"While the mail-order numismatic houses may not have
this opportunity for local involvement, they can also do much to advance
knowledge and increase the sophistication of collectors. We can point to several
examples of firms that have made this commitment. Dave Bowers stands tall among
numismatists for demonstrating the extraordinary amount of education that can be
packed into his sales publications, both in his retail lists and auction
catalogs. Littleton Coin Company has certainly made its presence known among the
collectors of lower-priced material, which is how many collectors start in
numismatics. Stack's has long specialized in disseminating information over the
counter.
"So what will be good for the long-term interests of
numismatics? Making sure that the clients get the best coins (not necessarily
the highest grade or closest to 'bid') for their goals and collecting plan.
Giving the customer what he likes (as modified by your careful guidance,
attention, and sharing of knowledge) will inspire additional demand. As all
dealers know, there also seems to be a never-ending supply of interesting
material to entice the sophisticated collector/investor. Maximizing the number
and quality of collectors is the only way to provide the broad, firm foundation
that price increases are built upon...
"The spark of coin collecting must be fanned into the
flame of desire. In a supply/demand marketplace, nothing else can sustain higher
prices..."
Sadly, Messrs. Leidman and Mendelson are in the distinct
minority among dealers. At a meeting of Professional Numismatists Guild members
a few years ago the president of that group asked for a show of hands from those
who had given a public talk or program on coins within the past year. In the
audience comprised of 100 or more hobby leaders, scarcely a dozen hands were
raised. Dealers in the "silent majority" delight in taking profits
from the hobby (or industry) but apparently don't have the time or inclination
to put something back into it. Perhaps, take-take-take should be balanced with
give-give-give, or at least one "give."
Pleasure and Satisfaction
Unquestionably, the collector, apart from his being a
largely unappreciated necessity for the strength of the very foundation of the
rare coin business, derives a great measure of personal satisfaction and
pleasure from coin ownership. Why? Here are some of my observations.
