Chard Coins, incorporating R. & L. Coins were a member of the BNTA from its inception in 1973 through to 2008 inclusive.

About the BNTA
The British Numismatic Trade Association was founded in 1973 after a number of meetings among senior members of the coin trade following the introduction of V.A.T. (Value Added Tax). The special arrangements pressed for by members of the antiques trade generally were successfully introduced. Dealers then needed more effective methods of stock control - a discipline which in turn made the availability of coins more easily publicised.

History
Since those days the BNTA has grown from a small group, dominated by the major London dealers, into a body of over 70 firms throughout the British Isles.

Logo
The BNTA has a distinctive logo which members are encouraged to use on their business stationery and in their advertisements. Regular readers of the numismatic press can therefore spot the advertisements of BNTA members more easily.

Standards
The BNTA has been an effective voice in the fight against forgery, another topic of major concern particularly in the early 1970's, and in establishing standards in the domestic coin trade. Members receive early warning notices of counterfeit coins and stolen property.

Organisation
The BNTA is governed by a Council of nine elected by the membership. Three members of Council retire each year, but are eligible for re-election. The Officers of the Association are elected by the Council each year.
Day-to-day administration is handled by the General Secretary to whom all correspondence, enquiries or complaints should be sent.

Membership
Membership of the BNTA is restricted to dealers in numismatic goods who are based in the UK and the British Isles and registered for VAT. Applicants need to be sponsored by two existing members and have to agree to abide by a Code of Ethics. All members are subject to annual review to ensure that standards are maintained for the benefit of dealers and collectors alike. Membership application forms are available from the General Secretary and interested dealers should apply using their business letterhead.

Membership is nor currently extended to dealers based outside the British Isles or to part time dealers or collectors.

Coin Fairs
The BNTA organises the only major International Coin Fair held in Britain, Coinex, which takes place each October at the London Marriott Hotel. About 50 BNTA dealers together with many leading dealers from overseas take part each year. Coinex is open all day Friday and Saturday. There are a number of special features each year making this a fair which dealers and collectors alike should not miss.

1982 saw the introduction of Coinex North as a three day event in Manchester during April, and this has become an annual feature. In 1990 it was held in York, and from 1991 to 1995 in Harrogate. In 1996 Coinex North became Coinex Wales held in Cardiff. Although smaller than the London Coinex, this show provides collectors with an opportunity to meet dealers they might otherwise only know through correspondence.

Liaison
Members of the BNTA Council meet with representatives of Customs & Excise to discuss aspects of VAT including import and export procedures. A further group maintains contact with the Department of National Heritage and the British Museum for discussions on export licensing requirements and treasure trove laws. Another sub-committee meets with senior representatives of the Royal Mint, and keeps in touch with proposals for new issues.

Complaints
The Council thoroughly investigates all complaints about a member whether from a collector or another dealer, and members must agree to be bound by the Council's decision. Anyone who is in dispute with a BNTA member is invited to write with details to the General Secretary of the BNTA.

Directory
The Membership Directory lists all BNTA members in both County and alphabetical order. It also indicates those members who have retail premises, and which are postal only. Brief details are provided of Members' specialities to assist collectors in locating those dealers who are most likely to be able to help them. Collectors should remember that the field of numismatics is vast and few dealers can offer a total range of expertise but within the Association there should be at least one member who can help a collector on any topic.

The BNTA, as an association, cannot identify coins or give opinions as to their authenticity or value; neither can it give advice on what a collector should collect. Collectors should seek the assistance of individual members on these matters.

Early Warning Reports
The BNTA operates an early warning system to alert dealers, both in the U.K. and overseas, of stolen property and counterfeits.
As soon as a theft has occurred, please telephone the General Secretary in the first instance. Then prepare a detailed list of the stolen items, preferably typed, and send it to the General Secretary by post, fax or e-mail. The name and telephone number of the police station handling the case must also be included.
This is a free service although if the lists are extensive a contribution towards costs may be sought.

Further Information
If you would like to order the next edition of the BNTA Membership directory, please contact the General Secretary enclosing a first class stamp.

BNTA British Numismatic Trade Association
Mrs Carol Carter, General Secretary
PO Box 474A, Thames Ditton, Surrey, DT7 0WJ
Tel: 0181 398 4290 Fax: 0181 398 4291
e-mail:[email protected]