Poll Question: Do you think having mainstream celebrities wearing ancient coin jewelry will increase the general public’s interest in numismatics? Why or why not?

Celebrities? I do not worship celebrities. They are only actresses, actors, et al. They are not always good at their craft and, in any case, only entertainment. Numismatics is not a novelty. It is a piece of History.

Name and Address withheld

No. I do not see how a celebrity could add value to a coin.

Name and Address withheld

Although I have never understood the fascination or even addiction to so-called celebrities, I recognize it. Hence, I suspect it will increase the visibility of coin collecting and may even spur short-term participation.

Jim Burnell, Colorado

I don’t think it will make a bit of difference. No part of my life is based on anything that celebrities do!

KE, Germantown, Ohio

Most people are intrigued by the best new things in the market. Having a well-known celebrity promote any product is a definite marketing money maker. Influence is perceivable for every culture. With one notice, the new thing starts to spread by word of mouth, and sometimes that could be faster than the internet set in the right direction. I think it will be a good idea for the public to notice somebody wearing something different from what nobody else has.

Name and Address withheld

I do not think the general public has the knowledge to recognize an ancient coin, much less a 1/10th oz Gold Eagle, when worn as jewelry. I also think the public, in general, values the art in any coinage. I would not have my wife wear the few ancients that I have (all graded and encapsulated), but I do encourage her to wear the smaller moderns that I have purchased for that purpose.

W.D. Patterson, Address withheld

I would imagine it would. I have never seen or heard of jewelry with an expensive or limited-production coin. Not to say there isn't. In my opinion, they are buying junk silver. So, the seller of this jewelry is the one making the cash. This would let the collector get the hard-to-find silver or gold coins.

T. Kenyon, Pennsylvania

Not really. People wear what they like.

Name and Address withheld

I think the American population has grown very tired of Hollywood and so-called celebrities. Their influence and credibility have declined very rapidly in the last few years.

Name and Address withheld

I assume that most responders to this question would say no since they believe that advertisements are useless, and they are immune to any influence. But I must say YES.

It is a fact that many, if not most, people are influenced by those they look up to. It could be a parent, family member, teacher, friend, or perceived celebrity.

If someone sees a perceived celebrity wear a piece of jewelry or clothing or use a specific product, they would like to emulate them and get the same.

Has anyone in our community ever seen a well-known numismatist show interest in a specific coin, group of coins, or other numismatic items, and decided to see what it's about, and followed suit to start looking for these and buying them? Yup. We all have. Most, if not all of us, saw someone who they looked up to collect coins and decided to collect as well.

There is a good reason companies spend millions of dollars on celebrity advertisements and endorsements. In the "old days," cigarette companies made sure our cowboy heroes smoked a specific brand and drank a specific refreshing soda. Little has changed since. People still spend hundreds and thousands of dollars on sports shoes, clothes, and jewelry that their favorite celebrities wear.

Now, only time will tell if these influenced people show interest in ancient coins or any coins at all. I believe that many will research the subject (since Doctor Google knows it all), and some may wish to buy an original or replica of the jewelry piece. For me, as a coin collector, numismatist, and supporter of the hobby, it's a good thing.

Oded Paz, Arco, Idaho