Here is a sampling of what readers are saying. Please don’t hesitate to send us your thoughts.

——— WP ———

Lots of children make presents for their mothers on Mother’s Day. Lots of the gifts have a flower theme. Christopher Kent’s recounting of what his mom did with flowers in “A Mother’s Day to Remember—1965” elicited more than one comment.

Thank you for sharing that heartfelt story about your mother. It reminded me of those halcyon days of the 1960s and the structured lifestyle we all lived. Sadly, the humor of those days is passé, and we are hard pressed to find a good laugh anymore. Thanks again for a laugh and a tear.

Robert

You painted a picture so vividly, I could imagine being there. Brought great memories of my mom and dad. Thanks so much.

Alison

This brought tears to my eyes. Thanks, Christopher! I think I would have liked your folks!

Lisa

What a wonderful story, Christopher, a great memory of your parents on Mother’s Day. Thank you so much for sharing it!

Barbara

——— WP ———

As you’ll learn by reading “Chris Hughes—Seeking a Collectible’s History,” Chris is real treasure seeker. And the treasures he most likes to find are military items and the stories that go with them. But he has lucked out this time. It was Jack who came seeking him.

We have one of those WWII uniforms in our garage. It is a Canadian uniform worn by an American who enlisted to fight Germany. George Knowles Sr. thought the American politics of the time were alarmingly wrong not to get into the fight. So he enlisted in Canada’s armed forces. He never received any pension or post-service benefits from either country since he was serving outside his domain of origin.

We would gladly send you this uniform for the cost of shipping just to have our garage space available. George Senior went on to achieve 17 patents for Coors. One of which is the aluminum pop-top beer can. Quite a man!

Jack

To which Chris replied:

Jack,
That is greatly appreciated . . . This uniform sounds like it would be great fun to research and author an article on!

Chris

——— WP ———

Steve found the profile of Worthologist Christopher Kent, “Christopher Kent: A Man for All Seasons,” a “gem.” We’re glad because Christopher himself is a treasure.

This brief summary of Christopher Kent’s career is a gem. The ability to identify a pivot point like this lunch box sale in the market and explain how such a sale was a catalyst for market transition to a new parameter is true wisdom. There are book-learned people being turned out of colleges like factory farming right now, but here is an example of a man with a career who has genuine talent enhanced with common sense and a dose of “book-learning,” which didn’t ruin him. Thanks for this wonderful story.

Steve

——— WP ———

The insights and observations in Harry Rinker’s story, “With Gold Sale Parties, It’s Caveat Venditor, Not Emptor,” hit home with readers. And the reaction in the following comments serves to reinforce the importance of the WorthPoint mission. As Will Seippel, founder and CEO of WorthPoint, said after reading the responses, “That is why we are here—to help people learn the value of their items and how to sell or buy them!”

I loved your article. In 1996 I, too, was taken to the cleaners out of desperation. My chiropractor husband got Alzheimer’s, and we were losing our home. I went to an antique shop and sold off most of my sterling Tiffany, brilliant period crystal and diamond jewelry. I think I got around $1,200. The jewelry alone was worth double. The crystal also double.

But I knew resale was always less . . . or so I thought. I told the antique dealer I had more stuff, so he came to my home to look. Well, I had a dirty Waterford vintage crystal stemware on the kitchen counter. He saw it and asked if I had any more. I opened my cupboard, and he saw my 32-piece set in four sizes. He said he would put those on his buy list. We then go to the living room, and he spots an antique, very small Persian rug on the floor and a 1918 watercolor above the piano. He examined all the items and made them out to be “So So.”

He pulled out $200 for the rug, painting and crystal. I, like a desperate fool, accepted it thinking after he paid me $1,200 the day before that he knew his prices. He said he would be back. After he left with all my treasures, I got a weird sinking feeling in the pit of my gut. The next day when he returned I told him NO THANKS, I was finished selling. He hesitantly went on his way, and that was that. I to this day could KICK myself for being taken. Now again we are in desperate times, but I have learned and will be Caveat Venditor. Thank you for your article.

