Numismatic Clubs

Today there are probably over 1,000,000 people in the United States that collect coins. There are undoubtedly millions more around the world. Currently the ANA has about 25,000 members. In my opinion, a LOT of people are missing out on the benefits of belonging to a numismatic organization. Collecting coins is about much more than just accumulating as many different objects as possible. Most numismatic organizations are based on education, which is the foundation for a successful collecting experience. There are generalized clubs, such as the ANA with great information for the basic beginner or advanced numismatist. On the other hand, there are dozens of groups dedicated to the highly specialized study of various areas of the market—everything from the Civil War Token Society to the Silver Dollar Roundtable.

Numismatic education is extremely important to fully enjoy collecting rare coins. You can look up the mintage and prices of a Morgan Silver Dollar in The Red Book. You would be missing, however, the history of the series and the incredible nuances associated with them. Most clubs feature numismatic journals with specialized information for the enthusiast of that specialty. Many also have excellent web sites with detailed information and recent research. There are several clubs that offer information that is vital to anyone collecting that series. Recently, after purchasing a large group of patterns coins, I found the information provided on uspatterns.com to be extremely helpful.

Equally important to numismatic education is the camaraderie that belonging to a numismatic organization provides. Whether you are a coin dealer, collector, or investor, you belong to a larger numismatic community. It is up to you to take advantage of the benefits of this community. As an illustration, you can sit at home and buy coins in your pajamas. This solitary endeavor will grow your collection, but not your circle of friends with similar interests. That is one of the reasons coin shows are still well attended by tens of thousands of collectors each year. Many of my best friends are found on the numismatic show circuit.

Belonging to a numismatic organization is also good for the long-term future of the hobby. The ANA does an incredible job introducing the hobby to collectors each year. Much of this focus is on the sorely needed young segment of our hobby. Each year dozens of young collectors attend the ANA Summer Seminars in Colorado Springs, most attending on scholarships. Over the years, many of these young people have become numismatic professionals as a result. Others have become dedicated collectors who later served as members on the organizations board. The tangible results of the ANA educational mission have been enormous. The growth and future of the hobby is important to anyone hoping there will be collectors interested in numismatics when they decide to sell.

In August the ANA will be conducting one of the largest coin shows in the world. The aptly named World’s Fair of Money will take place this year in Anaheim, California. Thousands of collectors will be in attendance for an incredible bourse and week of auctions. Many collectors will also be coming to attend the annual meeting of the many specialty clubs that convene each year during the WFM. There are dozens of such numismatic clubs in the United States and the world.

A great start in the world of numismatic clubs would be to join the ANA (money.org). I am currently President of that organization, and I have been making every effort to increase membership. Having been a member for over 35 years, I can personally attest to the benefits of this great numismatic fraternity. You should also consider joining your local coin club. There are hundreds of these around the country and the first place many collectors start their numismatic journey.

Below is a partial list of the many clubs that will be holding meetings during the World's Money Fair in Anaheim this year. Most are open to visitors and I urge you to check them out.

Do yourself a favor—JOIN THE CLUB!

Questions about the rare coin market? Send them to wmr@ngccoin.com.

Jeff Garrett bio