Numismatists between the ages of 21 and 32 years old have a new opportunity. The PNG is taking applications for paid internships that are part of "Promoting Numismatic Growth," an educational and mentoring program to recruit and train a new generation of coin dealers.
This internship can certainly make the young recipients stand out in the job market, since the work experience will include hands-on training and mentoring at American Precious Metals Exchange (APMEX), Heritage Auctions, Numismatic Guaranty Corporation and Stack’s Bowers Galleries. The time frame is one year and starts in 2014. It is broken out into three months periods at the four partnering companies, with housing and transportation provided.
Utilizing a customized application process, PNG says the requirements are tough. For starters, a $250 fee will be charged to each candidate for a background security investigation upon the submission of the enrollment application. Applications can be found in this PDF. From there, two levels of courses will make sure that the prospective interns have sufficient, broad-based basic knowledge about numismatics.
The PNG Edward Milas School of Numismatics Committee developed an extensive online, multi-media education and training curriculum in conjunction with the University of Rare Coins. Part one of the course is the qualification stage where candidates show their knowledge of coin purchasing, selling, marketing and auctions, third-party certification, coin shows, and numismatic organizations and industry resources.
Those who complete the first level of course move on to topics that include metallurgy and technology in the science of numismatics, the minting process and errors, and the history of monetary systems and development of coining. This level requires $250 to cover the coursework.
Interns will be selected from the finalists who successfully completed both course level.
"The internship requirements are rather strict, and the education and training part of this exceptional program will be extensive, but the potential rewards for successful interns can be great for building and enhancing their careers as professional numismatists," said PNG Executive Director Robert Brueggeman.
More details about the paid internship program, qualifications, and application are published online at www.PNGdealers.org under the "Promoting Numismatic Growth" navigation link near the top on PNG’s home page. Additional information is also available via PNG by phone at (951) 587-8300 or by email at info@PNGdealers.org. PNG hired Carol A. Raia, an experienced human resources executive, to administrate the ambitious mentoring program.
