How About Investing in Old Computers?

by Fred Fuld III

Step into a captivating journey through time at Christie’s auction “Pushing Boundaries: Ingenuity from the Paul G. Allen Collection,” where nearly 40 remarkable documents and objects narrate the evolution of technology from pre-history to the present day. This extraordinary collection, primarily composed of 20th-century artifacts, mirrors Mr. Allen’s deep-seated passions and stands as a testament to the dizzying pace of technological advancement within our lifetimes.

If you are interested in technology and investing, you might want to place a bid on an Apple I personal computer, made in 1976, which formally rested on Steve Job’s desk. This item is has an estimated hammer price range of $500,000 to $800,000.

The auction’s crown jewel is Einstein’s pivotal letter to President Roosevelt, a document that catapulted the United States into the nuclear age and underscores the profound impact of technology on society. The collection also celebrates humanity’s relentless pursuit of exploration, featuring treasures like a 16th-century portolan chart, Jacques Cousteau’s visionary pitch-book, and key artifacts from the Space Race, including Ed White’s spacesuit cover layer, the pilot’s logbook from Apollo 8, flown items from Apollo 11, and the checklist from the first American spacewalk in June 1965.

Select highlights from this extraordinary sale will be on display at Christie’s New York through July 19. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness the milestones of human ingenuity and discovery.

Picture courtesy of Christie’s.

How Would You Like to Own a Genuine US $10,000 Bill?

by Fred Fuld III

Did you know that the highest denomination currency for public distribution was the $10,000 bill?

Those bills are now collectors items that are nw worth far more than the ten thousand dollar face value.

If you have ever wanted to own such a rare item, now is your chance.

Stack’s Bowers Galleries will be auctioning one of these rare items in their upcoming auction on November 17.

$10,000 bill, Source: Stack’s Bowers

The banknote has been authenticated and graded by PMG (Paper Money Guaranty), with a grade of 45 Choice Extremely Fine.

The serial numbers is extremely low at C00000102A.

The starting bid is $85,000 with an estimate of $175,000 to $275,000.

What’s in your wallet?

$10,000 bill, Source: Stack’s Bowers

You Can Buy Barbara Walter’s 13 Carat Diamond Ring: Estimate $600,000 to $900,000

The New York based Bonhams auction house is auctioning off the estate of Barbara Walters on November 6, with over over 300 lots of American Art, jewelry, fashion, furniture, and decorative items. The net proceeds of the sale will benefit charities that Walter’s supported.

Barbara Walters, born on September 25, 1929, in Boston, Massachusetts, was an iconic American journalist, television personality, and author, best known for her trailblazing work in the field of broadcast journalism. Walters made history by breaking into the male-dominated world of television news reporting in the 1960s. Her tenacity and talent led her to become a prominent figure on NBC’s “Today Show,” where she worked as a co-host and writer, shaping the show’s format and content.

Walters’ career reached new heights when she joined ABC News in 1976 as the first female co-anchor of an evening news program. She co-hosted the ABC Evening News alongside Harry Reasoner, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of female journalists. However, it was her role as the creator, co-host, and producer of the daytime talk show “The View,” which premiered in 1997, that solidified her status as a cultural icon. The show, featuring a panel of diverse women discussing various topics, became immensely popular and showcased Walters’ interviewing skills and ability to engage with a wide range of personalities.

Throughout her career, Walters conducted high-profile interviews with world leaders, celebrities, and newsmakers, earning her a reputation as one of the most respected journalists in the industry. Her interviewing style was characterized by a combination of empathy, intelligence, and tough questioning. Walters’ contributions to journalism were recognized with numerous awards, including Daytime and Primetime Emmy Awards, a Peabody Award, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Women’s Media Foundation. Barbara Walters retired from regular television appearances in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking journalism and inspiring generations of journalists, especially women, to pursue their dreams in the field.

Some of the more interesting items up for sale include Walters’ engagement ring from Merv Adelson, a Harry Winston Diamond Ring, weighing 13.84 carats with an estimate of $600,000 to $900,000, and a pair of JAR Gemset earrings estimated at $200,000 to $300,000.

The painting  Egyptian Woman (Coin Necklace) (1891) by John Singer Sargent has an estimate of $1.2 million to $1.8 million. If that is too rich for your blood, you can bid on an engraved silver-plated cigarette box with an estimate of just $100 to $200.

Some of the highlights will be available to view at Bonham’s salesrooms in Boston, Los Angeles, Paris, London, and Hong Kong.

Picture of Barbara Walters’ New York Apartment. Courtesy Bonhams

Why Invest in Apple Stock When You Can Invest in Apple History

by Fred Fuld III

Have you ever thought about investing in tech history? Such as the history of Apple Inc. (AAPL)?

Well now you have your chance.

Alexander Historical Auctions is auctioning off a couple of early Apple collectibles including Apple Computer’s first trade sign.

Source: Alexander Historical Auctions

The sign is estimated at $100,000 to $200,000, with a start price of $50,000.

This was the very first sign used by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak to promote their Apple Computer start-up, and was displayed at the first trade shows Apple attended in 1976.

If this item is too rich for your blood, you might want to consider picking up Steve Wozniak’s first Apple Computer tool box.

Source: Alexander Historical Auctions

It even has the original LabelMaker label with Wozniak’s name on it.

The starting bid is $10,000, with an estimate of $20,000 to $30,000.

This is your chance to get unique, rare, one-of-a-kind Apple collectables.

