Are there many careers in numismatics?

This may have been true in the 1950's and 1960's but now there are plenty of places to learn one-on-one, and the Internet. I was self taught until the 1970's. Anyone under forty has it easy!

1) Private seminars
2) Group seminars
3) Instruction from coin dealer during slow time
4) Books, tapes, etc.
5) Coin club
6) Professional mentor

 

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Speaking of writing... I have some other work to do tonight, but this has been bugging me... ONewb seems to be wanting a job in numismatics. The replies bought into that. "No one will hire you unless... If you want to get hired you need to... Working for a dealer..." Sure. But other replies did suggest that you could work for yourself. If you want a career in numismatics, take the first step.


See my review of Eric P. Newman: Truthseeker here on CT. True, he was born well, but he bought his first coins from his 5-cent allowance (and the street car was 3 cents). When he got really serious and bought from the Col. Green Collection, he had a dealer provide the money. Of course, they had a relationship before that moment, but the point is that if you want to start buying and selling coins, just start. If you want to write articles, publish books, or take pictures, just start.

Numismatics is the greatest unregulated money market in the world, and one of the greatest unregulated markets period. In the past, I have tied my interest in astronomy and aviation to it. Working in a science museum demonstrating chemistry experiments, I passed around some banknotes with Galileo, Einstein, and Copernicus. "Each one cost less than the admission to this museum."

Numismatics - and your career in it - is whatever you want it to be.

 

Yes, I mentioned the ANA Summer Seminars and their Master's Program above. But, they also take their seminars on the road. The Michigan State Numismatic Society has hosted their training in grading and also in counterfeit detection.

 

Here is another idea. I went to my first ANA as a small time collector in my twenties. I had about $50 to spend. At the show, I saw several YN's often in groups of two's waving wads of $100 bills around and holding several coins in 2X2's. I finally asked two of them what was going on. They were taking coins from a dealer and selling them on the floor while keeping any money over an agreed sale price for themselves. When I returned to the show the next day (out of money), one had purchased a Seated Dollar for his collection. Those two YN's let me join their party and after two more days I had some nice coins too! I think this may still be going on today at shows.

 

Only happens in wet dreams now........

 

Kids flashing hundreds in 1960s money... Sure beats a Leave it to Beaver paper route!

 

Nope, but I know which one you're talking about.

 

It was 70's money at the ANA in DC. I swear it was really true. I did it for a short time after that until I got my start as a "professional" - choke, choke numismatist and had to act the part.

That's when I got my black eye patch, parrot, and cutlass. Now, I'll pick your eye out mate and dance a jig on your chest with my wooden leg.

 

Now me I'm slowly making the route from collector to dealer I have no intentions of quitting my real work anytime soon but going to shows as a dealer has been very educational. I've learned a lot more about surfaces. What will grade and what won't. What sells and doesn't doctored coins and more. A thought for an education is to go to a few coin shows as a helper to an established dealer. You'll see a lot behind the scenes that you won't as a customer

 

An as to writing and researching that's not my thing actually. I love the action of buying and selling. And being able to grade on the fly. I love to read. But I'm no writer

 

I don't believe that for a minute. You sure do a lot of posting. Why not take up my challenge to @SuperDave and also write an opinion piece to NN or CW?

Let us know so we can watch for it.

 

Take this statement to the bank!

Furthermore, after a one week seminar, our instructor said that the best student he ever had was a 15 year old girl who came into the class with no preconceptions or formal training (she knew what an obverse and reverse were and where to find a mintmark) - applied what she was taught - and scored 100% on the final Q/A test (fairly common)and 100% on the actual coin grading coins section (never equaled at that time).

Almost all a competent grader needs to do now in order to become a successful dealer (besides good business practices) of certified coins (authenticity) is to learn how they are priced in the current market, keep up with trends, and learn about grade rarity.

 

He's back! That ceremony of sacrificing two goats and 4 gold buffalos worked it's magic

 

I know a couple of people that worked at Heritage for a summer. Good way to not only learn about the business, but a chance to see some high-powered stuff. Interning at a local coin shop these days is a good lesson in grading, marketing, buying, selling, inventory management, ebay, social media, and dealing with people. But many coin dealers are reluctant to accept interns/apprentices, even when free.
For a young person interested in looking at numismatics as a career, I'd suggest attending local shops and shows so that you can get to know several different people within the trade. Keep in contact with everyone you know and keep your ears open for any opportunity. ASK local dealers if they'd consider hiring you and what qualifications they'd require. The ANA summer courses are great and would be a huge plus in my mind when considering a new employee. Also, be willing to undergo a serious background check. Honesty and reputation are more important even than coin knowledge.