Please be advised the American Numismatic Association's Money Museum, which bills itself as the "nation's leading numismatic museum", currently opposes and refuses to support any legislation that may ban the importation of numismatic material recovered during archeological digs! The ANA and Money Museum currently have not voiced their opinion on the issues in which Ms. Cindy Ho has posted. Nonetheless, we can only surmise they will oppose Cyprus' requests and concerns.
As seen in the below 2005 ANA Press Release, the Executive Director and President are clearly opposed to portions of HR 915 that went before the U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade. As evident, the Executive Director and President openly speak not for the museum profession and archeology, but, for their coin dealer and auction house sponsors.
Further perpetuating their opposition to archeological recovery, and subsequent importation of numismatic materials, the ANA and Money Museum has refused to reference and follow the UNESCO guidelines as they pertain to such materials and activities.
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 24, 2005
CONTACT: Christopher Cipoletti
Telephone: 719-482-9830
E-mail: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
AMERICAN NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION
OPPOSES IMPORT RESTRICTIONS
[COLORADO SPRINGS, CO] In response to legislation being considered by the United States House of Representatives and recommendations being considered by the Cultural Property Advisory Committee (CPAC) regarding import restrictions on ancient numismatic objects, the American Numismatic Association (ANA) has taken a formal position opposing the legislation and recommendations.
HR 915, legislation being considered by the U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, could impose import restrictions on numismatic materials from Afghanistan. If numismatic items are included in this legislation, it could become illegal to buy, sell or own ancient Greek coinage that was created and/or traded in what is now Afghanistan. "The ANA is deeply concerned about the impact that this legislation, if passed, could have on a significant portion of the ANA membership's collecting interests," said ANA President William Horton.
Trade restrictions are also being considered for recommendation by CPAC, a committee that rejected numismatic import restrictions in 1999, regarding imports of ancient Italian numismatics which would include Roman and Greek coinage. Like HR 915, these import restrictions, if passed, could make the ownership of highly collectible ancient coinage illegal.
According to ANA's Executive Director, Christopher Cipoletti, "the Association recognizes the need to protect cultural antiquities and prevent raiding of a country's historical icons. However, numismatic items are not the type of material that should be included in antiquities legislation." In stating the ANA's position, Cipoletti told the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade and CPAC that "coins and other forms of money were often mass produced making them a common circulating item of trade and barter rather than the type of antiquity intended to be protected" by import restrictions.
The ANA encourages its entire membership to voice an opinion to CPAC and to the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade. CPAC may be contacted by facsimile addressed to its chairman, Jay I. Kislak at (202) 260-4893. The Ways and Means Subcommittee may be addressed by letter or statement through the link on its website at http://waysandmeans.house.gov<http://waysandmeans.house.gov/>.
The American Numismatic Association is a non-profit corporation dedicated to educating and encouraging people to study and collect money and related items. With nearly 33,000 members, the Association serves the collecting community and the general public with an interest in numismatics. The ANA helps all people discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of programs including its education and outreach, museum, library, publications, conventions and seminars.
----- Original Message -----
From: Cindy Ho<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2007 8:21 AM
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] DO COINS MATTER?
This is an urgent reminder for letters to be submitted to the Cultural Property Advisory Committee in the U.S. Department of State by 5 pm Monday, February 5, 2007.
Cyprus has asked that coins be restricted from being imported to the US because it considers coins to have considerable archaeological significance when found in context, and, like other such materials, they are vulnerable to pillage and illegal export. The proposal is to include in the new bilateral agreement coins found in Cyprus that are more than 250 years old.
We urge everyone who cares about this issue, and particularly people who can speak from experience about the importance of coins to archaeology, to email or fax letters supporting the inclusion of coins. Whether you're a student, a volunteer on an archaeological dig, a professional archaeologist, or a coin collector of conscience, we urge you to get involved and write to CPAC.
The outcome of this request does not only affect Cyprus, it could set a precedent for other pending and upcoming bilateral agreements such as China's, for one. So let's work together and rally some support to protect your profession and everyone's past.
Letters don't need to be very long, take a look at http://www.savingantiquities.org/i-safe-alert.htm<http://www.savingantiquities.org/i-safe-alert.htm> to read some of the letters already sent in support of this request. If you would like to post your letter on our website, please email it to [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>.
DO IT NOW. The deadline for submitting a letter is Monday, February 5. Letters must be either faxed or sent by email to the Committee at the address below:
Cultural Property Advisory Committee
Cultural Heritage Center
U.S. Department of State
301 4th Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20547
E-mail: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
Fax: (202) 453-8803
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