Collecting: Confederate money
Q: I have some old Confederate money, which I would like to sell. How can I go about doing this? — Danielle, Kitzmiller, Md.
A: The first thing you should do is determine if they are genuine pieces of Confederate currency or if they are counterfeits. Most Confederate bills circulating in America are not genuine. To find out one way or the other, you need to contact an expert. William Skelton is knowledgeable about U.S. currency issued before 1929, and all Confederate States of America currency and bonds. Contact him c/o Highland’s Vault, P.O. Box 55448, Birmingham, AL 35225; and 205-939-1178.
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Q: I have a hand-colored platinotype picture in its original mat and dated 1924. It is Wallace Nutting’s “Honeymoon Blossoms.” We have no way of knowing its value and hope you can help us. — Helen, Decatur, Ill.
A: Wallace Nutting was one of America’s most famous photographers of the early 20th century.
During his lifetime, he took more than 50,000 images, keeping about 10,000 of those he considered his very best and destroying the rest. His more popular pictures featured such exterior scenes as country lanes, orchards, apple blossoms and country views.His photography has increased in popularity in recent years, impacting prices in the marketplace.
For example, his “Nap Time Stories” soared in value from $150 to $450 just within the past 10 years.Michael Ivanovich is a Wallace Nutting expert and conducts several auctions of his prints, books and furniture each year. He might be able to help you establish a value for your Nutting print. Contact him in care of Ivanovich Antiques, P.O. Box 1536, Doylestown, PA 18901; ivanovich@wnutting.com; http://www.wnutting.com/; and 215-345-6094.
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Q: Many years ago, my uncle sent me a baseball signed by the New York Yankees player Joe Dimaggio. What would be a fair price I could expect? — Arnold, Mesquite, Nev.
A: I suggest you monitor eBay and check out current auction results of signed baseballs and related memorabilia. You might also have fun checking out the official DiMaggio Web site at www.joedimaggio.com.