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Mezco's Got Spirit!
Get a first look at some great new Mezco Toyz action figures based on a new blockbuster movie expected to hit the big screen in December! The new movie...
NECA Street Fighter Action Figures?
The rumors have been swirling about this one since before San Diego Comic Con, but I'm not one to spread rumors until I have some facts to back them up....
Hellboy Action Figures - Some of Mezco's Best Figures Ever?
In a recent blog post about a Scarface action figure review that I wrote, I mentioned that Mezco Toyz isn't great at doing realistic action figures. I commented that...
Get Your Designer Vinyl Figures Manufactured!
I get questions all the time from action figure fans about different action figure lines, companies, and new figures. This is pretty standard in my line of work, but...
A Vulgar Little Friend
I recently caught a rerun of the ruthless gangster flick, Scarface. It reminded me of a cool series of Scarface action figures made by Mezco Toyz. ...
Mass Produced "Designer Toys" - Do Collectors Care?
I just posted a new article describing some new mass produced vinyl figures called Mighty Muggs. They're cool little vinyl figures produced by Hasbro. This article...
Ninja Turtles Lose Their Color
It looks like NECA will be following up their series 1 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures by debuting a black and white version of the Heroes in a...
Entertainment Earth and Bif Bang Pow Team Up for a SDCC Big Lebowski Exclusive
With San Diego Comic Con (SDCC) 2008 coming up in just a couple weeks (July 24-27), I wanted everyone to know about a SDCC exclusive that I...
Mcfarlane Slays Dragons Action Figure Line
A moderator on the official McFarlane Toys forums website has just announced that they are discontinuing their Fantasy, Dragons, and Zodiac product lines.
According to Joe F., the moderator on...
About Action Figure Collecting
Action Figure Collecting
Wordless Wednesday
Shirley Temple
Wordless Wednesday on About
Wordless Wednesday Web Site...
The Latest Round of eBay Changes for 2008 --What Do They Mean For Doll Collectors?
If you buy or sell dolls on eBay, you will definitely be affected by the latest round of changes to the eBay marketplace. The rapid change of pace on eBay...
Top 10 Mistakes of Doll Collecting Newbies
If you are new to doll collecting, it can be overwhelming! The excitement of so many dolls to choose from and the uncertainty when paying a large sum of...
Antique Dolls Shine at the UFDC 2008 National Doll Competition
As mentioned, I had a fantastic doll-obsessed time at the 2008 UFDC National Doll Convention held in Las Vegas earlier this month. One of the highlights of the convention was...
Wordless Wednesday
Bathing Beauty
Wordless Wednesday on About
Wordless Wednesday Web Site...
Massive eBay Changes Announced - Fixed Price Listings Get New Emphasis
My husband and I have been eBaying for over 11 years. So, we were among a group of devoted eBayers sitting around tonight waiting for the "big" announcement that Internet...
Buying a Doll at a Doll Show--One Doll's Story
At the recent UFDC national convention in Las Vegas, I went doll shopping! No surprise there, but the story of her purchase might entertain you, since the purchase of the...
Wordless Wednesday
Delphine Silkstone Barbie Dolll
Wordless Wednesday on About
Wordless Wednesday Web Site...
59th Annual UFDC National Doll Convention Was a Huge Success!
The 59th Annual UFDC national doll convention was a huge success. It wrapped up on Friday night with a gala banquet celebrating the theme of Stellar D'Arte. I have several...
Seam Me Up Luncheon at UFDC Convention Focuses on Sewing for Dolls
One of the great things about attending a doll convention is that it introduces you to new types of dolls and also helps re-kindle your interest in dolls and doll...
About Doll Collecting
Doll Collecting
Kid Tough Digital Camera from Fisher-Price
If there's a toy which truly belongs on the "A" list this year, this is it. The Kid Tough Digital DVD player from Fisher-Price is by far the best toy...
My Meebas from Mattel - Another Tamagotchi?
My Meebas is a new concept from Mattel which is aimed towards the younger set of kids. It's a mixture of several things like a virtual pet, games and activities...
Color Me Gemz is all set to dazzle girls everywhere
There's a new rage amongst the girls nowadays ... it's called Color Me Gemz. For those of you who are reading about Color Me Gemz for the first time, they...
Consumer Product Safety Act of 2008 Signed Into Law
The new Consumer Product Safety Act of 2008 has been signed into law. It is very heartening to see the stricter rules and regulations for the safety of kids' toys...
