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| Pismo Treasures |
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| Spring 2023 |
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| Love Tokens: Mementos of the Past |
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Hello, everyone!
First, let me just say that if you haven’t been to the Central Coast yet this spring, please don’t wait too long. Following the huge rains the last two months, the hills are green and the wildflowers are popping up in so many places.
Not only that, but many reservoirs are at capacity and some are even flowing over the spillways, which hasn’t happened for decades in many places.
While February and Valentine’s Day are behind us for 2023, in this issue I share one of the items I most enjoy collecting personally: love tokens. These mementos, with hand engraving added to a coin, were popular in the Victorian era between approximately 1820 and 1914.
Also read on for:
- high silver and gold prices
- visit me at the Santa Maria Coin & Collectibles Show on May 13
- unique Mother’s Day and graduation gifts
- and a few more things
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| Current High Prices for Gold and Silver: Now’s a Great Time to Sell |
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As of the date of this newsletter, silver and gold are commanding very high prices:
Silver: $25.78 troy oz. Gold: $2,039.40 troy oz.
For sellers, it’s a great time to cash in by selling any silver or gold coins, jewelry (including scrap or broken pieces), silverware, or bullion you may have.
For buyers, the high current price means that demand is very high and supplies are tight, but I’m always trying to source bullion and quality collectible coins to fulfill the needs of my customers and collectors.
Do you have certain coins you’re interested in adding to your collection? Reply to this email or call me. I keep a list and am continually on the lookout for items.
Do you have a coin collection or other items and would like to know their value? Please email or call and make an appointment for a complimentary, no-pressure evaluation. I enjoy sharing information and education. You never know what you might have sitting in a jar or desk drawer!
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| Santa Maria Coin & Collectibles Show: May 13 |
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Join me at the upcoming Santa Maria Coin Club annual Coin & Collectibles Show on Saturday, May 13. Admission is free.
Please note! My shop in Pismo Beach will be closed that day.
I’ll have a booth with lots of interesting and fun items to browse – or shop for Mother’s Day or graduation. Curious about a coin or collectible you have? Stop by and I’ll give you a free evaluation.
Santa Maria Coin Club Coin & Collectibles Show
Date: Saturday, May 13, 2023
Time: 9:00 to 4:00; free admission
Location: Elwin Mussell Senior Center
510 East Park Ave., Santa Maria, CA
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| One of My Favorite Collectibles: Love Tokens |
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Sometimes people ask me what I like to collect personally. Of course, I enjoy collecting coins that appreciate in value over the years, as well as collectible and antique items that I enjoy for a variety of reasons.
One rare item I especially enjoy collecting – and one you may have never heard of – is old coins turned into “love tokens.” I started collecting these rare items 30 years ago, not because of the monetary value (they often sell for $15 or $20) but because they’re scarce, 100% unique, and capture a moment in time.
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What's a Love Token?
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Back in the Victorian era, between approximately 1820 and 1914, these artistically altered coins were shared in families, between lovers or fiances, or to commemorate historical events. Usually, one side of a silver coin – often a Seated Liberty or Barber dime – was ground smooth and replaced with hand engraving of the purchaser’s choosing.
I’ve read that love token engravers would often have a booth at the large fairs and expos that were popular back then. After the buyer chose the coin they wanted engraved, for about .50 or $1, the artist would add their personalized touch to the blank side of the coin.
Popular designs of the time were single or multiple initials, names, dates, simple scenes, people, events, or animals. For some reason, frogs were quite popular!
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More intricate designs, like the one I have with a sailing ship, likely were done in jewelry stores. The other favorites in my collection depict a horse, cross, monogram initials, names, and intricate patterns.
The hand engraving is amazing, and I’m awed at the beauty and detail of these past artists’ work. While these coins in my personal collection aren’t for sale, I’m always on the lookout for love tokens to sell in the shop.
According to the Love Token Society, there are two requirements for a love token:
The February 2023 issue of Coin World magazine sums up the appeal of love tokens:
“These artistically altered coins provide windows into the lives of their former owners and showcase the ingenuity of the makers and artists who created them.”
Now that you know what a love token is, have you seen one in your jar of coins or family memorabilia?
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Shop Now for Mother’s Day and Graduation gifts
Instead of the usual – flowers, candy, perfume for Moms; clothes, electronics, luggage for graduates – how about a unique gift they’ll remember for years to come… and one that may even increase in value over time?
Of course, coins make a great gift for any occasion. You might find coins from certain years to commemorate special events (anniversaries, birthdays, adoptions, graduations) or with inspiring images or historical significance. Stop in and browse. I’ll be happy to help you find the perfect coin.
Collectibles make fun and memorable gifts that your recipient will enjoy for years to come. Right now in the shop, I have several mechanical banks. What a great gift for a graduate as a reminder to invest in their future! Or how about unique lamps, desk accessories, or artwork?
I have quality new and estate jewelry in the shop, ranging in prices to fit any budget. Choose from a variety of sterling silver pendants, rings, and earrings, as well as gold and silver pieces, many set with gemstones. These are beautiful pieces that you won’t find anywhere else, and at attractive prices.
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We Buy Collectibles. Are You Looking to Sell?
Do you have old, broken, or scrap jewelry?
Or do you have a coin collection that you’re interested in valuing and perhaps selling?
We also buy old coins, tokens, medals, WWII items, slot machines, and vintage toys.
Please contact us for a private appointment to evaluate your items so you can make a no-pressure decision.
Call: (805) 936-5058
or
Visit the Contact page on our website and let’s set up an appointment.
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| A Token of My Appreciation |
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It's people like you who make this business so wonderful. I'm fortunate to share my passion as my work, and when I help a customer find a special coin or give them information about their collection, it brings me such satisfaction. Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve your coin and collectibles needs.
Wherever this spring finds you, I hope you’ll find your way to the Central Coast very soon.
With my shop being walking distance to the historic Pismo Beach pier, it’s a great first stop on your vacation or an easy destination if you’re local. The two-hour parking is free outside the shop and often has spots available on Pomeroy avenue.
See you soon, and until then, stay curious!
John Zalesny
Proprietor
www.pismocoinsgallery.com
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P.S. A question for you.
What would you like to read in this newsletter? Whether it’s what makes jewelry valuable, why certain coins are collectible, how old something needs to be before it’s called an antique, or any other question, let me know!
Just reply to this email with your question and I’ll cover it in a future issue.
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P.P.S. Let’s Stay in Touch!
On my store’s website, you’ll find more information about the services and selections in the store, as well a bit about my background and how the store came to be.
Check out the shop on Facebook.
You can also find the store on Google Maps.
While you’re online, I’d sure appreciate your review of my shop and your experience! And please share with your friends – your recommendation is the best way small businesses like mine can grow.
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Do You Like our Shop? Please Share Your Experience!
Our business is built on word of mouth referrals and our dedication to service, honesty, and integrity.
If you’ve had a good experience with our business, whether having a collection evaluated, selling a collection, or purchasing items for your own collection, we’d appreciate you leaving us a review on Google.
Your review helps others find our store and all the treasures you’ve discovered.
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About the Shop
Pismo Beach Coins Etc Gallery is a bright, friendly store, and just a block and half east of the historic Pismo Beach Pier on California’s Central Coast. Inside, you’ll find a fun range of collectible and rare coins, currency and bullion… plus gold and sterling silver jewelry, antiques, art, lighting, toys, and more -- that’s the Etc. in our name!
Whether you’re looking for a memento from your vacation in Pismo Beach or a quality gift for a special person (or for yourself), you’re in for a treat when you visit our unique store in the Five Cities area near San Luis Obispo, California.
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