Collecting American proof silver coins for investment!

 

Why purchase U.S Proof Coinage?

Category: Articles
Author Name: Karl Newman
Posted: 10-01-2018

The United States Mint Proof Coins represent the finest coinage specimens produced in terms of overall quality and eye appeal. A proof coin is a specially made coin distinguished by sharpness of detail, usually with brilliant mirror-like surfaces.

United States Mint Proof Coins represent the finest coinage specimens produced in terms of overall quality and eye appeal. A proof coin is a specially made coin distinguished by sharpness of detail, usually with brilliant mirror-like surfaces. The term “proof” does not actually indicate the condition of a coin, but the way in which the coins are manufactured. Unlike "business strike" coins that are made for general circulation, proof coinage is specifically created as collector pieces that often demand higher premiums than average uncirculated coins. Understanding proof coins and why they are very popular, will help when making coin purchasing decisions. This article will explain what a proof coin is, why they were originally made, and the role they play when building a collection for enjoyment and as an investment in gold and silver.

"Proof" Specimen Coins

Proof coins are not coins intended for general circulation, they are made for collectors, special occasions, and other numismatic purposes. Nearly all countries have issued proof coinage, however, United States Mint proof coinage is some of the most popular and are widely collected coins today. It’s easy to get spoiled when buying proof coins because all other coins seem to pale in comparison and look much less appealing then proofs.

The surfaces are highly-polished, shiny and mirror-like. There is a sharp contrast in the foreground and background areas, with bold, sharp details. The finished frosted look on the raised parts of the design (devices), with the contrasting mirror-like finish on the background (field), is called "cameo," which is quite rare on some older coins. The softly frosted and highly detailed images seem to float above the surface, giving the coin a spectacular reflective effect. From 1936 until approximately 1972, only the first few coins made from a fresh set of dies had the cameo contrast of the deep mirrored fields and frosted devices. New technology introduced in the early 1970's enabled the United States Mint to produce all proof coins with the distinctive cameo contrast.

Minting Proof Coins

A proof coin is manufactured in a special way that causes a noticeable difference in the coin's appearance that qualifies the coin as a "proof" specimen. Special burnished coin blanks (planchet), are manually fed into coin presses and struck multiple times at slow speed and with extra pressure, on specially polished and treated dies. By striking proof coins more than once, the metal is forced into all the crevices of the die, thereby giving a very fine detail to the image on the coin.  This fine detail does not appear on some business strike coins.

Every proof coin is carefully handled with protective gloves and individually inspected for quality and strike. They never touch another coin and are carefully packaged a protective lens to showcase and preserve their exceptional finish. Today United States Mint roof coins come with an official Certificate of Authenticity and are sold in Proof Sets. Currently, proof coins are made at the Philadelphia, San Francisco or West Point mint facility. Using modern high-tech equipment and processes all proof coins now have mirrored surfaces contrasting with frosted (cameo) designs.

Origins of Proof Coins

The concept of proof coins goes back to the early minting of U.S. coins.  When the U.S. Mint first opened in 1792, one of its first employees was a young machinist and die maker named Adam Eckfeldt, who took special care and extra time to prepare the coin dies to assure the finest quality for the first U.S. coins. These prototype "proof" coins were studied for any problems, so adjustments could be made if needed prior to mass minting.  These first minted coins from the initial minting checks were often kept as souvenirs. Eckfeldt put aside these "master coins" which he struck with extra care using new dies and polished planchets, in hopes to someday establishing a conservatory of coins.

Eckfeldt worked at the Mint for 47 years before he retired in 1839.  A year before retiring, Eckfeldt turned his personal collection of “First Strike Master Coins” over to the Mint, which was the birth of the Mint Cabinet Collection. Today, it is now the Smithsonian National Numismatic Collection in Washington DC.

Proof Coin Popularity

Early U.S. Mint employees first took notice of Adam Eckfeldt’s early sample “proof coins” because they were shiny and unique, and they began to collect them. Over time, these special coins were given to special mint visitors, politicians and early pioneering coin collectors who could get special access to these special coins through connections at the mint, or they were wealthy enough to could buy them at a premium.

