The New Hampshire-Pennsylvania Coin Connection
No doubt about it: 2026 is a big year for dual-dated anniversaries. First, there’s 1776-2026 on coins to honor America’s independence. Then there’s 1891-2026 to celebrate the American Numismatic Association’s 135th founding year – several of us here at Littleton Coin are members, though not that far back! Finally, there’s the 2006-2026 celebration of Littleton Coin’s Money Museum in New Hampshire’s White Mountains.
Keystone Coins
The American Numismatic Association’s 2026 World’s Fair of Money takes place in historic Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from August 25 through 29. With the exception of 2020, when that year’s World’s Fair of Money went online with education-only programs due to the pandemic, the ANA has held an on-site coins and currency conference for collectors and dealers since its 1891 start.
Wrote ANA founder Dr. George F. Heath of Monroe, MI, “There is nothing like the alliance of kindred spirits to stimulate growth and interest.”
That education mission is pretty significant. In 1912, the ANA became a congressionally chartered nonprofit dedicated to the study, collection and appreciation of coins, paper currency, and other forms of numismatic items. The charter allowed the ANA to establish a national legal structure rather than an incorporation under a single state. A second congressionally approved amendment made the charter permanent.
The World’s Fair of Money theme this year reprises that one unveiled for National Coin Week, Striking Independence: 250 Years of American Numismatics. In that spirit, the annual Maynard Sundman/Littleton Coin Company Lecture Series honoring the memory of our founder Maynard Sundman takes place August 26.
This year, the free lectures have such tantalizing titles as: “Coins Don’t Lie”, “Our Nation’s History – It’s All there in the Fine Print”, “From Libertas to Liberty” on the foreign roots of America’s numismatic identity, and “Republics in Profile” which promises to trace the parallel transition from allegory to authority in American and Roman coinage. Lunch requires a separate registration and a fee. Explore all your 2026 registration options by clicking this link.
If you can’t make it to Pennsylvania, here are a few other Keystone State coins to think about adding to a collection or as a gift for a history buff: an informative Littleton Coin Showpak® for this national park quarter; the 2018 Native American dollar honoring legendary athlete Jim Thorpe, or this titanium coin from Ghana honoring the scientist who developed the polio vaccine. Those who appreciate the fine art and calligraphy of stock certificates might like this one on the Pittsburgh & West Virginian Railway.
Visit Littleton’s Money Museum!
Meanwhile, back in the Grante State, we’ve unveiled new displays relating to the USA’s 250 years of independence. They showcase historic people and events from Chairman David M. Sundman’s personal collection. One fascinating exhibit is titled “From Colony to Country: Coins and Medals that Forged a Nation.” Featured in this display are artifacts from the triumphant farewell tour of the Marquis de Lafayette. He was commissioned as a Major General in the Continental Army when he was just 19! He became a trusted field commander at the Battle of Brandywine and then lead troops during the 1781 Siege of Yorktown, the army’s decisive land victory in Virginia that ended the American Revolutionary War.
Another historical exhibit is titled “Paper Money of the 13 Colonies and its role on the path to independence.” Here, you’ll discover the evolution from colonial notes to Continental dollars and early efforts to thwart counterfeiters planted, in part, by the British to undermine the colonial economy during the American Revolution.
“…[we] had a fantastic walk through…of the coins, paper money and history of the company. We enjoyed every aspect of the tour…Absolutely wonderful museum!” C.A., New River, AZ.
Want to know how you can take one of our free, 30-minute tours? Our knowledgeable guides lead visitors of all ages. The tours are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. School groups are welcomed year-round and by appointment. To make reservations, please call: 1-800-645-3122.
