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By Bret Evans
The Royal Canadian Numismatic Association held another successful convention, July 13-17 at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts in Windsor, Ont.
Wednesday was reserved for registrations and a welcome reception in the hospitality suite. Normally a quiet day, it was made spectacular by a military operational that saw helicopters whizzing between buildings through the Detroit-Windsor area. Participants were able to actually look down on them from their top-floor perch.
Thursday, things took a numismatic turn with a daylong educational symposium. Six speakers made presentations on topics as diverse as numismatic authors, tokens, and wampum.
Executive meetings by the Canadian Paper Money Society and the RCNA were also held that day.
The evening saw the unofficial start to the event, the Royal Canadian Mint reception, held at the adjacent Windsor Art Gallery.
Ian Bennett, president and master of the Royal Canadian Mint, told those in attendance that the Mint's spectacular success in the previous fiscal year was largely due to an unprecedented growth in the numismatic division. He added that this year was shaping up to be another success.
"Everyone was wondering what we would do after the Olympics," he said. "We've done very well."
The Mint also unveiled a silver dollar and set commemorating the 100th anniversary of the famed 1911 silver dollar pattern, "the Emperor of Canadian coins," and announced that this would be the last year for the Mint's Proof set. The Mint also struck Uncirculated sets with an RCM token, which were only available at the show.
Friday saw the tempo pick up with the official opening and day 1 of the three-day bourse.
There was also a numismatic book fair, Coin Kids program, and the second session of the official auction.
Specialty meetings included the club delegates breakfast, J. Douglas Ferguson Foundation meeting, Canadian Paper Money Society lunch, and meetings of the Canadian Errors and Varieties Association and the Newfoundland Enthusiasts Club.
Social activities included a tour of Willistead Manor and an evening riverboat cruise.
Saturday was the culmination of the convention.
While the bourse and exhibits continued, along with the book fair and kids activities, there was plenty more going on that day.
Meetings were held by Canadian Coin News, the Canadian Association of Wooden Money Collectors, Canadian Numismatic Research Society, Canadian Association of Token Collectors, and a Coin Kids auction was conducted.
During the annual general meeting of the RCNA, members voted not to add new directors at this time, but approved a new membership fee structure that includes discounts for members who elect not to receive printed copies of the Canadian Numismatic Journal.
The new RCNA executive was installed, consisting of William Waychison, president; Bret Evans, first vice-president; Robert Forbes, second vice-president and area directors Geoff Wilson, Tim Henderson, Rejean St-Hillaire, Louis Chevrier, Serge Pelletier, Brent Mackie, Henry Nienhuis, James MacLeod, Vic Schoff, James Williston, Al Tepworth, Gary Chapman, William Kamb, and Mike Turrini.
Saturday evening saw the annual awards dinner, where the highest honours of Canadian numismatics were awarded.
The J. Douglas Ferguson Medal, the highest award of Canadian numismatics, went to Tim Henderson. The Paul Fiocca Award, the highest of the RCNA, went to Dr. Marvin Kay, and fellowships were awarded to Tom and Margaret Clarke of the Windsor Coin Club, the first husband and wife team to be so honoured.
Other awards included the Louise Graham Club of the Year award to the Calgary Numismatic Society, the Jerome Remick III Literary Award to Ron Cheek, and the best of show award to Ron J. Graham.
During the president's reception afterward, American Numismatic Association president Cliff Mischler gave presidential awards from that organization to convention chair Brett Irick and CCN editor Bret Evans.
An ever-present sight was James Charlton, RCNA honorary president and founder of the famed Charlton catalogues, who seemed to be present at every event from the morning breakfasts to the final reception.
Sunday was the last day of the convention, with a shortened bourse and hospitality suite hours.
Two meetings were held, one by the incoming RCNA executive and the other by the Canadian Association for Numismatic Education, formed during the past year as a charitable organization to support the hobby.
August 16, 2011 to August 29, 2011 issue of Canadian Coin News
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