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10 Collectibles That Can Make You Big Money

In the world of collectibles, it's often the most accessible items that bring in the biggest surprises. With that in mind, let's explore ten collectibles to provide a clear picture of their potential value. We also showcase an extraordinary item that recently made a splash at our auction house. 1. Mallard Pair Duck Decoys By Richard "Fresh Air Dick" Janson A stunning example of a high-value collectible comes from our own auction house. This pair of Mallard Duck Decoys, crafted by Richard "Fresh Air Dick" Janson, were part of the esteemed Ron G. Butler collection. The beautiful 17" pieces, complete with glass eyes, recently fetched an impressive $12,100 at auction. Such a price showcases the high demand for meticulously crafted decoys, especially those with a reputable pedigree. 2. Vintage Comic Books Considered the Holy Grail of comic books, Action Comics #1 marks the first appearance of Superman. A pristine copy of this comic sold for over $3.2 million in 2014. 3. Collectible Coins Even relatively recent coins can fetch a high price, such as a 1992 Close AM Penny, which sold for $25,850 in 2012 due to a rare mint error. 4. Postage Stamps Common stamps might not fetch high prices, but rarities like the 1918 24-Cent Inverted Jenny Stamp can - a block of four sold for $2.97 million in 2005. 5. Vinyl Records The right records can bring in significant money. A copy of The Beatles' "White Album" owned by Ringo Starr sold at auction for $790,000 in 2015. 6. Vintage Toys Toys can sometimes be worth more than their weight in gold. A 1963 G.I. Joe prototype sold for $200,000 at auction in 2003. 7. First Edition Books Books can hide substantial value, like a first edition of J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," which fetched $90,000 at auction in 2019. 8. Antique & Vintage Furniture In 1988 an original Gustav Stickley sideboard, built for his own home, sold at Christie’s for the then unheard of price of $363,000. The purchaser: Barbra Streisand. Eleven years later, it was resold for $596,000 9. Sports Memorabilia Sports memorabilia can bring staggering prices, such as the basketball jersey worn by Barack Obama in high school, which fetched $120,000 in 2019. 10. Vintage Advertising Items Certain advertising memorabilia can command high prices. Produced in 1902, a brilliantly hued Coke poster emblazoned “Drink Carbonated Coca-Cola in Bottles” featured a young woman in a fancy plumed hat and pearl-covered red dress holding a fountain glass of the fizzy beverage. It reached the top of its estimate range at $40,800 in 2015. The takeaway? The collectibles market is broad and varied, with many common items having the potential to bring in big money. So whether you're a buyer looking for a sound investment, or a seller looking to cash in, there's ample opportunity in the world of collectibles. Keywords: Collectibles, Richard "Fresh Air Dick" Janson, Mallard Duck Decoys, Vintage Comic Books, Collectible Coins, Postage Stamps, Vinyl Records, Vintage Toys, First Edition Books, Antique Furniture, Sports Memorabilia, Vintage Advertising Items, Auctions. Read More

