One long-time numismatist and one budding collector are being recognized with American Numismatic Association (ANA) awards for their devotion to the hobby. The Numismatist of the Year is being awarded during the Pittsburgh World’s Fair of Money® 132nd Anniversary Awards Banquet, 7-10 p.m. in the Allegheny Ballroom at The Westin Pittsburgh. The Young Numismatist of the Year was presented during this year’s annual Summer Seminar event.
The Numismatist of the Year award recognizes collectors at the regional and/or national level who have demonstrated outstanding leadership within the hobby and the ANA. The 2023 recipient is longtime collector and former Citizen’s Coinage Advisory Committee member Roger W. Burdette. Burdette started collecting by filling holes in coin folders with pocket change and searching coin rolls. In the 1970s, he pioneered accurate, high-quality photography, and by the 1990s he started to specialize in numismatic research and writing, which led to his discovery of several U.S. pattern pieces. A prolific author, he has published over 90 research articles, contributed to publications such as The Numismatist and Coin World, and written several books, including the three-part Renaissance of American Coinage series and A Guide Book of Peace Dollars. Burdette is a member of the Rittenhouse Society and was on Coin World’s 2021 list of the Most Influential People in Numismatics.
The Young Numismatist of the Year award honors young collectors for outstanding contributions to the hobby and industry. This award is limited to members of the ANA under the age of 18. The 2023 Young Numismatist of the Year is Kevin Lester. At 17 years old, Lester has developed strong leadership skills that have earned him the position of officer for the Colorado Springs Coin Club. He is an ardent volunteer, having assisted with the 2017 World’s Fair of Money®, the 2022 National Money Show®, the YN Benefit Auction at the ANA’s Summer Seminar, and several local coin shows in Colorado Springs.
The American Numismatic Association is a congressionally chartered, nonprofit educational organization dedicated to encouraging the study and collection of coins and related items. The ANA helps its members and the public discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of educational and outreach programs, to include its museum, library, publications, conventions and webinars. For more information, call 719-632-2646 or visit money.org.