Aristotle’s Vault
Brought to you by the ANA’s Education Department, Aristotle’s Vault preserves expert numismatic knowledge in our online eLearning Academy. Based on the idea of the Platonic Academy (where Ancient Greek scholars met to share philosophy), Aristotle’s Vault provides a platform for Numismatic “philosophers” and educators to provide their knowledge to others. Think of it as a “Hall of Numismatic Thought.” Each course is called a Forum, and Forums are broken into episodes for your enjoyment.
Advanced U.S. Coin Grading and Problem Coins | Jeff Garrett and Don Ketterling
Follow instructors Don Ketterling and Jeff Garrett as they walk you through the specifics of Advanced US Coin Grading and Problem Coins. Please note that following each episode there is a forum guide, which provides a downloadable summary of the episode.
Welcome to Advanced US Coin Grading: A Course Introduction
In this episode, you will meet the course instructors and be provided an overview of what is to come in the Forum.
Additional Reading
How Did We Get Here? A Review and History of Grading
In this episode, the instructors examine the history or grading, key aspects to consider when grading, and key designations.
Grading Service Know-how: Different Grading Services
In this episode, the instructors examine the rise of grading services and the current grading landscape.
Additional Reading
To Be or Not to Be: Counterfeit Awareness
In this episode, the instructors discuss counterfeit awareness.
Ready, Set, Grade: Determining Grading Skills
In this episode, the instructors assess the skill levels of their students.
Grading with Don Ketterling: Professor Insight
In this episode, Don discusses some very specific topics that may arise when dealing with advanced grading concepts. In his discussions with students, he takes the time to explore the fine details.
Additional Reading
Grading with Jeff Garrett: Professor Insight
In this episode, Jeff discusses some very specific topics that may arise when dealing with advanced grading concepts. In his discussions with students, he takes the time to explore the fine details.
In the Eye of the Beholder: The Importance of Eye Appeal
In this episode, Jeff explores the rising power of eye appeal, specifically how the same coin, of the same grade, can have drastically different pricing based on eye appeal.
Let the Games Begin: Competition Day
In this episode, the instructors lead the class in a competition to test their skills from the week.
Practice Makes Perfect: Summary and Student Growth
This episode provides a wrap-up of the course as a whole.
Introduction to Counterfeit & Alteration Detection | Brian Silliman & Jim Robinson
Follow instructors Brian Silliman and Jim Robinson as they walk you through the basics of counterfeit and Alteration Detection. At the end of each episode, you can download the forum guide with a summary of key information.
Introduction to Counterfeit & Alteration Detection
In this episode, you will meet the course instructors and be provided an overview of what is to come in the Forum.
Additional Reading
“It’s a Nice Coin, But…” Mistakes, Risk Factors, and Counterfeits & Alterations
This episode is focused on common mistakes and risk factors collectors should consider.
Handle with Care: Coin Handling, Storage, and Alteration Detection
This episode is focused on coin handling, storage, and viewing.
Pimples and Pits: Looking at Cast Counterfeits
This episode is focused on the methods of creating counterfeit coins.
What Year is That Cent? Key Date Coins
This episode is focused on the diagnostics for key date cents.
At the Five and Dime: 3, 5, and 10 Cent Coins
This episode is focused on diagnostics related to 3, 5, and 10 cent coins.