U.S. Mint Director Paul Hollis to Receive CSNS Bowers Award

U.S. Mint Director Paul Hollis will be honored with the Central States Numismatic Society’s Q. David Bowers Award at the organization’s 2026 convention, opening April 23 in Schaumburg, Illinois.

Presented annually, the award recognizes significant contributions to numismatics by industry professionals and is named after longtime dealer and author Q. David Bowers, with recipients selected by the CSNS Board of Directors.

Longstanding Involvement in the Hobby

CSNS officials pointed to Hollis’ decades-long engagement with coin collecting, research, and public service in selecting him for the award.

“Paul Hollis’ appointment as Director of the United States Mint reflects a lifetime devoted to collecting, scholarship, and service to the hobby for which the Bowers Award was created. He has been a coin collector since childhood, and recalled that while classmates wrote reports about Babe Ruth or Amelia Earhart, he chose as a topic early American scientist and first Mint Director David Rittenhouse,” said CSNS President Mitch Ernst.

A collector since childhood, Hollis later built a career as a professional coin dealer while also serving in public office, including 12 years in the Louisiana Legislature. He currently serves as the 41st Director of the United States Mint, a role he assumed in January 2026 following Senate confirmation.

Hollis is also active within the numismatic community, including membership in the American Numismatic Association and service on industry-related boards. He is an award-winning author, with his book American Numismatist recognized by the Numismatic Literary Guild.

Educational Outreach and Promotion

Hollis has also been involved in initiatives aimed at encouraging interest in coin collecting. Among them was a 2009 effort tied to the Lincoln cent redesign program, during which he gave away one million cents alongside educational materials explaining their historical significance.

In remarks following the announcement, Hollis described the award as a meaningful recognition within the hobby.

“I am deeply honored to have been selected for this award. Q. David Bowers is a true legend in numismatics, and his work has inspired countless collectors, including me,” Hollis said. “As a lifelong numismatist, I consider my appointment as the 41st Director of the United States Mint — my dream job — as both a privilege and a responsibility. I am committed to advancing this great hobby, strengthening our industry, and inspiring the next generation of numismatists.”

Convention Appearance

Hollis is scheduled to appear at the CSNS convention, where he will also participate in an educational symposium discussing the Mint’s dual-dated 1776–2026 coinage marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The convention will take place April 23-25, 2026, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center in suburban Chicago, with early access events beginning April 22.

For additional information about the Central States Numismatic Society and its annual convention, visit www.CSNS.org.