the convention focuses on attracting a dedicated community of dealers and collectors, including prominent names from Europe.
The convention organizers reported a successful event, with positive feedback on its organization and an increase in the number of participants. The atmosphere was described as enthusiastic, and there were no reported incidents, attributed to enhanced security measures. The convention had implemented strict access control, with personalized entry tickets containing photos and names, aiming to ensure a secure environment.
While the new security measures caused some initial confusion and delays for attendees accustomed to the more relaxed atmosphere of previous years, the organizers received praise for their efforts. Recommendations for future events include clearer signage for different pick-up tables and increased promotion of online pre-registration to streamline the entry process.
The NYINC is known for attracting a diverse international audience, with notable participation from young visitors from Asia. The convention serves as a platform for numismatic enthusiasts to explore rare and ancient coins, presenting a contrast to the more common and vibrant coin shows. For the 52th edition of the convention, the organizers had significantly revised the entry concept in response to incidents from previous years, emphasizing the importance of security in light of potential theft risks.
Gold coins from antiquity to modern times (pictured here on the left with a sample strike from Greece during the Latin Monetary Union period) were particularly in demand in New York.
Sebastian Wieschowski has been collecting coins since childhood and, after working as a journalist with a focus on finance and economy, has switched his focus on coins and precious since 2012. He is the author of several self-published books on Bullion Coins, Panda Coins, Fake Coins and Coin Grading and works for numismatic magazines. He is also a recurring expert on the German television program Münzengalerie (Coin Gallery), the longest running numismatic television show in the world. You can find out more about his work at coinosseur.com