Linda Rowan

The irony of the situation is that I was having a discussion on the vulnerabilities of those who find themselves at a disadvantage because they have to sell precious heirlooms to satisfy their financial obligations.

I’m extremely grateful that you wrote this, and it further reinforces the fact those who have chosen this profession are not all thieves and predators. I have sent this to friend and foe alike. It should be printed as a public-service announcement in all publications.
Once again, thanks.

James Adams

——— WP ———

Not surprisingly, Lt. Lawson Reichard’s World War II diary has generated much interest. It is one man’s experience in the “Good War” in his own words as he made his daily entry. A reader sent a comment about a project to preserve the real story of the conflict as seen by someone not in the upper echelon of command or leading daring raids. Rather a relative working with the Red Cross in North Africa.

I am working on my aunt’s letters from Africa and Europe during WWII when she worked for the American Red Cross. I am also searching for other events that were happening at the time of each letter. When Lt. Reichard’s was still in the U.S., my aunt was in Casablanca with the Red Cross. I am hoping to form all of her letters and corresponding events into a book for her nieces and nephews.

Tobey

Hi Tobey, That is wonderful that you will work to preserve that part of your family’s history. We really are the last generation to have firsthand accounts to learn from. I hope you continue to follow Lt. Reichard. He does eventually get overseas. It might be fun for you to track them together. Please write back as you get into your aunt’s letters, and keep us informed about how your project is going.

Alison Harder

——— WP ———

After reading “How to Repair Vintage Fur Yourself,” Annie had a question for Sharon Maxwell-Yamamota, WorthPoint’s vintage-clothing and accessories Worthologist. The answer may not have been what Annie was hoping for, but some novel Christmas decorations could be in the offing.

I have a beautiful jacket that I have barely worn that I can peel the fur with my fingers. Is there any help for restoring the fur? It’s an old jacket. Thanks.

Annie

Hi Annie,
I’m sorry to tell you that if you can peel it so easily with your fingers, it’s too far gone to do anything with. That is best used for crafts, like making Santas and such, using glue, since the skin would never hold a needle and thread at this point. Sorry!

Sharon

——— WP ———

And many thanks to prh for catching an error in a headline, no less. He noticed that the date for the Weekly News Roundup was 2006. We always welcome corrections.

——— WP ———

Kathy sent this question after reading “WorthPoint Offers a 14-Day Free Trial,”and Marci responded, a great example of the WorthPoint community’s give-and-take.

I would be interested in finding out how to buy and sell antiques. How do I become involved?

Kathy

Kathy, you “could” accumulate antiques and hang your shingle, but there are far better ways.

Be certain that you have knowledge first. How do you receive it? Well, by taking antiques classes, reading everything you can get your hands on, visiting antique stores and shows, attending auctions, checking auction results, etc. Speaking with seasoned dealers and asking questions. Then you must get a tax number to file sales tax.

Selling antiques is a lot of hard work, but if you have the passion, you won’t mind the work. Good luck with your endeavor.

Marci of The Way It Was Antiques

——— WP ———

It’s always nice to get positive feedback. In this case, it’s on Harry Rinker’s positive story, “Good News for Dealers—Finally.”

Great article. I am having success in my antique/gift shop even in the downturned economy. I am the “face” of my shop and work to serve the customer. I also take items on consignment from local folks and enjoy helping them out, too. It gives me a great variety in my shop. (Tickled that you used my picture of the pink Depression glass perfume bottle that I have listed on goantiques.com!) Thanks for the positive article

Carolyn of Memories Past and Present

——— WP ———

The Internet has brought the world closer and as evidenced by this comment to “Wooden Carousels: Historic Collectibles’ Worth Preserving,” spans the generations.

