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Rockford Coin Club Show Report

By ILNA Governor, John Kent

This was my first time at the Rockford Coin Club show so I didn't know what to expect!

When we arrived at 8am to set up the ILNA/ANA booth, several members greeted us and offered to help us unload. Another club member gave us tickets for a free donut and coffee in the concession area. Arthur Schattke and Thomas Canoles both volunteered to set up the table and help with the numismatic educational outreach for new newer coin collectors, who began to arrive promptly at 9am, when the doors opened to the public. Several families made their way to our table, and we had activity bags ready to give to the kids. We also showed the kids how to look up world coins on Coinoscope, stack steel cents, and use the Redbook to determine coin grades and values. Most of all, we helped the parents learn how to start a meaningful collection with their child, not just to buy a few coins at a local coin show.

Best of all, the Rockford Coin Club was excited to have ILNA and the ANA at their show, giving us a complimentary table in a very visible area of their bourse. We received lots of handshakes and smiles, we felt very welcome, and we are looking forward to attending their next show! If you are reading this now, please reach out to me and let me know if you would like us to attend your local coin show. We are always looking for opportunities to create numismatic education in your community. jkenttt@gmail.com