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November 30, 2025
From Coin Nerd to Six-Figure Teacher: How I Built a $47k Course on Lincoln Pennies
Let me ask you something – could collectors really pay $297 to learn about a single penny? Turns out they will when you solve their real problems. I turned my obsession with 1922 Lincoln cents into a $47,000 online course business in 18 months. Here’s exactly how you can monetize your niche knowledge too.
Why Your Weird Passion Could Be Gold
Spotting Hungry Buyers in Forgotten Corners
When I first fell down the 1922-D penny rabbit hole, I noticed something surprising. Collector forums were filled with the same frustrated questions:
- “How do I really tell ‘No D’ from ‘Weak D’ varieties?”
- “Why do experts keep arguing about die deterioration?”
- “Where can I find clear photo comparisons?”
That’s when I realized – I wasn’t just researching coins. I was uncovering a paid course waiting to happen.
Becoming the Go-To Expert (Before You Feel Ready)
My “research” looked more like late nights geeking out in my basement with coffee stains on coin catalogs. But it worked because I:
- Examined 150+ collector coins (special shoutout to Charmy from Nebraska who shared killer die examples)
- Dug up mint records showing only 20 obverse dies were used
- Connected production quirks to the 1922 Peace dollar chaos
Turning Coin Nerdery Into Cash: My Course Creation Playbook
Teachable vs Udemy: Why I Chose Control Over Crowds
I tested both platforms with mini-courses. The choice became obvious:
| What Matters | Teachable | Udemy |
|---|---|---|
| Setting Prices | My rules | Their rules |
| Keeping Profits | 100% | ~50% after fees |
| Making It Mine | Full customization | Cookie-cutter |
Teachable let me build a branded coin hub instead of getting lost in Udemy’s marketplace.
The 6-Part Structure That Kept Students Glued
My course framework worked because it solved specific collector headaches:
- Module 1: Why 1922 Was the Mint’s Worst Year (context matters!)
- Module 2: Die Varieties Decoded
- Module 3: Spotting Fakes Like a Pro
- Module 4: Grading for Maximum Value
- Module 5: When to Buy/Hold/Sell
- Module 6: Joining the Inner Circle
Selling to Collectors Without Feeling Salesy
3 Psychological Tricks That Actually Work
Coin folks hate being sold to, but love buying. Here’s what worked:
- Early-bird bonuses that created urgency:
- Printable die comparison sheets
- Timeline of 1922-D production drama
- Real coin photos from Heritage Auctions (social proof sells)
- A fancy “Certified Lincoln Cent Expert” badge for graduates
Beyond the Course: My Multi-Stream Income Menu
The $297 course was just the start. Collectors also bought:
- Quick ID Guide ($47 – our bestseller)
- Physical Magnifier Kit ($97 – flies off shelves)
- Monthly Coin Detective Club ($97/month)
Turns out penny enthusiasts spend more than you’d think!
Keeping the Money Flowing After Launch
How Affiliates Became My Secret Sales Force
I partnered with:
- Coin grading services (15% commission)
- Rare book dealers (12% commission)
- Microscope companies (20% commission)
Every affiliate sale puts money in my pocket while helping students.
My “Set It and Forget It” Tech Stack
This combo runs my business while I examine coins:
Teachable (courses) → ConvertKit (emails) → Stripe (payments)
Zapier (automations) → Discord (student community)
Your Turn to Profit From What You Know
Building my penny course taught me three priceless lessons:
- Deep expertise = premium pricing power
- Tangible tools beat theory every time
- Owning your platform means keeping your profits
That obscure thing you know? There are people who’d pay to learn it. I’m proof – and your first students are already searching for exactly what you teach.
Related Resources
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