Books May Be Undiscovered Treasure
Books can be a fascinating type of treasure. Most books bought in America today cost between one and five dollars apiece, but there are books in the world that have been sold for over one hundred fifty thousand dollars.
These books are called “rare” books, and many men spend their lives collecting, buying and selling them. The bookdealers and auctioneers classify them as scarce, rare, very rare, exceedingly rare, or “excessively rare.” If a large number of people want to buy a particular book and there are not many available, it becomes classified as one of the rare books. Dr. Abraham S. W. Rosenbach, a famous rare-book collector, paid one hundred fifty-one thousand dollars for a copy of the Bay Psalm Book printed in 1640.
Age alone does not make a book valuable. The reason the Bay Psalm Book is interesting to collectors is not its age, but because it was the first book printed in the American colonies. There are many older books in the world, but a “first” in any connection is a point of interest in book collecting.
The Gutenberg Bible was published in 1455. It was the first edition of the first book ever printed from movable type. The fifteenth century was called the “cradle of printing.” Any book printed during this period is cherished.
There are books we know were printed, but of which no copies are known to exist. If you found one of these books it would be “most exceptionally rare”!
Autographs add to the interest and value of books. The more famous the name written in the front of a book, the more highly it is valued. But make certain that it is in the man’s own handwriting. Some men wrote their names all the time and so their autographs are less sought after than those that are seldom found.
One rare-book treasure was found in a New York shop by the actor John Drinkwater. It was a copy of Moby Dick, by Herman Melville, presented by the author to Nathaniel Hawthorne and inscribed with Hawthorne’s name!
The first appearance of a well-loved book has importance to collectors. These “first editions” are greatly sought after.
Sometimes the books have appeared first in magazines and then been issued in book form. Only the books are treasures. Old newspapers and magazines are often interesting but only occasionally are they valuable.
Look up in your attic. If your great-great-great-grandfather kept the Analectic Magazine dated November, 1814, you do have a treasure. In it first appeared a poem by Francis Scott Key called “Defense of Fort McHenry.” Sounds unfamiliar? It begins, “Oh say, can you see by the dawn’s early light . . .” It was set to music as “The Star Spangled Banner.”
Occasionally a book that is marked “second edition” is really a “first.” The printers probably marked it this way to give the impression that the author’s work was widely read. One of these books is Edgar Allan Poe’s Poems.
Sometimes when a book is printed the type is kept standing. Then, if the book sells well, it is re-issued from the same type.
This second issue of a book is not as valuable as the first. How can you tell? There may be a fading out in the letters. Occasionally, the author has changed a line.
If you have a copy of the Songs of Hiawatha, look at page 32, line 11.
Does it say, “In the moon when nights are brightest,” or does it read, “To the melancholy Northland”? If the line tells you about the bright nights, show your book to a collector.
Anyone can start to collect first editions. Take any subject you like, or any author who interests you, and start in. The subject doesn’t matter. Even old schoolbooks have been collectors’ items. The author who is unknown today may be world-famous twenty years from now. Why not start collecting the books you love? Tomorrow they may be considered treasures.
This an an extract from The Real Book About Treasure Hunting http://shopping.directorygold.com/zen/descriptions/lf/TreasureHunting.htm
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Finding Coins Worth Collecting The Low Tech Way
You might think you would like to start a coin collection. Although you would like to give it a try you may not be sure your interest is high enough to justify investing a lot of time or money into this hobby. This article will look at some creative ways to get started with coins worth collecting without spending a lot of money.
There are just a few things you need to get started with this low-tech coin collecting method. The main thing you need is the desire to start collecting coins. Once you decide you will give coin collecting a try always be on the look out for that next great find. Once you get something to store your coins in you will be ready to go. Be careful as this hobby can really grow on you if you are not careful.
Perhaps you have a friend who collects coins or possibly you just think it may be a neat hobby. The reason you decide to start a coin collection does not matter as much as the fact you have decided to get started. Since we are going low tech you will not need any special equipment. A good eye and something to keep your coins in will get you started.
You will find old coins all over the place once you start looking for them. You might even have that first collectible coin in your pocket. Do not worry how much your coins are worth at this point; the main thing is to be on the lookout for coins worth collecting.
