Coin Collecting & Neurodiversity

My name is Ben Lewandowski, and I am neurodivergent. I have autism, ADHD, and an anxiety disorder.  It can be a little overwhelming sometimes. But when I discovered coins, it was like falling into a portal to another world. I learned everything I could about coins. I got every single book I could from the library on coins and read them twice. Soon, I joined a coin club. My mom and I looked on Outschool, a site for online live classes, where we found an awesome coin club for neurodivergent kids. Everyone is very supportive. It doesn’t matter if you are an expert or novice; we just do all things coins and have fun! I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Mrs. Julie Alvarez, the president of the Outschool Coin Club.  

Q&A with Julie Alvarez

Q: What is a typical club meeting like?

A: The Outschool Coin Club is a place where kids who are interested in coins can get together online each week and meet with one another. Beginners can learn more about coin collecting. Experts, like yourself, can help and share with others who are learning.

Q: I have noticed that your classes focus on celebrating neurodiversity. What is being neurodivergent, and what is your connection to neurodiversity?

A: It is complicated, so I will break it down as everyone’s brain works differently, and that is actually a really good thing. Some people see these types of differences as a disability or something bad, but I see it just as different ways of seeing the world. My connection is that I myself am neurodivergent. I have a different way of seeing the world. I grew up going to a regular school, and people didn’t understand much about that concept at all. And I got in so much trouble and I was considered a totally bad kid because I didn’t want to sit at my desk. I wanted to fidget around. I wanted to chew gum, and that was against the rules. But I needed to do those things so my brain could pay attention and understand. I know you have a connection to neurodiversity too. I am glad you are growing up in a world that is more aware of these kinds of things, and I hope you can be celebrated for all your amazing differences.

Q: How do you think coin collecting helps neurodivergent children?

A: I think any kind of special interest that anyone has is something they should really pursue and find out as much as they can about. When I get into a topic, I check out about 50 books from the library on that topic and I want to see every coin out there. I want to talk about it all the time. It is a happy thing. I can see that for you, coin collecting is like that. I think it helps all kids because it teaches them about history, geography, math, and numbers. But I think it is particularly cool for those of us who get deep into an interest.  

Q: What positive things have you seen from kids being a part of the club? Can you give me a few examples?

A: I guess you could write down this interview as the first example, right? This is a pretty amazing thing from a kid being a part of this club. And I know you have always done special things like making your coin shop from coins out of paper and sharing it with the group. I have had students write letters back and forth and sell coins to each other, which it sounds like you have done. If a kid is shy, but they love coins, then this is a place where they forget about being shy because they want to talk about what they love so much.

Q: When did you start having an interest in numismatics?

A: When I was your age I had pen pals. I grew up in Pennsylvania, and when I was growing up I had pen pals from Italy, Germany, Switzerland, France—all over the world. One of the things after writing letters back and forth was that we decided to send each other little presents. And, of course, what is different in all the countries? Coins. So I would send them U.S. coins, and they would send me coins from their countries. International coins are what first interested me.

Q: What made you start the Outschool Coin Club?

A: When I started teaching on Outschool 5 years ago, my son was about 8 or 9. He was really into collecting coins. It was also during the pandemic, and it was hard to make friends nearby. So, I started the club to help him meet other coin collectors. I still lead the club today, and it is so much fun for me.

Q: How can neurodivergent kids use numismatics and coin clubs to help them?

A: Coins have so much to explore. And when I get really deep into something, I might be so into it that I forget about the outside world. This club can help kids find each other and stay connected. 

Q: How can other kids start coin clubs across the country?

A: Kids can start and run their own clubs! You could start them at your school, homeschool groups, or library. Try to set up a beginner class for younger kids to pass on your knowledge. You can print things online from the U.S. Mint and meet once a month. It is important for kids to come together and help keep this hobby going!  

Making a Difference

When I developed my special interest in numismatics, the ANA and this coin club helped me every step of the way. I joined auctions, read every coin catalog there is, and I made lots of friends. For a mind like mine, coin collecting is an amazing positive hobby because there is so much to dive deep into to focus my thoughts on. I love collecting coins, organizing, making posters about coins, making deals, taking coin quizzes, attending coin shows, and visiting coin shops. It has helped my social anxiety by having a passionate topic to talk about. I am hoping to inspire other neurodivergent kids that might also benefit from numismatics!

Ben Lewandowski is a self-proclaimed “coin nerd” who once sent a letter to Q. David Bowers. He is 11 years old and loves large cents, silver, making Rube Goldberg machines, rock climbing, and reading Heritage Auctions catalogs. You will often find him researching and writing, with a book in hand wherever he goes. His dream job is to be a professional cataloger.