While the hobby’s response to COVID-19, its most consequential challenge in many decades, highlights the strength of Canadian numismatics, there are grave concerns about diminished camaraderie during and after the pandemic. Since March, collectors, dealers, auctioneers, show organizers and anyone else involved in numismatics have been forced to move their hobbies and businesses online. The pandemic has – at least for the time being – transformed how people interact with the fellowship-focused hobby. While camaraderie is taking a hit owing to a near-total lack of in-person shows, club meetings and other events, auctions and dealer sales remain robust, with collector interest holding strong. “Strangely, the pandemic seems to have increased interest in numismatics, from what I can see,” said Bob Forbes, president of the Royal Canadian Numismatic Association (RCNA), the country’s national numismatic body and one of the world’s largest numismatic associations. Continue reading →
With a near-total lack of in-person coin shows since March, collectors, dealers, auctioneers and show organizers have all had to move their activities online.
