Numismatic Photography: Digital Equipment & Techniques
This course explores basic and intermediate photography techniques, using a proper macro-capable digital camera, I-pad, or cellphone. Learn how to choose and use accessories that will help achieve professional numismatic photographs for documenting items in your collection and/or for online use. Understanding the features/functions typically found on digital cameras, cellphones and I-pads, lighting techniques, copy stand selection, proper camera set-up, and proper lens choice. By the end of this course, you will have developed the ability to understand your camera and use the fundamentals to improve your confidence in taking pictures.
Instructors: Clark Fogg, Senior Forensic Specialist (ret.) Beverly Hills Police Department and professional numismatic photographer. ANA Summer Seminar Instructor: Introduction to Numismatic Photography; and David Heinrich, coin photographer, and editor of several local and regional numismatic publications. ANA Summer Seminar Instructor: Introduction to Numismatic Photography.
Originally presented October 22, 2020
U.S. Error Coins
In this presentation, we will discuss the minting process. We will look at various US error coins from my own collection, and we will learn how these error coins were produced.
Instructor: Dany Rothfeld
Originally presented October 27, 2020
Coin Collecting Basics
This informal class will help you decide what to collect and how to store your collection. Subjects such as grading and the variables that determine value are discussed. Learning how to enjoy the hobby to its fullest is explored.
Instructor: Rod Gillis Education Director, American Numismatic Association
Originally presented November 11, 2020
Young Collectors Corner
This course explores the wonderful world of coin collecting at its most basic levels, to help young collectors learn more about the hobby of numismatics. Areas covered include:
► What is money?
► Coin identification, including the parts of a coin and banknotes.
► How coins and bank notes are made.
► Requirements necessary for Scouts to earn their Coin Collecting Merit Badge of Fun With Money Patch.
► Various ANA programs available to Young Numismatists.
Instructor: Sam Gelberd Numismatic Educator, American Numismatic Association
Originally presented November 14, 2020
Auction World 101: An Inside Perspective
There are many segments every auction house must put together to produce a successful event. These range from obtaining the consignments, cataloging, marketing, and conducting the auction live, online, or live interactively. A thorough discussion of each moving part from start to finish will take place. Participants will come away with the knowledge that will help them improve, upgrade, or disperse a collection through the auction method. This class will present an overview of how to buy, sell, and participate in auctions by understanding how auction companies approach sales.
Instructor: Ailie Byers, CFO, Centennial Auctions
Originally presented December 7, 2020
You Can Research & Publish a Numismatic Book; Tom & I Did
This presentation will cover what decisions need to be made and how we chose to implement them for two very different numismatic publications. The first publication included all numismatic collectibles for Chattanooga Tennessee. Tom and I had extensive collections of this material. However, we needed to research and extend our knowledge beyond what we collected to cover all material in our scope. We decided to publish the information in a CD Adobe Acrobat (pdf format).
The second publication included all obsolete paper money from the state of Tennessee. We had some knowledge of Tennessee scrip. There was very little published information on Tennessee scrip. Therefore, we spent over 12 years researching scrip images and information. We agreed to publish a book using Adobe InDesign.
We created a website for both publications during the period when we were researching that was open to dealers and collectors to follow as we found new images and information. All information and images were credited on the website. The website was closed when we began selling the publications.
Instructor: Dennis Schafluetzel and Tom Carson
Originally presented December 10, 2020
A Numismatic Journey through Egyptian Islamic History
This presentation is an overview of Egyptian Islamic history based on a journey through gold Islamic coins minted in Egypt. The journey begins in 170 AH (786 CE) and ends at the fall of the Ottoman Empire and their rule of Egypt during World War I in 1335 AH (1916 CE). This represents approximately 1,200 years of the most interesting times for Egypt and the Mediterranean basin. We will look at gold coins and relate them to the socio-economic events occurring in Egypt and the Mediterranean during that period.
Instructor: Gamal Amer, Ph.D.
Originally presented January 11, 20201
Detection of Counterfeit Slabs
How is a PCGS slab composed? How is an NGC slab composed? What does a counterfeit slab look like? Where would I find these fakes? All this and more in Detection of Counterfeit Slabs with Isaiah Hageman.
Instructor: Isaiah Hageman
Originally presented January 13, 2021
Euro Coins – Cutting-Edge, Continuous, Cultural Contributors
This talk focuses on the imagery of the current Euro coins. Even though all its banknotes have the same design across the Euro-zone; the coins have one nation-specific side. Their designs offer a sneak-peek into European diversity. And even though the coins are lower in economic value; they are higher in value for their contribution towards identity, history, heritage & culture. In recent times money is metamorphosing into an e-avatar, but banknotes and coins (especially in the Eurozone) are still very prevalent. The lowest denomination of the banknotes is 5 euros; coins are still needed for your daily shot of caffeine!
Instructor: Rukmini Dahanukar
Originally presented January 15, 2021
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
Originally presented January 20, 2021
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
Originally presented January 21, 2021
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
Originally presented January 27, 2021
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
Originally presented January 28, 2021
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
Originally Presented February 5, 2021
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
Originally Presented February 8, 2021
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
Originally presented February 10, 2021.
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
Originally presented February 11, 2021
Please check back for recording.
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.
Originally presented February 16, 2021
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
Originally presented February 19, 2021
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
Originally presented February 22, 2021
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 here. Look for "Introduction to Paper Money Production and Counterfeit Detection."
Instructor: Joseph E. Boling
Originally presented February 23, 2021
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
Originally presented February 25, 2021
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.
Originally presented March 1, 2021
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
Originally presented March 16, 2021
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
Originally presented March 23, 2021
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
Originally presented March 24, 2021
Pricing Rare Coins In Today's World
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.
Instructor: Jeff Garrett
Originally presented March 29, 2021
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
Originally presented March 30, 2021
Beauty and the Banknote — The Feminine Touch
From nuns to queens; artists to scientists; writers to social and political reformers; philanthropists to national heroes and more, women have played a vital role in shaping world history. As a result, many have been honored by their respective countries with their portraits on currency.
Come discover and learn about their exploits and contributions to history which lead to them being featured on paper money during International Women's Month in March.
Instructor: Walt Ostromecki
Originally presented March 31, 2021
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
Originally presented April 2, 2021
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
Originally presented April 5, 2021
The State Coinages of the Confederation Era 1785-1788
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.
Instructor: Ray Williams
Originally presented April 8, 2021
A Brief Overview of Hobo Nickels
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?"
Instructor: Abigail Zechman
Originally presented April 9, 2021
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.
Instructor: George Anastasopoulos
Originally presented April 13, 2021
Please check back for recording.
Coins of the 300: Numismatics of the Persian Wars
Inspired by the popular movie, 300, a fanciful retelling of the Battle of Thermopylae during the Persian Wars, this talk focuses on the coins of the lands along the route of the Persian army at the beginning of the 5th century BC.
Instructor: Doug Mudd
Originally presented April 14, 2021
Please check back for recording.
