Does Anyone Have Any Questions about Young Numismatists?

KellenCoin

I am a 13-year old Young Numismatist (YN), and I have done extensive research on YNs over the past year and a half. I have explored many different resources online, physically, and via interview. So, I know my stuff.

Anyways, I realized that some people might have questions about YNs. Maybe you are wondering about the future of our hobby, or what YNs are obsessed with, or ideas for how to get more YNs, or anything else you want to ask. Let me know and I will answer!

KollectorKing

I have some numismatic items (coin folders, plastic holders & coins that I'd like to contribute to YNs. Are there any YNs living in SO. CA.? If you're a YN post to this thread or PM me your information (age, how long you've been collecting, your area(s) of interest, your So. CA city).

KellenCoin

@KollectorKing said:
I have some numismatic items (coin folders, plastic holders & coins that I'd like to contribute to YNs. Are there any YNs living in SO. CA.? If you're a YN post to this thread or PM me your information (age, how long you've been collecting, your area(s) of interest, your So. CA city).

Here is a place that you can find various clubs. If you find a club in southern California, there may be some YNs there that you could give these items to. https://www.money.org/club-directory

msch1man

This should be an interesting thread! I'd be curious what type of collecting style YN's seem to gravitate towards...type/box of 20, complete date/mint mark set, complete set by die marriage, etc.

ShadyDave

I'm 28, am I still considered a YN?

KellenCoin

@msch1man said:
This should be an interesting thread! I'd be curious what type of collecting style YN's seem to gravitate towards...type/box of 20, complete date/mint mark set, complete set by die marriage, etc.

I honestly think it depends entirely on the circumstances; in psychology, the nurture aspect. I personally grew up with parents who collected the 50 State Quarters (even thought they are not collectors) and grandparents who would give me foreign coins from their travels. This helped contribute to my eventual interest, which focused mainly on quarters and western european coins (where my grandparents traveled the most). Of course, my interests have changed since then, but what my family did influenced me. So, if a kid came across some older types of US coins, they may be more interested in the type set idea. If they started by collecting with folders, they may gravitate towards a date/mintmark set.

KellenCoin

@ShadyDave said:
I'm 28, am I still considered a YN?

Younger than many, but not young enough

Insider2

I just turned 75 and I'm a young at heart numismatist. Sorry for messing up your thread @KellenCoin!
Have you been to the ANA Summer Seminars yet? It sounds like you have.

KollectorKing

@ShadyDave said:
I'm 28, am I still considered a YN?

only if you're a leap year baby , the you'd be 7 years old.

KellenCoin

@Insider2 said:
I just turned 75 and I'm a young at heart numismatist. Sorry for messing up your thread @KellenCoin!
Have you been to the ANA Summer Seminars yet? It sounds like you have.

Hello! No worries, that is what this thread is about!
I have not been to Summer Seminar yet (I just became old enough this year), but I am going this summer! I am really excited, as I have waited three years for this opportunity. I won the ANA Summer Seminar Full Scholarship, as well as the PNNA YN Scholarship, so I will be going free of charge!

RogerB

Kellen,
What do you and your peers feel are important in supporting your hobby interests?

RWB

Insider2

I'm jealous. You'll learn that very many of the "top numismatists" got a big push in the right direction by taking the ANA courses. Lots of others teach there. I hope you get to go several times. Be cool until you get your "feet wet." I was a smarty-pants at first and hurt a few feelings by being very blunt. Still am. Many of the YN's have already been there several times. Be helpful (like volunteer to help at the auction), low key (at first) and one or two may let you into their "group" (which really does not exist. wink). Above all have fun. The times I've gone became some of my best memories. On my first trip, we raced up the stairs to the third floor classroom laughing and pushing all the way. On my last trip, I needed the elevator!

Let us know what courses you are taking. Members may have some suggestions about specific teachers/classes. My favorite things were the food and the people! Breakfast on the terrace with Pike's Peak over the gym roof was the highlight of my mornings. Introduce yourself to the instructors. Some sit together and some will sit at a table with just students. Sometimes there may be a free space at their table you can grab. Remember, you'll learn more by listening. Finally, take it all in BUT find out for yourself if what you hear is a fact.

