This page gives information about the popular YN Treasure Hunt and related youth/family activities which typically take place at PNNA conventions and coin shows.
Spring
The PNNA Spring Convention was moved from Tukwila to Portland for 2026. The YN Treasure Hunt took place, run by local volunteers.
YN Program at PNNA Spring Conventions – The PNNA YN Treasure Hunt typically takes place on Saturday and Sunday of the annual PNNA Convention. Young numismatists (YNs) ages 17 and under have the opportunity to earn free coins by finding stickers at various “stops” on the bourse floor and then answering a question to earn the coin. The YN program, often run by ANA Past President Walt Ostromecki, is a hit with kids of all ages!! Local coin clubs and volunteers may assist with the YN program. In 2023-2024, the YN program was run by local volunteers and was simplified so as not to require visiting “stops” on the bourse floor. For 2025, Walt Ostromecki returned to run the program, however, Walt was not available in 2026.
Fall
YN Program at PNNA Fall Coin Shows – The PNNA YN Treasure Hunt typically takes place during public show hours on Saturday and Sunday. Young Numismatists (YNs) ages 17 and under have the opportunity to earn free coins by finding stickers at various “stops” on the bourse floor and then answering a question to earn the coin. The YN program, often run by ANA past president Walt Ostromecki, is a hit with kids of all ages!! Local coin clubs and volunteers may assist with the YN program. Simplified versions of this activity took place at the 2023-2025 fall shows in Walt’s absence but were nonetheless popular and successful.
YN Program at Portland (Willamette Coin Club) Fall Show – Beginning in 2021, there are separate PNNA and WCC fall coin shows, and both typically have a YN program. See the WCC’s webpage for details on the Portland Fall Coin Show, as it is no longer a PNNA event. (However, the two shows may be combined again in 2026.)
Activity Details
Typical Youth/Family activity details for annual conventions/shows:
(This was updated for the 2025 spring show. Activities differ from year-to-year and will be simplified when Walt is not available. Please inquire at the show.)
There was a 10-stop coin treasure hunt as per usual with a trivia question about each coin. Answering all ten questions correctly about the coins received gave treasure hunters one chance to spin ERNIE’S TREASURE WHEEL for an additional coin prize. Some examples: $1 IKES, $1 SBA’S, SAC $1, Silver Mercury Dime, Silver Barber Dime, a Mystery Prize, Indian Head Cent, and maybe a Silver Dollar!
This new fun and exciting activity came about from ERNIE’S YOUTH ACTIVITIES FUN CENTER which premiered at the 2024 Chicago ANA World’s Fair of Money. Fun and numismatic education go hand in hand! It was a great youth hands-on activity favorite with seven different action games of chance to earn tickets, known as ‘ERNIE CURRENCY,’ to buy all sorts of U.S. coins, currency, etc.
Walt said, “Hope this is what you are looking for. I’ve used it at the youth and family activity booth at the 2024 Albuquerque show, at the 2025 Las Vegas Numismatic Society show, and at the International Coin Club of El Paso, Texas. I’m sure it will go over well at the PNNA spring show.”
Past activities (may not always be available) included the opportunity to earn and build a starter foreign currency collection through the hands-on activity “MATCH-Currency with Country,” and a version of the ANA’s “Treasures in Your Pocket” program which is a hands-on look at U.S. error and variety coin collecting. (A free illustrated guidebook by this name is available to download on the ANA website.)
Plan to attend a PNNA coin show in 2026 and participate in the youth/family activities! We’ll see you there.