Discover the Top Numismatists and Hobbyists Recognized by ANA in 2024

The American Numismatic Association (ANA) recently recognized several individuals for their outstanding contributions to the world of coin collecting, or numismatics. These awards highlight both experienced collectors and younger enthusiasts who have demonstrated dedication, leadership, and passion for the hobby. The awards were presented during various ANA events, including the Chicago World’s Fair of Money and the Summer Seminar. The following article delves into the achievements of these exceptional individuals, offering insight into the numismatic world and the impact of their contributions.

Award Category	Recipient	Achievement	Event
Numismatist of the Year	Doug Winter	U.S. gold coin expert and numismatic author; Founder of Douglas Winter Numismatics	Chicago World’s Fair of Money 133rd Anniversary Awards Banquet
Young Numismatist of the Year	Ross Koenig	Writer for The Numismatist and The Reading Room, advocate for AI coin grading and modernizing numismatic businesses	Summer Seminar 2023
Glenn Smedley Memorial Award	Steven Bieda	Designed the 1992 Olympics half dollar reverse; key role in Michigan’s state quarter design	Chicago World’s Fair of Money Member Awards and Donor Celebration
Glenn Smedley Memorial Award	Dennis Boggs	Abraham Lincoln look-alike; performs historical presentations on Lincoln	Chicago World’s Fair of Money Member Awards and Donor Celebration
Glenn Smedley Memorial Award	Doug Davis	Founder of the Numismatic Crime Information Center; Director of anti-counterfeiting for the Anti-Counterfeiting Education Foundation	Chicago World’s Fair of Money Member Awards and Donor Celebration
Glenn Smedley Memorial Award	Donna Moon	Volunteer for 30 years; leadership roles in Florida United Numismatists and other organizations	Chicago World’s Fair of Money Member Awards and Donor Celebration
Glenn Smedley Memorial Award	Phil Vitale	National outreach coordinator for the ANA; promotes numismatic awareness	Chicago World’s Fair of Money Member Awards and Donor Celebration

Numismatist of the Year: Doug Winter

Doug Winter, a highly respected numismatic author and expert in U.S. gold coins, received the 2024 Numismatist of the Year award. This award honors collectors who have shown leadership at regional or national levels within the hobby and the ANA. Winter has been a member of the ANA since 1973 and is known for his extensive contributions, including writing over a dozen guides on collecting rare U.S. gold coins.

In 1989, Winter founded Douglas Winter Numismatics, which became one of the leading numismatic firms in the Pacific Northwest. His passion for coins, especially U.S. gold, has driven him to teach at the ANA’s Summer Seminar and contribute articles and newsletters to educate fellow collectors. Winter’s lifelong dedication to the hobby has earned him this prestigious recognition.

Young Numismatist of the Year: Ross Koeni

Ross Koenig was awarded the Young Numismatist of the Year, recognizing his contributions as a young, budding collector. Koenig has written several insightful articles for the ANA’s publications, including The Numismatist and The Reading Room. His talks on modernizing numismatic businesses and AI coin grading have garnered significant attention, showcasing his innovative thinking.

Koenig’s personal collection includes a nearly complete U.S. type set from 1800 to the present. His goal is to assemble a full set of fractional currency, a testament to his deep interest and knowledge in numismatics. Koenig’s active involvement, including volunteering at the 2023 Summer Seminar, highlights his commitment to the hobby’s future.

Glenn Smedley Memorial Awards

The Glenn Smedley Memorial Award is given to individuals who demonstrate cooperation, dependability, and a positive attitude, making significant contributions to the hobby. In 2024, five hobbyists were recognized for their exceptional work:

1. Steven Bieda

Steven Bieda’s name is well-known in the numismatic community. He designed the reverse of the 1992 Olympics half dollar and played a key role in designing Michigan’s state quarter and the innovation dollar. A long-time member of Michigan’s legislature, Bieda was instrumental in passing legislation for the 2004 Thomas Edison commemorative.

2. Dennis Boggs

Dennis Boggs, known for his uncanny resemblance to Abraham Lincoln, travels across the U.S., bringing history to life through his performances. Boggs averages 250 appearances per year, captivating audiences of all ages with his portrayal of Lincoln. His engaging presentations at ANA conventions provide historical context to the world of coin collecting, connecting numismatics with broader American history.

3. Doug Davis

Doug Davis is a seasoned law enforcement professional with over 40 years of experience. He founded the Numismatic Crime Information Center and serves as the director of anti-counterfeiting for the Anti-Counterfeiting Education Foundation. Davis’s workshops educate the numismatic community about the risks of counterfeit coins, making his work crucial to preserving the hobby’s integrity.

4. Donna Moon

For nearly 30 years, Donna Moon has volunteered her time to advance the coin-collecting community. She holds leadership positions in multiple organizations, such as the Florida United Numismatists, Token and Medal Society, and Central Florida Coin Club. Her dedication to these organizations has helped make their coin shows successful and well-attended events.

5. Phil Vitale

Phil Vitale is passionate about promoting numismatic awareness. He actively gives presentations at local coin clubs and national workshops, ensuring that the joy of coin collecting reaches new audiences. Vitale’s efforts extend beyond New Mexico, where he is an important member of the Albuquerque Coin Club. He also serves as the ANA’s national outreach program coordinator, expanding the hobby’s reach.

The Importance of Numismatics and Hobby Recognition

Numismatics, or coin collecting, is more than just a hobby. It provides a window into history, culture, and economics through the study of coins and other currency. The ANA plays a significant role in preserving and promoting numismatics, supporting both experienced collectors and younger hobbyists. The annual awards are a reminder of the commitment and passion many people have for the hobby, helping it thrive and continue to inspire future generations.

Recognizing the efforts of individuals like Doug Winter and Ross Koenig not only honors their achievements but also encourages others to contribute to the field. These awards shine a spotlight on how the hobby is evolving, with innovative ideas like AI coin grading and educational outreach programs ensuring that coin collecting remains relevant in the modern world.

Conclusion

The American Numismatic Association’s recognition of top numismatists and hobbyists highlights the dedication, leadership, and passion of individuals who have made a lasting impact on the world of coin collecting. From the seasoned expertise of Doug Winter to the youthful enthusiasm of Ross Koenig, these awardees showcase the diversity of the numismatic community. The five recipients of the Glenn Smedley Memorial Award further exemplify the spirit of cooperation and positivity within the hobby.

These awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving and promoting numismatics for future generations. Whether through innovative ideas, educational outreach, or historical presentations, these hobbyists are ensuring that the rich history and culture of coin collecting remain alive and vibrant.

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