Write about your experiences and send it in to Coin World and Numismatic News. Get noticed and you may win another scholarship.

Coinstartled

Does it affect the YN's that the coins they collect have virtually no monetary value?

Us old timers had to decide between a pack of gum or a candy bar or whether to add the couple of nickels to the Whitman. Quarter books were strictly for the high rollers.

logger7

Are any of your peers interested in numismatics as a hobby or area of study rather than a means to an end (making money)? Some believe our hobby is threatened by all the smart phones and idiot diversions in this day and age, what are you seeing in your age group in terms of your peers and their interests besides, dating, career or getting into better schools and doing well?

KellenCoin

@RogerB said:
Kellen,
What do you and your peers feel are important in supporting your hobby interests?

RWB

I am not quite clear on what you mean. Are you asking what YNs feel are important in supporting their collecting specialty? Or by "interests" do you mean having a good future for the hobby?

RogerB

What things or actions would support and encourage young coin collectors? What are the interests of many young collectors?

ThoseBackPages

How did you get started?

How do your friends and classmates react, when you tell them about your hobby?

KellenCoin

@Insider2 said:
I'm jealous. You'll learn that very many of the "top numismatists" got a big push in the right direction by taking the ANA courses. Lots of others teach there. I hope you get to go several times. Be cool until you get your "feet wet." I was a smarty-pants at first and hurt a few feelings by being very blunt. Still am. Many of the YN's have already been there several times. Be helpful (like volunteer to help at the auction), low key (at first) and one or two may let you into their "group" (which really does not exist. wink). Above all have fun. The times I've gone became some of my best memories. On my first trip, we raced up the stairs to the third floor classroom laughing and pushing all the way. On my last trip, I needed the elevator!

Let us know what courses you are taking. Members may have some suggestions about specific teachers/classes. My favorite things were the food and the people! Breakfast on the terrace with Pike's Peak over the gym roof was the highlight of my mornings. Introduce yourself to the instructors. Some sit together and some will sit at a table with just students. Sometimes there may be a free space at their table you can grab. Remember, you'll learn more by listening. Finally, take it all in BUT find out for yourself if what you hear is a fact.

Write about your experiences and send it in to Coin World and Numismatic News. Get noticed and you may win another scholarship.

@Insider2 said:
I'm jealous. You'll learn that very many of the "top numismatists" got a big push in the right direction by taking the ANA courses. Lots of others teach there. I hope you get to go several times. Be cool until you get your "feet wet." I was a smarty-pants at first and hurt a few feelings by being very blunt. Still am. Many of the YN's have already been there several times. Be helpful (like volunteer to help at the auction), low key (at first) and one or two may let you into their "group" (which really does not exist. wink). Above all have fun. The times I've gone became some of my best memories. On my first trip, we raced up the stairs to the third floor classroom laughing and pushing all the way. On my last trip, I needed the elevator!

Let us know what courses you are taking. Members may have some suggestions about specific teachers/classes. My favorite things were the food and the people! Breakfast on the terrace with Pike's Peak over the gym roof was the highlight of my mornings. Introduce yourself to the instructors. Some sit together and some will sit at a table with just students. Sometimes there may be a free space at their table you can grab. Remember, you'll learn more by listening. Finally, take it all in BUT find out for yourself if what you hear is a fact.

Write about your experiences and send it in to Coin World and Numismatic News. Get noticed and you may win another scholarship.

Thank you for the advice! Your experiences sound amazing! This year, I am taking the class on exhibiting in week 1 and the grading coins pt 1 in week 2. As for listening, that I can do! I really love having conversations and learning from people! Thank you!

KellenCoin

@Coinstartled said:
Does it affect the YN's that the coins they collect have virtually no monetary value?

Us old timers had to decide between a pack of gum or a candy bar or whether to add the couple of nickels to the Whitman. Quarter books were strictly for the high rollers.

