I love that coin shows actually take the time to appeal to the next generation of collectors. Far too many dealers in my area refuse to take anyone under 30 seriously when conducting their business.
Back when I was a kid, my parents took me to a coin show. They had a scavenger hunt set up for all of the kids (12 and under) where they would go around an learn about coins and pick up small freebies along the way. Of course there was nothing of real value, but I got my first IHC, Buffalo nickel, steel LWC, British pre-decimal penny, and off-center LMC from that show. Most of the vendors were very friendly and willing to share their knowledge with a curious 10 year old. Truthfully, I probably wouldn't be on here today if they hadn't set up such a fun activity. I hope that coin shows are still that fun when my daughter is old enough to (hopefully) have an interest in the hobby.
Dealers who treat kids with respect get my business. Those who do not I snub. How nice for your daughter. Father and daughter time will be fondly remembered years from now for both of you. I always ask a kid to show me what was bought and I always give positive feedback.
How often are the door prizes? I believe the club I belong to gives one an hour, donated by the dealers. And, there is a raffle for four Morgans and a 1/10 ounce gold piece. I won a Morgan and joined the club.
Fantastic. Congradulations to your daughter. That is a great thing they do at that show giving out door prizes. I go to about 2 to4 coin shows a Month around where I live. Door prizes? Not even a free cup of coffee. Lots of free flyers advertising stuff and other shows but nothing really free. You have a nice coin show.
It was the Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Coin Club, 75th Anniversary show.
Quote: Those type of experiences are what shows are for and you can't get that type of experience on ebay or the internet.
Glad you went to what sounds like a well organized event with people who actually care about the future of the hobby.
I completely agree! One couple that was running a table smiled at my daughter as we walked by. The husband leaned over to his wife and whispered, "There's the future generation of our hobby right there."
That is great to hear, not all vendors are like that though.
My young son and I went to a major show here in the northeast last year. He brought some of his collection of MS69 and MS70 ASE, Pandas, Brits, Kooks and other world 1oz silver, to trade or sell for different coins. I prepared him not to expect much.
Well he finally got up the courage to approach a dealer, with some coins that he wanted, I stood back in the shadows to see how he would do. He laid his slabs on the glass as the dealer looked at the MS70 and MS69 collection. He then went right down the line, pointing at each coin "spot......spot.......spot........spot........spot" then looking up and saying "there's nothing here I want " Not nice collection son, not good job, nice variety, not gee let's see what you have here, no attempt at any encouragement what so ever, basically telling him his last two years of collecting was just scrap silver that nobody wants. The look on my son's face was not "priceless"
After I explained to him that some people do not love coins and do not even much like coin collectors, and their only reason for being here was to buy people's coins for way under what is a fair price and to sell them for way over what they are worth to unsuspecting new collectors. I assured him that we both knew what his coins were worth and he enjoyed the rest of the day.
Glad it was great for you, like I said , it is not always.
Not all dealers, but many, are willing to chat with a youngster who shows an interest in coins. denco7, I am NOT happy with your son's experience. At least you know now one dealer to avoid. A few dealers are DENSE and are not aware that they alienate potential clients. And age is often not a question. Just personality. "Just walk away Renee, the dealer is a scrooge!" Time for a little music:
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Posted 03/10/2014 2:18 pm
