Numismatic Clubs and Organization News | CoinWeek https://coinweek.com/coin-clubs/ CoinWeek Tue, 07 Apr 2026 22:51:14 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://coinweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/cropped-iqcw-32x32.png Numismatic Clubs and Organization News | CoinWeek https://coinweek.com/coin-clubs/ 32 32 Six Young Numismatists Secure 2026 PNG nexGen Scholarships to ANA Summer Seminar https://coinweek.com/six-young-numismatists-secure-2026-png-nexgen-scholarships-to-ana-summer-seminar/ https://coinweek.com/six-young-numismatists-secure-2026-png-nexgen-scholarships-to-ana-summer-seminar/#respond Wed, 08 Apr 2026 11:00:06 +0000 https://coinweek.com/?p=238396 The Professional Numismatists Guild announced six 2026 PNG nexGen scholarships on April 7, 2026. The organization issued the news from Murietta, California. With support from eBay and the National Silver Dollar Roundtable, PNG will send six rising young numismatists to a week-long session of the American Numismatic Association’s 2026 Summer Seminar in Colorado. Just as […]

The post Six Young Numismatists Secure 2026 PNG nexGen Scholarships to ANA Summer Seminar appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

]]>
The Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG)The Professional Numismatists Guild announced six 2026 PNG nexGen scholarships on April 7, 2026. The organization issued the news from Murietta, California. With support from eBay and the National Silver Dollar Roundtable, PNG will send six rising young numismatists to a week-long session of the American Numismatic Association’s 2026 Summer Seminar in Colorado.

Just as important, the annual scholarship program supports education, professional development, and integrity across the numismatic community. That mission sits at the center of PNG’s nexGen initiative.

PNG expands its investment in the next generation

PNG launched the nexGen program in 2023. Since then, the program has helped future coin dealers by connecting interested young adults with mentors. It also uses PNG resources to build relationships with numismatic organizations around the world.

This year, PNG increased the number of scholarships it awarded. eBay funded five scholarships, and the National Silver Dollar Roundtable funded one. PNG Executive Director John Feigenbaum said that increase reflects a shared commitment to elevate and expand the field of numismatics. He also said the six recipients show real passion for the hobby and business, and PNG takes pride in supporting their ambitions.

Luci Yang, Senior Director and General Manager of U.S. Collectibles at eBay, said eBay has long served coin collectors and dealers with a vast range of inventory from across history and around the world. She added that eBay wants to support a new generation that not only continues the tradition of coin dealing, but also drives innovation in the future of numismatics.

James Sego, who serves as both a National Silver Dollar Roundtable board member and PNG president, said the scholarship reflects NSDR’s ongoing commitment to education, professional development, and integrity in numismatics. He said NSDR continues to foster excellence and advance the study and appreciation of the field through support for emerging professionals and for programs such as the ANA Summer Seminar scholarship.

ANA Summer Seminar dates and scholarship coverage

This year’s ANA Summer Seminar sessions will take place on the campus of Colorado College, near ANA headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The two sessions will run June 21-26 and June 28-July 3.

The scholarships will cover airfare, tuition for one of the week-long sessions, meals, and dormitory accommodations.

Meet the six 2026 scholarship recipients

Rene Alvarenga, 22, Dallas, Texas

Rene Alvarenga
Rene Alvarenga

Rene Alvarenga began collecting Wheat Cents that he found in change at a sandwich shop his parents owned in California. Later, he worked at coin companies in Florida and California. Today, he works as a Junior Numismatist at Heritage Auctions in Dallas.

At the 2026 ANA Summer Seminar, Alvarenga wants to deepen his understanding of collecting and investing in silver dollars. That goal fits his current work, because his primary duties at Heritage involve grading and sorting bulk silver dollars for sale to clients.

He also brings personal experience to the subject, because he already collects silver dollars and focuses on toned examples.

In addition, Alvarenga wants to strengthen his ability to detect artificial toning and doctored surfaces. He said that knowledge will help him sharpen his grading skills and avoid buying problem coins.

Jacob Nathaniel Gonzalez
Jacob Nathaniel Gonzalez

Jacob Nathaniel Gonzalez, 20, Weslaco, Texas

Jacob Nathaniel Gonzalez entered numismatics after he found his grandmother’s old leather pouch filled with older U.S. coins that carried designs he did not recognize.

That discovery sparked his curiosity. It also drove his growing involvement in the field.

Gonzalez graduated from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley with a degree in Criminal Justice and Legal Studies. He has also worked as a coin dealer, and he plans to attend law school.

At Summer Seminar, Gonzalez wants to sharpen his grading and authentication skills for both U.S. and world coins. He specifically looks forward to courses on that subject taught by Bill Shamhart and Andrew Chipman.

Benjamin Alexander Kagay, 18, Katy, Texas

Benjamin Alexander Kagay
Benjamin Alexander Kagay

Benjamin Alexander Kagay began his numismatic journey in 2020. That year, his uncle took him to his first coin show in Houston. At that show, his uncle bought him two items that left a strong impression: an 1883 No Cents “Racketeer” Nickel and a Confederate States of America $10 banknote.

Kagay studies at the University of Oklahoma. This summer, he will work at U.S. Coins and Jewelry in Houston. He also received the National Silver Dollar Roundtable scholarship.

At the ANA Summer Seminar, Kagay plans to take the class “A Study in the Grading of U.S. and World Coins.” He said he wants to build on his grading skills so he can better appreciate the coins he collects.

Sego added another important detail. He said Kagay regularly deals in silver dollars and recently presented the exhibit “Sub-1 Million Minted Morgan Dollars” at the Houston Money Show.

David Vitaly Khaskin
David Vitaly Khaskin

David Vitaly Khaskin, 24, Austin, Texas

David Vitaly Khaskin graduated from the University of Florida. He traces his start in numismatics to age six, when his grandfather gave him a Wheat Cent album. That moment, he said, hooked him forever.

Khaskin now plans to take the Counterfeit Detection of United States Coins course at the ANA Summer Seminar.

Marc Vazsonyi, 22, Lexington, Kentucky

Marc Vazsonyi
Marc Vazsonyi

Marc Vazsonyi started collecting Wheat Cents at about age seven. Their design caught his attention. So did the challenge of finding different dates and mints.

His grandmother also shaped his early collecting path. During visits to Switzerland, she showed him old silver and gold coins. As a result, Vazsonyi gained exposure to world coins very early in life, and that experience pushed his interest even further.

Vazsonyi will graduate from the University of Kentucky in May with a degree in Mathematical Economics. During college, he interned with former PNG President Jeff Garrett at Mid-American Rare Coin Galleries in Lexington, Kentucky.

At the ANA Summer Seminar, Vazsonyi hopes to deepen his knowledge of ancient coins through a course taught by Classical Numismatic Group’s Dave Michaels.

Jessica Evabella Withersfield, 20, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Jessica Evabella Withersfield
Jessica Evabella Withersfield

Jessica Evabella Withersfield began collecting when she was young. More recently, she reignited that interest after she started working at Grand Rapids Coins.

Withersfield said she most wants to learn more about being a dealer and about becoming a great one. She added that she loves acquiring knowledge, and she sees numismatics as a vast field with endless room to learn.

Her Summer Seminar course wish list includes Grading U.S. Coins 1; Counterstamps: coins that tell their own story; Auction World 101: An Insider Perspective; How to sell coins on eBay live, Whatnot, Instagram; Counterfeit Detection of U.S. Coins; Advanced Coin Dealing; and a beginner coin dealing course.

She also singled out one class as her favorite. Withersfield said “Making Money The Medieval Way” stands out most, because she does blacksmithing and would find the experience of making her own coin both interesting and familiar.

Why this scholarship matters

The 2026 PNG nexGen scholarships do more than fund travel and tuition. They create a direct path into the profession for serious young numismatists. They also reinforce the values that support a healthy market: education, mentorship, professional development, and integrity.

That combination makes the program important not only for the six recipients, but also for the broader numismatic community.

For more information about the Professional Numismatists Guild, visit PNGdealers.org or call (951) 587-8300. To Learn about the PNG nexGen mentorship program, visit PNGdealers.org/png-nexgen. And finally for information about the annual ANA Summer Seminar, visit money.org/summer-seminar.

