Jan

30

The first auction I went to as a child still stands out in my mind. It was a livestock auction somewhere in the middle of South Carolina.
I had a horse already but I went in anticipation of getting some new colorful stuff for my horse… saddle pads, halters, lead ropes. I wasn’t sure what they would be auctioning off, but I was hopeful.
After they had auctioned several horses and some cattle, they pulled out a box of red and white lead ropes. I remember sitting up very tall, thinking “oh, if I could just win one of those.”
The auctioneer started talking fast and hands were flying up, and mine was one of them. I ended up getting four red and white lead ropes for two dollars.
The best part is, I had those lead ropes for years. Every time I used one I remembered the thrill of sticking my hand up and the auctioneer pointing to me!

Jan

30

(I-Newswire) - Annie Ralli
British Artist.

Former BBC scenic artist Annie Ralli and The Colomb Art Gallery present a series of stunning London based night scene paintings.

Ralli’s unique stylised paintings are recognisable to all, Londoners and tourists alike. From familiar city wide hotspots to the solitary texting youth, each piece is a snapshot of the city that we all know.

This present series of paintings were developed from a piece commissioned early last year. Her private client asked for the “vibrancy” and “buzz” of the London streets by night and got exactly that.

###

The Colomb Art Gallery
52a George Street
W1U 7EA
020 7487 5118
www.colomb-art.co.uk

Friday 22nd February – Saturday 22nd March 2008
Mon-Sat: 9:30 – 6:30. Sunday by appointment
Private Viewing Thursday 21st February - RSVP Gallery
Free
The Colomb Art Gallery specialises in original paintings from recognised British and International artists. With two floors of artwork the gallery boasts a selection to suit all tastes from contemporary to traditional fine art.

Framing & restoration services are available with regular exhibitions and private viewings.

Contact the gallery on 020 7487 5118 or www.colomb-art.co.uk for more details.

Jan

25

(I-Newswire) - RESTON, Va.–( BUSINESS WIRE )–WorthPoint Corporation today launched WorthPoint.com, a new Web site that promises to greatly simplify the way collectors can find and share information about the items they own or want to buy and sell, from art and antiques to furniture, china and glassware, and from coins, stamps, model cars and trains to flags, militaria and political memorabilia.

The site, with its large database of historical and current prices, photographs and descriptions from more than 250 auction houses, will appeal to the growing number of collectors in America and around the world, as well as to people who inherit something from a relative and are not sure of the value of what they have.

Visitors to WorthPoint.com will be able to:
•    Use the site’s Worthopedia feature to look at the sales history of items similar to the items they own.
•    Use the Research Library to learn more about collectibles and the world of collecting.
•    Use the “Ask a Question” feature to ask the WorthPoint community for information about their items.
•    Use the WorthPoint communities to learn or share knowledge about collectibles.
•    Search for other members of the WorthPoint community with similar collecting interests.
•    Learn about upcoming auctions and other events.
•    Get advice and valuations from Worthologists, who have an average of more than 25 years of experience in their respective fields.
Reston-based WorthPoint, founded earlier this year, has already secured more than $2.1 million in funding. Roger Ogden, former Senior Vice President of Design, Innovation and Strategy for Gannett Co., a leading media and information company, says: “I have seen first hand the significant growth of WorthPoint over the past six months and see even greater potential for the company in the future. WorthPoint has a very experienced and well-connected management team, strong investors and a proprietary platform for valuing, preserving and learning about antiques and collectibles. WorthPoint is in a position to revolutionize the world of collecting.”

Will Seippel, Founder and CEO of WorthPoint, says: “WorthPoint will be for the collector in all of us. You might be a classic collector of art, coins, and stamps, or a collector of early personal computers, vintage sneakers, and comic books, or just a ‘collector’ who wants to understand the worth of items you recently inherited or have been storing in the back of a closet for years and years.