These coins were not called “proof coins” back then but were generally referred to as "specimen" coins, as there was no proof designation, standardized process, or any other official program at that time. But eventually the popularity of these specimen coins spread and the demand for them increased.

Today, United States proof coins are among the rarest and most beautiful coins produced by the U.S. Mint and are highly popular an in great demand. The exceptional coin detail, combined with their aesthetic appeal, makes proof coins extremely popular with collectors, so they are always in demand even at high price premiums.

Collectors of proof coins can pick a denomination to collect or assemble type sets of different denominations in proof condition.  Proof collecting can be a bit challenging without the right connections. When sets are built with well-matched coins, they become very desirable and can sell for a premium over the prices for the individual coins. Many collectors collect proof coins by type; Copper Cents, Silver Nickels, Silver Dimes, Silver Dollars and Gold Dollars.

The First Proof Coins

The United States Mint has been producing proof coins since around 1817. To appease collector demand, the U.S. Mint started to specifically make these special coins, which was the official beginning of proof coinage. As coin collecting started getting very popular by the late 1850s, many early coin collectors preferred to purchase these specially made proof coins over the regular issues. Beginning in 1861, The United States Mint began selling sets of several proof coins directly to collectors. These were not comprehensive sets of every coin minted, but subsets of the current coinage. For example, you could buy a set of just the minor coinage or silver coinage or all the gold coins. This practice ended in 1901.

The real explosion in demand for proofs occurred in the early 1900s. In 1908 matte proof cents, nickels, and gold coins were issued individually for sale to collectors, but proof production virtually stopped by 1916, except for a few specimens that are known to exist like the 1921 and 1922 silver dollar matte proofs are also known to exist. These matte proofs have a granular surface instead of a mirrored finish. As time evolved, coin collectors requested one proof coin of every type of coin minted. So, in 1936 The U.S. Mint started assembling sets of every coin minted and selling them directly to collectors.  Demand for proof coins grew from a few thousand to tens of thousands, to eventually hundreds of thousands by the 1950s. Over time, the mint also started making commemorative coins. The Mint produced these coins in business strike and proof finishes. A variety of sets that combined different denominations of commemorative coins or different finishes were made available to collectors, and proof popularity exploded.

U.S. Mint's Proof Set History

Collector demand officially launched the U.S. Mint’s Proof Set Program in 1936. From 1936 to 1942, proof coins could be ordered individually from the U.S. Mint for set building for five-coin and six-coin sets. The striking of proof coins was temporarily suspended from 1943 through 1949 due to the efforts of World War II. Beginning in 1950, customers could order proof coins only as complete sets.  Five coin proof sets were sealed in cellophane bags and packaged in a box until 1955, then the packaging was upgraded to a flat-pack envelope through 1964. After 1964, proof coins were sealed in various styles of hard plasticized cases. There was a three-year intermission between 1965 and 1967 when a nationwide coin shortage that caused the Mint to put a temporary hold on traditional annual coin sets and abolish mint marks to dissuade collectors from pulling coins out of circulation.

In 1968, the Mint switched the production of the proof coins from Philadelphia to the San Francisco Mint. All proof coins from 1968 and on have the "S" mintmark on them. A few didn't get this mark in error, and they are very rare and valuable if you happen upon one. The proof sets spanning 1968 through 1972 were the first generation of U.S. Mint proof sets packaged in rigid plastic cases with a dark background to better highlight the coins. All proof sets from 1936-1972 included the cent, the nickel, the dime, a quarter and a half dollar. From 1973 through 1981 and again beginning in 2000, the dollar coin was also included. Proof sets made during the years 1973 through 1979 contain six coins and feature a rectangular lens with a red felt-lined insert. In honor of the U.S. Bicentennial in 1976, a special proof set was released with three 40% silver-clad coins. Beginning in 1980, all six proof coins are encased within a hard, red plastic insert sealed within a two-part clear plastic lens case. Proof sets of the 1980-‘82 era also come with a removable black plastic frame that serves as a display stand. Special Prestige Proof Sets were also sold from 1983 through 1997.

