Money Museum

What: American Numismatic Association Museum (the “Money Museum”)
Where: Colorado Springs
When: Monday-Friday 9-4; Saturday 10-4; Sunday 12-4
   Closed December 25 – January 1

News item - July 26, 2007:  Did you hear about the 1894-S dime worth $1.9 million that sold recently and was transported from Oakland CA to Manhattan NY in the coin dealer's pocket (later transferred to his briefcase) via a commercial red-eye flight? Click for more of the story

“Show me the Money!” Now this is the place where they’ve really got the bucks. The Museum has a variety of exhibits which are changed during the year. However, the showpiece of the Museum is the Harry W. Bass Jr. coin collection. This is the most complete collection of US gold and experimental “pattern” coins you’ll find anywhere. Many of the coins in this collection are extremely rare, one-of-a-kind specimens.

In addition to its extensive coin collection, the Museum has outstanding displays of US paper money, tokens, bank drafts, and other items of historical interest.

Money in the form of metal and paper is a history lesson in itself. Here’s a trivia question for you: Which three denominations of US paper money do not contain the portrait of a US President on the front? Who are these men? As you know, there are two dollar coins with non-presidential figures on the obverse – Susan B. Anthony (the Sue Buck, which is no longer minted) and the current dollar coin which features Sacagawea.

Give up? Alexander Hamilton appears on the $10 bill, Benjamin Franklin on the $100, and Salmon P. Chase on the $10,000.

More trivia. Did you know that during 1943, zinc coated steel cents were minted because copper was needed for the war. Also, during the period 1942-45, in order to save nickel for the war effort, the government minted nickels which contained 35% silver. Many of these silver nickels were later melted down when their silver content became worth more than the face value of the coin. You can find these facts and many more by spending some time in the Museum’s Library. This is the largest numismatic lending library in the world.

The Museum even gives away free samples! Kids get to choose a free coin as a souvenir from the Museum’s treasure chest.

The Museum has an attractive gift shop with a selection of numismatic items. Be sure you don’t accidentally spend that 1913 “no cents” nickel you have in your pocket!

This is one of those “don’t miss” places to visit. Call the Museum for group tours.