The International Association of Professional Numismatists (I.A.P.N.) held its 62nd General Assembly in Leipzig, Germany, in May of 2013. A total of thirty four of the world's leading numismatic firms met to attend the congress, with an additional twenty six firms represented via proxy. It was the first time the congress was conducted in the Eastern part of Germany.

The I.A.P.N. Congress' program comprised a wide range of topics, such as the applications for new membership. Of the applicants, two new firms were voted into the I.A.P.N. as members: Marti Hervera, Spain, and London Coins Ltd (Stephen Lockett), Great Britain.

Several other important topics were discussed as well, including reports from the various sub committees. The I.A.P.N. has been working diligently on several developments within the numismatic industry to better the hobby. This includes the establishment of the "Committee on International Trade" which presented an elaborate report on issues pertaining to import and export laws as well as cultural property laws. The committee is working to preserve the rights of collectors within the numismatic community.

Reports were also given by IBSCC and of the Anti Forgery Committee. The topic of forgeries within the market place is no stranger to these meetings. The IBSCC and Anti Forgery Committees meet regularly to discuss and combat these issues. Over the past year the Anti Forgery Committee has met three times since the last congress in Jerez de la Frontera Spain in 2012. During this period of time, members of the committee examined and deliberated on several numismatic items, several of which were declared to be forgeries or non-contemporary issues.

As usual, the I.A.P.N. also presented its annual book prize. Although many good books were submitted, this year's winners were Ronachai Krisadaolarn and Vasilius Mihailovs for their work on Siamese coins.

Congress participants were happy to attend a series of tours in Leipzig and the surrounding cities, filled with historical numismatic information. In the Museum of Municipal History in Leipzig's Old City Hall, for example, the wedding ring of Katharina von Bora, wife of the reformer Martin Luther, could be seen. The museum also has a coin cabinet where a wide variety of rare coins and medals from Saxony is exhibited; the presentation also includes an early set of dies used for hammered coinage. The University of Leipzig was also visited which houses some 82,000 numismatic items.

The I.A.P.N. general assembly for 2014 is scheduled to be held in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

David Fanning writes:

To read the complete article, see:I.A.P.N. 62nd Annual Congress(www.coinsweekly.com/en/News/4?&id=2099)

For more information on IAPN, see:www.iapn-coins.org