I have now been to several meetings of my local coin club with my 8 and 10 year old boys. The first half is business while the second half is an action. Overall the members are very welcoming and I've met some real nice folks. The auction items are put up by other members (some professional dealers, some hobbyists). The items seem to be fairly generic, with no items going for more than $40 or $50, which most less than $20. That being said, I've found myself contributing to the local dealers, primarily through my kids. What I buy for myself is for my US Coin Type 7070 set. The club puts on two shows a year and there is an Annual Banquet around Christmas time. I participated in those as a child back in the 70s, but can't speak to how those are run today. For those who are in one, why are you a member of your local coin club?
I don't even know if there is one local to me. From what I know of the clientele I've seen at local dealers, I'd probably be looked down at one for being 23. Most of the coin collectors in this area are older gentlemen with lots of money.
I think most, if not all, local clubs would be thrilled to have a younger collector join them. I visited one club in your area a few years back and had a good meeting. (Unfortunately, I did not belong to a club during the brief period I lived in your area.) To answer the OP's question, I'm a member of the local club because I like to be able to get together with other numismatists on a regular basis. You can learn a ton, see some really cool coins on occasion, and even pick up the occasional coin for your collection. Of course, you may get into trouble and discover something new to collect.
Dang, why join a coin cub. And I'm just thinkin' I missed the meeting tonite. Wife was down with some bug and didn't want to leave her all alone. Why join a coin club? Well, for one thing, you get to rub elbows with some really experienced collectors. Oh sure, there are many dealers who are members, but there's also "salt of the earth" guys like you and me. And it seems (at least in my neck o' the woods) that these guys are always quick to help or answer any question that I may have. I've never felt "dumbed down" 'cause I asked a particular question. There is always an informative presentation at every meeting at my club. These guys really do their homework. And yeah, there's lots of "old" guys there too (I'm one ) but ya know what? We got some younger folks there too and it's always fun to help out the up and coming collector.
Where do I start.. lets see.. I am the current president of our local coin club. We, have an auction at every meeting, we teach grading, trends, get kids involved in the hobby, have giveaways, sponsor two shows a year. In this little club are two gentleman that are running for the board of Michigan Numismatic Society, one gentleman is on the board of Coneca, another is the president of The Elongated Collectors Club who happens to have the largest collection of elongated cents in the WORLD.. ever see 2 1/2 dollar GOLD pieces smashed into elongateds? He has a full 20 page sheet of them. I have learned SO MUCH listening to stories from some of these guys its unbelievable. If your not involved in a local club.. YOUR MISSING OUT... or how about watching the look on a 10 year olds face when you hand them some free Indian Head Cents... I really look forward to our meetings..
X10 what they all said LOL plus our local ANA club like most has only a small handful of kids, members are actually dying faster than new members come in. Quite a struggle to attract young collectors. Its a 55 year old club. Now down to about a 100? members who can still get to meetings. Im 65 and Im one of the youngest. I love the education nights, (presentations on any number of subjects by ordinary club members), the auction after each meeting, I hate the raffles as I always buy too many tickets for the coolest raffle coin. Its fun.
The members have been real good about giving coins to my boys (8 and 10). A proof cent here. A VG grade Morgan there. A 50 state quarter. Very nice. Also, when a kid bids in the auction, the auctioneer usually jumps the next number up to $50 so everyone knows not to get into a bidding war with a kid. For example, kid bids $10 for a roll of state quarters. Response by auctioneer, "we've got $10, looking for $50."
I belong to my local coin club, (not too local since it is still 20 miles of city driving), because it is one of the few ancient coin clubs in the US. I used to be a member of my local coin club where I grew up, and I was the only non-US collector there, so therefor I was the "expert" in everything non US! Lol. Anyway, coin clubs are great ways to meet other collectors, tell stories only they can appreciate, see some cool stuff, and learn something you didn't know. I would suggest everyone try to participate if they have one near them.
I agree with everything that was said earlier by green and Jim. I am only 30 years old so when I attend my local club meetings, I am normally the youngest guy there and i love that. Most of the members come up to me and are so happy that someone my age is attending and a member of there club. I also really enjoy learning the history behind other coins that I dont collect right now. Every meeting there is a teaching part were one of the members gives a lesson on what they collect. Being on a forum and talking coins is never going to be the same as sitting at a table with a group of guys and gals and discussing the hobby we love. Being able to look at there collections in my hand and show them mine in person and just discuss things is great. Our meeting is over at 9:00 but normally no one leaves until about 11:00 from talking and doing show and tells. i definately recommend you joining a good club. It is a invaluable experience.
Get ready to join then because there is one. The third largest club in the state, the Indianapolish Coin Club meets the fourth Monday of the month. I've sent you meeting location infomation by private message. Other clubs in the area are the Marion club, the Greencastle club, the Anderson club, the Muncie club (largest club in the state), and the Bloomington club. The Fort Wayne club is probably the farthest away (second largest) The Indianapolis club also host the annual state show in Indianapolis. This years show will be Oct 29th and 30th.
I also recently turned 30 and am also usually the youngest at my local club meetings. Well unless someone brings one of their grandkids to the meeting I like to attend the meetings as it's an opportunity to share knowledge about coins. I've leared alot from the presentations by the elder members and I've also been able to share a great deal of information about the hobby/business from a younger collector's perspective. Mostly, I've learned things that you just can't find anywhere else in print or online such as the history of local collectors, dealers, shops, coin clubs and coin shows. I usually don't have much else going on that one Thursday night a month anyways and winning a few door prizes here and there helps too
Our coin club is 17 years old. We have about 30 at each meeting. We first have the pledge to the American flag then have a door prize drawing. Next we talk about business. Then we have a program, then a snack. Last we have a auction. Before the meeting, the guests and members look at the items to be auctioned and some of the members have a selling tables. Twice a year we have a benefit auction for the club and have a dues of $10.00 for regular member and $5.00 for Jr. members. We have also sent the young Numismatics to Colorado. We all have a good time. -O)
