Collector&#x27;s Guide

Collector's GuideInvestments

Exchanging Collectibles: How to Properly Document the Transaction

The issue of properly documenting an exchange of antiques and collectibles is directly related to security. In the antiques business, there are two key aspects of security: the personal safety of the collector and their family, and the protection of the collection itself from claims by law enforcement or criminal organizations.

Collector's GuideExpertise

Restrike, Not a Counterfeit: Understanding Numismatic Terms

In numismatics, there's a sensitive topic concerning the misuse of the term 'restrike.' Many people indiscriminately apply this word to any counterfeit coin, which is a completely incorrect approach.

Gold Bars or Coins: What's More Profitable for an Investor in 2022?

After the abolition of VAT on precious metals in bars in March 2022 and the temporary abolition of income tax on their sale (for 2022-2023), investments in physical gold have become more attractive. An analysis of prices on July 15, 2022, shows that bars can be significantly more profitable than coins.

A Guide to Buying and Storing Gold and Silver Bars

Investors in physical precious metals are often concerned about the proper packaging of bars when buying them from banks. This aspect became especially relevant after March 2022, when the abolition of VAT made bars at least 20% more profitable to acquire, which stimulated demand.

Slabs for Investment Coins: What They Are and How Grading Works

For investors in gold and silver coins, it's important to understand what 'slabs' are and the grading process. Grading is the assessment of a coin's condition on a specific scale, which is one of the most important criteria determining its collectible value.

History of ThingsCollector's Guide

Review of a Vintage Furniture Warehouse in Riga

In Riga, at 25 Pushkina Street, there is a huge vintage furniture warehouse store. This place is well-known among connoisseurs of antiquity, and visiting it was a long-held goal. Inside, you'll find an impressive collection of interior items from different eras.

Collector's GuideHistory of Things

An Overview and Valuation of Soviet Badges: From Mass-Produced to Rare

A collection of Soviet badges, primarily from the 1950s-60s, represents a broad slice of history. However, not all so-called 'heavy' badges from this period are expensive. It's important to be able to distinguish mass-produced items from genuinely valuable ones, as well as to recognize fakes.

Investing in Silver Coins: A Detailed Guide

Silver is an industrial metal with a wide range of applications. It is used in the chemical industry, electronics, battery production, the jewelry industry, as well as for making awards, mirrors, in medicine, and photography.

All About Bullion Bars: From Purity to Purchase

A bar is a block of metal, in this case, a precious one. Bars can have different shapes and masses, and specialized refineries handle their production.

New 'George the Victorious' Gold Bullion Coin Series

To properly understand the market, it is important to distinguish between bullion and collectible coins. Bullion coins have a number of characteristic features that determine their value primarily by the cost of the metal they contain.

Investing in Coins: From the First Purchase to Organizing a Collection

A collector's story can begin with an accidental purchase. An example is the acquisition of a silver "Sable" coin, bought long ago for 390 rubles, even before it gained investment status. The coin was forgotten for a time but was later found, cleaned, and placed in a protective capsule.

Collector's GuideHistory of Things

Treasures of a French Flea Market: From Vintage Tableware to Furniture

In a consignment shop near Paris, you can discover many interesting items. Among the finds are white ceramic cacti, which were once a very fashionable decorative element. One large piece was on sale for €2.50.

Collector's GuideHistory of Things

Treasures of an Antique Warehouse: A Review of Unrestored Furniture and Clocks

In the city of Newcastle, there is a huge two-story warehouse store specializing in the sale of antique furniture, clocks, and other antiquities. The unique feature of this place is that all items are sold in their original, unrestored condition. It is a real 'Klondike' for restorers and connoisseurs of authenticity.

Authenticating Investment Coins: Simple and Reliable Methods

The authenticity of gold and silver coins is a concern for many investors, especially amidst numerous rumors online. However, it's worth noting that among standard bullion coins, counterfeits, most often of Chinese origin, are extremely rare.

Offline MeetupsCollector's Guide

Finds at a French Flea Market: From Rare Plates to Vintage Dolls

Among the finds at the flea market, you can discover interesting decorative plates. For example, a souvenir plate from Italy with the inscription 'Carretto Siciliano,' depicting a traditional Sicilian cart. On the back of such tableware, you can sometimes find the manufacturer's mark.

Gold Investment Coins: Answering Key Questions for Beginners

To begin, it's worth defining the concept of a savings or investment coin. This is a simple working definition that helps novice investors get their bearings.

Collector's GuideInvestments

Preparing Coins for Sale: Creating an Inventory Spreadsheet

Before coins are listed for sale online, the final preparations must be completed. By this point, the seller should already have their starting assets established—the coin collection itself, ready for sale.

The 1924 Silver Ruble: How to Identify a High-Quality Counterfeit

The 1924 silver ruble is considered one of the most beautiful large coins of the Soviet period. Its design is a prime example of the visual propaganda of that time: the obverse depicts a worker pointing out the rising sun over a factory to a peasant. This scene symbolizes the bright future of the young Soviet state.

Gold 5 Rubles: Expert Analysis of Counterfeits and Originals

Three types of counterfeit 5-ruble gold coins, produced in different workshops, were selected for examination. Each counterfeit is compared with an authentic coin from the same year of issue. A total of six coins were prepared for the analysis: three fakes and three originals.

How to Identify a High-Quality Counterfeit of the 1892 Alexander III Ruble

The story began when a person bought a silver Alexander III 1892 ruble for 26,000. Immediately after the purchase, another collector approached him and offered to buy the coin for 50,000, which raised the first suspicions.