Summer Seminar Course Catalog
The ANA Summer Seminar is a premier numismatic education program offering in-depth courses for coin collectors, dealers, and researchers of all experience levels. Held each summer on the campus of Colorado College in Colorado Springs, the program features expert-led instruction in U.S. and world coins, paper money, grading, numismatic history, minting technology, and specialized topics through hands-on, small-group learning.
The 2026 ANA Summer Seminar includes two sessions—June 20–25 and June 27–July 2, with a wide selection of courses and evening mini-seminars available each week. Attendees may register for one session or both. Browse the course catalog below to explore offerings, schedules, and registration details.
Session One Class Descriptions
Session 1: June 20–25
All classes are held Sunday–Wednesday, June 21–24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Technical
1. Grading United States Coins, Pt. 1
Explore the history and philosophy of grading, and learn how to grade copper, nickel, silver, and gold U.S. coins according to the latest ANA and market standards. Instruction consists of slide presentations, hands-on opportunities to view and grade notable specimens in individual and group settings, and in-depth discussions about the intricacies of grading. Enrollment is limited to 20 students.
Instructors: Don Bonser; Jim Stoutjesdyk; Wade Spencer; Kyle Eppley
2. Grading United States Coins, Pt. 1
Explore the history and philosophy of grading, and learn how to grade copper, silver, and gold U.S. coins according to the latest ANA and market standards. Instruction consists of slide presentations, hands-on opportunities to view and grade notable specimens in individual and group settings, and in-depth discussions about the intricacies of grading. Enrollment is limited to 20 students.
Instructors: John Brush; Matt Trookman
3. Grading United States Coins, Pt. 2
Sharpen your grading skills through hands-on group and individual exercises, with instructor feedback on each coin. Gain a better understanding of current grading service philosophies and how they evolved in the marketplace. Copper, silver, and gold specimens are covered, with emphasis on About Uncirculated through Uncirculated examples. Enrollment is limited to 20 students.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of “Grading United States Coins, Pt. 1” or permission from the instructors.
Instructors: David J. McCarthy; Steven Feltner; Kevin Kaufman
4. Advanced United States Coin Grading & Problem Coins
Discover the nuances of high-grade, mint-state, and proof coins. Learn how to distinguish original surfaces from coins that have been cleaned or altered, and how to identify minute imperfections and color variances that can affect a coin’s grade. Enrollment is limited to 20 students.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of “Grading United States Coins, Pt. 1 and 2” or instructor permission.
Instructors: Don Ketterling; Jeff Garrett; Ken Park
5. Detection of Counterfeit World Paper Money
Learn how to identify counterfeit paper money, including notes intended for circulation and pieces produced specifically to defraud collectors. Topics include counterfeiting history, printing techniques, security devices, and altered notes, with hands-on examination using magnification and ultraviolet and infrared illumination.
Instructor: Joseph E. Boling
6. Applied Techniques in Numismatic Photography and Image Editing Essentials
This course covers both basic and advanced techniques for photographing numismatic material, managing digital collections, and preparing images for research, sales, and publication. Instruction includes lighting setups, image capture, file handling, and editing using Adobe Photoshop or Photoshop Elements.
Instructors: Clark Fogg; David Heinrich
7. A Study in the Grading of U.S. and World Coins
This hands-on course focuses on high-end U.S. type coins graded AU50–MS68, with emphasis on originality and quality within a grade. Students examine current grading trends and their impact on the marketplace.
Instructors: William Shamhart; Andrew Chipman
Specialized
8. Advanced Coin Dealing
Learn the fundamentals of operating and growing a coin business, including accounting, finance, marketing, inventory control, security, and ethical management. This course is suitable for new and experienced dealers and collectors.
Instructors: Rob Oberth; Kenny Duncan Jr.; Seth Chandler
9. Counterfeit Detection of United States Coins
This course focuses on detecting deceptive counterfeits and date and mintmark alterations, with special emphasis on modern Chinese counterfeits. Designed for collectors, dealers, and law enforcement professionals.