Over the years, there were many refinements in proof coin displays and the coins offered. Proof sets have been released every year, but here are some of the more recent highlights:

• Silver proof sets started in 1992 and include a 90% silver dime, quarter and half-dollar.
• The proof sets from 1999 - 2008 contain 5 different Statehood quarters.
• The 2004 - 2005 sets also contain two Lewis and Clark nickels.
• Beginning in 2007, full proof sets include the four Presidential dollars for that year.
• Sets issued in 2009 contained 18 coins, the most ever included in a proof set.

Grading Proof Coins

Grading proofs are similar to the grading process for uncirculated coins Mint State coins (MS-60 to MS-70).  The attribute "PR" or "PF" stands for "proof" and is used instead of the MS (mint state) to indicate a proof coin.  Uncirculated proofs are graded from Proof-60 to Proof-70.

PCGS - Professional Coin Grading Service uses the "PR" grade designation.

NGC - Numismatic Guaranty Corporation uses the "PF" grade designation.

Proof refers to the method of manufacture and is not a condition. There are 11 grades of proof coins, ranging from Proof-60 to Proof-70.  Here are a few of the more popular proof grades:

• Proof-70 the perfect coin, with a full mirror surface and highest quality strike. No flaws are visible or post-production imperfections at 5x magnification.
• Proof-65 is sometimes called "Gem Proof" with a high-quality mirror surface and a few noticeable hairline scratches.  The strike of the coin will be well struck, above average.Proof-63, which is sometimes referred to as "Choice Proof."  The mirror field may be slightly impaired and it will have several hairline marks. The strike of the coin may be slightly weak or average.
• Proof-60 is the lowest grade on the upper proof grading scale. The coin will have little if any mirror characteristics and have many marks.  The strike of the coin will either be weak or average.

Grading Proof Cameo Contrast

Proof or proof-like coins that have deeply mirrored fields (backgrounds), with frosted devices (designs) and lettering, that creates a distinct contrast between the fields and devices, is known as a "Cameo" finish. There are several designations within the Cameo family, including Reverse Proofs and Plus or Star grading enhancements, all which give proof coins incredible eye appeal.  The following are several levels of Cameo contrast and proof variations.

• Brilliant Proof (No Cameo); Coins that have large patches of brilliance on the devices or the entire surface (including the devices) have a brilliant mirrored finish will be classified as "Brilliant Proof."
• Cameo; Coins that exhibit a light to moderate frosting on all the devices. There may be very small areas on the devices where the frosting fades and reflects light as almost mirror-like. Both sides must have adequate levels of frosting.
• Deep Cameo or Ultra Cameo; Coins must exhibit strong and unbroken frosted devices on both the obverse and the reverse. A robust contrast must be consistent and undiminished in all areas. Frosting must be unbroken and complete.
• Reverse Proof; In contrast to a Deep Cameo or Ultra Cameo, in a "reverse proof," the devices are deeply mirrored, while the fields are frosted.
• Plus (+) and Star (?); Third party grading services may give a proof grade a boost with a "+" (plus) or "?" (star) designation on the overall grade assigned to the coin. Plus designations are assigned to coins at the high end of their assigned grade, approaching the quality requirements for the next grade. Star designations are assigned to coins with exceptional eye appeal for their assigned grade.

Collecting Antique and Vintage Playing Cards

Miriam van Houten and Joop Muller run DXPO Playing Cards, a great information resource on antique and vintage playing cards, and a member of our Hall of Fame.

People are often surprised when we tell them we collect playing cards. They all know how to play games with cards and have all held them in their hands before, but they’ve never realized that ordinary playing cards come from a long history of ancient patterns, in Europe dating back as far as the 14th century. Local standard patterns appeared, disappeared or evolved over the centuries and different patterns, regional or by country, are still used within the European territory.

