2026 ANA COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

The American Numismatic Association (ANA) has awarded 2026 scholarships to Ryan Mizeski from Tampa, Florida, and Nathaniel Bayer Hafran from Los Angeles, California. Each winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship to use toward tuition at an institution of their choice.

"The annual scholarship provides the American Numismatic Association the opportunity to recognize young numismatists making an impact in the world," says ANA Education Director Christian Strayhorn, "not only in numismatics, but also in their own fields. By assisting these fine recipients with higher education, it is our hope to see them continue to excel at a high level and share their passion for collecting." The recipients are eligible to receive the scholarship for up to four years.

After discovering a wheat cent on the ground, Ryan Mizeski's interest in other numismatic items was sparked. That was twelve years ago.

Today, Mizeski is a member of the West Hernando Coin Club and frequently attends coin shows, including shows led by local clubs and the biannual F.U.N. show held in Orlando.

"I love learning about the history and events surrounding each time frame of coinage," he said. "Also, making connections with other like-minded individuals at my coin club and in my community."

Mizeski says his collecting interests include older cents and smaller silver coins, as well as silver eagles, and proof/uncirculated sets. He plans to major in research psychology and has been accepted to attend the University of Florida.

"Thank you to the American Numismatic Association for the generous scholarship," he added. "It will help substantially with college expenses and will allow me to complete by postsecondary education."

The second 2026 ANA scholarship recipient, Nathaniel Bayer Hafran, began collecting coins around age 12, when his grandmother gifted him a silver Morgan dollar. His fascination with the old coin inspired his interest in collecting.

"I enjoy collecting coins, as well as buying and selling coins as an amateur numismatist," said Bayer Hafran. "I am active in several coin clubs, including the Young Numismatists of America, Early American Coppers, Colonial Coin Collectors Club, California State Numismatic Association, ANA, and I founded my high school's first ever coin club." He has also submitted numismatic articles to various publications, including The California Numismatist.

His collecting focus is primarily on Early American coinage, a full date set of Seated Liberty dimes, and an 1807 type set with one of each coin in a PCGS CAC holder.

Bayer Hafran will attend UC Berkeley as a history major, noting that his favorite part about numismatics is, "the history behind coinage, as well as the connections I make with other numismatists. I like that numismatics allows you to hold and own pieces of history that people hundreds of years ago would have also held."

Applications for the 2027 ANA College Scholarship will be available in January. Recipients are selected based on academic scholarship and numismatic accomplishments. Applicants must be a senior in high school and a member of the ANA.

For additional information, contact ANA Education Director Christian Strayhorn at cstrayhorn@money.org.

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