From rare coin anniversaries to crypto exchange IPOs and numismatic conventions, recent developments highlight the intersection of finance, history, and collecting.
The worlds of mint coins, crypto exchanges, and numismatic conventions are buzzing with activity. Let's dive into the latest happenings, from the Royal Canadian Mint to the New York Stock Exchange, with a distinctly NYC spin.
RCNA Convention: A Calgary Celebration
The 2025 Royal Canadian Numismatic Association (RCNA) convention wrapped up recently in Calgary, marking a significant milestone: the 75th anniversary of both the RCNA and the Calgary Numismatic Society. This five-day event at the Calgary Plaza Hotel and Conference Centre was a hub for collectors, dealers, and club leaders. The convention featured a bustling bourse, insightful seminars (ranging from aviation in numismatics to 3D coin imaging), and a grading workshop led by Robert Forbes. A highlight was the coin exchange hosted by the Royal Canadian Mint, offering a fun, hands-on experience with uncirculated coins.
Minting History: U.S. Mint's 250th Anniversary Plans
Looking ahead to the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026, the U.S. Mint is gearing up with special releases. One standout is the Best of the Mint Coin and Medal set, featuring an Uncirculated 1916-dated Winged Liberty Head gold dime and a silver medal with modern designs inspired by the original dime. The gold dime, a reissue of the 2016 Centennial Anniversary dime, will bear the original 1916 date and a Liberty Bell privy mark. This limited-year redesign pays homage to the past while looking toward the future.
Bullish Exchange Eyes the NYSE: A Crypto Milestone
In the crypto world, Bullish Exchange, led by Tom Farley, is making waves with its SEC filing to list on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker "BLSH." Backed by Peter Thiel, Mike Novogratz, and Nomura, this move signals growing institutional interest in integrating cryptocurrencies with traditional stock markets. Bullish aims to bridge traditional finance with digital assets, bringing institutional-grade standards to the crypto sector. While the exchange reported a net loss of $349 million in Q1 2025, it holds over $1.9 billion in liquid assets, including Bitcoin and stablecoins, showcasing its potential to reshape perceptions of cryptocurrencies within mainstream markets.
A Personal Take
It's fascinating to see these seemingly disparate worlds converge. The RCNA convention reminds us of the enduring appeal of physical currency and the passionate community that surrounds it. The U.S. Mint's anniversary plans highlight the importance of historical context in numismatics. And Bullish Exchange's NYSE listing represents a significant step towards the mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies. In my opinion, the move by Bullish Exchange is not just about listing on the NYSE; it's about legitimizing the entire crypto space. Tom Farley's leadership, combined with the backing of industry heavyweights, positions Bullish as a key player in bridging the gap between traditional finance and digital assets.
Wrapping Up
From Calgary to Wall Street, the worlds of mint coins, exchanges, and conventions continue to evolve. Whether you're a seasoned collector, a crypto enthusiast, or just curious about the intersection of finance and history, there's always something new to discover. So, keep your eyes peeled and your ears open – you never know what exciting developments are just around the corner!