Queen of Clubs – Club Card, variation 1, printed by Bernard Dondorf, Germany, ca. 1875.

Besides standard patterns, normally used for everyday playing, special non- standard decks have been printed and published since the introduction of playing cards in Europe. At first special non-standard decks were made by artists, for the courts in Europe. By the 17th century special educational or practical decks, like geographical decks showing regional or global maps, were being made.

Sometimes non-standard decks were published to commemorate certain events or comment on them, sometimes for political or religious reasons and in the previous century often for publicity and advertising purposes too. They have become historical testimonies. Even now a 50 year old deck will give a nice impression of how things looked or were done in those days. Going back 100 years you’ll find the Art Nouveau influences in the non-standard designs of the courts, aces and backs.

Each decade or century shows its characteristics on its playing cards. Can you imagine what “pin-up” cards looked like in the Victorian age? See that Ace of hearts here! And when the process of photography was discovered, it didn’t take long before the first application was featured in playing cards too. Holding and studying playing cards up close will tell you things about the technique, their makers sometimes, and their topics. The more antique and vintage decks that are found the more we can tell about the history of playing cards and the “fashions” in their development.

How we got hooked on playing cards

But of course we didn’t realize all that when we first started collecting. It was one of our neighbours who was a collector of (not only) playing cards and showed us some of his collection. Miriam was amazed by the variety and designs and started to go to flea markets and collectors fairs to pick up unusual decks. Miriam couldn’t drive, so at first Joop came along as chauffeur and looked at everything but cards on the stalls, but it didn’t take long before he started participating in this card hunting.

Ace of Hearts – Hard A Port Cut Plug, for Moore & Calvi Tobacco, printed by Lindner, Eddy & Claus Lith, USA, ca. 1890.

Then we found out that we were not the only ones with an interest in playing cards and that there were special playing card collectors meetings in the Netherlands and Belgium. The first time we went to such a meeting was an eye-opener. There were collectors of antique decks only, collectors of Dutch decks only, collectors of non-standard decks with certain topics. But there were also collectors of single cards only: joker collectors and collectors of advertising backs, mostly with preferences for certain topics like airlines, tobacco, or beer only.

So we had difficulty focusing in this wide field of collecting. We did single jokers for a while too, but decided that we would try to complete a collection of decks, made by the Dutch “Speelkaartenfabriek Nederland” (1909-1969), to be specific. Besides that we would still collect all kinds of non-standard decks too, with only one parameter: that we would both like the designs. And if we could find affordable antique decks, we wouldn’t leave them on the table either. Oh well, at least we tried to focus!

The result is that we now have a collection of some 4000 decks, which includes a wide variety of techniques, styles and topics and covers two centuries in time. And that gives us the opportunity to create expositions around certain topics, showing decks from all over the world. It also makes it possible to compare the patterns, styles, techniques and topics that have been used over the centuries, which sometimes gives unexpected insight into the development of playing cards.

The hunt, and the buzz!

Something that every collector will recognize is “the buzz” that a special find will give. Your heart rate will go up, causing a faint dizziness and warm feeling that may even result in wet palms or armpits. We still remember our first buzz. It was on a flea market, where we found a “Kroonkaart” deck (by the Speelkaartenfabriek Nederland) almost hidden among steel machinery parts.

Jack of Diamonds – Designed by Cassandre for Hermès, printed by Draeger, France, 1948.

We noticed it, grabbed it and quickly bought it, as the price was ridiculously low. We strolled away as casually as we could and then ran to our car to count the cards and enjoy the design, scenic aces and jokers. At that time it was our first find of a vintage deck, nowadays we don’t even consider this deck a very special find anymore. It will take a lot more to get a buzz nowadays, but still the pleasant excitement is there, when you see a big, old, wooden playing card box on a stall.

Opening it usually only brings disappointment, because the antique cards it should have held are gone or replaced by a modern standard patterned deck. But sometimes there’s a sudden buzz! And although the downside of a large collection is that the chance to find something new for your collection only decreases, that buzz will keep you card hunting again for several months.

