Higgins Museum National Bank Note Exhibit and Free, Specially-Encapsulated Nebraska Homestead Quarters at 2025 CSNS Convention

Collectors’ exhibits return, two Midwest museums will have displays, and a limited number of free ANACS-encapsulated Nebraska Homestead commemorative quarter-dollars with special insert labels will be featured attractions at the Central States Numismatic Society convention (convention@CSNS.org). The show will be in the Chicago suburb of Schaumburg, Illinois, April 24-26, 2025.  

The Higgins Museum of National Bank Notes will display rare Nebraska money at booth #2200 as part of the CSNS multi-year program to honor all 13 states that comprise the organization’s geographical area.

“Nebraska is the second state we’re recognizing following last year’s salute to Iowa,” explained CSNS President Mitch Ernst.

The Higgins Museum of National Bank Notes located in Okoboji, Iowa will have a four-case exhibit of historic Nebraska paper money.

“The display will have examples from the museum's collection of Large Size and Small Size notes including a cut sheet of four ($10, $10, $10, and $20) notes from the First National Bank of Wood River. There also will be the museum's Number 1 Red Seal $5 note from the First National Bank of Clarks,” explained Museum Curator George Cuhaj.

The exhibit’s name is “C Nebraska” in recognition of several $100 denomination notes -- a denomination popularly nicknamed “C notes” -- in the display.

The Durham Museum in Omaha, Nebraska will have an informative display at booth #2201 with photographs of rare money in the historic collection housed at the museum.

“Visitors can learn about Omaha's Byron Reed Collection, a varied set of coins and paper currency from a 19^th century businessman and pioneer,” said Kristen Rowley, the museum’s Collection Manager.

“The collection will remain in Nebraska, but the display will feature images and information regarding the different facets of the collection,” explained Rowley.

“This includes Sutler tokens, pattern coins, ancient coins, territorial gold, Washingtonia, assay medals, and more. Visitors also can learn about some of the major highlights in the collection, including Byron Reed's prized 1804 Class I Draped Bust silver dollar that he acquired around 1890,” she said.

After a two-year hiatus, collectors’ exhibits will return to the CSNS convention.

“We are especially looking for exhibits with a Nebraska theme this year,” explained Jack Huggins, CSNS Secretary/Treasurer and 2025 Exhibits Chairman.

“So far, we have collectors who will have exhibits on Obsolete Currency of Nebraska; Nebraska Centennial Medal Process Set; Types of Nebraska Centennial Medals; and Hometown Currency - National Bank Notes from Wahoo, Nebraska,” he said.

Collectors who want to exhibit can get an application at the CSNS website, www.CSNS.org.

Convention attendees also have a chance to receive a complimentary Nebraska-themed quarter dollar.

“While supplies last, we’ll be giving away to each visitor at the convention a mint condition 2015 Homestead National Monument of America quarter-dollar issued as part of the United States Mint America the Beautiful Quarters® Program. Donated by Littleton Coin Company, each coin commemorating the Beatrice, Nebraska landmark has been certified by ANACS with a distinctive special CSNS insert label in the holder,” Ernst said.

The Newman Numismatic Portal educational seminar at the convention will feature Mark Engler, former Superintendent of Homestead National Historical Park. He will present his behind-the-scenes perspectives on the experience of design, production, and scheduling a release ceremony for the Homestead quarter while he was superintendent at the park.  

CSNS convention attendees will also have the opportunity to have counterfeit coins they unwittingly purchased marked with the conspicuous, incused word “COPY.”

“This will make the fakes legal to own in compliance with the Hobby Protection Act. As a public service, the non-profit Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation will properly mark COPY on up to three counterfeit coins per owner free of charge at the ACEF bourse table #A9,” said ACEF Executive Director Beth Deisher.

Heritage Auctions, booth #800, is the Official Auctioneer for the 86^th Annual CSNS Convention.

“The auction will be brimming with exceptional coins, a trove that will include treasures from The Bruce S. Sherman Collection, Part II,” said Steve Lansdale, Heritage Auctions Senior Public Relations and Communications Specialist.

Among the auctions highlights will be four exceptional coins featured in the award-winning reference book, 100 Greatest U.S. Coins:

• One of the finest of the nine known 1838-O Reeded Edge half dollars; 
• The finest of the three known 1835 proof Classic Head gold Half-Eagle coins. This superb gem example has a century-and-a-half pedigree including the famous collections of Lorin G. Parmelee, King Farouk, John Jay Pittman and D. Brent Pogue. 
• One of only four known 1803 proof Draped Bust dollars or novodel. Among the rarest of all U.S. coin issues, this one is graded PR66 and tied for finest certified.
• The finest certified of three known of the 1792 pattern Dismes (Judd-11). Graded MS64 Red and Brown, it is a fabulous rarity from the famous Donald Partrick Collection.

There will be a young numismatist’s scavenger hunt on Saturday, April 26, between 10 am and 2:00 pm.

“Each child gets a ‘goodie bag’ with some nice numismatic items in it,” said CSNS Convention Manager Cindy Wibker.  “Admission to the show is free each day for attendees ages 17 and under, $15 for adults. Beginning at noon on Saturday everyone gets in free, so parents can bring the kids and the entire family gets in free for the final hours.” 

The 2025 CSNS convention will be held at the same site as in recent years, the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 North Thoreau Drive, in Schaumburg, Illinois.

Discount hotel room rates of $177 per night (plus taxes) are available at the conveniently adjoining Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel. Room reservations can be made by calling the hotel directly at 847-303-4100 or booked online at https://book/passkey.com/go/CentralState.

Additional information about the CSNS 86th annual convention will be announced in the coming weeks and posted online at www.CSNS.org/convention. Information is also available by contacting Convention Manager Cindy Wibker by phone at 407-221-8737 or by email at convention@CSNS.org.