Numismatics is a dieing hobby

I would love to see an actual study.

 

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I started collecting at 16 (2 years ago give or take a few months), and have pretty much learned the ropes on my own in that time.(I'm the only one in my whole family that really collects, so I got into in pretty much with no assistance.) I think if the younger population has the motivation to learn, then they will. I am glad to see members younger than I that collect, it gives me hope that the hobby will continue to grow in the future, and I don't doubt that it will.

I admire your enthusiasm, that's for sure. But one person does not a difference make. If you were to call yourself the prime example of a YN, then I apologize in advance for what this generation would do to the hobby.

 

Yes, it is near the end for currency as we know it. Kids today, use mostly plastic or electronic ways to acquire things now.

 

I think that will only add to the appeal of currency from a collecting stand point, as it does with coins like half cents.

 

Good start but let's finish the job:

"You would be surprised by the number of collectors who start when they're young. ..."

"Amount" is good for sand, snow, peanut butter and other uncountable nouns.

 

As evidenced by the diminishing numbers of collectors on this forum.........

 

It's not dead, and never will be. With anything in this world, there will be ebbs and flows.

 

Both work in the sentence, but I have to admit Number fits better...

 

I also think with the relatively modern addition of the internet, the newer generation will be able to have easier access to information about coins. Now, you don't even need to be in the same room as someone to be in a coin "club"(this can be seen as both good and bad). More widely available pictures and info about coins means that people will have an easier time understanding what they have, which in turn could result in more people getting hooked into the hobby.:smile

 

I think coins are out pricing us as collectors.
When i started collecting id never seen a proof or slabbed coin.
I tried to learn and grade my coins and i never did have one that was xf.
25 dollars was a lot to put into a coin you could only see a picture of in a book.
Today you can see what you buy and even talk to the seller while making up your mind.
And one thousdand dollars is like 50 was then.
The mint and the ASE rounds didnt help with its healthy appetite.
Never in my wildest dream did i ever see two rounds with the same date as the calendar year worth the price they are bringing.
The out pricing i feel leaves many behind that sees the same dream as everyone but knows its so far out of reach he will never own it.
Just my 22 cent.

 

Pick your battles Woody. You may be marvelously surprised.........

 

The exact same argument the op states has been levied against coin collecting the last fifty years. In the seventies the average coin collector was a middle aged guy. Guess what? Same is true today. For every older collector who passes away there is a new middle aged guy waiting to buy his stuff.

 

And middle age (old guys) rock.........

 

I don't think most 20 something guys and gals have the money to spend on 'errr'.. money.

 

I was there once. Not a stitch or anything to spend on collecting. Relegated to only purchasing mint and proof sets because I couldn't afford anything else. Patience prevails. And majority of money comes in time........if you are wise.

 

The OP does, to some extent, have a point in my opinion - I have read a few times recently that "collecting" in general is not that popular any more. Don't have any statistical data about that though ...

Now if we look at stamps, a flood of commemorative stamps in some countries has affected the number of collectors. Today stamps are not really used much any more, so again the number is shrinking. To a lesser degree, we can see both trends in (modern) coins too. On the other hand, a few mints are apparently successful with theme coins that people (the "casual" novelty collector type) will buy if and only if they find them attractive.

And then there are those who don't start collecting coins because the mint has just issued a new series of circulating commems, but because they like, say, those old silver coins that they have seen somewhere. Many reasons why I don't think that collecting coins is a dying hobby.

Christian

 

If you're right, the answer many of us are thinking but nobody has said yet because it sounds greedy: "WooHoo! More for me!"

If supply stays constant (existing coins, not new production) and demand falls, then availability should rise and prices should fall. Win-win situation for those of us who aren't in this for profit.

 

But, I don't think you're right.

Interest may wax and wane, but overall, it seems to be a hobby that attracts children, middle age, and the elderly. Most young adults have other things on their minds than coins.

 

So as we move away from the use of currency and coinage and use more cards and other electronic methods to pass payment between two parties do you think that this will have any long term effects on coin collectors as the familarity of a nation's coinage and currency is not as noticed as in generations past? Just saying when I was a kid a check book was a big deal other than that it was cash only, but now I use cash as a means of payment 30% of the time.

 

At this past weekend's Santa Clara show, a young numi who is probably no older than 8-9 bought a slabbed AU Trade Dollar from one of the dealers I know...with his own money! Now you tell me that this is a hobby on the decline.