The Professional Numismatists Guild(www.PNGdealers.org) is giving two scholarships this year instead of one so that twoyoung numismatists can attend the American Numismatic Association's 2023 SummerSeminar in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

In recognition of the recent passing of long-time PNG member John N. Rowe III,another member-dealer who wants to remain anonymous has graciously funded ascholarship in John's name. So, we are awarding ANA Summer Seminar scholarshipsto two YNs this year, explained PNG Executive Director Robert Brueggeman.

The 2023 winners of the annual essay competition are Eva Pate, 18, of SanAntonio, Texas, and Hunter Hicks, 19, of Falls Church, Virginia. Pate is a sophomore atthe University of Texas at San Antonio majoring in Business. Hicks is a freshman atStanford University majoring in Economics and Environmental Engineering.

A former member of the Falls Church Historical Commission Board, Hicks enjoyssharing the delight of numismatics. He began collecting nine years ago at the age of tenwhen he saw a stack of 1943 zinc-coated steel cents at an antique store, and theconnection to the past quickly drew him in to the hobby. He explains he tries to collectin ways that match how coins would have once been appreciated, such as filling up a1916 cash register.

Hicks wrote in his essay: With coins being such an important part of who I am, Isee myself as somewhat of an ambassador of the hobby. Most of my friends have nevermet someone who collects coins and what I can tell them about the hobby will likely betheir first and lasting impression of it.

Most adults I talk about the hobby with know it exists, but often haven't thoughtabout it in 30+ years. Therefore, whenever I converse about it, whether when buying an inherited collection or just to explain why I love it, I want to make sure I am expressingthe excitement and integrity of the hobby, he explained.

Pate began collecting two years ago in 2021 when a friend took her to a localcoin show.

My first-ever coins, however, were actually Mexican coins my grandfather gaveme. He had dos pesos, 8 reales, 50 centavos de Cuauhtémoc, and other Mexican silverhe accumulated from his time in Mexico. Some of the coins he passed down wereactually fake or cleaned, so I learned how to spot problem coins really early on.Because of this, I find It imperative that the numismatic world -- specifically gradingcompanies -- keep up with the technology being used to 'Doctor' coins in order toprevent their entry into the market/holders, she stated.

After being introduced to numismatics my senior year in high school Iimmediately became hooked. In a short amount of time, I had accumulated a widearrangement of medals, coins, bars, and anything else that piqued my interest. I've hadexponential growth in a short amount of time, and I hope to keep expanding myknowledge while making great memories and friends along the way, she stated in heressay.

Pate enjoys collecting toned Lincoln cents and is putting together a collection shecalls Shades of Cool.

I've become passionate about 'gatekeeping' and protecting the numismaticcommunity from people who want to scam collectors or harm coins. I hope to one dayparticipate in numismatic research and contribute to solutions that can detect problemcoins before they are put in holders, said Pate.

The PNG scholarships will cover airfare, tuition for one of the two 2023 SummerSeminar sessions, meals, and five nights of dormitory accommodations on the campusof Colorado College, the site of the ANA headquarters, said Brueggeman.

The two separate ANA Summer Seminar six-day sessions will be held fromSaturday, June 17, to Thursday, June 22, and from Saturday, June 24, to Thursday,June 29, 2023. Participants ranging from teenagers to seniors take class instruction onspecific coin and paper money collecting topics or the hobby's technical and businessaspects. Additional information about the ANA Summer Seminar can be found on theANA website at www.money.org/summer-seminar/register.

The PNG is a nonprofit organization composed of many of the top rare coin andpaper money dealers in the United States and four other countries. PNG member-dealers must adhere to a strict Code of Ethics in the buying and selling of numismaticmerchandise. For additional information about PNG or the young numismatistsscholarship program, visit online at www.PNGdealers.org or call (951) 587-8300.