Monday, December 29, 2008

Silver Certificates: How Much is a 1923 Silver Certificate Worth?

The 1923 Silver Certificate is one of the most popular and common paper notes. All United States Currency that was minted before 1928 is larger than that of a modern paper bill -approximately one-half inch wider and over one inch longer.

For you trivia buffs - the term 'billfold' came about because these large-size notes had to be folded several times to fit in a wallet! Because of its large size, the 1923 note was affectionately given the nicknames of 'Horseblanket' or 'Saddelblanket.' In fact, it was the last large-size certificate to be minted.

Once upon a time, silver certificates were one of the most desired and trustworthy of bank notes minted in the United States. These notes were actually backed by real silver and could
be redeemed at the U.S. Treasury for silver dollar at any give time. In those days, a dollar had alot of buying power!

The front of the 1923 silver certificate features the familiar bust of George Washington. It also displays the blue Treasury seal that was engraved on all silver certificates printed during this time and an decorative 'cogwheel' reverse. Given the fragile nature and short life of paper money, only a very few of these extraordinary certificates exist today.

The value of these notes wholly depend upon the condition of the bill itself. Notes that saw average circulation would probably grade somewhere between EF (Extremely Fine) and VF (Very Fine). These certificates would have sharp corners, no tears, bright, unfaded colors and several folds. A lower quality note of F (Fine) to Fair would be worth less, of course.

If you are lucky to come into possession of a certificate in CU (Crisp Uncirculated or Uncirculated) condition with no folds, bends, creases, tears, etc., your value would be a great deal more than some of the listed prices that are found. Determining the condition or grade of paper currency is not a precise science. It's very selective and each dealer has a different methodology as there's no 'official' grading system.

Okay, so now that we understand a bit about grading, how much is this 1923 silver certificate worth, if anything? Well, according to the latest Red Book Price Guide, an uncirculated Blue Seal variety, signed by H.V. Spellman & Frank White or Walter O. Woods & White would be valued at $125.00. Even a low grade such as VG is currently valued at $35.00!

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Antique Collecting As A Profitable Business Venture

Antique Collecting As A Profitable Business Venture






In this time and age, something that is 10-decades old or more is definitely valuable. This is because not everything can be maintained and kept well for such a long time. Because of this, antique collecting has become one of the most profitable business ventures out there.

If you are planning to make antique collecting a profitable business venture, the first thing that you need to do is familiarize yourself with everything about the trade. This can be done by doing extensive research on antiques by visiting online antique sites on the Internet or just by compiling reference materials from magazines or books. When you are doing your research, make sure that you include basic antique terminologies and terms, tips in identifying real antiques, spotting fake items, how to take care of the pieces properly, and places where to buy and sell the antique pieces.

Taking Care Of The Antique's Value

The selling point of any antique piece depends not only on the age of the item but also on its overall condition. This is why antique collectors and businessmen should be very particular about maintaining a certain piece and taking care of it properly. If you are planning to make a business out of antique collecting, make sure that you memorize by heart the dos and don'ts in selling and buying antique pieces.

If you are buying an antique item, the first thing that you need to do is familiarize yourself with it. This means that you should be very well aware what the subject is and its history, as well the advantages and disadvantages of buying it. This will ensure that you are getting your moneys worth and you can easily sell it without so much effort. Knowing the item will not only give you it's estimated value but can also prevent you from possessing fake pieces.

Aside from knowing the item on sale, it is always best to have a backgrounder on the seller. Make sure that you buy from a seller with a reputable background so you can ensure that you are buying the real thing. If you are buying online, you can check the reliability of the seller based on the feedbacks given by recent customers. If you are buying from an antique store, you can check the authentication documents of the item as well as of the store.

For those who make antique collecting a business by selling the items, make sure that you market the items carefully. This means posting them online on days when potential buyers are online, providing brief but complete information on each item, and being credible, reputable, and honest when selling them.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Vintage posters - Online Inspirational Posters

Vintage Hollywood Posters

Nothing is more contrasting like the happenings of human life. Ups and downs are the part of life. Everybody knows the fact but only a few remain composed when anything odd happens in life. In such situation, inspiration acts as a healing balm.
Inspiration through words and images has a significant role in boosting the moral, strength, attitude and way of life of human beings. The power of image and word has played a vital role in the emancipation of human mind. Take the example of the survey done by Mutrie and Blamey, of the University of Glasgow. In an underground station, they placed a motivational poster in front of an escalator and a parallel staircase. The amount of stair use became almost double after the poster was placed.

There are scores of example glorifying the impact of motivational vintage posters on human life. Some of the common areas where these posters have immense impact are

Right attitude

Motivational vintage posters have a positive role in mending the attitudinal problems (if any) that blocks your road to success. They educate you how to remain calm and composed when overwhelming challenges disrupt the smooth functioning of life.

Good parenting

Childhood lays the foundation of a successful human being Children have an inclination towards images. You can capitalize this inclination to educate your child with the help of motivational vintage posters. There are some instances where repeated instructions by parents create negative impacts in the mind of the child and make him/her more rigid and tenacious. If it is the situation, place a motivational poster in your son/daughter’s room and help him/her to have a self-study for career building.

Creating better study atmosphere

Schools and other educational institutes may take the help of inspirational vintage posters to create a better study atmosphere. Online vintage posters on a wide range of topics like self-care to academic integrity, diversity issues to alcohol use are available now. They are immensely beneficial for students, faculty and staff to be mindful regarding the choices they make in life and the values they hold and how this affects their quality and future of life.

Poster Group has everything you need to know about Vintage poster and every poster to buy that you can think of. You can also directly check out Vintage posters and all Poster Online by clicking www.postergroup.com.