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November 24, 2025
From Coin Enthusiast to Course Creator: How I Turned Obsession into Income
Let me tell you a secret – collecting pre-1800 coins wasn’t just my hobby, it became my unexpected business. When I packaged 15 years of numismatic passion into an online course, something magical happened. That niche knowledge generated over $50,000 across Teachable and Udemy. Want to know how?
Why Pre-1800 Coins Captivate Collectors (And Pay Well)
Sharing photos of my 1767 British guineas and 1799 Bust dollars online changed everything. I realized these tiny pieces of history:
- Spark obsession in dedicated collectors who invest in knowledge
- Require specialized skills like spotting die varieties
- Lack proper training resources (hello, opportunity!)
- Let you charge premium prices for rare expertise
My Battle-Tested Blueprint for Creating a Selling Coin Courses
1. Testing Your Course Concept (No Guessing!)
Before recording a single lesson, I spent nights scrolling collector forums. What kept coming up?
- How to authenticate colonial coins without expensive equipment
- Telling genuine wear from clever counterfeits
- Grading techniques specific to pre-Federal coins
- The stories behind rare dies and mint marks
These pain points became my course outline. Google Keyword Planner showed “pre-1800 coin identification” gets 1,200 monthly searches – my green light.
2. Teachable vs Udemy: My Real-World Experience
After selling on both platforms, here’s the honest truth:
| Feature | Teachable | Udemy |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Control | Set your own | Fixed by them |
| Commission | Small slice | Huge 50% cut |
| Customization | Your brand rules | Very limited |
| Student Access | Full CRM | No direct contact |
I bit the bullet with Teachable’s $39/month plan – absolutely worth it for keeping control. Used Udemy just for short freebies to build my email list.
3. Crafting Content That Actually Sells
My students loved this journey:
1. Time Travel Through Coin History (1715-1800)
2. Spotting Fakes Like a Pro (With My HD Comparison System)
3. The Grading System That Auction Houses Use
4. When to Buy Low & Sell High
5. Building a Collection That Appreciates
Here’s a trick students raved about: those before/after coin grading sliders. Drop this HTML right into Teachable:
<div class='before-after-slider'>
<img src='low-grade-coin.jpg' alt='Worn 1792 half disme'>
<img src='high-grade-coin.jpg' alt='Pristine specimen'>
</div>
4. Equipment That Makes You Look Pro (Without Hollywood Budgets)
Three investments that paid for themselves:
- Rode NT-USB mic ($229) – eliminated that “tin can” sound
- Used macro lens ($420) for jaw-dropping coin details
- Final Cut Pro editing ($299) for crisp cuts
Fun fact: My slow-motion coin rotation trailer boosted sales by 27% – collectors couldn’t look away!
5. Marketing to Coin Nerds Without Annoying Them
My no-spam formula:
- SEO: Wrote the ultimate “Colonial Coin Authentication Guide”
- Facebook Ads: Targeted antique groups with lookalike audiences
- Partnerships: Got endorsements from NGC grading experts
My top-performing ad showed a 1792 half disme with the hook: “Hidden in this coin: A $15,000 error 99% miss. Learn to spot it in my free workshop.”
6. Pricing That Doesn’t Leave Money on the Table
The tiered system that worked:
- Starter: $197 (core videos)
- Collector: $497 (+ my grading cheat sheets)
- Connoisseur: $997 (+ monthly live verifications)
Adding my “Red Flag Authentication Checklist” as a bonus convinced 63% to choose premium tiers.
7. Automating So You Aren’t Chained to Your Computer
My freedom toolkit:
- ConvertKit welcome sequences (students get instant access)
- Dripped content via Teachable’s scheduler
- Calendly for 1:1 consultation bookings
- Zapier connecting everything automatically
This system gives me back weekends while keeping 87% margins.
Beyond the Course: Smart Upsells I Wish I’d Added Sooner
Physical Products Collectors Craved
After hitting 500 students, I launched:
- Signature 10x loupe ($79)
- Museum-grade display cases ($149)
- My personal reference binder ($47 PDF)
The shocker? These upped average earnings per student by 214%!
The Private Community That Runs Itself
My Mighty Network ($29/month) now offers:
- “Mystery Coin Mondays” with expert analysis
- Live grading sessions with PCGS/NGC pros
- Member showcase threads (bragging rights encouraged)
92% stayed active after six months – way beyond industry averages.
What 18 Months and $50k Taught Me
The real treasures I uncovered:
- Your weirdest knowledge has rabid fans willing to pay
- Quality production makes premium prices feel like a steal
- Community turns one-time buyers into recurring revenue
- Digital products scale while you sleep
Today, “Pre-1800 Coin Mastery” earns while I hunt for new additions to my collection – about 2-3 hours weekly maintenance for serious income.
Ready to Share Your Expertise?
Your action plan:
- Find the questions your community keeps asking
- Outline three “aha moments” you can teach
- Grab your phone and record Module 1 today
Always remember: What seems obvious to you feels like buried treasure to the right students. Now go uncover your knowledge’s worth.
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