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 Thursday, June 05, 2008
Across The Universe
Posted by tom
Tom's Recommended Film of the Week
Across The Universe
A Beatles based musical of a different sort than Help! or Magical Mystery Tour, Across The Universe creates something new from some beloved songs of olde. If you are a Beatles fan, you will probably enjoy this film. If you have heard and liked Beatles songs from any era, you will probably enjoy this film. If you are a child of the 60's you will appreciate this film.
Across The Universe
was not a film that I expected so much from. I am not a big fan of musicals, but I though it would be interesting, maybe fun. Now, having viewed it, I am really impressed. You can tell that there was a great deal of love, energy, imagination and devotion invested in the production of this unique piece. From behind the scenes to in front of the camera, everyone was on the same page and putting in their best work.
Hat's off to director Julie Taymor for putting Across The Universe together in such fine operatic fashion and for filming live vocal/acting segments rather than taping the songs seperate. Taymor brought great artists together and provided them a vehilce in the form of a story created from various classic Beatles song lyrics, thereby making something entirely fresh and new from something wholely beloved by several generations.
Note as you watch that the entire cast and crew, under direction from Taymor, made an effort to differential rather than imitate. A smart move and one that pays off in a wonderful blend of creativity and homage. I especially enjoyed the Joe Cocker performance of Come Together, though I am sure others may appreciate seeing Bono as Dr. Robert, a kind of Ken Kesey character or Eddie Izzard as Mr. Kite. You can't help but love the purity brought to their roles by Jim Sturgess and Evan Rachel Wood or the emotional drive in the performances of Dana Fuchs and Martin Luther Mcoy.
Across The Universe
is both a visual and auditory experience well worth your time. Pick up a copy, open your heart and mind and enjoy.
Tom's Recommended Film of the Week
6/5/2008 12:32:31 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) 
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Wednesday, June 04, 2008
WiMAX over Wi-Fi May Take Catalog Everywhere
Posted by tom
 Tech News Good For Collectors
Robert Morrow
, writing in Science, brings us good news of a broader future network for mobile internet connection. WiMAX is a microwave carried system similar to our current Wi-Fi, but with much more power.
If you are familiar with Wi-Fi use, say through your laptop computer or Nintendo DS game system, you know that distance is always a concern. You have to be close to the wireless transmission base to get good clear service. With WiMAX it looks like you can go for miles.
Morrow sees a future, maybe in 3-5 years, where we will have subscription WiMAX service, similar to current cell phone offerings, making it possible for you to log onto your favorite internet site on a laptop during a family driving trip, while at a show or convention, or when stopping off at a coin or antique shop on the other side of your state or country or the other side of the globe.
For coin collectors this would be a great boon! A collector or dealer could log on to NumisMaster and have four hundred plus years of coinage information available for quick searching anywhere, anytime. More compact and useful information, available in a flash makes for better buying and selling decisions for the sharp techy folks who make use of these advances. NumisMaster and WiMAX could be a great combination! Building our hobby through technology, I love it!
News You Can Use
6/4/2008 12:16:55 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Indicators Point Every-which-way
Posted by tom
Looking For Signs in Gold Market
Precious metals have been bouncing around this week, up one day, back down the next. Lot's of fluctuation, but no significant trend or direction and the floor seems solid at about $875 for gold and $16.50 or so for silver.
In times like these, I always find it enlightening to keep an eye open for indicators. Read the articles, blogs and opinion pieces, but also look for news stories which may offer some clues about the nebulous future of precious metals prices.
One article of special interest turned up today from the Shanghai Daily, through the China.org.cn website. In general this story indicated that gold demand in China for the second quarter was weak, due to buyer indecision. Looks like market price fluctuations have created a wait and see attitude among all types of buyers in the second quarter and I think this may be true of other markets, not just China.
As we sit on this precious metals ledge,with the Federal Reserve considering a directional turn in raisring interest rates to strengthen the dollar, it would seem that we have come to a potential pivot point for the U.S. economy and in turn the world economy and in turn gold.
News You Can Use
6/4/2008 10:38:08 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Friday, May 30, 2008
Dan in Real Life
Posted by tom
Tom's Recommended Film of the Week
Dan in Real Life
Dan in Real Life
is a film that I think most anyone can enjoy. My wife and I watched it together and that's no small trick. Normally our tastes differ so much that finding a film we both want to see is next to impossible, but each of us had decided independently that we wanted to see Dan in Real Life. So we watched it - I loved it, she like it, we both enjoyed the evening.
