Mellon and Money: The Story of a Great Treasury Secretary

Instructor: Lawrence W. (“Larry”) Reed

Andrew Mellon, one of the longest-serving U.S. Treasury secretaries, ranks as a giant of enterprise, finance, and public policy in the first half of the 20th Century. In this lecture, Mr. Reed will explain Mellon’s critical role in shaping the economic policies of three administrations and why, if his views had prevailed in the 1930s, perhaps the Great Depression would have been a footnote instead of the catastrophe that it was.

U.S. National Bank Note Counterfeits and Counterfeits of Chinese Paper Money

Instructor: Joseph Boling

This two-hour presentation will cover two topics. We will start with counterfeits of large-size national bank notes that were mostly circulated in the 19th century. When the Bureau of Engraving and Printing assumed the responsibility for printing national currency, many employees of the contract printers who had been doing this work no longer had jobs. Some turned their skills to creating notes on the QT; those are what we will examine. As bad notes were identified in circulation, these craftsmen modified the plates they were using so that notes of a different bank became their product. One can trace several generations of counterfeits to single original plates. After the break, we will take up more modern products – notes of China from 1948 to today being pushed into Western markets from Chinese sources. The market for Chinese paper money has been overheated, but is still quite active; if you collect these series, you need to see this presentation. As for all of my presentations, you will be best served if you watch the introductory session on printing technologies here.

Big Challenges for a Big Dollar

Instructor: Andy Oskam

Dwight D. Eisenhower was one of most bold and successful leaders in history. When a new dollar coin honoring him and the first moon landing was released in 1971 it was popular with collectors, but not without controversy. Learn the history of this iconic coin, the challenges it faced, and what to look for as a collector. This presentation is part of the ANA’s National Coin Week eLearning series.

Visual Strategies of Suffrage, the 19th Amendment & American Coin Design

Instructor: Steve Roach

This presentation is part of the ANA’s eLearning Academy. The visual language of women’s suffrage is rendered on contemporary U.S. coins, including Adolph A Weinman’s Winged Liberty Head (aka “Mercury”) dime and Walking Liberty half dollar, and on Hermon MacNeil’s Standing Liberty quarter dollar, all first issued in 1916. These coins draw on a rich, visual vocabulary used to promote voting rights for women.

Numismatic Contributions of Trailblazing Treasury Department Women

Instructor: Walt Ostromecki

There is undeniable, documented proof in the Department of the Treasury’s records that beginning in the late 18th century, women were employed in various divisions of the department and played a significant role not only in American history but in numismatic history as well. Their contributions to the field began in April 1795 when Henry Voigt of the Philadelphia Mint hired Sarah Waldrake and Rachel Summers—the mint’s first female employees. Their jobs? Coin adjusters! Their numismatic contributions? View the presentation to find out! Also highlighted will be the little-known and overlooked exploits and hobby contributions of other Treasury women—Augusta Owen, Jeannie Douglas, Annie H. Martin, Marion Bannister, Rae Biester, Eva Adams, and Bette B. Anderson—over the past 228 years.

The Influence of Anna W. Williams in Numismatics

Instructor: Jack E. Topping

This presentation will explore one iconic woman’s role in the advancement of circulating coinage in the United States and the lasting impact she has had on numismatics. Schoolteacher Anna Willess Williams’ rise to fame began in 1876 when U.S. Mint engraver George T. Morgan selected her as a model for the portrait on a new coin design. Christened the “Goddess of Liberty” by The Numismatist magazine in 1896, Williams was thrown into the spotlight and became an integral part of numismatics—her portrait became the world-famous “Lady Liberty” on the obverse of the Morgan Dollar, which was minted from 1878 to 1904 and again in 1921. This presentation will discuss, in conjunction with Williams’ biography, the state of the economy and American society leading up to the design and creation of the Morgan dollar and the coins subsequent impact on numismatics.

Lives Joined in Genius—Laura Gardin Fraser and James Earle Fraser

Instructor: Bob Bair

James Earle Fraser and Laura Gardin Fraser were not just incredibly talented sculptor/artists, truly amazing people, and the separate artistic forces behind the iconic “Buffalo” Nickel, and the Alabama, Grant, and Ft. Vancouver Commemorative Coins (sharing the design of the Oregon Trail Commemorative), but they each created a broad and lasting artistic posterity.