The post Six Young Numismatists Secure 2026 PNG nexGen Scholarships to ANA Summer Seminar appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

]]>
https://coinweek.com/six-young-numismatists-secure-2026-png-nexgen-scholarships-to-ana-summer-seminar/feed/ 0
National Coin Week 2026 Celebrates 250 Years of American History Through Money https://coinweek.com/national-coin-week-2026-celebrates-250-years-of-american-history-through-money/ https://coinweek.com/national-coin-week-2026-celebrates-250-years-of-american-history-through-money/#comments Fri, 03 Apr 2026 11:00:53 +0000 https://coinweek.com/?p=238329 As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, National Coin Week 2026 invites Americans to experience history through the coins and currency they use every day. This annual celebration runs April 19–25 and highlights the powerful role money plays in telling the nation’s story. Organized by the American Numismatic Association (ANA), the event combines education, […]

The post National Coin Week 2026 Celebrates 250 Years of American History Through Money appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

]]>
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, National Coin Week 2026 invites Americans to experience history through the coins and currency they use every day. This annual celebration runs April 19–25 and highlights the powerful role money plays in telling the nation’s story.

Organized by the American Numismatic Association (ANA), the event combines education, history, and accessibility. It encourages collectors and newcomers alike to look at everyday money with a fresh perspective.

A 250-Year Story Told Through Coins

ANA Coin WeekThis year’s theme, “Striking Independence: 250 Years of American Numismatics,” connects the founding of the United States to the coins and paper money that followed.

Importantly, the United States Mint will release special dual-dated 1776–2026 coins into circulation. These include dimes, quarters, and half dollars. As a result, millions of Americans will encounter this historic milestone in their daily change.

Coins have always done more than facilitate commerce. Instead, they reflect identity, values, and sovereignty.

Money is history you can hold in your hand,” said ANA President Mark Lighterman.
“From the earliest days of the Republic, issuing our own coinage has represented more than just commerce. It symbolizes national identity, sovereignty, and self-determination.

Free Activities Bring Numismatics to Life

Throughout the week, participants can access a wide range of free educational experiences. These activities make numismatics approachable and engaging.

For example, the ANA will host:

  • Live educational webinars led by experts
  • In-depth articles from The Numismatist and the ANA Reading Room
  • Interactive online content for collectors of all levels

Meanwhile, the ANA’s ANA Money Museum will feature a special digital exhibit titled “(R)evolution in Currency.” This exhibit presents one coin, token, or note for each year from 1776 through 2026. Consequently, visitors can trace the full arc of American monetary history in one curated experience.

A Tradition Since 1924

The ANA has organized National Coin Week since 1924. Its mission remains clear: promote the study and enjoyment of coins, paper money, and related objects.

This year’s celebration also recognizes the support of Osborne Mint, the official sponsor of the 2026 event.

ANA Coin Week

Why National Coin Week Matters in 2026

The 250th anniversary of the United States creates a rare moment for reflection. Coins and currency offer a tangible connection to that history. They pass through countless hands. They carry symbols, leaders, and ideals forward through time.

Therefore, National Coin Week 2026 does more than celebrate collecting. It connects Americans directly to their shared past.

Whether you collect rare coins or simply check your pocket change, this event offers a meaningful way to engage with history.

To explore events and resources, visit NationalCoinWeek.org.

The post National Coin Week 2026 Celebrates 250 Years of American History Through Money appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

]]>
https://coinweek.com/national-coin-week-2026-celebrates-250-years-of-american-history-through-money/feed/ 1
U.S. Mint Director Paul Hollis to Receive Prestigious CSNS Q. David Bowers Award at 2026 Convention https://coinweek.com/u-s-mint-director-paul-hollis-to-receive-prestigious-csns-q-david-bowers-award-at-2026-convention/ https://coinweek.com/u-s-mint-director-paul-hollis-to-receive-prestigious-csns-q-david-bowers-award-at-2026-convention/#respond Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:00:46 +0000 https://coinweek.com/?p=238221 The United States Mint Director Paul Hollis will receive one of numismatics’ highest honors this spring. The Central States Numismatic Society (CSNS) will present Hollis with the prestigious Q. David Bowers Award on April 23, 2026. The award ceremony will take place during the opening day of the 2026 CSNS Convention in Schaumburg, Illinois, just […]

The post U.S. Mint Director Paul Hollis to Receive Prestigious CSNS Q. David Bowers Award at 2026 Convention appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

]]>
Central States Numismatic SocietyThe United States Mint Director Paul Hollis will receive one of numismatics’ highest honors this spring. The Central States Numismatic Society (CSNS) will present Hollis with the prestigious Q. David Bowers Award on April 23, 2026.

The award ceremony will take place during the opening day of the 2026 CSNS Convention in Schaumburg, Illinois, just outside Chicago.

A Major Honor in Numismatics

CSNS prestigious Q. David Bowers AwardThe Q. David Bowers Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the hobby by numismatic professionals. The CSNS Board of Directors selects the recipient each year. The award honors Q. David Bowers, a legendary dealer and prolific author whose influence spans generations.

CSNS President Mitch Ernst emphasized the significance of Hollis’ selection.

According to Ernst, Hollis’ appointment as Mint Director reflects a lifetime dedicated to collecting, scholarship, and service. Notably, Hollis began collecting coins as a child. While other students wrote reports on icons like Babe Ruth or Amelia Earhart, Hollis chose early American scientist and first Mint Director David Rittenhouse.

A Career Built on Numismatic Passion

Hollis graduated from Louisiana State University. He also maintains long-standing membership in the American Numismatic Association.

Moreover, Hollis built a diverse career. He served in the Louisiana Legislature for 12 years. Later, voters elected him in 2023 to the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, where he represents approximately 500,000 constituents.

In addition, Hollis worked as a professional coin dealer in New Orleans. He also contributed to the hobby through leadership roles. These include service on the Industry Council for Tangible Assets, now known as the National Coin & Bullion Association, and the Numismatic Literary Guild.

Award-Winning Author and Educator

United States Mint Director Paul Hollis
United States Mint Director Paul Hollis

Hollis is also an accomplished numismatic author. His book American Numismatist earned the 2012 Best Specialized Book on U.S. Coins award from the Numismatic Literary Guild.

Furthermore, Hollis has demonstrated a strong commitment to education and outreach. In 2009, he promoted the redesigned Lincoln cent series marking the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth.

To achieve this, Hollis distributed one million Lincoln cents to the public. The giveaway included both the new reverse designs and earlier wheat-back coins. Notably, one million cents weigh approximately 5,400 pounds, about 2.7 tons.

Each coin came with an illustrated educational brochure that Hollis created. The materials explained the history of the Lincoln cent and encouraged new collectors to explore the hobby.

From Nomination to Mint Director

Donald J. Trump nominated Hollis as Director of the United States Mint on July 16, 2025. Subsequently, the United States Senate confirmed the nomination on December 18, 2025.

Hollis took the oath of office on January 5, 2026. As a result, he became the 41st Director of the United States Mint.

Hollis expressed deep gratitude for the CSNS honor.

He stated that receiving an award named for Q. David Bowers represents a profound honor. He also described his role as Mint Director as both a privilege and a responsibility. Importantly, he reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the hobby, strengthening the industry, and inspiring the next generation of collectors.

2026 CSNS Convention Details

The 2026 CSNS Convention will run April 23–25, with PNG Dealer Day and early bird access on April 22. The event will take place at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 North Thoreau Drive in Schaumburg, Illinois.

In addition, Hollis will headline an educational symposium at 10:30 a.m. on April 23. During the session, he will discuss the Mint’s dual-dated 1776–2026 Semiquincentennial coin program.

For more information, visit the Central States Numismatic Society.

The post U.S. Mint Director Paul Hollis to Receive Prestigious CSNS Q. David Bowers Award at 2026 Convention appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

]]>
https://coinweek.com/u-s-mint-director-paul-hollis-to-receive-prestigious-csns-q-david-bowers-award-at-2026-convention/feed/ 0
ANA Announces 2026 National Money Show Exhibit Award Winners in Savannah https://coinweek.com/ana-announces-2026-national-money-show-exhibit-award-winners-in-savannah/ https://coinweek.com/ana-announces-2026-national-money-show-exhibit-award-winners-in-savannah/#comments Fri, 20 Mar 2026 11:00:54 +0000 https://coinweek.com/?p=238179 2026 National Money Show Exhibit Award Winners The American Numismatic Association (ANA) has announced the winners of the 2026 National Money Show® exhibit awards, recognizing excellence in numismatic research, presentation, and storytelling. Officials revealed the results during the Exhibits Awards Presentation & Reception on Saturday, February 28, at the Savannah Convention. In total, 26 competitive […]

The post ANA Announces 2026 National Money Show Exhibit Award Winners in Savannah appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

]]>
2026 National Money Show Exhibit Award Winners

The American Numismatic Association (ANA) has announced the winners of the 2026 National Money Show® exhibit awards, recognizing excellence in numismatic research, presentation, and storytelling.

Officials revealed the results during the Exhibits Awards Presentation & Reception on Saturday, February 28, at the Savannah Convention. In total, 26 competitive exhibit awards were presented, highlighting the depth and diversity of today’s numismatic scholarship.