It wasn't until the credits got going that I realized Dan in Real Life was directed by Peter Hedges, the author of What's Eating Gilbert Grape. I used to sell books to Carole Hedges, Peter's mother, a good number of years ago. A year or so before the film version of What's Eating Gilbert Grape, staring Leonard Di Caprio and Johnny Depp, was released, Carole and I met in New York for cheese cake. When she mentioned that her son was an author, I said I would have to read his book. She said I might have trouble finding a copy before the film release and offered to try and get me a copy. A few weeks later a lovely dust jacketed first edition of What's Eating Gilbert Grape arrived with a warm inscription from Peter Hedges. It's an excellent novel from an outstanding author and a cherished volume in my personal library.
For Dan in Real Life, Peter both wrote and directed and his gental humorous touch is present in every frame. Casting is near perfection in this film, with Steve Carell, Juliette Binoche, Dane Cook, Dianne Wiest and John Mahoney all in central roles. The story offers the humor of discomfort, but is set in the warm and sensitive environment of family. The kitchen scene with Dianne Wiest, John Mahoney and Steve Carell just cracked me up! The DVD also offers a number of excellent and highly recommended extras. I enjoyed hearing some of Peters perspectives on directing, as well as many of the actors perspectives on Peter as a director.
The dialogue is wonderful and delivered at a streaming yet natural pace and the situational comedy is both touching and outrageous in turns. Peter did a great job with this film and I will be looking forward to more unique stories from him in the future.
Tom's Recommended Film of the Week
5/30/2008 4:48:26 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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New SCWC 36th Edition 1901-2000 Now Available
Posted by tom
 Standard Catalog of World Coins 1901-2000 36th Edition
I have not yet received my desk copy, but the new 36th Edition Standard Catalog of World Coins 1901-2000 is now available for purchase through our KP book website. You should also be seeing copies at shows and in stores very soon, if not already, as the distributors are the first to get stocked.
 This edition represents a huge effort in price updating, as I had to work on all silver, gold, platinum and palladium issues to bring them up to current market levels. From last years catalog production period to this years, the spot price of gold has risen by about 30%, while silver has climbed about 35%. Platinum went up by over 70% during the year, while palladium rose by over 40%.
When you see a copy of the book, you may notice that I am now listing market level ranges for precious metal spot prices used during book production, which takes many months. This range illustrates how much metals were changing during the 3-5 months it takes us to revise listings for the new edition. This presents a very difficult task, but I think this 36th edition offers a very good set of values, as fellow blogger George Cuhaj and I were able to accomplish some precise metals changes in the final weeks of production to ensure stability at the upper end of our spot ranges.
Another big added feature of the 36th edition is the inclusion of a pdf file DVD of the entire catalog. It's a great way to get the catalog onto your PC screen for quick easy reference, plus you can enlarge images for a closer look at design details. An electronic version of the Standard Catalog of World Coins is something collectors have been waiting a long time for, so if you have a DVD player on your desktop or laptop, pick up the 36th edition and enjoy the enclosed DVD today.
This new edition and it's DVD version should serve the hobby well over the coming year and of course, we have already been working on new updates out on NumisMaster, our live database, which will fold into next years 37th edition SCWC. It's a continual process and we appreciate everyones participation!
KP Update
5/30/2008 12:15:41 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Friday Fix
Posted by tom
 Friday Fix
London pm fixes for 5-30-08
Gold $885.75
Silver $16.85
Platinum $2008.00
Palladium $430.00
Friday Fix
5/30/2008 11:43:34 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Presidential Error Coin at Heritage
Posted by tom
 Error Dollar in Heritage Auction
With the U.S. Mint State Quarter program and again with the Presidential Dollar program there has been a great flurry of activity focused at detecting and capitalizing on error coins. Off metal strikes, missing legends, plain edges and extra corn husks, there are seemingly lots of them out there waiting for collectors to uncover in rolls, bags and pocket change.
 Several books and websites can help you learn more about error and variety coins. KP published one last year, titled Strike It Rich - Eith Pocket Change by Brian Allen and Ken Potter. I really enjoyed this book and from what I'm told it sold gangbusters, so others must be finding it useful as well. Allen and Potter provided excellent close up images, clear explanations of differences and terms, plus many cross references to  other books. Web based sources are noted as well for specialty clubs like Combined Organization of Numismatic Error Collectors of America known as CONECA - whose publication is nmaed Errorscope and the National Collectors Association of Die Doubling known as NCADD - whose publication is called The Hubb.
