Expectations are high for today’s “Young Collectors” booth and auction at the National Postage Stamp and Coin Show.
Featuring its largest offering of numismatic and philatelic material, the auction kicks off today at 1:30 p.m. and is free for children aged 17 and under. A “Young Collectors” booth with discounted material is also being offered just outside the bourse, which is held at the popular Hilton Mississauga.
“I am excited to see the turnout. It keeps growing,” said Lisa McPherson, who’s the national youth co-ordinator of the Royal Canadian Numismatic Association (RCNA) and the first vice-president of the Ontario Numismatic Association.
“We have many young numismatists returning to each show. It could be to pick up needed supplies or reduced price treasures from the youth sales table, but I suspect the auction is the big attraction.”
A boon to budding numismatists and philatelists, the auction will offer 35 lots of coin and stamp material – up from 30 lots last year – with a “slight increase in philatelic material,” McPherson said, “as we are attracting more philatelic youth and would like that to continue.”
Highlights of today’s auction include:
- a six-piece set of coins plus a hand-hewn arrow tip, a hand-drawn postcard and a hand-drawn piece of art donated by the Bradford Exchange;
- a six-coin uncirculated set issued by the Royal Canadian Mint in 1991;
- a Star Wars-themed item;
- commemorative sterling silver dollars;
- a 2015 five-cent Fine silver coin, “The Crossed Maple Boughs,” issued by the Mint as the first coin in its series honouring the nickel’s various designs;
- stamps and first-day covers recently released by Canada Post; and
- a “mystery item that is quite large,” McPherson said.
“Once again, a big thank you goes out to all who donate to the youth program,” she said, adding the program enjoys a partnership with the RCNA as well as other numismatic organizations, including the Canadian Association of Numismatic Dealers (CAND).
FREE FOR KIDS
With free admission to the two-day show, no cost for the youth auction and discounted material at the Young Collectors booth, the National Postage Stamp and Coin Show is an affordable avenue into collecting for children.
“Nothing is more important – in any hobby, really – than to get young people curious, interested and ultimately addicted,” said McPherson, who’s been hosting youth auctions since 2014 and thanked show organizers, dealers and participating organizations for their donations and support.
“These shows and conventions are great ways for youth to get to know the dealers, learn about the different organizations, connect with representatives as well as enjoy the youth program offered. Repeated visits lead to relationships and perhaps some mentoring.”
Some of these young hobbyists might even turn coin or stamp collecting into a career, she added.
“I truly believe there is nothing better than hands-on experience, seeing the items in front of you, and of course, the wonderful social aspect of collecting.”
Parents are encouraged to bring their budding young collectors aged 17 and under to the Young Collectors booth – open Saturday and Sunday – as well as to the auction on March 24 at 1:30 p.m.
For more information about the show, visit stampandcoinshow.com.