I am the granddaughter of E. Joy Morris. Thank you for recording his importance in carousel history. He often gets lost because of being over shadowed by PTC. I agree that the Kit Carson County Carousel is the finest American carousel in existence. One of my goals is to be able to visit one day. I have yet to see it in person.

– Morris Cook

I do hope you have a chance to ride this carousel. The craftsmanship is remarkable, and it really is a ride back into the past.

Here’s the next best thing to being there—a link to the video about the Kit Carson Carousel. Click here to view it.

— Mary Brenneman

——— WP ———

I am so glad you put all these wonderful comments in one place! I love hearing what other members have to say, and sometimes their thoughts point me to an article that I might not have otherwise read. Hope you make it a regular feature.

— Alison

——— WP ———

Barbie’s turning 50 and a number of you commented on Sandy Stuart’s story on Barbie’s birthday.

I am a collector too, and I hope Barbie stays around for a long time for other generations to enjoy. I still have my Barbie from 1969. My granddaughter also loves to play with Barbie. I have started a collection for her.

— Debra

Personally I think that Barbie should be retired. The vintage dolls would escalate in value on their own merits. Barbie is doing a burnout and it shows.
Thank you and good-bye Barbie.
I am a collector with lots of Barbies, but only #3`s.

— Mary

——— WP ———

Worthologist Christopher Kent’s story of a pint-sized antiques expert also garnered a number of comments including some from his fellow Worthologists.

Oh the adrenalin of the chase, and my you found a corker.
What happened to the cobra in the end, and is that gifted child still in the business?
You have a way with words, and have perhaps missed your calling. More please!

— Maria

——— WP ———

Hello Chris, Great article! I look forward to your articles, knowledge mixed with a bit of wry humor. I will do my best to emulate you! May I ask…who is this mysterious and precocious 7-year-old?

— David Mycko, Worthologist

——— WP ———

Christopher added this postscript to his story.

It is with great sadness that I report that after 71 years in operation Merritt’s Antiques will be closing their doors as of May 2. With a possible on site auction of the remaining contents. The reason, reports general manager Randy Westley, ”It’s not just the economy but it’s difficult to find good antiques.” The company will concentrate on its internationally known clock shop as well as the doll segment of the business. It is indeed the end of an era and the passing will be mourned by many.

— Christopher Kent, Worthologist

——— WP ———

Another Christopher Kent article, “How To Clean Silver–Buyer Beware,” brought this question from a Ina.
I purchased some 1847 Roger’s Brothers flatware to replace some missing pieces. Unfortunately the seller had “dipped” the pieces and the detail has lost much of its color.
Can that be replaced?

— Ina

——— WP ———

About Sandra Lee Stuart’s story, “What’s Hidden in Your Attic?“, a reader wrote about some of the oil paintings she had inherited.

I inherited many framed oil paintings of southern settings by Georgia artist, Pamela Renfro. They are typical of her work in that they are well executed, nostalgic depictions of country homes, stores and landscapes with great detail including animals, quilts, antiques, etc. I believe they were done in the late seventies and early eighties, before her work was commissioned by Coca Cola and other corporations.

I have been unable to find her work for sale anywhere on the Internet and wonder how to price the paintings for sale.
Do you have any suggestions?

— Katherine

——— WP ———

Writers also wrote in with comments about two of Worthologist Fred Taylor’s articles including this one from Pete about using a cupboard for a stereo cabinet.

Mr. Taylor, I had not thought about using my family’s older furniture for anything other than what it had been intended for. You gave me a great idea on how to use an old cupboard for my stereo equipment. Thanks for the insight.

— Pete

And in response to Fred’s article on locks, Ken wrote about an old china cabinet that he can no longer unlock.
Thank you for this wonderful article! My wife and I have an old china cabinet with a full mortise lock. It has worked fine for a few years, but now the key will not open the lock. The key is notched. As the key is turned, it seems to get stuck before it engages the bolt. Based on you terrific diagrams, I would guess that the security ring may have been bent slightly and that this denies the key the ability to turn fully. Is this a reasonable guess in your opinion? Do you have any suggestions as to how we may overcome this problem? Thanks again for the article.

