The State Of The Collector’s Union

Release: FEBRUARY 27, 2026

    Given the ongoing vitriol in Washington, DC, I try to avoid getting political.  It’s too headache inducing.  That being said, I did watch the recent State of the Union speech.

    Based on what was said, economically the US is reportedly doing gangbusters insofar as lower prices and higher wages.  Maybe.  Based on many auction sales prices for collectibles, some people are clearly doing better than others.  With notable irony, last week’s speech followed a segment on the TV news show 60 Minutes.  It featured a story about a once-thriving coal region in West Virginia where unemployment is now rampant and most barely exist on assistance.  The contrast is sobering.

    Some cases of the wealth gap include recent mind-bending collectible sales.  The first involves a Pokemon card – an item similar to baseball trading cards.  For those unfamiliar, Pokemon is a Japanese-based anime with cartoonish characters.  A few decades ago, it had become the rage for young people.  The concept gained more popularity through trading cards....

A Disturbingly Familiar Coin And Currency

Release: MARCH 13, 2026

     It’s said we can’t go back in time.  I suppose that’s akin to the adage, “you can never go home again.”  The implication is, no matter what, a longing return to those “good ol’ days” isn’t possible.

    Maybe.  Yet, with the looming Semiquincentennial, I can’t help remembering when new coins and currency were introduced in 1976 for our celebrated Bi-centennial.  As I’ve said, I was there.  I recall the fervor and collective excitement behind the celebrations, fireworks and endless events.  Then, we were introduced to a one-year-only Bi-centennial quarter design with colonial drummer, the first new quarter issued since 1932.  We also got a revised half-dollar and a dollar memorializing the 200th....

All That Glitters Is Gold – Or Not

Release: MARCH 6, 2026

"When everyone is looking for gold, 

it could be a good time to be 

in the pick and shovel business."

     -- Mark Twain

    I’m curious how many people have noticed changes in the White House Oval Office. I don’t refer to any individual but, rather, the décor.  On TV news reports it’s impossible not to see the brash embellishments applied to the trim and detailing on White House walls and doorways.  What had been subtle white colonial adornments now gleam and scream in bright gold.

   Certainly, occupants of the White House can decorate as they wish.  It’s not unlike certain mansions or palaces in the Middle East.  For many, manifestly displaying the color gold somehow underscores their perceived worth.  Or something like that.

    If that’s the case, leaders in China may soon be flaunting many a golden image thanks to recent massive deposit discoveries.  According to some reports, huge gold strikes have taken place in that authoritarian land.  Of course, any such info has to be taken with a grain of salt.  China is renowned for making false claims that might somehow benefit them....

Lasting Tribute To A Colonial Jew

Release: FEBRUARY 20, 2026

     We’re well into the first third of 2026.  I recall what should have been a similar time 50 years ago at the onset of the 1976 Bicentennial.  For those not alive or aware then, it was epic.  Preparations were rife for celebrations and collectibles aplenty being produced for the nation’s then-200th birthday.

    I’d like to believe the current 250th would rate the same level of excitement.  Not yet.  I suppose it’s a wait-and-see.  In national magazines and newspapers, I’ve seen a few commemorative trinkets.  The US Mint and Postal Service have also planned some tribute issues.  Outside of those, I can’t say there’s much momentum for the milestone....

Not Knowing Collectible Values Can Be Costly

Release: FEBRUARY 13, 2026

     Concerning the recent boom and decline of gold and silver, I believe we are either in the calm before the storm or a period of prolonged inactivity.  That’s a roundabout way of saying I don‘t have a clue about what may happen next – up, down or stagnant.  I take solace in that no one else knows either.

    Regular readers may recall my evoking memories of the early 1980s when precious metals prices first exploded.  In 1979, as gold passed $500, $600 and then $800 an ounce, unwitting prognosticators predicted it “soon passing $3,000.”  Then, $4,000 and $5,000.  All were so convincing.  And, wrong. The difference between now and then is that financial institutions are actually weighing in with price guesses.

    Naturally, they rarely agree.  Some are calling for gold and silver to settle at $3,000 and $50 respectively.  Another I saw was incredulously predicting gold exceeding $15,000 and even $20,000 with silver well over $200 on ounce.  At those prices, gold wedding rings and gifts of silver bowls would become a thing of the past.  It’s not a pretty thought.  Even gold tooth fillings would be out....

Some Silver Treasures Wait To Be Found

Release: FEBRUARY 6 2026

 

    Another trip in the good old WayBack Machine sends us to 336 years ago when, in 1690, the very first paper money in North America was produced.  Not the United States.  That wouldn’t come until 1776.

    In 1690, the Massachusetts Bay Colony was just 60 years old.  It took that long for someone to conceive of producing a promissory paper note essentially redeemable for silver.  Prior to that, metal coins were the primary means of trade.  That makes sense considering metals were vital for trade goods - be they serving pieces made of sterling silver and/or iron firearms, belt buckles, etc.

    The recognition of immediate metallic value continued through the US Civil War.  During that time, citizens especially disliked paper money (not knowing which side might win) and hoarded copper, silver and gold coins – usually buried in jars around one’s home or farm.

    Valuing silver and gold coins still holds true.  Such was also the case for silver flatware and serving pieces as I’ve written about over the past month.  However, due to the glut of people dumping centuries worth of their family’s silver, refiners haven’t been able to keep up.  For now, most refiners have stopped buying sterling silver....

Gold And Silver Lose The Luster Of Liquidity

Release: January 30, 2026

     Decades ago, my mother and father took a cruise still popular for travelers today – a voyage along the coast of Alaska.  Naturally, lots to see there.  As with most tourist trips, the ship stopped at various points for day outings ending at designated shops and stores.

    With Alaska being renowned for the Klondike gold rush of 1894 to 1907, much of the souvenir jewelry was made from the precious metal.  As a rare treat, my father purchased my mom a small glass pendant about the size of a nickel.  The inside was filled with small grains of gold mined from the region over the years.  With gold then valued at about $100 an ounce, they splurged on the keepsake probably spending $75 or so.  It was an interesting curiosity with a good story but eventually relegated to mom’s “costume jewelry” box....