In the previous post, I wrote about the new club for collectors that I will begin leading next Monday. Today, we had our meeting to discuss other club possibilities with the other teachers. I was pretty thrilled to hear about some of them. However, I'm going to try to focus on just mine for now. I was also approved to teach an after school class geared towards coin collectors or anyone interested in coins. The best part is, they are paying me to do this. Here's my plan. I will work with the general collectors club until the end of September. I feel I have enough information to cover the time for those three weeks. Starting October 1st, I will begin my introductory program on U.S. coins. No, I am not an expert, but I feel like I have a lot of information to share with the kids about coins and collecting them. I will do that throughout October. If I feel like I haven't covered everything I wanted to, I can extend it to create a second class to go through November. The beginners class will cover coin care, ethics, types, history, etc... The more advanced class will cover cherrypicking, grading, etc... I am really excited to have the chance to do this. My wife brought up a good point and hopes that I have enough of a turnout for the clubs. I figure even if I only get a few kids, that would be a few more lives exposed to the joy of coin collecting. I'm going to use many of the ideas from the last post. Does anyone have any other suggestions?
Congratulations!! One question. When does SGS and other scammers come in? I would hate for some of your students to get the bug and then get their feet wet with them.
I think what you're doing is great. I wish someone would have thought of this 30 years ago when I was still in school.
I'm with Indianhead....why didn't my school have anything this cool?! Any room for in that class for a few old collectors? Guy~
Me too. Only it would have been over 50 years ago. Don't remember if I suggested this but you may want to contact coin magazines about what you are doing. Some may offer you numerous issues for that class free. Also, you may want to contact some coin professional organizatioins as to what you are doing and ask them if they have any flyers, information, pamphlets to pass out. Try PCGS, NGC, the ANA, etc. You might be surprized at what you get. I always think kids are interested in anything in money if free so try to find a large amount of Wheat Cents as gifts for the members. That may possibly increase the number of those interested. Have them write up something about coins and give Wheat Cents as a reward. Dig through this forums records of educational post and print them out for the members. If a flea market in your area you may want to check out to see if any cheap magnifying glasses also for the members. I would also try contacting Whitman Publishing for any free coin information they would like to contribute. Such a massive large organization may have some items available. All worth a try. Just remember if you do contact any professional organizations to include your school's name and location so they don't think it is some kind of scam.
I would add the US Mint to the list of places to get materials. They were giving away a lot of promotional material over the summer to push the Presidential Dollars. Check their website. And best of luck to you -- quite a Noble Cause you are taking up.
Fantastic ideas. The main reason I wanted to start this club is because, like many of you have stated, there was nothing of the sort when we were growing up. I hope I get a nice turnout. I'm making some flyer's tonight to post around the school tomorrow before everyone signs up.
There was certainly nothing like CoinTalk when I was growing up. I learned about coins the same way I learned about the facts of life; from my misinformed friends on the playground!
Agreed. Many of my misinformed school friends invested in cigarettes and easy women and have nothing to show for it but empty bottles of penicillin and lung spots. I invested in coins and hope to retire before I'm 55 or so. I hope to share my experiences in numismatics to another generation.
Just finished making my flyer's. I ran into a few kids in the office today before I left the building. So, at least a few kids know about it.
I knew that I had seen a club program from Heritage, but I could not find it - until tonight. It was in their email. I have no idea how applicable it might be, but it won't hurt to try.
Kudos to you !!! Fantastic that you are taking your time and and sharing it with others in a positive way !!! Right On !!!
