Cyprus businessman's artwork collection

[smurff]

I was watching as a BBC interviewer spoke with a businessman in Cyprus about the latest iteration of the bank bailout.  Since now the plan is to honor depositors insurance for those with accounts of $100K or less, those with more than that minimum could lose it.

The businessman gave his interview from what looked like his home.  He talked about how terrible and disgraceful the whole affair was, that he'd be wiped out when all was done.  But I looked at the room.  There was so much art oozing through the room that barely any space remained for more.  There were paintings on the walls, sculptures standing around the room, something here, something there.  I realized the businessman would be just fine, for money at least, whatever the banking situation.  He didn't seem too alarmed either, despite the words coming from his mouth.  (Had I given that interview, however, it would not have taken place with so much of my valuable art on display to the soon-to-be-ripped-off public.)

Even if his cash in the bank were wiped out, leaving him with only $100K, he and his heirs could live comfortably for the rest of their lives, just by selling off a painting every now and then, preferably with good timing.  They could even use some of those pieces to "get out of Dodge" and start over someplace else, if they so choose.

So I'm thinking about what fun collectibles, besides coins, to add to my VP.

[Kshartle]

Collect firearms and bullets.

[smurff]

Collect firearms and bullets.

Goes without saying.

[flyingpylon]

I've wondered about this too, like if you wanted to take some money "off the books" so to speak, what could you buy and hold for some period of time and have a reasonable expectation of getting your money back or maybe making a little in the process?

[dualstow]

Was it a guy with glasses named Miked Orphenides? If so, then yes, he looked like he was going to be ok. :-) Probably has deposits in other countries.

Anyway, I would go for stamps, because that's all I have room for.

[smurff]

No, it wasn't Mr. Orphenides, although I agree with you, he looks like he will be okay.  (I just saw the report about him Monday night.)  He's an architect, and they showed him in his kitchen dining area having a snack with his wife.

I don't remember the man's name in the segment I was referring to.  (It came on Monday's BBC World News show at 12:30 PM EDT.)  Like the architect, he was an older fellow, maybe in his 50s or 60s, short and slightly heavy set, with short gray hair.  The reporter said he was a Nicosia businessman.  He was on near the end of the long segment that had to do with people's attitudes during Cyprus's Independence Day celebrations.  You'd know it if you saw him.  Your first question might be whether the fellow was doing the interview to show off his art collection, or if he just had so much art that he was clueless about the impact of showing it on TV, during a financial crisis that might involve riots.  Whatever the case, I understood the impact (positive and negative) of collectible assets from looking at his art-filled walls.

Unfortunately, BBC  News online only has the first couple of minutes of a long segment (that included this businessman near the end of the long segment on TV).  They only show the part with  the students playing drums and marching, and spectators watching the Independence parade while a reporter interviews spectators who seem to want him to get out of the way. 

Anyway you're right,  stamps are a good idea for the collectibles list.  I also thought about diamonds and other precious gems, as well as jewelry made from high quality precious gems and precious metals.  Also, true silverware--tea sets, tableware, flatware, etc. Made of solid sterling silver. Just don't put it in the dishwasher.

[smurff]

It seems like one of the dealers of PM coins and bullion bars, Investment Rarities, has the same idea:

http://www.investmentrarities.com/flatware.shtml

Apparently they have a gift division where they sell jewelry, too.