Lincoln: The Challenge

Instructor: Doug Mudd

Who was Lincoln? This presentation discusses Lincoln as seen through his numismatic portraits over time – from original photographs to medals, coins, and paper currency – who was he and how has his image been used over the last 150 years?

Women in Numismatics

Instructor: Mary Lannin

Sculptors and engravers, mint directors and civil servants, rulers and goddesses….women have been an integral part of the history of money. Although we are familiar with women as the subject of coins, who have we overlooked? Join us for a National Coin Week talk about famous and infamous women from 300 BC to the 21 st century.

Siege Stories: Tales of Courage & Defiance

Instructor: Lawrence C. Korchnak, Ph.D.

Part of the ANA’s eLearning Academy. Siege warfare has generated a fascinating area of numismatics. With it comes its share of heroes, heroines and villains. Dr. Korchnak will use coins, medals and tokens to bring these characters to life with excerpts from his soon-to-be-published work on siege coins, OBSIDIONAL COINS OF THE WORLD, 1453-1902.

Dr. Lewis Feuchtwanger and the Numismatic Legacy of His Tokens

Instructor: Brad Seidel

In 1837 Dr. Lewis Feuchtwanger petitioned Congress to use his “German Silver” alloy for coinage. He struck and circulated 1- and 3-cent pieces dated 1837 to bolster his case, but Congress declined. However, 20 years later, legislators “borrowed” his ideas when the Flying Eagle cent was introduced. Feuchtwanger can be considered the father of the small cent and pioneered the use of nickel in coinage.

Collecting Civil War Tokens: 100 Years Since Hetrich/Guttag

Instructor: Jesse Kraft

A century since the landmark 1924 Hetrich-Guttag publication on Civil War tokens, this series is still as popular as ever. This presentation will offer a brief history of these enigmatic pieces, as well as look at the evolution of how they have been collected over the years.

The Story of a Challenge Coin and the Red Bull “Stratos Project”

Instructor: James Phillips

The lecture is about the the “Stratos Project” and the challenge coins produced during the phases of the project. the Stratos Project was an endeavor by a company called Sage/Cheshire and sponsored by the Red Bull energy drink corporation to break the world record for highest freefall parachute jump. Sage/Cheshire produced a set of challenge coins for each test jump and when I was presented one, as a gift, I developed this lecture with photos about previous records, attempts, and mishaps from information that is subtly noted on the coins. I currently own 3 of the 4 coins that were produced along with photographic images of the 4th. A short video of the record setting jump is also included.

Their Last Hurrah

Instructor: Bob Bair

America held its breath, as the Civil War’s final outcome was shaped from July 1-3, 1863, in the environs of the tiny Pennsylvania farm town of Gettysburg. A large legacy of coins, medals, and exonumic memorabilia followed through the years, in memory and honor of that event and all those who shaped it.

A Brief Overview of Hobo Nickels

Instructor: Abigail Zechman

An introduction to the history of Hobo Nickels including what they are and why they were made. I will also discuss both the old and the modern tools used to create these pieces of art. And, of course, I will answer the popular question, “Isn’t that illegal?”

Paper Money Made to Deceive Collectors

Instructor: Joseph Boling

The notes to be shown are ones that are replicas intended to sell to collectors, not to circulate (made years after the originals). In a few cases they might have been created for legitimate reasons (movie props, tourist souvenirs) but now appear in dealer’s stocks as originals.

April 13, 1976: A Numismatic Bicentennial Kickoff Event Remembered

Instructor: Lawrence Korchnak

This presentation covers the history and release behind the designed 1976 $2 Bill issue and the resulting new numismatic collectible created that day thanks to the USPS…the postmarked $2 provided 13-cents postage was affixed. It was called by collectors the B$2FDC! Strict rules for the postmarking were set out, but were they always followed? What unique postmarked collectibles were ultimately created in the roughly estimated 10 million $2 bills postmarked nationwide?

