LETTER TO SCOTT TRAVERS FROM THE DIRECTOR OF THE U.S. MINT
On June 26, 2026, United States Mint Director Paul Hollis sent a personal handwritten note on official U.S. Department of the Treasury stationery to Scott Travers, commending the COINage magazine cover feature and reflecting on the lifelong influence of Travers’ books on Director Hollis’ career in coinage. Enclosed with the metered Treasury correspondence was Director Hollis’ official card, featuring an embedded 250th Anniversary “Emerging Liberty” U.S. Dime.
Full Text of the Letter: “Scott— The COINage article was amazing and I am so grateful that you afforded us that coverage. I will cherish that edition as will my children for many years. As [a] child that read all of your books and always admired your passion for numismatics, it is my honor to call you my friend. — Paul Hollis”
View Official U.S. Treasury Metered Envelope & Director’s 250th Anniversary Dime Card
“As [a] child that read all of your books and always admired your passion for numismatics, it is my honor to call you my friend.”
— Paul Hollis, Director of the United States Mint
Handwritten note on U.S. Treasury stationery, June 26, 2026
FLORIDA UNITED NUMISMATISTS — SPEAKING HISTORY & RECOGNITION
Scott Travers has addressed Florida United Numismatists (FUN) conventions for decades, delivering high‑level seminars on rare‑coin markets, preservation strategies, and industry trends. FUN has repeatedly recognized his contributions, including numerous plaques awarded over many years and major presentations featuring industry leaders such as David Hall and Maurice Rosen.
Featured Seminar (2026): Portable Wealth and the Demand for High Value Coins, co‑presented with David Hall and including Maurice Rosen remotely. Rick Amos, John Butler and Jerry Jordan also speak. Video hosted by the Internet Archive ▶
FIRST AMERICAN EAGLE GOLD COINS EVER MINTED
In 1986, at the gold American Eagle First Strike Ceremony in West Point, Scott Travers was invited to strike the 27th American Eagle one-ounce gold bullion coin ever made. PCGS later certified it as Mint State 68. The coin was given to him by the U.S. Mint in exchange for his reimbursement of the melt value of the metal.
MOST HONORED HOBBY BOOKS OF ALL TIME
Scott A. Travers is author of the coin field’s bestselling books, including The Coin Collector’s Survival Manual, Revised Seventh Edition, the most honored hobby book of all time. Some of his books are available in hardcover and others in paperback, and you can buy the Survival Manual as an eBook.
- The Coin Collector’s Survival Manual was named “Book of the Year” (1984) by the Numismatic Literary Guild (NLG)
- Rare Coin Investment Strategy was named both “Book of the Year” and “Best Investment Book” by the NLG in 1986
- The Coin Collector’s Survival Manual, Second Edition, NLG “Best Investment Book” 1988, and the only book to be given the NLG’s “Consumer Protection Award”; Third Edition, NLG “Best Investment Book” (1995); Revised Fourth Edition, NLG “Best Investment Book,” (2004); Fifth Edition, NLG “Best Investment Book,” (2006); Fifth Edition, NLG “Book of the Year,” (2006); Sixth Edition, NLG “Best Investment Book,” (2009); Seventh Edition, NLG “Best Investment Book,” (2011); Revised Seventh Edition, NLG “Best Investment Book” (2016);
- The Investor’s Guide to Coin Trading was named “Best Investment Book” (1990) by the NLG
- One-Minute Coin Expert, NLG “Extraordinary Merit” 1992; Special Edition, NLG “Best Investment Book” (1993); Second Edition, NLG “Best Investment Book” (1996); Fifth Edition, NLG “Best Investment Book” (2005)
- How to Make Money in Coins Right Now was named “Book of the Year” and “Best Investment Book” of 1997 by the NLG
- Random House 1997 “Award of Excellence” in recognition of “outstanding contributions to the unprecedented numismatic work The Official Guide to Coin Grading and Counterfeit Detection
- The Coin Collector’s Survival Manual CD-ROM Editions were named “Best Software Program” of 1998, 2006 by the NLG
- Scott Travers’ Top 88 Coins Over $100 was named “Best Investment Book” of 1999 by the NLG
- Named “Outstanding Young Numismatist” (1978) by the American Numismatic Association (ANA). This award is the ANA’s highest honor given to a member under the age of eighteen. The award carried with it a collection of U.S. gold coins ranging in denomination from quarter eagle through double eagle.
