ROCS challenge coin ?

[RoninPA]

I researched this back in 2014 when ROCS was incorporated and I became a founding member. I'll have to see if I still have the info somewhere.

Things to remember; the more intricate the art work, the more expensive each coin will be (how much are you willing to pay for each coin?). Also, is there going to be a "ROCS" coin with the info that Terry suggested (I like that also) that will be given or sold to ROCS members only and then also an annual coin (like the patches) with the cost built into the annual membership fee? If so, you have to take into consideration of how many members will want/buy one. I think we have a lot of members, but how many are REALLY active or just come to the forum and maybe go to a show every now and then? Are we going to sell the annual coins at shows to anyone who comes to the ROCS table? And there are probably other things that I haven't thought of.

I am NOT trying to rain on the thoughts of a ROCS coin, I would buy one in a heartbeat, I just want people to understand that this endeavor isn't like going to the post office and buying stamps. When I was doing my research I contacted a number of places that make challenge coins and their pricing varied widely. Then you have to ask, is a higher price coin made better with better detail and will the makers send a sample coin to show their workmanship?

Think about it and get back to the forum with any questions, comments, companies (one has been mentioned already) or one of us board members. If the board ok's this endeavor, I will try to find the past info I researched and if I can't find it I'll start anew. Be aware, this is not something that can be done in a day or two.

[Watertender]

I think Terry has the right idea with the RST4 pistol and WBR 1949 on one side and the ROCS logo with the founding date on the other.
As was mentioned earlier I am a big believer in challenge coins and have given literally thousands through the years. It's an honor to give them to recognize their service. In all the coins I have given I have only had one person give me a derogatory comment but he kept the coin... I like the idea of a coin for ROCS.

[T.A. Workman]

Ron,
Thanks for the information, you are right there are a lot of things to consider up front.

In the end it will all boil down to cost, which is understood by most. A poll of the membership would also be helpful also.
If there are not enough interested then the project would be dead in the water, IMHO.

Terry

[RoninPA]

I will query the ROCS Board members and see what they think. I will start a poll on the board to see how many people would actually buy one or more and have options of buying a:

ROCS Coin
Annual Coin
Both

In the replies, state how many you are interested in buying and if you would be interested in increasing the annual dues to have one sent automatically.

This poll will gauge the desires of the ROCS Community and if it would be financally feasible to purchase and sell. If it is a tenative yes (depending on the poll), I will get started doing the research.

My thoughts are a ROCS Member coin (ROCS Emblem on the front, RST4/W.B.R/1949 on the back), Annual Coin ROCS Emblem on Front, Ruger Owners and Collectors Society/Year on the back.

Now, all that said, I am new at creating a poll on a site so it may take me a bit to work it out.

[JAYDAWG]

I love the idea!!!
Although, I was picturing a nice flat gate revolver...................

[radicalrod]

I visited Jimmy Schaffer at his home once and he showed me coins that he had won for his displays many moons ago....anyone have one of these ?

[Doc4429]

Three hundred of the coins shown in my first post cost between $2500 and $3000. I am sure the price has gone up some, but this will give you a general idea of the cost. The coin was designed by a member of the S&WCA and the artwork provided to Symbol Arts.

Bill Cross

[RoninPA]

Bill,
Thank you very much for your input. Coins, especially with a more intricate face, will cost more. That's what I will be researching.

For the thought/idea that was proposed of a different iconic Ruger firearm on the backs of the coins really wouldn't be feasible, each different back would require a different die to strike it and that would increase the cost of the artwork and the finished product.

[JMV375]

I regularly buy a number of different challenge coins and average price is about $10 to 12
Of course the the more you order - cost is cheaper I would think you could negotiate the final price if we could commit to a certain number. One side would of course remain the same year to year but flip side would be new image/artwork each year.
I hope I didn’t open a can of worms with my suggestion
JMV375

[RoninPA]

JMV375 - You didn't open a can of worms, we have already talked about what we might want to do. It all depends on how many people want them (the reason for the poll up in the general section) and what they would buy. I'll be looking for anyone who makes the coins at the NRA show as I'll be down there displaying a few Ruger double actions with the RCA. I gotten a few names so far, so I just have to find them down there.