Anti-Coin Doctoring Classes by the ANA

JohnButlerfromLV

The ANA should be participating in the Anti-Coin Doctoring Movement. When members of this forum sees an ANA Governor at Coin Shows you should stress to that person the importance of the ANA taking a leadership role in the education of all collectors on various techniques used in coin doctoring.


You could have various classes taught at the Major Coin shows and also at the ANA summer seminar.
You could offer a "Numismatic Masters Degree" in Anti-Doctoring Techniques.

Here's some potential classes.

1. Applied Substance Doctoring Techniques to Cover Minor Marks.
2. Metal repositioning Techniques to hide the appearance of major marks, wear or cabinet friction.
3. Metal re-engraving Techniques for Coin Designations covering Full Heads, Full Bands, Full Bell Lines and Full Steps.
4. Metal Lasering Techniques to improve the appearance of Proof Gold and Deep Mirror Proof Likes.
5. Heat & Chemical reaction Techniques For Major Appearance Overhaul of Coins.
6. Minor Color Enhancement Techniques for slight improvements that slip by the finalizers, graders, major retailers and the Posse.
7. Color Reduction Techniques to help improve the appearance of unattractive toning.
8. Spot Removal Techniques with separate classes for Copper, Nickel, Gold & Silver.

I am sure I am forgetting some other potential classes that could be taught by knowledgeable former grading service owners, graders, ex-coin doctors, advanced collectors and scientists.

Please feel free to expand the curriculum.

Some of the guest instructors could include the majority owners/former owners of PCGS, NGC and ICG.

John Butler
Sahara Coins
Ex-PCGS Grader

toothpuller

John,

Don't you think that some unscrupulous person might want to take those courses to learn how to become a coin doctor?

njcoincrank

John,

Thanks for the thread.

The ANA will be involve via their summer seminar class, Advanced grading and probmatic coins. We will teach how to decern fine line grading for high-end coins, and show many of the technics that the doctors use or have used in the past.

Perhaps you could call me, and we could discuss your potential involvement in both the summer seminar and coin consumer coalition.

Bill Shamhart

nwcs

There's always the possibility of abuse. That's human nature. However, education about some of the techniques and how to detect them has more advantages than disadvantages. I can't go to the summer seminars this year, but I might try next year. This would be a class I would be interested in going to.

MrEureka

This would be a helluva course! I think I'd have to sign up. I would, of course, bring some coins that need some help so you can demonstrate these techniques for us. All in the name of education, of course!

kieferscoins

Here is the info about the 2003 summer seminar. The Advanced Grading and Problem coin class is already full, but here is the short ANA description:

"Advanced U.S. Coin Grading and Problem Coins ***FULL***
This is the course you're been asking for! -- advanced grading skills with emphasis on detecting original surfaces. Learn the diagnostics Grading Services use when they return coins in "body bags." From the first day, students work in small groups (4-5 students and 1 instructor), grading coins individually, and with the group. Students view thousands of coins with and without problems. By the end of the week, students know their strengths and weaknesses, as well as the methods the experts use.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of ANAs Grading U.S. Coins.

Instructors: Bill Shamhart, professional numismatist and former grader, NGC; Jim Young, senior grader, NGC; Ryan Carroll, PCGS; Tim Hargis, senior grader ANACS; cameo appearance by Keith Love, senior grader ICG and others as enrollment demands: 1 instructor for every 4-5 students. "

Cameron Kiefer

JohnButlerfromLV

Yes, I am sure that some coin doctors would like to take the course. However, once a majority of the graders, finalizers, retailers and collectors have learned the proper identification techniques, it would be much harder to pass the doctored coin off for a good price.
John Butler
Sahara Coins
Ex-PCGS Grader