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"This is the big one": Mars-themed coin rockets up in value

<p dir="auto">A set of unusual 2017 Australian coins has leapt in value and is now fetching upwards of $6,000 online – thanks in part to one very special element of the set, and of course to the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II.</p> <p>The remarkable 10-piece Planetary Collection set, which was released to the public in 2017, shows each of the planets of our Solar System, and also includes Pluto and the Sun.</p> <p>Inside the intergalactic set, the 10 coins range from one cent to $5 and were originally sold for just $170 to savvy collectors - but it's one coin in particular that has rocketed the set's overall price: the Mars $2 coin.</p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/big-marscoin.jpg" alt="" width="426" height="227" /></p> <p>Accounting for at least half of the set's overall $6000 value, Australian coin expert Joel Kandiah says that's why <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/money-banking/why-the-value-of-these-coins-has-shot-through-the-roof" target="_blank" rel="noopener">demand for this coin has shot through the roof </a>and has been growing since 2020, when collectors were hunting for every single different version.</p> <p>However, the Mars $2 coin within the new set is the one that people are most eager to get their hands on.</p> <p>“People started buying up the entire sets because it's still relatively affordable. And that started pushing demand up for that coin specifically in a short space of time,” the social media personality said.</p> <p>Halfway through last year the sets were selling between $1,800 to $2,000.</p> <p>The 2012 Red Poppy and 2013 Purple coronation $2 coins are also spiking in value.</p> <p>The demand for the $2 coins has shot up even more after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.</p> <p>However, if you're hoping to discover one behind your couch cushions, you might be disappointed, as these box set coins were never intended to be used in general circulation. But if you DO know someone who made that wise $170 investment back in 2017, now is the time to tell them what they are sitting on!</p> <p><em>Image: Wynyardcoins.com.au</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Why the value of these coins has shot through the roof

<p>Aussies around the country will be racing to check their wallets in light of the revelation that the value of two rare $2 coins has exploded virtually overnight.</p> <p>Leading Australian coin expert Joel Kandiah has shared that two coins in particular have shot up in value following the Queen’s death. The Perth based teacher is an avid coin collector and has racked up a huge following on Instagram and TikTok with his page, The History of Money.</p> <p>In a recent video he shared the 2012 Red Poppy coin and the 2013 Purple Coronation coin are now worth a combined total of $550. The increase in demand for these rare $2 coins is of course all due to the Queen’s passing.</p> <p>“The market has been hot for these two $2 coins, which are the lowest minted coloured $2 coins in Australian history,” Mr Kandiah explained in the video.</p> <p>The 2013 Purple Coronation $2 coin has a slightly higher mintage of 995,000, but its value has also soared.</p> <p>If the coins are in mint condition they could go for an even higher price. A simple search on Ebay will reveal a number of Red Poppy coins selling in recent days for between $390 and $434, while the 50c coin released for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee initially sold for $12.50, but is now valued at $100.</p> <p>The 2019 “Effigies Over Time” collector set has also seen a huge spike in demand, with the price soaring from $50 two weeks ago to $250 in the current market.</p> <p>“I’ve been collecting for 27 years and I’ve never seen price rises like that ever,” Mr Kandiah said.</p> <p>According to Mr Kandiah, the 5c coin could also soon be taken out of circulation.</p> <p>The Royal Australian Mint disclosed that 5c coins currently cost 12c to make due to high metal prices. It also costs 24c to make a 10c coin and 48c to make a 20c.</p> <p>The cost is simply unfeasible for a coin everyone hates, Mr Kandiah said. The Queen’s death was the perfect time for authorities to reset a flawed system, according to the coin expert.</p> <p><em>Image: TikTok</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Check your attic for this rare collectors’ card!

