Exploring the FUN Convention
January 2025 brought numismatic enthusiasts from around the globe to sunny (and freezing) Florida for the 70th annual Florida United Numismatics (FUN) Convention. The FUN Convention is the first and one of the largest and most significant events in the U.S. coin show circuit.
Despite being the coldest day of the past two years, the event buzzed with activity, showcasing a vast array of coins, currency, bullion, books and collectibles, and educational seminars and displays.
A Massive Gathering of Dealers and Collectors
The FUN Convention was a significant leap in scale compared to our local coin shows, with over 600 dealers setting up shop. For someone accustomed to smaller events, like the Brisbane ANDA coin shows that typically host about ten dealers, the sheer size of FUN was a spectacle. Rows upon rows of tables were laden with treasures for all budgets.
Gold, Silver and American coins
American coins took centre stage, with silver and gold commanding the most attention. Surprisingly, there were still some older Australian banknotes on offer in the shadows. Precious metals were in high demand, with gold and silver coins being snapped up quicker than the gators in the local waterways. With gold pricing at a record high and rumours of the U.S. bringing back a gold-backed standard for currency, gold and silver coins and bullion were in high demand. In all of the dealers tables, cash was king and it was impossible to find a dealer that would accept card payments and no ATM in sight.
My collecting interest is Japanese Invasion Money (JIM), a currency issued by the Japanese during World War II in occupied territories. These notes carry the unique historical significance of war in the Pacific. There were many dealers with boxes of cheap JIM to go through. The dealers seem unaware of the hard-to-find notes and rare blocks. I found some Japanese military currency with Canton-area stamps and various JIM but had to work hard, spending a day going through the hundreds of dealer’s boxes.
Familiar Faces in an International Crowd
Despite the international scale of the event, it was heartwarming to spot familiar faces from the Australian numismatic community. Rick Coleman from Bundy Coins had a table. Rick travelled all the way from Bundaberg in Queensland. Christian from Harrington’s Bullion from Noosa in Queensland also made the long journey to Florida with his heavy cargo. Christian brought with him some of the finest quality investment-grade historic Harrington’s stamped bullion for display and sale, much to the delight of the collectors, who were in awe of his display and unmistakable Aussie accent.
Educational displays
Unlike the Australian coins shows, FUN showcased numerous educational seminars and displays. For a military currency enthusiast, a display of WWII bullet coins from Nepal was terrific – coins produced from the ends of bullets used to fight the Japanese.
A Day to Remember
The brisk weather didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of attendees. Thousands of collectors and investors roamed around the free event.
Conversations flowed freely as collectors swapped stories, negotiated cash deals, and shared their passion for history and collecting. The FUN Convention wasn’t just about buying and selling; it was a celebration of shared interest, connecting individuals from all corners of the world.
The FUN Convention offered something for everyone. With its staggering array of dealers and exhibits, it proved to be a treasure trove for anyone with a love for coins, banknotes and history.
Gregory Hale