Instructors: Brian Silliman; Jim Robinson; Keith Moon
10. Major Errors and Varieties: Learning the Minting Process
Explore how coins are made and how errors and varieties occur. Students examine error coins hands-on, visit the Moonlight Mint, and strike their own medallions.
Instructors: John H. Miller Jr.; Greg Bennick
11. Collecting and Investing in Morgan Silver Dollars
A comprehensive overview of collecting and investing in Morgan silver dollars, including grading, varieties, pricing, supply and demand, and market strategy.
Instructors: John Baumgart; Chris Simpson; Ash Harrison
12. Alexander to Cleopatra: Coinage in the Hellenistic World
This course explores Greek coinage from Alexander the Great to Cleopatra, examining portraiture, symbolism, and the development of numismatics as a discipline.
Instructors: David S. Michaels; Lorie Ann Rodriguez
13. Early American Copper Coinage (Copper 1)
An introduction to Early American coppers, including circulation, grading, attribution, and detection of cleaning or alteration.
Instructors: Jim Carr; Kevin Vinton
14. The New Orleans Mint Coinage and its History
Study the history and coinage of the New Orleans Mint from 1835 to 1909, including varieties, grading, and hands-on attribution exercises.
Instructors: Craig Eberhart; Len Augsburger; John Frost
15. Numismatics for Museum and Library Professionals
Designed for museum, library, and archive professionals managing numismatic collections, with emphasis on identification, care, storage, and research.
Instructors: Douglas Mudd; Akio Lis
16. Making Money the Medieval Way
A hands-on workshop in medieval minting techniques, where students design dies and strike coins by hand.
Instructors: Carson Engle; Bart Saxton
17. Intaglio Engraving
A rare opportunity to explore traditional banknote engraving techniques and create an intaglio image in copper.
Instructor: Christopher Madden
18. Bank Notes Without Borders
Explore modern world paper money through art, history, security, and collecting practices, with hands-on examination and discussion.
Instructors: Benjamin Swagerty; Alen Cutler-Pomex
19. From the First Strike to Independence: Mexican Coinage of 1535–1821
Study Mexican cob coinage, mint attribution, and independence-era issues using guided materials and hands-on analysis.
Instructor: Ricardo de León Tallavas
20. Art of Engraving
A two-year scholarship-only course focused on medallic engraving, progressing from plaster relief to hand-cut steel dies.
Instructor: Laura Stocklin
Session One Mini-Seminars
Mini-seminars are introductory, hands-on courses usually conducted over one- or two-evening sessions. They allow Summer Seminar participants to study more than one area of interest or learn something new. Each student may take one mini-seminar in conjunction with their day course. Pre-registration is required.
A. How to Sell Coins on Whatnot, eBay Live, and Instagram ( $90 )
Sunday–Monday, June 21–22, 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Learning how to effectively use platforms like Whatnot, eBay Live, and Instagram has never been more important. Livestream shopping continues to reshape the way collectors buy and sell in the coin industry. In this seminar, the exact strategies, tools, and techniques are shared that have been used to grow one of the most successful live coin-selling operations in the country. This seminar dives into everything from setting up your livestream space and building an engaged audience, to mastering sales flow, pricing strategies, and customer service that keeps buyers coming back. The instructor will also be selling coins live on these platforms during the class to demonstrate how it is done. Whether you are a seasoned dealer or a collector looking to start selling, livestream sales can be intimidating. After this seminar, you will walk away with practical, real-world insights and an action plan for launching your own successful coin-selling livestreams.
Instructor: Seth Chandler, chief Wheat cent sorter at Witter Coin, ANA governor
B. MPC Boot Camp ( $90 )
Sunday and Monday, June 21–22, 6:30–9:30 p.m.
