Value after Katrina and Rita.

by Rafael Monzon

      Doubloons are fun things to collect.  People talk about value and worth of a doubloon. It is funny that a item that can be sold by Peter M for 1,000 doubloons for $85 (The Coin and Collectibles Shop), or a doubloon like the 1960 Gold Aluminum Rex “Dated” that Wayne G of the Crescent City Doubloon Traders would pay around $800 for.  Doubloons are funny. 

Most doubloons that made the price lists in the 1970 are about the same price or lower in the 2005 price guide; which means that the value of a doubloon has actuality loss money due to the price of inflation.  The reason for the decline in value may because of supply and demand concept of economics.  Demand was starting to get lower because less people collected.  More people stopped collecting because too many different types were being produced.

Now, after doing some research for a reader, new doubloons that are made start from around $0.12 each to around $17 for .999 Fine Silver each Doubloon. (Bead by the dozen, Creative Coin and Doubloon and New Orleans Mint Inc. are doubloon minters and they are open for business now)

But, the problem with getting doubloons made is that it is not your favorite Krewe or favor subject matter.  The Creascent City Doubloon Traders Price Guide lists a 1960 Rex Silver Aluminum Doubloon for $10s were Chuck and Assoc. list the doubloon for $20s.  I just bought the doubloon from one of my trading guys for $7 and paid $16 for the same doubloon at The Coin and Collectible Shop.  Jeanne at the Magazine Street Mail said that she has a pending order for the doubloon for $45. (I am going to Trade / Sell her the doubloon I just bought so that she can fill her order)  Doubloons are funny.

Last week, I had an email conversation with a Bryan B that rides in Thoth.  His Grandmother lived in Lake View Subdivision .  She lost her house in Katrina and Rita. Her collection was in the house.  Bryan went into the house after the collection because it might be one of the only things that could be saved from the “water”.  He asked me about cleaning doubloons.  He found out how much the doubloons are worth.

(Note:  Bryan said that he is going to throw a lot of doubloons at the 2006 parade!!!!!!!!)

I drove past Doubloons Unlimited on David Dr .  It looked like she was remodeling.  I talked to Chris at Chris Fine Jewelry. He said that he lost over 160,000 doubloons. People had said that even Rita, the backbone of the Crescent City Doubloon Traders Club, has lost her house and her collection.  A collection like Rita’s would not be replaceable in another life time.

Now, the good times will roll in 2006.  I am extending you an invitation to the 2006 Mardi Gras.  It is the best free show that you will ever see.  Do not buy a ticket if someone is trying to sell you them because you do not need them.  Come join the family fun of Saint Charles Ave or the unique fun of the French Quarters.

What are doubloons, beads, Mardi Gras worth?  Tourism is the live of New Orleans . This year they are worth the survival of New Orleans.

 “So come and Pass a Good Time Now Sha”

Come and catch some of these throws announced from the following Krewes:

“HATS, FOOTBALLS, TOILETS, SQUEEKY TUCKS (LIKE THE RUBBER DUCKIE), BAGS, BRACELETS, PANTIES, KREWE BEADS, THEME BEADS, THROW BEADS, DISC BEADS, CUPS, DOLLS LARGE AND SMALL, SPECIAL PAINTED MEDALLIONS ON RIBBONS, (Silver and Wood) DOUBLOONS, FLAGS, BOBBING HEADS, HOPE THIS HELPS....LIZZY” Krewe of Tucks

“Hi!

Centaur will have the following throws...lots of 48 inch beads, hot new neon colored 40 inch beads, hot pink and neon green medallions, light up balls, float specific cups and medallions and  plain silver doubloons...royalty will have bright gold, and orange doubloons.

Cathy Robbins

Centaur Throw Chairman”