learning about antiques

Antique Coin Collecting

Posted on February 1, 2024 by Old and New Shop

The hobby of coin collecting has existed since at least the 12th century, and it remains a popular pastime for many people today. The practice of collecting rare and antique coins can also be a lucrative investment strategy. Still, the world of antique coin collecting can seem daunting to outsiders first stumbling into the space. Perhaps you have just inherited a large coin collection and are wondering how to determine its value, or maybe you have just been inspired to start your own coin collection. Either way, the Old & New Shop has compiled this guide to antique coins to help budding collectors and others new to the field understand antique coins.

Tips for Antique Coin Collecting

“Buy the book before you buy the coin.” The saying is a popular adage in the numismatist (coin collector) community. The book in question is The Guide Book of United States Coins, also known as the Red Book. The book will share the basics of coin collecting and get novices ready to begin their coin-collecting journeys.

Know the categories. There are several notable categories of coins sought after by collectors, including circulating coins, error coins, commemorative coins, bullion coins, ancient coins, proof coins, brilliant uncirculated coins, and foreign coins. Different collectors are drawn to different categories based on their interests, budgets, and collection themes.

Pick a theme. Coin collecting is more fulfilling when you pick a specific theme. It’s best to go with an inexpensive and simple theme when you first start. Coin collecting themes involve focusing on a specific category or characteristic. For example, collecting a specific set of coins like US state quarters, a specific minting year, national origin, coins depicting a specific place or animal, a historical era, commemorative coins about a certain event, or anything else you can imagine.

Store your coins safely. While we may typically think of objects like metal coins as durable, the surfaces of coins are actually very delicate and can be damaged easily by things like human contact, the weather, and even prolonged exposure to air. Store your coins in a safe coin tray, coin envelope, coin album, or cabinet.

Handle them correctly and do not clean them. Collectors should only handle their coins along the edges, not on the face of the coin. Valuable coins should only be handled while wearing cotton or latex gloves. You should never clean your coins because this can lower their value and possibly even make your coins monetarily worthless.

Engage with the antique coin collecting community. The best tip for getting into antique coin collecting is to engage with the numismatist community. Join a collecting club, attend coin collecting shows, or visit your nearest rare coin shop. Inhabit spaces where you can interact with and learn from other coin collectors. If you are serious about coin collecting, you should also build a relationship with a reputable coin dealer.

Valuable Coins To Look For While Antique Coin Collecting

Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle: The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle was a gold US coin minted between 1907 and 1933. It was once worth only $20, but examples of this coin minted in 1933 are valued at over $20 million. The coin was rapidly taken out of circulation in 1933 as part of a gold recall, which explains its rarity and high value.

1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar: The Flowing Hair Silver Dollar depicts a woman with flowing hair on one side and an eagle on the other. It was the first silver dollar coin minted in the US, minted between 1794 and 1795. Its value today can be up to $13 million.

1787 Brasher Doubloon: The first gold coin to be minted in the United States actually predates the establishment of the US Mint, and was instead created by George Washington’s neighbor, Ephraim Brasher. Only seven of these coins are known to have been produced, and only one of these coins bore the initials of its creator. That specific Brasher Doubloon is worth $10 million today.

The 1343 Edward III Florin: The 1343 Edward III Florin is an English coin also known as the Double Leopard. Only three of these coins have ever been uncovered, two in 1857 and one in 2006. These coins are valued at almost $7 million.

The 723 Umayyad Gold Dinar: The Umayyad gold dinar was minted in the year 723 AD by the Umayyad Caliphate. Only about a dozen of these 1,300-year-old coins are known to exist today, and they are each valued at over $5 million.

1913 Liberty Head V Nickel: According to the official records of the US Mint, these coins never existed, yet five specimens of this coin have nevertheless been discovered. The coin depicts Lady Liberty on one side and the Roman numeral ‘V’, for five cents, on the other. These rare nickels have a value of over $5 million.

1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny: In 1943, during the height of WW2, most pennies were made of steel because copper was being redirected to the war effort. However, one batch of pennies was mistakenly minted with copper. About 40 of these pennies are known to have survived to the present and they can be worth between $100,000 and $500,000, with one unique specimen even selling for over $3 million.

The 1787 Fugio Cent: The Fugio Cent may have been the first coin circulated in the US after the revolution, but this is disputed. The coin is named in honor of Benjamin Franklin. Rare variants of the Fugio Cent in pristine condition can be worth tens of thousands of dollars today, while others can be worth just hundreds.

Old & New Shop Can Help!

If you are looking to determine the value of your coin collection, liquidate your coin collection, or start your own antique coin collection, call the Old & New Shop for help!