The Ultimate Marketplace for Exceptional Collectibles: Seek or Sell With Us

The Ultimate Marketplace for Exceptional Collectibles: Seek or Sell With Us Whether you're an enthusiastic collector or a seller with a treasure trove of items waiting to find their perfect home, you're in the right place. We aim to serve as a premium marketplace for a diverse range of high-end collectibles. Let's explore some of the most sought-after categories we specialize in and what they have to offer. 1. U.S. Coins From early colonial issues to modern commemorative pieces, we're passionate about U.S. Coins. Whether it's rare Morgan dollars, Walking Liberty half dollars, or wheat pennies, we're eager to present your collection to our network of dedicated collectors. 2. World Coins & Ancient Coins Our auction platform is a global stage for coins from every corner of the world. Be it the ancient coins of Greek or Roman empires, British sovereigns, or modern Canadian Maple Leaf coins, we understand the rich history and value these pieces can hold. 3. Gold & Silver Bullion For those seeking a tangible investment or the sheer aesthetic allure of gleaming bullion, we cater to sales of gold and silver bars, rounds, and coins. These precious metal items are always in high demand among our clientele. 4. Currency Paper money has a charm all its own. We encourage consignments of U.S. and world currency, from historic Confederate notes and Silver Certificates to international banknotes brimming with cultural significance. 5. Vintage Comics Comics aren't just for kids. They are pop culture artifacts cherished by collectors. From rare first editions of superheroes like Spider-Man or Batman to indie titles that have gained cult status, vintage comics are a hot commodity on our platform. 6. Original Comic Art The artistry behind your favorite comics deserves recognition, too. We value the creativity and craftsmanship of original comic art, from pencil sketches to full-color cover art. 7. Movie Posters Classic and contemporary film buffs alike find joy in collecting movie posters. Whether they're from Golden Age Hollywood classics, iconic '80s blockbusters, or limited-edition modern releases, movie posters can make for a striking and valuable auction lot. 8. Illustration Art Whether it's book illustrations, magazine covers, or standalone pieces, we appreciate and welcome the wide range of styles and subjects found in illustration art. We're always on the lookout for works from noted illustrators or pieces with a unique charm. 9. Vintage Sports Cards and Memorabilia From Babe Ruth rookie cards to signed jerseys and other sports memorabilia, these items can evoke nostalgia and are often sought after by passionate fans and collectors. Whether your collection focuses on baseball, football, basketball, or any other sport, there's a place for it here. 10. Other Collectibles Beyond these categories, we're open to an array of other collectibles. Vintage toys, musical instruments, autographs, historical documents – the list is endless. If you have a collection you think our buyers would love, we want to hear about it. At the end of the day, we're here to connect extraordinary items with those who'll truly value them. Whether you're seeking to buy or sell, our platform offers a trusted, streamlined, and exciting auction experience. Don't let your collectibles gather dust – let them shine on a stage as prestigious as they deserve. Keywords: U.S. Coins, World Coins, Ancient Coins, Gold Bullion, Silver Bullion, Currency, Vintage Comics, Original Comic Art, Movie Posters, Illustration Art, Vintage Sports Cards, Memorabilia, Collectibles, Auction, Buy, Sell.Read More

Why Online Estate Sales Are the Next Big Thing

In the evolving world of buying and selling, the traditional approach to estate sales is being rapidly outpaced by the convenience and reach of online auctions. With advancements in digital technology, online estate sales are becoming increasingly popular, offering significant advantages over their traditional counterparts. Here are ten compelling reasons why online auctions could be the superior choice for sellers and buyers alike. 1. Access to a Nationwide Market Unlike traditional estate sales, which are limited to local or regional buyers, online auctions open up your offerings to a nationwide audience. This expanded reach means your items have the potential to attract higher bids from a larger pool of interested buyers, ultimately increasing their selling price. 2. The Thrill of Competitive Bidding One of the most exciting aspects of online auctions is the dynamic nature of competitive bidding. Prices start low and can escalate quickly as bidders vie for the winning spot. This can often result in final sale prices that far exceed the initial estimates, making it an exhilarating experience for both buyers and sellers. 3. Convenience of Shopping from Home Buyers love convenience, and online estate sales deliver just that. Participants can browse, research, and bid on items all from the comfort of their own homes, any time of the day or night, making it easier and more appealing to engage in the auction. 4. Extended Sales Window While traditional estate sales typically last just a few days, online auctions can extend over weeks, giving buyers ample time to discover items, conduct research, and decide on their bids. This longer duration not only increases the visibility of your items but also enhances the likelihood of higher bids. 5. Anonymity and Privacy Online auctions offer a level of anonymity that isn't possible in physical sales environments. Buyers can make bids without the pressure of being physically present, which can encourage more competitive bidding and higher final sale prices. 6. Detailed Listings and Greater Transparency With online auctions, each item can be listed with detailed descriptions and high-quality photos. This transparency helps reduce uncertainty about the item's condition and authenticity, increasing buyer confidence and willingness to bid. 7. Simplified Payment and Shipping The logistics of payment and shipping are often smoother with online auctions. Most platforms offer secure payment options and assist with shipping logistics, making the post-auction process as seamless as possible for both buyers and sellers. 8. Weatherproof Online auctions are immune to the whims of weather, allowing them to proceed without interruption. This reliability ensures that your sale isn't dampened by external factors like poor weather, which can often disrupt traditional estate sales. 9. Expert Help and Guidance Many online auction platforms provide expert assistance to sellers, guiding them through the process of listing, photographing, and describing items. This support can make the selling process less daunting and more efficient. 10. Environmental Friendliness Finally, online auctions are a more eco-friendly option. They eliminate the need for printed materials and physical travel, reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional estate sales. Conclusion The benefits of online estate sales are clear: from the increased market reach and the excitement of competitive bidding to the convenience and efficiency of the digital experience. As we continue to embrace digital solutions, online estate sales stand out as a modern, effective, and environmentally friendly way to handle the sale of personal property. If you're considering selling, it might be time to take your estate sale online and experience these advantages firsthand. Keywords: Online Estate Sales, Estate Sale, Pacific Auctions, Online Auctions, Anacortes, Burlington, Concrete, Hamilton, La Conner, Lyman, Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley, Clear Lake, Conway, Big Lake, Lake Cavanaugh, Alger, Edison, Marblemount, Rockport, Bow, Bay View, Blanchard, Samish Island, Seattle, Bellingham, Everett, Marysville, Mt. Vernon, Shelter Bay, San Juan Island, Orcas Island, Shaw Island, Lopez Island, Blakely Island, Whidbey Island, Samish Island.Read More

