Well, as I mentioned yesterday I attended my very first Coin Club (Brick & Mortar) meeting last evening. There were about 18 of us (including a US Senator who came into town just for the meeting!) and being the newby I was asked to say a few words about myself and myhobby. I spoke for about 10 minutes, LOL trying to keep it brief but and after the formalities ceased most of the members came over to see what I'd brought along. I took six Bust Halves and also had made some copies of how to attribute a coin in the Capped series (star placement, T/I alignment, Three As, and A-A measurement) along with a list of some common varieties. Many were interested in my selections, but the question which I was asked by more than one was "Where or What are the official grades?" I couldn't help but chuckle seeing the look in one lady's eyes when I told her I'd cracked many of mine out of the slabs and even graded raw coins myself. After about two hours the membership started heading for the door and I will be back as it was a grand time Take Care Ben P.S. The Senator and I got along very well and we spoke candidly (1 on 1) for about an hour. He is a listener and will be a force in the future.
Hopefully you can get the Senator to listen and to put some brakes on all the foolishness at the mint. I like changing our coins, but think it has become too crazy.
For all those who like Incredible Stories. The new George Washington Coin has yet to offically arrive in Rapid City, South Dakota. Not one collector at the meeting last night had seen an example available at the banks in town. Apparently they're in some banks over in Sioux Falls, but haven't made it across the Missouri River to the western half of the state... LOL
clubbing I really should find a club around here. I't sounds like fun and I have been putting it off for quite some time now. I would have loved to see the faces when you told them about releasing those captive coins.:kewl:
A couple of the folks there were RAW coin collectors like myself, but the mindset on this one lady and her friend seemed to be that slabbed coins were the "Lost Commandments of Moses..." The final word on the grade/type of the coin with no other discussion to be had. You'd think I'd ruined the coin:goof: :goof: :goof: Ben
yes i am looking for a coin club in my area as well. does anyone know where or how i can find one? Thanks.
I live in SW Minnesota Ben. We have the dollars in most of the banks here. As flat as it is between here and there, maybe I could roll a few over. You might just have some smooth edged examples to sell by the time they get there. We don't have anything for coin clubs in our area as far as I know. Your lucky to have an active one.
Id like to start a club here in the town I live. Something different than the one thats already here in a sense that new members will always be welcomed, especially YNs. The existing coin club here posts absolutely no ads in the local paper except for their meeting times once a month, no promotions or invitations for new members to join. Are you just supposed to show up? I've emailed the president of the club and told him I was interested in joining, but got no response.
IH, I would just go and take the temperature of the club meeting. If they are welcoming, stay, if not, leave at a convenient time (like a break). Many clubs as well as volunteer organizations of all types just don't have the bandwidth to get any kind of publicity out, and then that assumes that newspapers et al are willing to print it even if it is submitted.
This one just started back in November, but they got the word out in the Numismatist and of all places that's where I saw it. Apparently, there are some flyers around town but they've been covered up with "Free Puppy" and "10 Gallon Aquarium" notices on the public bulletin boards at the grocery stores. Word of mouth was the primary method of getting the Charter members I guess. I got in as one of the 'first fity' so I'm happy... The door to the local shop is always so plastered with ads you can't see into this store. Just the kind of place I like to visit too.
Sounds like you had fun! Pardon my ignorance, never have been to a coin club, what exactly do you do there? Sorry if I sound stupid, I'm a little curious. Phoenix
Well, as you know it was my first one too. The Club President spoke about the Clubs activities, Funds, and recent Coin & Stamp shows he'd been to along with upcoming shows if you planned to attend. Then there was a Show & Tell period where I got to say "Howdy", then everyone just mingled and showed their treasures. It was very laid back and even had coffee for those who cared for some. Well worth the $15 bucks for membership. Take Care Ben
