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Collectors outside Rider Nation might be green with envy
By Bret Evans
OK, it is supposed to be a secret, but the story is out that a coin is going to be issued honouring the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
I doubt it will be popular in the Toronto area, where most people seem so in love with the American version of the game that they can't be bothered with the CFL, but in the West, Canadian football is popular. I grew up in Ottawa, where the other Riders used to be, in the great days of that team, so CFL is the only professional sport I ever saw live. Even then, Saskatchewan fans were known as the most enthusiastic in Canada.
Today, the province has a total population of just a tad more than one million, yet it has fans that will drive for hundreds of miles to see a game. As usual, the RCM is keeping mum on as much as possible, but we can only hope that this is one time they make a silver or nickel version and give it some colour. The 'Riders' distinct green deserves to be part of their anniversary.
Since this will be another coin with regional appeal, it will probably see regional distribution as well. This could be a tough find outside of Saskatchewan, especially if you are looking for a mint roll from the bank.
Chances are the coin will be rolled out next September, the actual month when the club will hit the 100th anniversary.
In the City of Roses
I had the distinct pleasure in June of participating in the monthly Windsor Coin Club meeting.
I don't get to a lot of club meetings, but those that I do attend invariably impress me. Windsor has what I have come to view as the hallmarks of a good club. The business of running the club is done by the executive at a separate meeting. That means the members don't get bogged down in routine. The meeting also had an auction, a relaxed atmosphere, and even more importantly, a social component.
After the meeting, most of the members went next door and enjoyed a bit of social time.
That may be why there was a broad range of ages present at the meeting.
For me, it was a rare chance to spend an evening in a room full of coin collectors, with no bourse in sight.
I've often said that the Internet is threatening to take over the traditional roles of clubs, and certainly if clubs don't want to engage their members, that is true. But what I saw in Windsor was a combination of fun, fellowship and collecting all at once. Try and find an email buddy who will take a few minutes to examine your new discovery through a magnifying glass, then sit down and talk about it over a pint.
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