All Military Payment Certificate (MPC) enthusiasts are to report for duty! Mission includes basic to advanced study of MPCs. Deserters will be court-martialed!
Drill Sergeant: Carl “Fred” Schwan, author of The Comprehensive Catalog of Military Payment Certificates and co-author of World War II Remembered: History in Your Hands, A Numismatic Study
C. How to Make a Great Newsletter ( $70 )
Sunday, June 21, 6:30–9:30 p.m.
This course provides students with a toolset to develop an effective newsletter for their club. It discusses the motivators to determine effective reflections for newsletter challenges and competitive publications.
Instructor: Phil Vitale, past president of the Albuquerque Coin Club
D. Collecting the “Oddball” Denominations ( $70 )
Sunday, June 21, 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Two cents, silver three cents, nickel three cents, and 20 cents all represent a group of oddball denominations that are often overlooked. Collectors often select only a single example of each for a 19th century type set. However, these short-lived and often-neglected denominations have a wealth of rarities and varieties that make these series great. This mini-seminar provides a detailed overview of each of these series and includes a discussion of scarce and key dates, major varieties, errors, collecting strategies, grading, and value. Also included are hands-on examination of coins from these series (including key dates and a number of varieties), along with interactive discussions.
Instructor: John Frost, director of education for the Liberty Seated Collectors Club and president of the Barber Coin Collectors’ Society
E. U.S. Error Coins ( $70)
Monday, June 22, 6:30–9:30 p.m.
This mini-seminar provides a detailed overview of a fascinating area in collecting U.S. coins: Mint Errors. It will include hands-on examination of dozens of error coins (including many rare pieces) along with interactive discussions. Note: This seminar has a focus on older or obsolete series and does not feature common modern errors.
Instructor: John Frost, director of education for the Liberty Seated Collectors Club and president of the Barber Coin Collectors’ Society
Session Two Class Descriptions
Session 2: June 27–July 2
All classes are held Sunday–Wednesday, June 28–July 1, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Technical
21. Grading United States Coins, Pt. 1
Explore the history and philosophy of grading, and learn how to grade copper, silver, and gold U.S. coins according to the latest ANA and market standards. Instruction consists of slide presentations, hands-on opportunities to view and grade notable specimens in individual and group settings, and in-depth discussions about the intricacies of grading. Enrollment is limited to 20 students.
Instructors: Kyle Knapp, principal grader at PCGS; Owen Seymour, co-founder of Rarity7, former grader at PCGS
22. Grading United States Coins, Pt. 2
Sharpen your grading skills through hands-on group and individual exercises, with instructor feedback on each coin. Gain a better understanding of current grading-service philosophies and how they evolved in the marketplace. Copper, silver, and gold specimens are covered, with emphasis on About Uncirculated through Uncirculated examples. Enrollment is limited to 24 students.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of “Grading United States Coins, Pt. 1” or permission from the instructors.
Instructors: Tom Hallenbeck, ANA past president, owner of Hallenbeck Coin Gallery; Jerry Bobbe, former grader for Professional Coin Grading Service
23. Grading United States Coins, Pt. 2
Sharpen your grading skills through hands-on group and individual exercises, with instructor feedback on each coin. Gain a better understanding of current grading-service philosophies and how they evolved in the marketplace. Copper, silver, and gold specimens are covered, with emphasis on About Uncirculated through Uncirculated examples. Enrollment is limited to 20 students.
Instructors: Don Bonser, president of Don Bonser Numismatics, past grader for PCGS and ANACS, Ltd.; Wade Spencer, senior numismatist for Stack’s Bowers Galleries; Kyle Eppley of Don Bonser Numismatics
24. World Coin Grading
Take a tour of world numismatics with World Coin Grading. From novice to expert, this dynamic course offers a comprehensive overview of world coin grading. Explore the rich history of numismatics and the evolution of grading, and learn how major grading services have shaped the marketplace and how grading is practiced today. Topics include grading modern and vintage coins from around the globe, along with detection and identification of counterfeit and problem coins. Enrollment is limited to 20 students.
