At long last, organized numismatics is making a return to midwestern Ontario.
The Saugeen Coin Society began on Sept. 7 with the meeting of a “small but enthusiastic” group of participants in Hanover, Ont. It was the first meeting of a numismatic club in the area for many years, according to organizers.
“I remember talking with people from time to time where they would mention that ‘such and such’ had a club in this area, but it has long been gone,” said local coin dealer Rick Dupuis, who’s acting as the club’s ad hoc president.
Dupuis is also the host of Pocket Change Radio, which is broadcast live on 91.3 FM Bluewater Radio in Hanover every Tuesday from 8 p.m.-9 p.m.
NUMISMATIC VOID
Dupuis said philately is “well represented” in Owen Sound, Kincardine and Hanover; however, prior to the establishment of the Saugeen Coin Society, there were no coin clubs operating within this large geographical area for many years.
This May, Dupuis and his wife Karen manned a booth at the Hanover Flea Market, where they sold coins and inquired with customers about where they were from. When the Dupuises met people from Hanover and the surrounding area, the couple asked if they would be interested in forming a new numismatic club.
Many locals showed interest, and by the end of August, nearly 50 names were collected and added to a database.
“I called all on the whole list by phone and let them know when and where the club would meet. I got 14 people to immediately confirm at that time,” said Dupuis.
“It’s not bad when you think about it. We did have a pretty good turnout for our first time at bat.”
South Wellington Coin Society President Scott Douglas (right) attended the first meeting of the Saugeen Coin Society last month.
CLUB CO-OPERATION
Scott Douglas, president of the Ontario Numismatic Society, also attended the first meeting of the Saugeen Coin Society to assist with the start-up process. Douglas is also a founding member of the South Wellington Coin Society, which celebrated its 20th anniversary this April.
“We all know how very busy Scott is and we are grateful for his input,” said Dupuis. “He was instrumental in getting the South Wellington club off the ground about 20 years ago and will be invaluable in helping us do the same.”
Judy Blackman, also a member of the South Wellington Coin Society, assisted the new club by designing its logo.
The next meeting will be held on Oct. 5, and subsequent meetings will be held on the first Thursday of every month at the Bluewater Radio building. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. followed by the meeting at 7 p.m.
For more information, contact Dupuis at his office at 1-844-392-7034.