Working to benefit the hobby, Whitman Coin & Collectibles Expos, in conjunction with the American Numismatic Association (ANA) and the Industry Council on Tangible Assets (ICTA), has successfully lobbied to change the trader’s license law concerning tax and corporate registration in the State of Maryland.

This removes burdens that numismatic dealers would have otherwise faced this year, if they participated in more than three coin shows in the state within a 365-day period. With four major coin shows planned in Baltimore this year (three by Whitman Coin and Collectibles Conventions, plus the American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money®), dealers would have had to apply for a state trader’s license. With the new legislation, that requirement now excludes non-profit national organizations.

In its letters to Maryland legislators, Whitman noted that the Baltimore Coin and Currency Conventions attract tens of thousands of visitors to the city, with an estimated economic impact of over $10 million, and that the ANA World’s Fair of Money is anticipated to bring another $14 to $15 million.

House Bill 1386 was presented to the House Committee on Economic Matters, sponsored by Delegate David D. Rudolph (Democrat, District 34B). Senate Bill 900 was presented to the Senate Finance Committee, sponsored by Senator Katherine Klausmeier (Democrat, District 8). Both bills were passed unanimously by the Maryland Legislature.

The bill’s synopsis specifies that “exemption from the trader’s license requirement imposed on exhibitors applies to exhibitors that provide the promoter with an affidavit stating that the exhibitor has not participated in more than three shows, not including participation in a specified national show [the World’s Fair of Money], in addition to the current annual income requirements.”

“Whitman knows that the Baltimore shows are successful first and foremost due to the continued commitment of our dealers,” said Whitman president Mary Counts. “We felt it was our responsibility to speak for the dealers, explaining the importance of these shows and seeking a legislative change. What these shows offer longtime collectors, new collectors, and the City of Baltimore will have a positive impact for years to come. Some dealers were waiting to see the legislation’s outcome before committing to both the ANA show and the three Whitman shows. This amendment lets them attend all four shows and take advantage of the current hot market.”

Whitman Coin and Collectibles Conventions general manager David Crenshaw said, “We are pleased with the outcome, and grateful to Maryland’s legislature and Governor Martin O’Malley for their help. Baltimore will continue to be the nation’s premier city for numismatic shows.”