John Albanese, president of Numismatic Consumer Alliance (NCA), a New Jersey non-profit dedicated to reducing numismatic fraud, announced a new consumer-education program sponsored in partnership with Whitman Coin & Collectibles Expo, LLC in 2012.
“We’re seeing continuing increased interest from the dealer community in protecting the public from fraud,” said Albanese. “Hands-on grading classes have already proven to be an effective method of sharing the knowledge and skills that advance and protect our hobby best. We’re offering access to a program that will expand the basic knowledge and skills needed for personal numismatic self-protection.”
The initial class was held at the Baltimore Expo, November 15-18, 2012. Lead instructor was NCA Education Director Rick Sear, a longtime dealer with experience in evaluating both wholesome and deceptively altered coins. Taught with other dealers and supported by local volunteers, these “mini-seminars” on basic grading principles and techniques was open to the public.
Class size was limited to 20 students. Study and reference materials were supplied. A limited number of scholarships was available for students under 18 years of age.
“Whitman is pleased to help bring this level of consumer education to the hobby community,” said Whitman Coin & Collectibles Expo general manager David Crenshaw.
At the time, Albanese added, “We anticipate these classes making a small but important contribution in advancing industry-wide efforts to support a healthy hobby environment. The Baltimore area is rich with collector interest and we expect our efforts to be useful. It would be great if we could do this later at some other venues. A lot of industry leaders have the knowledge and resources to provide more direct education to the public. We need increased outreach for our hobby to thrive.”