Coins from the national Numismatic Collection are on display again at the Smithsonian Institution's Museum of American History. The exhibition, which opened for public display June 12, is the first for the coins at the museum since shuttering in 2005 for extensive renovations.

A reception for numismatic luminaries, Smithsonian staff and others involved bringing the exhibition together, during which the display was previewed, was held the evening of June 10.

Remarks on the opportunity for numismatics that the opening of the exhibit offers were delivered June 10 by Jeff Garrett, owner of Mid-American Rare Coin Gallery in Lexington, Kentucky. Garrett is a numismatic researcher and author who has been a driving force behind researching and publicizing the treasures among the 1.6 million items the National Numismatic Collection contains and seeking additional financial resources for the collection's support.

Read the press release for this event at NGC's site

View additional pictures of Garrett at the Smithsonian

Excerpted from: Coinworld, vol. 50, Issue 2568

Pictured at right: PNG President Paul Montgomery (left) and 2009 Art Kagin Ambassador Award winner Jeff Garrett at the PNG Day awards banquet in Los Angeles, August 4, 2009.

Jeff Garrett of Lexington, KY recently won the Art Kagin Ambassador award at the PNG Day banquet, which was held August 4th in Los Angeles.

“Jeff Garrett has tirelessly promoted our hobby for decades,” said Kathleen Duncan, chair of the Kagin Award committee. “He has been a member of the PNG since 1982, was recently the organization's president in addition to serving on the PNG Board for many years. The vast number of hours he has spent on numismatic research has greatly benefitted many. His passion for coins is contagious and he is certainly deserving of the PNG Art Kagin Ambassador award.”

The Kagin Award is named after a former PNG president and well-known Iowa dealer who PNG says provided distinguished service as an advocate of numismatic goodwill.

Photo used by permission, courtesy of Donn Pearlman. All rights reserved.

Jeff Garrett has won a seat on the board of governors of the American Numismatic Association.  The ANA serves over 32,000 members and it is considered the most important numismatic organization in the United States.  The ANA is dedicated to encouraging people to study and collect money and related items.  The ANA offers a vast array of educationl and outreach programs.  Numismatic education is the foundation of Mid-American's philosophy and Jeff looks forward to being a part of forming the ANA's direction for the next two years.

Thanks to all who voted in this year's election.

Selling your rare coins can be a very difficult decision. Auctions can take months and many coins or collections need special attention and research that only Mid-American can offer. The rare coin market is the hottest in decades. Click here for more information or call 859-276-1551 now!     

Jeff Garrett maintains two shops to serve you better:

Mid-American Rare Coin Galleries is located in Lexington, Kentucky. We have been in the same location for over 20 years. Our state of the art facilities are available for visit by appointment Monday thru Friday. We have one of the largest numismatic libraries in the business and short term loans are possible for interested parties.

Our sister company, Sarasota Rare Coin Gallery is located in the beautiful city of Sarasota, Florida. We maintain what is considered by many to be the finest coin shop in the United States. The store is open for business Monday thru Saturday. If you are ever in Florida, please make a trip to our beautiful showroom. We carry the largest selection of Rare Coins in the state. Sarasota Rare Coin Gallery also buys and sells bullion gold and silver. Call for a free quote today!

Online Introduction to Collecting Rare Coins

The world of collecting rare coins is very exciting. Mid-American has created an introduction to coin collecting that both beginners and seasoned collectors will find useful.     

PNG Immediate Past President Jeff Garrett of Lexington, Kentucky presented a program about United States Gold Coins and The Smithsonian Collection” at Noon on Friday, June 6, in room 303 of the Baltimore Convention Center.

“While doing research for the book, Encyclopedia of United States Gold Coins, I had the opportunity to study one of the greatest collections of gold coins ever assembled. During my seminar I’ll discuss the history of the collection, the museum and many of the incredible highlights that make the National Numismatic Collection one of the finest in the world,” said Garrett.

Source: pngdealers.com

Giving Back.

Jeff Garrett fondly remembers two fellow club members and a man in a white suit.

[Colorado Springs Co] As a young numismatist in the early 1970s, Jeff Garrett could have chosen any number of life's paths. But two mentors and an icon in a white suit gave him inspiration, and the ANA provided a destination. . . .

The article which appeared in the 2006 issue of The Numismatist is reprinted here.