A society for error and variety coin collectors
The Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America (CONECA) is a great organization to offer education about coins, error coins and die varieties.
CONECA (pronounced: CŌ´NECA) is a national numismatic organization devoted to the education of error and variety coin collectors. CONECA focuses on many error and variety specialties, including doubled dies, Re-punched mintmarks, multiple errors, clips, double strikes, off-metals and off-centers — just to name a few.
In addition to its website, CONECA publishes an educational journal, The Errorscope, which is printed and mailed to members bimonthly. They offer a lending library, examination, listing and attribution services; it holds annual meetings at major conventions (referred to as Errorama) around the country.
The website is: www.conecaonline.org
Along with our dealer tables, if a promoter is to offer a free table, I will also be manning the CONECA table.
My setup as the CONECA State Rep for Virginia
For the major shows, I push all in. I bring microscopes, Cameras, reference materials and knowledge. I shake hands and offer free coin examinations and attribution services for people with questions about the type of coin they have or wish to purchase.
in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
What does CONECA have to offer?
The CONECA organization has a lot to offer. There is a forum that has some of the best attributors in the United States visit the CONECA forum.
Check out the ErrorScope Magazine. It has featured articles bi-monthly.
https://conecaonline.org/errorscope/
Low cost attribution service
CONECA offers a low cost attribution service. Should you find a coin that you think merits a second opinion and would like to get it attributed for a small fee ( plus postage and handling) you can contact one of people on the forum and they will pre-determine if the coin should be sent in for attribution or examination.
Attribution Services
https://conecaonline.org/attribution-services/
Examination Services
https://conecaonline.org/examination-services/
Error Coins and varieties are getting a little scarce, and the more you know about an error coin, the better you are prepared when you find one, or if you are looking to buy one.
Get a free, second opinion on a coin you have or about to purchase
Don’t be a victim of fraud, or be disappointed in a purchase to find out that mechanical doubling is not a true doubled die coin, or other possible scenarios. CONECA representatives exist in many states. Although many of the representative have their own opinions on what they examine, we all are human. Everyone can make a mistake or inaccurate attribution. The State representatives will offer their opinion, but in the end, it is up to the customer to make that final decision on what action is best.
State Reps attend coin shows across the U.S.A.
Beside visiting the CONECA website, you can see what shows a state representatives attend coin shows near you. When I attend a coin show and I am offered a free table to use only as an educational “work shop” and offer my opinion on coins people will allow me to examine.
I tell the promoters it will help bring in more potential customers over time. It’s a win win situation. But I have a hold card. Most shows I attend I have a error collecting buddy who is the ANACS representative who sends in customers submission to the 3rd party grading company, ANACS. Geoff has about 10-15 more years of error and variety expertise under his belt. Most of the time we tag team and find out an answer if a coin mildly stumps us for a bit.
Registration online, or by mail
While it is not a necessity to join, most of the people who have joined have come back to my table and said “thank you” to me. Most say they were made very comfortable and enjoy every moment, from the awesome greeting and welcome aboard email to the other services that CONECA provides, it has helped quite a few error and variety collectors – and dealers find some great resources.
Memberships renewable yearly
The cost to join varies, but young adults, Families and individuals will find great value in joining CONECA. If you choose to do so, as part of your membership, you can receive copies of the bi-monthly magazine called ErrorScope. The articles offer expert advice and tips on how to recognize error coins from across the world.
Join or renew !
Please visit the link below. It offers the pricing and number of years that you can sign up for. prices are really reasonable. Depending on the type of membership you want, in can range from $10.00 to $37.50, with the most expensive side receiving the bi-monthly ErrorScope Magazine in First Class mail delivery.
https://conecaonline.org/join-or-renew/
Use the Virginia State Representative as a referral
If your a Virginia Resident, or even if you are not, please feel free to add me as a reference. All you have to do is add “VA State Rep” in the referral line or anywhere on the online or paper form. The only thing that does is help show how many members are in which state, or where they joined . Plus I get a small bit of recognition, attempting to spread the awareness about the CONECA organization.
Have any questions about joining ?
If you know some one that wants to join CONECA, or loves to collect error coins and varieties and you want to give them a great gift, the yearly membership may be the answer. I can answer your questions, or point you to the person who handles memberships. If you cannot find an application or locate it online, I will gladly mail one to you or point you in the direction to do the application online.
If you are at a show, come on by the CONECA table and we will shake your hand. Take an application. It’s free and you can mail it in at your leisure. We’ll offer a elongated cent for stopping by the table, subject to availability.