Lockdown spurs interest in coins
Collectors meeting to swap, sell and show off goods
Lockdown seems to have inspired many to develop a hobby collecting things or to resurrect an old hobby such as stamp or coin collecting.
This Saturday members of three lower North Island numismatic societies will gather at the Levin Vintage Car Club Rooms, 14 Tiro Tiro Road in Levin, to swap items, catch up on gems found and show off collections.
These will be collectors of coins, banknotes and medals, representing Wanganui, Wellington and the Manawatu.
They have met for decades at this time of year for talks, displays and quizzes and to trade coins and banknotes, said David Galt, president of the Royal Numismatic Society of New Zealand.
“This year is no exception,” he said. “We will require vaccine passes and will take all precautions. We have the advantage of being small enough so we can meet with under 100 people when many other events have to be cancelled. The local public can come between 1pm and 4pm and bring their own coins and medals for advice or for sale then too.”
Coin and banknote collecting is still of interest to thousands of people across New Zealand and it is estimated that 40 million people are interested in the hobby in China.
While it is very much a club meeting with an emphasis on social interaction, members of the public are welcome between 1 and 4pm and they can bring their own coins.
“Some members will be swapping or selling coins and a few expect a few dealers too,” said Galt. “There will be a few displays too from various members.”
The biggest attraction is the annual quiz, competed in groups, with a shield up for grabs. “The quiz tends to be rather challenging.”
The Vintage Car Club rooms hosted this successful event last year. “It is a great venue.”
A member of the club works at Mowbray Collectibles in Otaki and told the coin collectors’ collective about it.