Jeff Garrett: Coin Dealers Gather in Rome

Last week, the International Association of Professional Numismatists (IAPN) held their 75th annual Congress in Rome, Italy. The annual event brings dealers together from around the world to discuss important issues of the day and to enjoy camaraderie.

The annual IAPN Congress is held in different locations each year, with a local host organizing the events. This is a huge undertaking, comparable to staging a wedding, with guests flying in from every corner of the world. Our Italian hosts put on a spectacular event this year.

The IAPN was formed in 1951 in Geneva, Switzerland, with 28 founding member companies. Today, the group has more than 100 member companies from more than 25 countries. The group is dedicated to strong ethics, with carefully vetted membership. From the IAPN website:

The objectives of the Association are the development of a healthy and prosperous numismatic trade conducted according to the highest standards of business ethics and commercial practice, the encouragement of scientific research and the propagation of numismatics, and the creation of lasting and friendly relations amongst professional numismatists throughout the world.

Membership is vested in numismatic firms, or in numismatic departments of other commercial institutions, and not in individuals.

The members of the IAPN guarantee the authenticity of all the coins and medals which they sell – this is a condition of membership. Collectors may purchase numismatic material from any of the firms from the membership list in the full knowledge that if any item did prove to be counterfeit or not as described the piece could be returned and the purchase price would be refunded, without regard to date of purchase.

Membership to the Association is not lightly acquired.

Although US coinage is the primary focus of my business, I applied for membership to this prestigious organization a few years ago. My business has expanded into ancient coins in recent years, and many IAPN members specialize in this field of numismatics. The group helps its member dealers with a myriad of issues facing those who buy and sell ancient coins.

My first IAPN Congress was in San Francisco a couple of years ago. My wife, Mary Lynn, and I thoroughly enjoyed the event and put the Rome Congress on our calendar as soon as the dates were confirmed.

As mentioned above, the IAPN Congress is conducted so that dealers around the world can discuss important issues facing the hobby. This is accomplished in working sessions over a few days. The remainder of the time (and primary focus for many) is the chance to network and strengthen ties with fellow dealers. I can safely say that my own network of working relationships with international dealers has grown exponentially over the last few years.

This year's IAPN Congress started with a welcome dinner at a restaurant in Rome with a rooftop dining room overlooking the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. One of the great benefits of attending a conference in Rome would be the culinary delights of the city — this trip did not disappoint.

As the sun set on this stunning location, dealers from every corner of the globe mingled and shared stories of their numismatic pursuits. It was a great way to kick off an incredible weekend of numismatic camaraderie.

Most of my past trips to Rome have been confined to the amazing city. As most know, you can spend days there and still only scratch the surface. Our group of more than 100 attendees ventured away from the city on Saturday to visit the ancient Roman port city of Ostia Antica. The ancient ruins are vast and an important reminder of the power of ancient Rome.

The ancient port was where goods from around the world arrived to sustain the massive empire. There is an incredible bronze Sestertius coin issued by Nero depicting the ancient port. The ruins are well preserved, and the site boasts an impressive museum displaying ancient art found there.

After lunch, our inquisitive group was transported to the Italian State Mint and its dedicated museum, the Museo della Zecca di Roma. The museum was opened exclusively for our group as we toured the impressive collection of numismatic items on display. The items on display covered centuries of beautiful coins and medals produced by the country.

More interesting perhaps, for most of the attendees, was the array of coin- and medal-making instruments. The museum had also arranged for numismatic artists and engravers to demonstrate their talents and to explain the process of making coins from ideation to final striking. Our collective knowledge of the numismatic process was certainly enhanced by the visit.

The final event of the 2026 IAPN Congress was the black-tie gala at the Villa Mondragone on Sunday night. The historic and elegant location was the perfect venue to bring our weekend of numismatic bonding to an end. As guests danced into the night, we all started to make plans for next year's Congress in Hong Kong.

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