Charles Dickens might contemporarily be best known for his epic tome, A Christmas Carol. When first released to the public in London on December 19, 1843, it was an instant success. Conversely, for Dickens, it was a financial flop. He had insisted on elaborate printing and binding. Costs soared. The result embodied his famous opening line from A Tale of Two Cities, “It was the best of times. It was the worst of times...."
As most parents might agree, that phrase is often apt for the Christmas season. A child’s anticipation of Santa’s return with longed-for gifts certainly makes it the best of times. Adults who suddenly realize how close we are to “zero hour” know the angst of having the right gift under the tree for a child on Christmas. Anything short of that can be the worst of times.
For years, I’ve tried to offer some solid options as holiday gifts for collectors. Ironically, in our current “virtual” world, collecting means acquiring tangible items. In that respect, one of the best and most affordable options would be a subscription to either of the leading hobby trade publications, Coin World or Linn’s Stamp News. Each are available in paper or virtual online editions. I contend we spend too much time online now so recommend the real, tangible paper versions.
Linn’s first appeared in 1928. It quickly became the world’s largest circulation philatelic publication and the go-to resource for beginning or advanced collectors. In addition to articles on new issues from the US, Canada, England, Russian, etc., Linn’s is key in knowing the value of collectible stamps. Part of this comes in the form of dealer “buy” adds as well as a good classified section. In regions where few stamp dealers are present, Linn’s is a great source from which to purchase elusive issues. It’s also ideal for info on valuable modern errors anyone might stumble across.
On the numismatic front, Coin World offers the best regular information on coins, medals and paper money showcasing all of the new issues produced by the US Mint and Bureau of Engraving and Printing. More importantly, it spotlights the nuances of coin/paper money grading and how those subtleties can transform a coin seemingly worth only $5 into a coveted $5,000 rarity.
With the myriad new quarter series being produced along with popular commemoratives issued annually, Coin World is the recognized reference for staying on top of what’s to come. Most exciting is reading frequent and compelling articles about the discovery of lost riches. That alone feeds to armchair treasure hunters and anyone who has dreamed of uncovering untold riches.
Both weekly periodicals also have monthly magazines as a part of the mix. Each is produced by Amos Press with delivery options in print and online. Subscriptions range from $50 to just over $100. For more information on the publications or to subscribe, log onto: www.Linns.com or www.CoinWorld.com.
(Note: An impressive printed alternative to these hobby papers would be a First Edition of Dicken’s A Christmas Carol. At last check, a copy of that rare book now costs between $18,000 and $45,000!)
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To be truly Dickensian this Christmas, coins should be on the menu – literally. During the author’s day, placing a sixpence in Christmas pudding was tradition. In parts of England, it still is. The small coin is baked into the pudding. Whoever finds it in their serving is said to have good fortune in the coming year, assuming they don’t choke on the coin.
On this side of the pond, a parallel holiday tradition involving a coin has become equally exciting. Since the 1800s, select gift-givers – in the forms of generous fathers, uncles and the like – have tucked silver dollars into the Christmas stockings of favored youngsters. These “Morgan” or “Peace” dollars are some of our most storied silver coins.
The Morgans were first issued in 1878, and the Peace dollars in 1921. All circulating silver dollars ceased production in 1935. The current century-old dollars from 1922 or 1923 are perfect gifts because silver dollars from those years are particularly affordable – roughly $100 in exceptional condition.
These iconic silver rounds always evoke curiosity, fascination and history from recipients. Most are available from any good, local coin dealer. (Dickens himself might have had an issue with this gift. Having fathered ten children, he could go broke doling out so many silver dollars each Christmas.) Jingle Bells!
For more collecting information and advice, log onto www.PRexford.com.