Treasure Hunt from Creators Syndicate

How To Maximize Your Collectible's Worth for 07/08/2009

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

There's no question that many people are seeking hidden assets during this rough economy. Much of the mail I've been getting suggests that. Time to answer a few.

Dear Peter: I have inherited an old stamp collection that I believe is very valuable. I'd like someone to come and take a look at it who can pay the most. It's sitting in my closet, but I very much want to sell it. Can you steer ...

Updated: Wed Jul 08, 2009

Sometimes You Have To Wonder About Priorities for 07/16/2009

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Last week's memorial service for Michael Jackson was reportedly watched in its entirety or in part by an estimated one billion people worldwide. British Airways even reported a surge in ticket sales for flights from London to Los Angeles for people who just wanted to be in the city on that day.

Of course, Jackson was a talented entertainer. But, on the same day of his service, at a local ...

Updated: Thu Jul 16, 2009

Is New Coin A Commandment Breaker? You Decide. for 07/23/2009

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

There may be a sociological problem talking about religion and politics — the two taboo topics at any party. And for good reason. Between the two, one or both can pretty much be blamed on every war in history.

But the same doesn't seem to be the case when it comes to religion and money. Outwardly, blending those topics might seem blasphemous, but they are virtually intertwined. In ...

Updated: Thu Jul 23, 2009

Readers Continue The Hunt For Hidden Treasure for 07/30/2009

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

As the recession drags on, collectors and everyday people continue their search for items of value. Time to answer a few letters from those seeking riches.

Dear Peter: My husband and I love reading your columns about valuable items people find. Does this happen with great frequency? Also, we have a LOT of stuff in boxes in our basement. What are the odds there are items of value in there ...

Updated: Thu Jul 30, 2009

One President Wasn't One To "Polk" Fun for 08/06/2009

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Politics is a capricious area. While many might want to believe one attains political office by skill, experience or background, more often than not it's all about personality. Whether or not a person is attractive, affable, humorous or just good at kissing babies seems to carry more weight than capability.

Of course, there have been exceptions. After two of our greatest wars, two winnin ...

Updated: Thu Aug 06, 2009

Those on the Gulf Coast Get To "See The Light" for 08/13/2009

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0700

As the story goes, a U.S. Navy battleship was cruising in the ocean when a sailor on the bridge spotted a light in its path. He notified the captain who got on the marine radio and notified the ship in his path to change course. The reply was, "Sorry, can't do. I suggest you change course."

The captain radioed again informing them that he was on a U.S. Navy ship and would not c ...

Updated: Thu Aug 13, 2009

A "New" Penny for Your Thoughts for 08/20/2009

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Do you consider yourself "normal"? If you happen to spot a penny on the sidewalk and pick it up, several, polls say you are just that — normal. A few years ago, a Coinstar poll found that almost 80 percent of us do pick them up. In today's economy, it could now be higher than that.

The lonely penny actually has a historic past. It was technically our first U.S. coin. Prod ...

Updated: Thu Aug 20, 2009

Memories Are Better in Black and White for 08/27/2009

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0700

It's been said, "Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it." That seems like a pretty ominous warning. On the flip side, there are countless things many people would love to repeat. That's what nostalgia is all about — collectibles, too.

Stamps and coins in particular have long depicted people, places and events from long ago. In recent years, however, a number of ...

Updated: Thu Aug 27, 2009

These Paper Profits Are Steeped In History for 09/03/2009

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Some 30 years ago, I sat in a chair and got chills. There wasn't a draft. In fact, I was in a large glass case in the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Mich. I had been asked to fly there to assess some collectibles they had received. It took many days, so I got to know several of the curators.

After one long day, once the museum had closed, the curator asked if I'd like to step into a larg ...

Updated: Thu Sep 03, 2009

A Final Star for a Hollywood Legend for 09/10/2009

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0700

A phenomenon of the current economic situation is that many who have lost their jobs find themselves in employment they had not intended or expected. In truth, this isn't a new occurrence, but one that's now more frequent. Of course, few end up on a stamp because of it.

About 100 years ago, a young man named Frank Cooper — who had immigrated to the U.S. from England with his brothe ...

