I visited the Whitman Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention website to verify the dates—I will go on Friday—so that I can let those I work with know my plans. On their front page, there is an announcement that the American Numismatic Association’s School of Numismatics will be offering Understanding Die Varieties and Coin Collecting 101 at the Baltimore show. Both classes will be held at the Baltimore Convention Center on Saturday, November 17 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Tuition for both classes is $145 for ANA members or $165 for non-members.
Description of the courses from the ANA website:
Understanding Die Varieties
Designed for the novice or expert, this course focuses on the four major divisions of die varieties for 20th century U.S. coinage: design changes, mintmark styles, doubled dies and repunched mintmarks. Presentations in each area will include an explanation of the origin, major identifying features, cataloging systems and rarities for the “cherrypicker.” Walk away with new knowledge and a fresh enthusiasm for collecting die varieties!
Instructor: James Wiles, author of The Modern Minting Process and U.S. Minting Errors and Varieties: An ANA Correspondence Course.
Coin Collecting 101
Start collecting on the right foot with this expanded version of Coin Collecting Basics! This discussion-based seminar will begin with an overview of the history and role of money in civilization, then move quickly into collector-oriented topics such as the methods of grading, consumer awareness and the differences between collecting and investing in numismatic items. Come prepared with questions!
Instructor: Rod Gillis, ANA numismatic educator
To enroll, call the ANA at 719-632-2646 or visit their website.