Mattel Triumphs in Barbie vs Bratz Doll War
After a long and arduous legal battle with MGA Entertainment, Mattel finally emerged as the winner. For those of you who don't know what the big hoo-hah is all about,...
Marvel Puzzle Peril from Brighter Minds Media
Ive always loved superheroes. As a kid I loved to read (and re-read) the adventures of my favorite superheroes who were bent upon saving the world from destruction. I guess...
Lead, Phthalates To Be Banned from Kids' Toys
At long last, here's some good news in relation to toy safety. I'm sure that parents all over the US will be pleased to learn that concrete steps are being...
Face Off Frenzy Powerband Hockey
Arcades are always a fun place to be at. Hanging out with friends and bonding over good natured competition is what kids of all ages love. If you can do...
Pretend and Play Explorer Set from Learning Resources
You know, I really like the Learning Resources line of toys - they're so simple and yet encourage your child's imagination. Recently, I tried out the Pretend and Play Explorer...
Smart Splash Letter Link Crabs from Learning Resources
Lets all say Ahoy there! to the friendly water-loving critters that are here to help kids learn and have fun while doing so. The Letter Link Crabs from Learning Resources...
About Toys
Toys
Coin Trivia for 2 Sep 2008
1. Of what alloy were the cents of 1944-1946 composed?
2. Whose portrait appears on coins from Andorra?
3. Treasury notes from 1890 to 1891 are also known as what other type of notes?
4. What Mint marks have been used on the 40% silver coinage of the United States?
5. Coin Trivia for 26 Aug 2008
1. What does the compass point to on the reverse of the Cleveland Great Lakes Exposition commemorative?
2. Who was called "Old Coppernose"?
3. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing answers to what cabinet officer?
4. Is an electrotype the genuine article or a replica?
5. Coin Trivia for 19 Aug 2008
1. In what year was an overdate Standing Liberty Quarter struck?
2. Tuvalu was formerly known as what?
3. Name the man who succeeded Harry Clements as Director of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing
4. On a weak strike error, is the reading strong or indistinct?
5. Coin Trivia for 12 Aug 2008
1. What coin may have a "full horn" on well-struck issues?
2. What is Queen Elizabeth wearing on her head in the portrait coins of Great Britain?
3. Why are certain types of U.S. paper money referred to as "Watermelon notes"?
4. Mint Director Donna Pope was a member of what state legislature?
5. 
Coin Trivia for 5 Aug 2008
1. What was the initial year for the copper-nickel 5-cent piece?
2. The Welsh leek appears on a 1985 £1 coin of what country?
3. The initials MPC stand for what type of U.S. paper money
4. What is a wrong metal error coin?
5. When did the Dahl
Coin Trivia for 29 Jul 2008
1. What two languages appear on the Fugio cent?
2. Name the Mexican coin of 1984 that can be used in some vending machines as a U.S. quarter
3. What seals appear on a 1981 Federal Reserve note?
4. Is an off-center coin an example of a planchet, die or striking error?
5. Coin Trivia for 22 Jul 2008
1. Which direction is the eagle flying on a Standing Liberty Quarter?
2. Who was Nike on Greek coins?
3. What date of Washington quarter has light and heavy motto varieties?
4. What was the second issue price of the 1983-S Proof Olympic silver dollar?
5. Coin Trivia for 15 Jul 2008
1. What three alloys has the Kennedy half been struck in?
2. Where can you change your krona into aurar?
3. Why is the pyramid unfinished on the $1 bill?
4. How long does an appointment to be U.S. Mint Director last?
5. Who wrote "The RMP Book", pub
Coin Trivia for 8 Jul 2008
1. When was the Roosevelt Dime introduced?
2. The coinage of Queen Juliana portrays who on the obverse?
3. Name the three generals appearing on modern Federal Reserve notes
4. The first foreign coinage produced by the Royal Canadian Mint was in what year?
5. Coin Trivia for 1 Jul 2008
1. During what year was the Mint mark moved to the obverse of the Jefferson Nickel?
2. A copper nickel 10-kroner coin of Denmark depicts who?
3. Which Federal Reserve Bank is referred to by the letter E and numeral 5?
4. At what facility is the U.S. Mint Museum located?
5. New Book Teaches Techniques and Tips on How to Photograph Coins
Here's a press release I received from Zyrus on a new book coming out in July.
