Do you participate in a local coin club?

MrEureka · March 6, 2020 2:29PM

I don't. Never have. The closest I ever got was suggesting that the local club might send out e-mails before each meeting to tempt people like me to attend. Apparently, it was not practical. Not mentioning this to shame anyone. It was years ago. But I'm wondering if it's a common problem, and if there might be a way to improve things.

astrorat · March 6, 2020 2:43PM

Apathy at local coin club meetings is fairly common ... and had been for decades. Most clubs I attended in the past had a few things in common:

Old men who love to complain ... and complain ... and complain.
Old men who really only want an auction because they are desperate to sell coins nobody wants.
Old men who love to complain ... and complain ... and complain.

I am blessed with the clubs I have attended recently. Active, polite members who like a nice coin auction. But also like educational programs, fellowship, and positive conversation.

We have a very active club in East Texas. We usually have over 40 attendees, including spouses. There also is a decent amount of programming. The members are good humored, friendly, and enthusiastic about collecting. Our former club president really revitalized the club over the nine years he served.

A real challenge is to get younger collectors engaged. Moms and dads bring their kids, but I imagine it can get a little boring if there is no programming around coins they like.

Sonorandesertrat · March 6, 2020 2:49PM

No. I don't care for most of the local dealers, with 2 exceptions. Bid boards are available at a number of the coin shops in Tucson, but I have rarely found anything that interests me using this venue and I don't think that coin club auctions would change that.

I know some local collectors who are EAC members. Others I have met are retired, have modest budgets and frequently buy raw, messed-with coins. And, yes, they complain.

superpsychmd · March 6, 2020 6:12PM

Our coin club is not typical. Maybe Andy should check us out. We only have a few regulars but they are all knowledgeable and with interesting US, dark side material and medals. Always have a good show and tell with a decent meal, although our go to Italian restaurant changed owners and I think we will be changing restaurants.

Dave

illini420 · March 6, 2020 6:14PM

I go to a couple of different clubs each month.

Fun to see what people bring for show and tell each meeting. Also am able to pick up some fun stuff in the auctions and raffles.

Also hear some really good educational programs... some less good ones too, but they're usually only about 15-20 min

TurtleCat · March 6, 2020 6:15PM

There isn’t a local one around me. There is one statewide one that meets in different places around the state and another one or two in the state but I don’t have time for that. I’m probably not their cup of tea anyway.

BustDMs · March 6, 2020 6:49PM

I belong to the Cincinnati Numismatic Association. We have an educational presentation at each meeting, in fact our next one is next Friday when we are hosting Bob Evans of SS Central America fame. We also have show and tell where members can share items from their collections.

We would be glad to have any visitors if you find yourself in the Cincinnati area the second Friday of the month.

Feel free to PM me for more information if you are interested.

Brad

TitusFlavius · March 6, 2020 7:20PM

I love being a part of my local club (I'm currently club treasurer, after 11 years as president). We usually have an educational program at our first meeting of the month, then an auction at the second meeting. Members always bring lots of interesting things for show-and-tell each meeting. We have a monthly show-and-tell theme (e.g. toned coins, non-round coins, coins depicting flight, etc.) to encourage members to search there collections for items that might not otherwise see the spotlight, though members can always show off non-themed items if they want. We also have two members who do little activities with the YNs at the meetings (we have about 10).

The hard part of running the club is finding volunteers for various functions (selling tickets for the meeting raffle, maintaining the club newsletter and website). Most people are willing to help in some capacity, but it's hard to find people who can commit to something on a long-term basis. If the membership won't get involved, and the club officers aren't communicating what help is needed, the officers tend to get burnt out. Fortunately, we're blessed with a number of members who are passionate about the hobby, and the club, so we make do.

Oldhoopster · March 6, 2020 7:28PM

I've belonged to a number of local clubs over the years. At 2 of them I ended up being an officer after 2-3 meetings (VP and secretary). At some of the smaller clubs I always tried to have a short talk ready to go. IMO, a club needs to provide an educational component. If your club doesn't have do one, consider volunteering for a short talk at the next meeting. Auctions and raffles only go so far.

savitale · March 6, 2020 7:33PM

@TitusFlavius said:
We also have two members who do little activities with the YNs at the meetings (we have about 10).