“Collecting is a passion, and the world of collecting is huge,” Seippel says. “According to the U.S. Mint, more than 140 million people around the world collect U.S. coins. There are serious collectors, who spend anywhere from hundreds to hundreds of thousands of dollars a year; occasional collectors, and millions more who are new to collecting. Collecting cuts across generational lines and national borders. And while the market is well established in Europe and America, it is growing at phenomenal rate in countries like China, India and Russia.

“We are confident that WorthPoint will quickly become the ‘gold standard’ for comprehensive, authoritative information about collectibles and antiques. A WorthPoint valuation will become as important as the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval for consumers or the Kelley Blue Book valuation for buyers of new and used cars and trucks.” Seippel says. “Equally valuable will be the information exchanged among the collectors who become members of our WorthPoint communities.”

Contacts
WorthPoint Corporation, Reston
Will Seippel, 770-777-8221
will.seippel@worthpoint.com
www.worthpoint.com

Jan

25

(I-Newswire) - Iola, WI, December 27, 2007 — After gaining a large percentage of the vote, it appeared Hungary’s 50 forint coin commemorating the 1956 Hungarian Revolution would easily walk away with the first annual “People’s Choice” Coin of the Year award, sponsored by World Coin News and Krause Publications.

Not so, said lovers of Polish coinage. With a daylong mega-surge in votes, Poland has now taken the lead with 57 per cent of the international vote. Poland’s entry called “St. John’s Night” features a hologram with a stylized image of a fern flower, which changes colors depending on the angle of vision.

At this time, over 12,000 coin lovers from 131 different countries have logged their votes at NumisMaster.com.

Voting will continue thru January 15, at which time the first “People’s Choice” winner will be solidified.

The results will be revealed at the Coin of the Year ceremony in the Paris Room of the Estrel Hotel and Convention Center during the World Money Fair in Berlin, Germany on Saturday, February 2, 2008.

Although, if the gap continues to widen, the winner will be no secret!

Log on to NumisMaster.com to follow the action and cast your vote between now and January 15.
About Krause Publications

Krause Publications, based in Iola, Wis., is the world’s largest publisher of leisure-time periodicals and books on collectibles, sewing and quilting, hunting, and fishing. Chet Krause, a long-time collector of coins, published the first issue of Numismatic News on Oct. 13, 1952, with nearly 1,000 readers. Today, Krause Publications, owned by F+W Publications, offers over 40 periodicals, 10 hobby shows, 750 reference and how-to books, and web properties such as NumisMaster.com, the online coin price database. F+W Publications, and ARBY Partners, LLC Company, also operates book clubs, conferences, trade shows, interactive media and education programs.
Contact
Lisa Bellavin
Associate Editor, NumisMaster
Lisa.bellavin@fwpubs.com
715-445-4612 ext. 279

Jan

25

Factors that Influence the Value of Collectible Coins

(I-Newsire) If you are interested in collecting coins, it’s important to be able to have a rough idea of how much coins are worth. Knowing how coin values are determined will enable you to find good deals, and ensure that you don’t get cheated into paying too much money for a coin with a low worth.

Supply Influences Coin Values
One major factor in determining coin values is the law of supply and demand. If there are many coins of a particular type available, that coin will not be worth much. On the other hand, if only a very few coins of that type are produced, the coin values will rise. This is why a completely normal-looking copper penny minted in 1943 is worth about $200,000, whereas a 2,000 year old Roman coin may be worth less than $100 – because thousands upon thousands of Roman coins were minted, but only 40 pennies produced during war-time 1943 were made out of copper.

Demand’s Effect on Coin Values
Even among coins with a similar number of copies in existence, some have a higher worth than others. This is because some coins are in higher demand, driving up the coin values. Coins may become popular because they are particularly lovely to look at, because they are part of a topical set that is often chosen by collectors, or because they have a certain historical significance.

Precious Metals and Coin Values
Some coins are made out of precious materials like gold bullion or platinum. These coin values are less volatile because the worth is guaranteed in part by the material. A gold bullion coin, for example, is usually worth more than its melted weight, but it is never going to be worth less.