<p dir="ltr">A rare Pokémon card has fetched a whopping record $546,000 (US$420,000) at an auction.</p> <p dir="ltr">The insanely rare 1999 Pokémon Base Set Shadowless 1st Edition Holo Charizard card was sold on March 19.</p> <p dir="ltr">The description of the card on the auction website describes the inspiration it holds even a quarter of a century later.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Emblematic of the strength and power its design was meant to portray, the 1st Edition Base Set Charizard card continues to inspire awe even after almost a quarter of a century,” it read.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This historic piece of art designed by celebrated artist Mitsuhiro Arita is easily the most recognizable Pokemon card ever made.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Incredibly enough, 3,000 copies of the card were submitted to PSA Authentication and Grading Services but only 121 were given the highest grading of “10 Gem Mint” due to its popularity.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Featuring the highest attack power of any of the original Pokemon cards produced; the ferocity of the artwork coupled with the might of its Fire Spin caused most Pokemon fanatics to use it with pride. </p> <p dir="ltr">“It is one of the most coveted trading cards ever produced. Widely considered one of the holy grails of the Pokemon world, this Flame Pokemon is poised to show continuous returns for years to come and become a premier investment piece for any portfolio to have.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Maybe it’s time to ask the kids or grandkids to go through their own Pokemon collections!</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: PWCC Market Place and Shutterstock</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Music collectors are seeking out rare albums that you can't stream

