Grading is one of the key skills every coin collector strives to master. Some collectors are fortunate enough to be able to take advantage of the multi-day grading seminar offered by the American Numismatic Association (ANA). But for those who cannot attend the seminar, the ANA’s “Grading U.S. Coins Today” correspondence course is the next best thing.
Updated in 2017 and enhanced with visually impressive color images, the course provides valuable information on the methodology behind third-party grading and the differences between technical and market grading.
The course, which features the updated “Grading U.S. Coins Today” along with the 7th edition of “The Official Grading Standards for United States Coins,” is available to ANA members for $40.95. Non-members can order the course for $60.95, which includes both books and a digital membership to the ANA.
“The book closely replicates the live course taught by numismatic experts at our week-long annual Summer Seminar,” says Rod Gillis, ANA education director. “You’d be hard-pressed to find a better introductory guide anywhere.”
“Grading U.S. Coins Today” is one of six correspondence courses (five books) that comprise the ANA’s School of Numismatics Diploma Program. Other courses include:
- Introduction to Numismatics $35.95
- Detecting Counterfeit & Altered U.S. Coins (includes a DVD) $68.95
- The Modern Minting Process and U.S. Errors & Varieties $45.95
- Grading Mint-State U.S. Coins (includes a DVD) $48.95
All materials for the Diploma Program can be purchased separately or as a complete package for $455, which includes a registration fee of $100 plus a final exam fee of $200. The final exam consists of a 200-question, written test that can be administered by a proctor in any school, local library, at any ANA convention, or at the ANA in Colorado Springs. Students can opt to take correspondence courses, classroom courses or a combination of both to complete the program requirements. Courses can be completed in any order. Students have the option of being assigned a mentor while enrolled in the program.
To order “Grading U.S. Coins Today” or to obtain more information on the ANA’s Florence Schook School of Numismatics Diploma Program, call (719) 482-9829 or email education@money.org.
The American Numismatic Association is a congressionally chartered, nonprofit educational organization dedicated to encouraging the study and collection of coins and related items. The ANA helps its 25,000 members and the public discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of instructional and outreach programs, as well as its museum, library, publications and conventions. For more information, call 719-632-2646 or visit www.money.org.