- Voted “Adult Advisor of the Year” (1984) by the ANA and presenter as past ANA Vice President of the 2001 “Adult Advisor Award”
- Century Club Award from ANA in 2017 for sponsoring new members
- ANA Ray Byrne literary award for “Coins Under the Lights,” COINage magazine, December 1979. Reprinted by ANA in The Numismatist, November 1980. (Research concerning deceptive lighting practices)
- Michigan State Numismatic Society (MSNS) “Article of the Year” Roethke memorial award for “The Numismatist and the Magnifying Glass,” COINage magazine, October 1980. (Investigative report)
- Recognized by the NLG for having the “best all around portfolio or collection of writings, 1984 through 1985”
- NLG “Best Television Broadcast” (1987) for “Coin Investment Strategies,” Cable News Network, Patrick Emory and Scott A. Travers
- Award in recognition of “outstanding addresses at the Educational Forums of the Atlantic City Coin Expositions, 1981 & 1982”
- NLG “Audio-Visual Award” (1988) for “How to Be a Smart Coin Consumer,” WNBC-TV ch. 4, Betty Furness and Scott A. Travers
- NLG “Radio Award” (1989) for being an “extraordinary on air coin commentator,” Financial Journal, WTAG/Mass. 580-AM
- Awards for conducting educational seminars at the annual conventions of the Florida United Numismatists, as well as the Dallas Coin Expo
- Awards for addressing various Metropolitan New York Numismatic Conventions
- Awards multiple “Book of the Year” awards
- Inaugural keynote speaker award (1993), Numismatic Guaranty Corporation of America (NGC) Northeast Numismatic Exposition
- Award from New York International Numismatic Convention (1994) “in appreciation of service and dedication to numismatics, for reaching above and beyond, and for sharing special knowledge”
- Educational Forum speaker recognition, California State Numismatic Association (CSNA), Fullerton, 1994 Special Event, “What’s It Worth? Pricing As The Cornerstone of Consumer Protection”
- ANA “Master Numismatist” and “Numismatic Mentor” (1996)
- ANA Glenn B. Smedley Medal (1992 and 1999) and National Coordinator’s Award for Numismatic Excellence (1999)
- NLG Extraordinary Merit – Broadcast Journalism Award for the “Bloomberg Moneycast,” January 2000.
- Numismatic Literary Guild Lifetime Achievement Clemy, 2002
- ANA Presidential Award presented by John Wilson both as a wood and acrylic trophy and a certificate, 2003
- Florida United Numismatists A.J. Vinci Award for Outstanding Contributions in Education (2010)
- Numismatic Ambassador (Krause Publications), 2010
- Burnett Anderson Memorial Award, 2016 – jointly presented by the American Numismatic Association, American Numismatic Society and Numismatic Literary Guild
- Speaker at American Numismatic Association convention forums from 1979 through 2023
- Named to Coin World‘s “most influential people in numismatics” list, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025
- NLG Award for “Best Professional Periodical” 2018, 2020, 2024 and 2025
Certificates of appreciation presented to Scott A. Travers at American Numismatic Association (ANA) World’s Fair of Money®, National Money Show, anniversary conventions and summer seminars, 1990–2023
For decades, Scott A. Travers has been recognized by the American Numismatic Association (ANA) for his contributions to numismatic education. These certificates of appreciation document his participation as a speaker at ANA World’s Fair of Money®, National Money Show, anniversary conventions and summer seminars from 1990 through 2023.
August 11, 2023: Speaker, American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money®, Pittsburgh, PA — “How the Pandemic Has Transformed Collecting Coins”
August 19, 2022: Speaker, American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money, Rosemont, IL — “The Gold Standard for Coin Security”
August 17, 2018: Speaker, American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money, Philadelphia, PA — “Coin Preservation, Storage & Safety”
August 4, 2017: Speaker, American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money, Pittsburgh, PA — “The New Frontier in Collecting High Grade Bullion Coins”
August 12, 2016: Speaker, American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money, Anaheim, CA — “Is it the End of an Era for Collecting Vintage Coins?”
August 14, 2015: Speaker, American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money, Chicago, IL — “The Ascent of Modern Coins versus Vintage Coins: Rare Coins and Precious Metals at the Crossroads”
August 8, 2014: Speaker, American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money, Chicago, IL — “Gold Coins Are Not All that Glitter” Video hosted by the Internet Archive ▶
“Scott is one of the major consumer advocates in our business — a world‑class coin expert with an eye good enough to grade at PCGS.”
— David Hall, Founder of PCGS, August 8, 2014 seminar
August 16, 2013: Speaker, American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money, Chicago, IL—“The Perennial Luster of Gold and Coins” Video Hosted by the Internet Archive ▶
August 19, 2011: Speaker, American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money, Chicago, IL — “Exciting Forecasts for Gold and Silver Coins” Video hosted by the Internet Archive ▶
August 7, 2009: Speaker, American Numismatic Association 118th Anniversary Convention, Los Angeles, CA — “Coin Collector’s Survival Guide to Buying and Selling Coins”
August 18, 2006: Speaker, American Numismatic Association 115th Anniversary Convention, Denver, CO — “A Celebration of Survival in Coins”
April 7-9, 2006: Speaker, American Numismatic Association 2006 National Money Show, Atlanta, GA — “A Celebration of Survival in Coins”
July 27-31, 2005: Speaker, American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money, San Francisco, CA — “The Ultimate Smart Coin Consumer”
August 20, 2004: Speaker, American Numismatic Association 113th Anniversary Convention, Pittsburgh, PA — “Secrets of the Coin Bourse”
July 30-August 3, 2003: Speaker, American Numismatic Association 112th Anniversary Baltimore, MD — “Coin Collector’s Survival Strategies for Uncertain Times”
July 31-August 4, 2002: Speaker, American Numismatic Association 111th Anniversary Convention, New York, NY — “Building a Valuable Coin Collection from Pocket Change”
March 7-9, 2002: Speaker, American Numismatic Association 2002 National Money Show, Jacksonville, FL — “What’s It Worth Now: New Secrets of Valuation and Pricing”
August 8-12, 2001: Speaker, American Numismatic Association 110th Anniversary Convention, Atlanta, GA — “What’s It Worth and Will It Upgrade?”
