Current interest in Numismatics

On another thread most of the participants pointed out that the hobby or "art" is practiced by older white males for the most part. I am worried that there seem to be fewer and fewer young foks entering the hobby. They seem more interested in playing their XBox or loading up their iPod. Am I imagining this or are the numbers of collectors dwindling?

 

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Actually, the number of collectors are increasing, as stated by various pools, as a direct result of hte States Quarters program.

The real question is: how many will continue with the hobby over time.

As for your other point, yup, fewer younger collectors.

 

I am 27.... until I turn 28 that is. If it keeps happening like this I'll be dead some day.:mouth:

 

rhoggman: You are still a young'n in the hobby and I am probably closer to that big mint in the sky than you. :') BTW, I am older but still like games and my iPod. How long have you been collecting and what sort of stuff besides Statehood quarters are younger collectors going after?

 

The less collectors the better, less competition for the coins. I DO hope my child ends up having an interest in coins...this might be cold but if she doesnt, the bulk of my collection (save gold bullion) will go to someone who DOES have a passion for coins and is closest to my philosophy towards collecting. Things like having common sense when it comes to cleaning, No TPGs, No slabs, etc...with hope that person will keep them all and grow the collection. My biggest hope is that the collection will stay together and the person who gets it will continue to add to it.

 

I worry that when I go that the relatives that do get them will get ripped off, but that is why an apraisal will be mandated at the estate settlement. I wonder if values will go down if there are so fewer collectors out there since there would be more material chasing fewer dollars?

 

I'm guessing the number of folks who stick with it will be similar to historical patterns : some folks never leave the hobby, but most old-timers left and came back later when they moved into higher earning years.

So - more collectors today will probably mean more collectors tomorrow.

I'm not sure how we could have more collectors but less young collectors. Hard to say.

 

I really like pre-1933 gold. I am also becoming interested in coppers.

One thing I am scared of is my attraction to Bust Coinage... I have a feeling it is going to break my bank. She (Anne) is so hot. Hopefully later tonight I will win my first Bust Half.....

SILVER BULLION

my girlfriend got me into the hobby... EDITED

NO STATE QUARTERS!!!!!!!

 

Thats why I give coins to the neighbors kids , start out with nice Buffalo , Indian cent , mercury dime , if they seem interested I'll give them a book and a Morgan so far 2 are collecting seriously , ones dad is collecting with him , so there are different ways to get kids into collecting , just wish my kid was interested , well there's always my neices little girl , and any grandkids if I'm so blessed , just have to start when they're young .
rzage

 

I don't know how long that will last, but I love the term. LOL!

Also, as a Colonel Grade 2 in Halo 3 and a Master Gunnery Sergeant (and rising!) in Call of Duty 4, I feel that numismatics is very important in the gaming industry...

I doubt that video games/ipods take many more kids away from numismatics today than (to borrow an alliteration I picked up from my old scoutmaster) grease, guns, and girls did in the 'olden days'.

 

Lots of young collectors on this forum.

 

Which is why I end up having my high value coins slabbed. I've taught my wife how to look up values based upon what's on the slab. I've also told her about this forum in the event she needs some help disposing of some of my things.

 

Back on topic, I think the younger crowd could be interested. In my classes I have been known to give out an old Morgan or two based upon tests, participation, etc. Not anything too spectatcular, but still, the first time you give someone a coin that says 1879 (or something like that), the reception is usually positive!

 

My 11 year old is really into indian head cents, and my 6 year old is really into foreign. Since I was the first collector, I figure I'm bringing at least two into the hobby. I'm just hoping it sticks with them.

 

Ditto. I'll be 28 in September. I gave up the hobby when I was around 14, and I just recently got back into it full bore, out of the blue. Luckily I didn't sell any of my old stuff.

I sincerely hope that I can get at least one of my future kids interested in it and that the collection won't be sold.

 

my birthday is dec, 29

 

who's the youngest?

 

If you think there's a lack of a youth movement in coins, you ought to try stamps.
They are REALLY hurting.

 

I don't think there is a lack of youth movment in coins at all! I like coins better than stamps!!!:]

 

And they say that the US Mint has too many commemoratives,