Savvy shoppers are acutely aware of the term "seconds." In the retail trade, that refers to items that may have a flaw and sell for a deep discount. The blemish may be minor or almost invisible but can mean serious savings. Curiously, the exact opposite is true when it comes to many collectibles. Better still, the more pronounced the error or "freak," the greater the value.

Regular readers may recall the story of a postal souvenir card I purchased some years ago. Th ...

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