The elongated collectors, or more affectionally known as TECNews was first formed back on August 20th, 166. When twelve dedicated elongated coin collectors who were attending the ANA convention in Chicago, got together in a room and voted into existence what we know today as TEC. However, it did take them almost three months to formally vote on the name “The Elongated Collectors”. Dottie Dow was elected the first President and Editor of the newsletter, and the rest as they say is history.

Membership includes a quarterly newsletter in either a printed hard copy version, or a digital electronic version. Both feature informative articles, club news, reports from offers and members. Plus the added perk of receiving unique elongated coins with each issue to help build your collection.

The group gathers for its annual meeting at the American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) World’s Fair of Money convention. In addition, many members gather throughout the year at mini-meets in various parts of the country to visit with each other, compare newly acquired coins, trade, and even go on trips to press nearby coin machines.

I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of the club for quite awhile now and have had met so many other members during those years. Then of course there are all the coins I’ve accumulated from the club. Many are created by other members to share some of their own personal interests, contest winners, club awards and my personal favorite the annual member coin.

I mentioned I’ve been a member for quite awhile but honestly I think I kind of forgot exactly how long it’s been, until just recently when I received a thank you card in the mail. It came from TEC President Tyler Tyson.

The card included a very special coin celebrating my 15 years as a TEC member. Starting in 2020 the show appreciation for long term members, six elongated coins were created to mark milestone anniversaries, 5 years on a copper center, 10 years on a nickel, 15 years on a quarter, 20 years on a Susan B. Anthony dollar, 25 years on a golden dollar, and Lifetime members on a half dollar.

A big thank you to TECNews for all the wonderful years of newsletters, coins, events, friendship and just enjoyment of our hobby. As with so many things in life, I really wish I had joined the club sooner and don’t really know why I waited. So to anyone out there that is not a member but enjoys collecting elongated coins, whether you only have a few in your collection or thousands of them, I truly believe you would enjoy TEC. I have the club website linked here, and before you know it you’l be collecting your 15 year membership coin well.