Across the numismatic industry, seasoned observers have weighed in on the spring Whitman Baltimore Expo and the consensus is it was one of the best shows in a long while.

Laure Sperber of Legend Numismatics declared in her market report: “The spring Baltimore Show was our best one in several YEARS-possibly even our best EVER.” (emphasis in the original). Dan Duncan, of Pinnacle Rarities, writing in CoinWeek said, “Combine a great convention town, with high quality show promoters, and the results are usually positive. And for the record, last week’s Baltimore show was one of our most active shows in recent memory.”

Attendance was up over last year, there seemed to be a decided shift taking place in the industry and dealers reported doing good business at both the retail and wholesale level.

Whitman Expo General Manager David Crenshaw said this particular show seemed to have a good vibe surrounding it from the very outset. “Something felt really good about this show from the very first hours, and I believe this perception was shared generally among those who joined us in Baltimore. We heard it from practically everyone, from dealers to collectors to the families of Boy Scouts earning their merit badge. The words ‘great show’ seemed to hang in the air despite the chilly and damp weather,” Crenshaw said.

An exclusive appearance by the authors of The Secret History of the First U.S. Mint proved a popular item. Authors Joel Orosz and Len Augsburger sold all but three of their books and presented their fascinating findings to a room full of knowledgeable coin enthusiasts and a direct descendent of Adam Eckfeldt, part of the “first family” of the U.S. Mint. The inaugural Stack’s Bowers Galleries auction and the Maryland State Numismatic Association’s Exhibit Competition were also among the highlights. The Stack’s Bowers Galleries auction, realized $13,694,535 and growing (as post-sale buying continues to be added). The new firm’s premiere auction presented thousands of U.S., world, and ancient coins and paper money, including an exceedingly rare Proof 1836/1336 half dollar. The MSNA exhibit competition winners were:

• First place (MSNA Best In Show) - "A Brief History of Ballooning" --- Sandra Emme (also winner of Maryland TAMS Best Exonumia Exhibit award)
• Second place (MSNA Master Award) - "The Jewish Lion" --- Simcha Kuritzky
• Third place (MSNA Superior Award) - "Bethlehem Steel Company" --- William Stratemeyer

Members of Boy Scout Troops 355, 2109 and 117 of the Baltimore Area Council earned merit badges at the Expo.