Treasure Hunt from Creators Syndicate

Every Four Years, The World Agrees To Be a "Sport" for 07/10/2008

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

It's no secret that people around the world can agree on precious few things. Especially in this day and age, animosity, mistrust and hatred is widespread because of political or religious values.

The only phenomenon that somehow is able to transcend global enmity is sports — specifically the Olympic games. Every four years, countries — some so small some folks haven't even h ...

Updated: Thu Jul 10, 2008

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Even The Blind Will Be Able To See This Coin for 07/16/2008

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Strange as it may sound, collectors will tell you the one thing you never want to do to a valuable coin is touch it. OK, you can hold it by the edges, but when the front or back is touched, the oil from fingers can discolor and permanently affect the surface. Some formerly valuable coins have been all but ruined because a fingerprint is visible.

That's something of a drag considering the ...

Updated: Wed Jul 16, 2008

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Baseball Stamp May Become Another "All Star" for 07/24/2008

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

There are precious few things technology hasn't changed, improved or ruined. It started with television eventually evolving to video games, computers and the Internet. Detractors point to them as a probable source of inactivity and lethargy. Of course, I'm not one to speak. If I had to revert back to a typewriter, I'd be on a suicide watch within a week.

One thing to endure virtually unt ...

Updated: Thu Jul 24, 2008

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How Much Is Too Much For Modern Coins? You Decide. for 07/31/2008

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

There's no question that advertising is the lifeblood of sales. Take the Super Bowl. Unless two popular teams are playing, most of the people I know watch because of the ads. They can be funny or serious, but they need to get your attention. They also need to be true.

I received a serious ad recently. It was attached to a magazine. A few days later, I got an ad for the same product in th ...

Updated: Thu Jul 31, 2008

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A Penny Says 1943 Was a Very Good Year for 08/07/2008

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

From all accounts Ken Wing was a typical kid. Born in 1930, his childhood invariably revolved around World War II. Back then, young children lived for newsreels detailing accounts of the war. Many boys diligently studied aircraft silhouettes in the event of an attack. Wing was surely one of them considering he lived in Long Beach, Calif., — one of the closest U.S. cities to Japan.

...

Updated: Thu Aug 07, 2008

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Ancient Coins Trump Modern "Entertainment" for 08/14/2008

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

A few weeks ago, I mentioned the situation of kids spending so much time on the Internet and in front of TV and video games that it was resulting in endemic obesity. That made me think about life 100 years ago — before television or radio. Reading and parlor games surely must have then been the norm for entertainment and information.

Now, dial the clock back a few thousand years to ...

Updated: Thu Aug 14, 2008

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America's "First" Democrat Becomes Golden for 08/21/2008

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

One of the most counterfeited pieces of U.S. currency is the $20 bill. That understandable considering it's one of the most commonly tendered large bills. Try to pass off a $100 bill, and chances are the sales clerk will test it with a special pen. But, a $20? Everyone simply assumes they're genuine.

The same could be said for the man pictured on the $20 bill. Andrew Jackson was known as ...

Updated: Thu Aug 21, 2008

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A Swan Song for a Mouse Who Continues To Roar for 08/28/2008

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

I suppose summer is officially over. Calendars indicate autumn doesn't begin until Sept. 22, but the era of kids going back to school just after Labor Day is ancient history. Family vacation memories are now just that — memories.

Even with the cost of fuel, airlines, hotels and other vacation requisites, many theme parks still enjoyed respectable crowds. The definitive icons, Disne ...

Updated: Thu Aug 28, 2008

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Alaska Quarter Is Now Second To Only One for 09/04/2008

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700

"Trekkies" (Star Trek addicts) may disagree, but for most earth-bound beings the oceans are the "final frontier." Only a tiny percentage of those have ever been mapped. A close second would be Alaska.

Perhaps, then, it's fitting that Alaska is the second to last quarter coin to be issued in the 50 State Quarter series (Hawaii will finish it out). Begun 10 years ago, t ...

Updated: Thu Sep 04, 2008

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"Two Bit" Idea May Continue For 11 More Years for 09/11/2008

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700

"Leave well enough alone." "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." "A bird in the hand … " Etc.

All are nice axioms, and many wise people stick to them. Of course, there are exceptions. Hollywood is notorious for not leaving well enough alone. If a movie is a hit, studios scramble to create a sequel, no matter how bad it may be. It's a matter of money. Happily, t ...

