The Hamilton Coin Society (HCS) held its inaugural meeting on Jan. 7 at St. Michael’s Anglican Church on 1188 Fennell Ave. E. in Hamilton, Ont.
Organizers say 25 people attended the meeting, which was noted by Ontario Numismatic Association (ONA) President Scott Douglas as the best-attended inaugural meeting he has seen.
Robb McPherson chaired the meeting along with help from Lisa McPherson, Len Trakalo, Alan Roy and Douglas, all of who are ONA or Royal Canadian Numismatic Association executives or directors. Two dealers were also in attendance.
Robb McPherson began the meeting with personal introductions, including collecting interests.
“It was noted that a majority of the attendees were not members of other local clubs,” said McPherson, who also discussed how the club’s meetings will include draws, an auction and educational programs and speakers.
Starting with the club’s second meeting on Feb. 4, there will be an educational program in place “and possibly a speaker,” said McPherson, who added it will be “a couple of meetings” before any auctions and door prize draws are up and running.
After a vote about membership dues, it was decided fees will be set at $20 a year. McPherson noted this money is needed to rent the meeting venue and “to cover other costs such as the kitchen.”
It was also decided charter membership will be offered to anyone who joins the HCS within the first three meetings. If you are interested in becoming a charter member of the HCS, see McPherson at the next meeting or contact him at casinocollector@gmail.com.
There were also talks about forming an executive and appointing an editor for a potential newsletter.
Another attendee, Rick Craig, had a small surprise for the attendees: boxes of matches issued by the original Hamilton Coin Club in the early 1970s were made available to anyone present at the meeting.