WINNIPEG – Collectors from across Canada are arriving in Winnipeg today as the Royal Canadian Numismatic Association’s annual convention gets underway, with organizers reporting a record number of registrants for this year’s gathering.
Although the official program begins Wednesday, many early arrivals are spending the day exploring Winnipeg through organized tours of three of the city’s premier attractions. Delegates are visiting the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, an internationally acclaimed museum dedicated to the evolution and protection of human rights; the Manitoba Museum, home to extensive exhibits on the province’s natural and human history, including its renowned full-scale replica of the 17th-century Nonsuch trading ship; and The Forks, Winnipeg’s historic meeting place at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine rivers, now a vibrant destination featuring shops, restaurants, markets and public spaces.
Others are reconnecting with fellow collectors ahead of a week featuring educational seminars, meetings, exhibits, the annual bourse and special events celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Mint’s Winnipeg facility.
RCNA delegates wave from their bus Tuesday before departing for organized tours of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the Manitoba Museum and The Forks as this year’s Royal Canadian Numismatic Association convention gets underway in Winnipeg.
This year’s convention is being co-hosted by the Royal Canadian Numismatic Association and the Manitoba Coin Club. Local Chairperson Larry Dalman has led the local organizing committee in planning the Winnipeg gathering alongside national convention chair James Williston and a team of dedicated volunteers.
Williston said this year’s event has attracted a record number of registrants, reflecting the continued strength of Canada’s numismatic community.
“We have a record number of registrants,” said Williston.
One of the week’s biggest highlights comes Wednesday with a private visit to the Royal Canadian Mint, available exclusively to convention registrants who pre-registered for the event. Williston said 72 delegates have signed up for the Mint’s production-floor tour, while about 40 others will participate in the exclusive Skywalk, an enhanced behind-the-scenes experience that goes beyond the standard public tour.
“This is over and above what they normally do,” Williston said, adding that the visit will conclude with a special reception hosted by the Mint.
The Mint events hold added significance this year as they coincide with the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Royal Canadian Mint’s Winnipeg facility. Officially opened on April 30, 1976, the plant has spent the past five decades producing Canada’s circulation coinage while also striking circulation coins for dozens of countries around the world.
Convention activities are split between two venues. Registration, meetings and educational programming are taking place at the Delta Hotels Winnipeg, while the convention’s bourse will be held in the adjoining RBC Convention Centre. The bourse – the marketplace of any major coin convention – features about 56 dealer tables where collectors can buy, sell and trade coins, banknotes, tokens, medals and related numismatic material while speaking directly with many of Canada’s leading professional dealers.
Delegates gather in the hotel lobby Tuesday while awaiting the bus for tours of three of Winnipeg’s landmark attractions – the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the Manitoba Museum and The Forks – ahead of the official opening of the Royal Canadian Numismatic Association convention.
The bourse officially opens to the general public Thursday at 10 a.m. and continues through Saturday, welcoming collectors of all experience levels to browse dealer inventories, discover new additions for their collections and learn more about the hobby.
The Royal Canadian Mint will also host a public coin exchange beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday when visitors can exchange circulating coins for newly issued uncirculated commemoratives. Available while supplies last will be the new $2 CN Tower circulation coin and the $1 FIFA World Cup 26™ circulation coin, offered in both coloured and non-coloured versions. Both coins were released earlier this year and are expected to be among the most sought-after circulation commemoratives available at the convention.
Hosting an RCNA convention requires months of planning, and Williston said the organizing committee is pleased to see those efforts coming together as delegates arrive in the Manitoba capital.
“There’s always some little fires we’re able to put out, and that’s always behind the scenes,” he said. “But it all came together.”
RCNA President Jacques Poitras said he expects an outstanding week for collectors, with the convention offering a unique blend of education, fellowship and memorable experiences.
“The Mint tour will be something special for us collectors,” Poitras said. “The tours will let people see something very nice, the weather looks good, and with a record number of members registered, there will be great opportunities to meet friends.”
Canadian Coin News will provide continuing coverage from Winnipeg throughout the week, including coverage of the Royal Canadian Mint’s 50th anniversary celebrations, the convention’s educational programs, the public bourse and other highlights as they unfold.
For a complete list of events at this year’s convention, click here.