I do not think that affects YNs; at least, not at first. The thrill for me was completing the sets and learning about what I am collecting. One exciting side benefit is the possibility of making money at some point (though you will not likely make it from the things most kids start with).

KellenCoin

@logger7 said:
Are any of your peers interested in numismatics as a hobby or area of study rather than a means to an end (making money)? Some believe our hobby is threatened by all the smart phones and idiot diversions in this day and age, what are you seeing in your age group in terms of your peers and their interests besides, dating, career or getting into better schools and doing well?

None of the kids at my school are seriously interested in collecting (as far as I know). But, the YNS i do know are definitely in it for the enjoyment/study over the money aspect. Kids tend to not be investos as often because they di not have the money to invest. As for other activites: technology has definitely played a roll in the decline of real-life involvement. However, it has provided an opportunity for numismatists to connect easily and boost each others interest in the hobby.

KellenCoin

@RogerB said:
What things or actions would support and encourage young coin collectors? What are the interests of many young collectors?

To oversimplify, friendliness and interesting stuff. It is never encouraging to have a dealer or other numismatist shut down your questions or ideas. Interesting stuff provides incentive for future research and prolonged interest in the hobby. Interests for young collectors seem to be "whatever they can get their hands on". This tends to be cheaper material until the YNs become more advanced

KellenCoin

@ThoseBackPages said:
How did you get started?

How do your friends and classmates react, when you tell them about your hobby?

My parents collected the 50 State Quarters (though they are not coin collectors) and gave me a folder. My grandparents traveled and gave me leftover foreign coins as well.

My friends and classmates are mostly indifferenr. They modtly think of it as me having a slightly nerdy quirk

I have tried various strategies to get them interested; the most popular was a "coin of the Day" thing i did. The favorite were an 1883 rackateer nickep and a 1792 french decime.

ricko

@KellenCoin.... do you have an Instagram presence? Seems other YN's find it popular and are buying/selling there....Cheers, RickO

KellenCoin

@ricko said:
@KellenCoin.... do you have an Instagram presence? Seems other YN's find it popular and are buying/selling there....Cheers, RickO

I do! I am @kellencoin! Also, I created a thread earlier asking people about their Instagrams, so make sure to check out that.

ricko

Great.... I assume you are familiar with boyer and Owen.... Cheers, RickO

ElmerFusterpuck

Wow, I was 13 once too, but way back then the only "internet" was a TV with 5 channels! I remember at that age trying to complete the blue Whitman albums via my change, mail order or the couple of very small coin shops around. The coins I couldn't afford or dreamed about were found in the monthly coin magazines.

That world is long gone, but I was wondering if you see yourself still in this hobby in 10 years? There will be lots of distractions, but I do credit this hobby for keeping me out of trouble. I think you're coming in at an interesting time with all the photography/VR advances and many coins available by a simple click or search.

I'd love to see a VR app where you could hold a 'real' 1804 dollar (or something else fun) in hand and be able to look at all the sides!

PS: We follow each other on Instagram too.

KellenCoin

@ElmerFusterpuck said:
Wow, I was 13 once too, but way back then the only "internet" was a TV with 5 channels! I remember at that age trying to complete the blue Whitman albums via my change, mail order or the couple of very small coin shops around. The coins I couldn't afford or dreamed about were found in the monthly coin magazines.

That world is long gone, but I was wondering if you see yourself still in this hobby in 10 years? There will be lots of distractions, but I do credit this hobby for keeping me out of trouble. I think you're coming in at an interesting time with all the photography/VR advances and many coins available by a simple click or search.

I'd love to see a VR app where you could hold a 'real' 1804 dollar (or something else fun) in hand and be able to look at all the sides!

PS: We follow each other on Instagram too.

I think I do still seem myself here, but is not possible to know for sure. Ultimately, I have seen many stories in which numismatists are distracted by other activities. However, they tend to eventually come back to the hobby. Good idea for the app, that would be cool!

RogerB

@KellenCoin said:

@RogerB said:
What things or actions would support and encourage young coin collectors? What are the interests of many young collectors?

