Why should I join

I know the ANA has been having some problems with the upper level of it's admin so why should I join, I have been thinking about being a member is now a good time or not?

Bruce.

 

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A pretty good magazine.

 

Ben.
Do you get a special rate as a member for sending coins to be graded by NGC or PCGS ?

 

I joined at the FUN show a few days ago. John Wilson was at the booth and he gave me and my brother sssooooooo much free stuff for joining. I got a 1943 stock certificate, a check from 1897, many tokens, wooden nickels (he signed his election nickel for us), all all sorts of other things.

 

I'm sure there are but it wouldn't surprise me if there weren't. I don't use TPGs.

 

just a matter of time...................LOL

 

I know Ben has some TPG coins, however he is very good at gradeing coins so I can see why he may not use them.

 

Sounds to me like they are "buying votes". Just like the politicians here in Northwest Indiana and Chicago.

I was a member years ago and really wasn't that impressed so I let my membership expire.

ANYONE can join the ANA so when a dealer/seller says "I'm a member of the ANA" it does not impress me.

They have their strong points but in the long run was not worth my money - but that's just me. Who knows I may see a reason to join again some day.

 

Yep, have some I purchased already graded and didn't crackem' out. As far as my grading standard goes, well I'm the final judge and am proud to say each coin in a 2x2 flip has the BB Grading Service mark of approval and I will put those grades up against any TPG service available today.

My nine year old nephew (our daughters really don't like to collect coins) who one day will be ecstatic when he receives my coins as he's really interested and I can thank my little brother for that. It's already worked out with him. But, hopefully I've got a few more years of enjoying the collection before I head to Valhalla...

 

With an ANA membership, you receive the Numismatist each month, which a a great magazine. You are eligible for direct submission priviledges to NGC, rather than having to join their club. Members are eligible for discounts on supplies purchased through Amos Advantage and discounts on admission to Summer Seminar courses. The ANA also offers its members an insurance provider for coin collections, if one wishes to insure their collection.

Overall, I think the membership represents a good bargain.

 

The always give away freebies when members sign up, especially to the youngsters. Most of the items that are given away are donated by dealers. They often will give away Buffalo Nickels, Wheat Cents, different forms of Paper (money, check, stock certificates), and even supplies like a 10X Triplet.

I know the free items I received as a youngster gave me a positive first impression of the ANA.

 

GDJSMP is absolutely right. You can't possibly improve the situation without being a member.

And as far as the library goes... Its absolutely amazing. Especially to us collectors of ancient and medieval coins, for which the books often cost more than triple the coins!

 

I'm going to come off as REAL negative here but I gotta say it.

Sounds like they effectively "bought" your vote.
Most of the items are donated by dealers. Think that may help them in any manner if they have bigger goals in the ANA hierarchy? Food for thought.

I have no problem with encouraging new collectors. Been known to give away a coin or two myself or help a kid pay for a coin that he wants in a shop when he's a few bucks short and really wants that coin. That is called the kindness of strangers.

I've met ANA "higher ups" at shows on occasion. They look at your name tag then pretend they know you. Just like any "good" politician would.


GDJMSP questions why anyone would leave as you can't change it if you're not a member. Good point and taken here. Thing is I don't want to waste my time trying to change them so why should I pay out a yearly fee to participate?


I'm not here to bash the ANA. I originally said they have their strong points because they do. My experience with them was just that it was not worth my while or my money. I also stated that at some point I may join again.

Different strokes for different folks.

 

Im gonna join the ANA when i go up to milwawkee in august.

 

Oh, i guess that makes more sence! Thanks!

 

Guys, I gotta say "it would nice to have an ANA show in North or South Dakota for once." Rapid City has more than enough hotels to put roofs over the show and dealers in rooms. The civic center is hugh and usually empty...

 

Ya but what about all the freebies a YN would get by joining in person?? I don't know one way or the other.. just a thought..

 

I'd join if:
1) Horton leaves office (he is going anyway).
2) they have an election for Pres & VP with more than one person running.
3) They dump Cippoletti-- arrogant a-- that he is.
4) They eliminate the code of silence that Cippoletti & Horton have instituted.

Do you know that you have to sign a confidentiality statement-- JUST TO RUN!!!!!

They ignore the by-laws and do what ever they want to do.
Currently they want to amend the by-laws so that they can change them without membership approval.

So, should you join?
Maybe yes, maybe no.
Will I? No.