Jeff Smith, President and CEO Treasuredstocks.com

Jeff Smith, President and CEO Treasuredstocks.com
Jeff Smith

Saturday, April 30, 2016

Purchasing graded notes and coins

Why purchase a GRADED note or coin?









Here are two notes -- one graded and the other is not. A purchaser for the lazy deuce (second note) will be filled with uncertainty.





Everyday, interested sellers and collectors call and ask the "what's it worth" question. They have found a note tucked away in their relative's estate or a yard sale junk box and want to know what the item might be worth to us or to other collectors. 
When I ask them if the note has been folded or torn or if it has certain other defects, I often hear, "Oh I missed that"  and "does a little corner tear really  matter?"

One of the most important reasons  you should insist on having a coin or note graded, is to avoid the risk of purchasing a counterfeit copy. I know a dealer who paid several thousand dollars for a note and sent it in to be graded only  to find out that is was a worthless counterfeit! That is why dealers and collectors are willing to pay more for graded currency and coins. 

A second, perhaps equally important reason in favor of grading is to assure clear understanding and easy communication. A graded note will "translate" perfectly between and among all interested collectors, buyers and sellers. Furthermore, grading allows years of auction data to be adequately analyzed so that value can be assessed. For us, speaking with someone about an ungraded note is always speculative; speaking to someone about a note that is officially graded is clear and specific.

Consider this: If the person selling the note or coin really has a valuable product, why hasn't he or she had it graded?  Two reasons are plausible: Either there is something wrong with the note or he/she is unaware of established guidelines and grading benefits.

When trying to purchase an ungraded note or coin, beware of red flag statements like "though it's not graded, the note/coin looks perfect."  One of my favorites that I have heard several times is, "It used to be folded, but it isn't any more." or "the condition  is pristine, I pressed it with my iron this morning."

"But who should grade my coin or note," you ask?  Treasuredstocks.com is an official dealer of coins and currency with the two major international grading firms: PCGS and PMG. If you stay with either organization (PCGS /PMG), you will receive the most resale value for your item(s).  

I personally appreciate PCGS's description of their grading standards and processes.This description is located on their web site.

For more information about this and other collectable coins and currency, please visit our web site at  http://www.treasuredstocks.com/or email  jeff@treasuredstocks.com. You may also give Jeff a call at 870-670-4255

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Some Disney Dollar Details .... Read on.

Disney Dollar History 

 The staff and management at Treasuredstocks.com are proud to share some Disney Dollar History with you. 

The Disney Dollar idea sparked during a visit to a 1987 Disney Collectors Merchandise Convention by Mr. Harry Brice. Brice was a Senior Artist at the Silhouette Shop on Main Street in Disneyland. He told his associates that he couldn’t believe the amount of money people were paying for Disney merchandise and suggested that Disney could make and print souvenir “money” to be used and admired by currency collectors as well as Disney patrons.

First released in 1987, Disney Dollars were recognized for very high quality printing (EPI of Battle Creek, MI) along with intaglio steel engraving and expensive 100% cotton paper, giving Disney Dollars the feel and appearance of beautifully crafted currency. They have anti-counterfeiting features such as reflective ink and imprinting, unique serial numbers and letters, tiny specks of glitter (we call pixie dust), and expensive micro-printing.  

Disney Dollars were produced and printed from 1987 to 2009, with the exception of 1992 and 2004 (the 2005 series was also used in 2006). Most recently, Disney Dollars are, once again,  (2013 to present day) being created and printed.

Because of their appearance, features, and unique characteristics, currency plus Disney collectors place great value on Disney Dollars; thus, Disney Dollar collectors are found world-wide! Hence, competition for the unique and often quite rare notes is rising, dramatically increasing values on these prized historical items.

So please, enjoy your Disney Dollar Adventure and Inspiration.

For more information about these and other collectable coins and currency, please visit our web site at  http://www.treasuredstocks.com/or email  jeff@treasuredstocks.com

Friday, April 22, 2016

Define: Numismatist; also Exonumia, Notaphily, and Scripophily ....

What is a numismatist?

A numismatist ( a Greek word) is a person who studies money -- all kinds, shapes, and sizes of money. In addition to actual spendable coins and currency, numismatists also study banknotes, stock certificates, medals, medallions, and tokens.

Numismatists are historians as well as scientists; thus, numismatists engage in the art and science surrounding all forms of money and money-like items (e.g. tokens). Numismatists seek to understand the historical, social, financial, cultural, and even spiritual aspects of the notes and coins they collect. We applaud all numismatists for helping discover and preserve our financial heritage, world-wide.