Some good places to get started looking for coins worth collecting could be as close as your local store. The next time you get any change take a quick look at it before you put the change away. The local flea market may have some coin dealers you can buy a few coins from. Getting to know the guy behind the counter at your local coin shop can be helpful. Often the coins you will want to get started with are ones that do not hold as much value as some of the more collectible pieces. Your local coin dealer can help you out with lots of good advice.
Find something to keep your coins in and you will be ready to start collecting. Your storage container does not need to be anything fancy to start with. Some sort of box will get you started. The main thing is to get started.
This low-tech coin collecting method is not fancy but it will get you started finding coins worth collecting without a lot of trouble. If you find coin collecting enjoyable and decide to keep going it will be time well spent
For more information all about how much is my coin worth visit http://www.find-coins.com where will find useful tips, articles and resources to help you find out the value of a rare coin.
Beer Stein Material Definitions
Although there are many types and styles of beer steins, the majority are made from the following types of materials.
Pewter
A pliable compound consisting of tin, copper and antimony. European pewter has a minimum tin content of 92%. Copper and antimony are added to harden the metal. The higher the tin content, the more silver the final color. A common misconception is that all pewter products contain lead. Although used in the past, lead is virtually never used to create pewter steins. Primarily, steins are component cast – that is, the lids, bodies, handles and special ornamentation are separately made. Pewter is also occasionally rolled or hammered. The final color is a result of the tin content, polishing and chemical antiquing.
Crystal
A clear, high-quality glass. Please don’t confuse this with lead crystal, which is a material consisting of 24% or more lead monoxide. The body is hand-cut, hand engraved and/or patterned by the mold. They are case hardened, usually are mouth-blown and often feature transparent coloring on the exterior or the interior of the body.
Glass
The least expensive of all popular materials. Unlike the procedure for making stoneware, pewter, and crystal steins, glass bodies and handles are formed in one mold. Also, the lids are often attached by machine. The bodies are usually transfer-decorated and the only hand work involved usually is the application of a decoration.
Ceramic Materials
Ceramic steins fall into one of five categories according to the quality of the ceramic mass, the raw materials, the firing temperature, the color, and density.
– Earthenware
(German-Irdenware, Topferware) – A colored mass that is porous (absorbs liquid) until is is glazed. It is fired at a temperature around 1,000 degrees celsius.
–Ceramics
(German-Keramik) – Slightly porous, light-colored ware, usually fired at about 1,050 – 1,080 degrees celsius. It must be glazed to make it impermeable.
– Creamware
(German-Steingut/Feinsteingut) – White earthenware with a lead glaze. Contains Kaolin (a fine white clay). It is fired twice, once at 1,150 – 1,180 degrees celsius without a glaze, then decorated, glazed and fired again around 900 – 1,000 degrees celsius.
– Stoneware
(German-Steinzeug) – Hard material, fired in high temperature, kilns generally around 1,200 – 1,400 degrees celsius. At this temperature, stoneware vitrifies (becomes glasslike). The resulting product is less than 2 percent porous, therefore, glaze is not mandatory for a stoneware stein. When glaze is used, it must be of special quality to withstand the high kiln temperature.
– Porcelain
(German-Porzellan) – True porcelain, known as hard paste, is made of Kaolin (white clay) and Petuntse (pulverized granite). When fired at a temperature of 1,300 – 1,400 degrees celsius, these ingredients produce a white, more or less translucent, glasslike material.
Evelyn Whitaker writes articles for German Toasting Glasses http://www.german-toasting-glasses.com which specializes in custom engraved wedding gifts from Germany.
What The Coin Collector Should Know About The World Coin
A world coin collection can be a great thing to create. Whether you concentrate on old rare coins or new coins from around the world, your family and friends will be impressed to see the various monies used in different countries.
You might even find old rare ones that are extremely valuable while looking for something else to add to your collection. Even kids enjoy creating a collection with different kinds of coins that other cultures use for their particular currency.
Starting a world coin collection may not seem that easy, though. After all, how do you manage to get a hold of the ones from other countries if you don’t travel or know anyone visiting locations that may bring you back a handful of treasures?
In this case, the internet is your best bet for tracking down additions to a world coin collection. There’s a seller for everything, and that includes dealers for foreign ones. By using search engines, you can track down people willing to sell a one from just about any country. There are plenty of rare coin dealers who offer Celtic, old Canadian, silver sets, and a few old Roman ones.
When you get into the business of buying a world coin, be sure that you’re not being cheated and paying more than you should for one from a different country. A coin collecting price guide can help you out in this respect, though many of them focuses on rarer coins.
