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Honestly- what do adults think of younger collectors?

airplanenutairplanenut Posts: 22,148 ✭✭✭✭✭
First, let me say that with that question, I will take no offense to what you say (I know everyone here loves me and my opinion image) unless you say something rude directed towards me (or another member of the forum of my age status) (or if you flame another person and ruin my wonderful post image)

As a teen, I know that many adults don't necessarily give me as much attention as another adult would get. Maybe it is because I don't have as much money to spend or because I like to ask questions to further enhance my knowledge and abilities in the numismatic world (I don't see that here- I must say you guys are really great to me- THANKS image)

I want to know how you personally see teens, and how you feel other adults might see members of my age group. Are we the future of collecting or the pain-in-the-arses that want to hog a dealers time for a few bucks and a "thank you?"

The floor is open to all of my superiors and, for those younger than me, my inferiors imageimage

Jeremy
JK Coin Photography - eBay Consignments | High Quality Photos | LOW Prices | 20% of Consignment Proceeds Go to Pancreatic Cancer Research

Comments

  • they may say its great we collect, but they really want us to stop hogging all the coins image
    image
  • RussRuss Posts: 48,514 ✭✭✭
    I think the same thing of younger collectors that I think of all kids. I find them annoying.image

    Russ, NCNE
  • danglendanglen Posts: 1,674 ✭✭✭
    I'm 58, I'll let you know when I grow up image
    danglen

    My Website

    "Everything I have is for sale except for my wife and my dog....and I'm not sure about one of them."
  • TrimeTrime Posts: 1,863 ✭✭✭
    Airplanenut,
    Young collectors are cool (most of the time)!
    Trime
  • Young collectors are the future of the hobby, no question about it.

    Personally, when I see teens at coin shows, I get really, really jelous - because I didn't get to go to my first show until I was 34!

    Check out the Southern Gold Society

  • LanLordLanLord Posts: 11,714 ✭✭✭✭✭
    When I see a younger collector I think of how I would want someone to treat my son or daughter if they were collecting. I want my own children treated with respect and I try to deliver the same to other young collectors.
  • I think younger collectors are great, with some Fava beans and a nice Chianti... image
  • DHeathDHeath Posts: 8,472 ✭✭✭
    Jeremy, as a father of a 25 year old son and an 18 year old daughter preparing for college, you have more discretionary income than I do.image As for collecting, I'm jealous that you young collectors are getting a head start. By the time your my age, what a collection you'll have.
    Developing theory is what we are meant to do as academic researchers
    and it sets us apart from practitioners and consultants. Gregor
  • Hi Jeremy,

    First let me say I have followed many of your postings and think you are a Really Sharp youngster who has contributed a lot to these forums (more than many adults that frequent this board). I have enjoyed reading many of your postings and the responses to them.

    I think the young coin collector is vital and all important to coin collecting. You are not "pain in the asses" (there are most certainly those sellers that are only in it for the money and would treat Anyone they feel they can't make a buck from with dis-respect). Those that truly enjoy coins would welcome the sparkle and enthusiasm you bring. We were young once too and remember the dreams and aspirations that drove us. If we older ones want to pass any of our collections to our heirs or children we are dependent on upcoming collectors to buy them. Most of us (I can vouch for myself as I'll bet many others can) welcome any fellow coin collectors. You are our lifeblood. Without, new and "to-be" long-time collectors our hobby would wither and suffer. Demand is #1. Without new collectors demand will surely decrease.

    Russ, I have enjoyed many of your postings too and I know Jeremy asked for the truth, but, man ... Do you have any children? Do you really feel that way? Boy O' Boy...

    Dan
    Dan
  • ldhairldhair Posts: 7,232 ✭✭✭✭✭
    They are the value of our coins in the future.
    Larry

  • I am not sure I am an adult yet despite my age, but so far as younger collectors go, I am happy to see them enjoy the hobby, happy to share my knowledge and joy of collecting with them, and really just look at them like any other collector. I will admit though, I really don't understand piercings, tatoos, gangsta rap, or really baggy pants. image
  • airplanenutairplanenut Posts: 22,148 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Russ, I have enjoyed many of your postings too and I know Jeremy asked for the truth, but, man ... Do you have any children? Do you really feel that way? Boy O' Boy... >>



    Not yet... I sincerely hope! image
    JK Coin Photography - eBay Consignments | High Quality Photos | LOW Prices | 20% of Consignment Proceeds Go to Pancreatic Cancer Research
  • I'm 19 and i've been collecting for 3 years...I never really thought about how big my collection will be when I'm older...