Card hunting is a tough job! It often means getting up really early to go to a meeting, market or fair, as the competition doesn’t sleep either. Fortunately in the Netherlands there are only a few avid playing card collectors, who are willing to get up early. There’s even a sort of comradery among us. There’s no real envy, you’ll have coffee together and discuss the finds. On few occasions you even do a trade right then and there with another collector. And if you’ve been card hunting for years, the merchants will know you and set decks aside for you. Sometimes that makes card hunting much easier.

Playing cards on the Internet

9 of Clubs – Key to the Kingdom, a modern transformation deck, designed by Tony Meeuwissen, printed in China, 1992.

eBay and other auction sites make life easier too, but they have changed the nature of collecting drastically. We’ve been active on eBay since February 1998 and at first it was an eye opener: we saw decks from other continents, that we had never seen before. In the early days of eBay there were not that many collectors there, so bargains could be found. And then you would get your buzz by bidding in the last minute, staring at the screen and waiting in the dying seconds to see if you were the lucky one. This has changed over the years.

Nowadays if there’s a special deck on auction, it will never go at a bargain price anymore. So for the last 5 or 6 years we’ve frequented regional small markets, antique shops and garage sales again too. But there are two good things about eBay and other international auction sites too. First, in general prices of decks have decreased. On any given day, if you type in “playing cards” on eBay, you’ll find some 9000 decks on offer. The second good thing is that often serious item descriptions can be found, which provide usable information about the decks, their makers and dates. Without having to buy, you can expand your knowledge.

We have learned a lot about playing cards in the past 12 years and not only from eBay. We have attended international conventions, met collectors from all over the world and discussed amazing decks. These personal contacts are often good for extra information. We’ve joined several international and national playing card collectors clubs and their publications are a source of information too. And we’ve gathered a good number of books that have been published about playing cards. All these are necessary to determine maker, country and date of the decks you find. And there are decks you come across that have never been seen or described before. There will always be mysteries to solve!

About Miriam van Houten and Joop Muller

King of Hearts – Tile Card deck, printed by the Speelkaartenfabriek Nederland, Netherlands, 1909 –1912.

We operate the DXPO website and have been together for more than 30 years now. For the last 25 years we have been living in Zaandijk, a small town in the western part of the Netherlands. Since 1998 we have maintained a website about this hobby. Each month there’s an update with new additions and expositions and we send a free report of this to the subscribers of our newsletter (in Dutch and English).

On our site you’ll also find special sections about jokers and playing card ephemera. The main purpose of the website is to show the visitors a large variety of decks from our collection, often related to certain topics such as “Art and Cards”, “Decks with a Fragrance”, “Yuletide on Iceland” and many others. By sharing our knowledge about playing cards, we hope that more people will become interested in this hobby.

 

Bakelite Jewelry Price Guide

Values for Bakelite jewelry can vary widely depending on the rarity of the piece. Many of the examples shown here are quite hard to find and reflect prices paid by avid collectors who compete at auction to own these pieces. Other pieces shown, which generally sell for $200 and less, are fairly common.

Since the 1990s, many pieces made of authentic, old Bakelite have been produced by artisans. Some of these are similar in style to older pieces, and they will test as Bakelite. These are usually highly carved pieces, bangle bracelets with dots, and other desirable styles. While these artisans maintain that they did not try to fool collectors with their work, some of these pieces, unfortunately, do get passed off as old Bakelite by re-sellers today. It is wise to do some research before buying high dollar Bakelite jewelry if you want to make sure you are purchasing a vintage piece. 

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Could Your Pocket Change Be Worth Thousands?

Other highly carved imported pieces have been made with materials resembling Bakelite, and collectors many times refer to these as "Fakelite" since they were meant to deceive collectors. All the items in this guide are believed to be vintage, with most dating to the 1930s and '40s except where noted.