Instructors: Jay Turner, senior world coin grader for PCGS; Dylan Dominguez, associate world coin grader for PCGS
25. Advanced Paper Money Grading
Review the basics of paper money authentication and grading, including standards in current use and characteristics of each commercial grade level. Topics include printing technologies, substrate manufacturing, high-condition notes, distinguishing folds and bends from original paper wave, determining paper originality, and evaluating problem notes. Students examine examples in multiple grades and test their skills throughout the session.
Prerequisite: Prior attendance at a paper money grading seminar or five years of experience as a paper money grader.
Instructors: Jason Bradford, president and CEO of Legacy Currency Grading; Joseph E. Boling
26. Advanced United States Coin Grading & Problem Coins
Learn applied principles of coin grading with an in-depth focus on detecting problematic coins and grade-influencing enhancements. Hands-on instruction from experienced third-party graders provides real-world knowledge and techniques used by experts. Students learn how to identify doctored coins and avoid costly collecting mistakes.
Instructors: Keith Moon, co-founder of Numismatic Rarities Exchange (NREX) and former grader/finalizer for ANACS, NGC, and PCGS; Devin Hipp, president and co-founder of NREX
Specialized
27. Collecting Roman Imperial Coinage, Pt. 1: Imperatorial to Valerian I
Coins uniquely illustrate ancient Roman culture. Using resources from the Edward C. Rochette Money Museum and Dwight N. Manley Numismatic Library collections, students follow the development of Roman Imperial coinage from the Imperatorial period through Valerian I. Political figures, gods and goddesses, and major historical events come to life through these coins.
Instructors: Douglas Mudd; Kerry K. Wetterstrom
28. Advanced Topics in Early American Copper (Copper 2)
An extension of Early American Copper Coinage (Copper 1), this course focuses on advanced identification and understanding of early American coppers. Topics are student-driven, and participants are encouraged to bring coins for discussion.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of “Early American Copper Coinage (Copper 1)”
Instructor: Jim Carr
29. Collecting U.S. Type Coins
Review regular-issue U.S. coins that show deliberate differences in design from half cents through double eagles, covering 1793 to 1982. Instruction follows denomination-based modules aligned with the Red Book.
Instructors: John Barber; Mark Hammang
30. The History of Coin-Making Technology
A hands-on journey through the history of coin production, from ancient techniques to modern minting. Students examine tools, presses, and engraving equipment used over the last 2,600 years, with demonstrations using Gallery Mint materials.
Instructors: Joe Paonessa; Timothy Grat
31. Creating a Winning Numismatic Exhibit
Designed for collectors who enjoy research, writing, and presenting their collections, this course covers exhibit development, effective text writing, materials selection, and the judging process. Suitable for both first-time exhibitors and those refining existing displays.
Instructor: Lawrence Sekulich
32. Cowries to Coins: Africa’s Journey to Modern Money
Explore the currencies of more than 50 African nations from the 19th through 21st centuries. Hands-on study reveals how design, language, metal, and symbolism reflect political and economic evolution. Practical skills in identification, grading, and cataloging are emphasized.
Instructors: Benjamin Swagerty; Alan Cutler-Pomex
33. Meet Me at the Fair: Numismatics of Fairs and Expositions
This course examines major 19th- and 20th-century fairs and expositions, including the Centennial Exposition, Columbian Exposition, and St. Louis Exposition, along with international counterparts. Medals, coins, so-called dollars, and exonumia are studied alongside historical context and references.
Instructors: David Menchell; Jeff Shevlin
34. Classic Commemorative Coins
Review early commemorative silver and gold coins from 1892 to 1954, along with related medals. Topics include grading characteristics, varieties, and examination of coins across multiple grades.
