Enjoy online courses and lectures from fellow collectors and professional numismatists. Click here to register for upcoming live classes. Webinars are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
Olympic Games; History & Numismatics
The numismatics of the Olympic Games from the ancient original games to the modern rebirth – focused on the coins and the medals issued to commemorate the excitement and hope inspired by the Olympic ideal.
Instructor: Doug Mudd
Originally presented September 22, 2021.
The Incredibly Diverse World of Confederate States Paper Money (Episode 2)
AA continuation of the last webinar, we will be covering types 18 through 46 along with some of the interesting quirks and hidden meanings each type has. The people, deities, and overall vignettes depicted on each type will be explained, just as with the last presentation, and we will also go over some obsolete banknotes that have the same vignettes on them as the Confederate currency does.
There will be a quick recap on the last presentation, but if you really want to prepare yourself for this webinar, it is suggested that you watch the first presentation, “The Incredibly Diverse World of Confederate States Paper Money,” presented on June 10, 2021.
Presenter: Caleb Audette
Originally presented September 23, 2021.
Commemorative Coins & What is Involved in Getting a Commemorative Coin Minted
The Mint has a long and somewhat distinguished history of producing commemorative coins. In this presentation you will learn the history behind commemorative coins and what is involved in getting a commemorative coin produced.
Instructor: Rod Gillis
Originally presented September 27, 2021.
Dumb Coins
Bet you didn’t know that there are both DUMB and SMART Coins. Yes, ‘DUMB’ is a legitimate numismatic term with two distinct meetings. The US Mint even today applies that term as well. Do you know how to tell the difference? Did the US Mint every issue a ‘DUMB’ coin(s)? How can a ‘DUMB COIN’ be made into a SMART COIN? There is one country which has been striking ‘DUMB’ coins for over 500 years. Is the SBA $1 coin a ‘DUMB’ coin?
If you want the answers to these questions and more, then come and learn about this fun and interesting specialized hobby collecting field. You’ll be able to participate in a short ‘DUMB COIN’ quiz at the end just for the fun of it!
Presenter: Walt Ostromecki
Originally presented September 28, 2021.
Big, Bold and Beautiful Royal Arch Mason (RAM) Pennies and the American Numismatic Association (ANA)
Masonry is an ancient and storied institution shrouded in mystery and secrets.
Starting around 1890, when a Mason achieved the rank of Fourth Degree, their Royal Arch Mason Chapter presented them with an earned “Mark Penny”. This Mark Penny usually detailed Chapter information and provided space for the individual to engrave their personal “Mark”. These pennies were highly cherished and often kept on the person as pocket pieces and buried with the owner. Many of these tokens started out as fairly drab affairs without much numismatic interest. Dr. B.P. Wright, the ANA’s fifth president (1902-1905), started a movement to incorporate more detailed visual imagery chapter symbology in the pennies.
This talk will feature several of the beautiful coins that Wright and ANA inspired. 99% of numismatists have never seen Big, Bold, Beautifully engraved Masonic Pennies.
Presenter: Tom Carson
Originally presented September 29, 2021.
Medieval European Coinage: Part 1 AD 476 – 800
This introduction to the coinage of the medieval world covers the period from the fall of the Western Roman Empire until the rise of the Carolingian Empire.
Presenter: Doug Mudd
Originally presenter October 18, 2021.
April 13, 1976: A Numismatic Bicentennial Kickoff Event Remembered
This presentation covers the history and release behind the designed 1976 $2 Bill issue and the resulting new numismatic collectible created that day thanks to the USPS…the postmarked $2 provided 13-cents postage was affixed. It was called by collectors the B$2FDC! Strict rules for the postmarking were set out, but were they always followed? What unique postmarked collectibles were ultimately created in the roughly estimated 10 million $2 bills postmarked nationwide?
The presentation will also feature numerous examples of postmarked notes in such areas as famous names of people, Washington; unusual city names Picabo, ID, plants Cucumber, WV; insects, Roach, Foreign country cancels; US ships, Air Force Bases, and a whole lot more. Come an enjoy the fun filled of the events of that day remembered.
Presenter: Walt Ostromecki
Originally presented October 19, 2021
Paper Money Made to Deceive Collectors
The notes to be shown are ones that are replicas intended to sell to collectors, not to circulate (made years after the originals). In a few cases they might have been created for legitimate reasons (movie props, tourist souvenirs) but now appear in dealer’s stocks as originals.
Presenter: Joe Boling
Originally presented October 20, 2021
Medieval European Coinage: Part 2 AD 800 – 1496
This introduction to the coinage of the medieval world covers the period from the rise of the Carolingian Empire until the beginnings of the modern era at the end of the 15th century. Part 1 will be held on October 18th and the recording will be on our website.
Presenter: Doug Mudd
Originally presented November 8, 2021.
Why a 3? The U.S. 3-Cent Coin That Is
Discover the intriguing history surrounding the issuance of the US Three Cent Coinage in both silver and and nickel from 1851-89. Was there more to the story than it was only issued to buy postage stamps in 1851? When did the concept or idea for an American 3-cent coin begin? Answer: As early as the California Gold Rush in late1848. What other coin denomination was also recommended along with the ‘THREE’ in 1848-9? Do you know what other non monetary use for the silver 3-cent piece blossomed during its lifetime? Why the 1851-O issue? Values and grading of both metal content issues as well as proof issues and mint error coins will also be briefly covered.
Presenter: Walt Ostromecki
Originally presented November 16, 2021.
Prince of Youth: Coinage Traces the Rise and Fall of Publius Septimius Geta
Discusses Severan-era Roman coinage illustrating the life of the Roman emperor Geta. This youngest son of Septimius Severus was propagandized on coins from childhood as destined to rule alongside his brother Caracalla. Coin types legitimizing Geta’s status as imperial heir include those featuring him as Princeps Iuventutis, meaning “prince of youth” or “first among the young.”
Other types shown are those that celebrate Geta’s harmonious relations with his family, his brother, and the military. Geta’s portrayal on coinage as co-Augustus with his brother Caracalla is examined, as well as portraiture that forms a visual chronicle of his physical development from boyhood to maturity. Coins showing evidence of erasure and defacement are included as well. On some coins, Geta’s image was physically mutilated, and these coins form numismatic evidence of the damnatio memoriae instituted by his brother Caracalla, who murdered him.
Presenter: Michael Kodysz
Originally presented November 23, 2021