ANA board of governors commits to Pittsburgh for 2023 show
The American Numismatic Association (ANA) board of governors voted to officially cancel its 2020 World’s Fair of Money earlier this week.
The show was originally scheduled for Aug. 4-8 in Pittsburgh, Pa.; however, COVID-19 restrictions made continuing with the event unfeasible, and the board voted in mid-June to postpone the event while it considered alternate sites and dates. A second vote on July 14, however, effectively terminated any further research and planning for a replacement location. The decision comes in light of the current situation in the United States, where the daily record for coronavirus infections has repeatedly been topped throughout the past week, and the ANA’s “inability … to assure the safety of its members, dealers, staff and visitors,” according to a statement issued by the U.S.-based group on July 16.
The board is committing to Pittsburgh as the site for the 2023 World’s Fair of Money, recognizing the “outstanding planning developed by the local host committee in preparing for the cancelled 2020 show, provided that comparative contractual arrangements can be made,” the statement added.
“Although we share the disappointment of collectors and dealers in cancelling the 2020 World’s Fair of Money, it is the right decision given the wide range of uncertainties we currently face,” said ANA President Steve Ellsworth. “We’re appreciative of our partners, specifically official convention auctioneers Heritage Auctions and Stack’s Bowers Galleries, for their understanding and support of this decision. In the meantime, this action enables the ANA staff to refocus its maximum efforts and efficiencies towards the organization’s emergence and growth out of the pandemic crisis.”
The ANA’s convention has only been cancelled twice before—in 1918 during the flu pandemic, and again in 1945 because of the Second World War.
Although the show itself will not be held, collectors can still attend convention events online, including “Money Talks” and the Sundman Lecture Series. These presentations and lectures are free to attend, but registration is required. The ANA awards presentations scheduled for the 2020 World’s Fair of Money will also be held virtually.
“We look forward to welcoming collectors to the March 11-13 National Money Show in Phoenix and to the 2021 World’s Fair of Money in Rosemont (Chicago), Illinois, Aug. 10-14,” said Ellsworth.