A Wheat Cent and Morgan Dollar Launched Two College Dreams
A coin found on the ground and a family gift launched two young collectors on paths that now lead to college.
One collector started with a Wheat cent that someone had dropped. The other began with a Morgan dollar from his grandmother.
Those two coins opened the door to American history. They also inspired years of collecting, research, writing, club work, and service to the hobby.
Now, the American Numismatic Association has named Ryan Mizeski of Tampa, Florida, and Nathaniel Bayer Hafran of Los Angeles, California, as its 2026 college scholarship recipients.
Each student will receive $1,000 toward tuition at the institution of his choice. Moreover, each recipient can receive the scholarship for as many as four years. To qualify for continued support, students must carry a full course load and maintain at least a B average.
A Scholarship That Invests in Numismatics’ Future
The ANA created its college scholarship fund in 2014. The program can provide as many as two scholarships each year to graduating high school seniors who belong to the association.
Today, the program carries the name of the late Gerome Walton. The ANA honored Walton for his decades of volunteer service and his many contributions to the organization. He also helped secure grant funding for the scholarship.
However, the award represents more than help with tuition. It recognizes young collectors who already contribute to the hobby.
ANA Education Director Christian Strayhorn said the annual scholarship gives the association a chance to honor young numismatists who make an impact both inside and outside the collecting community. She also expressed hope that the support will help both recipients continue to excel and share their enthusiasm for numismatics. The ANA currently lists Strayhorn as its education director.
Ryan Mizeski: One Wheat Cent Changed Everything
Ryan Mizeski’s collecting journey began 12 years ago when he spotted a Wheat cent on the ground.
That small discovery raised a much larger question: What other numismatic objects and stories remained waiting for him?
Mizeski soon began exploring older American coins. Today, he belongs to the West Hernando Coin Club. He also regularly attends local coin shows and the two annual Florida United Numismatists conventions in Orlando.
For Mizeski, coins offer much more than dates, mintmarks, and metal.
“I love learning about the history and events surrounding each time frame of coinage,” he said. He also values the friendships he has formed with fellow collectors through his club and community.
His collection reflects several areas of interest. He seeks older cents and smaller-denomination silver coins. In addition, he collects American Silver Eagles and proof and uncirculated coin sets.
The University of Florida has accepted Mizeski. He plans to pursue psychology with an emphasis on research. UF offers a science-based undergraduate psychology program, along with extensive opportunities for students to take part in supervised research.
Mizeski thanked the ANA for its support. He said the scholarship will substantially reduce his college expenses and help him complete his postsecondary education.
Nathaniel Bayer Hafran: A Morgan Dollar Opens a New World
Nathaniel Bayer Hafran also began collecting at about age 12. In his case, his grandmother provided the spark.
She gave him a silver Morgan dollar.
The coin immediately fascinated him. Soon, that single dollar led him deeper into the history, study, and marketplace of American numismatics.
Bayer Hafran now collects coins and buys and sells them as an amateur numismatist. He also takes an active role in several organizations. His memberships include:
- Young Numismatists of America
- Early American Coppers
- Colonial Coin Collectors Club
- California State Numismatic Association
- American Numismatic Association
In addition, Bayer Hafran founded the first coin club at his high school.
His work extends beyond collecting and club leadership. He has submitted numismatic articles to several publications, including The California Numismatist. He also contributed an article on the colonial origins of American coinage to the June 2025 issue of The Young Numismatist.
Building Collections Around Early American History
Bayer Hafran focuses much of his collecting on Early American coinage.
He also works on a complete date set of Liberty Seated dimes. In addition, he has begun assembling an 1807 type set with one example of each coin in a PCGS holder with CAC approval.
That project combines several demanding goals. It requires historical knowledge, patience, careful grading, and access to coins that meet strict quality standards.
Bayer Hafran will attend the University of California, Berkeley, where he plans to major in history. Berkeley’s undergraduate history program emphasizes original research and allows students to develop focused areas of study.
Not surprisingly, Bayer Hafran sees a strong connection between his academic plans and his numismatic interests.
He values the history behind coinage. He also values the relationships that collectors build with one another. Most of all, he appreciates the opportunity to hold objects that people used hundreds of years ago.
Two Coins, Two Collectors, and a Shared Future
Mizeski and Bayer Hafran followed different collecting paths. Yet both stories began with a single coin.
One young collector looked down and found a Wheat cent. Another accepted a Morgan dollar from his grandmother.
Neither coin needed to carry a great market value. Instead, each carried something more powerful: an invitation to explore.
Years later, both collectors have turned that early curiosity into scholarship, service, and ambitious plans for the future. Their achievements also show why youth programs matter. A modest coin can inspire a lifetime of study when a club, mentor, family member, or organization helps nurture that interest.
The ANA plans to make applications for its 2027 college scholarships available in January. Applicants must attend their senior year of high school and hold ANA membership. The association will consider both academic achievement and numismatic accomplishments.
For additional information, collectors can contact ANA Education Director Christian Strayhorn at [email protected].
