PNG’s nexGen Scholarships
Photos: Professional Numismatists Guild
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PNG’s nexGen Scholarships

Published April 17, 2026 | Read time 3 min read

By Darcie Graybill

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The Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG), with support from eBay and the National Silver Dollar Roundtable, has awarded six nexGen scholarships to promising young numismatists. Each recipient will attend the 2026 ANA Summer Seminar in Colorado Springs.

The nexGen Program

Launched in 2023, PNG’s nexGen program helps cultivate future coin dealers by connecting young adults with mentors and building relationships with numismatic organizations. The scholarships cover airfare, tuition, and room and board for one weeklong session (June 21-26 or June 28-July 3) on the Colorado College campus.

“This year, with the support of eBay for five scholarships and the National Silver Dollar Roundtable for one, PNG has increased the number of nexGen scholarships awarded—reflecting our shared commitment to elevating and expanding the field of numismatics. The recipients reflect the passion of this discipline, and we’re proud to support their ambitions,” says PNG Executive Director John Feigenbaum. 

Through hands-on courses in grading, authentication, counterfeit detection, and other specialties, the students will gain valuable skills to advance their careers. PNG and its partners view the program as a vital investment in the future of numismatics. 

2026 Recipients

The 2026 recipients include the following aspiring numismatists:

Rene Alvarenga, 22, of Dallas, Texas, began collecting Wheat cents he found in his parents’ California sandwich shop. Now a junior numismatist at Heritage Auctions, he plans to deepen his expertise in investing, grading, and detecting artificial toning of silver dollars at the 2026 ANA Summer Seminar.

Jacob Nathaniel Gonzalez, 20, of Weslaco, Texas, discovered numismatics through his grandmother’s coin collection. A University of Texas Rio Grande Valley graduate and former coin dealer, he plans to attend law school. He is especially interested in strengthening his grading and authentication skills for U.S. and world coins.

Benjamin Alexander Kagay, 18, of Katy, Texas, began collecting in 2020 after attending a Houston coin show with his uncle. A University of Oklahoma student, he will work at U.S. Coins and Jewelry this summer and received the National Silver Dollar Roundtable scholarship. He hopes to refine his grading skills at the 2026 ANA Summer Seminar.

David Vitaly Khaskin, 24, of Austin, Texas, is a University of Florida graduate who became hooked on numismatics at age 6 after receiving a Wheat cent album from his grandfather. He says he is eager to attend the ANA Summer Seminar and learn more about detecting counterfeit U.S. coins.

Marc Vazsonyi, 22, of Lexington, Kentucky, became fascinated by Wheat cents and began collecting them at age 7. His grandmother fostered his interest by sharing silver and gold coins when he visited her in Switzerland. A University of Kentucky student pursuing a degree in mathematical economics, he interned with Jeff Garrett at Mid-American Rare Coin Galleries and plans to study ancient coins at Summer Seminar.

Jessica Evabella Withersfield, 20, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, began collecting as a youngster and rekindled her passion while working at Grand Rapids Coins. She is eager to learn more about being a dealer and expand her knowledge through ANA Summer Seminar courses, especially “Making Money the Medieval Way,” which connects with her interest in blacksmithing.