The following is a Press Release from the American Numismatic Society (ANA) announcing that several World War II “Short Snorter” will be on display at the 2024 National Money Show. The National Money Show will be held March 14-16 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Visitors to the American Numismatic Association (ANA) 2024 National Money Show (NationalMoneyShow.com) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, March 14-16, can see the one-of-a-kind display of “short snorter” banknotes autographed by World War II-era dignitaries.
The exhibit, courtesy of the nonprofit Short Snorter Project (ShortSnorter.org), features over 1,300 signatures of generals, admirals, presidents, prime ministers, ambassadors, and others during the second world war. It will be the first time the acclaimed display will be available for viewing in Colorado.
Future U.S. President, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in World War II, signed the back of this Series 1935-A $1 Silver Certificate. (Photo courtesy of The Short Snorter Project.)
“This exhibit includes signatures from the short snorter collection of Air Force Major General Clayton Lawrence Bissell (1893-1972) that was recently featured on an episode of the television program Pawn Stars Do America. There are 294 signatures of World War II admirals and generals, 17 presidents and prime ministers, and 37 ambassadors in the Bissell Collection. Jeff Garrett, a past president of the ANA, is loaning that collection for inclusion in the World War II-era banknotes display at the 2024 National Money Show,” said Tom Sparks, founder of The Short Snorter Project.
The tradition of signing banknotes apparently began in 1925 with Alaska bush pilots. The term “short snort” was a slang expression for less than a full shot of liquor. The autographs on the paper money were typically obtained while the dignitaries or others were traveling together, usually in flight.
According to Sparks, autographs on the exhibit’s notes include U.S. Presidents Herbert Hoover, Franklin D. Roosevelt and future President Dwight D. Eisenhower when he was an active duty General, as well as presidents of eight other countries. Prime Ministers’ signatures include Britain’s Winston Churchill.
In addition to Eisenhower, the many notable military leaders’ autographs include U.S. Generals James Doolittle, Douglas MacArthur, George C. Marshall, and George S. Patton. Famous U.S. Admirals include William “Bull” Halsey Jr. and Chester Nimitz. The exhibit will be in Bartolin Hall at The Broadmoor Resort, 1 Lake Ave. in Colorado Springs, the site of the 2024 ANA National Money Show. Public hours are Thursday and Friday, March 14 and 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, March 16, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Admission is free for everyone. Additional information about the convention is available at NationalMoneyShow.com or by calling the ANA at (719) 482-9845. Additional information about The Short Snorter Project is available at ShortSnorter.org.
The American Numismatic Association is a congressionally chartered, nonprofit educational organization dedicated to encouraging the study and collection of coins and related items. The ANA helps its members and the public discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of educational and outreach programs, to include its museum, library, publications, conventions and webinars. For more information, call 719-632-2646 or visit money.org.