— Ken

——— WP ———

Our latest fly-fishing video by Worthologist Steve Ellis received this comment about selling chewed up in poor condition fishing lures. Fred’s response is interesting too.

Garage sale time just around the block!
I’ve sold the chewed up missing eye, rusty hook lures to artists. Buy em cheap and sell em cheap… the lady’s love them. Your going to pay for better lures there are so few around. He’s right about the word “MINT” with lures… I think of it as “Un-fished” with the BOX and Label. Garage sale time just around the block!

— PickerBrad

——— WP ———

And finally on one of Comic Book Worthologist Matt Baum’s articles, we found this sad question from one of our readers. Do any of you have advice for Travis?

I just lost 100s of old comics in a fire. I didn’t have issues listed and saved for protection. How do I place a value on them for insurance purposes?

— Travis

——— WP ———

What’s On Your Mind – March 5, 2009

On Linda Stockwell’s story on Mary Alice Hadley pottery, one writer is looking for seconds—those less-than-perfect and therefore less-expensive items.

I am seeking “seconds”… there used to be a source in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin where I could purchase Hadley pottery ware at a discount price. If these sources are still available, please direct me to the nearest one. I live on a farm; I do not collect this dinnerware as an investment; I use it for everyday enjoyment. I have no concern for rejects due to color, mismatch or small chips. Thank you,

—Mari

——— WP ———

Worthologist Chris Hughes wrote back to a reader who commented on his story on the good old days of antique collecting, which to Chris are the late 90′s!

Carol,
Thank you for reading. I agree that a deal can be had when bartering in a shop with a dealer, but I’ve also found that online dealers create opportunities for a bargain. Two weeks ago, I bought an item online that was unknowingly priced at least 2/3 below market value. There are deals to be had everywhere, especially in this economy! I also like to recall the items that got away because it keeps me charged up, hoping to get a second chance if a comparable item pops up.

–Chris

——— WP ———

James Taylor’s article, “Your First Coin Show? Eight Tips for Success,” garnered a number of comments, including this one from an appreciative reader. James is the president of ANACS, the oldest coin grading service in the United States.

That helps me a lot. I have many vintage silver coins, which were in my great-aunt’s estate, we didn’t want to sell them but with these economic times my grandpa really needs the money. Appreciate the info.

——— WP ———

“Simply put, people aren’t going to buy collectibles from athletes with tainted numbers,” says writer Eric Brantner in his article on Alex Rodriguez collectibles. One reader wrote:

Let’s just see what A-Rod does this year. He is one of the best players to ever play the game, with or without steroids. You can blame the players, but I would blame the amount of money these players are getting for all the steroid use. If there were a cap on what players could make, like $1,000,000, players would stay with the team that drafted them and would not take all these steroids. A-Rod has had some great years with the Yankees while not taking steroids, so just how big of a part did steroids really play in his numbers?

—Tim Meyer

——— WP ———

Worthologist Liz Holderman wrote back to two readers who commented on her series of articles on collectible book terminology.

Ron: You are right, book terms are often used loosely and interchangeably, which is why they are sometimes so confusing. Technically, “hinge” is supposed to refer to the inside junction of the spine with the binding and “joint” to the outside. But many sellers don’t make that distinction. “Gutter” (another duplicitous term) can either refer to the outside indention made where the boards and spine are joined (like a bowling gutter), or the inside indention where two facing pages meet.

Jacqueline: Thanks for your excellent response on the definition of “tipped in.” Part V of this series will cover illustrations and that is one of the terms that will be discussed. I’m thrilled and impressed to learn that the Boy Scouts have a merit badge in book binding! Book repair is always an option of course, and it can save a beloved book for shelf value. I had an old family bible fully restored for just that reason (although it was very expensive). If important pages or the covers are missing, restoration will not improve the retail value very much, but it can certainly bring new life to a family heirloom.

