The Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society has donated $50,000 to support the American Numismatic Association’s Summer Seminar. The donation includes a “matching” funds campaign to supplement the proceeds of the Young Numismatist Benefit Auctions.

The money also provides for the establishment of all-expense-paid scholarships for Young Numismatists (YNs) to attend the event. The “Eric P. Newman Young Numismatist Scholarship Program,” will help students who otherwise might not be able to attend the Summer Seminar, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

The late Eric P. Newman, who became a member of the ANA in 1935, is widely remembered and respected for his work as an author, researcher and speaker. In 1958, he and his wife, Evelyn, established the Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society (EPNNES), which is dedicated to helping fellow numismatists realize their own potential.

As an ANA Summer Seminar instructor, Newman was an advocate for the program, which seeks to equip numismatists with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful in the numismatic community.

Held annually on the campus of Colorado College in Colorado Springs (adjacent to the ANA), the Summer Seminar is a once-a-year opportunity for numismatic learning and camaraderie that offers students a varied selection of weeklong courses designed for discovery or continued study. For many students, the Summer Seminar is a life-changing event. It has catapulted the careers of several of the nation’s most respected collectors, authors and dealers.

“The ANA is so grateful to the Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society for its gracious donation,” said Kim Kiick, ANA executive director. “This donation helps encourage numismatic study and enables young collectors to grow and advance in their numismatic journeys. We welcome that support.”

The Young Numismatist Benefit Auctions are coordinated entirely by young collectors – everything from acquiring auction items and cataloging collected items, to organizing and conducting the auction.

Last year, the auctions raised $27,519. The donation from the Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society will double the amount raised this year by matching auction revenue dollar for dollar, up to $50,000. Anyone is allowed to bid on items. Proceeds support Young Numismatists scholarships and other seminar events.

Auction items are still being accepted for the two-week event, which kicks off on June 16. For information about donating an auction item, call Amber Bradish at (719) 482-9865 or email abradish@money.org.

Andy Newman, who is the son of Eric Newman and president of the Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society, noted that his father was a huge supporter of young collectors. “Dad cared deeply about building knowledge and involvement in young numismatists. He loved giving numismatic badges to Boy Scouts and instructing at the ANA Summer Seminar,” he said. “He would be greatly honored by the association of his name with this fine program.”

“The support from EPNNES for the Summer Seminar honors Eric Newman as a distinguished and lifelong leader in the field of numismatics,” said ANA President Gary Adkins. “It also allows the ANA to continue to offer high-quality resources and programs to its members, as well as enhance and grow these offerings. We’re very thankful for this support.”

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 vast 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.