The Incredibly Diverse World of Confederate States Paper Money: Part Two

Instructor: Lawrence Korchnak

A continuation of the last webinar, we will be covering types 18 through 46 along with some of the interesting quirks and hidden meanings each type has. The people, deities, and overall vignettes depicted on each type will be explained, just as with the last presentation, and we will also go over some obsolete banknotes that have the same vignettes on them as the Confederate currency does.

The Incredibly Diverse World of Confederate States Paper Money

Instructor: Caleb Audette

What is Confederate Paper Money, and why is it so important to us? This webinar will cover this and all the basics of Confederate States Paper Money. You will embark on a journey in which you will acquire knowledge about the types of this currency and the people depicted on the notes. You will also learn what a PF variety is. Finally, you’ll be instructed on how you can obtain these fascinating pieces of history that were issued from 1861-1864.

More on Paper and Money Counterfeits

Instructor: Joseph Boling

In the first session on this subject, when time expired we were in the middle of a slide set showing how counterfeiters evade or replicate security features on banknotes. In this session, we will finish that discussion and move to the history of state-on-state counterfeiting – a practice dating back to the American Revolutionary War. If you missed the first session, you can watch it ahead of time here.

The Short Snorter Project

Instructor: Tom Sparks

Tom Sparks founded the Short Snorter Project to educate the general public about the short snorter tradition, the individuals, and the short snorter artifacts. His presentation incorporates his collection of artifacts and research put together over the last 15+ years which was recently published as a digital book on the Newman Numismatic Portal.

MPC Boot Camp

Instructor: Carlton “Fred” Schwan

All Military Payment Certificate (MPC) enthusiasts are to report for duty! The mission includes basic to the advanced study of MPCs. Deserters will be court-martialed!

Women in Military Numismatics

Instructor: Fred Schwan

This presentation will be centered primarily on the two world wars. Topics of discussion include trench art coins, “short snorters,” World War II medals awarded exclusively to women, mothers’ crosses, World War II decorations featuring portraits of women, American Red Cross chits, and war bonds purchased by women in Japanese-American internment camps. This presentation, featuring many numismatic and historic images, is the culmination of 50 years of research published and unpublished sources.

An Introduction to Collecting Colonial Paper Money—“Tis Death to Counterfeit”

Instructor: Raymond Williams

The presentation will discuss the need for paper money in colonial America, their issue by the colonies and the Continental Congress and contemporary counterfeiting. Reference books and methods of collecting will be presented. Examples from several colonies and the Continental Congress will be shown and discussed.

Pay Warrants of the Texian Navy

Instructor: Michael E. Marotta

Part of the ANA’s eLearning Academy. We all remember the Alamo, but the navy was the savior of the Republic of Texas. Printed on orders from Commodore Edwin Moore, the pay warrants of the Texian Navy were repudiated by President Sam Houston. They may hold a clue to the mutiny aboard the San Antonio.

Backstories

Instructor: Lawrence Korchnak

Numismatic notes on selected coins, currency, and exonumia from Benvenuto Cellini’s Renaissance to Chinese strikebreakers in mid 19th century US.

More on Fakes Targeting Collectors, More on Official Counterfeiting

Instructor: Joseph Boling

This two-hour program completes two previous programs that ran overtime. We will start by finishing October’s discussion of counterfeits made to deceive collectors, not to circulate while the notes were current. That will be followed with more information about official counterfeiting – government-against-government operations.

Chinese-Made Counterfeit Coins

Instructor: Brian Silliman

This seminar will look at many of the Chinese-made counterfeit coins prevalent in the marketplace. Chinese-made counterfeits of both collector and circulating coinages is more prevalent than ever. While they have improved significantly since the 1970s, they are still fairly easy to detect when you know what to look for. In this course, the ever improving production methods used over the last few decades will be discussed which have led to the greatly improved examples we encounter now. We will review a wide range of fakes and diagnostics for authenticating them. This video is part of the ANA’s Summer Seminar Course Samplers series.

