Are any of you familiar with this seminar? Would the week class on Ancient Coins be above my head as a beginner, or is this a good place to start before I begin building my collection?
I can't say since I've never been to one. Probably wouldn't bad for a beginner, but only guessing. You can pick up allot hanging around message boards like this one too.
Contact the instructor. I get questions on my class all the time. . My guess is some things will be above your head, some won't and you will love the class and people you meet.
Silver king, I am registered for the Collecting Ancient Coins course in Week 1. I know very little about ancient coins (which is why I signed up for the course) so if you take the course there will be at least two of us that are not old pros with ancient coins. And to answer your question, no, I do not think the course would be above your head. If you decide to attend Summer Seminar let us know on my 2012 Summer Seminar thread - http://www.cointalk.com/t197704/ .
If you're a dead beginner it might get a little confusing, but if you know some stuff about ancient's it would be a good experience.
On a side not when you register are you suppose to get anything in the mail or a confirmation email are they get your sheet?
Not normally. But you will get the info packet. Don't panic but if you haven't gotten anything by the end of April you should contact Susan McMillan.
I am not a coin collector, but I did take the course two years ago. (It wasn't offered last year.) I might take it again this year, too. The numismatic knowledge of the students ranges from absolute beginners with no background in Ancients to one or two sharp students who are doing graduate work in the classics. Don't worry, however, since there were several YNers in the class with no knowledge of Ancient history and very little experience with Ancient numismatics. Except for a brief self-introduction in the beginning ("Why did you take this course and what do you hope to get out of it?"), you don't have to say anything. David vagi, one of the directors of the course, is very patient with everyone. It is a very laid back course. You really don't need to know anything about Ancient history to enjoy the course. I think knowing about Ancient history enriches the experience, however. I recommend it highly. Let me know if you want resources to help prepare for the course. Remember. however, you don't need any background knowledge to enjoy the course. This year's course seems especially geared for beginners. guy