Wow, 10 YNs sounds pretty good. I think many clubs would be happy to have 10 members.

ricko · March 7, 2020 6:49AM

No coin clubs around here.... I did meet another collector at the yearly Flea Market....and he mentioned the lack of shows, clubs, shops and collectors in this area....At least I now know I am not alone and my evaluation of the area, coin-wise, has been accurate. There were coins at the flea market...no dealer displays, just typical groupings of items sprinkled with a few coins here and there....and I did not see anything worth buying. Cheers, RickO

Nysoto · March 7, 2020 8:46AM

I have been involved on/off for 30 years with PNW clubs, and currently meet monthly with a small group at a restaurant. I have given presentations at coin clubs, and would always be willing to give a presentation/display on US Mint chief engraver Robert Scot. There is a need for a Seattle/eastside coin club across the lake in Bellevue, most are either north or south of the city.

Zoins · March 7, 2020 8:49AM

I probably live 30 min away from my local coin club without traffic, but since meetings are on weekday evenings, it can easily become an hour to hour and a half drive in rush hour traffic. Because of this, I've desired to attend and have even emailed the club, but have never made it to a meeting.

I actually used to make the rush hour drive for another activity in the same location but because I couldn't predict traffic and when I would arrive, I eventually stopped.

I would love clubs host video meetings online in addition to in person but there would be a bit more A/V set up.

TwoSides2aCoin · March 7, 2020 8:54AM

I joined in the later years ; 2005. (Age of fifty). A few meetings in and a select few drove me away. Became a life member of the ANA through the club circuit. And that drove me to drink.

BAJJERFAN · March 7, 2020 9:08AM

Yes.

Tibor · March 7, 2020 9:30AM

Not aware of any clubs in my area, N.E. Tenn. Used to be a really good one in
Kingsport, Tn.. Put on two 60-70 dealer shows twice a year. Sure do miss those days.

TurtleCat · March 7, 2020 11:06AM

I feel like I have to say I wouldn’t belong to a coin club that would have me as a member, lol.

leothelyon · March 7, 2020 1:16PM

@TwoSides2aCoin said:
I joined in the later years ; 2005. (Age of fifty). A few meetings in and a select few drove me away. Became a life member of the ANA through the club circuit. And that drove me to drink.

I'm with Twosides here, I only function in the global arena these days...…...right smack dab in front of my monitor!

On a serious note, my heart and appreciation goes out to those who have dedicated much of their time and energy with clubs. With my hearing problem and lowly financial status, I would only be good for sweeping up the floors, taking the garbage out....oh and making coffee, I can make coffee.

Leo

BStrauss3 · March 7, 2020 2:43PM

I'm a member of two plus an international organization that's local. 1st Thursday, 2nd Thursday, 3rd Wednesday.

I attended one meeting of two other clubs that I could attend on the 3rd Thursday of the month.

Rumor is the office is moving to the other side of town which might make one a lot more difficult to attend, but maybe WFH on club night Thursday so it's only an hour's drive.

BLUEJAYWAY · March 7, 2020 10:29PM

No. None in my area.

RockyMtnProspector · March 7, 2020 11:08PM

Two local clubs, board member of both. Each one has really great presentations throughout the year, club mini-bourse, and one has a monthly auction with decent stuff. The larger has about 100 members and about 40-50 regular attendance, the other has fewer members but always around 20 in attendance. We do show and tell at the smaller club and folks always have cool stuff to share.

We have YNs at both though they usually come and go with the school year. Some club members bring kids and grandkids who are genuinely interested and one teenager has set up a few times on the bourse this past year.

divecchia · March 8, 2020 3:20AM

I do not, but then I have not really been a member of any club in my life. The CU Forum is about as close as I get to belonging to anything.

Donato

Do you participate in a local coin club?

Comments

The more qualities observed in a coin, the more desirable that coin becomes!

My Jefferson Nickel Collection

Leave a Comment