The Morgan Dollar

Money Museum Masterpiece Series

Morgan silver dollars are a popular choice among collectors, and are very well-known within the numismatic community. However, what some people may not know is that the Morgan dollar features a woman that the designer, George T. Morgan, knew. Who is the woman on the coin?

The 1943 Cent

ANA Video Vignette

In this video, Rod Gillis explores the fascinating story of the 1943 cent. Minted from steel to conserve copper during World War II, these coins are often mistakenly thought to be rare, though over a billion were produced across three mints in 1943.The true rarity lies in the elusive 1943 copper cent, of which only a few exist. To tell the difference, Rod suggests using a magnet: steel cents will be attracted, while copper ones won’t—unless the coin has been altered, a trick detectable by experts.If you’re unsure of your coin’s authenticity, consult a local dealer for verification. While finding a 1943 copper cent might seem like hitting the jackpot, it’s extremely rare.

Inheriting a U.S. Coin Collection

ANA Video Vignette

In this comprehensive discussion, Rod Gillis, ANA Education Director at the American Numismatic Association, delves into the intricacies of managing inherited United States coin collections. For individuals who have suddenly found themselves with a coin collection passed down from a loved one, but lacking familiarity with numismatics, Rod provides invaluable guidance on navigating this often overwhelming situation.

U.S. Error Coins

Instructor: Dany Rothfeld

In this presentation, we will discuss the minting process. We will look at various U.S. error coins from my own collection, and we will learn how these error coins were produced.

Secrets of the Flying Eagle & Indian Head Cents

Instructor: Richard Snow

Participants will examine all aspects of collecting two of the most popular series in U.S. numismatics, including history, grading, values, varieties, and collecting strategies. The course also covers counterfeit and problem coins.

Masonic Pennies: 130 Years of Mystery, History and Beautiful Coins

Instructor: Tom Carson

This video delves into the history of Masonic Pennies, a tradition where Masons who achieved the Fourth Degree, Royal Arch Mason, received a unique penny engraved with their personal mark. Originating in America in the 1800s, these pennies began as simple designs but evolved into intricate works of art by the late 19th century. Notable collections, like the Hanauer Collection, have preserved many of these rare and unique pennies, which were often buried with their owners. The presentation highlights the evolution, artistry, and intriguing stories behind these Masonic Pennies, sharing new information about their significance in Masonic history.

The Story of Siege Money

Instructor: Lawrence Korchnak

Sieges punctuate history with accounts of bravery as well as dreadful acts of cruelty…always in the name of justice, often in the name of God. Soldiers who engaged in siege warfare were generally mercenaries and demanded payment for their services. During extended periods of strife, the coin o the realm simply ran out and had to be substituted with something else necessitating the creation of siege money. This talk is designed to familiarize the collector with what siege money is, how it was made, and show the many forms that it takes.

The World of Elongated Coins

Instructor: Richard Jozefiak

Today’s modern elongated cents (also known as pressed pennies, squashed cents, rolled cents, and many other names), can trace their history to innovation at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition held in Chicago. The first recorded documentation of coins (both U.S. and World) being “rolled” with a press with a design on the roller to produce a new type of souvenir, was done at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. Over two dozen elongated design types are known to have been “rolled” at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.

Saint Gaudens Double Eagle Die Varieties Revisited

Instructor: Ross Johnson

Students will get an in-depth look at Saint Gauden’s Double Eagle die varieties, their rarity characteristics, recent market data, coverage in the numismatic press and next milestones for collectors.

Collecting and Investing in the 2020 Basketball Hall of Fame Coin Program

Instructor: Del Mineard Jr.

This course will provide a professional overview of collecting and investing in the 2020 Basketball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin program. Students will learn the history and specifics of the nine coins release by the U.S. Mint to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Basketball Hall of Fame. Whether you are a beginner, seasoned collector, or dealer, the knowledge gained from this class will serve you as you collect and invest in this limited Commemorative Coin Program.

Let’s Collect Half Cents

Instructor: Bill Eckberg

U.S. Half cents, which were made from 1793-1857, have a great advantage to collectors of being rare, interesting, and affordable at the same time. Yet, many collectors are unfamiliar with this fascinating series. Most of them were made during the administrations of Washington Adams, Jefferson, and Madison, so they have great historical interest, but you can get many of them in XF-AU (or even better!) for less than the price of a heavily circulated 1909-S VDB cent. This talk will discuss their beauty and artistry, how they were made, and how people collect them.