Sub-specialties within the numismatic field include:

Exonumia: those studying coin-like items such as token coins, medals, and other objects used instead of legal money (or items used for commemorative purposes).

Notaphily: persons studying paper currency or banknotes

Scripophily: persons studying and collecting stocks and bonds

Treasuredstocks.com is pleased to explain that ALL numismatists (young or old; novice to expert) will find exactly what they want and need with us.

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Treasured stocks.com was founded in 1987 to provide currency enthusiasts and investors with a wide choice of currency items. The site offers a range of national and international coins and currency for the value conscious currency collector and investor. We are here to assist you! Please give us a call at 870-670-4255 or email us at jeff@treasuredstocks.com

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Idaho's Controversial State Quarter

Drama and controversy over the 2007 
Idaho State Quarter

On the coin’s face you’ll notice the central main figure/symbol is the Peregrine Falcon. This image carries great controversy for many Idahoans. Hence, drama, dispute, & intrigue cloud Idaho quarter’s design. 

The Peregrine Falcon is NOT the Idaho State Bird (it is really the Mountain Bluebird) and does NOT symbolize anything uniquely Idaho. As a bird-of-prey, the Peregrine Falcon lives world-wide; it inhabits every continent except Antarctica and occupies widely diverse habitats. Thus, the average Idaho citizen does not understand why then Governor Dirk Kempthorn chose this bird above all the other 1,200 possible design suggestions submitted to the Idaho Commission of the Arts. Idaho is best known as a sportsman’s paradise with its pristine wilderness and world class skiing, fishing, hunting, birding, rafting, hiking, and biking opportunities. 

Unfortunately, on this controversial coin, even the very shape of Idaho is much smaller and to the lower right of the Peregrine Falcon. 

The state quarter initiative was developed as an incentive to bring in new coin collectors. This mission has absolutely been accomplished because the State Quarter program is considered the most successful numismatic project in history. Nearly half of all US citizens are, in some fashion, saving and collecting these coins.
The State Quarter designs were meant to be symbolic of the unique history, geography, images, and/or heritage of that state. Therefore, as you take a careful look at the Idaho State Quarter, ask yourself if what you see represents your own image of Idaho and its people.
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For more information about this and other collectable coins and currency, please visit our web site at  http://www.treasuredstocks.com/or email  jeff@treasuredstocks.com


Treasuredstocks.com is an Official Dealer for PCGS and PMG grading institutes.  We are also members of numerous Numismatist organizations including Professional Currency Dealers Association (PCDA) and American Numismatic Association (ANA).

Treasured stocks.com was founded in 1987 to provide currency enthusiasts and investors with a wide choice of currency items. The site offers a range of national and international coins and currency for the value conscious currency collector and investor.

TreasuredStocks.com

Friday, April 15, 2016

How Treasuredstocks.com decides the value of ungraded notes and coins

Deciding the Value of an Ungraded Paper Note or Coin


When we have an ungraded coin or paper note, our Treasuredstocks.com experts carefully research answers to the following questions, prior to placing a value on the item. 
This research can take a great deal of time and 
effort, depending upon...
 
- How many were made/printed and how many currently exist
- Auction results. We have over 30 years of auction and reference data
- How many people want them (supply and demand is important). For example, a note can be very sought after for its beauty and distinctive features.
-  The exact condition of the note or coin. Condition is everything! See our previous blog post regarding the importance and security of purchasing officially graded items.
-  If it’s a coin, the bullion value, sometimes referred to as the melt value
-   Is it (or could it potentially be) a counterfeit

Importantly, age, as a single statement of value, may hold little or no relevance. Same is true with the face value of the item (a one dollar note may be worth far more than a 100 dollar item). 

We here at Treasuredstocks.com collect decades of data such as year of issue, location of issue, serial number, signatures, front and back pictures, colors, seals, and others important pieces of information. However,
we are not able to identify or value ungraded coins or currency by telephone or email.  
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Treasuredstocks.com is very proud to be able to list some of the most precious and valuable currency items in the world. We have over 4,000 items to choose from with huge variety and selections.

We are Official Dealers for PCGS and PMG grading institutes.  We are also members of numerous Numismatist organizations including Professional Currency Dealers Association (PCDA) and American Numismatic Association (ANA). 

