The 2014 ANA in Chicago brought about some controversy with the United States Mint release of the 3/4 oz gold Kennedy Half .

Release 2014 at ANA

In the previous releases of coins by the Mint the process for purchasing the coins ran rather smoothly and the wait time was between 2 to 4 hours. This year with the Mint announcing that there would be a limited release of 500 coins per day posed unique problems.  Each person was allowed to purchase only one coin.

4:30 in line

The wait line also was formed outside of the convention center rather than inside of the center . We had heard rumors that the line would start sometime in the morning and interested parties were going to stand in line from about 5:30 or 6:00 am.
With the limited release of only 500 per day, we decided to stand in line at 4:00 am. When we arrived at 4:30, the line had already formed outside and had snaked around the front of the convention center. We were numbered at 400 and 401.

There were a number of problems with individuals trying to jump or cut in line throughout the morning. By the time we actually got to purchase the coin, 11 hours had gone by from 4:30 in the morning. The cutting or line jumping was so bad, there was almost a mob situation to have a certain group removed from the line. Security removed about 28 individuals for cutting in line.

Tickets to pick up 3/4 ounce Kennedy Half
Release

Almost there! Tickets and we are inside!

Interesting note that in the following days crowd control became much more difficult, the Mint decided to cease sales of the coin at the Show.

Have wonderful adventures this week!

Craig and Sandy Watanabe

Aloha Memorabilia Company

www.alohamemorabilia.com