Geoffrey Bell

Geoffrey was born and educated in Moncton, New Brunswick. He became a school principal right out of college a position he held for 31 years running in five different schools. Geoff was also active in the community, serving on the city council for six years as well as working on numerous volunteer boards.

In 1986, as an extension of his hobby, Geoff opened his coin, stamp and sportscard business. “I began collecting coins when I was 10 years old and gradually became more sophisticated specializing in tokens, medals and paper money,” he says.

“The hobby of numismatics has changed over the last 50 years. There now are numerous books on various aspects of the hobby, one can make purchases on eBay and the coin store has all but disappeared,” Geoffrey says. “The hobby is very much alive and well with the average collector over 50 years of age. That being said, many young people are entering the hobby as it has become popular again. I sold my business, The Coin Cabinet, to one of my sons who now operates stores in Moncton and Saint John.”
Geoff loves anything paper and has collected photographs, cheques, documents and anything related to banking over the years. An avid sports participant and fan, he has a vast knowledge of this popular vocation and pastime.

“The Canadian Antique Roadshow has been a wonderful experience, allowing me to meet many great Canadians in many cities, to rub shoulders with experts in many fields of antiques and to learn the techniques in the intricate world of television production. I have seen fabulous medals, great documents and fascinating “sportsy” things,” says Geoff.

“ I have viewed museum pieces like militia medals of the 1830’s, a hemp growing award medal of 1809, a whole array of early aircraft photos with autographs, an Indian Chief medal, Admiral Byrd’s first aid kit, hockey sticks, Stanley Cup rings, posters of early hockey international tournaments, and the list is endless. Canadians value their heirlooms and very often tell me they will never be for sale but will be passed on to family.”

If Geoff could offer advice to young people it would be this: “I would recommend finding a hobby. It can be pursued throughout life; it makes for a fantasy getaway from the drudgery and boredom of everyday matters; it can be profitable and permits one to retire to something rather than from something.”

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