The Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society (EPNNES) recently donated $50,000 USD to support the American Numismatic Association (ANA) Summer Seminar.
The donation includes a “matching” funds campaign to supplement the proceeds of the Young Numismatist (YN) Benefit Auctions. The money also provides for the establishment of all-expense-paid scholarships for 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 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.”
ERIC P. NEWMAN
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 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 support from EPNNES for the Summer Seminar honours 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.”
YN BENEFIT AUCTIONS
The Young Numismatist Benefit Auctions are co-ordinated entirely by young collectors—everything from acquiring auction items and cataloguing collected items, to organizing and conducting the auction.
Last year, the auctions raised $27,519 USD. The donation from the EPNNES will double the amount raised this year by matching auction revenue dollar for dollar, up to $50,000 USD. Anyone is allowed to bid on items. Proceeds support YN scholarships and other seminar events.
Newman’s son Andy, who’s the current president of the EPNNES, noted 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 honoured by the association of his name with this fine program.”