(Irvine, CA) - As the use of the Internet and electronic visual media becomes more of a vital part of the coin industry, photographing coins, either raw or slabbed, has become an increasing concern with collectors and dealers. How do I get a good detailed image of this coin? What are the tools I need? Do I need to purchase any expensive equipment? What kind of lighting should I use? What techniques can I use to produce a good image of this coin?
In Numismatic Photography (published by Zyrus Press), Mark Goodman teaches the reader in an easy-to-read and visually rich guidebook format on how to image quality photos of coins with your digital camera. Whether you are using a digital camera for the first time or you already have experience in other fields
Coin Trivia for 24 June 2008
1. Who appears on the obverse of the $50 gold Panama-Pacific commemorative?
2. What is the monetary unit of Austria?
3. When did the BEP produce its first American Numismatic Association souvenir card?
4. What is a Civil War sutler's token?
5. 
Coin Trivia for 17 June 2008
1. What date appears to the right of Chief Black Fish on the 1935 Daniel Boone commemorative half dollar?
2. Who designed the reverse of the English coins that show St. George and the dragon?
3. What type of federal note was declared illegal to own in 1933?
4. What U.S. Mint produced the famous doubled die cents of 1955?
5. 
Coin Trivia for 10 June 2008
1. "NE" appears on what silver Colonial coinage?
2. What mint mark is found on 1917 coinage of Newfoundland issued by the Royal Canadian Mint?
3. What Kentucky man born in 1809 appears on a 1923 $5 silver certificate?
4. What was the highest denomination Canadian coin struck in 1982?
5. 
Coin Trivia for 3 June 2008
1. When were the last 90% silver dimes minted?
2. On Polish coinage a grosz is a fractional unit of what denomination?
3. A numismatic bibliophile might collect what?
4. Where is the mint mark on the silver 3-cent piece?
5. What is the name for a co
Coin Collecting - The Hobby of Kings
Coin collecting news, information and commentary.
Harry Potter FAQ
More than half of the questions that land in my inbox relate to Harry Potter. So here, for your enjoyment, are answers to the most frequently asked questions about collecting Harry Potter books. Read the FAQ......
Tom Clancy Price Guide
If you come across a first edition of The Hunt for Red October for a song, don't hesitate to buy it. Clancy collectors pay well for this rare first. To find out more, check out the Tom Clancy Price Guide....
Rare? Scarce? Antique?
When describing a book, what is the difference between rare, scarce, antique and used? Read more......
Safe Storage of Paperback Books
A reader asks: "I have over 400 star trek books and about 100 others, all paperback. What would be the best way to store these. I am running out of bookshelf space & would like to hold on to them....
Vintage Paperback FAQ
What's a paperback original? What do Raymond Chandler and Louis L'Amour have in common? How can you tell if a paperback is a first edition? Find out here......
Robert Frost Price Guide
Robert Frost remains one of the great American poets as well as one of my personal favorites. If you admire Frost as much as I do, be sure to browse the price guide to Robert Frost first editions....
How to Identify a Harry Potter First Edition
Here are three tips to help you identify a British or American first edition of books in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. Read on......
Book Collecting Jargon
You probably already know that "covers" refers to a book's binding, but what about "recto" or "yellowback"? Check out the Book Collecting Glossary to decipher these and other unique bits of jargon....
How Important is a Book's Condition?
How does a book's condition impact its appraised value? Is the answer always black and white? Our book appraisal experts tackle this common dilemma. Read more....
First Edition? First Trade Edition?
A reader asks: "I have a "First Trade Edition". Does this differ from a "First Edition"? And if so how?" Read my reply......
Maxfield Parrish Price Guide
In 1925, about 20% of American homes had a Maxfield Parrish print hanging on a wall. Parrish's fantastical imagery was featured on greeting cards, calendars, advertisements and fine art prints. However, book collectors know him from his exquisite children's book...
Where Can I Find a Book Appraiser?
Sometimes you need to have a book formally appraised. But, where can you find a reputable appraiser? A team of booksellers and book appraisers answer this question for us. Read their responses......
Price Clipped Dust Jackets
A reader asks: "I have noticed the following and don't know what it means: "DJ not price-clipped." What is "price-clipped" and is it good or bad?" Read my answer......
How to Grade a Book's Condition
Booksellers usually designate a book as fine, very good, good, fair, poor, reading copy or binding copy. But, do you know what these descriptors really mean? How can you tell if the book youre holding in your hand is a...
How Important is a Book's Condition?
What role does a book's condition play in determining its appraised value? Find out here......
About Book Collecting
Get the latest headlines from the About.com Book Collecting GuideSite.
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