It was less than two years ago that the Venice, Fla., Coin & Currency Club appeared to be on its last legs. Club attendance had dwindled down to an average of five to eight members per meeting, and the club had lost its regular meeting place.
“Folks were ready to throw in the towel,” said Nick Saputo, club president. “There wasn’t much interest or energy in even looking for a new venue. On the other hand this had once been a large and active club with a history dating back to 1960. We just couldn’t let it fail.”
With that in mind, club members secured the support of two local Florida storefront coin dealers. North Port Coins of North Port, Fla., and Kings Coins of Venice, Fla., began recommending the club and referring its customers. A vigorous election of 2009 officers was held, and a new venue and club agenda of programs and auctions were secured.
As a result, the club’s rolls have risen to 35 members, and at any given meeting there are some 25 members in attendance.
The club comeback has been so strong that it will hold its first coin show on Jan. 30. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Venice Gardens Civic Center, located at 406 Shamrock Blvd.
Admission is free. A gold coin raffle will be held, and food will be available. A highlight is the attendance of Numismatic Guaranty Corporation, who will be accepting submissions at the show.
Twenty bourse tables of the available 35 have been booked.
“We anticipate a strong first show,” said Bourse Chairman Brian Miller of North Port Coins. “Our table rates are $50 per table, which we believe to be reasonable.”
Miller can be reached by phone at (941) 240-5560 or by e-mail at northportcoins@gmail.com.
“The club is certainly rebounding,” said Neal Burnett, vice president. “I’ve made a lot of new friends and we even have a couple of Young Numismatists, which is a rarity in our community of mostly retirees. I’m anticipating a good turnout.”
