Counterfeits Are Getting Better. ANA’s Pittsburgh Seminars Show Collectors How to Fight Back
The American Numismatic Association will give collectors a head start before the 2026 World’s Fair of Money® opens in Pittsburgh.
Before the bourse floor fills with dealers, exhibits, rare coins, and family activities, the ANA will offer two intensive, hands-on seminars for collectors who want sharper skills and better confidence. Both classes take place August 23-24, 2026, at The Westin Pittsburgh.
Then, from August 25-29, the World’s Fair of Money takes over the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The show will bring collectors from around the world to Pittsburgh for one of the hobby’s biggest annual gatherings.
Learn Before the Show Opens
The World’s Fair of Money offers a full week of numismatic activity. Collectors can buy, sell, trade, view rare treasures, attend presentations, and meet hundreds of dealers.
However, the ANA’s pre-show seminars offer something different. They put coins directly in collectors’ hands. They also give students direct feedback from experienced instructors.
That matters. Today’s market rewards knowledge. A sharp grading eye can protect a buyer from overpaying. Strong counterfeit detection skills can prevent a costly mistake. As deceptive fakes become more convincing, education has become a frontline collecting tool.
Intermediate Grading of United States Coins
The first seminar, Intermediate Grading of United States Coins, targets collectors who already understand basic grading and want to move to the next level.
This two-day, mid-level course uses group and individual exercises to sharpen grading skills. Instructors provide feedback on each coin. As a result, students learn how to evaluate surfaces, luster, strike, wear, and eye appeal with more discipline.
The course also explores current grading-service philosophies and how those standards evolved in the marketplace. Students will examine copper, silver, and gold coins. The class places special emphasis on About Uncirculated through Uncirculated examples.
Collectors must complete Grading United States Coins, Part 1, or receive permission from the instructors, before enrolling.
The instructors are Bob Mellor, ANA district representative, advanced numismatist, educator, and author; and William Latour, owner of Lowcountry Coins LLC, 2nd vice president of SCNA, and handler of the SCNA Counterfeit Museum.
- Time: August 23-24, 2026, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Location: The Westin Pittsburgh, 1000 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
- Cost: $300 for ANA members; $400 for non-members
Counterfeit Detection of United States Coins
The second seminar, Counterfeit Detection of United States Coins, addresses one of the most urgent threats facing the hobby.
The class will feature deceptive Chinese-made counterfeits of United States colonials, coins, tokens, bullion, and bars. According to the ANA, the latest wave of counterfeits can fool even experienced collectors and dealers.
Students will examine hundreds of recently made examples. They will also study the ANA’s Counterfeit Detection set, which includes older and highly deceptive fakes.
The seminar covers counterfeit detection for key-date and mintmarked coins, U.S. gold coins, and modern Chinese-made counterfeits. The format combines digital instruction with extensive hands-on coin examination.
The instructors are Keith Moon, former grader/finalizer for ANACS, NGC, and PCGS; and Brian Silliman, professional numismatist at Brian Silliman Rare Coins, former NGC grader/conserver, and former ANA authenticator/conserver.
- Time: August 23-24, 2026, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Location: The Westin Pittsburgh, 1000 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
- Cost: $300 for ANA members; $400 for non-members
Registration Deadline
Collectors must register by July 17, 2026.
For more information or to register, visit the ANA’s World’s Fair of Money learning page. Collectors may also contact the ANA Seminars Department by email at [email protected] or by phone at (719) 482-9848.
