Epistemology is a branch of Philosophy that is concerned with how people acquire knowledge and go about learning an academic discipline. Every field of study has an articulated framework to conduct research, but to date I have seen no model of Numismatic research strategies presented. I am proposing the A.H.E.M. model of to fulfill this void and to formalize what we all already do to some degree or another when we research our coins. Many of you employ some or all of its elements in the research you do for your blogs. 

An important but seemingly mostly overlooked feature on no less than 26 U.S. coins in various silver, gold and copper compositions is the Phrygian cap. While we ardently collect these coins, I have never seen this aspect of history discussed in the context of its importance to our history and our coinage. 

Hi! My name is Michael Tancyus (Mike). I am new to ANA and wanted to introduce myself. I am a Clinical Social Worker and have been collecting coins since I was about 8 years old. I got my start when I visited the Welland Canal locks to see the ships going through the locks. A woman on a ship was tossing foreign coins to the kids who were watching and fortunately, she had quite a few to throw and this got my collection started. I was also interested in Indian Head pennies and bought one at a flea market. I still have all those coins. In my younger years coin collecting was not a serious hobby and I would save random coins here and there. I always have been drawn to Buffalo nickels, Jefferson nickels, Mercury dimes, and Ben Franklin half dollars. Over the last 10 years or so I have become a much more serious collector and have completed collections of Flying Eagle Cents, Mercury dimes, Peace Dollars and many of the more modern coin series since the 1970's.. I was fortunate to inherit a fine collection of European coins dating from the 1800's forward and  I continue to add to my collection of foreign coins as well. Recently I have begun the ANA diploma program and am looking forward to gaining knowledge and improving my grading skills through this program, as well as become better prepared to specialize in several series of coins, especially the Flying Eagle cent.As I get closer to retirement, my hope is to continue to grow my own personal collection as well as to see coins at coin shows at some future date. I look forward to becoming acquainted with some of you as I become more active in ANA and am glad to join a body of experienced numismatists who can assist me with improving my skills and the quality of my collection!