ANA eLearning Academy 2021 Courses

Enjoy live online courses and lectures from fellow collectors and professional numismatists. Webinars are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. Register now—space is limited! Explore the ANA's recorded webinars here!

The World of Elongated Coins

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.

A whole new numismatic collecting field was created and is growing even today. You can find elongated rolling machines at most tourist attractions (museums, zoos, theme parks, etc.) not only in the U.S. but in other countries around the world.

The presentation will show the growth and development of elongate collecting from 1893 to today, and provide collecting information.

Instructor: Richard Jozefiak

When: January 20, 2021 | 3-4:00 PM MST

The Story of Siege Money

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.

Instructor: Lawrence Korchnak

When: January 21, 2021 | 4-5:00 PM MST

Masonic Pennies 130 Years of Mystery, History and Beautiful Coins

When a Mason earned the Fourth Degree, Royal Arch Mason, they earned a penny. The history of the penny is shrouded in mystery. When a Mason became a Royal Arch Mason they put their Mark in the Chapter Book of Marks and put it on their penny. This ritual appears to have a developed-in America during the 1800s. The first mention of a R.A.M Penny was in Medals of the Masonic Fraternity by Marvin in 1880. Marvin listed a Penny similar to the current Chapter Penny issued by the Excelsior Mark Lodge no 216 in Philadelphia. Marvin also lists a stock Penny. The stock pennies were silver and had a Keystone on one side and blank on the other side. The earliest I have been able to find was from the Pentucket Chapter from Haverhill MA. in 1876. To date I have only seen 4 of these pennies – each uniquely engraved.

Sometime around 1890, the Chapters started having unique dies engraved. B.P. Wright, President of ANA and a Mason, issued a series of three booklets on Masonic Pennies 1901-1904. Many of the Masonic Pennies were works of engraving art. In the early days, the Chapters were very secretive and would not share information on their pennies. Many of the pennies were buried with the Masons. The Hanauer Collection of Masonic Pennies started in 1899 became the basis for the collection at the House of the Temple in Washington DC. E.A. King Cataloged this collection (about 8,000 pennies) in the late 1920s and issued the book Masonic Chapter Pennies. There are several pennies in the collection that are the only ones know. We have cataloged over 17,000 pennies with images on tokencatalog.com.

This presentation will go through the history of Masonic Pennies and examples of the different types of pennies. Many of the Pennies have interesting stories and some of them will be discussed. Much of this information is being presented for the first time.

Instructor: Tom Carson

When: January 27, 2021 | 6:30 PM MST

Parthia: The Forgotten Empire

Parthia was an Empire occupied the region of modern-day Iran and Iraq for over 400 years, yet is almost forgotten today. Learn more about this fascinating empire through its coinage.

Instructor: Doug Mudd

When: January 28, 2021 | 1-2:00 PM MST

The Production Technology of Ancient Coinage

For the production of ancient coinage, it was well-known that form follows function. In order to produce a legal coin, it was necessary to have the correct materials and strict controls for its standardized design and production. It is then that the legitimate authority (emperor, empire) approves the striking of a disk or lump of metal, of a certain purity and weight, to produce to official coin that can be used as legal tender. The authority certifies that the newly minted coin is the legal currency, at least within the area governed by that power.

Although the manufacture and production of ancient coinage involve simple tools, their fine quality, design, and extremely beautiful details speak otherwise.

This presentation will focus on various points:

-Metals that have been used for the production of ancient coinage;

-The tools necessary to produce coinage;

-The stages of coinage production;

-The manufacturing techniques, casting, and striking commenting on the benefits of each and on defects that can help in their study;

-The different features and characteristics between Ptolemaic and Roman coinage.

Instructor: Almoatz-bellah Elshahawi

When: February 5, 2021 | 3-4:00 PM MST

Let's Collect Half Cents

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.

Instructor: Bill Eckberg

When: February 8, 2021 | 3-4:00 PM MST

Lincoln: The Challenge

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?

Instructor: Doug Mudd

When: February 10, 2021 | 1-2:00 PM MST

The Second Great Mortality; AKA: The Black Death, 1333-53 & Some of its Coinage

Join Rod Frechette's undertaking of the Second Great Mortality. His revelation on how this dark chaotic period has anything to do with this past year is no longer a mystery. You will be buried with graveside humor on a tour of medieval Eurasia as he shovels up dozens of the 300+ coins of this mortifying period. 20th Century pop culture is interred with the science, religious superstition, history, geography, and personalities of this grim time.

Instructor: Rod Frechette

When: February 11, 2021 | 6:30-7:30 PM MST

Documenting Your Collection: Motives and Methods for Keeping Records of Your Collection

Keeping detailed and accurate records is an important component of any coin collector’s hobby experience. Whether your collection is large or small, focused or eclectic, this presentation will get you motivated to make order out of chaos or consider alternative ways to document your collection that will keep you engaged. Reasons for getting organized and multiple methods for documenting your collection will be presented, enabling attendees to pick and choose the motives and systems that are right for them. Incorporating photos, choosing the right backup system, and tips for staying motivated to maintain those records once you get started will also be presented for your consideration.

Instructor: Tim Ferreira

When: February 12, 2021 | 11-12:00 PM MST

Dutch Sieges of the 16th and 17th Centuries

The most prolific era of siege coin production was during the struggle for Dutch independence. The Eighty Years' War was a large-scale insurrection with political roots, economic implications, and deep religious fervor. The story of the events during this period in history can be told by the coins that were created by necessity under the strain of war.