The State Coinages of the Confederation Era 1785-1788

Instructor: Ray Williams

An overview of the copper coinages authorized by Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont and New Jersey between 1785 and 1788. Topics will include some history, numismatic references and methods of collecting.

Understanding Die States on 1794 US Large Cents

Instructor: Chuck Heck

Most people have no trouble understanding die cracks, die breaks, and rim cuds on 1794 US Large Cents. But die sinking, swelling, and clashing present some difficulty. This seminar will use digital images to illustrate, explain, and clear up any of the confusion.

Pricing Rare Coins In Today’s World

Instructor: Jeff Garrett

There is more information available to collectors than ever before on rare coin pricing. Unfortunately, much of this information is confusing to use, and often contradictory. Learn what tools are best to use when deciding rare coin prices. I am Senior Editor of the Guide Book of United States Coins (Redbook). I will explain how we develop prices each year for the Redbook.

Commemorative Coins & What is Involved in Getting a Commemorative Minted

Instructor: Rod Gillis

The Mint has a long and somewhat distinguished history of producing commemorative coins. In this presentation you will learn the history behind commemorative coins and what is involved in getting a commemorative coin produced.

U.S. Half Cents; Designs, Dates, and Die Varieties

Instructor: Franklin Noel

Half cents have long inspired numismatic writers. One quaintly called them, the “Little Half Sisters.” Why were half cents struck for circulation only intermittently between 1793 and 1857? In which years were they struck? How many different design types were there? Who designed them? Are there multiple die varieties for each year?

Abraded Die Varieties

Instructor: David Smock

Abraded Die Varieties are fascinating, collectible but all-too-often overlooked die errors. Learn why and how they happen and see examples of popular and not-so-well known examples to complete your collection. Focus will mainly be on Buffalo Nickels, although other series will be discussed.

Nixon’s Numismatic Hobby Legacy

Instructor: Walt Ostromecki

The presentation takes a look at the various numismatic hobby items/collectibles which came about during and through Mr. Nixon’s Presidency including legislation for the right for private citizens to once again own gold. This legislation is something he pushed for and was on his desk for signature when he resigned the office of President. Gerald Ford signed it into law a few days after Richard Nixon’s departure. The program will also cover the various official coins, medals and other collectible memorabilia issued during his presidency including the idea of a new $2 bill for the bicentennial.

Roane Iron Company of Tennessee: Paper Scrip, Political Scrip and Tokens

Instructor: Tom Carson

Union General John Wilder prospected East Tennessee for iron while fighting the Civil War. After the war, he purchased iron and coal bearing deposits near Rockwood. Paper scrip was issued in Rockwood and Chattanooga from 1868 until 1884. The scrip became hated by the miners and facsimiles of the Scrip with Political Text on the back were used against the Political Career of H. Clay Evans, Corporate Treasurer. Tokens were used by the company at the Furnace at Rockwood, Iron Mines at Chamberlain and Coal Mines at Wilder.
This presentation will intertwine the history and “money” of Roane Iron.

Why a 3? The U.S. 3-Cent Coin That Is

Instructor: Walt Ostromecki

Discover the intriguing history surrounding the issuance of the US Three Cent Coinage in both silver and and nickel from 1851-89. Was there more to the story than it was only issued to buy postage stamps in 1851? When did the concept or idea for an American 3-cent coin begin? Answer: As early as the California Gold Rush in late 1848. What other coin denomination was also recommended along with the ‘THREE’ in 1848-9? Do you know what other non monetary use for the silver 3-cent piece blossomed during its lifetime? Why the 1851-O issue? Values and grading of both metal content issues as well as proof issues and mint error coins will also be briefly covered.