Best-of-Show Honors Go to Michael Kodysz

Leading the competition, Michael Kodysz earned the prestigious Steven J. D’Ippolito Award for Excellence in Numismatic Exhibiting (Best of Show). His winning exhibit, “Zeppelins and the Great War: A Medallic History of German Military Airships in World War I,” stood out for its originality and historical depth.

Meanwhile, Michael Shutterly secured second place with “National Personifications in Numismatics.” Simcha Kuritzky followed in third place for “The Isle of Man Cat Bullion Coins.”

Notably, Kuritzky’s exhibit also captured the Radford Stearns Memorial People’s Choice Award, reflecting strong support from convention attendees.

National Coin Week Competition Highlights Educational Exhibits

This year’s National Coin Week theme, “Striking Independence: 250 Years of American Numismatics,” inspired a special category designed for educational outreach. Because these exhibits must be suitable for libraries and schools, participants worked within a strict $250 value limit.

First place exhibit award winners during the National Money Show, from left: Michael Kodysz, Joshua Tate, Simcha Kuritzky, and Michael Shutterly.
First place exhibit award winners during the National Money Show, from left: Michael Kodysz, Joshua Tate, Simcha Kuritzky, and Michael Shutterly.

Joshua Tate claimed first place with “The Liberty Bell in U.S. Numismatic Design.” As a result, he will receive a full scholarship to a future ANA Summer Seminar, funded by John Albanese.

Richard Jozefiak earned both second and third place honors for:

  • “Collecting for Free: The Shell Company’s Presidential Medals Set”
  • “Creating the Madison County Coin Club 10th Anniversary/100th Meeting Three Medal Set”

Strong Participation Across Competitive Classes

In total, 20 exhibits from 13 exhibitors competed across multiple categories. The ANA awarded Radford Stearns Memorial Awards for Achievement in Exhibiting in six primary classes, along with an emeritus category.

Class 1: History and Politics

First: Simcha Kuritzky — “A Zionist So-Called Dollar”

Second: Kathryn Rosinia — “Remembering the Bicentennial: American Bicentennial Coinage”

Third: Kenneth Swab — “Thomas Macdonough – Naval Hero of the War of 1812”

Class 2: Economics

First: Charles Tate — “Inflationary Currency of Israel, 1980-1985”

Second: Michael Shutterly — “24 Centuries of the Denarius”

Third: Simcha Kuritzky — “Israel’s Two-Decade Long Road to Standardized Gold Coinage”

2026 National Money Show exhibit award winners - ANA Governor Donna Moon (left) presents Vira Hora with her third place exhibit award
ANA Governor Donna Moon (left) presents Vira Hora with her third place exhibit award

Class 3: Geography

First: Michael Kodysz — “A Young Wife’s Tale: The Rise and Tragic Fall of the Roman Empress Plautilla”

Second: Richard Jozefiak — “Collecting for Free: The Shell Company’s Presidential Medals Set”

Third: Vira Hora — “From Struggle to Symbol: Women Leaders Immortalized on Indian Coins”

Class 4: Common Elements

First: Simcha Kuritzky — “The Isle of Man Cat Bullion Coins”

Second: George Anderson — “The Seven Sisters of the United States Mint”

Third: Vira Hora — “Life is Like a Box of Chocolates: The Journey of Penny Machines at Bubba Gump”

Class 5: The Arts

First: Michael Shutterly — “National Personifications in Numismatics”

Second: Michael Kodysz — “Boar Hunt! Exploration of Meaning on a Group of Roman Coins Depicting Hunted Wild Boars”

Third: Joshua Bell — “The Liberty Bell in U.S. Numismatic Design”

Class 6: Science

First: Michael Kodysz — “Zeppelins and the Great War”

Second: Brett Irick — “Early Republic of Mexico Hand-on-Book Half Escudo Gold Coins, 1825–1870”

Third: Jeffrey Rosinia — “Striking Independence: 250 Years of American Numismatics – The 1876 Centennial Medal”

Class 7: Emeritus

First: Helen-Louise Boling — “The Spirit of a City: The New York City Medal”

Second: No exhibits

Third: No exhibits

ANA Phases Out Supplemental Bullion Awards

In addition to medals, winners received valuable numismatic prizes. These included American Gold Eagles and Silver Eagles across multiple categories.

However, the ANA confirmed that this marks the final convention to include supplemental bullion awards. Rising bullion prices have made the program unsustainable.

Looking Ahead: 2026 World’s Fair of Money

The ANA is already preparing for its next major event, the ANA World’s Fair of Money, scheduled for August 24–29, 2026, in Pittsburgh.

Collectors interested in exhibiting should note the application deadline of June 1, 2026. For more information, contact the ANA at 719-482-9849, email exhibits@money.org
, or visit money.org/convention-exhibits.

The post ANA Announces 2026 National Money Show Exhibit Award Winners in Savannah appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

]]>
https://coinweek.com/ana-announces-2026-national-money-show-exhibit-award-winners-in-savannah/feed/ 1
ANA Numismatic Diploma Program Goes Fully Online https://coinweek.com/ana-numismatic-diploma-program-goes-fully-online/ https://coinweek.com/ana-numismatic-diploma-program-goes-fully-online/#respond Tue, 17 Mar 2026 11:00:34 +0000 https://coinweek.com/?p=238136 Study Coins Anywhere and Earn a Numismatic Scholar Certificate The American Numismatic Association (ANA) has completed a major expansion of its educational offerings. The organization’s respected Numismatic Diploma Program is now available entirely online, allowing collectors to study coins from anywhere while working toward the ANA’s “Numismatic Scholar” certificate. The transition to a fully digital […]

The post ANA Numismatic Diploma Program Goes Fully Online appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

]]>
Study Coins Anywhere and Earn a Numismatic Scholar Certificate

The American Numismatic Association (ANA) has completed a major expansion of its educational offerings. The organization’s respected Numismatic Diploma Program is now available entirely online, allowing collectors to study coins from anywhere while working toward the ANA’s “Numismatic Scholar” certificate.

American Numismatic Association medals

The transition to a fully digital format began in 2024. Now complete, the update significantly improves accessibility for ANA members seeking structured numismatic education without traveling to in-person classes.

A Flexible Way to Study Numismatics

The Numismatic Diploma Program (NDP) has long been one of the ANA’s most valuable educational opportunities. By moving the program online, the ANA opens the door to a wider audience of collectors who want to deepen their knowledge of coins, grading, authentication, and minting technology.

Participants who complete the required coursework receive a Numismatic Scholar certificate. The credential recognizes their commitment to structured numismatic study.

Importantly, the program focuses on education rather than professional certification. The ANA notes that the diploma program is not accredited and does not qualify graduates as professional coin dealers, graders, or appraisers.

Courses Updated for Today’s Numismatic Landscape

Before launching the digital program, the ANA reviewed and updated every course. The revisions ensure the material reflects today’s numismatic marketplace, modern collecting practices, and current grading standards.

According to ANA Education Director Christian Strayhorn, the updates were designed to align the curriculum with the evolving numismatic landscape.

Strayhorn outlined the revisions in a recent NumismaTalks presentation hosted by the ANA.

Four Core Courses Form the Program

The fully online diploma program consists of four courses that guide students from foundational collecting knowledge to advanced evaluation skills.

The Numismatic Diploma Program (NDP) has long been one of the ANA’s most valuable educational opportunities.
The Numismatic Diploma Program (NDP) is one of the ANA’s most valuable educational opportunities.

Introduction to Numismatics

This foundational course explores the history and purpose of money while introducing the fundamentals of coin collecting. Students learn what gives coins value, how to build a collection, and how to purchase coins wisely.

The course also addresses important practical topics. These include collection storage, estate planning, numismatic literature, and exhibiting coins.

Grading U.S. Coins

Grading remains one of the most important skills for any collector. This course teaches students how to evaluate a coin’s condition and identify the factors that determine grade.

As a result, collectors develop the ability to assess coins independently. That knowledge helps them make more informed purchasing decisions instead of relying solely on grades assigned by third-party grading services.

Detecting Counterfeit and Altered Coins

Counterfeits and altered coins remain a serious concern in the marketplace. Therefore, this course focuses on the tools and techniques collectors need to identify authenticity issues.

Students learn to recognize physical characteristics and diagnostic markers that help confirm whether a coin is genuine. With this knowledge, collectors gain confidence when evaluating coins in their own collections or potential purchases.

The Modern Minting Process and U.S. Minting Errors and Varieties

The final course examines how modern coins are produced. It provides an overview of the minting process used by the United States Mint.

Students also explore the fascinating world of mint errors and varieties. Topics include planchet errors, die errors, striking errors, and die varieties that occur during the coin production process.

Affordable Access for ANA Members

Each course in the Numismatic Diploma Program costs $75 for ANA members. Members can register and begin studying immediately through the ANA website.