To oversimplify, friendliness and interesting stuff. It is never encouraging to have a dealer or other numismatist shut down your questions or ideas. Interesting stuff provides incentive for future research and prolonged interest in the hobby. Interests for young collectors seem to be "whatever they can get their hands on". This tends to be cheaper material until the YNs become more advanced

Would it be accurate to say that youthful collectors want to be listened to and not shunted aside because of their age/inexperience? Also, you seem to be indicating that information related to "cheaper material" would be helpful. Is that correct?

Another question: How do you, as a young collector, disarm the dealers or older collectors who "talk down" to you or your hobby friends?

KellenCoin

@RogerB said:

@KellenCoin said:

@RogerB said:
What things or actions would support and encourage young coin collectors? What are the interests of many young collectors?

To oversimplify, friendliness and interesting stuff. It is never encouraging to have a dealer or other numismatist shut down your questions or ideas. Interesting stuff provides incentive for future research and prolonged interest in the hobby. Interests for young collectors seem to be "whatever they can get their hands on". This tends to be cheaper material until the YNs become more advanced

Would it be accurate to say that youthful collectors want to be listened to and not shunted aside because of their age/inexperience? Also, you seem to be indicating that information related to "cheaper material" would be helpful. Is that correct?

Another question: How do you, as a young collector, disarm the dealers or older collectors who "talk down" to you or your hobby friends?

That is correct. However, in my opinion if a YN is wrong in something, those who are more experienced should politely correct them so they do not make significant mistakes in the future. Information related to cheaper material would be helpful, but don't focus on it too exclusively. Learning about cool coins that bring millions of dollars is fun also.

For me personally, I am pretty easy going. I usually ignore them, do not give them my business, etc. However, if I feel like it, I sometimes essentially disarm by showing off what I DO know (which is often more than the people talking down to me).

RogerB

Kellen,
What are the most common sources on information for you and your peers? How can good quality information be made more readily available to young collectors?

neildrobertson

What do you know now that you didn't know a year ago?

What are the primary avenues you use to add to your collection?

If it makes you feel any better, many coin dealers are mean and disrespectful to adults (me) too.

oldlinecoins

@ShadyDave said:
I'm 28, am I still considered a YN?

Hey, I'm 28 too! Maybe we should be called a TSN (Twenty Something Numismatist) lol

Boosibri

@oldlinecoins said:

@ShadyDave said:
I'm 28, am I still considered a YN?

Hey, I'm 28 too! Maybe we should be called a TSN (Twenty Something Numismatist) lol

I'm 35, can we make it the Twenty/Thirty Something Numistmatist

RockyMtnProspector

Collected until I was 12 and then stopped for 23 years, and got back in in 2013 at 34. So I'm only 16 in numismatist years.

Anything to avoid thinking about the big 4-0 coming up.

RockyMtnProspector

@KellenCoin - I will be at ANA Summer Seminar both weeks as well. I am also taking the Grading 1 in week 2, with instructors Fanton, Ellis, and Gillis? Is this your section? Either way, hope to meet up.

As for question for YNs--is there anything that just turns you and your peers off about collecting, coin shows, etc.? I don't mean to be searching for negatives, just wondering what attitudes or practices your older colleagues might be doing that doesn't encourage YNs currently in the hobby or prevents more young folks from becoming YNs in the first place.

Congrats on the scholarships!

ShadyDave

@RogerB said:
Kellen,
What are the most common sources on information for you and your peers? How can good quality information be made more readily available to young collectors?

Quick answer internet # 1, then a mishmash of books, talking with dealers/collectors and handing/submitting/messing with coins are all part of the educational process. Online articles, videos, posts on forums and PDF infographics are all popular ways to quickly and easily transmit information.

Long Answer
I've been told I'm not a YN in this thread but I find much of my information by using the internet. Whether it is a google search, looking through past threads on this forum or other forums or dedicated numismatic websites like numista. I haven't used the newman numismatic portal much, but I know that is available along with the ANA library. Users like @RogerB , @BillJones @roadrunner and other knowledgeable collectors/dealers are an invaluable resource to everyone here regardless of their age.

