Giving a boost to those who need it

Many coin collectors and dealers are amazingly generous with their time and their money.

I have seen evidence of this again and again throughout my time in numismatics.

Whether they are volunteers at a local show helping Boy Scouts earn their numismatic merit badges, or professionals rallying around one of their own, active hobbyists show support where it is needed most.

I have been reminded of both kinds of giving this week as I prepare the latest issue of Numismatic News. I have received reports of a Halloween party for kids in Nebraska and a merit badge clinic at the state show in Hawaii.

Yesterday I received the latest update from the American Numismatic Association about the scholarship fund named after the late Robert Lecce, a dealer who died July 11, 2011.

Over $100,000 has been donated. That’s generosity.

The fund will help ANA members with financial aid and scholarships to attend the annual Summer Seminar, a event every collector member should experience at least once.

A sum of $10,000 from the fund has been donated to the Professional Numismatists Guild for its Promoting Numismatic Growth internship program.

Helping someone gain a foothold on the professional numismatic ladder is something to be proud of.

What is it about organized numismatics that leads to these examples of giving?

I can’t answer that question, but I am gratified to be able to witness examples of it over and over again.

I know givers do not do it for thanks, either from me or anyone else, but I express my thanks anyway. You make me proud to be a part of organized numismatics.

Buzz blogger Dave Harper is winner of the 2013 Numismatic Literary Guild Award for Best Blog and is editor of the weekly newspaper "Numismatic News."