The Canadian Banking Memorabilia Society (CBMS) is looking to become the country’s newest national club, this focusing on a “largely overlooked genre of numismatics,” according to organizer Kevin Day-Thorburn.
After placing several three-line advertisements in the Atlantic Provinces Numismatic Association newsletter about a potential cheque collector’s club, Day-Thorburn was contacted by another collector, Stephen Oatway and the duo have started a Facebook page. The CBMS will soon begin publishing a bimonthly digital newsletter, which will be free until July 2020 at the Royal Canadian Numismatic Association (RCNA) Convention in Halifax, N.S., where the CBMS is also planning to host a meeting, establish an executive and “look into initiating modest dues,” Day-Thorburn said.
“The scope of this new club is far-reaching with lots of room for fresh research. Credit cards and bank cards are one example,” said Day-Thorburn, who was named a Fellow of the RCNA, which he also serves as an area director, at the association’s 2018 convention in Mississauga, Ont.
In addition to being named a Fellow, Day-Thorburn received an RCNA President’s Award at last year’s convention.
‘BEYOND CHEQUES’
“The focus of the club will go beyond cheques, enabling everyone with an interest in banking memorabilia an opportunity to participate and contribute to a largely overlooked genre of numismatics. Nearly every collector of coins or paper money has picked up something that doesn’t quite fit but is still too cool or historic to pass on.”
Additionally, philatelists – especially those collectors specializing in revenue stamps – might be interested in the CBMS’ aspirations.
“Mechanical banks, calendars, bills of exchange, and postal cards are just a few examples of other memorabilia,” said Day-Thorburn, who added, “Word is already spreading and the list of potential founding members is growing. We’re feeling very positive about this.”
For more information about the CBMS, visit facebook.com/bankingmemorabilia or contact bankingmemorabilia@gmail.com.