How Mastering Niche Technical Expertise Like Coin Grading Can Elevate Your Consulting Rates to $200/hr+
October 6, 2025How I Wrote a Technical Book on Coin Grading: A Step-by-Step Guide from Idea to Published Author
October 6, 2025Ever thought about turning what you know into a steady income stream? I did—and it worked. Here’s exactly how I packaged my niche knowledge about coins into an online course that’s brought in over $50,000 on Teachable and Udemy.
Why I Built a Course on Coin Grading
I’ve always loved coins—especially rare ones like the 1945 D DDO Ten Centavos. But I noticed something: a lot of collectors felt lost. They didn’t know how to grade properly or spot valuable varieties. So I decided to share what I knew in a way that actually helped people—and brought in some passive income along the way.
Finding a Niche People Actually Want
You can’t just teach anything. It has to be something people are searching for. For me, it was coin grading. I saw the same questions pop up again and again: “How much is my coin worth?” or “What’s the difference between Allen-9.05b and 9.05c?” That’s how I knew there was real demand.
Try This: Test Your Idea First
Before you build anything, check if people are interested. Use Google Trends or hang out in forums. When I kept seeing posts like, “Should I grade my 1945 D DDO?”, I knew I was onto something.
How I Structured My Coin Grading Course
I broke everything down into bite-sized pieces. We started with the basics, moved into identifying key varieties, and even covered how to use resources like PCGS. Each module had videos, cheat sheets, and little quizzes to make sure things stuck.
Here’s a Peek: My PCGS Module
I showed students how to use PCGS like a pro—checking value pages, reading population reports, and spotting rarities. Here’s a tip I always share:
Don’t just rely on old listings. Compare PCGS data with live sales—especially for varieties like Allen-9.05c. Even subtle differences can mean real money.
Teachable or Udemy? I Used Both.
I went with Teachable for control—I could set my own prices and brand everything my way. But Udemy was great for reaching new people. For something specific like coin grading, having both worked perfectly.
Quick Tip: Make Resources Easy to Access
On Teachable, I embedded direct links to PCGS pages so students could jump right in. Like this:
<a href="https://www.pcgs.com/valueview/ten-centavos-1903-1945/1945-d-10c-allen-9-05b-doubled-die/1620" target="_blank">PCGS Allen-9.05b Value Page</a>
How I Marketed Without Being Spammy
I didn’t just shout about my course. I joined conversations—answered questions in forums, explained the difference between Allen varieties, and shared real insights. I added a link to my course in my signature, and people started clicking naturally.
Real Example: Helping First, Selling Later
When someone asked about grading a specific coin, I’d give a full, helpful answer. Then, if they wanted more, they knew where to find me. It built trust and brought the right students in.
Keeping It Simple and Scalable
After launch, I used email sequences to stay in touch. I offered free mini-courses on coin ID, and automation handled sign-ups and follow-ups. That freed up my time while sales kept rolling in.
Try Upselling—It Works
After the main course, I offered a bonus module on selling graded coins on eBay. Nearly a third of my students upgraded. Little additions like that can really boost your revenue.
You Can Do This Too
If I can turn my coin hobby into a $50k-a-year course, you can do something similar. Find your niche, structure it clearly, pick the right platforms, and share what you know in a way that helps others. Start small—your knowledge is worth more than you think.
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