    It's gonna be huge!!!! imageimage

  • RussRuss Posts: 48,514 ✭✭✭
    danreller,

    Nah, I love kids...as long as I don't have to be anywhere near them.image

    Russ, NCNE
  • Young collectors are my favorite group of coin customers, their queries are usually honest and their joy at new finds and knowledge is refreshing. I especially enjoy helping my nieces discover new coins (other than the state quarters that helped to get them started).

    Both of my favorite local coin dealers are always kind to any youngster that accompanies me to their shops. The others?, I am not sure what they do since I do not darken their doors for other reasons.

    One of my most memorable experiences as a young collector happened at a fair sized coin show when I was a teenaged collector with probably 5 Morgans and too many Ikes. A dealer's table with many people coming and going caught my attention and I decided to watch how this dealer dealt with people and to see why his inventory was getting more attention than others (I was already out of money). This dealer noticed my attention and when he had time started talking to me. Many questions and answers followed and I spent the whole afternoon at his table learning all that I could. His secret was that he treated all people kindly and with respect and people came to him first to buy, sell or trade. His prices and grading turned out to be fair and he won another loyal customer for the next 25 or so years. The only reason that I do not still go to him first any more is that he finally retired two years ago.

    There are coin dealers and collectors out there that care about the younger collectors. Obviously not all of them but enough if you keep looking.

    Hope that this helps your search for input.

    JR
  • A collector is a collector. Some are good, some are bad. I like the good ones and detest the bad ones.
    So Airplane, if you are a good collector type then fine....If you are an attention getter, then I have no time for you!

    Guess it is up to each collector, how S/he is perceived!

    Bulldog
    Proud to have fought for America, and to be an AMERICAN!

    No good deed will go unpunished.

    Free Money Search
  • Heck, I don't care what you age is as long as we all have coins in common. As many have already stated, we were all young once and none of us started out as expert collectors. You have begun a potentially lifelong journey that a lot of us started later on in our lifes. So if you get any negative feedback from the older members, just remember they are probably player hating, since some of them didn't start colecting until they became adults. I started collecting when I was 20 and at the ripe old age of 30 I haven't even made it around the block in my journey. I say good luck and God Bless to all of the young collectors on these boards. image
  • fcloudfcloud Posts: 12,133 ✭✭✭✭
    Jeremy,

    I think it is great that you have an interest in coins. When my kids were younger I would take them along with me to coin shows. I tried very hard to get them interested, and they both are interested but never buy any coins. When my son was about 12, I took him to a local show, he really wanted a nice 1971-S Silver Proof Ike Dollar. With his own funds he picked out a coin from a dealer, and the dealer switched the coin on him and gave him one with marks on it (both were in government packaging). I think that was the turning point for him. I don't remember him ever going to another show with me. So, I do see were younger collectors seem to get no respect. Some dealers (please note--SOME DEALERS; NOT ALL DEALERS) don't realize they are chasing away their future customers. I give the kids (one is 20 the other is 24) coins for gifts during the holidays every year, and they bug me for coins, but they will not go out on their own in fear of getting ripped off.

    I welcome all collectors it keeps the hobby alive. Keep asking questions, for it is the best way to learn. The more knowledge you have the more respect you will get when at a show or at a dealer. And take it from kid at heart, some of us older kids don't get respect from some dealers at shows, and when that happens to me, I walk away and I don't care if they are the only dealer at the show with a coin I need. I know I'll find one sooner or later from someone else.

    You deserve respect and you have earned mine. Keep those questions coming, and keep answering others. Your knowledge seems to be high--keep on learning, that's what makes it fun.

    Tony
    image

    President, Racine Numismatic Society 2013-2014; Variety Resource Dimes; See 6/8/12 CDN for my article on Winged Liberty Dimes; Ebay

  • Airplanenut: What do you consider young?

