Mike Nottelmann is a collector originally from Chicago,IL who has been collecting coins for almost 50 years. His interests are centered mostly around modern coins but also include early American coins as well. He believes that the early 20th century was the golden era in US coin design and produced the most beautiful coinage that the United States has ever seen.
A member of the American Numismatic Association, Mike gained much of his experience doing local coin shows on Sundays with a hometown dealer and also worked part-time in another local coin shop. He attributes most of his grading skill to this exposure. “When you look at lots of coins, you start to know what looks right and what doesn’t. It can only come through experience, so get out to shows and look at a lot of coins then look at a lot more. Eventually, you get an eye for what you’re looking at.” He is also an avid reader, voraciously consuming books on numismatics. “Knowledge is king in coin collecting. Reading is the best investment that you can make in your coin collection. Internet forum pages, magazines, books, you name it. Read and discuss what you know with other collectors. Knowing the facts will help save you money and avoid making big mistakes. Know what you’re buying and it’s less likely that you’ll lose.”
A graduate of University of Illinois at Chicago with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing, Mike furthered his business education at DePaul University where he earned several Marketing-Communications certificates. He was a Division I athlete in college and at one time was a member of the Professional Bowlers Association. He was also a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters for 17 years.
Mike currently lives in the western suburbs of Chicago with his wife, Ginny. They have 3 children who continue to challenge them but manage to keep them grounded and young.
