Shakespeare led us to recognize that "All that glitters is not gold." The recent collapse and subsequent shattering of the stock market underscores how it can be shards of broken glass.

If reports by everyone from pawnshop owners to collectible dealers are true, some may have gotten cut or fear they may. An increase in people — especially the elderly — seeking to sell valuables may be evidence of that. Of course, selling some not needed items is a good way to clear out clutter. But, getting the best price is paramount.

Even seemingly common coins, stamps and collectibles can bring substantially higher prices if a few steps are taken in advance of the sale. According to Collectors Universe Inc., more value is obtainable if certain items are certified for authenticity and grade. That's especially important considering that a 2007 study suggested that up to 80 percent of celebrity autographs sold online are suspected forgeries.

In that regard, consider an autographed Mickey Mantle baseball. Certainly such an object would be a prize for serious baseball fans. And, in "raw," unauthenticated condition such a ball might bring $100 to $150. However, if the signature has been certified genuine, the value could easily rise to between $750 and $900.

Common Morgan silver dollars minted between 1878 and 1921 are a familiar staple. Left to children by parents or grandparents many are often in uncirculated condition. Each would normally bring between $20 and $25 if uncertified. When graded and certified that value can quickly rise to between $40 to $200.

So, too, for example with a 1916-dated "Winged Liberty" (or "Mercury") dime struck at the Denver Mint in "fine" circulated condition. Understand that "fine" is actually pretty poor condition for a coin. But, it's a rare date sought after by collectors willing to pay upwards of $2,000 in its raw state. Here again, a certified specimen will command nearly $3,000 — a premium of 50 percent.

The grading of collectible stamps is a fairly new phenomenon but one that's garnered unprecedented attention. A common 1940s Washington Irving one-cent commemorative postage stamp from the Famous Americans series in mint condition is found in most every stamp collection. It retails for around 20 cents. But, if you happen to have one that is spectacularly well centered and is certified as near-perfect Superior 98 (on a 100-point scale) the value soars closer to $90.

Better still, a mint-condition, never-hinged $1-denomination 1893 Columbian Exposition commemorative stamp has a standard value of about $1,000. However, if certified as "extremely fine" to "superior" with a grade of 95 its value catapults to $40,000.

So, what might you have, what's the condition and, most importantly, how do you find out? In today's economy it's more important than ever to know before you venture to sell.

There are numerous grading services for collectibles. Some of the most prominent and universally recognized such as P.C.G.S. (Professional Coin Grading Service) and N.G.C. (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) are available through many coin dealers. For a modest fee dealers can assist in sending your coins off to the companies, and each will come back fully certified with a numeric grade.

The same is true for stamps through P.S.E. (Professional Stamp Experts). And, the current leader for sports memorabilia is P.S.A. (Professional Sports Authenticator).

Many of those can be found on the Web at: www.collectors.com. As the saying goes, "Knowledge is power," but, especially now, it can be a major profit center as well.

Editor's Note: A JPEG visual of an autographed Mickey Mantle baseball (w/question mark) has been sent with this column.

To find out more about Peter Rexford and to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

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