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 Replies: 12 / Views: 1,632 |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
2845 Posts |
I've been thinking about ways to promote the hobby of coin collecting. It seems to me there's various false impressions associated to it, such as it's a very costly and boring hobby meant for old people. But collecting circulated coin does not have to be any of that, what and how a collector chooses to collect has unlimited opportunities.
I'm also reminded of the power of social media and group efforts, how actions that one might not expect can become wildly successful.
For example, Mayor Nenshi's challenge "3 things for Calgary", each person is asked to do 3 things such as voluntary participation or "good deeds" to improve the city, with the intent that 3 million actions make Calgary an even better place to live. Then there's Oprah Winfrey's "Paying it Forward" or the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.
(If you're already scowling as you're reading this, hear me out please. I'm just typing some thoughts....)
But I think that organized efforts can be hugely fun and rewarding, while having the potential to create awareness.
Several CCF members have already offered fantastic ideas about giving coins away, for example using them for tips, handing out the 1967 bunny 5c at Easter time to kids, victory nickels offered to classes of school children when studies pertain to that era, others have given away old coin catalogues to young collectors for the purpose of variety reference, etc. All creative examples, I'm sure there's lots more.
One can never know how great any simple goodwill gesture may elevate interest in the hobby and otherwise benefit the paradigm of numismatics in general.
Enough already...
So what if, each of us challenged ourselves to do THREE such gifting activities (or 3 at a time)? And we use a thread to track our progress in numbers and to share experiences and best practise ideas as well?
Believe me, I won't be offended if this idea doesn't fly and my intention is to simply plant a seed, that any of you might add to and offer to more formally coordinate. But I'm hoping something might come of it, particularly because the timing seems right as 2017 and Canada's 150th birthday is just around the corner. The commemorative mintages will possibly benefit the hobby as well, considering many longtime collectors began in 1967.
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Rest in Peace
United States
7075 Posts |
I love this idea.
Maybe move this topic to General Discussion so everybody sees it...?
You could make it a countdown challenge like the $100K circulating US dollar coins. Although you might want to start with a smaller number -- say 100 or 1000.
It would be a great way to get ideas from each other on how to share the hobby. You've already made me think about giving away a coin in a flip along with an old coin magazine. The two items given away together might spark more interest than just one or the other....maybe ...
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Pillar of the Community
United States
500 Posts |
I'm in 100%. Love the idea  |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
818 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
 Canada
2845 Posts |
Well, sure the idea certainly doesn't have to be specific to Canadian collectors. I originally posted it under Canada, General Discussion mainly with the thought that most often these types of efforts work best by starting small, growing from there.
Whatever, wherever works and indeed the saying goes bigger is better.... If this were to become a formal challenge I'd think it would require a name (maybe a poll, choosing top preference?) so that our gifts may become recognized as being on behalf of a group effort. And some sort of formalized and collective method to measure progress (ie as in how many receivers we've collectively given a gift to).
Just adding another point......I sometimes get the impression that coin collectors are viewed as only money hoarders by the general public, I'd certainly look forward to becoming involved in changing this perception.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
2845 Posts |
Quote:
You could make it a countdown challenge like the $100K circulating US dollar coins. Although you might want to start with a smaller number -- say 100 or 1000.
I agree, setting or resetting group goals toward achievement is a huge motivator. Would you kindly share some brief details of the countdown challenge? I and maybe others aren't familiar with it but it sounds quite similar. |
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Rest in Peace
United States
7075 Posts |
A countdown challenge is pretty simple. You pick a number -- say 100 -- then every time someone makes a numismatic gift they post that they did so and they enter how many remain. For example: I gave my neighbor's kid a Canadian quarter since he had never seen one before. They don't show up in US change very often. One down, 99 to go. What do you think? It could just as easily be a regular count-up thread that could go on without end. It's up to you wildflowerAB -- since you thought it up.  |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
2845 Posts |
Okay, thanks, that makes good sense!
Where my mind draws a blank is under who or what could such a campaign or cause be formalized. What I mean by that is suppose I notice a parent with a child pull up beside me in the parking lot of a mall. So I say to the parent "Hi I'm xxxxxx and (big blank). I have a 2005 Alberta quarter in my pocket that I'd very much like to give you for your child.......and ? (The coin is perhaps in a 2x2, is anything written on the holder?)
Because people today are somewhat inclined to be suspicious of good deeds done by others......perhaps we'd risk crossing a line that might prove uncomfortable?
Oprah's "Paying it Forward" challenge became so well known that people weren't shocked when the person in front of a drive-thru paid for their coffee. They were thrilled.
What is the means to move beyond that of suspicion by the recipient, toward the thrill factor.......?
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Rest in Peace
United States
7075 Posts |
Good questions and nothing comes to mind right now.
I have a friend from my local coin club that gives out the US pres. dollars to well-behaved children whenever she sees them. I have done the same in my neighborhood. But we are both women of a certain age and we always ask the parents first.
Also, I don't think that just handing out coins will spark an interest in collecting. Putting a coin in a flip or a 2X2 gives it a bit of collectable status. But I'm not sure that's enough.
I'll keep thinking ....
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Valued Member
United States
263 Posts |
One thing that I've tried with my friend's children is to supply some interesting-looking coins to add to the Tooth Fairy's money. When Kid A gets a dollar or whatever and their classmate Kid B gets 10, the kids sometimes start comparing. Adding foreign coinage makes it harder for the kids to determine who received more. It is also fun to look at a map and see where the Tooth Fairy has been.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
2845 Posts |
Thinking and ideas......that's what I was hoping to inspire as clearly I don't have all the answers either:-) That's an neat idea Spott. I don't have young children at home any more but I do have a grandson who I think might be eager to help me peddle some free coin.  . One of the joys of young children, little or no reluctance to try something they hope might be fun. |
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Rest in Peace
United States
7075 Posts |
I'm still thinking about this.
It's difficult to think of ways to share the hobby and at the same time retain enough annonymity that you don't get robbed or worse.
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Valued Member
United States
398 Posts |
Of course I've been slipping WheatiesWheat back into circulation but never know if it helps but I keep doing .... Guess I should say it did help one person, my granddaughter but otherwise not sure .... Love seeing the look on her innocent face when she discovers a 1937-S Cent or that 1919-P Lincoln ....
I also love the idea about doing three things for your City, Church, Food Pantry .or whatever .... That is a wonderful challenge ....
Keep the ideas coming!
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Replies: 12 / Views: 1,632 |
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Posted 01/15/2016 2:14 pm
