The American Numismatic Association (ANA) Edward C. Rochette Money Museum (818 N. Cascade Ave.) is sharing a timely message about pop culture; that while movie stars and music icons are a reflection of modern society, so are coins!
“Numismatics” is the study and collection of coins, tokens, paper money and related objects, and from April 20 through 26 the Money Museum will celebrate National Coin Week. The pun is intended in this year’s theme: “Iconic Change: Pop Culture & Coins Unite!”
On Saturday, April 26, the museum will celebrate coins as a reflection on pop culture with a free Open House from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is a family-friendly event. The fun will include games of Bingo with prizes; “mini mint” demonstrations where you can receive a medalette with a special National Coin Week design; the chance to explore rare artifacts within Money Museum exhibits; and a sneak peek at an upcoming exhibit on the Silk Road trade route. You can also jump in the Cash Cube for a chance to grab real money.
[Coins] are an independent nation’s calling card. – Caroline Turco, assistant curator of the ANA Money Museum
While an RSVP is not required, you can let the museum know you plan to attend, and share it with others, on the museum’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/ANAMoneyMuseum).
In honor of National Coin Week, free live webinars will be presented at noon MST for five consecutive afternoons, April 21 through April 25. Register at Money.org/national-coin-week.
The Money Museum was established in 1967, according to its website. Erected on a corner lot among the tall trees and emerald lawns of Colorado College, the building itself is unimposing. Inside, however, displays are colorful and engaging, with the nonprofit being dedicated to encouraging the study and collection of coins.
An additional highlight of visiting the museum in person occurs every third Saturday of each month between noon and 4 p.m., when museum staffers are on hand to demonstrate how coins were manufactured in the early 19th century. Those interested in science and machinery get an up-close view of just how many steps it once took to create a single piece of money. First, large gears flatten a piece of pewter, creating a smooth, palm-length rectangle. Additional steps include shaping the metal into a flat circle and imprinting a design. Following these demonstrations, visitors may take home a real commemorative coin they watched being made.
Caroline Turco is the assistant curator of the ANA Money Museum. When Caroline talks about coins and their historical importance, storytelling is her underlying theme.
“Coins,” she shares, “are one of the best artifacts for representing how cultures interacted and even how they valued themselves.”
For example, after the Revolutionary War, the United States was quick to develop a mint. Coins, Caroline emphasizes, “are an independent nation’s calling card.” In fact, for the first one hundred plus years of American history, U.S. coins showcased Lady Liberty and an eagle. Caroline, a wealth of knowledge, shares the emblem of an eagle on coinage dating back to Roman times.
There are so many more fun things to learn at the Money Museum, you’ll just have to come see for yourself! More info at Money.org/money-museum.
