C.B. Slade Jr. Estate Sale Nets $2.6 Million

The recent sale by auction house Stack’s of the silver and gold coin collection of the C.B. Slade Jr. Estate was one of the most successful collectible coin auctions in recently memory. Stack’s said that the two-day auction of the collection of the former meat packing executive and coin enthusiast netted almost $2.6 million.

Among the big items sold in the live and online auction on June 15-16 were several lots featuring Morgan dollars — one of the most collectible of all coins. For example, an 1879 mint Carson City issue Morgan dollar sold at the auction for $4,600. Despite not having a GSA box or certificate, the sharp strike and attractive color made this coin a prime example of the Morgan dollar series.

There were also plenty of examples of vintage silver dollars available in the auction. One example of an early silver dollar for sale was a 1795 Flowing Hair dollar that was in fine condition despite being more than 200 years old. This coin also sold to a bidder for $4,600.

Precious Metals – Why Gold Coins and Silver Bullion Should be Part of Your Assets

Precious metals, like gold coins and silver bullion, can become a valuable investment, especially as the dollar weakens. The value of these precious metals goes up as the dollar declines, because they are priced and traded in dollars. That means you can watch your investments gain value, while stock owners lose money.

But there are other reasons to invest in precious metals. Consider the following:

- Precious metals, like gold and silver, have international value. That means you can use them all over the world.

- When you invest in precious metals, you can keep them with you if you want. Unlike other assets, you do not have to store them in banks or risky stock portfolios.

- There is always a high demand for precious metals, so you should be able to sell them anytime you need to.

When it comes to gold coins, experts say there is no safer investment. Gold coins never lose their value, and all of them, like the American Eagle Gold Bullion Coin, are backed by the government. In fact, the U.S., Canada, South Africa, and China all produce gold bullion coins that sell for a higher price than other gold. In the U.S., these gold coins are only distributed to reputable coin dealers.

As the price of gold continues to rise, most investors cannot afford gold bullion bars. That means gold coins have become a much more convenient way to invest. Plus, gold coins make it easier to sell or trade part of your assets. With a bar, you cannot split it up to sell. Gold coins can even be used as currency in many parts of the world.

But as popular as gold is, do not forget about silver. Silver bullion is cheaper than gold, which makes it a more realistic investment for many people. In fact, the demand for silver is at an all-time high, and it is expected to keep growing.

When you buy silver bullion, you know that you are getting the purest silver possible. Silver bullion coins can be used as money anywhere in the world. In fact, in many countries, the word ‘silver’ is the same as the word ‘money’. If you have silver bullion coins, you know that you can use them as currency if the need arises.

However, silver bullion bars offer some additional benefits. Silver has an industrial use, so you have the option of selling your silver bullion to manufacturers. The demand for silver bullion bars is expected to go up as the economy recovers and more industrial facilities get back to work.

Additionally, silver bullion bars take up less space than coins of the same value. That means it is easier to store your investment.

No matter which precious metal you decide to invest in, you can rest easy knowing that you assets will never lose their value. How many other people can say that?

Coral Jewelry

Straight from the ocean, coral does not look all that appeasing. Once it has been cleaned well enough and polished, it is a thing of beauty, and a costly one at that. Deeper water produces better quality coral. Unfortunately though, coral is very sensitive to water temperature and will only thrive between 13°C-16°C.

Coral is found in Japan, Malaysia, Mauritius, the Red Sea, the Mediterranean, Cape de Verde Islands, Bay of Biscay – Madeira and even in South Ireland.

Coral jewelry is famous in Italy, with the country being possibly the main centre for the creation of coral jewelry. Coral is used to adorn various things from umbrella handles to beads for necklaces, bracelets, brooches, pendants and the list goes on. China and India imports a lot of coral, as it is widely used for various religious rituals.

Coral comes in a variety of colors:

Red Coral – this is very expensive and thus the most valuable type of coral. Found in the waters of Provence, Catalonia, Corsica and Sardinia and even in the Mediterranean.

Noble/Precious Coral – this type of coral is also referred to as Corralium Nobile or Rubrum. Found mostly in Morocco, Algeria, Tunis, Sicily and Sardinia.

Black Coral – this type of coral is perfect for carving and can even be moulded as it bends when warmed. The coral is black in colour as this is the first stage of the decaying process. No longer widely available in the Persian Gulf, black coral can be found in the Mediterranean.

Blue Coral – this also, like the black coral is in its initial stages of decaying. It is also known as Akori.
Golden Coral – this coral has a texture which is resinous. It was initially found by divers off Maui, Hawaii.

Making Silhoutte Pendants

Here is what you will need:

1. An old pendant
2. A digital picture or a digital camera to take one with
3. Paper
4. A pour on resin finish
5. Adhesive

First you need to create the silhouette. Select a subject for the pendant. Take a picture. Then using whatever photo editing software you are used to select the profile of the subject. Take care to select the edges as neatly as possible. If you have to deal with hair, decide on how you want to cut it out. That is left entirely up to you. Once you have completed the selection, invert it and then delete the background. Next, fill in the profile with a solid colour of your choice. If you have space for more than one silhouette, then go about adding the other one in there as well. Then, resize the silhouette to fit the pendant you are making and then print it out on a paper or board of your choice. Using the adhesive you have at hand, glue the printed image onto the pendant. Remember to coat the top with a few, levelled out layers of adhesive. Let it dry fully. Keep in mind that sealing the top with adhesive is absolutely necessary, as otherwise, the pour in resin you will add next will soak through and ruin the silhouette. Once the adhesive is completely dry, pour on the resin making sure you cover it completely and evenly. Allow it to dry.