THE FUTURE OF NUMISMATICS

Expanding the hobby is the point of this article. Whenever possible, I try to stress the importance of this issue for the future of numismatics. Regardless of what you collect, the hope is that when you decide to sell, there will be new collectors eager to purchase your material. This is only possible by attracting and retaining new collectors to numismatics each year. Every hobby organization in the country is facing the problem of competing for attention in a world now dominated by social media, endless entertainment options, and less and less leisure time. Rare coins have a lot to offer, but it’s sometimes hard to get the message out. Many dealerships have embraced new media to expand their business. Facebook, Twitter, Google, eBay and many others are now common tools of the trade of numismatics.

Another incredibly important aspect of growing the future of numismatics is to encourage young people interested in numismatics as a career. Numismatic education is vitally important for those wanting to be a coin dealer. The Summer Seminar is one of the most successful programs the ANA offers each year. Hundreds of individuals travel to Colorado Springs every summer for these classes. Many of them are young numismatists who have earned scholarships. Dozens have gone on to successful numismatic careers, and some now actually teach classes. NGC generously donates the time of several grading experts for these classes every year. These are very popular classes, and they usually sell out quickly.

Another interesting development that has been started in the last few years is the idea of creating apprenticeship opportunities. NGC offers promising rare coin graders the chance to work alongside some of the best in the business. They are provided free lodging, transportation, expenses, and invaluable encouragement. The Professional Numismatic Guild (PNG) recently launched a similar program for those interested in a numismatic career. Participants work for three months at four different companies over the course of a year. Companies may offer and have offered permanent employment to those who demonstrate exceptional skill. Programs like these can make a huge difference for anyone looking to get their foot in the door. Locally, I have a 16-year-old young man that has declared his intentions to be a rare coin dealer. He works in my office learning as much as possible about the world of rare coins. It is very exciting to see a new generation taking such a keen interest in the hobby we all love so much.

In 2015, the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History will debut its new, 1,000 square foot, numismatic exhibit. The new exhibit has been years in the planning and promises to be a wonderful opportunity to expand interest in numismatics. The new exhibit was made possible by the amazing support of many generous donors, including NGC. I have been working behind the scenes with the numismatic department to create material that can be given away to those visiting the exhibit. Plans are underway to develop a numismatic discovery cart with volunteers offering educational narrative and brochures about coin collecting. Over four million people visit the National Museum of American History each year. Years ago, I was inspired by US gold coins when viewing the amazing Lilly collection that had been on exhibit in the numismatic gallery. Hopefully, the new exhibit will inspire a new generation of collectors.

To read the complete article, see:
The Future Of Numismatics (www.coinweek.com/education/future-numismatics/)

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