Hi all. The ANA has a program comprising of six courses, conducted through seminars, correspondence, or a combination of both. Has anyone here taken this certificate program (or know of someone who has)? If so, I would appreciate getting your feedback on it. (I know that correspondence courses can't compare to hands-on classrooms and real-life experiences, but they're often a good start.) Thanks all.
I can't recall if he's still teaching the ANA courses or not, but a forum member, @Insider , taught them for a long time so he may be able to offer some insight.
The Correspondence Courses are a GREAT start and will put you ahead of a lot of long time collectors. The ANA Library also has made copies of seminars that cover a wide range of topics including a more in-depth treatment of subjects in the correspondence course. The one on toning by Bob Campbell is a popular one.
Thanks. I see they have an option of taking individual courses separately, or six courses together for their certificate program. I think I'll go for it. Especially nowadays, it seems like a good way to spend time at home. Thanks for your input!
After collecting for 30+ years, I felt I had a good grip on coins, grading, counterfeits, grading Mint State Coins etc. WOW did I learn a few things. I took my time with the courses and did very well on them "finished with HONORS) (bragging) but it was worth the time it took and I did learn from the courses. I will tell you now the course is worth the time and money and you have your correspondence courses to fall back on. IF YOU ARE GOING TO TAKE THE FINAL CERTIFICATION TEST. You had better spend a great deal of time studying. IT IS A edited!!! Good Luck and I do believe you will enjoy it. Semper Fi
Additional: I am waiting for the right time, but I am going to go to one of the seminars they conduct at the larger coin shows.
Many thanks for your feedback! Appreciate it. May I ask where you took the final exam? The ANA mentioned that the exam can be given in a public library. I wonder how that works.
I don't know if they have updated it or not. I wrote the chapter about large cents in the first edition of it. I only got that assignment because one of the members of the ANA Board of Directors knew me and asked me to do it. If it's still based on the same reading assignments, then all means, take the course. It's like getting a PhD in numismatics.
Sounds interesting but my mind is shot. Memory is just not up to snuff any more. I was taking Spanish classes but had to drop them because I couldn't remember the vocabulary.
I'd love to take a class with the ANA. It seems that is one their last bastions of true connection with their "coin collector" membership types, like me.
I've always enjoyed your articles here. I hope your article is still in the curriculum. Based on the comments here - and who knows when this lockdown will end - I'll sign up.
They're having a promotion. Just $475 for about two years. Cheaper than Harvard, Yale, and Columbia! I'm going to sign up. If you are going to also, let me know.
But that doesn't mean your mind is shot. Maybe Spanish lessons are not for you. I bet if you're learning something interesting - something you REALLY like - you'll be very good at it.
I’ve been wanting to do this for a while now. Do to my work schedule I thought it might be impossible to dedicate the needed time to do it right. Let us know how it goes! Maybe I’ll jump in too.
According to the promotional literature, you can go at your own pace and take two years or more if needed. That's like taking only 4 or 5 credits PER semester in college! LOL.