Treasured stocks.com was founded in 1987 to provide currency enthusiasts and investors with a wide choice of currency items. The site offers a range of national and international coins and currency for the value conscious currency collector and investor. We are here to assist you! Please give us a call at 870-670-4255 or email us at jeff@treasuredstocks.com

Monday, April 11, 2016

Add that last Exposition Ticket to your collection

1893 Colombian Exposition 

The Handel is the rarest Exposition pass of the 1893 Colombian Exposition held in Chicago, Illinois. Importantly, it wasn't part of the original run, but was printed later in a very limited quantity. This late limited quantity run makes the Handel "key" to completing the set for your portrait series of Exposition passes.


For more information about this and other collectable coins and currency, please visit our web site at treasuredstocks.com 
or email  jeff@treasuredstocks.com

Treasuredstocks.com is an Official Dealer for PCGS and PMG grading institutes.  We are also members of numerous Numismatist organizations including Professional Currency Dealers Association (PCDA) and American Numismatic Association (ANA).

Treasured stocks.com was founded in 1987 to provide currency enthusiasts and investors with a wide choice of currency items. The site offers a range of national and international coins and currency for the value conscious currency collector and investor.

TreasuredStocks.com
1605 Michigan Ave.
Horseshoe Bend, AR 72512  

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Colonial Notes

Under Valued Colonial's

Three undervalued areas in currency right now include MPCs (military payment certificates), Colonial notes, and Disney Dollars. 

The discussion today centers on the Colonials.

Thirteen  Colonial Notes went through several stages of development in the Revolutionary history of the United States. Few coins were minted in the thirteen colonies so the Colonial governments issued Colonial Notes to facilitate economic activity. During the American Revolution, the colonies became independent states. Freed from British monetary regulations they issued Colonial Notes to pay for military expenses. The Continental Congress also issued Colonial Notes during the Revolution to fund the war effort.

Believe it or not, there was a great deal of deceit and counterfeit, even during the important first years of our nation. Therefore, many of the printed colonial notes were turned in and destroyed.

The next reason Colonial notes are scarce (did not survive) is because of moisture and simple wear and tear of use and age. Paper used for the printing of these Colonials was not of great quality and long term endurance was not possible.  Additionally, large amounts of Colonial currency were tucked away in homes and banks and were thus destroyed during the San Francisco earthquake and the Chicago fire. If you find a high-grade Colonial note, please hang onto it. High grade colonial notes will continue to increase in scarcity and value!
The note above is a RARE PMG 53 EPQ About Uncirculated. This Maryland Colonial note holds incredible value in today's market but its value will most certainly grow and grow over the next decade.

THE most common way to start a colonial note collection is by finding and purchasing a note from each of the 13 original colonies.

Several years ago when I was at a major show I could find some nice pieces for sale on the floor. Now the only time I see an exceptional piece of Colonial currency is at an auction --  with a related premium price!



For more information about this and other collectable coins and currency, please visit our web site at  http://www.treasuredstocks.com/or email  jeff@treasuredstocks.com

How to Start a Currency Collection

I want to start collecting coins and currency items; where do I start?

Collectors of coins and currency do so for many reasons. One of the most common collector is the hobiest who collects more for fun and appeal, rather than profit. Often, this attraction begins as a child who, by chance or purpose, receives an item that is both fascinating and historical.

An increasingly popular reason to pursue collecting of coins and currency is to do so as an investment Persons who use collections as a kind of investing do so with the idea that the value of the items, in singular or total, will increase over time. Supply and demand is the key concept here as well as a critical understanding that collections do not “make” money until they are sold and may even incur costs, such as the costs of safe and secure storage.

A third type of collector is the person who acquires a collection via inheritance. This person may or may not have any real interest in the items but appreciates potential value.

One great advantage we have today is the internet. For example, take a careful look around our Treasuredstocks.com web site and you will see over 4,000 items, of all categories, grades, and prices, all graded and all in full color view. And now a bit about grading. A graded item allows collectors to speak the same language when it comes to the condition of the item.

The term “Numismatics” refers to the study or collecting of coin/currency. A numismatist is someone who does this by hobby or profession. Here is a great web site to use, when learning more about such an exciting field. There’s even several links specifically designed for children.

http://www.numismatics.tv/

We are official members of multiple numismatic-related organizations. Therefore, Treasuredstocks.com welcomes any and all questions regarding our postings and our passion for collecting coins and currency of all types. We are here to assist you! Please give us a call at 870-670-4255 or email us at jeff@treasuredstocks.com