American Numismatic Association Presents Philanthropy Award To Society That Regularly Contributes To Numismatic Education

The American Numismatic Association's (ANA) Philanthropy Award publicly honors those who have made significant contributions to the Association that further its strategic mission to expand, enhance, and sustain the hobby of coin collecting. This year, the ANA recognizes the Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society (EPNNES) for its many years of hobby support.

Eric P. Newman (1911-2017) established the organization in 1958 as a private foundation. A lifelong collector, Newman was an influential numismatist and researcher. An attorney by trade, Newman worked for Edison Brothers Stores from 1944 to 1987.

His namesake foundation supports the hobby through a variety of efforts, including the publication of Newman's books and manuscripts. In 2014 it launched the Newman Numismatic Portal (NNP), an online repository of numismatic content. Administered by Washington University in St. Louis and underwritten by EPNNES, the site offers free access to the largest online library of American numismatic literature and archival resources. It currently has over 200 partners, representing regional and specialty clubs, as well as individual authors, and is an invaluable resource for hobbyists and researchers. Since 2019, EPNNES has been offering yearly grants to authors engaging in original research in American numismatics. 

EPNNES has made significant financial contributions to the ANA's Summer Seminar and Young Numismatist Scholarship program, as well as other national, regional, and specialty numismatic organizations. Len Augsburger, project coordinator of the NNP for nearly a decade, describes the ANA's Summer Seminar as "one of the most effective programs offered by the ANA." According to Augsburger, the event combines an enthusiastic volunteer force with the ideal proximity of Colorado College. "This immersive numismatic experience is impactful on all attendees, but especially YNs, who have an opportunity to form lifelong connections with like-minded students and, of course, the subject matter itself."

Newman also served for many years as a Scout merit-badge examiner, and he greatly appreciated the value of engaging with this audience. While extensive collections and original scholarship gather public attention, the personal human touch is the glue that binds everything together. The ANA has created a platform that facilitates what Augsburger describes as a "collector connection," which is an indispensable aspect of the hobby community.

Numismatics was an important part of Newman's life. In his role, Augsburger is committed to honoring his legacy by contributing to organizations like the ANA that uphold his values and show a commitment to numismatic education at all levels. Augsburger says the EPNNES appreciates the ANA's recognition. "I hope that our support continues to promote education within the next generation of numismatists."