——— WP ———

Sharon Maxwell-Yamamoto, our Vintage Clothing Worthologist, is an opera singer who enjoys her glamorous vintage furs. When she paid good money to a furrier for a repair that she found inadequate, she decided to do repair it herself and she’s sharing what she learned with our readers. Perhaps it is our less than robust economy, but her article “How to Repair Vintage Fur Yourself” that is bringing out the DIY attitude in many of our readers

Dear Sharon, Thank you so much for generously sharing this information! I am just beginning to use fur and would appreciate any other information or ongoing email exchange with you. I have purchased two eBay furs that need some work and the furrier has gone out of business so I am on my own. I have many years of experience sewing… but not on fur. Can you recommend any books, pre”fur”ably with detailed pictures? Again, thank you.

—Thula

WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

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Action Comics #1. An unrestored copy of Action #1 went up for sale on Feb. 27, and experts expect it to draw bids up to $400,000.

The first appearance of Superman in the pages of Action Comics #1, which originally went on sale in June of 1938, has long been considered the birth of the Superhero comics in America. Whether or not Superman was the first superhero is a discussion in and of it’s self, but one thing that is for certain: Action Comics #1 is one of, if not the, most expensive and rare comics in existence. Currently there are 100-150 known copies of Action #1 in varied conditions, and about 80 percent of those have been restored in some way.

It’s been a while since an unrestored copy of Action #1 went up for sale, but today on Comiclink.com, collectors can place their bid on one of the highest graded, unrestored copies of the comic in recent memory.

Graded in Fine condition (6.0 out of 10) by CGC, a professional comic grading service, this copy of Action #1 had not been part of the collectible comic market previously and made it’s public debut at the Comiclink.com booth at the 2009 New York Comic-Con. The owner’s identity is being withheld, but according to Comiclink.com owner Stephen Fishler, the comic was purchased for .35 cents in 1949-1950 in a used book store. The comic was then stored in the owner’s mother’s basement until 1966. Since then the comic’s owner has been waiting for its value to increase. Which it has.

Even though Action comics #1 guides for around $130,000 in Fine condition, experts are predicting this copy to sell for $400,000, due to the low number of unrestored copies in circulation. Another CGC graded, unrestored copy of Action Comics #1 in Good condition (2.0) sold for $85,000 in March of 2007, more than twice the $42,000 it guides for, on a similar comic book auction site. More recently, in May of 2008, a restored copy of Action #1 CGC graded at Very Fine + (8.5) sold for $116,512.50 on the Heritage.com vintage comics auction site. In 2003, Stephen Geppi, CEO of Diamond Comics Distributions, offered a $1-million-dollar reward for an unrestored copy of Action Comics #1 that would grade out in Very Good condition as graded by CGC.

Bidding for the comic started on Feb. 27 at $1 at 12 noon Eastern Standard time and as of 6 p.m. was already up to $200,200 with 36 bids. The auction closes on Friday, March 13 and collectors everywhere will be watching to see how high the winning bid will be. Click here to watch the bidding.

Matt Baum is a Worthologist who specializes in comic books.

WorthPoint–Discover Your Hidden Wealth

WorthPoint was a sponsor of the American Presidential Experience in Denver, Colo., earlier this year. This travelling road show of the American presidency was set up just outside Invesco Stadium in Denver as part of the 2008 Democratic National Convention. Inside were exhibits such as a full-scale replica of the Oval Office, the C-SPAN rolling studio, and campaign memorabilia of the past. One of the exhibits was a collection belonging to Mark Evans of Collectors Archives that featured the political items of the 1908 Democratic National Convention which was held, as it happens, in Denver as well.

