The American Numismatic Society and the American Numismatic Association offer reliable information on coin collecting. They have books and software available for sale as well as an extensive library for members. These organizations can help direct the collector to reputable dealers and coin graders. They sponsor exhibitions and seminars on topics of interest to collectors.
Dr. George F. Heath formed the ANA in 1891. His aim was to inform people about money and the history behind it. In fact he taught himself a good deal about American and world history by studying his own coin collection, and was determined to share his passion with the rest of the world. Congress gave the American Numismatic Assoc a Federal Charter in 1912 for its efforts in numismatic education. The organization’s mission, according to their website, is as follows: “The American Numismatic Association is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to educating and encouraging people to study and collect money and related items. With nearly 33,000 members, the Association serves the academic community, collectors and the general public with an interest in numismatics. The ANA helps all people discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of programs including its education and outreach, museum, library, publications, conventions and seminars.” (www.money.org)
The ANA does require a membership fee, but it includes quite a bit, like the Numismatist journal of money, access to the library, collection insurance, educational seminars, access to reputable online dealers and a special program for young coin collectors. For a small fee they will also determine the grade of a coin and provide certification. There are a number of different membership levels, including special rates for seniors 65 and older, juniors under the age of 23, as well as lifetime memberships and special club affiliations. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in coins and the study of the history of currency. The ANA hosts a number of events, like conventions and money shows that are an excellent way to learn more about coin collecting, find out about different types of money and purchase coins. The group sponsors the Worlds Fair of Money each summer, and the National Money Show every spring. The locations vary each year, and current location and show information is available on their website. They also sponsor the Las Vegas Coin, Stamp and Collectibles Show, part of the yearly Las Vegas Antiques Arms Show in the fall.
The United States Mint is, of course, a most reliable source for purchasing modern coins, proof sets and mint sets. The U.S. Mint website has an extensive coin image library where coins can be viewed on line. The mint also has archived information on commemorative coins and medals, as well as modern medals for sale.
The Professional Numismatists Guild is a non-profit organization dedicated to upholding the integrity of its member coin dealers thereby making coin collecting a safer hobby. They have a high code of ethics and a collector can feel at ease if his dealer is a member of the PNG.
Coin-collecting clubs are a wonderful resource for numismatists of every experience level. Beginners can learn in a friendly environment and the more experienced can share their glory stories to an interested audience. The sharing that occurs at the club meeting also helps collectors become aware of possible fraudulent activities that may be in their area or on the Internet.
The Internet is a good learning resource for coin collectors. There is a “Coin University” where there are no stupid questions. There are coin glossaries that will help the new collector learn the lingo. The pictures of coins on the Internet are generally much clearer than the photographs in a coin book. This helps assure proper grading and valuation of coins for sale. The Internet also affords chat rooms and bulletin boards that will be helpful in answering questions and locating specific coins.
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David Hall has been collecting coins for many years and his book is a list of the things he has learned.
