Category: Convention messages

PNNA convention messages and announcements.

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Convention messages General announcements

PNNA 4th Quarter 2026 edition of The Nor’wester

The 4th Quarter 2026 fall coin show edition of the PNNA’s publication, The Nor’wester, is available online at https://pnna.org/news/pdf/PNNAnews2026_Q4.pdf.

The Nor'wester cover - 4th Quarter 2026
The Nor’wester cover – 4th Quarter 2026

There are only two main editions of The Nor’wester each year, for the spring convention and the fall coin show. This is one of the main 24-page editions, and plenty of paper color copies will be available at the PNNA/WCC fall coin show in Portland, Oct. 30-Nov. 1.

Summary of 4th Quarter content:

  • PNNA President’s message by Rick Schulz.
  • PNNA/WCC fall coin show welcome message by the show chairman.
  • A feature article, “The Continental Dollar at 250: A Numismatic Tale Turned Inside Out,” by James Reinders.
  • Two additional articles, “Who Is Still Making Copper One-Cent Pieces?” by Mark Benvenuto and “Two Heads are better than one!” (about an error coin) by Jimmy Pease.
  • ANA Summer Seminar reports by the 2025 and 2026 PNNA scholarship recipients.
  • Various dealer advertisements. Please visit some of our dealers at the show!

Back issues of The Nor’wester are available online.

Once again, thank you for your interest in the PNNA!

Sincerely,
Eric Holcomb
PNNA Editor/Webmaster

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Convention messages Exhibit messages General announcements Outreach messages

PNNA 3rd Q 2026 edition of The Nor’wester

The 3rd Quarter 2026 edition of the PNNA’s publication, The Nor’wester, is now available online at https://pnna.org/news/pdf/PNNAnews2026_Q3.pdf.

As announced previously, there are only two main editions of The Nor’wester each year, for the spring convention and the fall coin show. The other two editions are smaller like this edition. This change allows the two main editions to be printed in color and have more pages, more articles and stories, more photos, and additional dealer ads if requested. There will be plenty of copies printed for distribution at shows, clubs and other events such as the Fair. Please start writing your content for the main editions now!

Summary of other 3rd Quarter content: (with all photos in color in the online version)

  • PNNA President’s message by Rick Schulz.
  • A message about the Washington State (Puyallup) Fair also by Richard Schulz. Please volunteer!
  • Brief mentions of the PNNA/Willamette fall coin show in Portland which will be covered in the next (4th Q) edition.
  • PNNA spring convention news – awards; board and general membership meeting minutes information, including a photo of one of the Presidential Awards, the winning collector exhibit, and two of the numismatic theater talks.
  • Two interesting articles – “The other Mercury dime overdate” by Dennis Halladay and “You Can’t Go Wrong Collecting Junk Silver” by Ken Freeze, President of the Southern Idaho Coin Club.

Back issues of The Nor’wester are available online.

Once again, thank you for your interest in the PNNA!

Sincerely,
Eric Holcomb
PNNA Editor/Webmaster

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Convention messages Education messages Exhibit messages

2026 PNNA Convention Report

The 75th Annual PNNA Convention and Spring Coin Show was held April 11-12, 2026, in Portland, Oregon, and was a big success! The convention was moved from Washington to Oregon on short notice due to the new state sales tax on coins and bullion. With the help of the Willamette Coin Club in Portland, the move went smoothly, and everyone seemed to enjoy the larger and more luxurious facility at the Holiday Inn Columbia Riverfront location.

With convention chairman Kevin Charboneau once again coordinating the show with lots of help from the PNNA and the WCC, the two-day public attendance reached about 1,000. Most dealers with tables at the show had excellent business, in the middle of a very strong bullion and collector market (without the extra tax, that is).

Visitors had the opportunity to participate in youth and family activities, and to make souvenir elongated cents with the “penny press.”

PNNA Presidential Award presented by Rick Schulz to Scott Loos.
Scott Loos receives a 2026 PNNA Presidential Award.

Photo: PNNA treasurer and bourse chairman Scott Loos (left) receives a Presidential Award from PNNA President Rick Schulz (right) for his outstanding efforts moving the convention to Portland on short notice.

James Reinders "The Continental Dollar Mystery" exhibit (case 1)
James Reinders “The Continental Dollar Mystery” exhibit (case 1)

We’re pleased that the new facility has space for both collector exhibits and numismatic theater. There were six exhibits at the show, with James Reinders taking home the Best of Show award for “The Continental Dollar Mystery.” The photo above shows the first case of his exhibit. See the completed exhibits page for more information.

Rick Schulz Numismatic Theater talk (April 11, 2026).
Rick Schulz Numismatic Theater talk.
Jimmy Krozel Numismatic Theater talk (April 11, 2026).
Jimmy Krozel Numismatic Theater talk.

The two photos above were taken at the Numismatic Theater. Rick Schulz was explaining coin holders as part of his talk titled “You Inherited a Coin Collection, Now What?” while Jimmy Krozel was speaking about “U.S. Variety Coin Collecting.” Thanks to all speakers and guests! Photo credit: James Reinders, who helped organize the theater.