That year, William Jennings Bryan was nominated for president rather overwhelmingly, but he left the nomination of his vice president completely up to the convention. The convention chose John W. Kern of Indiana as the vice presidential nominee. So, the Democratic ticket of Bryan and Kern was set for 1908 at a time when colorful and elaborate convention badges were the norm.

John Olsen, curator for the exhibit and WorthPoint Worthologist for political buttons, shows off some of the more unusual convention badges, such as the delegate badge for the Maryland delegation. In gold and black—colors from the Maryland state flag—a bow tie made from a small silk American flag with a pin featuring the coat-of-arms of Maryland in the center. It also features a black and gold rosette at the top with an American flag in the center. The gold filigree along the sides and bottom with the words “Delegate, National Democratic Convention, Denver, July 7th, 1908” sewn on silk really emphasizes the extravagance of only one of the many convention badges.

Alongside the convention badges were individual ones created specifically for Bryan Clubs. These were local organizations created to promote presidential candidates of the time. The badge for the Lincoln Bryan Club of Denver is an elaborate red, white, blue and silver silk oversized delegate badge complete with a very detailed button featuring William Jennings Bryan and the issues of the day added to the ribbon.

The centerpiece of the collection was the oversized photo image of William Jennings Bryan as a political button in perfect condition. “That button in that condition is worth easily over $2,000,” Olsen says.

In addition to the delegate buttons and pins are the tickets. Yes, everyone needed a ticket to attend the convention, even the delegate. A different ticket was issued for each day of the convention. Today, the specially manufactured elaborate credentials serve the same purpose, except the tickets of 1908 came with a coupon or stub. You presented the ticket and, like the movies today, the coupon was torn off by the convention staff as you entered the convention floor. “Now, (a) convention ticket would be more valuable if it had its original stub attached to it,” Olsen says. A complete ticket with stub in good condition would be worth about $50, but one without would be worth about half that.

While Bryan lost the election in 1908 to William Howard Taft, the items from his campaign and the 1908 convention that nominated him remain very popular and valuable political collectibles. It just goes to show that even in defeat, you can still be called on to serve your country as a valued collectible.

Watch a video of Tom Carrier talking with John Olsen about the 1908 National Democratic Convention by clicking here.

Tom Carrier is a general Worthologist, with an expertise in a wide variety of subjects.

WorthPoint: Get the Most from Your Antiques & Collectibles.

Saturday, July 12: Silver and Photography
Kaminski Auctions, Under the Tent

Kaminski Auctions is a leading auction house on Boston’s North Shore that frequently offers antiques, art and collectibles from the collections of Beverly Farms, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Rockport and other historic communities. Kaminski sometimes holds sales under a tent. Is that fun or what?

If you are into silver, Lot #2054 is a find—an English or American, 18th-century, 12½-inch sterling-silver salver. (My vote’s for English.) It is resplendent with an engraving including a coat of arms with the motto “Credentibus Nil Difficile.” Translation: Nothing is difficult to believe. There is no hallmark, which is unusual. Estimate: $2,000 to $3,000.

Lot #2041 is an unusual English, Aesthetics Movement 19th-century engraved sterling-serving spoon. The hallmarks are worth the price of admission. Estimate: $150-$200.

Lot #2060 shows a 19th-century English Sheffield inkwell stand with the maker’s mark HW and CO, Henry Wilkinson, date mark, 1877-1879. It’s a fantasy of crystal and silver. Estimate: $1,500-$2,000.

Lot #2204 is a pair of hand-chased English covered solid silver cups with handles, hallmarked “JBC” (John Bodman Carrington), marked Carrington London, 130 Regent Street. Hallmarked in lids. Estimate: $4,000-$6,000.

If you collect art photography, take a look at the collective Lot #2066, 1-41, black-and-white photos by A. J. Watt. The collection, circa 1934, includes scenic and individual photo portraits both poignant and dramatic. No estimate.