I have a few dozen numismatic books from red books, to fractional money to the standard silver dollar encyclopedia and "guide book to XYZ". Unless a book covers one of my core series I collect, I am normally fine with finding info online.

I also have a local B&M owner who I am friendly and have gotten to know over the past 5 or so years. We talk coins and I bring in items to ask him about and he doesn't mind teaching me a bit here or there if he isn't busy or having a mood swing.

Visiting coin shows, seeing/handling thousands of coins over the years and submitting coins to PCGS/NGC/CAC are all valuable learning opportunities too. Experimenting with dipping, acetone and science experiments on "throwaway" coins have taught me what/how various products can affect a coin.

PCGS has a good way of teaching and getting the word out. They have an informative youtube channel where they have quick videos (3-7 minutes) of how to grade popular series, detect counterfeits and how to determine if a coin is damaged or has been cleaned etc.

Mixing interesting facts or historical events with coins are an effective way to get young people interested in coins. Talking about Bryan dollars and his run for president, the recluse millionaire and the redfield hoard, CC dollars and the wild west, literal boat loads of gold and silver treasure being lost and found are all parts of what makes me interested in collecting coins.

Online articles (CoinWorld, The Numismatist ), threads on forums, videos or video vignettes (<----- ANA should be doing these) on youtube or PDF infograpics are all popular ways of getting information out to younger people. Some are cheaper and easier than others, but once something it online it is hard to get it off and is usually pretty easy to find.

RogerB

"Online articles (CoinWorld, The Numismatist ), threads on forums, videos or video vignettes (<----- ANA should be doing these) on youtube or PDF infograpics are all popular ways of getting information out to younger people. Some are cheaper and easier than others, but once something it online it is hard to get it off and is usually pretty easy to find."

ANA -- is anyone out there listening?

KellenCoin

@RogerB said:
Kellen,
What are the most common sources on information for you and your peers? How can good quality information be made more readily available to young collectors?

I personally an a numismatic bibliomaniac, so i use my books a lot. However, I would say the internet is my number one source of info; i mainly use the Newman numismatic portal, the ANA website, these forums, etc. I also recieve many numismatic magazines: Coins, Coin World, The Numismatist, ANS magazine, AJN, The Nor'wester, The asylum, the esylum, TEC News, The centinel, the ILNa digest, etc. @shadydave your response it pretty accurate also.

I would say the way it can be more easily spread is by making it easy and free/cheap to access; for example, free literature or websites such as the NNP.

KellenCoin

@neildrobertson said:
What do you know now that you didn't know a year ago?

What are the primary avenues you use to add to your collection?

If it makes you feel any better, many coin dealers are mean and disrespectful to adults (me) too.

I have learned so many things, but off the top of my head a random fact I have learned is that the ANA used to publish how many YNs they had in The Numismatist.

My main specialties are a little odd (numismatic books, sample slabs, and coins from 1943), so my main sources are ebay and Kolbe & Fanning.

KellenCoin

@RockyMtnProspector said:
@KellenCoin - I will be at ANA Summer Seminar both weeks as well. I am also taking the Grading 1 in week 2, with instructors Fanton, Ellis, and Gillis? Is this your section? Either way, hope to meet up.

As for question for YNs--is there anything that just turns you and your peers off about collecting, coin shows, etc.? I don't mean to be searching for negatives, just wondering what attitudes or practices your older colleagues might be doing that doesn't encourage YNs currently in the hobby or prevents more young folks from becoming YNs in the first place.

Congrats on the scholarships!

What a coincidence! I am taking the same class with the same instructors, so I am excited to see you there!

Re what turns me off: Not being willing to talk, clarify, or answer something for me. I will also break that down:

I can understand why some people might not want to have a conversation, but ignoring me altogether is just rude.

I do not see why people would not clarify something for me. One time at a show I was looking at a coin I was interested in, and saw what appeared to be the price written on the 2x2 it was in. However, the number was illegible, so I asked thr man selling it how much it was. He simply told me that I could not afford it, and did not answer my question.

As for answering something, i can also see why someone would not want to do that. But it usually takes very little time.