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Convention messages General announcements Officer messages Outreach messages

PNNA 2nd Q 2026 Nor’wester

The 2nd Quarter 2026 edition of the PNNA’s publication, The Nor’wester, is available online at https://pnna.org/news/pdf/PNNAnews2026_Q2.pdf.

The Nor'wester cover - 2nd Quarter 2026
The Nor’wester cover – 2nd Quarter 2026

There are only two main editions of The Nor’wester each year, for the spring convention and the fall coin show. This is one of those editions and is 24 pages in full color! Plenty of paper color copies will be available at the PNNA’s spring convention and coin show in Portland, Apr 11-12.

Summary of 2nd Quarter content:

  • PNNA President’s message by Rick Schulz.
  • PNNA Convention welcome message by Kevin Charboneau.
  • Other PNNA news including about the Washington State (Puyallup) Fair, PNNA awards and the PNNA election.
  • An illustrated feature article by Eric Holcomb, “U.S. Coins of 1926 (and one 1927).”
  • Short articles by Mark Benvenuto, “End of the Cent – the Large Cent and the Small” and by Dennis Halladay, “We know exactly when this Morgan was made.”

Back issues of The Nor’wester are available online.

Thank you for your interest in the PNNA!

Sincerely,
Eric Holcomb
PNNA Editor/Webmaster

Categories
Convention messages Exhibit messages General announcements

PNNA 1st Q 2026 Nor’wester

The 1st Quarter 2026 edition of the PNNA’s publication, The Nor’wester, is now available online at https://pnna.org/news/pdf/PNNAnews2026_Q1.pdf.

As announced previously, there will be only two main editions of The Nor’wester each year, for the spring convention and the fall coin show. The other two editions will be smaller like this edition. This change allows the two main editions to have more pages, more articles and stories, more photos, and additional dealer ads if requested.

Summary of 1st Quarter content:

  • PNNA President’s message by Rick Schulz.
  • A cancellation notice for the BECC coin show, normally held in January in Kent, Wash.
  • A notice about moving the PNNA spring convention and coin show from Tukwila, Wash., to Portland, Ore.
  • Other PNNA news including brief mentions of collector exhibits, annual awards, and the upcoming nomination and election of the PNNA board of directors for 2026-2028.
  • An excellent article, “An SOS with special meaning,” by Dennis Halladay.
  • PNNA scholarship application for ANA Summer Seminar 2026. Or get the scholarship application form online and apply before the end of February!

Back issues of The Nor’wester are available online.

Once again, thank you for your interest in the PNNA!

Sincerely,
Eric Holcomb
PNNA Editor/Webmaster

Categories
Convention messages General announcements

PNNA 4th Quarter 2025 edition of The Nor’wester

The 4th Quarter 2025 fall coin show edition of the PNNA’s publication, The Nor’wester, is available online at https://pnna.org/news/pdf/PNNAnews2025_Q4.pdf.

The Nor'wester cover - 4th Quarter 2025
The Nor’wester cover – 4th Quarter 2025

As announced previously, there are only two main editions of The Nor’wester each year, for the spring convention and the fall coin show. This is one of the main 24-page editions, and plenty of paper color copies will be available at the PNNA’s fall coin show in Tukwila, Oct. 3-5.

Summary of 4th Quarter content:

  • Photo of PNNA 85th Anniversary “coin” on the cover!
  • PNNA President’s message by Rick Schulz.
  • PNNA fall coin show welcome message by the show chairman.
  • A brief PNNA spring convention report and other news.
  • A feature article, “Error Coin Education – Some Uncommon and Rare Types to Explore,” by Greg Bennick.
  • Two additional articles, “Bigger than Big – Silver Bullion Coins Greater Than One-Ounce” and “Comparing Some Proof Nickels, Just What Are We Paying For?” by Mark Benvenuto.
  • Various dealer advertisements. Please visit some of our dealers at the show!

Back issues of The Nor’wester are available online.

Once again, thank you for your interest in the PNNA!

Sincerely,
Eric Holcomb
PNNA Editor/Webmaster

Categories
Convention messages General announcements

PNNA 85th Anniversary “Coin”

PNNA 85th Anniversary "Coin"
PNNA 85th Anniversary “Coin”

Although the board may call it a “medal,” the PNNA is issuing its first-ever colorful “challenge coin” to commemorate its 85th anniversary! The mintage is 200 (plus 3 samples), and the pieces will be offered for sale for $10 each at the PNNA’s 20th Annual Fall Coin Show, October 3-5 in Tukwila, Wash.

The size of the “coins” is 1.75 inches, and they are made of antique brass, manufactured by Coins for Anything, Inc., of Fredericksburg, VA. They did a nice job, and we look forward to making these pieces available at the fall show.

Categories
Convention messages General announcements Outreach messages

PNNA 3rd Q 2025 edition of The Nor’wester

The 3rd Quarter 2025 edition of the PNNA’s publication, The Nor’wester, is now available online at https://pnna.org/news/pdf/PNNAnews2025_Q3.pdf.