The Bakelite Shown Above:

Two carved Bakelite Bracelets and one leaf carved brooch

Value: $270 (Morphy Auctions - 8/14)

Brown Bakelite Bangles

Two brown Bakelite bracelets with carving sold together.

Value: $180 (Morphy Auctions - 6/12)

Two Brown Carved Bakelite Bangles  - Photo courtesy of Morphy Auctions

Paul Whitman Good Luck Bakelite Ring

Promotional item for bandleader Paul Whitman"s radio show in the 1930s. Whitman's face is on each side of the ring. The swastika represented good luck at the time the ring was made — silver on black Bakelite.

Value: $120 (Morphy Auctions - 2/12)

Paul Whitman Good Luck Bakelite Ring  - Photo Courtesy of Morphy Auctions

Bakelite V for Victory Pin

Vintage World War II (1940s) Bakelite V for Victory pin with original pin back. Condition: good.

Value: $138 (Morphy Auctions - 1/11)

Bakelite 1940s V for Victory Pin  - Morphy Auctions

Carved Red Peppers Pin

Vintage Bakelite carved chunky red peppers pin with original pin back. Described as "later production." Condition" excellent. Size: 2 3/8" x 3".

Value: $207 (Morphy Auctions - 1/11)

Carved Red Peppers Pin  - Morphy Auctions

Bulldog Pin

Rare bulldog pin with celluloid teeth and brass collar. Condition: near mint. Size: 2 3/8" tall.

Value: $1,495 (Morphy Auctions - 12/08), $671 (Bonham's - 12/09)

Bakelite Bulldog Pin  - Photo Courtesy of Morphy Auctions

Bakelite Green & Black Striped Bangle

Thick bangle bracelet with green and black layering. Condition: excellent.

Value: $103.50 (Morphy Auctions - 5/10)

Bakelite Green & Black Striped Bangle  - Morphy Auctions

Bakelite Cameo Link Bracelet

Bakelite ovals with applied celluloid cameos and celluloid links. Condition: excellent. Size: 7 - 1/4" long.

Value: $149.50 (Morphy Auctions - 5/10)

Bakelite Cameo Link Bracelet  - Morphy Auctions

Bakelite Overdyed Horse Pin

Bakelite carved and overdyed, or resin washed red horse pin with brass chain harness. Condition: excellent. Size: 2 3/4" tall.

Value: $207 (Morphy Auctions - 5/10)

Bakelite Carved & Overdyed Horse Pin  - Morphy Auctions

Bakelite Carved Green Pin

Bakelite Carved Green Bar Pin. Shows original bright green color on reverse. Condition: very good to excellent. Size: 3 1/2" long.

Value: $45 (RubyLane.com 5/10)

Bakelite Carved Green Pin  - Jay B. Siegel

Bakelite Marbled Bangle Bracelet

Bakelite unusually shaped bangle with marbled mottling. Condition: excellent.

Value: $115 (Morphy Auctions - 5/10)

Ca. 1930s Bakelite End of Day Bangle  - Morphy Auctions

Bakelite Carved Flower Necklace Set

Carved Bakelite Flowers mounted on medallions. The necklace has a celluloid chain. Stretch bracelet with Bakelite components. Condition: excellent.

Value: $150 (RubyLane.com 1/10)

Ca. 1930s Bakelite Carved Flower Necklace Set  - Jay B. Siegel

Bakelite Saucer Bangle Bracelet

Vintage butter-yellow bangle in a saucer shape. Condition: Very good to excellent.

Value: $30 (1/10 - RubyLane.com)

Ca. 1930s Baklite Saucer-Shaped Bangle Bracelet  - Jay B. Siegel

Bakelite Overdyed Wagon Wheel Pin

Overdyed or Resin Washed wagon wheel pin. Condition: excellent. Size: 2 3/4" tall.

Value: $230 (Morphy Auctions - 2/10)

Bakelite Overdyed Wagon Wheel Pin  - www.morphyauctions.com

Bakelite Gold & Red Sword Pin

Condition: excellent. Size: 4 1/4" long.

