#35-Double Eagle Design, The Magenta, and Cigar Boxes
“...a ludicrous failure, or striking the very highest note of the sculptor's art..." -President Theodore Roosevelt
Coins, Cards, Collector Cars, and Collectibles!
Thanks for reading The Attic Capital Newsletter - discovering, pondering, sharing… and hopefully inspiring the next generation of collectors.
Three Things -
You could read about rare coins, sports cards, and cool collectibles all day long - but right now I only have three things for you to consider.
#1 - Double Eagle Sells for $4.3 Million
For the first time since 1982, a rare 1907 Ultra High Relief double eagle hit the market.
And the sale price of $4.3 million only begins to explain the importance of the Double Eagle.
In the early 1900s, President Theodore Roosevelt requested more artistic U.S. coinage, so he called on sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. By early 1907, Mint chief engraver Charles Barber began making dies from the Saint-Gaudens design.
The relief was so extremely high, it took 9 strikes for every detail to show up on the new gold coins. Only 16-19 coins were struck, and were never available to the general public.
But there’s a long and fascinating history between Theodore Roosevelt, Augustus Saint-Gaudens, and the wishes to design truly epic U.S. coins.
Here’s more on the story from the National Park Service, and why Roosevelt’s coin design wishes stood for much more than just pocket change.
#2 - One Cent Magenta on Display
If you happen to be in London this month, now’s your chance to get a glimpse of the rarest stamp in the world.
The British Guiana One Cent Magenta is a one-of-one, 1856 rare stamp that’s been coveted as the most expensive item by weight in the world.
First discovered by a 12 year old schoolboy in 1873, the stamp shattered auction records when it sold in 2021 for over $8 million.
You can view the stamp from September 27th to the 30th at London’s Stampex fair in Islington.
#3 - Used Car Prices Ease
I will 100% admit I’m a giant nerd, but I love watching collector car and used car price indexes.
One of the more popular price indexes for used rigs is the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index.
Anyone who’s buying or selling collector cars should also have an idea of what’s happening in the broader used-car market.
By analyzing over 5 million used vehicle transactions yearly, Manheim tracks price trends in seven different vehicle categories. Here’s their methodology -
August prices inched up 0.9% from July, but prices dropped 7.5% from the same month last year.
Not a predictor of the future, but interesting food for thought. I love data!
Favorite Quote -
“But I can say with all sincerity that I know of no man, of no one living, who could have done it. To take grim, homely, old Sherman, the type and ideal of a democratic general, and put with him an allegorical figure, such as you did, could result in one of two ways -- a ludicrous failure, or striking the very highest note of the sculptor's art. Thrice over to the good fortune of our countrymen, it was given to you to strike this highest note."
- President Theodore Roosevelt, in a letter to artist and sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, complimenting his 1902 monument of General William Tecumseh Sherman.
Roosevelt would choose Saint-Gaudens to re-design U.S. coinage to inspire and represent American values and icons.
Collector Questions?
What’s the most valuable Ernest Hemingway first edition book? The rarest Hemingway first edition books sell for hundreds of thousands. I get lots of comments from people who own first edition books, thinking they too have a fortune in their hands. Here’s the key, your first edition must be in impeccable condition to be among the most valuable of it’s kind. If it’s torn to shreds, it’s probably not going to break auction records. Hate to be a downer, just trying to help!
Where should I sell my baseball cards? Great question! I have several ideas for you. And you can always contact me, I might want to buy them!
Are my old cigar boxes worth anything? Of course! Old vintage cigar boxes are some of the best collectibles you can have. Not only are they beautiful works of art, but they are great for storing all sorts of things inside! Can you even call yourself a collector if you don’t own a few vintage cigar boxes??
Featured Articles -
Feel free to share a few of our recent stories, and help me inspire the next generation of collectors!
What’s the most valuable shoe ever made? Would you believe me if I told you there’s a shoe worth $20 million? Sure, it’s solid pure gold and covered in diamonds, and I’m guessing nobody has worn them to take the dog out for a walk, but it’s technically a real shoe!
If you love vintage watches, but haven’t heard the story behind the Dominos Rolex, it’s time to get up to speed. Find out why Dominos CEO Tom Monaghan gave the watch right off his own wrist to high-performing employees.
A deep dive into the 1990 Washington quarter. More than a billion were minted, but the 1990 quarter might still be the perfect collector coin. Circulation numbers were off the charts, but highly-graded 1990 quarters are still very rare. And affordable to entry-level collectors. It’s a great coin to collect!
Question for You -
What is your favorite Twitter account and YouTube Channel in the collector community? Coins, comics, cards, cars, vintage watches… whatever it is, let me know so I can shout them out!
We have a YouTube Channel, but I need your help. What video should I make next?
Our visitor traffic is steadily growing - and they love collecting! Do you want to advertise with us? Reach out for rates.
Update - I’m still working on my Attic Capital Giveaway Plan! I will get there… eventually… and when I do, it will be epic! Stay tuned…
Thanks for reading, and have a great week!