The online format allows students to learn at their own pace while building a deeper understanding of coins and the numismatic marketplace.

For registration and program details, visit the ANA’s diploma program page at money.org/diploma-program.

Collectors with questions can contact the ANA Education Department at education@money.org
.

Important Note About Certification

The ANA emphasizes that the Numismatic Diploma Program is an educational program only. It is not an accredited certification program and does not qualify participants as professional numismatists, dealers, coin graders, or appraisers.

 

The post ANA Numismatic Diploma Program Goes Fully Online appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

]]>
https://coinweek.com/ana-numismatic-diploma-program-goes-fully-online/feed/ 0
ANA Seeks Speakers for 2026 Pittsburgh World’s Fair of Money® Lecture Series https://coinweek.com/ana-seeks-speakers-for-2026-pittsburgh-worlds-fair-of-money-lecture-series/ https://coinweek.com/ana-seeks-speakers-for-2026-pittsburgh-worlds-fair-of-money-lecture-series/#respond Sun, 08 Mar 2026 20:19:35 +0000 https://coinweek.com/?p=237976 The American Numismatic Association [ ANA ] has opened submissions for the Maynard Sundman/Littleton Coin Company Lecture Series, scheduled during the 2026 World’s Fair of Money in Pittsburgh. Researchers and collectors now have an opportunity to present new scholarship during one of the hobby’s most important annual events. The ANA will host the convention August […]

The post ANA Seeks Speakers for 2026 Pittsburgh World’s Fair of Money® Lecture Series appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

]]>
The American Numismatic Association [ ANA ] has opened submissions for the Maynard Sundman/Littleton Coin Company Lecture Series, scheduled during the 2026 World’s Fair of Money in Pittsburgh.

Present Numismatic Knowledge During the Pittsburgh World's Fair of Money

Researchers and collectors now have an opportunity to present new scholarship during one of the hobby’s most important annual events. The ANA will host the convention August 25–29, 2026, with the Sundman Series taking place during the show.

Only four lecture proposals will receive acceptance.

Theme: “Striking Independence: 250 Years of American Numismatics”

This year’s symposium theme highlights the role of money in telling the story of the United States from 1776 to the present day.

Speakers may approach the topic from many directions. However, proposals should connect to the development of American money and its historical context. For example, lectures may explore the nation’s early struggle to establish coinage, the heavy reliance on foreign coins in early commerce, or the gradual evolution of imagery and language on U.S. currency.

In addition, researchers may examine innovation in American coinage and paper money. The ANA strongly encourages new and original research tied to the broader theme.

Symposium Details

The lecture series will take place Wednesday, August 26, during the convention week.

The program will run from 10:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh.

The Sundman Series forms part of the educational programming offered during the World’s Fair of Money, which features lectures, exhibits, and educational seminars alongside a large dealer bourse and major numismatic auctions.

How to Submit a Lecture Proposal

The ANA requires a written proposal summary of no more than 500 words.

Each submission must include:

  • An introduction
  • A brief discussion of the topic
  • Sources used in the research
  • A description of the research method

Send proposals by April 13, 2026, to Douglas Mudd at mudd@money.org.

The ANA will notify selected presenters by April 20, 2026.

Presenter Benefits

Selected speakers will receive a $250 honorarium. In addition, presenters may attend the Sundman Series Luncheon at no cost.

The lecture series remains one of the ANA’s key educational forums. Each year, it highlights new scholarship and encourages deeper exploration of American numismatic history.

The post ANA Seeks Speakers for 2026 Pittsburgh World’s Fair of Money® Lecture Series appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

]]>
https://coinweek.com/ana-seeks-speakers-for-2026-pittsburgh-worlds-fair-of-money-lecture-series/feed/ 0
Multi-State Gold Coin Theft Suspect Strikes Again in Martinsburg, West Virginia https://coinweek.com/multi-state-gold-coin-theft-suspect-strikes-again-in-martinsburg-west-virginia/ https://coinweek.com/multi-state-gold-coin-theft-suspect-strikes-again-in-martinsburg-west-virginia/#comments Fri, 20 Feb 2026 16:09:21 +0000 https://coinweek.com/?p=237800 A gold coin theft in Martinsburg, West Virginia, has drawn the attention of the numismatic community nationwide. Authorities confirm that the suspect may be linked to multiple recent coin shop thefts across several states. Martinsburg Police Investigate Coin Shop Theft On February 19, 2026, a theft occurred at a coin shop in Martinsburg, West Virginia, […]

The post Multi-State Gold Coin Theft Suspect Strikes Again in Martinsburg, West Virginia appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

]]>
A gold coin theft in Martinsburg, West Virginia, has drawn the attention of the numismatic community nationwide. Authorities confirm that the suspect may be linked to multiple recent coin shop thefts across several states.

Martinsburg Police Investigate Coin Shop Theft

On February 19, 2026, a theft occurred at a coin shop in Martinsburg, West Virginia, according to the Martinsburg Police Department.

Theft Suspect
Theft Suspect

The Numismatic Crime Information Center (NCIC) is assisting local law enforcement in the investigation.

Police report that the suspect entered the shop and requested to view gold coins. When an employee opened the showcase, the suspect reached inside, grabbed a one-ounce gold coin, and ran out the front door.

Authorities have not publicly released additional details about the coin at this time.

NCIC Links Suspect to Multi-State Coin Shop Thefts

According to the coin shop owner, the suspect matches the individual identified in previous NCIC alerts issued in recent weeks.

NCIC reports that the same suspect has committed thefts at coin shops in:

  • Pennsylvania
  • Maryland
  • New Jersey
  • Virginia

At this time, CoinWeek is reporting only what law enforcement and NCIC have confirmed. While authorities believe the suspect is responsible for multiple thefts, the investigation remains ongoing. Watch the Video Below.

Ongoing Investigation and Community Alert

The NCIC continues to work with the Martinsburg Police Department as investigators review evidence and pursue leads.

Coin dealers and numismatic professionals should remain vigilant. Retail thefts involving high-value gold coins often occur quickly and without warning. Therefore, maintaining secure showcase protocols remains critical.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or the suspect is encouraged to contact:

Doug Davis
Numismatic Crime Information Center
Phone: 817-723-7231
Email: Doug@numismaticcrimes.org

Why This Case Matters to the Numismatic Community

Gold coin thefts directly impact dealers, collectors, and insurers. Moreover, repeat offenders who target multiple states present an elevated risk to the marketplace.

The Numismatic Crime Information Center plays a critical role in identifying patterns and alerting the hobby. Through coordinated reporting, NCIC helps law enforcement agencies connect cases that might otherwise remain isolated.

As this case develops, CoinWeek will provide updates when additional verified information becomes available.

The post Multi-State Gold Coin Theft Suspect Strikes Again in Martinsburg, West Virginia appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

]]>
https://coinweek.com/multi-state-gold-coin-theft-suspect-strikes-again-in-martinsburg-west-virginia/feed/ 1
PNG’s “Live Stream Coin Selling” Symposium Video Available Free Online https://coinweek.com/pngs-live-stream-coin-selling-symposium-video-available-free-online/ https://coinweek.com/pngs-live-stream-coin-selling-symposium-video-available-free-online/#respond Mon, 02 Feb 2026 12:01:09 +0000 https://coinweek.com/?p=237476 PNG Releases Free Video on Selling Coins Online A free, one-hour YouTube video featuring the Professional Numismatists Guild educational symposium on selling coins online is now available to the public. The program was presented in conjunction with the Florida United Numismatists Convention and focuses on helping dealers grow through live online coin sales. Notably, the […]

The post PNG’s “Live Stream Coin Selling” Symposium Video Available Free Online appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

]]>
PNG Releases Free Video on Selling Coins Online

A free, one-hour YouTube video featuring the Professional Numismatists Guild educational symposium on selling coins online is now available to the public. The program was presented in conjunction with the Florida United Numismatists Convention and focuses on helping dealers grow through live online coin sales.

Notably, the dealer forum brought together PNG leadership alongside representatives from eBay and Whatnot. Together, they examined how live commerce continues to reshape the numismatic marketplace.

PNG Leaders Explain the Benefits of Live Coin Selling

According to PNG Executive Director John Feigenbaum, PNG President James Sego, and Jeff Garrett, former president of both the PNG and the American NumismaticThe Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG) Association (American Numismatic Association), the symposium was designed to educate professional dealers on the benefits and long-term potential of live coin selling online.

Specifically, they emphasized that live selling allows dealers to reach wider audiences while preserving trust, expertise, and professional standards. As a result, online platforms now offer dealers new ways to connect directly with collectors in real time.

eBay and Whatnot Share Strategies for Online Coin Sales

During the symposium, eBay Live representatives Rebecca Tran, Jacob Acosta, and Elisa Yu shared practical strategies for improving online coin sales. Yu described live commerce as a major shift in how collectors shop.