March 8-10, 2001: Speaker, American Numismatic Association 2001 National Money Show, Salt Lake City, UT — “Coin Collecting Confidential: The Latest and Greatest Secrets”
August 9-13, 2000: Speaker, American Numismatic Association 109th Anniversary Convention, Philadelphia, PA — “Coin Collecting for the New Millennium and Beyond”
March 4, 2000: Speaker, American Numismatic Association 2000 National Money Show, Ft. Lauderdale, FL — “Coin Collecting for the New Millennium and Beyond”
August 14, 1999: Speaker, American Numismatic Association Numismatic Theatre, Chicago, IL — “The Coin Collector’s Survival Seminar”
March 12, 1999: Speaker, American Numismatic Association Numismatic Theatre, Sacramento, CA — “The Coin Collector’s Survival Seminar”
August 8, 1998: Speaker, American Numismatic Association Numismatic Theatre, Portland, OR — “The Coin Collector’s Survival Seminar”
July 11-17, 1998: Instructor, American Numismatic Association 30th Annual Summer Conference, Colorado Springs, CO — “What’s It Worth? Coin Appraising 101”
March 20, 1998: Speaker, American Numismatic Association Numismatic Theatre, Cincinnati, OH — “The Coin Collector’s Survival Seminar”
August 2, 1997: Speaker, American Numismatic Association Numismatic Theatre, New York, NY — “Secrets of Coin Valuation and Grading”
July 31, 1997: Speaker, American Numismatic Association 106th Anniversary Convention, YN Educational Forum, New York, NY
March 21, 1997: Speaker, American Numismatic Association Numismatic Theatre, Cleveland, OH — “Secrets of Coin Valuation and Grading”
August 17, 1996: Speaker, American Numismatic Association Numismatic Theatre, Denver, CO — “Secrets of Coin Collecting”
August 16, 1996: Speaker, American Numismatic Association Numismatic Theater, Denver, CO — “How to Expand the Hobby”
August 15, 1996: Speaker, American Numismatic Association Numismatic Theater, Denver, CO — “Research And Commerce On The Internet”
March 6, 1996: Speaker, American Numismatic Association Numismatic Theatre, Tuscon, AZ — “Survival Strategies for the New Coin Market”
July 13, 1995: Speaker, American Numismatic Association 27th Annual Summer Conference, Colorado Springs, CO — “Survival Strategies for the New Coin Market”
July 28-August 1, 1993: Speaker, American Numismatic Association 102nd Annual Convention, Numismatic Theatre Presentation, Baltimore, MD
August 16, 1992: Speaker, American Numismatic Association 101st Annual Convention, Numismatic Theatre Presentation, Orlando, FL
August 25, 1990: Speaker, American Numismatic Association 99th Annual Convention, Orlando, FL—“Investment Mini Seminar”
NEW YORK UNIVERSITY — FINANCE FORUM RECOGNITION (1986): Wedgwood plate commissioned by the NYU Alumni Federation in 1931 for the university’s Centennial was presented to Scott A. Travers for his participation in the Finance Forum celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Federation. The event received coverage in The New York Times.
TELEVISION CAMERAS EVERYWHERE
Interviewed/featured on CNN; CNBC; FOX; Telemundo; Reuters Television; WABC and WNBC. The 2006 publication of The Coin Collector’s Survival Manual was the subject of syndicated network television news features on ABC and FOX. Interviewed on ABC-TV’s Good Morning America, NBC-TV’s Today, CBS-TV’s Sunday Morning, and multiple times on ABC News Now. Former on-air commentator (precious metals and rare coins) for CBS Radio/Boston. Interviewed many times on Bloomberg television and radio, ABC-radio affiliates, National Public Radio, Canada’s The World Tonight, AMEX Business Talk segment of the New York Stock Exchange Radio Network, Inside Edition (twice prominently) and on various other radio stations
throughout the nation. Featured in articles and quoted about coin collecting and investing in: Business Week, Barron’s, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, The New York Times, The Washington Post, New York Post, New York Daily News, Record of Hackensack; The Los Angeles Times, The International Herald Tribune, Library Journal, Trader Monthly, Millionaire, Atlanta Constitution Journal; USA Today, Money magazine, Continental Airline In-flight Traveler; Cigar Aficionado, WatchTime and others (as well as cited regularly in the leading trade references and periodicals).