<p>As of the third quarter <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/244995/number-of-paying-spotify-subscribers/">of 2019, music streaming giant Spotify had 113 million paid subscribers worldwide</a> — but it’s still missing some famous albums that many listeners feel they can’t live without. And in today’s digital world, it can be expensive and difficult to get a physical copy of those missing albums.</p> <p>Music streaming dominates paid music consumption in the <a href="https://www.statista.com/chart/10185/music-consumption-in-the-us/">United States</a> and <a href="https://musiccanada.com/resources/statistics/">Canada</a>.</p> <p>But services like Spotify and Apple Music can’t just upload whatever music they’d like. Legal disputes, sample clearance issues — when permission can’t be obtained for the use of part of a song in a new song — and rights-holders withholding music can all get in the way of music being available on your streaming platform of choice. And that can make the music even more difficult and more expensive to get your hands on physically.</p> <p>Legal disputes between <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/musicians-v-record-labels-famous-feuds/">artists and their record labels have been happening for decades</a>. Disputes can keep music from ever coming out at all, in which case consumers don’t know what they’re missing — but they can also take music that consumers already love out of circulation.</p> <p><strong>Rare $130 cassette</strong></p> <p>If you’re a fan of the hip-hop group De La Soul, you might have noticed that its 1989 album <em>3 Feet High and Rising</em> is missing from paid subscription streaming services. This is due to <a href="https://slate.com/culture/2019/03/de-la-soul-3-feet-high-and-rising-streaming-spotify-tidal.html">disputes between the group and its label, Tommy Boy Records.</a></p> <p><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/304142/original/file-20191127-112526-uxlosu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=237&amp;fit=clip" alt="" /> <span class="caption">If your ‘90s dubbed De La Soul tape has broken down, a new cassette today may cost $130.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Mike B in Colorado/Flickr</span></span></p> <p>De La Soul said in an <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wearedelasoul/photos/a.631626713540839/2309714252398735/?type=3&amp;theater">August Facebook post</a> that it that was unable to reach a streaming agreement “and earn Tommy Boy’s respect for our music/legacy.” The dispute has led to Tommy Boy delaying the release of that album on streaming services.</p> <p>The album is not being widely reissued, so few copies are available in any physical format for fans who can’t stream one of their favourite albums on their favourite streaming service. There is a copy of <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/3-Feet-High-Rising-Vinyl/dp/B00CJF9SZC/ref=tmm_vnl_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=&amp;sr=">the vinyl LP of <em>3 Feet High and Rising</em> selling online for nearly $300</a>. A cassette is available for more than $130. Even the CD is selling for more than $100.</p> <p><strong>Taylor Swift delays release of album</strong></p> <p>Rights-holders, whether they are the artist or not, can also choose to withhold music from streaming services. Taylor Swift has famously done this, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2017/6/9/15767986/taylor-swift-apple-music-spotify-statements-timeline">first to fight for music’s value, then to fight for better streaming royalty rates</a> and then delaying the release of <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/taylor-swift-to-withhold-reputation-from-streaming-services-197389/#:%7E:targetText=Taylor%20Swift's%20new%20album,the%20specifics%20with%20various%20platforms.">her 2017 album <em>Reputation</em> on streaming services</a>. She made <em>Reputation</em> available only for digital download and on CD at first.</p> <p>But rights-holders withholding music can sometimes get more complicated. Blackground Records — owned by Aaliyah’s uncle Barry Hankerson — controls the masters of most of the late singer’s music and has <a href="https://www.complex.com/music/2016/12/aaliyahs-music-isnt-online-and-her-uncle-barry-hankerson-is-the-reason-why">not made it available on streaming services</a>. Aaliyah <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/aaliyah-1979-2001-192667/">died in a plane crash in 2001 at the age of 22</a>, not long after the release of her platinum-certified self-titled album.</p> <p>Michael Greaves, who manages royalties for a music company based in Toronto, said in a September interview that he thinks Hankerson is “trying to look for the best deal … building up the value,” as Taylor Swift did. But others, including Greaves, who is also a former DJ, have argued that there is an emotional component to Hankerson withholding the Blackground music.</p> <p>Rock band Tool also famously <a href="https://www.techradar.com/news/after-years-of-resisting-rock-band-tool-is-finally-entering-the-streaming-age">didn’t put all of its music up on streaming services until Aug. 2, 2019,</a> just before the Aug. 30 release of its newest album, <em>Fear Inoculum</em>.</p> <p>Whether these rights-holders are using profiteering tactics, the music is increasing in value because it’s not available on paid streaming services and there are limited physical copies. On Amazon.ca, the CD of <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/One-Million-Aaliyah/dp/B000002JWP">Aaliyah’s <em>One In A Million</em> is selling for as much as $189</a>. “I have those albums, I got them when they came out. I’m lucky that way,” says Greaves.</p> <p>Blackground also controls the rights to the master recordings of singer Jojo’s first two albums, which it has not released on streaming services.</p> <p>Jojo wound up <a href="https://www.wmagazine.com/story/jojo-re-release-albums-new-music-interview">suing Blackground, re-recording those albums and releasing them on streaming services herself</a>. Unfortunately, Aaliyah is not alive to do the same.</p> <p><strong>Download delays are ongoing</strong></p> <p>Despite advances in music technology and administration, sample clearances can still be an issue, keeping music from being released or forcing it to be removed from streaming services.</p> <p>It’s common for rappers and hip-hop artists to release “<a href="https://www.vice.com/en_ca/article/rmx446/the-real-difference-between-a-mixtape-and-an-album">mixtapes</a>” — free releases which were once distributed on cassettes but are now commonly distributed on Soundcloud. Mixtapes often contain samples whose permissions haven’t been legally granted, which keep them from being available on streaming services such as Spotify, where rules around sample clearances are more stringent than on Soundcloud.</p> <p>The artist known as Chance the Rapper, for instance, went through the process of clearing all of the samples on his 2013 mixtape <em>Acid Rap</em>, which went live on streaming services last summer — <a href="https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8518032/chance-the-rapper-juice-acid-rap-streaming-services">but he couldn’t get the sample on his track <em>Juice</em> cleared</a>.</p> <p>According to the artist’s website, <a href="https://www.chanceraps.com/shop/acid-rap-vinyl-pre-order">the vinyl pre-order of the mixtape is sold out and the website says it is shipping this fall</a> — however, it’s unclear if it has already shipped. It’s also unclear if the sample on <em>Juice</em> will be cleared for the vinyl release — but if it’s not, there’s no doubt that the not-so-legal cassette with the original track listing will be worth much more.</p> <p>Music administration has come a long way, but it’s also become more complicated. As <a href="https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8297506/drake-nice-for-what-lauryn-hill-ex-factor-samples-kehlani-cardi-b">artists sample samples of samples</a>, <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/watch-dj-khaled-explain-how-infant-son-executive-produced-new-lp-116467/">babies are given producer credits</a> and <a href="https://www.thefader.com/2019/10/07/lil-nas-x-cardi-b-sued-copyright-infringement-rodeo-2019">copyright infringement lawsuits over popular songs</a> seem to be frequently in the news, it’s unlikely that every album under the sun will be available to us at the press of a button any time soon.<!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: http://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/marina-eckersley-857932">Marina Eckersley</a>, Dalla Lana Fellow in Global Journalism, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-toronto-1281">University of Toronto</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/music-collectors-seek-out-rare-albums-not-available-on-streaming-126488">original article</a>.</em></p>

Music

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Queen Elizabeth celebrates stamp collector society’s 150th anniversary with a grin