As announced previously, there are only two main editions of The Nor’wester each year, for the spring convention and the fall coin show. The other two editions are smaller like this edition. This change allows the two main editions to be printed in color and have more pages, more articles and stories, more photos, and additional dealer ads if requested. There will be plenty of copies printed for distribution at shows, clubs and other events such as the Fair. Please start writing your content for the main editions now!

Summary of other 3rd Quarter content:

  • PNNA President’s message by Rick Schulz.
  • A message about the Washington State (Puyallup) Fair also by Richard Schulz. Please volunteer!
  • Brief mentions of the PNNA and Willamette/Portland fall coin shows, which will be covered in the next (4th Q) edition.
  • PNNA spring convention news – awards; board and general membership meeting minutes information, including photos of some of the Presidential Awards.

Back issues of The Nor’wester are available online.

Once again, thank you for your interest in the PNNA!

Sincerely,
Eric Holcomb
PNNA Editor/Webmaster

Categories
Convention messages

2025 PNNA Convention Report

The 74th Annual PNNA Convention and Spring Coin Show was held April 11-13, 2025, in Tukwila, Washington, and was a big success! With convention chairman Kevin Charboneau once again coordinating the show with lots of help from the PNNA and local clubs, it’s likely that the three-day public attendance reached 1,000 or more, and that many dealers with tables at the show had excellent business, in the middle of a strong bullion and collector market.

PNNA Convention 2025: Bourse floor action.
PNNA Convention 2025: Bourse floor action.

Visitors were greeted at the registration table and at the ANA table. In the registration photo below, Ben Sanders, our cashier, is standing next to the cash box, with Kevin Charboneau next to the raffle ticket drum.

PNNA Convention 2025: Registration table.
PNNA Convention 2025: Registration table.
PNNA Convention 2025: Ray Fiorini at ANA table.
PNNA Convention 2025: Ray Fiorini at ANA table.

Visitors also had the opportunity to participate in youth and family activities, and to make souvenir elongated cents with the “penny press!” Adam Blasquez is on the penny press with Jacob Hyland seated.

PNNA Convention 2025: Walt Ostromecki at youth/family activities table.
PNNA Convention 2025: Walt Ostromecki at youth/family activities table.
PNNA Convention 2025: Penny press action.
PNNA Convention 2025: Penny press action.

Longtime PNNA dealer and show promoter Bob Kinsedahl was one of several people to receive a PNNA presidential award from Rick Schulz.

PNNA Convention 2025: Bob Kinsedahl at table.
PNNA Convention 2025: Bob Kinsedahl at table.
PNNA Convention 2025: Bob Kinsedahl Presidential Award.
PNNA Convention 2025: Bob Kinsedahl Presidential Award.

Two of the awards given at the Saturday evening general membership meeting were the Literary Award for Best Club Newsletter to the Olympia Coin Club (accepted by Kevin Charboneau) and the Nina Nystrom Memorial Goodwill Ambassador Award, to Ray Fiorini. (See the Awards section for more awards.)

PNNA Convention 2025: Olympia Coin Club Literary Award for Best Club Newsletter.
PNNA Convention 2025: Olympia Coin Club Literary Award for Best Club Newsletter.
PNNA Convention 2025: Ray Fiorini Nina Nystrom Memorial Goodwill Ambassador Award.
PNNA Convention 2025: Ray Fiorini Nina Nystrom Memorial Goodwill Ambassador Award.

And, finally, a greeting from Sean Peterson, owner of Aploz! Coins, one of the dealers at the show!

PNNA Convention 2025: Greeting from Aploz! Coins.
PNNA Convention 2025: Greeting from Aploz! Coins.
Categories
Convention messages General announcements Officer messages Outreach messages

PNNA 2nd Q 2025 edition of The Nor’wester

The 2nd Quarter 2025 edition of the PNNA’s publication, The Nor’wester, is available online at https://pnna.org/news/pdf/PNNAnews2025_Q2.pdf.

The Nor'wester cover - 1st Quarter 2025
The Nor’wester cover – 2nd Quarter 2025

As announced before, there will be only two main editions of The Nor’wester each year, for the spring convention and the fall coin show. This is one of those editions and is 24 pages in full color! Plenty of paper color copies will be available at the PNNA’s spring convention and coin show in Tukwila, Apr 11-13.

Summary of 2nd Quarter content:

  • PNNA President’s message by Rick Schulz.
  • PNNA Convention welcome message by Kevin Charboneau.
  • Other PNNA news including about the Washington State (Puyallup) Fair and PNNA awards.
  • A feature article by James Reinders, “Collecting Encased Postage Stamps of the American Civil War.”
  • A short article by Mark Benvenuto, “Collecting Proof Barber and Mercury Dimes – Similarities and Differences”

Back issues of The Nor’wester are available online.

Once again, thank you for your interest in the PNNA!

Sincerely,
Eric Holcomb
PNNA Editor/Webmaster