Need advice on giving an error presentation to YN's

jmcu12

I am going to be giving a presentation on errors to the Youth Coin Club. However, I am not sure how to approach it.

I have given two presentations to adults but I am not sure how to speak in a way that kids will understand - especially when some of the concepts can confuse grown adults.


So, what advice do you have? Do I approach it from a PDS standpoint? Do I try to explain the difference between a die variety and an error??


Thanks all!

valente151

As someone who sat through many presentations for YNs over the past couple of years, the best advice I can give is to make it as hands on and interactive as possible. Bring as many errors as you feel comfortable with, and show each one, perhaps one at a time while at the same demonstarating with your fists or some other object how exactally the presses spit out the errors.

jmcu12

That makes sense - I planned on bringing example errors so I have that part covered.

I am going to be giving each kid an off center cent for them to keep, hopefully that will help to get them more excited about this part of the hobby.


I had also thought about showing a video from YouTube about how coins are made to help them visualize the process.

CaptHenway

Give them the adult presentation, and encourage them to ask questions if they do not understand something.

BryceM

Video, YES!

Something they can take home with them, YES!

One thing I would caution against is talking down to them. Kids are a lot smarter than you might think. They act like complete morons sometimes (especially when surrounded by their friends), but information sinks in better than with adults in many situations. Make it fun, interactive, and encourage interaction. Toss out candy to the kids brave enough to answer questions.

I'd consider a brief review of how it goes from designs to hubs, to dies, to coins. I'd also take them one or two "show-off" pieces like a gem Morgan, a Saint, or an early type piece.

Cover the basics and then hit them with just a flavor of die varieties, grading, and such. You'll know pretty quickly if they're following along.

JRocco

Be sure to give each of them a non-error to show them what the mint intended to strike, then show them how the "mistake" occurred.

BryceM

Oh, and BTW, good for you.

Let us know how it goes!