I think of myself as fairly level-headed and devoted, so i am not scared away by these people.

Thanks!

KellenCoin

@RogerB said:
"Online articles (CoinWorld, The Numismatist ), threads on forums, videos or video vignettes (<----- ANA should be doing these) on youtube or PDF infograpics are all popular ways of getting information out to younger people. Some are cheaper and easier than others, but once something it online it is hard to get it off and is usually pretty easy to find."

ANA -- is anyone out there listening?

Speaking of which: If anyone from the ANA is looking, I recommend changing up your video vignettes a little. The structured, Gillis-sitting-at-a-table kind of videos need a little spicing up. Just my thoughts.

Hydrant

Do you think that the YN's of today will follow in the footsteps of previous generations of young coin collectors and drop the hobby sometime in their teenage years in favor of chasing pretty girls?

KellenCoin

@Hydrant said:
Do you think that the YN's of today will follow in the footsteps of previous generations of young coin collectors and drop the hobby sometime in their teenage years in favor of chasing pretty girls?

I do not think that all YNs will do this, but I predict many will. It seems to be a consistent trend over the decades. And too be completely fair, there are female YNs as well; "drop the hoby sometime in their teenage years in favor of chasing boys/girls"

RockyMtnProspector

@KellenCoin said:

@RockyMtnProspector said:
@KellenCoin - I will be at ANA Summer Seminar both weeks as well. I am also taking the Grading 1 in week 2, with instructors Fanton, Ellis, and Gillis? Is this your section? Either way, hope to meet up.

As for question for YNs--is there anything that just turns you and your peers off about collecting, coin shows, etc.? I don't mean to be searching for negatives, just wondering what attitudes or practices your older colleagues might be doing that doesn't encourage YNs currently in the hobby or prevents more young folks from becoming YNs in the first place.

Congrats on the scholarships!

What a coincidence! I am taking the same class with the same instructors, so I am excited to see you there!

Re what turns me off: Not being willing to talk, clarify, or answer something for me. I will also break that down:

I can understand why some people might not want to have a conversation, but ignoring me altogether is just rude.

I do not see why people would not clarify something for me. One time at a show I was looking at a coin I was interested in, and saw what appeared to be the price written on the 2x2 it was in. However, the number was illegible, so I asked thr man selling it how much it was. He simply told me that I could not afford it, and did not answer my question.

As for answering something, i can also see why someone would not want to do that. But it usually takes very little time.

I think of myself as fairly level-headed and devoted, so i am not scared away by these people.

Thanks!

Great! Looking forward to the class as well. Should be fun!

As for answering or dismissing people--or not even acknowledging your existence--their loss. There are some dealers who simply seem uncomfortable being asked any question. They don't get my business. Others dodge or misdirect, and they appear to dislike being asked pointed but polite questions. Just remember it isn't you. The crotchety old farts (sorry, there are some out there) can keep their coins. Unless you're looking for something unique and they have it (extremely unlikely), then some other great, informative, helpful dealer has probably got a better coin at a better price.

I'm glad you're not intimidated by such behavior. I'm not either, though it is extremely disappointing. I even overheard one dealer like this complain at the 2014 ANA about not being able to move anything. I wanted to give some friendly advice (more like snarky), but thought better of it. Be the bigger, or in this case, more mature person. And always be polite but firm. If you don't look or act like a mark, then there is less opportunity for the sharks to circle.

See you next month!

TwoKopeiki

@Boosibri said:

@oldlinecoins said:

@ShadyDave said:
I'm 28, am I still considered a YN?

Hey, I'm 28 too! Maybe we should be called a TSN (Twenty Something Numismatist) lol

I'm 35, can we make it the Twenty/Thirty Something Numistmatist

I'd join that

KellenCoin

@TwoKopeiki said:

@Boosibri said:

@oldlinecoins said:

@ShadyDave said:
I'm 28, am I still considered a YN?

Hey, I'm 28 too! Maybe we should be called a TSN (Twenty Something Numismatist) lol

I'm 35, can we make it the Twenty/Thirty Something Numistmatist

I'd join that

TTSN!