“Live shoppers are treasure hunters looking for a great deal and great inventory,” Yu said. “However, they return for the entertainment, the community, and the trust.”

In addition, Yu encouraged dealers to offer limited-time deals and exclusive items available only during live online events. Meanwhile, Acosta explained how sellers can improve listings, streamline workflows, and reduce selling fees on eBay.

At the same time, Kevin Anthony, Category Lead at Whatnot, explained that live selling introduces coins to entirely new audiences. He noted that education plays a central role in converting first-time viewers into long-term collectors.

Live Online Coin Selling Continues to Grow

Taken together, the discussion made one point clear: selling coins online through live platforms is no longer optional for forward-thinking dealers. Instead, it represents a powerful opportunity to educate collectors, build community, and expand the reach of the numismatic hobby in a digital-first marketplace.

The post PNG’s “Live Stream Coin Selling” Symposium Video Available Free Online appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

]]>
https://coinweek.com/pngs-live-stream-coin-selling-symposium-video-available-free-online/feed/ 0
Princeton’s Numismatics Collection Faces Transition as Longtime Curator Departs https://coinweek.com/princetons-numismatics-collection-faces-transition-as-longtime-curator-departs/ https://coinweek.com/princetons-numismatics-collection-faces-transition-as-longtime-curator-departs/#comments Thu, 29 Jan 2026 11:57:32 +0000 https://coinweek.com/?p=237445 Princeton’s Numismatics Collection Enters a Period of Transition Princeton University’s numismatics collection, the oldest coin collection held by an educational institution in the United States, is entering a period of transition. After more than two decades as curator, Dr. Alan Stahl will depart the role in June, concluding a tenure that began in 2004. According […]

The post Princeton’s Numismatics Collection Faces Transition as Longtime Curator Departs appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

]]>
Princeton’s Numismatics Collection Enters a Period of Transition

Princeton University’s numismatics collection, the oldest coin collection held by an educational institution in the United States, is entering a period of transition.

Dr. Alan Stahl
Dr. Alan Stahl

After more than two decades as curator, Dr. Alan Stahl will depart the role in June, concluding a tenure that began in 2004.

According to Stephanie Oster, a spokesperson for the Princeton University Library, the future of the curatorial position remains undecided.

“We are still trying to navigate through what the University is expecting, from a hiring perspective,” Oster said. “If we’re able to, we will post the position.”

A Collection Founded in 1849

Established in 1849 and housed within Princeton Library’s Special Collections, the numismatics collection currently includes approximately 115,000 objects, encompassing coins, paper money, tokens, and medals. Among its most significant holdings are two particularly extensive areas: Byzantine coinage and early medieval Persian coins.

During Stahl’s tenure, curatorial priorities emphasized both acquisition and access. A central objective involved expanding the collection while also increasing its digital availability.

“Over the past 20 years that I’ve been here, we’ve gotten about 20,000 coins cataloged and online,” Stahl said.

Building the Collection

Much of the collection’s growth has come through alumni donations. At the same time, Stahl regularly attended auctions to pursue material aligned with Princeton’s teaching and research needs. While the collection maintained its own acquisitions budget, Stahl occasionally secured external funding from academic departments, particularly for rare or costly material.

Acquisition timelines could extend well beyond the auction floor. Stahl cited one instance in which a group of German coins purchased in December 2024 arrived nearly a year later due to federally imposed tariffs.

Reflecting on the collection’s expansion since 2004, Stahl identified the Wu collection of Chinese coins as an early milestone. Donated by an alumnus, the collection spans Chinese coinage from its earliest forms through the 20th century.

He also oversaw the acquisition of a substantial group of Crusader coins, as well as two large assemblages of Byzantine material. Stahl stated that Princeton claims to hold the largest collection of Byzantine coinage in the world, a claim reflecting the scale of these holdings.

Scholarship and Student Engagement

Stahl holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of Pennsylvania, specializing in archaeology and art history. Before joining Princeton, he worked at the American Numismatic Society, where he developed expertise across Greek, Roman, Islamic, and Chinese coinage.

In 2010, the Royal Numismatic Society awarded Stahl its medal for his book Zecca: The Mint of Venice in the Middle Ages.

Teaching and student engagement remained central to his work at Princeton. Over a 22-year period, Stahl met regularly with more than two dozen classes and precepts, often focused on Greek, Roman, East Asian, Near Eastern, and art history topics. He also lectured in the Departments of Art and Archaeology, Classics, and History, teaching courses on medieval history, Italian city-states, international commerce, and medieval democracy.

Faculty members emphasized his impact on student learning. Associate Professor Jack Tannous highlighted Stahl’s ability to bring historical material to life, while Teresa Shawcross and Harriet Flower praised his commitment to accessibility and scholarly rigor.

Looking Ahead

After leaving Princeton, Stahl plans to continue his research, including further work on Venice. He recently published a book examining a 14th-century Venetian family.

At present, Princeton University has not announced whether the curatorial position will be continued. Spokespeople for the Departments of Classics and History did not provide comment before publication.

Resources

The post Princeton’s Numismatics Collection Faces Transition as Longtime Curator Departs appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

]]>
https://coinweek.com/princetons-numismatics-collection-faces-transition-as-longtime-curator-departs/feed/ 1
ANA Invites K–12 Students to Volunteer and Earn Coins Through America 250 Program https://coinweek.com/ana-invites-k-12-students-to-volunteer-and-earn-coins-through-america-250-program/ https://coinweek.com/ana-invites-k-12-students-to-volunteer-and-earn-coins-through-america-250-program/#respond Wed, 14 Jan 2026 12:00:05 +0000 https://coinweek.com/?p=237293 As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, the American Numismatic Association (ANA) is calling on the next generation of collectors to step outside, serve their communities, and connect history to the coins in their collections. The national initiative, titled America 250: Connecting Coins with the Land(s) They Represent, invites K–12 students to […]

The post ANA Invites K–12 Students to Volunteer and Earn Coins Through America 250 Program appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

]]>
American Numismatic Association (ANA)

As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, the American Numismatic Association (ANA) is calling on the next generation of collectors to step outside, serve their communities, and connect history to the coins in their collections.

The national initiative, titled America 250: Connecting Coins with the Land(s) They Represent, invites K–12 students to volunteer in parks, conservation programs, and public history projects. In return, participants earn coins and numismatic prizes, including a special America 250 silver bar.

Even more importantly, students gain a deeper understanding of how U.S. coin designs reflect the landscapes, wildlife, and historic places they help protect.

Connecting Coins, History, and Service

Through this hands-on program, students complete community service projects while exploring the stories behind American coinage. After volunteering, participants document their hours and write short reflections that connect their service experiences to specific U.S. coins.

As a result, coins become more than collectibles. Instead, they serve as tangible reminders of America’s land, history, and shared responsibility to preserve both.

The ANA provides a clear, step-by-step guide to participation, along with approved volunteer opportunities and a full prize list, at money.org/america250-project.

Volunteer Hours Earn Valuable Numismatic Prizes

Thanks to a generous anonymous donation, the ANA funds a wide range of prizes that reward students for their service.

  • Minimum participation: 2 volunteer hours
  • Maximum participation: 25 volunteer hours

Students who complete 25 hours of approved service earn the top prize—an America 250 one-troy-ounce silver bar.

Additional prizes include:

  • Uncirculated National Parks quarters
  • Parks in Your Pocket book
  • American Revolution Bicentennial medal
  • U.S. silver half dollar commemorative

Because the prize structure scales with effort, students stay motivated while learning the value of service and perseverance.

Approved Volunteer Opportunities Nationwide

To make participation accessible, the ANA allows students to volunteer with a wide range of reputable organizations across the country.

Approved opportunities include:

  • National Park Service – Volunteers support preservation efforts in national parks across all 50 states and U.S. territories.
  • The Izaak Walton League of America – Volunteers promote community-based conservation and protect air, water, and wildlife.
  • The Nature Conservancy – Participants help restore lands and waters while strengthening local communities.
  • Trout Unlimited – Volunteers work to protect rivers, improve water quality, and strengthen ecosystems.
  • State Parks – State park and wildlife agencies regularly offer preservation and education opportunities.
  • City and County Parks & Recreation Departments – Many local governments provide volunteer programs for park care and community improvement.
  • National Archives – Students can contribute remotely by transcribing or tagging historic documents, supporting public access to American history.

Because opportunities exist both in person and online, students across the country can participate regardless of location.

How Students Can Get Started

To qualify for prizes, participants must submit parental permission and complete a pre-approval form before beginning volunteer work.

