Anyone can prepare a winning exhibit; the key word is prepare. A winning exhibit takes work and some talent — but it does not have to have exceptional numismatic material.

Purposes of exhibiting

• to educate (the exhibitor and others)

• to interest other collectors in the material or period

• to interest the public in collecting

• to brag about what you own

• to win awards.

To do these, an exhibit must —

• attract and hold attention

• present information

• be understandable.

Competitive exhibits face another hurdle — they must do these things for knowledgeable numismatists (the judges).

• If you exhibit for pleasure, there are few rules.

• If you want to exhibit in the "big leagues," you have to play by the rules.

• Competition requires a tradeoff — ease of viewing vs. depth of presentation.

Preliminary steps

• Get the exhibit rules for the show at which you want to exhibit.

• Choose a category within which to exhibit.

• Apply for exhibit space.

Building the exhibit

• Select a theme — choose the story that you want to tell.

• Bring relevant material to your story; it is not necessary to show everything that you own.

• Fit the theme of the exhibit to the exhibition categories (if necessary).

• Perform research.

• Read primary and secondary numismatic references (take notes).

• Read background sources (history, biography, criticism).

• Talk to others (collectors, scholars, users).

• Cull essentials from the mass of information.

• Write your text and captions.

• Write carefully and edit skillfully — let it gestate.

• Tie the numismatic specimens to the text (make it easy for the reader to follow the exhibit).

• Write stimulating captions — draw the reader back into the story.

• Stick to the chosen theme, in text and specimens.

• Lay out the exhibit and check for physical space/balance.

• Reduce text and/or specimens if necessary.

• Allow space for titles and for non-numismatic collateral material.

• Keep the exhibition rules in mind — number of cases, external props, lights, and so forth allowed.

• Prepare the final text, captions, backgrounds, titles.

• Proof read.

• Use artistic skills and readily available aids (art papers, laser printers, die-cut lettering, ribbons).

• Prefabricate as much as possible, to minimize setup time at the convention.

• Lay out the exhibit in final, complete form.

• Make a map.

• Critique, proof read again; get another person to examine the exhibit.

• Make necessary changes.

• Package specimens and props for ease of transport.

• Triple check for completeness — it’s frustrating to arrive at the convention without a key item.

At the exhibition

• Check in with the exhibit chairman; get labels for all cases.

• Check available display space (if choices are available) for best lighting and viewer accessibility.

• Clean the cases (glass inside and out, bottom of case for aluminum shards and oil).

• Emplace the exhibit.

• Double check everything for proper placement (it’s easy to show the wrong side of a small item).

• Stay with your exhibit until the cases are closed and sealed.

• Examine the other exhibits.

• Attend the exhibiting seminar (if one is offered).

• Attend the judges’ training seminar (if one is offered).

• Collect your ribbon or trophy!

After the exhibition

• Write an article using your exhibit’s text (ask for assistance in preparing illustrations if necessary).

• Improve the exhibit and move up to higher levels.

• At the ANA level — you will find narrower categories, variable competition.

Rules of thumb

• Be neat and keep things simple.

• Use correct grammar and spelling.

• Don’t brag, but do inform the reader.

• Be as brief as your theme will allow.

• Ask for and accept criticism.

• Relax and enjoy yourself.

Contact me if you have any questions:
Joseph E. Boling, e-mail joeboling@aol.com.
ANA chief judge, 1991-93, 1995-2003; 2011- member of ANA exhibiting committee since 1987.