    I'm 25 and alot of members here would consider me a young collector!
    To me young collector is 12 - 16 years of age...

    More the merrier is what I say!!!

    Rusty.
  • Dog97Dog97 Posts: 7,874 ✭✭✭
    The way I see it, it's not age, it's attitude.
    Change that we can believe in is that change which is 90% silver.
  • Tell ya little man...
    ok really. Here on the boards, everyone is the same age. IRL, I try to share as much as I can. I have 3 young collectors. They have friends. We get them interested, well some of them atleast. It's the one's eying the coins, looking over their shoulders who bother me. My now first grader had to bring to school something in a group of 100. Yep, she took two whitmans. 50 in each. She rocked that day!
    They are great. I often had out extra's to my kids friends. Same at the shop. I do carry worn ag-vf coins with me. If i see an interest, i'll talk a little, then kick down.

    dan

    image It's Her's
  • Young collectors here on the boards have been great to have around, and many times I'v been blown away by what they know at such a young age.
    Friends are Gods way of apologizing for your relatives.
  • LucyBopLucyBop Posts: 14,001 ✭✭✭
    Lucy thinks its cool when the Kiddy-o's collect!!!! I started when I was 10 and I won't say when that was. I still own quite a few of the pieces I bought when I was young. I have given them to my 13 yeard old son, he now has a rather nice type set and some nice proofs. Lucy sez PHOOEY to the dealers that don't treat the kiddy-o's with respect. What a bunch of SQUARES! Some don't treat me as well being female so I'll just take my money elsewhere. We need youngsters to kept the hobby alive! I wish I could get children all across the country and get them into 50's Doo Wop & Rockabilly. Lucy refuses to let the music die and its the young blood that can/must carry on the torch for whatever hobby you may be into!
    imageBe Bop A Lula!!
    "Senorita HepKitty"
    "I want a real cool Kitty from Hepcat City, to stay in step with me" - Bill Carter
  • I think that everyone should be treated with respect unless proven otherwise . Age is a way of marking our journey and maturity is relative. They do not walk hand in hand. I personally enjoy your posts and if you hadn't mentioned age I would have never guessed you were a teenager.
    "No matter where you go, there you are"

    Out of the closet Morgan loverimage
  • airplanenutairplanenut Posts: 22,148 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Huligan,

    I am 15... I am young image
    JK Coin Photography - eBay Consignments | High Quality Photos | LOW Prices | 20% of Consignment Proceeds Go to Pancreatic Cancer Research
  • RampageRampage Posts: 9,448 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Jeremy. Remember, most of us started out as kids collecting coins. I think I started at about the age of 6 or 7. I love every minute of it. I also like when kids/teenagers ask me questions about coins. Richard.
  • nwcsnwcs Posts: 13,386 ✭✭✭
    I don't have much experience with YNs since I haven't been to a show in over 10 years and only encounter them here but I was one once and I think YNs have a lot to offer, a lot to learn, and a lot to experience. Same as everyone else!
  • To be honest I didn't know how old you were.
    I guess I never gave it to much consideration.
    But now that I do I would like to tell you to enjoy your youth.
    Revel in it.
    Make life drag you KICKING AND SCREAMING into maturity.
    AND STAY AWAY FROM MY DAUGHTERS.image
  • I know of 5 YNs on these boards so far. If anymore, please tell us. There's KlectorKid, Coinfinder, JD4Science, Airplanenut, and I. KlectorKid I believe is 14, Coinfinder I think is 15, JD4Science is like 13 or 14, Airplanenut is 15, and I'm 15. It's pretty cool. I just wish that I started at an earlier age!image


    For some life lasts a short while, but the memories it holds last forever.
    -Laura Swenson

    In memory of BL, SM, and KG. 16 and forever young, rest in peace.
  • BearBear Posts: 18,953 ✭✭✭
    I Believe our younger members show more intellegence, presence and savey then
    I showed at their age. To all of the new stars in the firmament, I say WELL DONE. Bear

    P.S. They are also a pretty darn nice group of people, and I like em all.
    There once was a place called
    Camelotimage
  • Awwwwwwwwwwwww, we're seeing Bear's soft and cuddly side.image I'm home from school today with a sore throat and a headache.image Anyone got any natural remedies?