The Insider's Guide: How Do Auctions Work?

The Insider's Guide: How Do Auctions Work? Imagine this: You're in a room buzzing with energy. You can almost feel the collective anticipation, the adrenaline, the thrill of the chase. As the auctioneer raises an item, the crowd falls silent. Then, with a rapid-fire rhythm only they can master, the auctioneer starts the bidding. But what's really happening here? How do auctions work? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the workings of auctions, giving you an insider's look into this fascinating world. Understanding Auctions An auction is a public sale where goods or properties are sold to the highest bidder. Auctions have been around for thousands of years and have been used to sell everything from ancient artifacts to real estate to fine art. The beauty of an auction lies in its simplicity and transparency—every bid is made in the open, and the highest bidder wins. The Participants There are typically three key players in an auction: 1. The Auctioneer: This person conducts the auction. They present the item, start the bidding, and announce the winner. They must maintain a brisk pace to keep the auction moving and ensure fair bidding. 2. The Seller: The individual or entity selling the item. They may set a reserve price, which is the minimum they're willing to accept. If bids don't reach this price, they can choose not to sell. 3. The Bidders: These are potential buyers. They compete against each other by placing higher and higher bids until no one else is willing to bid more. Types of Auctions There are several types of auctions, and understanding them can help you navigate this world more easily.  1. English Auction: This is the most common type, also known as an open ascending price auction. Bidders openly bid against one another, each subsequent bid higher than the previous one. The highest bidder wins. 2. Dutch Auction: In this auction, the auctioneer starts with a high asking price and lowers it until a bidder accepts the price. The first bidder to do so wins the item. 3. Sealed-Bid Auction: Here, bidders submit their bid in a sealed envelope. The highest hidden bid wins. 4. Online Auction: With the advent of the internet, online auctions have become popular. Sites like eBay allow bidders to compete over items from the comfort of their homes. The Bidding Process The heart of the auction is the bidding process. The auctioneer starts by presenting the item and opening the floor to bids, usually beginning at a price lower than the item's value to spark interest. Bidders then raise their paddles (or indicate in another way) to place a bid. Each new bid must be higher than the last. The process continues until there is a bid that no one else is willing to beat. This is known as the winning bid. The auctioneer announces the close of bidding with the traditional phrase, "Going, going, gone!" Auction Etiquette and Tips Auctions can be a thrilling experience, but it's crucial to know the rules. Always set a budget before participating and stick to it to avoid getting caught in the heat of the moment. Do your homework about the item you're interested in; know its market value and check its condition before bidding. Be attentive, bids can move swiftly, and you don't want to miss your chance. Auctions are more than just a method of sale; they're a social event, a historical tradition, and a fascinating game of strategy and psychology. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a first-time bidder, understanding how auctions work can enhance your experience and maybe even help you land a fantastic deal. Remember, every bid is a commitment, and every auction is a unique journey. So, are you ready for the gavel to fall? Keywords: Auction, Auctioneer, Bidder, English Auction, Dutch Auction, Sealed-Bid Auction, Online Auction, Bidding Process, Auction Etiquette.Read More