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 outside Chicago.
A Major Honor in Numismatics
The 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
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.