Some error and variety coins have relatively little value, but many are quite expensive. Recently at least one rare 1969S doubled die Linclon cent was found by a collector in a roll of 1969S cents. The coin was full red and graded MS 64 by PCGS the Professional Coin Grading Service, which makes it one of the finest know examples. Check out this great photo of the coin, provided by Ken Potter. An example found and sold in 2007 brought about $85,000 and this latest one brought about $125,000 at auction!
 Some of the State Quarter errors have sold in the hundreds, as have the edge varieties of the Presidential dollars. In fact, Heritage Auctions has a plain edge John Adams dollar closing in their Sunday night Internet Auction which currently is bid at $425 and has at least four active bidders and five trackers watching the lot.
There is certainly interest in error coins and the opportunity is there for wonderful finds if collectors obtain a bit of knowledge and keep a keen eye out for the unusual.
KP Update | Lots You'll Like
5/30/2008 10:46:24 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Thursday, May 29, 2008
Precious Metals Continue to Tumble
Posted by tom
Precious Metals Tumbling Down
Investors reacted to sliding crude oil prices and stable economic data today in large scale sell-offs to reduce peak risks. Gold has tumbled down below $875, while silver shot down below $17 to about $16.65 as of this posting. Platinumwas hit hard with spot prices at $1990 by late morning and palladium slipped to about $425 or so.
Another U.S. crude oil stockpile data release should be coming out this afternoon, so much of this mornings scurry may blow over or intensify depending on this news. Dollar stength is certainly a factor as well, with the U.S. Dollar showing good gains on the Euro and other major currencies again today.
Gold bugs will look on this as a good time to average in at lower rates on physical holdings. But gold futures are also dropping, as the investment dollars are looking for other venues, so proceed carefully.
Support levels
seem to be fairly strong for gold at $870 or so. It's a good benchmark to keep in mind.
News You Can Use
5/29/2008 12:06:04 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Ever Considered Owls?
Posted by tom
 Owls on Coins Remain Popular
If you are involved in animal coin collecting, then you know that Owls have always been one of the more popular design choices. From ancient to modern issue Owls have always been used in attractive coin designs to represent strength and wisedom. Even more common circulating coins which bear Owl designs ususally go up in value over time. There is always demand for Owl coins.
 The Finland Owl coin which celebrat es the 350th Anniversary of the University of Helsinki went up in value this year from $60 to $90 in BU on NumisMaster. It's a lovely traditional design by Raimo Heino with an Owl on the obverse and a Harp on the reverse. Struck in silver, denominated at 100 Markkaa and cataloged as KM#68, this coin has always had a strong following.
 A few years ago, South Africa struck a pair of Owl coins with a less-traditional perspective. Cataloged as KM#283 and KM#284 in the Standard Catalog of World Coins 2001-Date, these Owls offer a unique sense of the Owls life in the wild. The 2 Rand is struck in proof with one ounce of silver.This type shows a close-up of the Verreaux's Eagle Owl's face. Released in 2004 with a mintage of 3,000 this coin has moved up in value from $45 to $60 over the last year.
It's counterpart is a small silver coin, also struck in 2004 to proof standards. Denominated at 2 1/2 cents, but not used for circulation, this type sports a Pearl Spotted Owlet on a tree branch. Currently it is holding it's value at $25, though it's mintage of 2,000 is too small to maintain at that level indefinitely.
Al Beck of the Coin Lode, a specialist in animal coins, tells me that the 2 1/2 cent Pearl Spotted Owlet coin has come to him in two different types of packaging. Some were held in a knotted leather pouch, while others were contained in a sonic sealed capsule. Either way, it has been a popluar type for which Beck has seen continued demand.
Price Change of the Week
5/29/2008 10:25:47 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Nepal Updating
Posted by tom
Nepal Gets Democracy
In 2001 amid a shocking Royal bloodbath, Nepal gained a new, and what now appears to be their final, King. King Gyanendra and Queen Komal have ruled over a disturbing time in Nepal. The have had continual political unrest, which has escalted greatly since the King's dismissal of the representative government from 2005-2006.
