How I Turned Obscure Numismatic Knowledge into a $50k Online Course Empire

From Coin Nerd to Course Creator: How I Built a $50k Side Hustle Teaching What I Love

Let me tell you a secret: your weird hobby could pay your mortgage. Mine did. I transformed my obsession with obscure coin holders and Pacific Northwest mint marks into a thriving online course business. Here’s exactly how you can do the same with your unique knowledge.

How My Coin Collection Became Classroom Material

It started in my Portland basement, surrounded by coin albums and grading manuals. While other collectors focused on common coins, I geeked out on INS holders and regional varieties. Three things jumped out at me:

• Old-timers at coin shows kept asking me authentication questions
• YouTube tutorials about PNW coins were painfully basic
• New collectors kept making the same expensive mistakes

The Lightbulb Moment

Remember that rare 1935-S dollar I bought at the Seattle coin show? When I posted it online, my inbox exploded. Collectors offered crazy money just to learn how I spotted its unique characteristics. That’s when I realized – my niche knowledge had real market value.

“Your deepest expertise is someone else’s missing puzzle piece.”

Turning Collector Knowledge into Course Gold

Step 1: Mining My Brain

I organized my knowledge like a coin collection – sorting essentials from nice-to-knows:

• Module 1: Cracking INS Holder Secrets (what those tiny markings really mean)
• Module 2: Untold Stories of PNW Mints (the drama behind those rare issues)
• Module 3: Smart Buying Strategies (how to spot undervalued coins)

Step 2: DIY Production Magic

Total confession: I filmed my first lessons with an iPhone and a $20 ring light. My toolkit grew with my confidence:

• ScreenFlow for recording grading demonstrations
• Canva for creating “cheat sheet” graphics
• A trusty Blue Yeti mic I found on Craigslist

My secret sauce for engaging lessons:


[Real-World Hook]: "Why this beat-up 1923 coin sold for $2,300"

[Show, Don't Tell]: Walking through my authentication process

[Instant Value]: "Try this tonight at your local coin shop"


Platform Smackdown: Where to Host Your Course

I tested both major players – here’s the honest truth:

Why Teachable Rocked

• Kept 97% of profits (Udemy takes 50%!)
• Built my email list of superfans
• Total control over pricing and upsells

Udemy’s Hidden Perks

• Massive built-in audience of curious learners
• Great for testing course concepts quickly
• Surprisingly good SEO traffic

My winning combo: Use Udemy as the “free sample” that funnels students to my premium Teachable courses. Result? $32k from Udemy browsers becoming buyers, plus $18k from serious collectors wanting deeper knowledge.

Marketing to Nerds 101

Forget broad Facebook ads – we’re hunting rare coins here. My targeted approach:

Laser-Focused Ads

These settings found my ideal students:


Interests: Coin roll hunting + PCGS members
Behaviors: Attended antique fairs + bought luxury items
Location: Within 50 miles of major coin shows


Forum Ninja Tactics

I spent months answering questions on Collectors Universe before ever mentioning my course. When someone asked about grading INS holders, I’d share:

“Great question! I actually made a video walkthrough of this – want me to send you the free preview?”

This genuine approach converted forum lurkers into paying students at crazy rates.

Turning Students into Recurring Revenue

The real magic happened after the first sale:

• Upsells: “Want me to personally grade your collection?” ($297/month)
• Digital Sidekicks: Quick-reference grading guides ($47)
• Automated Workshops: “Coin Flipping 101” webinars that sell while I sleep

Where the Money Really Comes From

Base Course: $497 (about half my income)
Coaching: $297/month (the gift that keeps giving)
Cheat Sheets: $27-$97 (pure profit after creation)

What I Wish I Knew When Starting

1. Your weirdest knowledge is your most valuable content
2. Start small – my first course was just 90 minutes long
3. Record once, sell forever (I’m still earning from videos I made 3 years ago)
4. Price for value, not hours spent – my students saved thousands using my techniques

Building this wasn’t complicated – just 10-15 hours weekly for six months. Now my courses earn while I hunt for new coins to feature. Whether you know vintage typewriters or tropical plants, your expertise can become someone’s education.

The best courses feel like downloading someone’s brain – be that brain.

Your turn: What niche knowledge are you sitting on? Grab your phone and record your first lesson today – your future students are waiting.

Related Resources

You might also find these related articles helpful:

• How Mastering Obscure Technical Systems Can Elevate Your Consulting Rates to $300+/hr – The Premium Pricing Blueprint for Niche Tech Consultants Want to charge $300+/hour as a consultant? Stop competing with …
• Hacking Security Tools: Lessons from Obscure INS Holders and PNW Coin History – Building Better Security: Lessons from Coins and Code You’ve heard “the best defense is a good offense,&#822…
• Optimizing Supply Chain Tracking: Lessons from an Obscure INS-Style Holder with PNW Logistics Roots – Logistics Software Isn’t Just Efficient – It’s Your Secret Profit Weapon Let me share something unexpe…