Collectible Buying Event Coming to Center Moriches

Wondering what that old piece of jewelry is worth? Looking to sell a collectible that’s been gathering dust in your drawer for years? Discover their value at a buying event that’s coming to Center Moriches this Wednesday and Thursday.

The hosts, buyers of collectibles for nearly 30 years, have $10 million to spend and will appraise your item and make you an offer. They will be at the VFW Post 414 on Main Street August 23 and 24 from 10 am to 4 pm.

“It’s a family of collectors who will give you an honest estimate of what your treasures are worth, and make you an offer right on the spot,” said Don Lipeles, who is organizing the event. They have an ad in this week’s South Shore Press detailing what they are interested in, which is anything gold or silver, old comic books, baseball memorabilia, autographs, coins, watches, etc.

“You could have a relative who’s passed away and you go up in the attic and discover a collection of trading cards or stamps or trains and wonder what you should do with it,” Lipeles said. “Bring it to us, we will give you an idea of what you have. You could walk away happy with some money in your pocket or not make a deal at all. It’s up to you,” he said, adding, “Some people are pleasantly surprised to find out what their stuff is actually worth.”

According to Lipeles, the sponsors sometimes keep the items for their own collections, put them up for auction or resell them in their Syosset shop called the Gold Standard.

“Condition is very important to a collector,” he said. “Wear and tear on an item could mean the difference between hundreds or even thousands of dollars.” He noted the sale last year of a Mickey Mantle baseball card in perfect condition that went for a record $12.6 million. “If the edges were worn and it was in a used condition, it would not have gone for that price.”

Gold Standard has been conducting buying events for years throughout the New York Metropolitan Area and New England, and will do about five shows this year.

“We serve as an outlet,” Lipedes continued. “If you go on eBay or one of those sites, they don't make any sense. They're telling people what something is worth; it’s not even close to what the real value is. Sometimes it could be lower, it could be higher. We give them an idea of the intrinsic value. So we do serve a good function.”

For more information on the event, or to set up a private showing, call the Gold Standard at 516-513-0830.