Antiques

Event** RWA Secret Postcard Auction

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logoThe RWA is England’s only regional Royal Academy of Art. Its spectacular galleries host exhibitions celebrating the best of historic and contemporary art. Opened in 1858, the RWA is Bristol’s oldest art gallery and boasts a spectacular Grade II* Listed building, with a majestic marble staircase and top-lit exhibition spaces acclaimed as among the best in the country.

The identities of the artist will remain secret until all bids have been received and the winning buyer of each postcard is revealed.  Prices for each postcard, which will each be signed on the back, start for as little as £40.

The postcards will go on display at the gallery in Queens Road for several days prior to the live event, where visitors and potential collectors are invited to come in and view the works and place silent bids.

All the proceeds of the cards sold will go towards supporting the RWA a registered charity in England . The RWA is dedicated to providing an inclusive programme of exhibitions, events and education in order to enhance the knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of art for the widest possible audience.

COST:    Tickets are £5 and include a drink on arrival and nibbles.

DATE:  Thursday 4th June 2015 – 19:00 to 22:00 (BST)

BOOK:   Click Here

Is there a £3000 coin in your pocket?

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valuable coins
Is there a valuable coin in your pocket?

It might surprise you to learn that rare coins change hands every day in the UK. No, we’re not talking about ancient gold and silver pieces that move from one private collector to another. We’re talking about small change that ordinary Britons use to catch the tube or a bus in the morning. These coins are often worth many times their face value due to their scarcity and the fact that collectors are willing to pay handsomely for them. With that in mind, here is a list of rare coins that may be in your pocket as we speak.

Kew Gardens 50p – £24

Only 210,000 of these 50p coins were manufactured in 2011 to mark the 250th anniversary of the Royal Botanical Gardens. That is compared with the 22.7 million coins that featured the Royal Arms in 2008. Not surprisingly, collectors went wild for this contemporary anomaly, forcing prices to rise to £24. Although the number of Kew Gardens 50p in circulation continues to dwindle as coin lovers snap them up at a frantic pace, experts estimate that one in every 300 people in the UK currently owns one — often without knowing it! Read the rest of this entry »

How To Sell A Stamp Collection

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Stamp Collection
Selling and valuing your stamp collection

Many non-collectors find themselves in the unenviable position of having to dispose of a once treasured stamp collection of a dearly departed relative. Perhaps their father, mother, aunt, or uncle was engaged in the hobby for decades, and when they passed away, it came to them. Because most folks know next to nothing about philately (stamp collecting), the prospect of selling a collection that took years to assemble can be overwhelming. What if you make a mistake and give the stamps away for a fraction of their value? Since many sons and daughters are charged with this task by a parent, the surviving spouse, getting a fair sum takes on added importance.

With that in mind, here are four options that will help you ascertain the true value of the collection and dispose of it in short order.

Philatelic Traders Society

A member organization with around 450 authorized dealers in the UK, these experienced professionals abide by the society’s code of ethics, which ensures honest appraisals and fair market value for any item they offer to buy. For those who are unfamiliar with stamp collecting, these experts can provide a wealth of knowledge, advice, and selling options. With member dealers throughout the UK, it should be easy enough to find a buyer in your area; though we strongly recommend getting at least three quotes, since different dealers may offer different prices based on their wants and needs. Read the rest of this entry »