Have you ever noticed the number  “9” on the background of San Diego's KUSI news set?  The beginning of the circle is very thick and it quickly tapers at the tail.  You'll notice that it closely resembles the number 9 on these two marbles:

It's unlikely that KUSI and the majority of their viewers realize that marbles are highly collectible.  I believe these two marbles are M.F. Christensen & Son Company Slags.  They have a swirl of white in a transparent colored base.  The swirl is a result of a certain twisting motion when the glass is removed from the furnace.  How much are they worth?  According to one book, one of these marbles in mint condition that is 1/2" or less in size is worth dollars --- not pennies.

I don't know anybody who doesn't enjoy looking at beautiful marbles.  It tends to bring back good childhood memories.  This red, white and blue marble, called a “Popeye”, is from the 1930's.  It sold for $26.55 on Ebay on July 24, 2000.  

This Christensen Agate Company Slag --- transparent red, white opaque, and the rare, “electric”, orange color --- sold for $15.05 on Ebay on October 15, 2000.

This collection of three beautiful Popeyes and six Corkscrews sold for $155.01 on August 24, 2000.

Other marbles have literally gone for thousands of dollars.  If you think your odds are bad, consider this:  In 1999, I visited a friend in La Jolla.  I mentioned that I collected marbles and he mentioned he just gave some away.  His father recently passed away and he inherited them.  He showed me a Polaroid snapshot of the marbles.    I knew right away that they were from China.  And, referring to my reference books, they closely resembled a 1 1/8" intricate rose china.  That marble auctioned off for --- gulp --- $6,925 in August of 1998.  It was a sad day in La Jolla.

The point is, hang on to your collection until you know what you have.  Don't let your collection slip out of your hands. 

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Last modified: March 08, 2006