Numismatists from NGC and PMG will present classes at the ANA Summer Seminar

Summer Seminar features a lineup of classes to suit virtually every collector’s hobby needs. Whether your interest is ancients, paper money, Colonial Americana, Lincoln cents, shipwreck coins, commemoratives, or medals and tokens, there’s a class or mini-seminar for you. Want to start or grow a business, or learn something about security? There’s a class for you. Students can learn to grade coins and detect counterfeits and, most important, hobnob with the hobby’s most distinguished scholars and successful business leaders.

Classes are held in small groups so everyone can actively participate. You’ll learn not only from instructors who are recognized leaders in their fields, but from the collective experiences of fellow students, who range in age from 13 to 90. And rarely do students or instructors attend just one Summer Seminar. They come back time and time again for the education, friendships and camaraderie.

To learn more about summer seminar, visit the information page on the ANA's Web site, or download the full course catalog [PDF].

The following courses are instructed by professional numismatists from NGC and PMG:

Session 1

Intermediate Grading of United States Coins

This mid-level course is intended to sharpen grading skills through continuous, hands-on group and individual exercises, with instructor feedback on each coin. Students identify their strengths and weaknesses as they apply grading methods used by industry experts. This course enables students to gain a better understanding of current grading-service philosophies and how they evolved in the marketplace.

Course #11. 5-day class: Sunday, June 26, 1-4 PM; Monday-Thursday, June 27-30, 9 AM-4 PM
Instructors include John Schuch, II, NGC Grader

Detection of Counterfeit and Altered Coins

Learn the often subtle differences among genuine, counterfeit and altered coins, and then apply your newly acquired skills using the ANA’s counterfeit detection set of over 400 coins, ranging from half cents to gold and including world, ancient and colonial coins. Students will handle "raw" genuine and counterfeit coins under direct supervision of instructors. Topics include counterfeit coin production and methodology, types of counterfeit dies and castings, date and mintmark alterations, specific-gravity testing and use of optical microscopes. Funded by a generous gift from Florida United Numismatists.

Course #12. 5-day class: Sunday, June 26, 1-4 PM; Monday-Thursday, June 27-30, 9 AM-4 PM
Instructor Brian Silliman, NGC Grader

Collecting United States Type Coins

This interactive overview explains how to collect US coins by regularly issued types, from half cents through double eagles. Explore the rarity of each design and denomination in relation to grade, as well as the technical aspects of strike and planchet quality and the aesthetics of toning. Students are encouraged to bring their own coins for evaluation and study. View PDF

Course #15. 5-day class: Sunday, June 26, 1-4 PM; Monday-Thursday, June 27-30, 9 AM-4 PM
Instructors include David W. Lange, NGC Research Director

Session 2

Grading US Paper Money

This hands-on seminar focuses on introductory and intermedate grading skills across a number of popular paper money areas. There will also be an opportunity for group discussion and one-on-one instruction. Students are encouraged to bring up to 10 of their own notes for grading, as well as a magnifying loupe. View PDF

Course #23. 2-day class: Monday-Tuesday, July 4-5, 9 AM-4 PM
Instructor Bruce Thornton, PMG Finalizer

Advanced United States Coin Grading and Problem Coins

This course concentrates on the nuances of high-grade, mint-state and proof coins. Students learn how to distinguish original surfaces from mint-state and circulated coins that have been cleaned or altered, and to identify minute imperfections and color variances that can affect a coin’s grade. Students will learn the methods used by experts, as well as their own strengths and weaknesses. Prerequisite: Successful completion of "Intermediate Grading of United States Coins," or permission from the instructor, is required. Prospective students must complete a questionnaire before enrollment is confirmed. Each grading class is limited to 21 students.

Course #35. 5-day class: Sunday, July 3, 1-4 PM; Monday-Thursday, July 4-7, 9 AM-4 PM
Instructors include Jim Young, NGC grader