    For some life lasts a short while, but the memories it holds last forever.
    -Laura Swenson

    In memory of BL, SM, and KG. 16 and forever young, rest in peace.
  • I don't pass judgement on people I can't see. Age in a collector doesn't matter to me. I have seen some really young collectors come to these boards and are immediately pulverised by others here that think they are an established board member coming in as a newbie, and you never hear from them again. That is too bad. However, if I see you in person and you have studs in your tongue ,bones in your nose and your hair is a natural "purple" then don't come near me because I will have nothing to do with you. Please don't tell me, any of you ,how many metal thingys you have stuck into yourself for I will get a mental image that cannot be shaken away. That's how I feel about it.
    "If I had a nickel for every nickel I ever had, I'd have all my nickels back".
  • BearBear Posts: 18,953 ✭✭✭
    A teaspoonful of salt in warm water as a gargle. Also Tylenol for the headache, no one under the age of 21

    should take aspirin because of the chance of developing Reyes Syndrome. Chicken soup canned or fresh made

    seems to help more then other soups. It may be the zinc contained in the soup.

    If your phlem starts coming up badly discolored

    then you will probably need an antibiotic at that time.
    Rest up and feel better soon.


    The old pharmacist bear.
    There once was a place called
    Camelotimage
  • As most (Russ excepted) here have stated attitude counts for more than age. We all know the best coins are not necessarily the oldest and even Russ would agree that some the newest are extremely valuable. I see YNs adding great value to the collecting experiences of us all. While at age 54, I am glad I am not working in the profession some 10 year old kid picked out for me, I am glad I still have the collecting passion that same kid instilled in me.
    Buy the coin...but be sure to pay for it.
  • 66Tbird66Tbird Posts: 2,858 ✭✭✭
    Having dealt with young people in the hobby oriented area of their lives I have come to the conclusion that there are two very distinct types of attitudes. For myself I enjoy the youngster that has to earn the means to enjoy their hobby. The ones that have their hobby handed to them with little or no effort tend to make far more mistakes and are a lot more likely to be discouraged in their pursuits. Not to mention a very poor attitude relating to failure.

    On an personal side note, I was one of the youngsters that was taken by an unscrupulous dealer and left the hobby for many many years.
    Need something designed and 3D printed?
  • MICHAELDIXONMICHAELDIXON Posts: 6,499 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Young collectors are the future of our hobby and should be treated as such. Once, we were all young, and regardless of what our hobby was, somebody treated us with respect. I say nurture them so they will continue this fantastic hobby and they will pass it onto others.
    Thanksgiving National Battlefield Coin Show is November 29-30, 2024 at the Eisenhower Allstar Sportsplex, Gettysburg, PA. Tables are available. WWW.AmericasCoinShows.com


  • << <i>Awwwwwwwwwwwww, we're seeing Bear's soft and cuddly side.image I'm home from school today with a sore throat and a headache.image Anyone got any natural remedies? >>

    It's called the "Farris Beuller syndrome" you should start feeling better at around noon or so.image
    Friends are Gods way of apologizing for your relatives.
  • airplanenutairplanenut Posts: 22,148 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Awwwwwwwwwwwww, we're seeing Bear's soft and cuddly side.image I'm home from school today with a sore throat and a headache.image Anyone got any natural remedies? >>


    I'm stuck in school with a tired brain image

    I suggest sending me some coins or money so I can buy coins this weekend. You will feel MUCH better! imageimage
    JK Coin Photography - eBay Consignments | High Quality Photos | LOW Prices | 20% of Consignment Proceeds Go to Pancreatic Cancer Research
  • I believe young collectors should be treated like all young people that share an interest of yours. Just remember that they need to learn from somebody. Treat them kindly, share your knowledge, have lots of patience and give em a few breaks.

    perfectstrike
  • BearBear Posts: 18,953 ✭✭✭
    Its sometimes a question of who is learning from whom.
    Young people have a view of the world and events that is often striking
    in its sense of reality, clarity and perception of justice. Perhaps it is their ability
    to see the forest in spite of the trees. Bear
    There once was a place called
    Camelotimage
  • When I first logged on and saw the title of this thread I thought "o great, here comes the complaints." Now after reading the posts I was actually surprised. I knew that many people like YN's, but the thread could turn sour.