Please note: This auction includes other items that some may find disturbing.

Disclosure: Author owns AAPL.

Incredible $12.6 Million for a 1952 Mickey Mantle Baseball Card

by Fred Fuld III

Did you ever think that maybe you should put a little of your investment portfolio into sports cards?

After hearing about the latest Heritage Auctions result, you might want to consider it. However, make sure you go for the rare items.

A 1952 Mickey Mantle baseball card was hammered at an amazing $12.6 million, setting a world record.

This 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311 SGC Mint+ 9.5 card was described as “Finest Known Example!”.

In addition, Heritage announced that there will be a documentary made about the card called  “Four Perfect Corners” by Emmy-Award winning director Dan Klein.

Mickey Mantle:

• Second highest career OPS+ among center fielders

• Highest stolen-base percentage in history at the time of his retirement

• Lowest career rate of grounding into double plays

• Highest World Series on-base percentage and World Series slugging percentage

• .984 fielding percentage when playing center field

• Hit 536 career home runs

• Batted .300 or more ten times

• Only player in history to hit 150 home runs from both sides of the plate.

• 16th all-time in home runs per at-bats

• 17th in on-base percentage

• MVP award three times, finished second three times, and finished within nine votes of winning five times.

When investing in collectables, make sure you stick with the scarce and rare items, and the items that you are personally interested in.

Don’t forget to check out the related articles:

The $5 Million Michael Jordan Jersey

$677,196 for Steve Jobs Apple 1 Computer

Princess Diana’s Car to be Auctioned

Would You Pay $5 Million for Michael Jordan’s Jersey?

We made you aware of the auction of Princess Diana’s car, and Steve Jobs autograph on a floppy disk.

Credit: Courtesy of Sotheby’s

Now is your chance to get something in the sports field.

The auction house Sotheby’s will be offering the jersey from Michael Jordan from his final NBA championship.

He wore this Chicago Buls jersey during the game with the Utah Jazz.

The auction will be held during September 6 to the 14th as a single lot sale.

It is expected to be hammered at $3 million to $5 million.

$677,196 for Steve Jobs Apple 1 Computer

RR Auction, a Boston, Massachusetts based auction house, recently sold an Apple 1 Computer prototype.

This very rare Apple (AAPL) technology collectable was hammered at $677,196.

The name of the winner was no disclosed, but he is from the San Francisco Bay Area.s

In 1976, Steve Jobs showed the prototype to the owner of The Byte Shop in Mountain View, California

Princess Diana’s Car to be Auctioned

by Fred Fuld III

Diana, Princess of Wales

If you like to collect or invest in rare cars, here is a unique opportunity. It may not be an electric vehicle, but it is a one of a kind car.

The black 1985 Ford Escort RS Turbo S1 owned by Diana, Princess of Wales, is up for auction.

This was her last Ford Escort, has only 24,961 miles on it.

The automobile is being offered by Silverstone Auctions, with no reserve.

The live auction will take place on Saturday, August 27, 2022.

Princess Diana’s Car – Credit: Silverstone Auctions

Princess Diana’s Car Interior – Credit: Silverstone Auctions

RARE Steve Jobs Autograph on a Macintosh Floppy Disk

by Fred Fuld III

Previously, I’ve written about investing in racehorses, NFTs, and baseball cards.

Now is your chance to put your money into something totally unique. Steve Jobs autograph on a 1984 Macintosh System Disk Version 1.0.

This outstanding item is being offered by the Paris, France auction house, Pierre Bergé & Associés.

This is a floppy disk of the very first Macintosh software operating system from 1984 and dedicated by Steve Jobs.

Steve Jobs – Credit: Pierre Bergé & Associés

It is inscribed as “To André Steve Jobs”.

In addition, included in the lot is a 1984 floppy disk, unsigned, for MacWrite and MacPaint.

This auction lot as an estimate of €10,000 to €20,000, with a starting bid of €8,000.

The original Macintosh was the first successful mass-market all-in-one desktop personal computer to have featured a graphical user interface, built-in screen, and mouse.

Apple Computer (now Apple Inc.) first started selling the Mac in January of 1984.

If you are into technology and autographs, this rare item is for you.

712 Acre Bahamas Island Up for Auction

Little Ragged Island - Credit: Sotheby's
Little Ragged Island – Credit: Sotheby’s

by Fred Fuld III

A couple weeks ago, I reported on a Scottish island that is for sale. If you a little warmer island life, now you have your chance.

St. Andrew’s Island, also known as Little Ragged Island, is the largest private island for sale in the Bahamas. The size is 712 acres and it is located at the southern end of the country.

 Little Ragged Island - Credit: Sotheby's

Little Ragged Island – Credit: Sotheby’s

There are many private beaches and large ships have deep water access on the eastern side.

The island is being auctioned by Sotheby’s with a current listing of $12.5 million with no reserve. There is a 12% buyers premium; however, there is a starting bid incentive [SBI] of 6%. A SBI is a credit to reduce the buyer’s premium by 50% related to the starting bid amount. The Sotheby’s web site has a video that shows how the SBI works.

 Little Ragged Island - Credit: Sotheby's

Little Ragged Island – Credit: Sotheby’s

The island, suitable for developing, has its own private airstrip. What a great opportunity.

Bidding opens on July 25, 2022 at 6 PM EDT.

 Little Ragged Island - Credit: Sotheby's

Little Ragged Island – Credit: Sotheby’s