The Numismatic Association of Victoria Inc. was founded in 1946 and its aims and activities have largely remained unchanged over the years. Members are invited to attend our monthly meetings and receive our journal.

Our Purposes

  • To encourage the study of Numismatics in all its branches
  • To represent generally the views and interests of Numismatists
  • To provide education in the field of Numismatics
  • To encourage sound and methodical collecting practices

A Timeline of the NAV

The Numismatic Society of Victoria is Founded

16 February, 1914

In 1914 a small group of interested numismatists met to form the Numismatic Society of Victoria, the very first organised numismatic group in Victoria.

The First Meeting

24 February, 1914

The First Meeting

The Numismatic Society of Victoria holds it’s first meeting.

The last meeting of the Numismatic Society of Victoria

4 February, 1929

The N.S.V holds it’s last monthly meeting.

Affiliation with Historical Society of Victoria

1 July, 1931

After declining membership (since 1928) it was decided to affiliate with the Historical Society of Victoria

Disaffiliation from Historial Society

24 March, 1944

The Numismatic Society of Victoria disaffiliates from the Historical Society of Victoria

The NAV is Founded

17 May, 1946

Numismatic Association of Victoria Inc. (NAV) was founded in 1946. The NAV held it’s first meeting in May and by the end of first year membership stood at 90. Meetings were held at the Victorian Railways institute followed by Kurrajong House on Collins Street.

First Medallion Struck

1 January, 1949

First Medallion Struck

In 1949 the NAV struck it’s first commemorative medallion for the 100th anniversary of the first Australian copper token.

Meeting Place Moved

1 July, 1950

Meetings moved to the National Gallery on Latrobe street.

Membership Declines

1 January, 1955

Membership Declines

Mid 1950’s saw membership decline and then pickup in the 60’s as Australia moved towards a big change in numismatics.

Decimal Changeover

14 February, 1966

1966 saw Australia change to decimal currency and numismatic interest peaked with society membership rising steadily. Towards the changeover meetings were held twice a month.

Membership Peaks

31 December, 1967

Membership Peaks

By 1967 membership peaked at 302 due to the decimal changeover and interest in the new currency.

25th Anniversary

1 May, 1971

25th Anniversary

May 1971 celebrated the 25th anniversary of the NAV with a BBQ and dinner at the house of Mr Frank Heard, the president at the time.

500th Meeting

5 April, 1977

500th Meeting

The 500th meeting was attended by approximately 150 members and visitors –a record for the association. It was even covered in the May issue of the Australian Coin Review magazine.

Meetings Moved

1 January, 1990

Meetings Moved

In 1990 meetings moved to the State Government Building, Treasury Place.

1 January, 1994

Meetings were held in the Australian Postal Institute building on Lonsdale street.

50 Years!

17 May, 1996

50 Years!

On the 50th anniversary of the NAV in 1996 two members received awards for 50 years continuous membership -Ian Young and Don Wicks.

Meetings Moved to The Celtic Club

1 May, 1997

Meetings Moved to The Celtic Club

The May 1997 meeting of the NAV was moved to the Celtic Club.

60th Anniversary

17 May, 2006

60th Anniversary

1000th Meeting

19 April, 2013

1000th Meeting

The NAV held it’s 1,000th meeting!

NAV Incorporates

31 August, 2018

First Virtual Meeting

18 April, 2020

First Virtual Meeting

NAV holds its first fully on-line meeting during COVID-19 Pandemic

75th Anniversary

17 May, 2021

75th Anniversary