    Like everyone has said, YN's are the future. Adults just have to reach out to the YN's and let them know what is out there, teach them about the hobby and direct them in their collecting pursuits. So many kids get really interested in coins, join a local coin club and eventually drop out. The ANA has the best organization for YN's with tons of activities. Check out all the YN activities they offer.

    How many of the YN's here on the board are ANA members?

    I am a member and it has paid for itself thousands of times over! They give scholarships to YN's (including airfare, tuition etc.) to go to Colorado Springs for the Summer Seminar. A free week of knowledge. Here are some pictures from the last seminar. Notice how many YN's are there. Adults should always try to help YN's and I am so glad the board members here have been so positive towards them. Thanks alot.

    Cameron Kiefer
  • TheNumishTheNumish Posts: 1,628 ✭✭
    Airplanenut--that's a good idea Cameron has about scholarships. If you need any references I bet you could get quite a few from here. You've been a great asset to this board.
  • YN's on the board:

    First: Join the ANA! $15.00 may seem like alot, but it is well worth it.

    Second: Join the weekly YN newsletter e-mail that is linked on the ANA YN page.

    Third: Stay active in the hobby, and on this forum. The scholarships look at alot of things including articles written, talks given, exhibits, etc. You don't have to have everything done, but have to show that you are interested in the hobby and want to learn more.

    Fourth: After a while (maybe a year) apply for the scholarship. The Seminar is awesome, and once you go one time you will want to go back each year!

    Remember, you are not doing it just for a free week, but to learn yourself and have fun in the hobby you enjoy. Many YN's don't want to go and that is fine. Have fun, and the ANA membership is worth it even if all you do is stay at home.

    Cameron Kiefer
  • airplanenutairplanenut Posts: 22,148 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Cameron- does the $15 include whatever magazine the ANA puts out (name won't stay with me right now). I will consider that and since it is $15, I will probably join soon image
    JK Coin Photography - eBay Consignments | High Quality Photos | LOW Prices | 20% of Consignment Proceeds Go to Pancreatic Cancer Research
  • The first time i walked intoa dealers shop, (about a year ago) I could see the contempt on his face. Even though i am 25, I guess i had "NEWBIE" printed on my forehead, or something. But after reading, lurking on the board, and reading somemore, i finally "earned" his respect. Which, of course, is total B.S.!!!

    When i look at a collector, i don't really see "age". I look for how much they know, how much they want to learn. My brother in law is 5 years older than me, and after comingover and seeing my collection, he finally brought his cigar box of coins, and i sat down wqith him, looked, graded, and stored them for him. It was good practice for me, entertaining and informative for him.

    Age is only important if you're wine or cheese.

    B.
    A Fine is a tax for doing wrong.
    A Tax is a fine for doing good.
  • The YN membership includes the full benefits and the monthly magazine "The Numismatist".

    Cameron Kiefer

    ANA Benefits
  • airplanenutairplanenut Posts: 22,148 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Registered image
    JK Coin Photography - eBay Consignments | High Quality Photos | LOW Prices | 20% of Consignment Proceeds Go to Pancreatic Cancer Research
  • airplanenutairplanenut Posts: 22,148 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Oh, and are there scholarships to conventions? Although I am semi-close to Baltimore, I don't know if there is a cheap way to get there (unless the money I had for coins was for Amtrak, instead- then factor in the hotel)

    Jeremy
    JK Coin Photography - eBay Consignments | High Quality Photos | LOW Prices | 20% of Consignment Proceeds Go to Pancreatic Cancer Research
  • No there isn't. That is more business than educational (even though they have over 70 hours of talks). Try to get your parents to work in a vacation at that time to Baltimore. They sight see and you coin shop.image

    Cameron Kiefer
  • airplanenutairplanenut Posts: 22,148 ✭✭✭✭✭
    but they've already taken me there (we got stuck in hurrican andrew)

    Jeremy

    PS- my first topic to hit 50!

    PPS- gotta finish bio homework imageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimage
    imageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimage
    JK Coin Photography - eBay Consignments | High Quality Photos | LOW Prices | 20% of Consignment Proceeds Go to Pancreatic Cancer Research

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