Value: $316.25 (Morphy Auctions - 2/10)

Bakelite Gold & Red Sword Pin  - www.morphyauctions.com

Bakelite Dark Yellow Hinged Bracelet

Condition: excellent. Size: 3" wide.

Value: $86.25 (Morphy Auctions - 2/10)

Bakelite Dark Yellow Hinged Bracelet  - www.morphyauctions.com

Bakelite Dark Red Horse Head Pin

Condition: excellent. Size: 2 1/2" long.

Value: $258.75 (Morphy Auctions - 2/10)

Bakelite Dark Red Horse Head Pin  - www.morphyauctions.com

Bakelite Horse Head & Shoe Pin

Condition: excellent. Size: 2 1/2" wide.

Value: $287.50 (Morphy Auctions - 2/10)

Bakelite Horse Head & Shoe Pin  - www.morphyauctions.com

Bakelite Hat Pin with Flowers

Condition: excellent. Size 2 1/2" long.

Value: $230 (Morphy Auctions - 2/10)

Bakelite Hat Pin with Flowers  - www.morphyauctions.com

Bakelite Gun, Hat, Saddle & Whip Pin

Condition: excellent. Size: 4" long.

Value: $402.50 (Morphy Auctions - 2/10)

Bakelite Gun, Hat, Saddle & Whip Pin  - www.morphyauctions.com

Pair of Yellow Honeycomb Bangle Bracelets

Pair of faceted honeycomb bangles. Condition: excellent. Size: 1 1/8" wide.

Value: $86.25 (Morphy Auctions - 12/08)

Pair of Yellow Honeycomb Bangle Bracelets  - Photo Courtesy of Morphy Auctions

Air Raid Warden Pin

Rare air raid warden pin. Condition: excellent. Size: 3 1/2" long.

Value: $690 (Morphy Auctions - 12/08)

Ca. 1940s Air Raid Warden Pin  - Photo Courtesy of Morphy Auctions

Cherry Juice Quilted Bangle Bracelet

Cherry juice (refers to clear coloring with cherry being more uncommon than apple juice Bakelite) quilted bangle. Condition: excellent. Size: 5/8" wide.

Value: $143.75 (Morphy Auctions - 12/08)

Cherry Juice Quilted Bangle  - Photo Courtesy of Morphy Auctions

Overdyed Fox Pin with Movable Head

Rare overdyed or resin washed fox pin with movable head. Condition: near mint. Size: 3" tall.

Value: $862.50 (Morphy Auctions - 12/08)

Overdyed Fox Pin with Movable Head  - Photo Courtesy of Morphy Auctions

Deeply Carved Green Rope Bangle Bracelet

Deeply carved green rope bangle bracelet. Condition: near mint. Size: 5/8" tall.

Value: $86.25 (Morphy Auctions - 12/08)

Deeply Carved Green Rope Bangle Bracelet  - Photo Courtesy of Morphy Auctions

Ladybug Bracelet

Unusual ladybug bracelet. Condition: near mint. Size: 7 1/2" long.

Value: $402.50 (Morphy Auctions - 12/08)

Bakelite Ladybug Bracelet  - Photo Courtesy of Morphy Auctions

Googly Eye Pumpkin Pin

Very rare pumpkin pin with googly eyes. Condition: excellent. Size: 5 1/4" tall.

Value: $6,325 (Morphy Auctions - 12/08)

Googly Eye Pumpkin Pin  - Photo Courtesy of Morphy Auctions

Rabbit with Wooden Basket Pin

Hard to find Bakelite and wood rabbit with basket pin. Condition: excellent. Size: 3 1/4" tall.

Value: $402.50 (Morphy Auctions - 12/08)

Rabbit with Wooden Basket Pin  - Photo Courtesy of Morphy Auctions

Wolverine Pin with Movable Arm Holding Sword

Rare overdyed or resin washed wolverine pin with movable arm. Condition: excellent. Size: 2 7/8" tall.

