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I've been asking this same question for years, at least since 2020. Coin dealers tell me YES! They have noticed a younger crowd of enthusiasts consistently searching for and buying coins to complete albums, or a particular set they are working on. Especially when working with children, many dealers or shop owners tell me they will allow them to cherry-pick. There does seem to be a renewed understanding with specie, and a whole subcategory of "stackers", but I like to think they too will shift more into the numismatic realm with a profound understanding. I recently met with Mr. Paul Hollis at the July FUN show; however, I did not ask him if the mint was making an attempt to bring back "coin roll hunting" by releasing a scant quarter million July 4th privy-marked quarters.
Michael Young, Merritt Island, Fla.
I had a pizza delivered yesterday and gave the delivery guy two Kennedy halves as part of the payment/tip. He was excited and said, "How did you know that I am a coin collector?” Hopefully, more people will have his attitude.
Name and Address withheld
Yes, I most definitely see more enthusiasm. As a dealer, I used to see no one at the shows who wasn’t collecting Social Security. Now I see many dads with their sons introducing them to the hobby. Some of the 10–15-year-olds are very knowledgeable and have formed some really nice collections. At the last Vienna, Va. Show, I got to know a young man about 12 who had built a nice barber dime collection raw that was in AU condition, and from what I could see, none of the barber dimes had been cleaned. The young man had learned to grade properly and was building a collection to be proud of. I am glad I was able to help him fill two holes. I always try to encourage any young collectors by helping them any way I can, by trying to give them a good price and any guidance I can give them. After all, they are the future of our hobby. Also, since COVID ended, I see almost twice as many collectors at the shows.
I see less and less people who are seriously interested in collecting coins. Many people save particular coins thinking they're going to be worth something someday (drummer boy '76 quarters, worn out wheat pennies, etc.) because someone who knows a little about the hobby touts them. But more and more people are getting disgusted with the bandits at the mint and the prices they are charging. A beginner won't pay $175 for a shiny silver dollar or $124 for a mint set that last year cost $35.
There are too many things out there for young people to collect that are cheaper and easy to find on the internet. The mint and third-party graders have driven the costs of our hobby out of reach for young hobbyists. I'm developing a great disdain for both!