Instructor: Carl Stang
35. Introduction to Ancient Coins
An accessible introduction to ancient coin collecting, covering identification techniques and historical significance from early Greek issues through the late Byzantine era.
Instructors: Payton Lindeman; Zachary Tate
36. World War II Numismatics
Study the vast array of military and emergency currency issued during World War II, including Military Payment Certificates, Allied currency, and Japanese invasion money. A case-study approach highlights diversity in design, purpose, and production.
Instructors: Fred Schwan; Joseph E. Boling
37. Collecting and Attributing Lettered-Edge Half Dollars
Focuses on U.S. coinage from 1794 to 1836 with emphasis on the Capped Bust half dollar. Topics include minting processes, Overton variety attribution, grading, and counterfeit detection, with hands-on examination.
Instructors: Bruce Breedlove; Eric Kibbey
Session Two Mini-Seminars
Mini-seminars are introductory, hands-on courses usually conducted over one- or two-evening sessions. They allow Summer Seminar participants to study more than one area of interest or learn something new. Each student may take one mini-seminar in conjunction with their day course. Pre-registration is required.
F. Counterstamps: Coins That Tell Their Own Story ($90)
Sunday–Monday, June 28–29, 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Counterstamped coins are a window into history. Before modern advertising, merchants relied on stamping their business names and locations directly into coins to promote their services. These markings allow today’s collectors to trace people, places, and stories from the past. This mini-seminar examines choice examples of United States counterstamped coins, explores who made them and why, and discusses rarity, identification, and the remarkable stories these coins tell.
Instructor: Greg Bennick, speaker and writer on counterstamps and major mint errors, board member of CONECA and TAMS
G. Coins of Mexican Independence, 1810–1821 ($90)
Sunday–Monday, June 28–29, 6:30–9:30 p.m.
This class reviews every mint operating outside of Mexico City during the Mexican War of Independence, along with their major varieties and historical context. Students examine stamps, counterstamps, and even contemporary forgeries—some of which circulated and were officially validated.
Instructor: Ricardo de León Tallavas
H. Carson City: The Mint, The Technology, The Coins ($90)
Sunday–Monday, June 28–29, 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Participants learn about the events and people behind the creation of the Carson City (CC) Mint. The course covers the rarities and varieties of CC coinage, including Seated Liberty issues, 20-cent pieces, Morgan and Trade dollars, and gold coins struck in $5, $10, and $20 denominations. Students also explore the technological challenges faced by the mint and receive collecting and grading guidance.
Instructor: David Jaeger, collector of Carson City coins
I. PCGS 40th Anniversary ($70)
Sunday, June 28, 6:30–9:30 p.m.
In 2026, Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) celebrates its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of innovation and influence in the numismatic world. This special, one-time-only seminar explores the origins of PCGS, the motivations behind its founding, and the ways its pioneering work has shaped modern coin grading and the marketplace.
Instructors: Jay Turner, senior world coin grader for PCGS; Dylan Dominguez, associate world coin grader for PCGS
J. Designing a Numismatic Research Topic for Publication or Presentation ($70)
Sunday, June 28, 6:30–9:30 p.m.
This course covers how to form a research topic and define scope based on an intended audience prior to publication or presentation. Participants learn how to identify useful sources and design effective research projects, with examples drawn from ANA presentation venues, publications, and educational programs.
Instructor: Akio Lis, ANA Library manager
K. Auction World 101: An Insider Perspective ($70)
Sunday, June 28, 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Explore how auction houses operate from start to finish, including consignment acquisition, cataloging, marketing, and live or online auction execution. This seminar provides practical insight into buying, selling, and participating in auctions by understanding how auction companies approach sales.
Instructor: Ailie Byers, CFO of Centennial Auctions
Registration
Registration for the 2026 ANA Summer Seminar opens in January. Two sessions are offered in 2026: Session One: June 20–25 and Session Two: June 27–July 2. Participants may attend one session or both.