In the past we’ve written about how people are often unaware of the value of their physical assets, especially pieces they may have inherited from a loved one and stored away somewhere. If you found your grandfather’s stamp collection buried in the basement, you’d probably be tempted to pack the box back up and dismiss it as a sentimental relic. However, that might be a mistake, not only because of the potential value of the collection but because you may be missing out on an enjoyable hobby.    Stamp collecting came about in England in the 1840s, shortly after the first stamp, “Penny Black,” was printed. Over the years it evolved into an intellectual pursuit and a study of history. Stamps are snapshots of days gone by, capturing images of revered leaders, events and social causes.  They can also…

Collecting rare plants has become “a thing” in recent years, though it certainly became more popular during the Covid lockdown when people were focused on their homes.  The demand has driven prices through the roof, with collectors plunking down several thousand dollars for the specific plants they want. In the UK, this man is selling leaves from his Rhaphidophora-Tetrasperma Variegata  for £12,000 each. Why is it worth so much? Because it is a genetic mutation of an ordinary plant, and he has the only (known) one in the world. Here are some things you should consider before starting your rare plant collection. Do your research.  It’s time to dust off the high school Latin textbook. Even the most experienced green thumbs will need to up their game when it comes to rare plants. Generally speaking, the most valuable plants…

For most people, a rug is a way to spruce up a room, something they walk over to get from point A to point B; for others, they are a way of bringing history into the home and an excellent investment as well. Just ask the bidder at a 2013 auction at Sotheby’s who paid over thirty-three million for the “Clarke Sickle-Leaf,” a stunning example of Islamic artwork from the Safavid dynasty. (The price stunned even the experts, who had expected it to fetch “only” ten or fifteen million.)  While you may not be willing to plunk down that kind of money, an authentic Persian or oriental will come with a hefty price tag. Here are a few things you should know before taking that step. As with any collectible, you want to make sure your rug is the…