Become a Numismatic Scholar

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The ANA’s Numismatic Diploma Program (NDP) has been redesigned and is now available online through Google Classroom. The program provides members the opportunity to obtain a Numismatic Scholar certificate by completing a series of online courses. Students embark on an exciting and rewarding journey while acquiring knowledge and skills necessary to appreciate and enjoy the hobby with interactive activities, The Numismatist and Reading Room articles, and exploration of Museum resources. 

The four courses are: Introduction to Numismatics, Grading U.S. Coins, Detecting Counterfeit & Altered Coins, and U.S. Modern Minting Process & U.S. Minting Errors and Varieties. Each course is self-paced, and feedback will be provided within the Google Classroom platform. The courses include updated numismatic information, links to relevant articles from the numismatic world, museum exhibits, and educational videos. 

Each course costs $75. They can be completed individually, and participants will receive a certificate of completion for each course. Members who complete all four will receive a Numismatic Scholar certificate. The classes are designed to provide an enjoyable, enhanced learning experience about the hobby of coin collecting. Completion does not “certify” anyone as a dealer or professional coin grader, but earning a Numismatic Scholar diploma is certainly a worthwhile endeavor and could increase one’s chances at finding a career in a related field. 

The Numismatic Diploma Program brings together the most relevant resources in the numismatic world. With easy navigation, the redesigned NDP provides a hub for educational exploration for numismatists of all ages. The program comprises the following courses:

1) Introduction to Numismatics

Course 1 provides an exploration of coins and collecting to lovers of all things numismatic. It focuses on the history of money, what gives coins value, ways to collect, how to purchase coins, storing a collection, estate planning, numismatic literature, and exhibiting. By the end of the class, you will be able to:  

1) Identify key moments in the history of money and classify types of numismatic items.

2) Determine the factors that give coins value, including production materials, mintage, grade, and demand.

3) Assess the different methods of collecting, purchasing, and storing numismatic items.

4) Create a path to continue learning about numismatics and make numismatic connections.

5) Prepare for the future by considering estate planning, taxes, and inheritance.

2) Grading U.S. Coins

Course 2 provides collectors of all levels with the skills needed to evaluate coins in their collections and assess potential purchases. It provides a deeper understanding of the factors and current standards that determine a coin’s condition and grade. This class will help you:

1) Understand the evolution of coin grading, the minting process, and the Sheldon Grading Scale. 

2) Use the tools of the trade, including proper handling and lighting. Consider the hardness of different metals, and the nuances between technical and market grading.

3) Know the key components of mint-state grading, circulated grading, and proof grading, and become familiar with contact marks, strike, luster, eye appeal, wear, hairlines, and field.

4) Apply and hone grading skills by focusing on high spots (wear areas) and focal points, and using the Official ANA Grading Guide to support your analysis.

3) Detecting Counterfeit & Altered Coins

Course 3 teaches skills that will help you evaluate coins in your collection as well as potential purchases. Whether you are new to the hobby or more experienced, you will benefit from better understanding the factors and characteristics that determine a coin’s authenticity. By the end of the course, you will be able to add to your collection with more confidence, as well as:

1) Understand the history and origins of counterfeiting and the reasons for its expansion in the last 150 years.

2) Identify common alterations and utilize the tools to help detect counterfeit and altered coins.

3) Examine the diagnostics associated with key dates, and identify the characteristics of genuine coins versus the commonalities of counterfeits.

4) Classify counterfeits into categories based on method of manufacture.

5) Pinpoint the red flags of key counterfeits based on the date and series.

4) U.S. Modern Minting Process & U.S. Minting Errors & Varieties

Course 4 provides an overview of the U.S. modern minting process and U.S. Mint errors and varieties. Topics explored include the processes currently used by the U.S. Mint, planchet errors, die errors, striking errors, and die varieties. You will learn about:

1) The modern minting process, the nuances between errors and varieties, die varieties, and the PDS system.

2) Minting errors that are created during the planchet-creation process and as a result of errors madeduring the die-making process or from die use and deterioration over time.

3) Errors that are created as a result of an error during the coin-striking process.

4) How to apply the knowledge you have learned to identify and label error and variety coins.

Visit the ANA’s Education page to access the ANA’s Numismatic Diploma Program and other valuable educational content.

Learn More About the NDP from Education Director Christian Strayhorn