Community Voice Responses (January 1, 2019)

From the Dec. 7 Numismatic News E-Newsletter:

Are numismatic organizations doing enough to look out for the little guy?

Here are some answers sent from our e-newsletter readers to Editor Dave Harper.

Boy is that a loaded question. What is your definition of the little guy? Is it someone questioning the powers that be at the very top of Nnumismatics about why the Morgan 7 Tail-Feather should be considered the error coin instead of the 8? And being dismissed due to a perceived lack of pedigree in numismatics?

Or is it the U.S. Mint not giving the average Joe the same pricing break as those with deeper pockets ? Or is it being termed merely a collector or hobbyist rather than a numismatist?

The worry within the numismatic field that fewer and fewer younger folks are being attracted to it is well founded due to the elitism and snobbishness that many of the old guard exhibit.

Too much emphasis is placed on the older coins that the little guy simply cannot, and will never be able to, afford. Interest is paid by the little guy to that which he or she can afford. Why look at the Rolls if you can only afford the VW?

If I could come out with a report as NGC does once a week, and only concentrate on coins from Morgans to present-day coins, I think a lot more people, “the little guys,” would pay more attention.

Have I missed the point? If I have, I guess I’m one of those little guys.

Steve McGowan
Algonac, Mich.

Are you joking? Numismatic organizations don’t even know the “little guy” exists, let alone looking out for them. If you are not big money, these organizations, and the elitists who run them, are not interested. They are among the chief reasons our hobby is slowly (but with increasing speed) dying.

Rick Anderson
Tucson, Ariz.

Yes, more can be done! Since clubs have folded, yes! Since shows are fewer, yes! The shows that remain, DO advertise a monthly meeting place. This can, and should be, advertised in a proper location, such as in a venue, such as a show calendar (online). Another place could be in the Numismatic News or World Coin News.

This is just a thought on my part. Any and all opinions are welcome!

Gary Kess
Sherman, Texas

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