<p>Queen Elizabeth was in her element as she visited the Royal Philatelic Society to celebrate its 150th anniversary.</p> <p>Philately is the study of stamps, postal history and other related items. The Royal Philatelic Society, according to this Instagram post by The Royal Family, aims to “promote the science and practice of the study of stamps as well as maintain collections of stamps”.</p> <p>The Queen is an avid stamp collector herself, as she has a collection that’s estimated to be worth AUD $189,291,500 NZD $199,885,605 and had a huge grin on her face as she was shown around the new building.</p> <p>Her stamp collection, according to<span> </span><em>Telegraph UK</em><span> </span>includes a rare Mauritian stamp valued at AUD $3.7 million NZD $3.9 million and the stamp went on display for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002.</p> <p>She opened a new headquarters for the society, which is the oldest in the world. The Queen also met with architects, administration staff, supporters and young collectors who are busy working hard to keep the tradition of stamps alive.</p> <p>The nearly 93-year-old wore an eye catching sea blue coat dress with contrasting navy velvet trip by her personal dressmaker Angela Kelly. The look was accompanied with a matching hat.</p> <p>Angela Kelly has revealed a number of secrets from her 20 years of working with The Queen and is the first tell-all book to be sanctioned by her Majesty. The book is titled<span> </span><em>The Other Side Of The Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe</em>.</p> <p>Scroll through the gallery to see the Queen enjoy herself at the Royal Philatelic Society.</p> <p><em>Photo credits: Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B5VN1P8H6Dn/">theroyalfamily</a></em></p>

Art

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50 years of the 50 cent coin: The Royal Australian mint releases special collectors edition to mark anniversary

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Royal Australian Mint has issued a commemorative 50 cent coin to mark the 50-cent piece’s five decades of circulation.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The coin, which is a “dodecagon” shape with 12 sides was first minted back in 1969 and has since become a favourite for coin collectors.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Royal Australian Mint CEO Ross MacDiarmid told </span><a href="https://finance.nine.com.au/business-news/finance-news-coin-50c-collectors-royal-australian-mint/68593c7d-5a2e-4737-9d81-cb2111330a79"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Nine Finance</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> about the coin.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"It’s the coin that has launched many into a world of coin collecting,” he said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“This year Australia commemorates the 50th anniversary of Australia’s most distinctive decimal coin. The most iconic for its unusual shape."</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxOHUWGlJas/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxOHUWGlJas/" target="_blank">-- 50th Anniversary of the Dodecagon 50c Coin -- Introduced in 1969, the Dodecagonal 50c coin has borne 5 different effigies and more than 30 reverse designs; the latest design released in April commemorates the International Year of Indigenous Languages. In its first year more than 14 million 50 cent coins were produced bearing the Commonwealth Coat of Arms and in the years since over 1 billion coins have been released into circulation. Which design is your favourite? #50c #fiftycent #stuartdevlin #1969 #indigenouslanguages #allthecoins #numismatics #coin #collecting</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/royalaustmint/" target="_blank"> Royal Australian Mint</a> (@royalaustmint) on May 8, 2019 at 4:48pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A round 50-cent coin was made from silver and introduced back in 1966, but two years later was taken out of circulation due to the rising prices of silver.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In September 1969, the 12-sided coin we know now was reintroduced and was made from copper-nickel alloy.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The anniversary coins, which has featured five different effigies of the Queen and a number of commemorative designs, are legal tender and are available from the Royal Australian Mint’s website.</span></p>

Money & Banking

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Why are humans such avid collectors?