Technical Grading VS Market Grading in Coin Collecting and Numismatics

Instructor: Rod Gillis

Technical grading and market grading are two different approaches used in the coin grading industry to assess the condition and value of coins explored in this video

Royal Arch Masonic Penny Errors — 130 years of Errors

Instructor: Tom Carson

When dozens of different die makers make around 20,000 different Pennies there will be MISTAKES. There are numerous MULES. Several with the wrong state, Chapters and Cities misspelled. Wrong Chapter Numbers and more. This seminar will take a close look at these Errors.

A House Divided: Money of the American Civil War

Instructor: Doug Mudd

In this webinar, we delve into a fascinating aspect often overlooked: the currency used during this tumultuous period in American history.

The Civil War was not only a conflict of ideologies but also of economies. As the nation split along sectional lines, so too did its monetary systems. Join us as we journey through the currencies of the Union and the Confederacy, exploring the coins, banknotes, and financial innovations that defined this era.

When the Die is Wrong: Wrong Die Varieties That Can Be Found and Collected

Instructor: John H. Miller Jr.

We will be talking about coins that were struck with dies that should have been used on a different coin. Think Proofs, circulations, different years, and denominations (like mules). From Flying Eagle cents to Bullion Silver eagles we will go over more than 50 different coins in this fascinating subset of variety collecting. Some of these coins can carry a price tag worth far more than a normal coin. 

Introduction to Paper Money Production and Counterfeit Detection

Instructor: Joseph Boling

This class will cover printing technologies used by security printers and the more likely technologies used by counterfeiters.

Collecting and Investing in Morgan Dollars: A Comprehensive Approach

Instructors: Michael Fey and John Baumgart

This course will provide a professional overview of collecting and investing in Morgan silver dollars. Students will learn the subtle nuances of dates and mintmarks, grading, varieties, die states, roofline, and deep-mirror prooflike coins. Whether you are a beginner, dealer, or seasoned Morgan collector, the knowledge gained from this class will serve you well as you collect and invest in the most popular series in numismatics.

Tag: U.S. Coins

Introduction to Early U.S. Paper Currency: 1765 to 1865

Instructors: Doug Mudd and Richard Horst

This class is designed for beginning to intermediate students and will divide U.S. paper money into three periods: the end of the colonial period and the Revolution; the obsolete period; and the Civil War, with the introduction of federal issues up to 1865. Examples from the ANA’s holdings (including parts of the Bebee collection) will be shown to illustrate the fascinating and important role of paper currency in the early economic development of the United States as well as how such notes can provide a window into the history of the period.

Detection of Counterfeit and Altered Coins

Instructors: Brian Silliman and Jim Robinson

Learn the often-subtle differences between genuine, counterfeit, and altered coins. Topics will include counterfeit-coin production, types of counterfeit dies and castings, date and mintmark alterations, specific gravity testing, and Chinese-made counterfeits.

Tag: U.S. Coins

Rushing Through Panama: Numismatics on the Journey to the American Gold Rush

Instructor: Jack E. Topping

Using primary sources and other relevant information, this presentation focuses on the intricate nature of numismatics during the American Gold Rush—a watershed moment in U.S. history, often overlooked by what came after miners arrived in 1850s California. The coins and currencies used during this westward journey will be discussed.

Artistry and Technology—How the Large Cent Dies Were Made

Instructor: Bill Eckberg

This talk uses image analysis of early U.S. copper coins to show how the engravers produced the large-cent dies. The U.S. Mint was an entirely new undertaking in 1792. Nobody who worked there during that time had any meaningful experience with coinage, and the technology they had was at least a century out of date in Europe. The coins tell us a great deal about how they were made; all we must do is listen to them.

30 Minutes at the First Philadelphia Mint

Instructor: Mark Borckardt

The Coinage Act of 1792 established the Mint at Philadelphia. The facility remained in operation through 1832, and a new, second mint building was occupied in 1833. The 40-year history of the first mint will be explored in a 30-minute presentation, discussing important people, coinage issues, and related topics.

The Ultimate Large Cent Date & Type Set

Instructor: John Wright

As part of the ANA’s eLearning Academy, this presentation will offer the ultimate eye-candy journey through the large cent series, with surprise tidbits and related revelations that will entertain you and leave you wanting more.

Oh, No It Ain’t!