Students, parents, and educators can find complete instructions and forms at:

money.org/america250-project

For questions about the program, contact ANA Education Director Christian Strayhorn at cstrayhorn@money.org

Why This Program Matters

Through America 250, the ANA successfully brings together numismatics, education, and civic engagement. Students not only earn coins, they earn perspective, pride, and a personal connection to the nation’s history.

As America approaches its semiquincentennial, this program ensures that young collectors play an active role in honoring, and preserving, the land and stories reflected in U.S. coinage.

The post ANA Invites K–12 Students to Volunteer and Earn Coins Through America 250 Program appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

]]>
https://coinweek.com/ana-invites-k-12-students-to-volunteer-and-earn-coins-through-america-250-program/feed/ 0
PNG Now Accepting Nominations for 2026 Awards https://coinweek.com/png-now-accepting-nominations-for-2026-awards/ https://coinweek.com/png-now-accepting-nominations-for-2026-awards/#respond Tue, 13 Jan 2026 12:00:34 +0000 https://coinweek.com/?p=237249 Submission Deadline: February 23, 2026 The Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG) is now accepting nominations for its 2026 PNG Awards, PNG Executive Director John Feigenbaum announced. All award nominations and book entries must arrive by February 23, 2026, so PNG encourages early submissions. How to Submit Nominations To begin, nominators should email all award nominations to […]

The post PNG Now Accepting Nominations for 2026 Awards appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

]]>
The Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG)

Submission Deadline: February 23, 2026

The Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG) is now accepting nominations for its 2026 PNG Awards, PNG Executive Director John Feigenbaum announced.

All award nominations and book entries must arrive by February 23, 2026, so PNG encourages early submissions.

How to Submit Nominations

To begin, nominators should email all award nominations to PNG Executive Assistant Tamara Collett at info@PNGdealers.org

Meanwhile, nominators should mail book entries directly to PNG headquarters at:

Professional Numismatists Guild
27890 Clinton Keith Rd., Suite D141
Murrieta, California 92562

As Feigenbaum explained, “The PNG publicly recognizes outstanding achievements in the hobby and the profession by honoring deserving recipients with prestigious awards. For that reason, we strongly encourage nominations from collectors and dealers alike.”

Announcement of Award Winners

Looking ahead, PNG President James Sego confirmed that the 2026 PNG Award winners will be announced on April 22, 2026. PNG will reveal the honorees during a banquet following PNG Dealer Day at the Central States Numismatic Society Convention in Schaumburg, Illinois.

2026 PNG Award Categories

Abe Kosoff Founders Award

This award honors a PNG member-dealer who has shown unwavering dedication to the numismatic community and made a lasting contribution to the Guild or the profession.
Committee Chairs: James Sego and John Feigenbaum

Sol Kaplan Award

This distinction recognizes an individual who actively works to combat fraud and crime within the numismatic community.
Committee Chairs: Doug Davis and John Feigenbaum

Robert Friedberg Award

In a different vein, the Robert Friedberg Award recognizes an author for an outstanding numismatic book or other significant publication. Unlike most PNG honors, the Guild does not present this award every year. Instead, the committee grants it only when it identifies a truly deserving recipient.
Committee Chair: Wayde Milas

Harvey G. Stack Lifetime Achievement Award

At the pinnacle of PNG’s honors, the Harvey G. Stack Lifetime Achievement Award stands as one of the Guild’s most prestigious distinctions. This award celebrates a numismatist whose lifetime of dedication and achievement has significantly advanced the hobby or the profession.
Committee Chairs: John Brush, James Sego, and John Feigenbaum

Significant Contribution Award

This award recognizes individuals who have delivered sustained, meaningful contributions to PNG, the profession, and the hobby over many years.
Committee Co-Chairs: Greg Allen and Bill Gale

Art Kagin Ambassador Award

Named for a former PNG President, this award honors individuals who have provided distinguished service and advocacy in promoting numismatic goodwill.
Committee Chairs: Dustin Johnston and Don Rinkor

nexGen Future Numismatist Award

Finally, the nexGen Future Numismatist Award recognizes exceptional young men and women who aspire to become professional numismatists.
Committee Chairs: John Brush, James Sego, and John Feigenbaum

About the Professional Numismatists Guild

Founded to promote integrity and professionalism, the Professional Numismatists Guild is a nonprofit organization composed of leading rare coin and paper money dealers in the United States and four other countries. All PNG member-dealers follow a strict Code of Ethics governing the buying and selling of numismatic material.

Readers can find a complete list of past PNG award recipients at www.PNGdealers.org/png-awards

Learn More

For additional information about PNG, visit www.PNGdealers.org or call (951) 587-8300.

The post PNG Now Accepting Nominations for 2026 Awards appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

]]>
https://coinweek.com/png-now-accepting-nominations-for-2026-awards/feed/ 0
Roman Coin Identification Made Easier: How OCRE Is Changing the Way Collectors and Scholars Attribute Ancient Coins https://coinweek.com/roman-coin-identification-made-easier-how-ocre-is-changing-the-way-collectors-and-scholars-attribute-ancient-coins/ https://coinweek.com/roman-coin-identification-made-easier-how-ocre-is-changing-the-way-collectors-and-scholars-attribute-ancient-coins/#comments Tue, 30 Dec 2025 12:02:37 +0000 https://coinweek.com/?p=237052 Original article By Nathan Elkins for American Numismatic Society (ANS)  posted April 27, 2022 and re-edited and formated by CoinWeek. Why Roman Coin Identification Still Challenges Even Experts Roman coin identification forms the backbone of ancient numismatics. Yet, despite its importance, it remains one of the most complex skills to master. While books, databases, and classroom instruction […]

The post Roman Coin Identification Made Easier: How OCRE Is Changing the Way Collectors and Scholars Attribute Ancient Coins appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

]]>
Roman Republic. C. Considius Nonianus. Denarius 57 BCE, 19 mm, 4.12 g. Image: NAC / CoinWeek.
Roman Republic. C. Considius Nonianus. Denarius 57 BCE, 19 mm, 4.12 g. Image: NAC / CoinWeek.

Original article By Nathan Elkins for American Numismatic Society (ANS) 
posted April 27, 2022 and re-edited and formated by CoinWeek.

Why Roman Coin Identification Still Challenges Even Experts

Roman coin identification forms the backbone of ancient numismatics. Yet, despite its importance, it remains one of the most complex skills to master. While books, databases, and classroom instruction help, none can replace experience. Numismatists learn by handling coins, comparing types, and spending countless hours refining their judgment.

As a result, Roman coin identification is not a skill one learns and finishes. Instead, it develops gradually over time. Even experienced scholars continue sharpening their abilities as new material, tools, and methods emerge.

The High Stakes of Coin Identification in the Field

For field numismatists, the difficulty increases significantly. Coins recovered from excavations rarely resemble the crisp, well-preserved examples found in auction catalogs. More often, they appear worn, corroded, or incomplete.

Moreover, archaeological sites frequently produce coins from many cultures and periods. During excavations in Israel, for example, assemblages have included Roman, Seleucid, Ptolemaic, Nabatean, Hasmonean, Herodian, Byzantine, Crusader, Islamic, and modern issues. Consequently, correct attribution becomes essential. In many cases, a single coin can establish the date of a layer and fundamentally alter the historical interpretation of a site.

How Roman Coins Were Identified Before Digital Tools

Not long ago, identifying Roman coins in the field required careful planning, and heavy luggage. Numismatists packed multiple volumes of Roman Imperial Coinage (RIC) and hoped they had chosen the right ones for the material likely to appear.

The impressive Mattingly series on Roman Imperial Coinage.
The impressive Mattingly series on Roman Imperial Coinage.

When on-site identification proved impossible, scholars photographed coins and completed the work later. Eventually, PDF scans of reference books and early online databases such as CoinArchives helped streamline the process. Even then, experience mattered most. Over time, numismatists learned to recognize recurring types instantly, especially among late Roman issues.

When Reverse Types Do the Heavy Lifting

In many cases, reverse imagery provides the most reliable clue. Late Roman coins often survive with little legible legend, yet their reverse types remain recognizable.

For example, coins showing two soldiers flanking a single standard date to the final years of Constantine I’s reign and the early rule of his sons. If Constantine appears on the obverse, the issue dates to 335–337 CE. If one of his sons appears as Augustus, the coin belongs to 337–340 CE. Thus, even fragmentary visual evidence can narrow a coin’s date range with surprising accuracy.

A coin of Constantine I from the mint at Thessalonica
A coin of Constantine I from the mint at Thessalonica, struck 336–337 CE. The reverse type with two soldiers flanking a single standard on coins of this size occurs only from 335–340 CE, i.e., 335–337 under Constantine I as Augustus, and from 337–340 CE under Constantine II, Constantius II, or Constans as Augustus (1944.100.13079, Bequest of E. T. Newell).

