European Coin Market Explodes

After nearly 20 years of a very constant and steady coin market, we are finally experiencing a vast explosion in values for many classic issues. The driving forces of rising bullion prices and falling U.S. Dollar value have conspired to give us a burgeoning coin market for the best material available. As always, the higher the grade the more significant the increase.

Take a look at some current coin auctions and compare them to prices realized for the same types just a few years ago. You'll find the results very interesting, at least I have. Over the first seven months of 2008 I have been busy doing just that as we work our way through the updating process for the new Standard Catalog of World Coins 1601-1700 4th edition.

For the last month or two I have been researching values for German States coinage of the 1601-1700 period. It's quite fascinating actually. With few exceptions the values provided in our third edition, published in 2003 have remained viable right up until about 2007. But for the last year and a half most everything, except the most common types have been on the rise. Minor coins have seen respectable increases, Talers have been driven up considerably and Ducats and other gold types have jumped substantially.

In many cases I find myself doubling prices on some of the Ducats and Talers. In some instances I am having to quote auction prices. An excellent example arose while I was researching Breslau. The recent June 2008 Fritz Rudolf Kunker Munzenhandlung Auction 140 offered a pair of 1620 gold coins of Breslau, graced with Freidrich V of Pflaz. Both the Ducat and 2 Ducat pieces were offered and each realized just over $17,000, well above the former SCWC values, making an auction quote a very viable option for the Winter King.

It's a golden age for German States, as well as many other European countries. There is strong competition for scarce coins in high grade and buyers are seeing nothing but upside potential. New money has met old money and they are getting along famously.

Modern Day Prospectors Targeting a Car Near You

News from Cinncinnati and around the country is that thieves have been stealing catalytic converts for thier platinum and palladium. They slip under parked cars and use portable power saws, probably something like a reciprocating Sawzall to cut out the converts in a matter on just a few minutes. Apparently scarp yards and chop shops are paying about $50 to $100 per converter, based on todays preciosu metal spot prices.

This kind of theft has been occuring for some time now in the base metals catagories. Copper piping and copper wire, sewer grates and manhole covers all have been at risk, as theives cash in on the rising prices at scrap yards.

This is the first report I have noticed on any precious metals risks of street theft however, but I am sure it could be an ever growing problem. Better keep an eye out for troubles of this sort in your area. Some areas are begining to offer solutions, like serial numbers on your converter. Replacing a catalytic converter can cost between $500 and $1000, depending on make, model and aftermarket or original manufacturer source.

Tom's Recommended Film's of the Week

Employee of the Month - My Cousin Vinny & The In-Laws

The Summer months are usually a very busy time for me, what with regular stuff, like lawn mowing and laundry, blog posting and market research, plus the addition of special projects like garage painting and kids camps, infrequently produced catalogs and car show book sales. This particular summer has proven a challenge, both at home and work. Needless to say, I have less time in the summer for movie watching and my weekly Film of the Week postings suffer because of this.

In fact, you may have noticed that I have gotten pretty lax in recommending films each week. I've missed several and for this I apologize and offer this consolation prize.

For whatever reason I find that when I am pressured for time, I tend to watch quick comedies. Maybe it's good for reducing my stress levels and letting my mind relax. At any rate, it's what I do, so as consolation for having missed some weeks of recommendations and to help you all relieve your own summer stress, this week I am recommending three recently viewed, light and entertaining comedies.

First up is Employee of the Month, the Dane Cook vehicle which pokes a little fun at the big super stores, like Sam's Club and Walmart. I like Cook's comedies, but some are way to vulgar to recommend to my broad spectrum of readers without multiple caviates. Employee of the Month, however, is much more light hearted and mainstream, with basic themes of personal developement, corporate goofyness and loyalties to friendships. The cast, featuring Andy Dick, Tim Bagley, Efren Ramirez (of Vote For Pedro fame) and Marc Mouchet among many others, is wonderful and the writing is great.

Next in line is My Cousin Vinny, which pits North vs. South, City vs. Country and authority vs. youth, in a most pleasantly unique film. Joe Pesci enjoys the funniest role of his career outside of the Home Alone films and is supported by a stellar cast including Marisa Tomei and Fred Gwynne. Pick it up, put it in the player and let the story unfold naturally. It's sure to get you laughing.

Last is The In-Laws, the Michael Douglas - Albert Brooks remake of a classic story of pre-wedding day jitters and mishaps. I like the original, but this one gets even more extreme in a Meet the Parents kind of way. It's a great ride and full of action and savy comedy. Brooks is wonderful and Douglas displays great comic timing, but Ryan Reynolds is the pro in the background who cracks me up with just a look, like the KC and the Sunshine Band happy face just before his finacee drops the bomb.

So lighten-up, watch one or all of these movies and have some fun this summer between your own special projects and commitments. You deserve a break!