Instructor: Sam Gelberd

Many people who aren’t coin collectors tend to think they’ve hit the jackpot when they find anything that looks out of the ordinary. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case, and most of these purported “rare errors” turn out to be post-mint damaged coins. This presentation offers a fun and informative look at what constitutes a genuine U.S. Mint error and teaches how to distinguish these exceptional coins from near-worthless junk. Knowing the differences may potentially bring riches, but the main goal is to help attendees become better numismatists than they were before the presentation!

Coins Melted to Manufacture War Material

Instructor: William Myers

Many collectors know that coinage metals have been used to manufacture war materials, but few are aware that such items also have been melted to make coins. Coins from five countries were melted to support the United States’ effort during World War II. This presentation will explore this wartime-era coinage.

Proof Walking Liberty Half Dollars

Instructor: Ralph F. Wetterhahn

Adolph A. Weinman’s half-dollar design is a collector favorite. Proof versions of these pieces aren’t often discussed, as major varieties are not widely recognized by the numismatic community. Their entire run was low, yet high-grade proofs are relatively affordable. This discussion will include specific die varieties, along with some toning issues evident on many specimens.

Counterfeit Detection of Key Dates and Mintmarked U.S. Coins

Instructor: Brian Silliman

This seminar will take you through many quick and easy to remember diagnostics for on the go authentication of many Key Date and Mintmarked US Coins that are commonly seen in the marketplace and often fool experienced collectors and dealers. Initially, many remembering these diagnostics is intimidating when it really shouldn’t be. In this class, these tricky diagnostics will be presented so that they will be easier to remember and expensive key coins will be much less intimidating and much more accessible to you. Cents through dollars will be covered. This video is part of the ANA’s Summer Seminar Course Samplers series.

Modern Minting Process

Instructor: Sam Gelberd

Explore the minting process and learn how each procedure can lead to the possible creation of collectible errors and varieties. Topics include identifications and description, the art of cherrypicking, and various types of damage that may be confused for errors. This video is part of the ANA’s Summer Seminar Course Samplers series.

The Importance of Eye Appeal

Instructor: Jeff Garrett

The hardest thing for most collectors to understand is what great eye-appeal really means. This is truly subjective and what seems great to one person may seem average to another. If you are a serious collector you owe it to yourself to understand the subtleties of eye-appeal. The market’s emphasis on quality now demands that you learn as much as possible about the series you collect. My class will explore this important issue so that you may become a more successful collector. This video is part of the ANA’s Summer Seminar Course Samplers series.

Counterfeit U.S. Gold Coins

Instructor: Brian Silliman

U..S gold coins make most collectors very nervous. They have been heavily counterfeited and can be quite deceptive. This seminar will simplify the authentication process by teaching the diagnostics by major coin type or style and enabling allowing you to authenticate all the coins of each series regardless of date and mintmark. The seminar will include in-depth discussion of hundreds of images of both genuine and counterfeit coins. You should leave this seminar much more confident when buying U.S. gold. This video is part of the ANA’s Summer Seminar Course Samplers series.

Fundamental Grading Theory

Instructors: Rod Gillis and Ken Bressett

Coin grading is very subjective and at times, complicated. Learn the difference between technical grading and marketing grading. Understand what a proof coin is and what it is not. Instructors Rod Gillis and Ken Bressett will discuss the language that is grading and set you on a path to learn how to grade coins suitable for your collection. This video is part of the ANA’s Summer Seminar Course Samplers series.

Visual Strategies of Suffrage, the 19th Amendment & American Coin Design

Instructor: Steve Roach

This presentation is part of the ANA’s eLearning Academy. The visual language of women’s suffrage is rendered on contemporary U.S. coins, including Adolph A Weinman’s Winged Liberty Head (aka “Mercury”) dime and Walking Liberty half dollar, and on Hermon MacNeil’s Standing Liberty quarter dollar, all first issued in 1916. These coins draw on a rich, visual vocabulary used to promote voting rights for women.

