2004 PNNA Convention Report

APRIL 23-25, 2004
PACIFIC NORTHWEST NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL CONVENTION
Tukwila Community Center
12424 42nd Ave. So., Tukwila, WA

See the main convention page

Friday April 23

The biggest annual coin show in the Pacific Northwest, sponsored by the Pacific Northwest Numismatic Association (PNNA), opened today at the Tukwila Community Center, near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and just a short distance south of Seattle. As was the case in 2003, convention chairman Dick Billings reported that "It's off to an excellent start" with "good attendance." Reflecting a continuing strong coin market, there is a record dealer turnout (101 booths) with a wide variety of material available.

PNNA Convention General Chairman Richard Billings (left) watches as Steve Mullet, Mayor of Tukwila, reads opening statement on Friday, April 23 at the PNNA 55th annual convention at the Tukwila Community Center.

Congratulations to Dick on also winning the Bob Everett Memorial Award, announced on Saturday (see below).

Moneyer Greg Franck-Weiby strikes silver souvenir "coins" using methods similar to those used to make coins in ancient and medieval times. 750 of the souvenirs were made available to give out with paid admissions to the show, and others (including silver strikings) were available to purchase. All 750 of the free "coins" were gone by Sunday morning.

Saturday April 24

The PNNA convention was in full swing on Saturday with excellent turnout on the bourse floor combined with a full day of educational programs and meetings.

	Dr. Richard Doty, curator of coins at the Smithsonian, delivered the keynote address, A life in Numismatics – Postcards from the Road. He had many interesting things to say about his experiences over the years.
	Juniors on the bourse floor were excited to have the opportunity to complete a set of numismatic items as part of the Young Numismatist (YN) "Treasure Trivia" game. Participation was excellent again this year!
	Rob Retz of Oregon was announced as the winner of the Nina Nystrom Memorial Goodwill Ambassador Award by outgoing PNNA president Scott Loos, and convention general chairman Richard Billings was announced as the recipient of the Bob Everett Memorial Award.
	Winners of the judged collector exhibits were announced, and new PNNA officers were installed. Welcome to Larry Gaye as the new PNNA president.

Dr. Richard Doty, curator of coins at the Smithsonian, delivers the keynote address, A life in Numismatics – Postcards from the Road.	Numismatic Theater Chairman Bill McKivor introduces Dr. Doty, and shows a copy of Doty's book The Soho Mint.
Walt Ostromecki (left) receives a speaker award from Dick Billings. Walt's topic was Nixon’s Numismatic Legacy.	Incoming PNNA President Larry Gaye addresses the general membership meeting.

Sunday April 25

The successful 2004 PNNA convention concluded today in Tukwila, with fairly good attendance even with warm, sunny weather. Total convention paid attendance was about 1,000, and convention chairman Dick Billings reported that the show was "significantly better than last year." Most of the dealers, collectors and public attending the event seemed to be satisfied, and many of the juniors really enjoyed the Treasure Trivia game. The PNNA is pleased to announce that the association's annual convention will again be held at the Tukwila Community Center the weekend of April 29 - May 1, 2005. See the calendar.