Community Voice Response: Jan. 10 e-newsletter

From the Jan. 10, 2020 Numismatic News E-NewsLetter

Have you encouraged friends or family to become involved in the hobby? Was it successful?

Here are some answers sent in from our E-Newsletter readers.

I am a fortunate man. My immediate family, wife, son and daughter all participate and enjoy aspects of the hobby. My son, an enthusiastic YN years ago is now 26 and is beginning to give back to the hobby by serving on the Central States board and is their webmaster. Both my wife and daughter have volunteered at local shows, state shows and at Central States. Though they may not be collectors in the sense my son and I are, they enjoy numismatic education and learning about the hobby. Our extended family? Not so much.

Mitch Ernst
Via Facebook

Most everyone I come in contact with while exchanging money for a purchase I try to talk about the hobby of collecting money or coins in some way. It must be working because my son has brought home items to show me while saying “I’m going to put this up!” My wife checks her change with “I found this for you!” The most fun I have had was taking two dollar bills to the flea market to pay the vendors or use two-dollar bills as a tip. If you’re a regular, the waiter will remember you and tell some stories about when grandpa used to give them two dollar bills.

Johnny Widener
Lincolnton, N.C.

Lord knows I've tried. I've shown and explained my collection to all kinds of folks. I usually get people's eyes to glaze over in boredom. I do get requests from many, to inventory their old coin albums, and drawers, and coffee cans full of change. They often ask, "How do you know so much about coins?" I tell them I've spent decades on studying and research. This also puts them to sleep. These folks aren't into history either. I think it takes a somewhat inquisitive personality to get interested in the hobby. Catch them when they're young, I say.

Steve McGowan
Algonac, Mich.

Yes, and just this week, I had a variety coin collector join CONECA.

Dr. Ron Brown
Oroville, Calif.