One of the big pieces of advice people will hear as they start their collecting journey is to join a coin club, but the intrinsic value in doing so may not be immediately evident to a newcomer.
Beyond constituting a group of individuals with like-minded interests, the term “coin club” in and of itself does not paint a fitting picture of the fun and interesting activities these organizations conduct, or the rich benefits that may be gained from membership.
While the culture of each coin club varies, many of the activities and benefits are largely constant. Most coin club meetings begin with a casual period of socializing and coin talk. For many, fellowship is a cornerstone of the hobby, and the time preceding the official meeting provides an opportunity to get to know other collectors and share stories of recent collecting adventures. An individual’s collecting journey needn't be a solo endeavor, and meetings create a time and space to “show off” one's collection with a group that cares and understands the significance of such achievements.
It is also worth mentioning that pretty much anyone is welcome at a coin club meeting! Even if one is not yet a member, he (or she) is generally welcome to attend the first few meetings to get the lay of the land and decide if the club is something they’d like to join formally.
Once the meeting begins, the club president generally gives a report on any club news such as finances or upcoming shows that may be of interest. Following announcements, the bulk of the meeting occurs. Depending on the meeting and club this can consist of many different things. Some of the more common coin club events are listed below:
Club Auctions
Many coin clubs conduct auctions consisting of items consigned by their members. Many items tend to be relatively uncommon items while remaining in the two to three-figure price range. Because most items are donated by local members they may occasionally hold local provenance, but a great deal of the time they are simply coins being passed on from one collection to another. Auctions are fun events, and a great way to win new coins — and often at a great price. They also bring a sense of thrill and friendly competition as members bid against one another in hopes of the next addition to their collection.
Expert Presentations & Show and Tell
Many clubs offer presentations on various numismatic subjects. Presenters might be members of the club, or non-members who have performed numismatic research. In either instance, presenters typically study their topics in-depth and offer comprehensive (and fascinating) knowledge of their subjects.
Many presentations include a “show and tell” segment during which speakers share examples from their collections, allowing fellow clubmates the opportunity for hands-on examination of specimens relevant to the topic being discussed.
Book Swaps
One of the most valuable commodities a collector can possess in this hobby is knowledge — and there is so much of it to share. Many collectors have amassed huge numismatic libraries, and often need to downsize their literary treasure troves. There are scores of wonderful numismatic books that are out-of-print and oftentimes unavailable online. Book swaps create opportunities to exchange or purchase books from co-members that one may not have encountered anywhere else; opening the doors to new interests and wisdom.
Club Grading
Coin grading can be an expensive pursuit, especially when appraisal is sought by an individual collector. Service fees and shipping efforts can sometimes mean additional challenges and expenses. In order to simplify the process, clubs sometimes participate in group grading submissions. This allows members to save money on flat fees such as shipping and handling. Using this approach, if one wishes to submit a few items — or even just one coin — the cost can be substantially lower. And, oftentimes, a fellow member may have more experience sending coins for grading and will be able to share best practices regarding the submission process.
At the end of the day, the very best benefits that a coin club offers lay in the comradery and collective wisdom derived by sharing the joy of the hobby with others. Visit the ANA’s Coin Club Directory today to find a club near you. Check out a local meeting and discover this fun and gratifying way to learn, socialize, and reach new thrills of the hobby.
Happy Collecting!
The American Numismatic Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and encouraging people to study and collect coins and related items. The Association serves collectors, the general public, and academic communities with an interest in numismatics.
The ANA helps all people discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of educational programs including its museum, library, publications, conventions and numismatic seminars.