Canadian Numismatic Correspondence Course - Part I

It took Paul Johnson. Chairman of the Canadian Numismatic Association's Education and Library Committee, together with a group of dedicated numismatists three years to bring one of the most ambitious numismatic projects ever undertaken in Canada to a successful completion. This project was the C.N.A. Correspondence Course Part One.

The idea of a numismatic correspondence course on Canadian numismatics had been discussed for a number of years. However, the mandate to begin preparation of the proposed course was given by the Canadian Numismatic Association executive at their July 1992 meeting, Since the primary aim of the association is to encourage and promote the science of numismatics by acquirement and study of coins, paper money, medals, tokens and all other numismatic items, with special emphasis of material pertaining to Canada, it was only fitting that they should undertake such a vast project.

The finished product includes twelve separate chapters on a wide range of Canadian numismatic topics as detailed on this sheet. Participants can either treat the course as they would any library book, or answer the questions at the end of every chapter and submit them to the course administrator. A Certificate of Completion will be issued when the course is completed.

Normally you are allowed one year to complete the course.

Course Content

CHAPTER 1

Introduces students of numismatics to the modem business of minting money. This examination of Canada's current coinage includes a study of the designs in use and the evolving changes in metallic content. All course participants, whether novice or seasoned veterans, will gain insight into the coinage making up their pocket change.

CHAPTER 2

A chronological review of Canada's commemorative coinage beginning with the 1935 silver dollar and ending with the Canada 125 program. In addition to documenting the coin commemorating each event, this chapler goes inside the mint and the offices of government to describe events leading up the striking of each issue.

CHAPTER 3

Learn about the production of a Canadian coin, from the time its design is conceived to its striking and inspection before release to the public. Learn about some of the marks and symbols that occur on the coins and about interesting errors and varieties that can occur during production.

CHAPTER 4

Discusses coins that used to circulate in Canada and the colonies from which it was fonned, and how those coins came to be discontinued.

CHAPTER 5

Discusses money in other forms than decimal coinage. These include tokens. banknotes, scrip cheques, credit cards and bills of exchange.

CHAPTER 6

Examines the role of paper money in Canada's monetary history: the development of early paper money. notes of the chartered banks, obsolete notes, and notes of the Dominion of Canada and the Bank of Canada.

CHAPTER 7

Presents ideas of how to focus your collecting activity. So many different paths are available to the budding numismatist, and this section deals with some popular strategies, beginning with ones that focus on Canadian coins and paper money.

CHAPTER 8

Buying coins, participating in auctions, coin economies, dealers and avoiding problem coins are discussed.

CHAPTER 9

Learn how to protect your collection from costly damage. Reviews various materials. both safe and unsafe, that are often found in holders and cases, and gives advice on how to nandle and store numismatic items.

CHAPTER 10

Provides the novice grader with a basic understanding of the terminology of coin grading, along with some helpful tips on the handling of coins. Some discussion also takes place about cleaning coins, processed coins and counterfeit coinage.

CHAPTER 11

Focuses on some important practical considerations that arise as part of the grading process. Most involve simple common sense. Their real effectiveness lies with regular use.

CHAPTER 12

Deals with the organized hobby, including information about where you can obtain coins, medals and paper money for your collection. Also examines the many options to learn more about your collection through the use of coin clubs, libraries and publications.

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The cost of the course is as follows :
RCNA members - $65.00
Non RCNA members - $104.00 (This price includes membership in the RCNA for the calendar year in which course is ordered, or if ordered in the last quarter, for the following calendar year.)

All prices shown are in Canadian funds for mailing to addresses in Canada and in United States funds for mailing to addresses in the United States. Foreign (non-USA) address requests must also include US$ 105 for additional shipping charges and foreign rate membership (if not an RCNA member).

Copies of the course can be purchased by contacting:
the Executive Secretary of The Royal Canadian Numismatic Association