The inspiration comes from a local coin club that my Mentor introduced me into. The North Shore Numismatic Society. When you talk to most members about the coins they collect you'd think you were talking to a historian more than a coin collector. The Meetings have a program, discussions, refreshments, an auction and some door prizes. I've always walked away from meetings learning something new, and often an auction win or two, even an occasional prize.
A well run club.
If you had joined an active coin club, things may have turned differently for you if you had a support base of other collectors.
!LUV
!BBH
Even as an adult, I didn't realize such groups existed until I started paying attention to you SGS folk on Hive. As a kid...well, I didn't have much money to spend, so most of what I collected was very inexpensive, and I collected mostly for appearance, knowing nothing about value. It sure would've been neat to be able to connect with such a group back then, though. Or even now. My love of history would make me feel right at home, even if I couldn't afford to win auctions or anything.
Oddly enough, I recall my local club having a peculiar member as the only person that has a fine knowledge of local numismatics yet, he doesn't own even ONE numismatic coin.
He'd win a Club draw only to turn around and donate it back into the club operating fund auction.
So it goes to prove, that you don't have to be an actual coin collector to be a standing member of the club.
!PIZZA