Coin Collecting Clubs

Are you looking to meet other coin enthusiasts to share ideas and compare collections? Or maybe you are seeking information on reputable suppliers, brokers and appraisers. Or, maybe you just want to spend some time learning from experienced coin collectors and sharing their stories. Whatever your reason for wanting to spend time with like-minded hobbyists, a coin collecting club is a great way to get out there, improve your knowledge, and have some fun.

Most large cities have clubs for coin collectors; ask around at the coin or hobby shop, or do a quick online search for clubs in your local area. The Coin Gallery On-Line (www.coin-gallery.com) lists dozens of national, state and local numismatic clubs by their websites, along with a brief history of each club. They also provide links to these clubs, so you can make contact with the local members. The Yahoo! directory also has an extensive list of numismatic clubs, and you might be able to find one near you.

Even if you don’t live in a large city, you may still be able to find a group of local coin enthusiasts. Check at the library, or at the community education center. You may have to drive a few extra miles, but it will be worth it to spend time with other collectors who share your enthusiasm.

Many of these clubs are non-profit organizations, and their goal is to educate and share knowledge of coins. They strive to offer trustworthy information and provide forums for the members to ask questions. Many clubs offer time at their meetings for members to buy, sell or trade coins, and some even offer free space online to post comments about particular coins you may want to buy or sell.

Coin clubs are excellent for beginners, because the members are generally very willing to talk about mistakes they may have made. There’s nothing like learning from the voice of experience to truly advance your coin skills. A club will also afford a way for you to upgrade your coin collection. For instance, in the club you can have your coins assessed by others, without the pressure to sell that you may find at a professional appraiser or brokerage firm. It’s also a great way to have your skills checked; if you grade your own coins, it’s a great place to get a second opinion on your valuations. Standards do tend to change through the years and your coins can be reevaluated according to recent standards. A club is a great way to pool information and get everyone up to speed. The members may not be experts, but experience will tell them which of your coins need to be taken to a professional grader.

Have fun with your collection by sharing them with others. It is a great ego boost to have others admire what you treasure. The coin club will help you get past the “Scrooge” trait of hoarding, and into the fun of exhibiting your collection.

Club will also allow you to improve your numismatic knowledge by reading. Most clubs have a library for members. You will be able to check out books and software that will help you improve your numismatic knowledge without spending a lot of money. A coin club will give you information about upcoming seminars, advise you which speakers may be of interest to you, or even hire you to be a guest speaker on your own coin expertise. Search out the experts in a club and take advantage of their knowledge. And before you know it, you’ll find yourself being an expert for other beginning collectors!