<p>From the time we were cave dwellers exploring our surroundings, there has always been something intrinsic about human nature that makes us love to collect things.</p> <p>Centuries later, as we ventured forth to discover news lands, as did Captain Cook to these parts, collecting became the norm — as a matter of record — but also to reflect individual passions and a sense of place.</p> <p><strong>Status and nostalgia</strong></p> <p>In some circles, collecting has come to represent wealth and prestige, or in cases of largesse, philanthropy. In 2016, for example, French billionaire Francois Pinault announced he would donate his large private art collection worth more than $1.4 billion to a new museum in Paris.</p> <p>For us more budget-conscious folk, whether it’s stamps, porcelain dolls, rare records, coins, fine china, or vintage t-shirts, many of us are drawn to collecting items that say something distinctive about who we are or a time in our lives where our identities were forged. It's not hard to imagine a punk rocker who collects Doc Martens boots to pay homage to the 1980s.</p> <p>Indeed, collectibles are often steeped in nostalgia. They can be a link to our past, people we love, a bygone era we admire, or they may represent a hoped-for rags-to-riches find.</p> <p>There is something gorgeous about seeing a casual collector discover that something they bought for next to nothing could now fetch them a handsome sum. Who hasn’t heard the story of someone buying a work of art in a quaint old shop in the middle of nowhere, only to later have it valued and find it is worth a bomb?</p> <p><strong>Gathering and observing</strong></p> <p>The great thing about collectibles is that we can act as both gatherer and observer. Some of us love to do the gathering and some of us prefer to look at what other people are fascinated by.</p> <p>Over the years, we’ve seen plenty of TV programs which scratch that itch, from The Collectors to Antique Roadshow to the late Peter Wherrett’s Torque, which was ostensibly about motor cars but one could argue it was about a collection of snazzy and not-so snazzy vehicles Wherrett wanted to show off.</p> <p><strong>The psychology of collecting</strong></p> <p>Such is our fascination with collectibles that some psychologists have asked why we have this urge. Those in the field of psychology seem keen to find the answer, and depending who you talk to, they will either assert that they have a pretty clear idea or that it’s still a subject for hot debate.</p> <p>Even Sigmund Freud had a theory about why we love collecting things — he thought it had to do with our need to feel like we have control over our environment, and that starts when a child begins potty training.</p> <p>Others psychologists agree collecting can start early in life. Psychologist Dr Rebecca Spelman says our fascination with collecting objects begins when we’re young. A fluffy blanket or favourite teddy bear teaches us that it is possible to have an emotional bond with an object. We then develop a positive relationship with the idea of holding on to and amassing material things.</p> <p>A more worrying theory about collecting is that there is a fine line between it and hoarding. Some people collect to deal with grief or a sense of loss in their life, which can turn into hoarding as this acts as a comfort and a way to keep the world out.</p> <p><strong>A collecting community</strong></p> <p>In Australia today, collecting takes many forms and there are many communities to support it — some strait-laced, some more outrageous — which mirror and support these passions.</p> <p>However, it can also sometimes be difficult to find out important details or a valuation about a prized object.</p> <p>WYZA’s General Manager Scott-Bradley Pearce says a “fantastic old teapot” which belonged to his partner’s grandmother was rather a mystery for quite some time.<br />“We had very little information about the teapot and it took quite some research for us to find out where it came from and about the maker,” he says. “The problem was that it was made in the UK and there were no local specialists in Australia I could find to value it.”</p> <p>If you could access an online collecting community, which included valuations, would you use it? And what other things would you need? Let us know in the comments below?</p> <p class="p1"><em>Written by Robin Hill. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/lifestyle/wyza-life/why-are-humans-such-avid-collectors.aspx">Wyza.com.au</a>.</em></p>

Retirement Life

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Aussie collector reveals fascinating finds in second hand books

<p>A Victorian man who collects second hand books has shared the fascinating discoveries he has found among the pages of the recycled reads.</p> <p>From letters apologising for drunken behaviour to vintage photographs, Tony Robertson and his partner are “constantly amazed” at what they find – so much so, that they have shared their discoveries on Twitter.</p> <p>Tony once found a two-page handwritten letter addressed to “my love”, where the writer apologised for their drunken behaviour from the night before.</p> <p>“Firstly I’m sorry about last night. None of it is absolutely clear to me, but I understand that I was mean,” the letter says.</p> <p>“Secondly, it’s a pity, but I have to stop drinking. It has become more and more apparent that alcohol turns me into a true f***wit.</p> <p>“I’m sorry you’ve had to deal with that person so often. I don’t know if this is a cop out, but that person just isn’t me.”</p> <p>Tony also found a 1970s report card for a “progressive” school boy named Henry who attended the St Kilda Hebrew Congregation.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="497" height="370" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7818478/2_497x370.jpg" alt="2 (81)"/></p> <p>Hiding between two pages of another book was a black and white photograph of a foal named Dennis, who was just two and a half months when it was taken.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="499" height="370" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7818479/3_499x370.jpg" alt="3 (32)"/></p> <p>Other treasures they have found include money from various countries, a German stamp collection and speech notes for a former Melbourne Heart footballer.</p> <p>What is the most interesting pre-owned item you have found? Let us know in the comments below.  </p>