When Late Roman Bronzes Test the Limits of Perception

Nevertheless, identifying worn late Roman bronzes can feel subjective. Scholars often tilt coins under light, searching for faint outlines that may, or may not, be there.

For decades, Guido Brück’s Die Spätrömische Kupferprägung has helped address this problem. By pairing simplified line drawings with rulers, mints, and legends, the book guides users toward plausible attributions. Even today, its approach remains instructive.

A page from Brück’s Die Spätrömische Kupferprägung. Ein Bestimmungsbuch für schlecht erhaltene Münzen (Graz, 1961).
A page from Brück’s Die Spätrömische Kupferprägung. Ein Bestimmungsbuch für schlecht erhaltene Münzen (Graz, 1961).

OCRE and the Digital Transformation of Roman Coin Identification

The launch of Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE) marked a major turning point. Developed by the American Numismatic Society in collaboration with the Institute for the Study of the Ancient World at New York University, OCRE placed a vast Roman coin corpus online.

Instead of flipping through printed volumes, users can now search legends, browse keywords, and compare images in seconds. As a result, Roman coin identification has become faster, more accessible, and far more efficient.

The Most Underrated Tool in OCRE’s Arsenal

Despite its strengths, one OCRE feature remains surprisingly underused: the coin identification tool.

Recently, the tool demonstrated its power in an unexpected way. While browsing an online coin forum, a staff member at the ANS, without formal training in ancient numismatics, successfully identified a Roman coin using OCRE alone. This example underscores how intuitive and effective the tool has become.

How the OCRE Identification Tool Works

The identification tool allows users to enter visible portions of obverse and reverse legends, without spaces. Importantly, it also supports wildcard searches using an asterisk (*), making it ideal for incomplete or uncertain legends.

For instance:

  • impconstantinvs* finds legends beginning with IMP CONSTANTINVS
  • *constantinvs* locates legends containing CONSTANTINVS anywhere
  • *const* returns results for Constantine I, Constantine II, and Constantius II

As a result, even minimal surviving text can yield useful matches.

Refining Results by Metal and Portrait

In addition, users can filter results by metal, which quickly eliminates many possibilities. The tool also allows searches by emperor and offers portrait galleries. This feature proves especially valuable for collectors and students still learning to recognize imperial likenesses.

Together, these options reduce guesswork and dramatically improve attribution accuracy.

What Comes Next for Roman Coin Identification Online

The ANS is actively exploring ways to expand the identification tool’s capabilities. Future enhancements may include keyword searches for reverse types, allowing users to enter terms such as Victory, branch, or patera.

If implemented, these features would further assist users working with heavily worn coins—especially those recovered in the field.

Why This Matters for Collectors and Researchers Today

Roman coin identification continues to evolve. Digital tools like OCRE do not replace experience, but they amplify it. By combining traditional numismatic knowledge with powerful online resources, collectors and scholars can work faster, more accurately, and with greater confidence.

For CoinWeek readers, whether seasoned researchers or advanced collectors, OCRE represents one of the most important developments in Roman numismatics of the last generation.

Have Ideas to Improve OCRE? The ANS Wants to Hear from You

As OCRE grows, user feedback remains essential. Collectors, dealers, and scholars alike can help shape the future of Roman coin identification by sharing suggestions and insights.

In the meantime, OCRE stands as a reminder that even in a discipline rooted in ancient objects, innovation continues to drive discovery.

American Numismatic Society

The post Roman Coin Identification Made Easier: How OCRE Is Changing the Way Collectors and Scholars Attribute Ancient Coins appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

]]>
https://coinweek.com/roman-coin-identification-made-easier-how-ocre-is-changing-the-way-collectors-and-scholars-attribute-ancient-coins/feed/ 2
ANS to Honor Adam M. Levine at NYC Gala Event in January https://coinweek.com/ans-to-honor-adam-m-levine-at-nyc-gala-event-in-january/ https://coinweek.com/ans-to-honor-adam-m-levine-at-nyc-gala-event-in-january/#respond Wed, 26 Nov 2025 11:27:33 +0000 https://coinweek.com/?p=236572 The Board of Trustees of the American Numismatic Society (ANS) is pleased to announce that the 2026 Trustees’ Award has been given to Adam M. Levine, the Edward Drummond and Florence Scott Libbey President, Director, and CEO at the Toledo Museum of Art (TMA). The award, which will be presented at the ANS Annual Gala […]

The post ANS to Honor Adam M. Levine at NYC Gala Event in January appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

]]>
American Numismatic SocietyThe Board of Trustees of the American Numismatic Society (ANS) is pleased to announce that the 2026 Trustees’ Award has been given to Adam M. Levine, the Edward Drummond and Florence Scott Libbey President, Director, and CEO at the Toledo Museum of Art (TMA).

The award, which will be presented at the ANS Annual Gala on January 15, 2026, at the Harvard Club of New York, recognizes Levine’s tremendous assistance and partnership with the ANS in facilitating the future relocation of the Society to Toledo, Ohio.

Adam M. Levine, the Edward Drummond and Florence Scott Libbey President, Director, and CEO at the Toledo Museum of Art (TMA)

Adam M. Levine joined TMA in 2012 as an Andrew W. Mellon Fellow and later served as deputy director and curator of ancient art before assuming his current role as director of the TMA. In his current role, he oversees the TMA’s $23.5 million budget and 220 employees, advanced the Museum’s first campus master plan, and has curated a diverse range of exhibitions.

Before the TMA, Levine served as the George W. and Kathleen I. Gibbs Director and CEO of the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens in Jacksonville, Florida, and as a collections management assistant in the Greek and Roman Art Department at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Levine graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Dartmouth College, where he majored in anthropology, art history, and mathematics & social science. He continued his studies as a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford, where he earned his master’s degree with distinction and his doctorate in the history of art. In addition to his research in ancient art, Levine has published and presented on museum and management practices.

In 2009, he co-founded Art Research Technologies, a data and research company that eventually was sold to Podium Capital. In the same year, he participated in the ANS Eric P. Newman Graduate Summer Seminar in Numismatics. Levine has also consulted for several departments at Sotheby’s and for Art & Auction Magazine. He is currently a Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute and serves on the Board of Trustees of the University of Toledo.

On the award, ANS Sydney F. Martin Executive Director Ute Wartenberg notes, “As the ANS enters an exciting next chapter with its relocation to Toledo, Adam has been a vital partner in this ambitious endeavor. This award celebrates not only his standing as a leader in the museum community but also his support of the ANS as we enter this exciting new chapter for our institution. We are incredibly grateful for his tireless support of the ANS, and are delighted to present him with this award.”

The Annual Gala provides critical support for the Society’s mission to advance the research, education, and appreciation of numismatics through proceeds from ticket sales, sponsorships, advertising, and other donations. The Trustees’ Award was established in 2003 and honors those who have helped in extraordinary ways to forward the mission of the ANS.

For more information about the Annual Gala, visit numismatics.org/2026gala.

The post ANS to Honor Adam M. Levine at NYC Gala Event in January appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

]]>
https://coinweek.com/ans-to-honor-adam-m-levine-at-nyc-gala-event-in-january/feed/ 0
American Numismatic Society Announces Relocation From NYC to Ohio. https://coinweek.com/american-numismatic-society-announces-relocation-from-nyc-to-ohio/ https://coinweek.com/american-numismatic-society-announces-relocation-from-nyc-to-ohio/#respond Fri, 21 Nov 2025 12:05:53 +0000 https://coinweek.com/?p=236515 Building on its nearly 170-year history of preserving the most comprehensive collection of coins, art medals, and other numismatic and monetary objects in the U.S., the American Numismatic Society will expand its reach, deepen its commitment to research and scholarship, and continue to educate and inspire new generations through the rich stories told by coins […]

The post American Numismatic Society Announces Relocation From NYC to Ohio. appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

]]>
Building on its nearly 170-year history of preserving the most comprehensive collection of coins, art medals, and other numismatic and monetary objects in the U.S., the American Numismatic Society will expand its reach, deepen its commitment to research and scholarship, and continue to educate and inspire new generations through the rich stories told by coins and money.

American Numismatic SocietyThe American Numismatic Society (ANS)—a nearly 170year-old organization dedicated to the public appreciation and research of coins, currency, and medals and holding the most comprehensive collection of numismatic objects in the United States—today announced its strategic relocation from its current leased location at 75 Varick Street in New York City to Toledo, Ohio, where it will take up residence on the campus of the Toledo Museum of Art (TMA).

This major relocation, taking place in the first half of 2028, will enable the ANS to better serve its American and international audiences while developing a strong relationship with the local community in the former major industrial city now undergoing a cultural revival.

Exterior of the future home of the American Numismatic Society
Exterior of the future home of the American Numismatic Society, located on the campus of the Toledo Museum of Art. Courtesy of the Toledo Museum of Art.