Coin Values are tempered by Grade or Classification
The final major factor in determining coin values is the grade or classification of the coin. The more wear and tear that a coin has undergone, the less value it is going to have. This is why un-circulated coins are usually more valuable than coins that have been passed from hand to hand. Un-circulated coins have always been kept in the very best of conditions, making their value much higher. A coin in flawless condition may be worth hundreds of times more than a low-grade version of the exact same coin.

Now that you understand the basic factors that influence coin values, you have a better grasp of which coins may have real value and which will be worthless. In order to get a ballpark estimate of the value of any coins you might have, you will first need to determine its grade or classification. You can do this by comparing your coin’s condition to a published list of guidelines. Then look up the value of a coin in that condition in a book such as “The Standard Catalog of World Coins,” which should be available in most public libraries. If you need to know the exact amount that your coin is worth, you should take it to a coin dealer and let him or her evaluate it for you.

About The Author:
For more free tips visit www.coachingonnet.com

Jan

23

(I-Newswire) -

        The New Year’s Resolutions are already forgotten by most of us, and about now, we are becoming anxious for spring.  In fact, some of us are getting cabin fever because of the extreme cold and getting tired of all the mounds of snow outside.

      Changing your home décor ever so slightly with something new can help fight winter doldrums.  Twin Mountain Collections woodmeister says “simple things that help you get the house organized are best and give everything a lift.”  He says it might even save one of your resolutions by getting better organized in 2008 ( you remember that resolution, right? ).  The best news is not all home decorating ideas require a lot of time and money.

    The woodmeister came up with a short list of decorating ideas to quickly update any room of your home. If you are looking for some affordable decorating and organizing solutions to freshen up a room over a weekend, try these five ideas from our woodmeister’s list:
   
1.    Group Figurines. Are they stored away in a box?  Get your favorite collectibles or keepsakes out and show off your personality. Display your treasures on small shelf units.  Group related figurines together and put three or five on a shelf.  Remember to display only what is necessary.

2.    Eliminate Clutter.  Clutter has a way of making things feel messy and unorganized.  Find storage places to sewing supplies, cookbooks and other items that take away from the personality of your room.

3.    Transform a blank corner or wall. Add nostalgic advertising signs that reflect your personality. Try frames that are ornate.  Cluster several mirrors and signs to create a nice view or interesting arrangement for your kitchen or family room.

4.    Decorative Boxes, Jars, or Glass Bottles. Place small decorative containers throughout your home ( kitchen, bath, bedrooms, or den ) for an artistic touch and a place to store small things.  These items complement every decorating style and display easy on tables, shelves, counters or anywhere for added dimension.

5.    Kitchen Decorating. Today’s kitchen is a busy place and has a ton of tools we use daily.  This requires more you than money.  You want décor items that keep things at your fingertips and still make your kitchen feel cozy. Your decorating display options can include collectibles, antiques, and anything else that matches your personality and offer practical solutions.

      Twin Mountain Collections in New Hampshire offers an outstanding collection of handcrafted all natural wood accessories that are bound to solve a handful of organizing issues you have been trying to solve.  Styles of our home accessories are designed simply, feature clean-lines and provide utilitarian functionality. 
   
    In addition to finely crafted wooden accessories, Twin Mountain Collections offers a fabulous selection of authentically-style antique replicas that captures the essence of by-gone-days including items like an old fashion letter-box with storage, country rooster pitcher, cast-iron bookshelf/doll park bench, and cast iron hand-painted woodpecker doorknock to 1923 Trolley Coke Four-seasons reproduction signs.

About Twin Mountain Collections
      All wood products are made by hand at Twin Mountain Collections’ New Hampshire woodworking shop. Everything is made from real wood, and pressed woods are never use. The finishing process is a multiple step process using either a special formula hand-developed stain to bring out the natural beauty of the wood or classic painted country colors are used on products. Other stains or washes are available upon request and may require additional time to complete.

