I was wondering if many coinshops would allow me to volunteer my time? I simply want to know more about my hobby and with my age (16) realize that few would want me to work for them considering the average customer would be more then twice my age I heard about the ANA internship, but I am Canadian so that doesn't apply. Any help is appreciated, I just dont want to ask and look like an idiot Zabb
Well, I dont know about your area but I imagine all coin dealers are all the same. I would guess that a coin dealer would probably turn you down unless you're a regular customer or you know the dealer personally, maybe a friend of the family. I assume alot of dealers wouldnt hire someone right off the street that they didnt know. I'd suggest, if your dealer is friendly, hang out in his shop for a while, ask questions and express interest in all of the coins he has in his cases. Become a regular in his shop or just stop in a few times a week and chat ,as long as he doesnt seem to mind. Get to know him and visa versa then ask. Realize that there are thousands of dollars of coins in his shop and he just cant trust anyone.
Go in with your parents and get to know the dealer. I know two dealers who do allow YN's to volunteer if the parents can validate they've had an interest in coins for a reasonable time so that it doesn't look like they suddenly just want to play with the coins. However, before you envision being handed the keys to the vault or handling mountains of gold coins, be prepared if they 'do' - they'll probably start you at a table sorting pennies. They call it the penny test to see how interested volunteers truly are with coins and learning. If you can sit and sort pennies by year and mint mark all day ~ w/o pocketing the few semi key dates they toss in there just to test you ~ they let you come back the next day and sort some more. If you make it a week on the pennies, they let you start sorting nickels... and so on. While it may sound like a game - it's done that way for a reason. One, it takes patience. Two, it gives you an opportunity to pass thousands and thousands of pennies through your hands and suddenly you start understanding the difference in a VG to an XF or MS. And three, because it's pennies, it limits the risk the dealer takes while establishing the ability to trust you. And don't think it's because your 16. They do it with every person who asks to volunteer regardless of age. And many have failed by slipping the semi key dates into their pockets rather than into a 2x2 and labeled. You'll likely be in the front of the shop or within earshot so you'll have an opportunity to learn a lot. However, don't expect the dealer to spend all day as your private coin tutor. Good luck!
Zabb, Interesting question to say the least. I've been working at the local shop as a "trusted customer" for a few months now. Course I have about 30 years on you. However, we do have an "intern". I have met this young man but once actually. He's 14 I believe. Tomorrow will be the first day I actually work with him. I'll ask both he and the owner how this came about. I will agree that trust is the BIG issue. It's a lot different behind the counter. You have a person that runs a business with a lot of money that can easily be pocketed. I've been going to my dealer/boss for at least 15 years now. He has offered me jobs in the past but the pay was never enough. He finally offered me a decent wage and I'm there but ONLY because he trusts me. Introducing a dealer to your parents would be a good idea as stated. Heck, if my boss wanted to I'd let him check my pockets when I entered and left. It's a great place to work and a good dealer can teach you so much. My boss has forgotten more than I know
Zabb, First of all thank you for you interest in coins. So many teens today would rather watch MTV or play video games than collect coins. You have chosen a great hobby please stay with it. We need young numismatists such as yourself to maintain an interest in coins. Go with and adult to the coin shops, and dont forget there are many books and internet resources to learn from. Thank You
I bet theres a coin club in your area. They are excellent for networking, and you'll meet all sorts of folks there. My favorite shop owner just got nominated for President of my club last month. They will usually have auctions after the meetings, and an annual or semi annual coin show, and you could offer help there and work your way up. Great to see the new YN's in this hobby !!!!!
While I started this coin collecting in around Oct-November, I wasn't aware of any coin clubs until around a week or so ago. However they all take July and August off so I am SOL until September Recently I have been fare more interested in paper, and cannot WAIT to go to TOREX next week so I can get my 1911 Black Line 1$ in EF 3 months paychecks well saved I guess I use smileys too much, but I am far too used to MSN
Zabb, do you happen to know the age requirement for the American Numismatic Association's Internship Programs?
Not a clue but im not American so I doubt they would let me in, I be Canadian. There are people from this forum who are in it , so ask them?
Well Zabb. I talked to our intern today and it was one of those "I just spent a lot of time in here" deals. We got busy so the owner offered him a chance that no 14 year old coin buff could turn down. Being a regular, interested and honest customer was the key for him. The coin club idea is excellent. May take a while but anything is possible. At 45 I never thought I'd be asked to work in a shop. Best of luck in your endeavor! clembo
