ANA Summer Seminar

Last week I had the pleasure of spending several days in Colorado Springs for the ANA Summer Seminar. My plan was to attend the closing session of the first week and the opening session of the second week. By doing this I was able to meet with over 400 students, staff and instructors. The ANA Summer Seminar is one of the best programs the ANA conducts. It is numismatic education at its finest. Each year over half of those in attendance are repeat students. Many of the instructors, who include several NGC employees, have been teaching for decades. The ANA is very grateful to the individuals and companies who donate their time and talent to this amazing program. The Summer Seminar could not happen without them.

One of the most wonderful aspects of the Summer Seminar are the young numismatists who attend each year. This year over 50 YN students attended Summer Seminar. Most of these were able to attend because of full scholarships made available by the ANA and other numismatic organizations. Over 40 years ago I won a scholarship to attend the ANA Summer Seminar, and I can attest to the fact that the experience can change lives. Over the years many professional numismatists have gotten their start at Summer Seminar. Several are now instructors wishing to give back to something that was so meaningful to them. Young collectors are the future of the hobby and numismatic education is the best way to ensure continued interest. There are also scholarships available for adults of all ages.

The Summer Seminar is an opportunity for numismatic learning and also camaraderie. Many students live in the Colorado College dorms and spend time after class getting to know each other. There are also several optional tours to local attractions, evening lectures and other special events. Attending the Summer Seminar is also a great opportunity to visit the ANA headquarters, the Edward C. Rochette Money Museum and the Dwight N. Manley Numismatic Library. The library is the largest lending numismatic library in the country and is fantastic to visit in person. The museum features the Harry Bass collection of gold coins which is among the finest in the world.

Most classes for Summer Seminar are four days in duration and are intended as full numismatic immersion. The grading classes are the most popular and usually sell out well in advance. Grading classes are offered in three levels — beginner, intermediate and advanced. These classes are quite challenging, but offer one the best ways to learn the art of coin grading in a short amount of time. Many students take the classes every year trying to improve their skills. Several students have told me that the hands – on experience of learning to grade is invaluable. Dealers around the country loan the ANA hundreds of coins each year for the classes. The seminars give everyone a chance to examine coins they may never see in their local area. The instructors work closely with every student, making sure they are ready for the next level before moving on.

The counterfeit detection classes are also extremely popular. This subject has become even more relevant in recent years. Students have the opportunity to examine the large reference collection of the ANA. One of the best ways to learn about counterfeits is to examine genuine and fake coins side by side. This, with expert instruction, give students the best possible education on the subject. The counterfeit detection class is very popular with coin shop employees looking to sharpen their skills.

Summer Seminar has just concluded for this year, but it is never too early to plan for next year. Most of the classes fill up early and everyone is urged to register as soon as the course catalog is posted. This usually happens early in the year. I will be attending next year, and look forward to seeing you there!

2016 Course Offerings:

Grading United States Coins, Part 1
Grading United States Coins, Part 2
Grading United States Coins, Part 3
Detection of Counterfeit and Altered Coins
Detection of Counterfeit World Paper Money
Security for Dealers and Collectors
Numismatic Publishing
Coins of the Roman Republic
Coins of Colonial America
Introduction to Numismatic Digital Photography
Ducats to Dollars
Numismatics for the Museum Professional
Coins of Mexico
Collecting United States Type Coins
Intaglio Engraving
The Art of Engraving
Collecting Morgan Silver Dollars
An Introduction to Byzantine Coins
Introduction to Medals and Medal Collecting
Early American Copper Coinage
Liberty Seated Coinage
Creating a Winning Numismatic Exhibit
The Modern Minting Process
Creating the Modern Hobo Nickel
World War II Numismatics
National Bank Notes

Questions about the rare coin market? Send them to wmr@ngccoin.com.

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