Yesterday Nepal swore in some 600 official lawmakers and within two weeks they expect the King to step down and the 238 year old Shah Dynasty to come to an end as Nepal becomes a Republic.
As life in Nepal changes, so will the form of listings in our coin and banknote catalogs. The political distinction will move from Kingdom under Shah Dynasty to a Republic of the people. The banknotes and coins for daily circulation will surely be redesigned with legends reflecting their new governmental structure and images not of the Royals, but of prominent buildings, floral and fauna. I do hope that heritage and tradition is not left out entirely though. It would be a shame not to see Buddha on Nepalese gold coins!
Speaking of change, I should mention that friend and fellow blogger Colin Bruce has been busy at work this week updating the 17th Century listings for Nepal. Colin is working from an write-up done by long time contributor Klaus Bronny and has supplemented this with current market information obtained through conversations with dealer Steve Album. Much of the work is now complete and can be viewed on NumisMaster, even though the printed and bound 4th edition of the Standard Catalog of World Coins 1601-1700 will not be available until later this year. Why wait? Check it out at NumisMaster now.
Just as the revsion of our 17th Century Nepal listings went smoothly, I hope this is a time of peaceful rebuilding for the Nepalese people. They have had a terrible few years of revolt and the populace deserves a chance to flourish again.
KP Update
5/28/2008 4:40:07 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Sedwick Treasure Auction Closing Tomorrow
Posted by tom
 Daniel Frank Sedwick Treasure Auction
Earlier this month I had a string of postings regarding Mariner's Astrolabes and shipwreck coins. Somewhere in there I mentioned the rare auction appearance of a Mariner's Astrolabe in the Daniel Frank Sedwick Treasure Auction #3, which is closing tomorrow.
This sale also contains some very impressive sea salvaged coins. In fact, there are about 900 coins in this auction, all cataloged with great care and super detail. Dan really knows his stuff, as did his father before him. If you are thinking that treasure coins might be a fun area to begin collecting, this sale would be a prime opportuntiy for you to get started. There are many inexpensive lots up for sale, as well as some prime examples at reasonable estimates.
 For the advanced collector of treasure coins and sea salvaged artifacts, this sale offers some exceptional pieces, such as the rare 1621A 8 Reales of Cartagena, Colombia cataloged as lot 121. Up until a few years ago it was generally thought that 1622 was the first date for 8 Reales from Colombia, but careful die comparisons proved the existance of at least three earlier partial date examples with distinct die characteristics. This piece offers the first auction appearance of a Cartagena 1621A 8 Reales and a great opportunity for some lucky specialist to add a an exceptional rarity to their collection.
The Sedwick Treasure Auction #3 also offers a wide array of artifacts recovered from shipwrecks around the world. The Mariner's Astrolabe is an oustanding highlight of this sale, but there are many other items covering all areas of interest and most collector budgets. Certainly there are some wonderful glass bottles, jewelry, utensils, pewter plates, stirrups, rapiers, armor, manillas, apothecary tools, ceramic items, iron hand grenades, Chinese porcelain and more.
One standout to me was lot 1095, a boldly VOC marked Dutch East India Company apothecary bottle estimated between $600 and $900. It will make a lovely addition to any collection of crockware, bottles or apothecary items. But of course, I am hoping that some sharp collector of Dutch East India coinage, VOC duits and such, will snap this related piece up.
Treasure Auction #3 will close tomorrow, May 29th at 5:00pm EDT. Check out this sale online at www.SedwickCoins.com and place your bids via email at treasurebids@gmail.com
Auction Lot of the Week
5/28/2008 10:44:51 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Gold Continues Plunge
Posted by tom
Gold Drops Past $900
All Precious metals continued their plunge this morning breaking through initial support levels. Gold broke through $900 and sits just above $895 as of this posting. Silver is just below $17.40 and Platinum has fallen just shy of $2040.
Slipping crude
oil
prices and a surging U.S. dollar are concerning investors this morning, but I am certain that most will see buying opportunites in the metals arena before the week is finished.
Forecasts are becoming more divergent, with some analysts predicting gold over $1000 an ounce during 2008 and others thinking commodities have peaked. Concerns over a commodity bubble are legitimate, especially when you consider that investment dollars are now in the drivers seat of this bull market. Still, it does not appear that the ride is over yet for gold and it's fellow precious metals.
News You Can Use
5/28/2008 9:48:38 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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