Updated: Thu Sep 10, 2009

Collectors Look For A Golden Lining for 09/17/2009

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Whether due to the economy or some extra free time, readers seem eager to find solutions to their questions about collectibles. Time to answer a few.

Dear Peter: A week or so ago, the price of gold again danced above the $1,000 per ounce level. We still see many commercials and ads about selling gold for cash. In your opinion, is this the best time to sell, or should we consider buying s ...

Updated: Thu Sep 17, 2009

Stolen Rare Pleasures are Rarely Satisfying for 09/24/2009

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0700

I can't say I know a lot about the criminal mind because I've never aspired (or lowered myself) to be one. I do know that most — at least the ones we hear about in the news — don't seem to think things through real well.

Jay Leno has a field day with his regular accounts about "stupid criminals." Those are the ones that are destined to get caught. I suppose Bernie M ...

Updated: Thu Sep 24, 2009

Is There a Doctor in the House? Sadly, Yes. for 10/01/2009

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

A penny for your thoughts. OK, considering the current value of one cent, it may not mean much or even be a phrase in modern use, but back in it's day, a penny would buy plenty even if your response was, "I'm not thinking about anything."

The fact is, terms involving coins and money abound. We just may not realize it.

Ken Bresset — one of the leading numismatic sch ...

Updated: Thu Oct 01, 2009

Vintage Rare Coins Slated to Cross the Auction Block for 10/08/2009

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Humankind is unique in that, to my knowledge, we're the only creatures to display sentimentality. Of course, most living things exhibit love for something, such as their offspring or even an object much like a dog may favor a bone. But those are a matter of either determined survival of species or simple comfort. OK, maybe this is getting too deep. Let me explain.

If someone were to hand ...

Updated: Thu Oct 08, 2009

Blind Ambition Celebrated and Possibly Rare for 10/15/2009

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

As a policy, I'd never suggest a way to profit from someone else's misfortune. Certainly, blindness is not only unfortunate, but those who have sight might consider it an absolute tragedy. Others, however, might have a different take. It's been proven that once a sense is diminished or absent, others increase to help fill the void. For those that are blind, their senses of smell, hearing, touch ...

Updated: Thu Oct 15, 2009

Don't let Counterfeits Spoil the Holidays for 10/22/2009

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

For longer than I care to think about, at this time of year I begin offering suggestions for holiday-related gifts that collectors may enjoy. They usually range from quite inexpensive to "mortgage-the-home." Considering the economy, this year, I'll try to be fairly prudent in what I recommend. In fact, my first suggestion doesn't cost anything but can save you a fortune.

Let me ...

Updated: Thu Oct 22, 2009

Christmas/Holiday Traditions Continue on Through the Mail for 10/29/2009

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

If you dial the clock back to 1961, in the eyes of the U.S. Postal Service, Christmas didn't exist. That's because there was no official Christmas stamp until 1962. It was a modest little 4-cent stamp showing a wreath, two candles and the word Christmas.

The next year, the USPS really got into the Christmas spirit. Postage had then gone up to 5 cents per letter but, during the holidays, ...

Updated: Thu Oct 29, 2009

Is it Trash or Treasure? And What's the Worth? for 11/05/2009

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

All over the news last week was one of those, "Wow, if only it were me" stories. It involved a woman in Louisiana who purchased a painting at a garage sale for $2. Admittedly, the painting isn't my cup of tea — sort of a cubist/abstract look. But who cares? After she bought it, the name "Picasso" was found to be painted onto it.

The FBI now has it and confirmed ...

Updated: Thu Nov 05, 2009

A Golden Opportunity for the Holidays for 11/12/2009

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Gold and Christmas aren't necessarily synonymous. That is unless you factor in the story of the three wise men. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh with them. I don't know much about the last two. I suppose back in the year "1," they were probably important staples and worth a pretty penny. Today, I don't think there's much call for them.

On the other hand, gold ...

Updated: Thu Nov 12, 2009

A Golden Opportunity for the Holidays for 11/19/2009

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The economy suggests this is a time to save. The holidays in general, however, have traditionally been a time to spend. I've received a curious array of mail asking about suggestions for affordable and, well, somewhat extravagant gifts. Not all of these requests have not been about presents designed solely for collectors but also people in general. Whatever your budget, let's take a look at bot ...

Updated: Thu Nov 19, 2009