“The American Numismatic Society’s move to Toledo marks a transformative new chapter in our long history,” says Dr. Ute Wartenberg Kagan, Sydney F. Martin Executive Director, The American Numismatic Society. “Partnering with the renowned Toledo Museum of Art, we will create innovative museum displays that highlight our remarkable collection of coins and medals. We are eager to reach new audiences and develop an affordable, state-of-the-art museum space that supports our mission of research, education, and public engagement. We also anticipate strengthening our academic partnerships with local universities, making Toledo a vibrant hub for numismatic study and research.”

Founded in 1858 by a group of passionate collectors in New York City, the ANS has grown from modest beginnings as a coin club into a prominent museum and research institution. Its extensive collection—ranking among the top four of its kind worldwide—includes nearly 800,000 coins, monetary objects, art medals, military orders, and decorations, which collectively serve as a gateway to history, providing profound insight into the cultural, economic, political, and art of societies around the world and across the centuries.

Home to the best numismatic library anywhere, the ANS is also a major publisher of books on coins and medals, while leading the way in the digital transformation of numismatics by developing open-access online tools and databases that connect coins and currency globally to broader historical and humanities research.

A four-story Art Deco building adjacent to and acquired from TMA will serve as the ANS’s new home, where a dedicated museum hall and flexible gallery spaces will enable the organization to host world-class exhibitions and to showcase a wider array of its extraordinary treasures, many of which have never been publicly displayed.

Offering more space to properly care for, study, and display its ever-growing collections—of which more than 100,000 numismatic objects were added in the past twenty years alone, including the extensive archives of the Medallic Art Company acquired in 2017—the ANS’s Toledo building will house a library, an auditorium, and an Education Center.

Together these vastly expanded resources will serve to cement the organization’s position as a leading research center, while reaching a wider audience. As numismatics is one of the largest fields of collecting interest, with approximately 150 million enthusiasts in the U.S. alone, the ANS will become an unmatched destination not just for local audiences and the 300,000-plus visitors TMA welcomes to its campus each year, but also for international travelers, with Detroit Metro Airport less than an hour away.

Through a new institutional partnership, objects from the ANS collection will be integrated into several of TMA’s permanent collection galleries, which are currently undergoing a major chronological reinstallation to be unveiled in late 2027.

TMA’s permanent collection exhibits will be conceptually and materially enhanced by these additions from the ANS, providing unique insight into and a direct connection with each historical era since coins represent tangible, everyday reflections of events, social norms, and economic behaviors.

“We could not be more excited as a Museum or as a community to welcome the American
Numismatic Society to the city as our neighbor,” comments Adam Levine, TMA’s Edward Drummond and Florence Scott Libbey President, Director and CEO. “TMA’s collection spans human history but is distinguished by a commitment to presenting works of only outstanding quality, which makes ANS the perfect partner to enrich our collection displays with the integration of numismatic items while enhancing both the art historical experience for all visitors to our shared campus and research opportunities for scholars.”

In addition to this close partnership with TMA, the ANS intends to partner with other local organizations and venues, furthering the organization’s ability to mount interdisciplinary exhibitions, conduct new research, and host events that the current facilities in New York City cannot support, such as major academic conferences and hands-on programs that demonstrate how money functions and help attendees develop practical financial skills for everyday life.

###

ABOUT THE AMERICAN NUMISMATIC SOCIETY

Founded in 1858, the American Numismatic Society is dedicated to the study and appreciation of numismatics and has assembled a permanent collection of more than 800,000 coins, monetary objects, medals, and other related items dating back to 2000 BCE. The specialized library contains approximately 100,000 books, documents, and artifacts that are among the finest of such resources. Together, they comprise one of the most extensive numismatic holdings in the world. The Society is also a global leader and innovator in the development of digital numismatic resources and is one of the largest publishers of scholarly numismatic research, enjoyed by its members, fellows, and the public at large. Visit the ANS at numismatics.org

ABOUT TOLEDO MUSEUM OF ART

Recently named the 2025 Best Art Museum in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, the Toledo Museum of Art (TMA) is a beloved cultural institution in Toledo, Ohio, and a global leader in the museum field. Established in 1901, its renowned collection features over 25,000 works, ranging from antiquity to contemporary art, and includes one of the finest collections of glass in the world. Situated on a 40-acre campus, TMA integrates art into people’s lives through its world-class collection, engaging exhibitions, robust educational programs, and community outreach.

Admission to TMA is always free, inviting all to explore its galleries. The museum is open Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. It is closed on Monday, Tuesday and select holidays. TMA is located at 2445 Monroe St., just one block off I-75, with exit signs posted for easy access. For more information, call 419-255-8000 or visit toledomuseum.org.

The post American Numismatic Society Announces Relocation From NYC to Ohio. appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

]]>
https://coinweek.com/american-numismatic-society-announces-relocation-from-nyc-to-ohio/feed/ 0
Celebrate the Collectors Who Inspire Us All https://coinweek.com/celebrate-the-collectors-who-inspire-us-all/ https://coinweek.com/celebrate-the-collectors-who-inspire-us-all/#respond Thu, 06 Nov 2025 12:26:21 +0000 https://coinweek.com/?p=236253 Nominate fellow collectors whose passion and dedication keep the hobby thriving Each year, the American Numismatic Association (ANA) presents awards to deserving individuals in recognition of outstanding dedication to numismatics. The ANA is now accepting individual nominations for 2026 awards and Numismatic Hall of Fame “Historic Era” candidates. All nominations can be submitted in writing […]

The post Celebrate the Collectors Who Inspire Us All appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

]]>
ANA presents awards for outstanding dedication to numismatics.
Photo by The American Numismatic Association

Nominate fellow collectors whose passion and dedication keep the hobby thriving

Each year, the American Numismatic Association (ANA) presents awards to deserving individuals in recognition of outstanding dedication to numismatics. The ANA is now accepting individual nominations for 2026 awards and Numismatic Hall of Fame “Historic Era” candidates.

All nominations can be submitted in writing and online – 300 words or more for the Numismatic Hall of Fame, and 50-100 words for all other awards. Include the date of submission, the nominee’s name, background information and birth date (if known). Nominations are accepted through January 15, 2026. Awards include:

  • Numismatic Hall of Fame – “Historic Era” nominees (individuals deceased more than 25 years prior to induction) will be considered. Candidates are not required to be past ANA members.
  • Chester L. Krause Memorial Distinguished Service Award – The ANA’s highest honor, this award recognizes years of outstanding, dedicated service to numismatics.
  • Lifetime Achievement Award – Presented to an individual, family, firm, or judicial entity for contributions to organized numismatics. Nominees need not be ANA members.
  • Numismatist of the Year – Recognizes individuals within the numismatic community who have demonstrated long-term leadership in the field and to the ANA. Nominees need not be ANA members.
  • Elvira Clain-Stefanelli Memorial Award for Achievement in Numismatics – This award honors women who have significantly influenced numismatics, particularly in the areas of scholarship, leadership, and/or mentorship. Nominees must be living but need not be ANA members or currently active in numismatics.
  • Harry J. Forman Dealer of the Year Award – Honors professional numismatists who exhibit uncommon dedication to strengthening the hobby and the ANA, and display exemplary ethical standards as a numismatic dealer.
  • Numismatic Art Award for Excellence in Medallic Sculpture – The award honors an artist whose cumulative lifetime achievements in the field of medallic sculpture have been of the highest order.
  • Medal of Merit – This award recognizes collectors and hobbyists at the regional and/or national level. Nominees dedicate their efforts to promoting numismatics among the general public, and directly support the ANA’s mission and programs.
  • Adna G. Wilde Jr. Memorial Award for Exemplary Service – Recognizes collectors and hobbyists who are active at the regional and/or national level and work to advance numismatic knowledge among the general public.
  • Glenn Smedley Memorial Award – Recognizes collectors and hobbyists active at the grassroots level.
  • Lawrence J. Gentile, Sr. Memorial Award for Outstanding Adult Advisor – Recognizes individuals who have devoted their time and efforts to recruiting young numismatists new to the hobby, and aiding the development of intermediate to advanced YNs.
  • Young Numismatist of the Year – Honors numismatists under the age of 18 for outstanding contributions to the hobby and who are active in volunteer service and numismatic research.
  • Outstanding District Representative – Recognizes the District Representative who most fully promotes coin collecting, coin clubs, and the ANA.

Submit a nomination for a numismatist you find deserving of an award. Information about each of the awards and online submission forms are available at money.org/service-awards-categories.

For questions about the awards, contact awards@money.org or call 719-482-9811.

The post Celebrate the Collectors Who Inspire Us All appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

]]>
https://coinweek.com/celebrate-the-collectors-who-inspire-us-all/feed/ 0