| Author |
 Replies: 23 / Views: 2,107 |
|
Valued Member
United States
137 Posts |
Before I begin, I should mention I want to get a job at a coin shop in around 5-6 months. The only problem is that I don't have a good enough knowledge base of numismatics.
Of course, being an amateur coin collector since late 2019 with taking many long breaks in between, I (kind of) know a decent amount.
So, what should I do to start?
|
|
|
|
Pillar of the Community
Canada
4911 Posts |
Find a shop that's good and spend lots of time there. I'd say building a relationship and learning from them in the meantime is a lot more likely to land you a job than walking in one day with an application
Feel free to call me Will.
|
|
Valued Member
 United States
137 Posts |
Quote:
Find a shop that's good and spend lots of time there. Well, the shop I have in mind actually offered me a job there maybe a year ago so that'll be my goal . |
|
Valued Member
United States
416 Posts |
What a great place to work! Assuming the shop deals in US coins, get a Red Book and learn it the best you can. Also learn how to grade, how to tell problems that would get a coin a "Details" grade, and various places to get an idea of price. And keep us posted! Edited by TimNH
07/20/2023 11:31 pm
|
|
Valued Member
United States
137 Posts |
Quote:get a Red Book and learn it the best you can. I have the 5th edition "mega red" book. Definitely has enough for what I'm aiming for, gonna start on that first thing tomorrow! |
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
1143 Posts |
You might consider buying a Photograde book to familiarize yourself with grading each series. I have one given to me at ANA seminar 20+ years ago and I still use it to this day when a grade comes into question. |
|
Valued Member
United States
467 Posts |
Quote:
You might consider buying a Photograde book to familiarize yourself with grading each series. Excellent suggestion. I bought the ANA book, Kindle version, on Amazon for $5.99, but the price is now up to $8.99. I have found it to be a great learning tool for me. Of course, nothing beats OJT. |
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
4233 Posts |
I have no experience working in a coin shop, but it seems like customer service skills will be nearly as important as coin knowledge. Perhaps read a few books along those lines too? I can tell you're well on your way already, by the way you wrote in complete sentences properly punctuated without spelling errors!
|
|
Moderator
 United States
56855 Posts |
Doesn't the ANA offer a summertime seminar? That would be a great start and something impressive to put on an application  John1  |
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
19144 Posts |
I see you're in Carson City, NV. Not a bad place to get some time in with a coin shop. With everything else above, become very familiar with the local history--the Carson City Mint and all the mining lore in the area. Also learn about the range of coin collecting supplies on the market--can't hurt.
|
|
Moderator
United States
15408 Posts |
Adding to John1 suggestion, the ANA offers a Numismatic Diploma program. Students take 6 courses (on-line or at hands on seminars) and must pass a final exam to earn the certificate. It would definitely build a nice base of knowledge, and look impressive on a coin shop resume. Take a look at my other hobby ... http://www.jk-dk.art |
|
Valued Member
United States
137 Posts |
For those of you who wanted updates, I've talked to my local Northern Nevada Coin dealer today and will be going up to Carson on Tuesday for an application
|
|
Moderator
United States
188105 Posts |
Good luck!  |
|
Valued Member
United States
137 Posts |
Went there and talked with the owners, was a bit nervous as it was my first time ever applying for a job, and it seems like a position that would fit me well is to do computer-based work. Posting things for sale, writing descriptions, taking photos of products, and maybe even some general store work like putting out products and whatnot. They will be setting up an official interview sometime soon. So far so good, hopefully I won't be so scared next time!
|
|
Moderator
United States
95443 Posts |
Yes, good luck! Go get that job!
Maybe when I retire I'll do the same.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
2281 Posts |
Allen Rowe is an awesome dealer! Good luck keep us updated!
You realize when you know how to think, it empowers you far beyond those who know only what to think.
-Neil deGrasse Tyson
|
| |
Replies: 23 / Views: 2,107 |
Posted 07/20/2023 11:08 pm