The Joys of Morgan Silver Dollars

Instructor: George Bazarko

Many collectors are awestruck by Morgan silver dollars – their size, beauty, abundant affordable examples, and different ways to collect. Learn about the designer, the different mints that produced the coin, the hiatus from 1904 to 1921, and the GSA release of primarily Carson City dollars in the early 1970s. This presentation is part of the ANA’s National Coin Week eLearning series.

The Lafayette Dollar: Big, Bold & Forgotten

Instructors: Rod Gillis

The Lafayette Dollar shares a rich history as part of the classic commemorative series. Unfortunately, the coin is often overlooked when compared to its brethren. What is the reason for this? The time period in which the coin was minted? The design? The subject matter it commemorates? Join a light-hearted discussion on one of America’s most forgotten coins. This presentation is part of the ANA’s National Coin Week eLearning series.

Grading 101

Instructor: Rod Gillis

Explore the philosophy behind learning how to grade. Review the characteristics of the four basic metals used in minting coins in the United States. ANA grading standards will be stressed. Gain the confidence needed to accurately assess potential coins for your collection.

Grading 101 Revisited

Instructor: Rod Gillis

Building on the foundations of Grading 101, this follow-up session delves deeper into the principles and techniques of coin grading. Revisit key concepts while exploring advanced nuances in assessing U.S. coins across different metals. With a continued focus on ANA grading standards, this course is designed to further enhance your confidence and skill in accurately evaluating coins for your collection. Whether you’re refining your grading techniques or looking to gain a more comprehensive understanding, Grading 101 Revisited offers valuable insights for collectors of all levels.

Siege Notes: The Currency of War

Instructor: Lawrence Korchnak

Siege Currency is rare and historic. This talk will trace the history of siege currency and address the unique circumstances surrounding its issue. The collector will discover how circumstances resulted in coins being struck from planchets made by pasting prayer book pages together. We will also examine notes meticulously written by hand, notes printed on discarded pieces of clothing, and notes printed using a carved croquet mallet as an engraving plate.

Gobrecht’s Ladies – Seated Liberty Coinage: Past, Present and Future

Instructor: Russ Bega

Liberty Seated coinage is fascinating yet often misunderstood and overlooked. In this lecture we will delve into the design history of the series including the inspiration of the Britannia motif, the symbolism of the goddess of liberty and her accoutrements using examples from ancient coinage and art. We will then pivot to the design history including the life of Christian Gobrecht and his rivalries in the mint. Finally, an overview of the series including rarities, oddities and collecting strategies.

American Slavery & the Liberty Cap

Instructor: Jeff Pritchard

The Liberty Cap has been an enduring image on U.S. coinage since the 1790s and appears on some of our most popularly collected US coins. Originally the symbol of manumission (slaveholders freeing slaves) this presentation examines three historical numismatic vignettes in which the intersection of the Liberty Cap with American slavery is poignant, thought provoking, and at times tragically ironic.

Exploring the Panic of 1893

Instructor: Bob Bair

This talk examines the Panic of 1893 and its impact on today’s US coin collector.

Roosevelt Dive

Instructor: Jenise Borraso

Did you know that Roosevelt was a staunch supporter of the March of Dimes? Did you know that the March of Dimes raised money to find a cure for polio…and that President Roosevelt was diagnosed with polio at 39 years of age? If not or you’d like to learn more about the historical beginnings and design of the Roosevelt Dime , then tune in……there’s more than meets the eye with this seemingly plain current circulating coin.

The History of the Jefferson Nickel

Instructor: Jenise Borraso

Explore the History and Design changes of the Jefferson Nickel….from its inception in 1938 to the wartime years ranging from 1942-1946. Learn about the 2004 special reverse designs, the recrafted 2005 Obverse profile and the current changes to the 2006 obverse and reverse. Let’s travel this historical journey together learning about what makes this current circulating coin so special.

Sample Slabs

Instructor: David Schwager

Want a free sample? Grading services give away examples of their work at major shows to promote their products, reward customers, recognize achievements, and more. In the last 10 years, sample slabs moved from a nearly unknown specialty to the edge of the numismatic mainstream. If you have any interest in sample or grading services, or want to learn to cherrypick samples hiding in plain sight this presentation is for you.