If you were to spend your hard earned money on joining a coin club, what would you expect from the club in return? Realistically, what would you like from a club in return for your money? A newsletter? Discounts on grading? An auction? What else? What can a club do, without breaking the bank, that would make you, as a member, happy?
I would expect out of any coin club at least a newsletter whether its through e-mail or through the regular mail, some kind of relationship with one or more of the top three TPGs to provide discounted grading services so members can submit coins together through the club. Once maybe every quarter (3 months) hold an auction. Last but certainly not least, have a YN program to educate the younger generation of collectors, guide them with projects such as maybe setting up an exhibit at the next coin show or if they're boy scouts, help them earn their coin collecting badge. I noticed that some coin clubs have absolutely no program for young collectors nor do they make any attempt to recruit kids into the hobby. I think a YN program within the club is one of the most important benefits you could have.
Good list Indianhead. Maybe also host a coin show per year (invite dealers, etc.) This probably depends on location. Also publicize coin collecting in the community. Maybe get others interested in it. How? That's a good question, but I would think that should be a goal of any good coin club. Of course, interesting presentations at meetings. I may have no interest in 3 cent pieces, but if that is the topic for the night, I would hope it would be interesting and maybe even get me involved. This depends a lot on who sets the agenda for the meetings. I don't mind paying money and not getting my money back if I can see it is being spent on YN's or drawing dealers to our town for a local coin show or for attracting new collectors. It's not all about quid quo pro. (HA!!! I'm not even sure what that means!)
I would just like having a coin club of any kind in my community. I've always contemplated starting one, but have no idea how to go about finding others who are interested enough. Guy~
Coleguy, that's a good point. I do NOT advertise that I am a coin collector. No one at work knows it. And I probably have a nephew or niece who isn't even aware of it. Reason: Paranoia. Even though I don't have the king's ransom for a collection, once someone sees a few of your coins, he tells someone else and by the time the fifth person (bad guy) hears it, you have the keys to Fort Knox hidden under your pillow. Other reason - to be perfectly honest, most people get bored after you show them the third coin. Why bother - I mean, we're not converting the heathens here..... So I appreciate that remark. On the other hand, you could do an ad in the local newspaper, query coin dealers within a 100 mile radius, etc.