Value: $1,035 (Morphy Auctions - 12/08)

Wolverine Pin with Movable Arm Holding Sword  - Photo Courtesy of Morphy Auctions

Red Bird Pin with Wooden Wing

Red bird pin with carved wood wing. Condition: near mint. Size: 4" long.

Value: $172.50 (Morphy Auctions - 12/08)

Red Bird Pin with Wooden Wing  - Photo Courtesy of Morphy Auctions

Doghouse Pin with Dangling Charms

Hard to find doghouse with three charms. Condition: excellent. Size: 3" tall.

Value: $632.50 (Morphy Auctions - 12/08)

Doghouse Pin with Dangling Dog Charms  - Photo Courtesy of Morphy Auctions

Red, White and Blue Eagle Pin

Red, white & blue shield pin with eagle. Condition: excellent. Size: 2 1/2" in diameter.

Value: $1,265 (Morphy Auctions - 12/08)

Ca. 1940s Red, White and Blue Eagle Pin  - Photo Courtesy of Morphy Auctions

Painted and Overdyed Genie Pin

Unusual overdyed or resin washed and painted genie pin with brass accents. Condition: excellent. Size: 2 7/8" tall.

Value: $862.50 (Morphy Auctions - 12/08)

Painted and Overdyed Genie Pin  - Photo Courtesy of Morphy Auctions

Gun with Dangling Charms Pin

Bakelite western pin with saddle, 10-gallon hat, and rope charms. Condition: near mint. Size: 2 5/8" long.

Value: $230 (Morphy Auctions - 12/08)

Gun with Dangling Charms Pin  - Photo Courtesy of Morphy Auctions

Uncle Sam Top Hat Pin

Hard to find Uncle Sam hat pin with metal eagle accent. Condition: excellent. Size: 2 1/8" tall.

Value: $517.50 (Morphy Auctions - 12/08)

Ca. 1940s Uncle Sam Top Hat Pin  - Photo Courtesy of Morphy Auctions

Strawberry Pin

Strawberry pin with carved leaf and painted accents. Condition: excellent. Size 2 1/4" tall.

Value: $258.75

Bakelite Strawberry Pin  - Photo Courtesy of Morphy Auctions

Black and Cream Bow Tie Bangle Bracelet

Hard to find black and cream bow tie bracelet. Condition: near mint. Size: 3/4" tall.

Value: $1,840 (Morphy Auctions - 12/08)

Black & Cream Bow Tie Bangle Bracelet  - Photo Courtesy of Morphy Auctions

Red Heart and Arrow Necklace

Red Bakelite heart and arrow charms on celluloid chain. Condition: near mint. Size: hearts measure 3/4" tall.

Value: $460 (Morphy Auctions - 12/08)

Red Bakelite Heart and Arrow Charms on Celluloid Chain  - Photo Courtesy of Morphy Auctions

Multicolor Bow Tie Bangle Bracelet

Rare multicolored "bow-tie" bangle bracelet. Condition: near mint. Size: 1/2" wide.

Value: $1,265 (Morphy Auctions - 12/08)

Multicolor Bow Tie Bangle Bracelet  - Photo Courtesy of Morphy Auctions

Pocket Knife with Dangling Pencils

Rare Bakelite pocket knife pin with attached pencils. Condition: near mint. Size: 3 1/2" tall.

Value: $920 (Morphy Auctions - 12/08)

Bakelite Pocket Knife Pin  - Photo Courtesy of Morphy Auctions

Red Carved Bangle Bracelet

Carved Bakelite bangle - 3/4" wide. Condition: near mint.

Value: $86.25 (Morphy Auctions - 12/08)

Carved Red Bakelite Bangle  - Photo Courtesy of Morphy Auctions

Orange Carved Lily Pad Bangle Bracelet

Note: This piece may not be authentic vintage Bakelite. Pieces made in similar styles have been made since the 1990s. Some of these are genuine Bakelite, but they are not vintage pieces.

Value: $460 (Morphy Auctions - 12/08)

Orange Carved Lily Pad Bangle Bracelet  - Photo Courtesy of Morphy Auctions