We receive inquiries on a regular basis from individuals seeking help to sell or evaluate a collection of coins or banknotes they have inherited or are trying to sell on behalf of a family member.
We reply by offering two options. First, we recommend any dealer advertising in Canadian Coin News and secondly, we refer them to the website of the Canadian Association of Numismatic Dealers (CAND). A large majority of our advertisers are members of the organization, which requires its members to be ethical and honest with collectors and fellow dealers.
In fact, before membership is granted, each coin dealer must agree to adhere to CAND’s code of ethics, which starts with:
“As a coin dealer, I recognize my obligations towards the public and towards fellow members in my industry. It is my intention to be worthy of the confidence and respect of those with whom I come into contact in the numismatic trade. For this purpose I have pledged myself as follows.”
The pledge continues with each member agreeing to a six-point statement “in my relations with the public I pledge” and a four-point statement “in my relations with fellow-members of the Association I pledge.” To read the complete pledge, visit cand.org.
Established in 1975 under letters patent Canada 70,067 Inc., the non-profit organization’s website clearly states its role in Canada’s numismatic community: “CAND’s function is to ensure a high degree of professionalism by its members. Each CAND member has signed a strict code of ethics, which is enforceable by our bylaws. CAND members are engaged in the retail numismatic trade, primarily in Canadian numismatics, and may conduct business from anywhere in the world.”
Its members consist of coin dealers, show operators, publishers, supply manufacturers, bullion dealers, foreign exchange dealers, auctioneers, paper money dealers, and foreign coin and paper money dealers.
While serving to protect both dealers and collectors, CAND is also focused on growing the hobby. In the last few years, it has provided funding for “kids’ tables” at some of the larger coin shows and I am sure these efforts will continue to grow in the next few years.
The timing of my column is intentional, as this issue of CCN will be distributed at CAND’s annual convention Jan. 29-31 at the Sheraton Hamilton Hotel, 116 King St. W., in Hamilton, Ont. Along with its annual meeting, CAND will hold its popular two-day show and bourse, as outlined in more detail in this edition on pages 20-21.
I encourage you to support this organization by attending the convention and, just as importantly, purchasing your materials from CAND members.