Video discs

Q: I have acquired a collection of about 35 video discs, including features that were issued by both RCA and 20th Century Fox. How much do you think they are worth, and where can I sell them? — E.L., West Chesterfield, N.H.

A: Capacitance Electronic Discs or CEDS were popular during the 1980s and were first marketed by RCA. CEDs were grooved vinyl discs that allowed consumers to watch feature films in their homes. The quality was fairly good, but the system soon was overshadowed by tape formats.

Video discs quickly became yet another dinosaur of our technical age. A quick check revealed that video discs are of little interest to collectors, probably due to the fact that special equipment is required to view them.

I found several hundred discs available on eBay, most selling in the $3 to $10 range. Fairly typical were four features, including “Guys and Dolls,” all offered for $10.

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Q: I have a very old coin, a 2-cent piece dated 1864. I understand that it might be quite valuable depending on whether it has a soft motto or a hard motto. What does this mean? — Dorothy, Council Hill, OK

A: I consulted my 2008 U.S. Coin Digest: The Complete Guide to Current Market Values, edited by David C. Harper (Krause Publications, $14.99), and discovered there was a modification of this coin during the year of its issue. The motto “In God We Trust” was changed, resulting in a small motto and a larger motto. The coin with the small motto appears to be the more valuable of the two. I recommend you contact a reputable coin dealer, since value will depend on various factors, including condition and demand.

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Q: I have an unopened bottle of Wiser’s Oldest Canadian Whisky, bottled sometime during the early 1940s. How can I find a collector to determine its value? — Rene, Mesquite, Nev.

A: Phil Greenwood is a Canadian collector who might be able to help you. His address is 6 Wildrose Place, Sherwood Park, Alberta T8H 1H1 Canada.