Shelby Plooster of Evans, Ga., was named the American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) 2017 Young Numismatist of the Year at the ANA’s Summer Seminar during the awards banquet on June 22. The award annually acknowledges an outstanding young collector for contributions to the hobby and industry.

The 17-year-old began collecting in 5th grade, when she discovered some Early American coins in an antique shop, and has been establishing herself in the hobby ever since. A member of the ANA, Augusta Coin Club (ACC), South Carolina Numismatic Association (SCNA) and Women in Numismatics, Plooster has given numerous presentations at local and regional clubs on topics ranging from the 1923 Silver Certificate star note to Centennial Coins of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Her articles have been published in the ACC’s newsletter and SCanner, the SCNA’s official publication, and her exhibits have twice won first prize at the latter’s regional show. She also was named SCNA’s YN of the Year in 2014.

“Receiving this award means that maybe one day I’ll be able to inspire a young collector and support them just as numerous clubs and other numismatists have done for me,” says Plooster. “I’m truly honored and thankful for everything that the ANA has done to educate me and develop my love of numismatics.”

Plooster is a gifted artist and exhibited her multimedia collages at the “Art of Engraving” Show and Reception during the 2017 Summer Seminar. A regular at the two-week event since attending on a scholarship from the SCNA in 2014, she feels it is the responsibility of established numismatists to mentor YNs toward success. “The hobby needs to encourage the next generation of collectors in order to move forward. It is very important that we do everything in our power to encourage people to join the Association,” she advises, adding, “One person who has truly guided me is local coin-shop owner and ACC member Larry Lucree. He taught me—and continues to teach me—so much about numismatics. I feel blessed to learn from him.”

The American Numismatic Association is a congressionally chartered, nonprofit educational organization dedicated to encouraging the study and collection of coins and related items. The ANA helps its 25,000 members and the public discover and explore the world of money through its array of instructional and outreach programs, as well as its museum, library, publications and conventions. For more information, call 719-632-2646 or visit www.money.org.

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