Hello everyone and thanks for checking out this thread! How does one go about launching a new coin club? To begin one is my objective and I welcome any suggestions and am very interested in meeting other Maine collectors. I live in the Highlands region of Maine and have very few options for gaining and sharing numismatic knowledge (other than CT) in my area. The closest coin shop to me is over 50 miles and although I have good relationships with them, it would be nice to create a venue for everyone much closer to home. There are a few others in the area who advertise in local papers that they are interested in buying gold and silver coins. After meeting with all of them, unfortunately the majority appear to simply be looking for less-than-equitable transactions (especially by CT standards). Once these other "collectors" realized I know more than your average owner, they pretty much lost interest in chatting with me about coins. I have met several local people who indeed do have respectable collections, although some of them inherited their coins and basically have no knowledge as to either the history or value of their wares. I know there are many others whom would benefit from such a club, if only one were available. I have found that many people are actually intimidated by the numismatic hobby and fear they will not be able to enjoy the activity because there is an "overwhelming" amount to learn. I'd like to dissuade this fear and encourage my neighbors to begin their own journey down the numismatic path. Ultimately, I would love to create a venue whereby pros and newbs alike can come together to show off their coins and share knowledge, all the while increase interest in our truly rewarding hobby. And while I would, of course, be interested in buying, selling and trading with others, the creation of a reputable organization with a CT-type aura is my larger goal. I am a member of CT, ANA and PCGS. My numismatic activities are more a hobby although I would love to open my own shop in 20 years or so during my retirement years. Please feel free to respond or PM me, especially in you live in Maine! Thanks! DB
Ahhh... the summers spent in Maine along Sebago Lake; yeah, those were the good old days! Anyway, most of my relatives live in the Windham area, there are a ton of antigue shops with plenty of coins at reasonable prices. However, that's a long way from you! Good luck in your quest!
Sebago is beautiful, although I prefer Moosehead. Definitely a long drive to Windham, lol. And John Irving is one heckuva writer!