Books

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PETA asks iconic Aussie band to change its name

<p>The head of campaigns for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has written to members of the iconic 1980s Aussie rock group Hunters and Collectors, requesting they change their name ahead of the band's Adelaide reunion tour.</p> <p>PETA admitted that the letter to members of the group is something of a publicity stunt, intended to draw attention to the plight of thousands of native waterbirds that are, “facing an agonising death on the wetlands at the hands of shooters.”</p> <p>Ashley Fruno, PETA’s director of campaigns, wrote, “Changing its name would be a win-win situation for the band. The name would no longer be synonymous with animal suffering, and the move would help persuade people to aim for less violent hobbies.”</p> <p>The letter coincides with the band’s reunion concert at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide.</p> <p>The letter reads: “As your Adelaide reunion show is coming up, now is the perfect time for a band namelift. Might you consider ‘Hunters &amp; Collectors of Antiques’, ‘Hunters &amp; Collectors of Vinyl Records’, or even ‘Hunters &amp; Collectors of Beer Cans’ as possible replacements? You could even enlist the help of your fans to crowdsource the holy grail of names on social media.</p> <p>“Do you see what we see? By agreeing to change your name, you would help raise awareness of the cruelty inherent in hunting waterbirds and give ducks a fighting chance.”</p> <p>To see the letter in full <a href="http://www.peta.org.au/news/peta-asks-hunters-collectors-name-change/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>click here</strong></span></a>. What’s your take? Do you think it’s a clever ploy to draw attention to an important issue? Or is it simply an unreasonable request?</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/music/2016/12/bob-king-50-years-of-music-photography/"><em>Bob King celebrates 50 years of music photography</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/music/2016/04/the-surprising-real-names-of-singers/"><em>The surprising real names of famous singers</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/music/2016/05/1970s-songs-that-defined-a-decade/">1970s: songs that defined a decade</a></em></strong></span></p>

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Your rights and responsibilities with debt collectors

<p>Debt collectors can be intimidating if you don’t know what to expect. We’ve broken down your rights and responsibilities, so you can get back in the black.</p> <p><strong>How debt collectors can approach you</strong></p> <p>It might be surprising to some to note that debt collectors can contact you through a variety of different mediums, but there are some qualifications. Generally speaking a debt collector can use phone, letter, email, social media, or even visit you in person. By the same token, a debt collector must respect your privacy at all times.</p> <p><strong>There are also a few behaviour restrictions to note:</strong></p> <ul> <li>If a debt collector is contacting you through email or social media, they must be certain that the message cannot be viewed by anyone but you.</li> <li>If the repayment arrangements can be workout out over the phone or via email there is no reason for the debt collector to visit you in person.</li> <li>If the debt collector must visit you in person, they have to do so within reasonable hours. The reasonable hours have been labelled below.</li> </ul> <p><img width="497" height="130" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/27307/debt-collectors_497x130.jpg" alt="Debt -Collectors" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><em>Image credit: ASIC / MoneySmart</em></p> <p><strong>Unacceptable behaviour from debt collectors</strong></p> <p>The following types of behaviour from debt collectors are considered unacceptable and must be reported if you encounter them in your interaction with one:</p> <ul> <li>The debt collector uses force to trespass or intimidate.</li> <li>The debt collector threatens damage to you or your property.</li> <li>The debt collector threatens remain on your property when asked to leave.</li> <li>The debt collector makes false statements about what you owe.</li> </ul> <p><strong>How to complain</strong></p> <p>If a debt collector is acting unacceptably, it’s important to complain. For more information on how and where you can complain, you can visit <a href="https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/tools-and-resources/how-to-complain" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">ASIC’s MoneySmart website</span></strong></a>.</p> <p>Have you ever dealt with debt collectors before? What advice would you give to someone going through a similar experience? Let us know in the comments.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/finance/legal/2016/08/tips-to-discuss-sensitive-money-matters-with-family/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Tips to discuss sensitive money matters with family</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/finance/legal/2016/07/finding-a-legal-resolution-through-mediation/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Finding a legal resolution through mediation</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/finance/legal/2016/08/6-tips-to-survive-divorce-after-60/"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>6 tips to survive divorce after 60</em></span></strong></a></p>

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