You can find a free price guide on some websites to help you out with your cost considerations. Another good idea is to shop carefully and compare prices of the one offered by different sellers to get an idea of the average price you’ll pay.
The value of a world coin relies heavily upon its condition, too. If you are collecting coins just to show off rather than as an investment, you probably aren’t as concerned with its world value. As a result, you might not be concerned with its condition.
While it might be ideal to have a coin collection in which every one is in excellent condition, you could focus on collecting many different coins at less cost instead of having fewer coins that cost more. The decision is yours.
A world coin collection can be exciting. Finding old rare coins from certain countries can be difficult, though. Depending on the country, you might easily find the currency that you are looking for or the quest might be more difficult.
Old rare coins from Zimbabwe might be more difficult to find than the Canadian currency ones, for example. Taking the time and effort needed to build an impressive world coin collection can be a fun and rewarding experience, though!
Mike Selvon has a passion for coin collecting, and his portal at http://coins.mynicherecommends.com/ has the best information on world coin collection. Visit his portal for your free gift and leave a comment at the blog at http://www.mynicheportal.com/arts-crafts-hobbies/.
Did You Know There is a New Dollar Coin for 2007
A new $1 coin is being introduced as a result of the Presidential Coin Act of 2005, which requires the United States Mint to mint the dollar coins commemorating the service of former United States Presidents in the order in which they served. In 2007, the United States Mint will begin production of this dollar coin for circulation. Set to be released around President’s day 2007, will be a new dollar coin with George Washington. Also in 2007, we will see a dollar coin with the next three presidents which were John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. This release schedule is similar to the State Quarter program. About once a quarter, we will see a new design. Like the State Quarter program, the reverse of the coin will stay the same. The reverse of the dollar coin will feature the Statue of Liberty, the slogan “The United States of America” and a one and dollar sign to signify its value of 1 dollar.
The new coins will be the same size as the existing Sacagawea dollar coin and will be the same gold color. It will be made of a copper-zinc-manganese-nickel clad copper alloy. The surface of the coin will be treated a little differently to slow the tarnishing process which was a big criticism of the Sacagawea dollar coin. The Sacagawea coin color was changed in an attempt to answer criticisms of the Susan B Anthony Dollar which people confused with a quarter.
Unlike past coins, the obverse will not bear the familiar “In God We Trust” or the date of the coin. Instead, the issue year, mint mark and motto will appear in the edge of the coin. Edge lettering has not been tried on an American coin since 1933. With the lettering now on the edge or side of the coin, the portrait on the obverse will be a little larger than normal.
The new coins are expected to be popular with collectors. The State Quarter program introduced a whole new generation to coin collecting and brought non-active collectors back into collecting.
By law, only those presidents who have been dead for two or more years can appear on a coin. This makes it likely that Bill Clinton and George W Bush will not appear on the coin as they will likely still be alive when there turn comes about. Ronald Reagan, who some people have been pushing for to replace Roosevelt on the dime, will now show up on a coin, assume Ford and Carter die two years before their turn. Presidents who you would never think would ever appear on a coin will now get that chance.
An interesting fact is that Grover Cleveland will show up twice as he served two terms but they were not consecutive. Additionally, George Washington will appear on the new dollar coin, the quarter and dollar bill all at the same time. When Thomas Jefferson has his turn, he will appear on the dollar, but also the current nickel and the two dollar bill. Yes, the two dollar bill is still being produced.
Below is the timeframe for the release of the new dollar coins.
Year President Years Served
2007
1 George Washington 1789-1797
2 John Adams 1797-1801
3 Thomas Jefferson 1801-1809
4 James Madison 1809-1817
2008
5 James Monroe 1817-1825
6 John Quincy Adams 1825-1829
7 Andrew Jackson 1829-1837
8 Martin Van Buren 1837-1841
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 1893-1897
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 H. 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 Delano Roosevelt 1933-1945
2015
33 Harry S Truman 1945-1953
34 Dwight David Eisenhower 1953-1961
35 John F. Kennedy 1961-1963
36 Lyndon B. Johnson 1963-1969
Keith Scott has been a collector for over 30 years and owns a small internet-based coin store at http://www.mountainviewcoins.com and coin article website at www.coin-articles.com
Visit his website for a history of US coins, metal market updates and news about your favorite coins.