How the 2024 World’s Fair of Money Is Connecting the U.S. to Ascension Island

The American Numismatic Association (ANA) is hosting its World’s Fair of Money in Rosemont, Illinois, from August 6 to 10. This event, though far from the Ascension Islands, is connecting the two with a special release of three new coins. These coins are part of a collaboration between Minted Assets, a U.S.-based company, and Ascension Island, marking the first-ever decimal-denominated legal tender coins to be released during this prestigious coin show.

In this article, we’ll explore the details of these special coins, their designs, and their availability at the World’s Fair of Money.

Coin Denomination	Material	Weight	Diameter	Mintage Limit	Price	Distribution Details
$1 Silver-Plated	Reverse Proof Silver-Plated	25 grams	38.6 mm	1,000 pieces	Not listed	Available at booth 730, approx. 200 per day
$5 Silver Coin	Proof .999 Fine Silver	31.1 grams	38.6 mm	600 pieces	$129	Available at event
$100 Gold Coin	Proof .9999 Fine Gold	31.1 grams	32 mm	120 pieces	$3,925	Available at event

New Coins Commemorate the 2024 World’s Fair of Money

Minted Assets has released three coins to commemorate the World’s Fair of Money in 2024. These coins celebrate both the American numismatic tradition and the significance of the World’s Fair, connecting the event with the Ascension Islands. The coins come in three different metals and denominations, showcasing the diversity of numismatic design and the importance of commemorative coins in celebrating major events.

The three coins released include:

• A Reverse Proof silver-plated $1 coin
• A Proof .999 fine silver $5 coin
• A Proof .9999 fine gold $100 coin

Despite the differences in value, these coins share a similar design, with slight modifications to reflect their respective denominations. The designs were created by Joel Iskowitz, a renowned American coin designer and former U.S. Mint engraver, working with Minted Assets to create these beautiful commemorative pieces.

The Design Features of the Coins

The obverse (front) side of the coins features several symbolic elements. Most notably, it includes an image of Nomisma, the allegorical goddess representing money. Her name comes from the Greek word for “money,” linking her directly to the concept of currency and wealth. Nomisma is shown holding the World’s Fair of Money logo, an essential symbol for the event.

Also on the obverse side is a representation of the U.S. 1793 Flowing Hair Chain large cent, a nod to the early history of American coinage. Surrounding this image, you can find several important inscriptions. These include the coin’s denomination, the phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (meaning “Out of many, one”), the year 2024, and the metal purity and weight, along with the designer’s initials.

The reverse (back) side of the coins displays an American bald eagle in flight, soaring over the Cloud Gate sculpture in Chicago, which is also known as “The Bean.” This massive, highly polished, metallic sculpture is located in Millennium Park, Chicago, and is an iconic feature of the city’s skyline. The eagle is depicted holding a rose in its talons, symbolizing the city of Rosemont, where the World’s Fair of Money convention will take place.

Also on the reverse is an image of Dr. George F. Heath, a founder of the ANA. Dr. Heath was instrumental in the establishment of the ANA, which hosted its very first convention in Chicago back in 1891. The image of Dr. Heath was originally created by Mint Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber in the early 1900s, and it has since been adapted into this commemorative coin design.

Coin Specifications and Mintage Details

Each of these commemorative coins has distinct specifications based on the material used and the coin’s design.

• Silver-Plated $1 Coin:
  • Weight: 25 grams
  • Diameter: 38.6 millimeters
  • Mintage: Limited to 1,000 pieces
  • Price: Available at the show, with about 200 pieces distributed daily at booth 730.
• Silver $5 Coin:
  • Weight: 31.1 grams
  • Diameter: 38.6 millimeters
  • Mintage: Limited to 600 pieces
  • Price: $129 each
• Gold $100 Coin:
  • Weight: 31.1 grams
  • Diameter: 32 millimeters
  • Mintage: Limited to 120 pieces
  • Price: $3,925 each

Each of these coins is carefully designed with reeded edges and features a medallic orientation, meaning the opposite side of the coin will appear upright when turned, similar to a medal.

Packaging and Exclusivity at the Show

In addition to their stunning designs, the silver and gold Proof coins come in special packaging. Each coin is housed in a box with a reversible insert, which can be used to store the coin after it has been graded and encapsulated.

For those interested in grading their coins, Numismatic Guaranty Co. (NGC) will offer an exclusive label that can only be obtained by submitting a coin at the World’s Fair of Money show.

Limiting Purchases to Prevent Resale Hoarding

To ensure that collectors and not resellers get access to these exclusive coins, Minted Assets will limit the number of coins sold per person. This policy is in place to prevent dealers from hoarding the coins and selling them for higher prices later. The company hopes to make these coins available to true numismatists and collectors who appreciate the historical significance of the event.

Conclusion: A Special Commemorative Collection for Coin Enthusiasts

The release of these three commemorative coins at the 2024 World’s Fair of Money in Rosemont is a unique opportunity for collectors and numismatic enthusiasts. The designs, which feature symbolic images related to money, the ANA, and Chicago’s iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, make these coins an essential addition to any collection. Whether you are a seasoned coin collector or a newcomer to the world of numismatics, these coins offer a special connection to the history of the event and the world of money.

If you are planning to attend the show, be sure to visit Minted Assets’ booth 730 to get your hands on one of these limited-edition coins before they sell out.

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