The Pacific Coast Numismatic Society
The West's Oldest Numismatic Organization
- PURPOSE: The object of the Pacific Coast Numismatic Society is to promote, develop, and foster numismatics in all its branches along educational, historical, and scientific lines, and to provide opportunities for collectors to share in an organization of mutual interest and good fellowship. The Society also promotes coin collecting among the general public.
- HISTORY: Founded by Farran Zerbe when he came to San Francisco to supervise the U.S. Mint Exhibit at the Pan-Pacific International Exposition, PCNS hosted the 1915 ANA Convention! At that time, there were no other coin organizations west of the Mississippi! After more than 90 years and 1100 monthly meetings, PCNS is still a gathering place for studious numismatists in the Bay Area.
- RESEARCH: PCNS sponsors an annual research papers competition for numismatic writers, publishing the submissions to members, and serving as a clearinghouse for numismatists throughout the West. Our reference library, once housed in The Old Mint, is now available for public research at San Francisco's Sutro Branch of the California State Library.
- MEETINGS: Monthly meetings in San Francisco feature presentations on numismatic topics ranging from US coins, tokens, and medals to Ancient and Modern World coinage, currency, and exonumia.
Members receive monthly notices regarding meetings, programs, publications, medals, and our annual awards banquet. Many of the most illustrious names in numismatics have been members of the Society. Consider adding your name to that list.