Updated: Thu Sep 11, 2008

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Just How Valuable Are Dollars Here at Home? for 09/18/2008

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700

If the stock market and the currencies of virtually all other countries are any indicator, the U.S. dollar is about as out-of-favor as it ever has been. Its value is now virtually even with that of Canada and pales compared to the euro or British pound. That being said, you'd never know it if you tune into some TV shopping channels or pick up many major magazines.

Since the introduction ...

Updated: Thu Sep 18, 2008

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A Few Hundred Pieces of "Heaven" Are Up For Sale for 09/25/2008

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700

I have to believe humans are the only animals that are truly sentimental. For instance, give someone a lump of coal, and they'll roll their eyes and sarcastically say, "thanks a bunch." But, tell them it was recovered from the Titanic, and they'll treasure it. The same is true with a rock. Who wants it? I have loads in my backyard. But, if notified the rock is from the moon, anyone wo ...

Updated: Thu Sep 25, 2008

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For Gold, What a Difference a Day Makes for 09/30/2008

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Open pretty much any newspaper and you're sure to find ads from coin dealers and related merchants offering to buy gold. You name it, and they'll make an offer, be it rings, necklaces, watches or, naturally, coins or gold bars.

The surge in buying started about six months ago when gold topped $1,000 an ounce. Since then, gold lost a bit of its luster due to factors in the financial marke ...

Updated: Tue Sep 30, 2008

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A Rare Coin Named "Desire" for 10/09/2008

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

With every passing year (translation: I admit I'm getting older) I'm forced to concede that history does tend to repeat itself. That's never been more apparent than during this year of severe economic concerns and politicking at its best — and worst. A day doesn't go by without elected officials being accused of corruption. Regrettably, that's frequently been proven true.

Of course ...

Updated: Thu Oct 09, 2008

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Safe Sun, Surf & Sand Right Here for 10/16/2008

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

A few weeks ago, I mentioned that when the United States coughs, the rest of the world catches cold. That could sound smug, but our current economic situation is a prime example. Other countries may seem immune to our mortgage and banking mess, but it affects them in ways many don't realize.

Our financial woes mean we don't travel as much. Imports also drop as our income and spending fal ...

Updated: Thu Oct 16, 2008

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Most Collectors Are Certifiable -- In a Good Way for 10/23/2008

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Shakespeare led us to recognize that "All that glitters is not gold." The recent collapse and subsequent shattering of the stock market underscores how it can be shards of broken glass.

If reports by everyone from pawnshop owners to collectible dealers are true, some may have gotten cut or fear they may. An increase in people — especially the elderly — seeking to se ...

Updated: Thu Oct 23, 2008

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Questionable Money, Religion and Politics For The Holidays for 10/30/2008

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

It's wisely been said that to foster polite dialogue or conversation, avoid the topics of politics, religion or money. Of course, I like to stir the pot. Two weeks ago, I ventured into the political arena. This week, among the stacks of mail were letters referencing money and religion. I can't resist.

Dear Peter: A few months ago, the price of gold was over $1,000 an ounce. Last week, it ...

Updated: Thu Oct 30, 2008

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Gold Coins Are Playing a Serious Game of Hide and Seek for 11/06/2008

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800

I'm a fan of the evening news but find their reporting about our current economic situation pedestrian at best. Case in point — they continue to refer to the economy as a "roller coaster." Huh? A roller coaster is designed to be fun and exciting. If it's all the same to them, I'd like to get off and get a refund right about now.

Finances today are more akin to a blender r ...

Updated: Thu Nov 06, 2008

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After 10 Years, We Say "Aloha" To The State Quarter Series for 11/13/2008

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800

It's hard to believe that it's been 11 years since I wrote a column about the first coin being issued in the 50 State Quarters Series. Back then, there was understandable skepticism about the success of the decade-long issuance of new coins. After all, we're arguably one of the most intractable countries when it comes to changing designs on coins. Think about it. We haven't changed the basic Li ...

Updated: Thu Nov 13, 2008

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A Valuable Combination of Money and History for the Holidays for 11/20/2008

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800

When I was growing up, I knew Christmas was close when TV ads for Norelco shavers showed Santa sledding down a hill on a razor. Those days seem to be gone. Now, the Yuletide is near when I go into a Walgreen's or supermarket and see displays of candy canes, garland and wrapping paper. That happened the day after Halloween. Time to start thinking about holiday gifts for collectors.

Given ...

Updated: Thu Nov 20, 2008

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