A side note: Kaminski’s has a beautifully designed Web site. Each item for sale has a clear image, and all the information you need is there with a sweep of the cursor.

Friday, July 11: Historic Americana
Cowan’s

If you are an ardent collector of Americana specializing in the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War memorabilia, Cowan’s online sale is well represented with hundreds of items in all categories.
The sale weighs in with Civil War photographs and handwritten accounts. See Lot #22, which is a very interesting, firsthand account written during the Civil War by an unknown young Southern sympathizer in what is now West Virginia, including an eyewitness account of the Battle of Scarey Creek. Estimate: $350.

The Revolutionary War is well represented with handwritten accounts and other manuscripts. Lot #55 is a clothing receipt estimated at $200-$300. Lot #49 is a framed miniature of Maj. Gen. Richard Montgomery dated 1778. Estimate $200-$300.

Friday, July 18 Modern Design
July 19: Gallery Auction
Harlowe-Powell

This two-day sale at Harlowe-Powell of Charlottesville, Va., will cover a wide range of retro and contemporary styles on July 18. Featured lots include a Philippe Starck Louis ghost armchair, Venini glass and Lalique glass figures and vases.

The auction shifts emphasis dramatically on Saturday, July 19, with period furniture, antiques and fine art from Mathews County, Va., which was settled in the 1600s.

The complete catalog will be available online on July 11. Also, when on the site, check out Past Action Highlights and look at the early 19th-century miniature walnut chest of drawers from the Albemarle County, Va., estate of Eudora Bolling. It was listed with a $4,000-$8,000 estimate and went home during a March 31 sale with a hammer price of $134,400!

JULY AUCTIONS

Jul 4: Pearson Auction Company —Massive Antique Auction

July 11: Cowan’s Auctions —Historic Americana

July 11: Freeman’s —Freeman’s Fridays: Furniture & Decorative Arts

July 12: Kaminski —Antiques & Collectibles Auction

July 12-13: Neal Auction —Summer Estates Auction

July 14-18: Coach’s Corner —Monthly Sale

July 18: Harlowe-Powell — Modern Design Auction

July 19: Cowan’s Auctions —Cowan’s Discovery Auction,

July 19: Harlowe-Powell — Gallery Auction

July 19: Ivey-Selkirk —July Jackson Rooms Auction

July 31-Aug. 2: Mebane Auction

By Christopher Kent
Director of Evaluations, WorthPoint
– Please send your antiques, art and collectibles news about auctions to news [at] worthpoint [dot] com, and put “Auction News” in the subject line.

Following its successful series of collectible coin series for the 50 state quarters and the new Jefferson nickels, the US Mint is now offering a series of $1 coins featuring the presidents of the United States in the order they served.

The obverse, or ‘heads’, features a sculpted portrait of the president. On the reverse, or ‘tails’, is the Statue of Liberty. What’s really unique about this series of coins is the use of what they call ‘edge incused inscriptions.’ This means that they inscribed the edging of the coins with the words “E Pluribus Unum”, “In God We Trust”, and the mark of the US Mint. Many other countries have done this in the past, but this is an unusual design departure for the US Mint.

President’s Washington, Adams, Jefferson, and Madison have already been issued in 2007. The next four presidents (can you name them?) will be issued in 2008.

All images are courtesy of the US Mint.

Presidential Dollar Coin Release Schedule

Year President Years Served Release Date

2007

1 George Washington 1789-1797 February 15
2 John Adams 1797-1801 May 17
3 Thomas Jefferson 1801-1809 August 16
4 James Madison 1809-1817 November 15

2008

5 James Monroe 1817-1825 February 14
6 John Quincy Adams 1825-1829 May 15
7 Andrew Jackson 1829-1837 August 14
8 Martin Van Buren 1837-1841 November 13