      Following in a family tradition, Logemann continues a long legacy of woodworkers from a great-grandfather in the Black Forest of Germany to grandfather to father and now to a son. Mr. Logemann formerly operated a gift specialty store in Virginia before locating to New Hampshire. Logemann’s workshop is located in the heart of the White Mountains of New Hampshire. For more information contact Olde Twin Mountain Country store in Mirror Lake, New Hampshire at 800-405-3005 or view our catalog at http://www.twinmtncollections.com.

Jan

17

By Jan Westmark

(North Palm Beach, FL) – For Immediate Release – The latest internet technology in online auctions has people from all over the world bidding against each other live, but from the comfort of their own computers.
 After nearly two years in development, Blackwells Live Auction (www.blackwellsliveauction.com) will soon be changing the face of online auctions. No longer will auctions take days and even weeks to complete, but instead will happen live right in front of bidders. Bidders are encouraged to grab their paddles and get ready to bid.
 The site was conceived and designed by a retired antique and jewelry dealer from San Francisco. While struggling with the existing internet auctions to sell off his inventory, he began thinking how unconventional the internet auctions were and how difficult they were to use. He envisioned the “true” methods of the auctions he had attended, with live spirited bidding. Developing Blackwells Live Auction.com was the result.
 Blackwells auction provides the auctioneer, invoicing and other services for only $2.99 per item. A helpful tutorial provides information on the bidding process and an overview of the auction. The site was designed to be easy and cost effective to use.
 Any and all type of items will be available to buy, sell and bid on including: art; antiques; collectibles; general merchandise; Asian art; toys; automobiles; clocks; coins; jewelry; computers; stamps; watches; and much more.

Jan

16

(I-Newswire) - Japan

When meeting a Japanese colleague or business associate be prepared with a gift. The gift giving ritual is deeply rooted in the Japanese culture. When meeting a group of Japanese professionals, the quality and value of the gifts should be indicative of the rank of the person within the company with higher ranking professionals should receive higher quality gifts. When meeting a group of Japanese colleagues, either present a group gift or a gift to each individual. It is considered extremely rude to present a gift to one individual in a group, without giving gifts to the rest of the group. Avoid giving gifts in sets of four. The word “four” in Japanese is “shi”, which is also associates with the word death. Always wrap the gift you are going to present. Avoid white wrapping paper as white represents death. Avoid giving monetary gifts or gifts displaying company logos. Business gifts should be given at midyear and at year-end.

China
Always present gifts with two hands.
Avoid giving watches or clocks as gifts. The word for “clock” in Chinese is similar to the word for “death.
Do not wrap gifts in white, blue or black as these colours are associated with funerals. Red, yellow and pink are regarded as joyful colours.
Red lettering and sharp objects such as knives, letter openers or scissors are also gifts giving no-no’s as these items imply the severance of a relationship.
Display your company logo on the gift, this ensures that the gift is not seen as a bribe but more as a form of advertising.
It is customary in the Chinese culture to refuse a gift repeatedly, but it is expected that the giver will persist and the recipient’s acceptance will soon follow.

Jan

16

My parents spent years traveling the world and everytime they returned they would bring a few leftover coins from different countries home with them. I put the coins in a jar and left them for a few years, and then one day my daughter discovered them.

She was thrilled with the different looks, textures, words and values of all the coins. My mom had long forgotten which coins came from which country so we explored the internet till we found out about each coin.

I never thought collecting coins would be something I would want to do, and even though we didn’t collect these, we are really enjoying them. In fact we are hoping for some relatives that are currently on a trip out of the country to bring us a few coins… just a few more to add to our collection.

Jan

8

When I was in high school, many moons ago, I woke up early one morning to watch the wedding of Prince Charles to Princess Diana. It was beautiful and all my friends and I sighed with envy. It was a fairy tale come true.

A few years later my mother bought me a coin set featuring Prince Charles and Diana. I still have it to this day, and sometimes look at it and recall getting up so early and watching their wedding. It was such a fairy tale. Of course things didn’t turn out so wonderful for the fairy tale couple, unfortuantely. But I still have the coin, and good memories!

keep looking »

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