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#WorthPointInsights #AuctionTrends #CoinsAndCurrency #VintageCollectibles #AntiqueAuctions #InflationHedge #HistoricItems #RareCurrency #DoorPulls #VintageAmericana #LevantineFurniture #CollectibleFurniture #AuctionHighlights #BuyAndSellWithConfidence #WorthPointCEO
Will Seippel, CEO of WorthPoint, shares his insights on standout items from recent auctions conducted by WorthPoint Industry Partners. As an avid collector and industry expert, Seippel’s observations shed light on current buying and selling trends, offering valuable knowledge for collectors and enthusiasts. His analysis highlights unique items that not only hold historical significance but also demonstrate strong market appeal.
Impressive Auction Results
On March 9, WorthPoint added 240,405 items to its Price Guide, with a cumulative value of $14.8 million, averaging $61.83 per lot. Among these, coins, currency, vintage advertising collectibles, and furniture stood out as particularly noteworthy.
Coins and Currency: A Strong Market
Coins and currency were a major focus in the auction, with Key Date Coins leading the charge. Highlights included:
- 1818 $5 Half Eagle (MS 63): This gold coin, preserved in mint condition, sold for $29,500. Its historical charm and value as an inflation hedge made it a standout item.
- 1928 $1,000 Green Seal Federal Reserve Note: Issued in San Francisco and marked “Redeemable in Gold,” this rare note fetched $15,340, appealing to currency collectors.
Rago Auctions also showcased notable coin sales:
- China Gold Panda (12 oz, 1,000 yuan): This coin, valued for its gold content and inflation hedge, sold for $34,290.
- Fractional Currency Collection: A set of 27 near-uncirculated notes, issued during the Civil War due to metal shortages, achieved $9,525 (about $353 per note). Among these, a 50-cent Lincoln note sold for approximately $700.
These sales underscore the enduring appeal of rare and historic currency items, with the top five lots at Rago totaling around $70,000.
Vintage Advertising Collectibles: Door Pulls
The auction also featured “Door Pushes”—metal plates from old wood-frame screen doors, often adorned with advertising. These nostalgic items have become highly collectible, commanding impressive prices:
- Stubby Pull (1950s): This rare Canadian metal pull with orange script set a new record, selling for $4,498.79.
- 1931 Christmas Coca-Cola Bottle Push: This embossed tin push plate, featuring a vibrant red-and-white design, fetched $1,840.42.
The popularity of these items is evident, with a previous auction achieving a WorthPoint high of $7,000 for an Orange Crush push.
Levantine Furniture: A Rising Collectible
The auction concluded with a striking piece of Levantine furniture: a bone-inlaid walnut settee from Freeman’s Hindman, which sold for $5,760. Originating from the Levant region of the eastern Mediterranean, this style is known for its intricate designs and use of diverse materials. Measuring 40 ½ inches in height, 52 inches in width, and 23 inches in depth, this settee exemplifies Moroccan-style craftsmanship and has gained increasing popularity among collectors.
Why These Sales Matter
Will Seippel’s analysis highlights key trends in the collectibles market:
- Historic Value: Items like the 1818 Half Eagle and Fractional Currency collection preserve history and serve as tangible links to the past.
- Inflation Hedge: Gold coins and high-value currency notes offer financial security, making them attractive to investors.
- Nostalgia and Advertising: Vintage advertising collectibles, such as Door Pushes, appeal to buyers’ sense of nostalgia and appreciation for Americana.
- Unique Craftsmanship: Levantine furniture and similar items showcase artistry and cultural heritage, driving their collectibility.
Final Thoughts
WorthPoint’s Price Guide and auction insights empower collectors to make informed decisions by providing data on market trends and item values. Will Seippel’s expertise underscores the importance of understanding the historical, financial, and cultural significance of collectibles. Whether you’re investing in coins, currency, vintage advertising, or furniture, these trends offer opportunities to buy and sell with confidence.
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