2009

9 William Henry Harrison 1841
10 John Tyler 1841-1845
11 James K. Polk 1845-1849
12 Zachary Taylor 1849-1850

2010

13 Millard Fillmore 1850-1853
14 Franklin Pierce 1853-1857
15 James Buchanan 1857-1861
16 Abraham Lincoln 1861-1865

2011

17 Andrew Johnson 1865-1869
18 Ulysses S. Grant 1869-1877
19 Rutherford B. Hayes 1877-1881
20 James A. Garfield 1881

2012

21 Chester A. Arthur 1881-1885
22 Grover Cleveland 1885-1889
23 Benjamin Harrison 1889-1893
24 Grover Cleveland 1893-1897

2013

25 William McKinley 1897-1901
26 Theodore Roosevelt 1901-1909
27 William Howard Taft 1909-1913
28 Woodrow Wilson 1913-1921

2014

29 Warren Harding 1921-1923
30 Calvin Coolidge 1923-1929
31 Herbert Hoover 1929-1933
32 Franklin D. Roosevelt 1933-1945

2015

33 Harry S. Truman 1945-1953
34 Dwight D. Eisenhower 1953-1961
35 John F. Kennedy 1961-1963
36 Lyndon B. Johnson 1963-1969

2016

37 Richard M. Nixon 1969-1974
38 Gerald Ford 1974-1977

Well, it is just possible we may have more than just a First Lady in our country’s future and the U.S. Mint is ready for that eventuality by issuing First Spouse $10 gold coins.

On the obverse, or ‘heads’, is an engraved portrait of each of the First Ladies who have served so far (and they have all been woman so far). On the reverse, or ‘tails, unlike that of the presidential $1 coin, each is individually engraved featuring the life and work of each First Lady. If a president didn’t serve with a First Lady, Lady Liberty substitutes in the artistic design reminiscent of the period.

Each coin is a half ounce of 24 karat solid gold issued in a limited quantity of 20,000 uncirculated and 20,000 proof coins. They are released in the same year as the companion $1 coin is released. The cost depends on the cost of gold, but so far the cost is around $515 to $530 a coin.

Images are from the US Mint.

First Spouse Gold Coin Release Schedule
Year First Spouse Years Served
2007

1 Martha Washington 1789–1797
2 Abigail Adams 1797–1801
3 Jefferson’s Liberty 1801–1809
4 Dolley Madison 1809–1817

2008

5 Elizabeth Monroe 1817–1825
6 Louisa Adams 1825–1829
7 A. Jackson’s Liberty 1829–1837
8 M. Van Buren’s Liberty 1837–1841

2009

9 Anna Harrison 1841
10 Letitia Tyler 1841-1842
Julia Tyler 1844-1845
11 Sarah Polk 1845–1849
12 Margaret Taylor 1849–1850

2010

13 Abigail Fillmore 1850–1853
14 Jane Pierce 1853–1857
15 J. Buchanan’s Liberty 1857–1861
16 Mary Lincoln 1861–1865

2011

17 Eliza Johnson 1865–1869
18 Julia S. Grant 1869–1877
19 Lucy Hayes 1877–1881
20 Lucretia Garfield 1881

2012

21 Alice Paul 1881–1885
22 Frances Cleveland 1885–1889
23 Caroline Harrison 1889–1893
24 Frances Cleveland 1893–1897

2013

25 Ida McKinley 1897–1901
26 Edith Roosevelt 1901–1909
27 Helen Taft 1909–1913
28 Ellen Wilson 1913-1914
Edith Wilson 1915-1921

2014

29 Florence Harding 1921–1923
30 Grace Coolidge 1923–1929
31 Lou Hoover 1929–1933
32 Anna Eleanor Roosevelt 1933–1945

2015

33 Elizabeth Truman 1945–1953
34 Mamie Eisenhower 1953–1961
35 Jacqueline Kennedy 1961–1963
36 “Lady Bird” Johnson 1963–1969

2016

37 Patricia “Pat” Nixon 1969–1974