The American Numismatic Association will honor Abigail Zechman, Bob Jones, and Laura Sperber at the 2026 World's Fair of Money in Pittsburgh for their contributions to youth education, club development, and ethical coin dealing
The American Numismatic Association (ANA) has announced that three prominent figures in US coin collecting will receive major awards at the 2026 World's Fair of Money, scheduled for August 25-29 in Pittsburgh. Abigail Zechman, Bob Jones, and Laura Sperber have each played a distinct role in strengthening the numismatic community, with their efforts spanning youth mentorship, regional club development, and the advancement of ethical standards among professional dealers.
Recognizing Mentorship and Education
Abigail Zechman will be honored with the 2026 Lawrence J. Gentile Sr. Memorial Award for Outstanding Adult Advisor. This award highlights the importance of adult mentors in recruiting and supporting young numismatists-collectors and students of coins-who represent the future of the hobby. Zechman's work includes serving as a counselor for the ANA's Young Numismatists of America program and guiding participants at the association's annual Summer Seminar. In her role as program manager for Numismatic Education and Development at the Professional Coin Grading Service, she regularly introduces children and new collectors to the fundamentals of coin collecting. Zechman has also contributed to the Florida United Numismatists board, helping organize one of the largest regional coin shows in the United States. Her approach emphasizes creating opportunities for young collectors to learn, ask questions, and build confidence in their numismatic knowledge.
Expanding Club Networks and Membership
Bob Jones will receive the 2026 Outstanding District Representative Award for his work supporting collectors and coin clubs across Kentucky, West Virginia, and Tennessee. Over several years, Jones has served as a district representative, volunteer, and educator, focusing on strengthening local clubs and connecting them with the national association. His outreach efforts at events such as the Kentucky State Fair have resulted in significant membership growth, with 73 new ANA members recruited during a single fair. Jones's ongoing presence at coin shows and club meetings has made him a trusted resource for collectors in a large, multi-state region, helping to sustain and grow organized numismatics at the grassroots level.
Championing Integrity in Coin Dealing
Laura Sperber will be recognized as the 2026 Harry J. Forman Dealer of the Year. This award is given to a professional numismatist who demonstrates a commitment to strengthening the hobby, supporting the ANA, and upholding high ethical standards in business practices. Sperber began her full-time numismatic career in 1978 and co-founded Legend Numismatics in 1986, later helping to establish Legend Rare Coin Auctions. She is known for her insistence on exceptional quality and has assisted clients in building some of the most notable modern coin collections, including the Bob R. Simpson Collection, which features rare United States pattern coins and gold rarities. Sperber's influence extends to the development of top-ranked PCGS Set Registry collections and the promotion of higher standards in the rare coin market. Her visibility at major coin shows and her induction into the PCGS CoinFacts Coin Dealer Hall of Fame underscore her impact on the industry.
Awards Ceremonies and Event Details
The ANA will present the Outstanding Adult Advisor and Outstanding District Representative awards during its Member Awards and Donor Celebration, scheduled for Thursday, August 27, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh. Laura Sperber will receive the Dealer of the Year Award at the ANA's 135th Anniversary Awards Banquet, held from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. on Friday, August 28, at the Westin Pittsburgh Hotel. The 2026 World's Fair of Money will feature hundreds of dealers, major numismatic exhibits, educational programs, and collecting opportunities, making it a central event for the US coin community.
Facts and Figures
According to the ANA, Bob Jones's outreach at the Kentucky State Fair led to the recruitment of 73 new members in a single event, highlighting the impact of targeted grassroots efforts. The World's Fair of Money is expected to attract thousands of collectors and dealers from across the United States and internationally, with the convention running from August 25 to August 29, 2026.
The American Numismatic Association is a congressionally chartered nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the study and collection of coins, paper money, and related objects. Its activities include maintaining a museum and library, publishing educational materials, and organizing conventions and outreach programs to support collectors at all levels.
Mentorship, club development, and ethical dealing are foundational to the health of the numismatic hobby. While rare coins often capture headlines, the long-term vitality of coin collecting depends on the people who teach, organize, and uphold standards within the community. The ANA's recognition of Zechman, Jones, and Sperber in 2026 underscores the association's commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive environment for collectors of all ages and backgrounds.
