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The Attic Top 5 -
1 - Rare Coins -
News of the Week - Mint production numbers for February dipped below the previous month at 1 billion coins. January totals were 1.2 billion coins produced. The U.S. Mint releases monthly production reports for circulating coins and several other fascinating reports on how it distributes and circulates coins throughout the country.
Favorite Video of the Week - What's the most valuable coin collection ever assembled? Many rare coin experts would say the Pogue Collection. Valued at over $200 million, here's a quick video on what makes it one of the most amazing collections of all time.
Deal of the Week - Looking to buy bulk Morgan silver dollars from 1978 to 1904? For about $30 bucks per coin, you can buy bulk silver dollars from APMEX. The coins show considerable wear, but contain .7734 oz of silver, and sold in multiples of 20.
Random Thought of the Week - Who was Ephraim Brasher? And why is his name on 2 of the top 10 most valuable coins to ever sell at auction? Here's the backstory on what made Mr. Brasher one of histories most intriguing figures in rare coin collecting.
Featured Company - Check out The Coin Supply Store for all your coin storage needs, with free shipping on orders over $100.
2 - Sports Cards -
News of the Week - Fake Jordan rookie cards lead to the arrest of an 82-year-old Colorado man. The scheme spans at least four years and totaled $800,000 worth of counterfeit cards and graded card holders. The man allegedly produced counterfeit Jordan rookie cards and placed them in 'PSA 10" graded cases for re-sale. Just imagine how many scams this 82-year-old guy has pulled in his lifetime!
Favorite Video of the Week - I'm always on the lookout for Bo Jackson rookie cards. He was an icon and legend on the field in two sports. Sometimes I forget how much of an athletic freak he actually was, then I watch this video and I'm reminded why Bo was so special.
Deal of the Week - An update on the $100,000 'Dmitri Young Collection' Ken Griffey Jr. Upper Deck rookie card we were watching on eBay a few weeks ago. The auction has ended, and it looks like there was no sale - at least through eBay. There's also a 'Dmitri Young' Miguel Cabrera currently listed on eBay for several weeks, asking price $10,000.
Random Thought of the Week - PWCC publishes a sports card market index, and although the gains have stalled out over the last year, it hasn't dropped much. It's just sitting there at all-time record levels. The PWCC 100 index tracks values for the 100 most valuable sports cards; take a closer look, and let me know if you think a big drop in sports card values is approaching.
Featured Company - Check out Buy Sports Cards. (BSC.com) Zero percent seller fee, built-in shipping cost, and a huge inventory, from what I can tell so far.
3 - Collector Cars -
News of the Week - Last week, we were waiting for results from the Amelia Island auction to see if collector car values were heading lower. Not yet, results from the event were strong, with no lack of motivated buyers. The event recorded $178 million in sales, a new record high.
Favorite Video of the Week - Here's a captivating video for car lovers. Dry ice blasting a McLaren F1. Enough said, enjoy.
Deal of the Week - 5 days remaining on the 1973 Porsche 911T Carrera RS, current bid sitting at $75,000. Check out the 115 photos of this beauty on Bring a Trailer. What's your guess on the final sale price? Over 100k?
Random Thought of the Week - It's all about the 90s. Just a few years ago, an old used car from 1995 was just an old used car. Now it's a collector car skyrocketing in value. Brian Rabold from Hagerty was quoted in a recent CNN Business interview saying values for 1990s cars have increased 78% over the past three years. What's your favorite 1990s collector rig? Me? I'm going with the 1990 Chevrolet Suburban, what a beast!
Featured Company - Check out Cars & Bids - your online marketplace for all car enthusiasts. Ya'll know Doug DeMuro, this is his latest endeavor to capitalize on his amazingly successful YouTube channel.
4 - Vintage Watches -
News of the Week - Take this news any way you want, but the Subdial50 watch price index is now down 32% over the last 12 months. The index tracks the top 50 most traded watch models on the pre-owned market, updated daily. What's going on with the watch market??
Favorite Video of the Week - Want to know how a mechanical watch works? Here's a fascinating animated video showing the inside of a watch and its components working together in perfect harmony.
Deal of the Week - I'm a huge fan of vintage pocket watches, and here's another gem I stumbled on. An 1890s Westclox mechanical pocket watch for just over $200.
Random Thought of the Week - The New York Times just had a story on the soaring demand for 1960s vintage watches. Breitling, Grand Seiko, Omega, and TAG Heuer are gaining huge interest from vintage watch collectors recently. What's your favorite 60s watch design?
Featured Company - Check out Ultra-Vintage, watch repair and restoration experts.
5 - Memorabilia & Collectibles
News of the Week - A collection of Michael Jordan game-worn sneakers is coming up for sale. According to Sotheby's, the shoes could bring in nearly $100 million. The 'Dynasty Collection' includes Air Jordan sneakers worn by Mike during the clinching games of his 6 NBA Championships. The $100 million price tag seems a little steep to me, but let's track this sale and see what the final hammer price actually is. Bidding starts April 1st in Hong Kong.
Favorite Video of the Week - Want to start collecting vintage skateboards? Steve Caballero is your guy. He's an expert board collector with an amazing collection and the entire history of skateboards in his head.
Deal of the Week - Some people may not be into guns, I get it, but a 150-year-old Winchester Rifle might be one of the coolest collectibles I can think of. Here's an 1873 Winchester level action round barrel rifle in good condition for just $4,500. A tiny piece of history for just a few thousand dollars.
Random Thought of the Week - How much revenue did the largest auction houses rake in last year? Phillips, Sotheby's, and Christie's sold almost $15 billion worth of art and collectibles in 2022. One factor driving sales that I did not consider - the death and divorces of major collectors brought major collections to market last year.
Featured Company - Sideshow Collectibles specializes in licensed and original life-like creations from the world of pop culture, T.V., and movies.
Featured Article -
The 1922 Silver Dollar, The Peace Coin -
The 1922 Silver dollar is significant for any rare coin hunter. Not only are they highly valuable, far above face value, but they’re also an essential part of any commemorative sliver dollar coin set.
Quote from the Legends -
“Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.” — Warren Buffett
Even though I highly doubt Warren Buffett collects anything - other than company 10-Ks and quarterly financial reports - you can apply his quote to your next collectible purchase. Are you getting value for your money? Are you paying too much?
Question for You -
What collectibles & alternative assets would you like more discussion about next week? Jefferson Nickels? Rare Federal Reserve Notes? How about vintage typewriters?? Let’s hear your favorites.
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Thanks for reading, and have a wonderful week!