ONA Convention Soars High with RCAF Centennial Tribute

The 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) will be celebrated at the Ontario Numismatic Association (ONA) Convention in Hamilton, Canada, on April 19-20. The convention will feature a keynote speech by Tim Speed from the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum on the Avro Lancaster Bomber, the iconic Allied bomber of World War II. The event will also include the launch of a limited edition ONA medal featuring the Lancaster Bomber, designed by Cassidy Stroud and engraved by Matt Bowen.

Ontario Numismatic Association Convention Celebrates 100 Years of the Royal Canadian Air Force

Hamilton, Ontario (April 18, 2024) - The Ontario Numismatic Association (ONA) Convention will take flight this weekend, April 19-20, at the Courtyard by Marriott in Hamilton, Ontario, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).

Keynote Speaker Highlights Iconic Lancaster Bomber

The convention's keynote speaker, Tim Speed of the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, will delve into the history and legacy of the legendary Lancaster Bomber, one of the most renowned Allied aircraft of World War II. Speed's presentation will provide a captivating insight into the role of the Lancaster in shaping the course of the conflict.

ONA Medal Honors RCAF Heritage

At the heart of the convention is the unveiling of the ONA's commemorative medal, featuring a prominent depiction of the Avro Lancaster Bomber FM213 "Vera." Designed by Cassidy Stroud and meticulously engraved by Matt Bowen, known for his exceptional work with the Royal Canadian Mint, the medal pays homage to the RCAF's illustrious history and enduring spirit. The Department of National Defence has graciously granted permission to include the RCAF roundel on the medal, further enhancing its significance.

Exclusive Souvenir Banknotes and Book Auction

In addition to the commemorative medal, a limited edition $5 souvenir banknote will be available in two variants. The first set of 101 serial-numbered banknotes will be given to convention registrants, while the remaining banknotes and 25 specimen notes will be available for purchase. Complementing the souvenir banknotes, ONA President Sean Sinclair will issue "special notes" at the president's reception.

The convention will also feature a Silent Book Auction, offering a selection of rare and valuable books from the ONA library. This auction provides attendees with a unique opportunity to acquire collector's items and support the preservation of numismatic history.

Symposiums, Receptions, and More

The ONA Convention offers a diverse range of events, including three educational symposiums delving into numismatic topics such as female rule in Europe, promoting clubs effectively, and innovative coin photography. The convention also features a dealer bourse, where attendees can browse and purchase coins, banknotes, and other collectibles.

Dealer and Public Access

The dealer bourse will be open on Friday afternoon exclusively for dealers and convention registrants before opening to the public on Saturday. The bourse will feature a wide variety of numismatic items, from ancient coins to modern banknotes, creating an exceptional marketplace for collectors and dealers alike.

ONA Welcomes the Public

The ONA Convention is not just for members; the Coin Show on Saturday is open to the public, offering a chance for individuals of all ages to explore the fascinating world of numismatics. Visitors can view the commemorative medal, browse the dealer bourse, and enjoy the educational symposiums. Admission to the Coin Show is $5.

Schedule of Events

Friday, April 19, 2024

• 12:00 pm: Security commences
• 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Dealer & Exhibitor Set-up
• 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Educational Symposium: "Three Centuries of Female Rule in Europe" (Sean Sinclair)
• 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Bourse Floor open to Registrants
• 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Registration table open for pick-up of registration kits
• 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm: Welcome/President's Reception

Saturday, April 20, 2024

• 8:00 am - 5:00 pm: Registration table open for pick-up of registration kits
• 8:00 am - 10:00 am: Bourse Floor Preview open to Dealers, Exhibitors, and Registrants
• 9:00 am - 10:00 am: Educational Symposium: "Promote Your Club Effectively... on the Cheap" (Rick Dupuis)
• 10:00 am - 4:00 pm: Hospitality Suite open to Dealers, Exhibitors, and Registrants
• 10:00 am - 5:00 pm: Bourse Floor open to the public (Admission $5)
• 10:15 am - 11:30 am: ONA AGM & Club Delegates Meeting
• 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm: RCNA Coin Kids Auction
• 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Educational Symposium: "Polymer Money" (Bob Fritsch)
• 3:15 pm - 4:15 pm: Educational Symposium: "Edgy Coin Photos: Photographing a Coin's Third Side" (David Carpenter)
• 4:30 pm: ONA Silent Book Auction Ends
• 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm: Pre-Banquet Reception (Cash Bar)
• 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm: Annual Banquet, featuring keynote speaker Tim Speed

For more information about the ONA Convention and the 100th anniversary celebration of the Royal Canadian Air Force, visit the ONA website (www.onanumismatic.com).