17th annual Albany Coin Show set for March 20, 21

LEESBURG – Among the treats in store for attendees of the annual Albany Coin Show March 20-21 is a display of the entire set of the “seven sisters” gold half-eagles that a local collector has put together.

The set contains gold coins produced at the current U.S. mints as well as three former U.S. facilities that are no longer in production, in Charlotte, S.C.; Dahlonega, and New Orleans, a factor that adds to their rarity. 

“These $5 coins are the only coins minted at seven different mints that existed at that time,” George Anderson, treasurer of the Southwest Georgia Coin Club, said. “It took me over seven years to accumulate this set. The Charlotte eagle is the hardest to find. They’re the only coin with the same design that came from the different mints, obviously with different dates on them.”

The seven coins in his collection were minted between 1839 and 1907. The Charlotte and Dahlonega mints were closed during the U.S. Civil War, and the mint in New Orleans was closed in 1909. 

“The Confederacy took them over,” Anderson said of the mints located in Georgia and South Carolina. “They minted coins until they ran out of gold, and they never re-opened.”

While the coins are now part of history, making purchases with gold coins was common earlier in the nation’s history, Anderson said.

“People actually bought things with $5 coins,” he said. “They were used in everyday life. People didn’t trust currency back then. They wanted the hard metal.”

For individuals interested in other types of coins, as well as currency, arrowheads and other collectibles, the 17th annual coin show that kicks off on March 20 can also satisfy their curiosity.

The annual show is a chance to bring in old coins and paper currency for evaluation and maybe to sell. Since there is no local coin store in Albany, it is also a chance for collectors to browse and buy.

“They might have something very valuable,” Anderson said. “They might want to sell it or get an assessment. (Collectors) can tell you what it is or how much it’s worth.

“We’ll have 40 tables, probably 25 dealers of different types of coins and currency. They’re there to buy and sell and trade and also give you an evaluation of what it’s worth.”

Coin club members recommend shopping a coin around to all of the vendors because one vendor may be willing to pay more for a particular coin.

There is no admission for the show, which will be open at The Bindery at Oakland from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. March 20-21. 

“We’re not looking to make money,” Anderson said. “We’re looking to get new members for the club. We’re here for the public. That’s our main objective, and also to give the public the opportunity to sell coins.”

Currently there are about 25 members in the club.

A food truck will be on site during the coin show.