Instructor: Lawrence Korchank

When: February 16, 2021 | 4-6:00 PM MST

The Short Snorter Project – Still Keeping the Memories Alive – Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the End of WWII

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.

Instructor: Tom Sparks

When: February 19, 2021 | 3-5:00 PM MST

Cast Bronze Money from the Roman Republic and Central Italy

Rome was founded in 753 BC and started producing coins in about 300 BC. Cast bronze in several forms was used for money in Republican Rome and Central Italy before coins were struck from gold, silver, or bronze. This talk will cover some reasons for the use of money. Cast bronze in several forms will be shown: irregularly formed as rude, cast bars and other shapes, and finally cast bronze coins. Some of the important books on the subject will be discussed and shown.

Instructor: Gene McPherson

When: February 22, 2021 | 11-12:00 PM MST

More on Paper and Money Counterfeits and the History of Official Counterfeiting

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 on the ANA's website at https://info.money.org/elearning-recorded-webinars. Look for "Introduction to Paper Money Production and Counterfeit Detection."

Instructor: Joseph E. Boling

When: February 23, 2021 | 6-8:00 PM MST

The Charonian Coin: A Toll to the Afterworld

A study on the tradition of coins used in the ancient world related to death experience.

This presentation is exploring the relevant customs in the different locations and eras of the ancient world. Cases of archaeological findings are presented, supported by rich photographic evidence.

Instructor: George Anastasopoulos

When: February 25, 2021 | 2-3:00 PM MST

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

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.

Instructor: Del Mineard Jr.

When: March 1, 2021 | 1-2:00 PM MST

Saint Gaudens Double Eagle Die Varieties Revisited

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.

Instructor: Ross Johnson

When: March 16, 2021 | 1-2:00 PM MST

A Beginner Type Set of Mexican Coins

Coins have been made in Mexico since 1535, not long after the Spanish Empire invasion and conquest of this Aztec native American region. The Mexico City mint, producing coins since 1537, was the first in the New World. Coin production continued there until 1983, when production was transferred to San Luis Potosi. The original purpose of this mint was to convert the abundant locally mined silver and gold ore into coins and ingots that were easily inventoried for export and ready to use after they were transported to the Old World. In addition, bronze coins were made to support the local economy.

The talk will give an overview of the thirty or so coins that make a good basic type set of affordable Mexican coins produced over the last five centuries. Also discussed are the reference texts that a collector of this material may want to acquire. A PowerPoint presentation will be complemented by an opportunity to review the coins. Literally, "history in your hands."

Instructor: Brett Irick

When: March 18, 2021 | 12-1:00 PM MST

Siege Notes: The Currency of War

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.

Instructor: Lawrence Korchnak

When: March 23, 2021 | 4:00 PM MST

Virtus & Victoria: Coins Relating to the Severan War Against the Tribes of Caledonia

This talk discusses coins relating to the war conducted from A.D. 208–11 by the Roman emperor Septimius Severus against the tribal inhabitants of Caledonia. The intent here is not to put forth a comprehensive history of this war. It is to examine coins which illustrate the concepts of virtus and victoria within the context of this war, and which were issued contemporaneously with it. The Latin word virtus connotes qualities of manly excellence such as courage, character, strength, and valor. Military success was invariably credited to the emperor’s virtus. Virtus was sometimes personified as an armed woman. Yet especially in this era, virtus is often embodied in depictions of the emperor himself dominating a foe. The Romans personified the concept of victoria, or victory, as the winged goddess Victoria. Martial imagery such as bound captives, battlefield trophies, and piles of captured arms are frequently shown alongside Victoria as part of the same design. They are sometimes also shown in combination with figures representing Severus, Caracalla, and Geta, who in 210 had earned the title of Britannicus Maximus, or “the great victor of Britain.”

Instructor: Michael Kodysz

When: March 24, 2021 | 12:00 PM MST

Women on World Currency

A historical overview of the women pictured and their accomplishments/exploits which merited them the honor of being featured on the currency. Roughly 50 are highlighted.

Instructor: Walt Ostromeki

When: March 25, 2021 | 10:00 AM MST

The Joys of Collecting Morgan Silver Dollars

Presenting information about the Morgan Silver Dollar series. We will review information about the designer of the coin, some other history about the coin, the different mints that produced the coin, the hiatus from 1904 to 1921, and conclude with information about the GSA release of primarily CC dollars in the early 1970s.

Instructor: George Bazarko

When: March 26, 2021 | 2:00 PM MST

Grading 101

Explore the philosophy behind learning how to grade. Review the characteristics of the four basic metals used in minting coins in the United States. Instruction will consist of a lecture, a PowerPoint presentation, and question and answer periods. ANA grading standards will be stressed. Gain the confidence needed to accurately assess potential coins for your collection.

Instructor: Rod Gillis Education Director, American Numismatic Association

When: March 30, 2021 | 2:00 PM MST

Damaged Goods

"A cleaned coin is a ruined coin" is the mantra that nearly every numismatist lives by. Indeed, you probably avoid coins that have been holed, bent, or used in ways they really weren't supposed to have been. Here, I will show you a selection of such coins -- and make the case that they are a genuinely important part of numismatics.

Instructor: Vic Agha

When: April 2, 2021 | 1:00 PM MST

Understanding Die States on 1794 US Large Cents

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.

Instructor: Chuck Heck

When: April 5, 2021 | 10:00 AM MST

Standardization and Quality Control of Ancient Athenian Coinage

A study on the coinage standardization, quality control, and identification of fakes in ancient Athens.
The presentation is exploring the Athenian Law on Silver Coinage and the material testing methodologies used at that time. Ancient inscriptions are presented supported by photographic evidence.