Preserving Your Antiques

Posted on November 30, 2023 by Old and New Shop

Antiques bring joy into the lives of their owners every day, but it is also the responsibility of antique owners to properly preserve their collections. Antiques are more than just old objects, they are also often valuable collector’s items and even significant cultural artifacts. It is crucial financially and morally for collectors to preserve their antiques so they will still be around for future generations. Unfortunately, because antiques are by definition very old, taking good care of them presents antique owners with unique challenges. Thankfully, the experts at the Old & New Shop, have compiled this guide to help you with the goal of preserving your antiques.

Challenges To Preserving Your Antiques

Antiques face different threats depending on their material composition, age, and storage conditions. However, there are some potential environmental threats that can risk the health of your antiques. In order to preserve the good health of your antiques, here are the factors to help you gauge the preservation and longevity of keeping your antiques safe: light, temperature, humidity, pests, human contact, chemical pollution, and incompatible material composition.

1. Light

Exposing antiques to excessive amounts of light speeds up their deterioration. It is especially important to protect antique photographs, textiles, paper artifacts, and furniture from direct sunlight and fluorescent light.

2. Temperature

Antiques can be harmed by heat, cold, and temperature fluctuation particularly if they are made of rubber, wood, or metal. It is essential to store antiques in temperature-controlled environments.

3. Humidity

It is important to store antiques at a consistent humidity of 45 to 55 percent. High-humidity levels will promote the development of mold, pests, and rust while low-humidity environments can cause objects to lose moisture and become brittle.

4. Pests

Historic materials attract many different types of pests that can threaten your antiques. It’s important to inspect them for threatening organisms regularly. For instance, paper antiques (like books) attract silverfish, wool antiques attract moths, and wood antiques attract termites.

5. Human contact

Sometimes we are actually the greatest threats to our own antiques. People can damage antiques by handling them improperly. In addition, the residues, sweat, and oil on human hands can make even touching some objects without nylon gloves a threat to those antiques.

6. Chemical pollution

Everyday chemicals can also threaten your antiques in surprising ways. For instance, attempting to clean your antique with the wrong cleaning or polishing product can cause damage (it is important to consult an expert on how best to polish/clean your antiques). Even airborne chemical pollution can harm objects made of metal and marble particularly when they are outdoor items like marble statuary and iron architectural elements.

7. Incompatible Material Composition

Some threats to your antiques were sealed on the day of their manufacture. Antiques composed of incompatible materials, such as wood and leather or wood and paint, are inherently vulnerable to deterioration and need to be monitored. It is also important to note that different types of antiques require their own specific preservation techniques geared toward what type of antiques they are and their material composition.

When To Pursue Antique Restoration

Some antique owners move beyond simply preserving their antiques and pursue restoring or even refurbishing them. However, it is important to proceed with caution when exploring this option because a botched restoration or refurbishment job can damage your antique or decrease its value.

If you are interested in restoring your antique, the first step is to have it inspected by a licensed appraiser or restoration expert, so they can advise you on the piece’s value and your restoration options. In general, any action that changes the original character, style, or tone of an antique can decrease its monetary value, but restoration can still be the right call under some circumstances. If your antique is unusable in its current condition, and you want to continue using it, then you should consider restoration. On the other hand, if the piece has significant historical, financial, or sentimental value that would be threatened by restoration, it may not be the right choice.

If you do pursue restoration, it is best done in a way that is as non-invasive and reversible as humanly possible. If your goal is to maximize the value of your antique, rather than just conserving its functionality and aesthetics, it is best to pay a professional to perform any restoration.

Appraise Your Antiques with the Old & New Shop

If you are looking to appraise and/or sell any of your antiques please contact the Old & New Shop for help so that our experts can assist you.

Antique Trends: Blending Past and Present

Posted on July 31, 2023 by Old and New Shop

In the realm of interior design and collectibles, antique trends have always fascinated enthusiasts and design aficionados. As we progress through 2023, a wave of antique trends has emerged, combining the beauty of the past with the allure of the present. Many trendy pieces can be found by researching, learning, and shopping at reputable antique dealers like the Old & New Shop.

Current Trends

Sustainability and Conscious Consumption
One of the prevailing themes in 2023’s antique trends is sustainability and conscious consumption. With increasing awareness of the environmental impact, people are turning to antique pieces as a way to reduce waste and promote a circular economy. By repurposing and reusing vintage items, individuals are not only preserving history but also adding a unique charm to their spaces.

Art Deco Revival
The timeless elegance of the Art Deco movement experienced a revival in 2023. This iconic design style from the 1920s and 1930s has captivated the imagination of interior designers and antique collectors alike. Bold geometric patterns, luxurious materials, and sleek lines define this trend. From furniture to lighting fixtures, Art Deco pieces effortlessly infuse spaces with glamour and sophistication while blending the past and present.

