Numismatic Diploma Program
The program provides American Numismatic Association members the opportunity to obtain a “Numismatic Scholar” certificate by completing a series of correspondence courses, hands-on seminars or a combination of the two.
Thank you for inquiring about our Numismatic Diploma Program. We are actively transitioning to a new platform. Registration is temporarily closed until March 16, 2026.
On March 16, you can register for any or all of the four courses available for the Numismatic Diploma Program (if you are an active ANA member).
Each course will cost $75. Completion of all four courses will result in a “Numismatic Scholar” certificate from the ANA.
*Please note: If you are currently registered for any of the NDP courses on Blackboard you should receive a separate email detailing other options. Please check your registered email address for more information.
Numismatic Diploma Program
The Numismatic Diploma Program provides individuals the opportunity to obtain a “Numismatic Scholar” certificate by completing a series of online courses. As each course is currently being updated, the first course and second courses are now available, with more courses coming about 6-8 months apart.
Students embark on an exciting and rewarding journey while acquiring knowledge and skills necessary to appreciate and enjoy the hobby with interactive activities, articles from The Numismatist, and exploration of museum resources.
This program is available to ANA members only. To become a member, please visit money.org/join.
*Please note that the ANA Numismatic Diploma Program is not accredited and does not make someone a professional numismatist, dealer, coin grader, appraiser, or anything similar. Please click here to expand this section for more important details.
This program can be completed from your desired location, but it is only available online to help provide an enjoyable, enhanced learning experience about the hobby of coin collecting. It does not “certify” anyone in any way as a dealer or professional coin grader, as no such certification exists. I just wanted to mention this, if gaining employment in the numismatic field was the primary reason for this interest in our program. As with many workplaces, much often depends upon your experience as well as established reputation and relationships within the industry, though having earned a Numismatic Scholar diploma certainly wouldn’t hurt one’s chances at finding a career in the related field. It is likely necessary to contact one or more of these firms directly if you are interested in pursuing such a career. The ANA does not guarantee or provide assistance with job placement in a related field. We are unable to provide any kind of financing or installment plans regarding payments; student loans and the G.I. Bill are also unavailable for use in our Numismatic Diploma Program.
Introduction to Numismatics
Course 1, Introduction to Numismatics, provides an exploration of coins and collecting to all lovers of things numismatic. This course focuses on the history of money, what gives coins value, ways to collect, how to purchase coins, storing your collection, estate planning, numismatic literature, and exhibiting.
Grading U.S. Coins
Course 2, Grading U.S. Coins, provides collectors of all levels with the skills needed to evaluate coins in their collections and assess potential purchases. A deeper understanding of the factors and current standards that determine a coin’s condition and grade enables independent study and appraisal of pieces, without relying solely on grades assigned by third-party services and others.
Detecting Counterfeit & Altered Coins
Whether you are new to the hobby or a more experienced numismatist, you will learn skills that will help you evaluate coins in your collection as well as potential purchases. If you better understand the factors and characteristics that determine a coin’s authenticity, you will be able to add to your collection with more confidence.
*Disclaimer: The course Detecting Counterfeit & Altered Coins is designed to give students a glimpse into the world of counterfeit and altered coins. It DOES NOT certify anyone in their ability to detect counterfeits. For more experience with detecting counterfeits and altered coins, consider taking a live Summer Seminar course or attending a Technical Seminar at one of our shows.
The Modern Minting Process
& U.S. Minting Errors and Varieties
The fourth and final course in the Numismatic Diploma Program offered by the American Numismatic Association provides an overview of the U.S. Modern MInting Process and U.S. Minting Errors and Varieties. Topics explored include the processes currently used by the U.S. Mint, planchet errors, die errors, striking errors, and die varieties.