Why Counterfeit Detection in High-Value Tech Assets Can Catapult Your Consulting Rates to $200/Hr+
October 1, 2025How I Wrote a Technical Book on Coin Authentication: From a $10k 1933-S Half Dollar Scandal to O’Reilly Publication
October 1, 2025I remember the first time I held a 1933-S half dollar. My hands shook. Not from excitement, but from the nagging doubt: *Is this real?* That moment sparked my journey from coin collector to educator. Today, my course on rare coin authentication brings in $50,000 a year. Here’s how you can do the same with your expertise.
Identifying a Niche: The Coin Collecting Goldmine
I didn’t set out to create a course. I just wanted to help other collectors avoid the heartbreak of buying a fake. My obsession with rare coins – especially the mysterious 1933-S half dollar – became the foundation for “Mastering Rare Coin Authentication: From Novice to Expert.”
Why This Niche Worked for Me
- A thriving market: The coin collecting industry is worth $5 billion. People *love* this stuff.
- A real problem: Scams are everywhere. My course helps collectors protect their investments.
- Passionate people: Collectors will pay to learn. They want to avoid costly mistakes.
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Creating the Course: From Concept to Curriculum
Turning my knowledge into a course wasn’t about lecturing. It was about creating a journey. Students wouldn’t just *learn* about coins; they’d learn to *see* them like experts.
Step 1: What Should Students Actually Learn?
I started with the end in mind. By the time they finished, students should be able to:
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- Explain why certain U.S. coins are valuable (and which ones to watch out for).
- Spot the most common fake coins on the market.
- Use simple tools to examine coins like a pro.
- Identify the “flattened arm” on a fake 1933-S half dollar (a dead giveaway).
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Step 2: Building the Course Roadmap
My course has 10 modules. Each one builds on the last, like stacking coins:
- Rare Coins 101: The stories behind the money.
- Spotting Fakes: Casting, plating, and other tricks.
- Tools of the Trade: Magnifiers that show you what’s hidden.
- Light Matters: How shadows reveal secrets.
- Side-by-Side: Compare real and fake side-by-side.
- Micro-Analysis: The tiny details most miss.
- Real Fakes: Case studies (including my own mistakes).
- Grading Explained: What PCGS and NGC really mean.
- Building Your Collection: Buying, storing, insuring.
- Pro Tools: When to use UV light and XRF analyzers.
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Step 3: Making the Videos (Without Looking Like a Robot)
Good video matters. I used a 4K camera so students could see every scratch, every dent. My lighting setup made the coins pop. Here’s what I said in one lesson:
// Lighting lesson script
"Light isn't just for visibility. It's your detective tool.
See how the sun rays on this *real* 1933-S half dollar
create depth? Now look at the fake. Flat. Lifeless.
That's your first clue."
Editing was key. I used Premiere Pro to zoom in on details, add arrows for emphasis, and show side-by-side comparisons. Nothing gets missed.
Choosing the Right Platform: Teachable vs. Udemy
Teachable: For Those Who Want Control
Teachable let me build a course that felt like *mine*. My domain, my branding, my rules. Here’s what made it work:
- My Name, My Brand: coinexpert.com looks professional.
- Flexible Pricing: Pay once ($297) or split it into three payments.
- Email List: Mailchimp integration helped me stay in touch.
Udemy: For Quick Reach (With Trade-Offs)
Udemy has a built-in audience. I priced the course lower ($199) to attract students. But I always directed them to my Teachable site for extras: bonus videos, worksheets, and updates.
Marketing the Course: From Zero to $50,000
The Email List: My Secret Weapon
I didn’t launch with zero students. Before day one, I had 5,000 collectors on my list. How? Free value:
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- Free Ebook: “5 Red Flags of Counterfeit Coins” (the #1 question I get)
- Free Webinar: “How to Spot a Counterfeit 1933-S Half Dollar” (live Q&A was gold)
Aweber handled the emails. I sent tips, stories, and gentle nudges toward the course.
Social Media: Where Collectors Hang Out
Coin people love Facebook groups, Reddit, and YouTube. I didn’t “sell” there. I showed up as an expert:
- Short Videos: 1-2 minute clips with quick tips. (“See this seam? Fake.”)
- Facebook Groups: Answered questions, shared stories (no spam).
- Reddit: Helped in r/coins. Linked to my course when it solved the problem.
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Affiliate Marketing: Let Others Sell For You
I contacted bloggers and YouTubers in the numismatic world. Offered 20% commission. They promoted the course. I paid them when they made a sale. No risk, big reach.
Paid Ads: Targeting the Right People
Facebook ads targeted coin collector groups. The carousel ads showed real student results and case studies. The headline? Honest and urgent:
“Lost $10,000 on a counterfeit 1933-S half dollar? Learn how to spot fakes with our expert-led course.”
Monetizing Beyond the Course: More Than Just One Product
Digital Products (Easy Upsells)
After the course, I created smaller, cheaper products:
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- Checklist PDF: “10-Point Coin Authentication Checklist” ($9.99) – perfect for quick reviews.
- Video Series: “Advanced Counterfeit Detection Techniques” ($49.99) – for serious collectors.
- Private Community: Monthly membership ($19.99) for live Q&A and coin reviews.
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Coaching: For Those Who Want Personal Help
Serious collectors wanted more. I started 1-on-1 coaching at $197/hour. We walk through their collection, authenticate coins together, and build strategies. It’s the most rewarding part.
Key Takeaways: What Actually Worked
This wasn’t magic. It was work, strategy, and a love for coins. Here’s what matters:
- Start with your thing: I picked numismatics because I *love* it. Passion is contagious.
- Make it a journey: Structure your course so students progress, like leveling up in a game.
- Pick your platform wisely: Teachable gives you freedom. Udemy gives you reach. Use both.
- Talk to real people: Email, social media, and ads work when you solve problems, not just shout.
- Keep the money coming: Digital products, coaching, and memberships create multiple streams.
My course has helped hundreds of collectors avoid bad buys. More importantly, it’s given me a way to share my passion *and* get paid for it. If you know something – about coins, gardening, programming, or anything – you can build this too. You don’t need a fancy studio. You need what I had: a real problem to solve and the willingness to teach.
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