Mid-Century Modern Magic
Mid-Century Modern continues to hold its reign as a prominent antique trend in 2023. Known for its clean lines, organic forms, and functional designs, this aesthetic exudes timeless appeal. Vintage furniture from the 1950s and 1960s, such as Eames chairs or Danish teak sideboards, have become coveted pieces that seamlessly integrate into contemporary spaces. The blend of minimalism and warmth characteristic of Mid-Century Modern designs creates an inviting ambiance.

Statement Lighting
Lighting has become an integral part of interior design, and antique lighting fixtures are making a strong statement in 2023. From elegant chandeliers to unique floor lamps, these vintage pieces provide a touch of grandeur and uniqueness to any space. Restored antique lighting fixtures not only illuminate a room but also serve as conversation starters and focal points.

Eclectic Mixes and Personalization
The rise of eclectic mixes and personalized spaces has given antique trends a new dimension. People are no longer confined to one specific era or style; instead, they are freely blending antique pieces from different periods to create one-of-a-kind interiors. A Victorian chair might sit alongside a mid-century side table, and a vintage rug might anchor a contemporary living room. This trend celebrates individuality and creativity, allowing for truly unique and personal spaces. Personalized preferences are certainly an example of antique trends mixing the past and present.

Antique Trends: Blending Past and Present

As 2023 progresses, antique trends are captivating interior design enthusiasts with their sustainability, elegance, and charm. From the revival of Art Deco to the continued popularity of Mid-Century Modern, these trends showcase the enduring appeal of vintage pieces in contemporary spaces. Beautiful and trendy pieces can be found by visiting reputable dealers like experts at the Old & New Shop. By embracing antique trends, individuals can create spaces that tell stories and reflect their unique personalities.

Posted on March 30, 2023 by Old and New Shop

If you have ever considered adding antiques to your home, but weren’t sure where to start, a little knowledge can go a long way. Antique collecting doesn’t have to be scary or costly.

The key to collecting is deciding what you love. There are so many choices from popular items like antique jewelry and furniture to order collectibles like vacuum cleaners! Depending on your preferences, you may want to consider vintage pieces as well. There may be a particular era you like or maybe, for example, items you prefer that are decorative or possibly functional. Once you’ve determined where your interests lie, decide what you plan to do with your collection. Some collectors prefer to display their antiques while others want useful pieces like Wedgwood tableware.

Where to Begin

Before you purchase anything, do some research and gather helpful information. Here are seven different activities that you can do to learn more about antiques and vintage items:

Visit museums: One of the best ways to learn about antiques is to visit museums that feature collections of antiques. Many museums have exhibits that showcase the history and development of antiques, including furniture, paintings, ceramics, and textiles. Knowing an artisan and the timeline helps you to appreciate an item’s value.
Attend antique shows and auctions: Antique shows and auctions are great places to see a wide variety of antiques and learn about their value. You can observe how auctions work, listen to expert appraisals, and ask questions of the dealers.
Read books and magazines: There are many books and magazines that cover antiques, including price guides, identification guides, and historical overviews. Reading these materials will help you develop an understanding of different types of antiques and their value.
Watch online videos: YouTube and other video-sharing platforms have a wealth of informative and entertaining videos about antiques, from interviews with collectors to instructional videos on how to restore antique items.
Take a class: Many communities offer classes on antiques and collecting, taught by knowledgeable instructors who can provide hands-on instruction on how to identify and value antiques.
Join an antique club or society: Joining an antique club or society is a great way to connect with other collectors and enthusiasts. These groups often host meetings, lectures, and field trips that can deepen your knowledge and appreciation of antiques.
Start collecting: Finally, the best way to learn about antiques is to start collecting them yourself! Start small, and focus on a particular area that interests you. Learn as much as you can about the pieces you’re collecting, and enjoy the process of discovering new treasures.

Go Shop

Once you have done your research, you can start to shop! Here are some helpful hints for beginners:

Starting with a local flea market which is less intimidating for a beginner collector. It will also be easier to make comparisons.
Ask lots of questions. Most dealers are happy to answer any questions. They may also have a lot of knowledge about a particular piece or era you like.
Start small. In other words, if you’re interested in Victorian furniture, for example, start with a vase from that period instead.
Imperfection is ok. In most cases, an antique will not be in mint condition, but its imperfections should be somewhat reasonable.
Consult a shopping guide. Read up on antiquing etiquette, preparation, and authenticity.

Learning About Antiques

The most important thing about learning and shopping for antiques and vintage collectibles is to enjoy yourself! Visiting shops and markets is an enjoyable experience even if you don’t purchase anything. Shops like the Old & New Shop are great places to start your antiquing!

Robert Schmidt is the longtime proprietor of the Old & New Shop in Queens, New York. His business is a second-generation family-owned and operated company with over 40 years of knowledge and experience in antiques.