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ANA Education and Opportunities

List Compiled and Recommended by Cam Scheirer ILNA YN

The American Numismatic Association (ANA) is the world's largest association of numismatists, including over 300 Young Numismatists (YNs). The ANA provides many activities and opportunities for YNs to further their education and involvement in numismatics, based on the slogan "Explore, Study, Connect." Through age-appropriate activities, "Coin Explorers" (Kindergarten-5th grade) "Money Study Buddies" (6th-8th grade), and "Currency Connectors" (9th-12th grade), further their numismatic education through their own research. By completing the activities, YNs receive a prize and "YN Dollars," which can be used to purchase items in YN-only auctions. YN Dollars are awarded to YNs who participate in non-ANA activities related to numismatics, including attending a coin club meeting, serving as an officer, and publishing an article in a newsletter (like the ILNA Digest!).

The ANA's newest YN program is the Young Numismatists of America (YNA), a coin club of 70 YNs that meets online over Google Meet, which was founded in March 2025. YNA meetings feature presentations from guest speakers (Jeff Garrett, for example), reports from the officers, and a raffle. The YNA also publishes a newsletter, The Young Numismatist, a professional-quality publication that includes articles from columnists and feature contributors. The YNA meets monthly over the online meeting platform Google Meet. The YNA is free for YNs in grades 6-12 with an ANA membership.

The ANA's website is a great place to start; it features videos, games, and activities. The ANA features a "Coins For As" program, where YNs with at least three As on their report cards get a coins free membership with the ANA.

Books To Buy

"Buy the book before the coin" is the most well-worn of numismatic clichés, but its truth still holds to this day; it always is beneficial to be knowledgeable about a numismatic object before buying it.

Here is a list helpful books: >>Books to Buy<<

If you want to browse before you buy, consider going to your public library and looking in and around Dewey Decimal 737.49. They're likely to have a few copies of the "Red Book" and perhaps a few others. Further check with your local or state coin clubs as many have a lending library of numismatic books.