At what point in time does an event officially become history? Something doesn't have to have taken place before you were born in order to be historical. Those of you with children know they ask a lot of questions. Some difficult and some easy to answer. Kids want to learn. Sometimes we take things for granted without realizing that computer punch cards, vinyl record albums, and drink cans made of tin with pop-top rings which separate completely are no longer a part of our day-to-day existence.

The hobby of casino collectibles is growing by leaps and bounds. I find it interesting because a large amount of collectible nostalgia is generally associated with childhood. Casino items aren't legally available to those under 21, but they do hold fond memories for people who had fun during their stay. Many times Las Vegas itself has been called "an adult Disneyland". People are interested in its past. Millions of people never knew what it was like to drive their cars down Fremont Street through "Glitter Gulch". Can that be considered history even though it only came to an end 6 years ago when construction of the Fremont Street Experience began?

Most of the times in my auction descriptions I try to give an accurate account as to the introduction, demise, and events surrounding an item. It's extra typing for me and, in the cases of rarer things, doesn't affect the bidding much because few novice collectors jump right into the expensive stuff. People who really want the auction already know they've had difficulty finding the item. Those who bid are generally more experienced in the hobby. Why go through the extra work then? In order to anticipate questions of new collectors, who appear daily, as to WHY one item is going for much more than another similar item.

Some people are interested in history. Others are only interested in themselves. I'm more interested in those who show a desire to continue to learn about the things which affect their world. The key to making proper decisions is to know as many of the facts as possible. If I can contribute facts which allow people to become more educated as to what they are collecting then I've helped to strengthen the hobby. It definitely doesn't help my auction of the Four Queens "Millennium" silver strike to included it's ugly past, but I try to be honest and reveal just the facts. It's up to the bidder to make their own mind up as to what the item is worth to them. It's harder to earn someone's trust than to take advantage of their inexperience. Some things are more important in the long run than making a quick buck.

KINGDINOSAUR