Collectors Makes Deal with eBay

As eBay continues to invest in the trading card space, the e-commerce company announced Wednesday three significant commercial transactions with Collectors, the parent company of PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator), the third-party authentication and grading provider in the collectibles industry.

The transactions include a trading card commercial agreement that aims to provide trading enthusiasts a seamless buying, selling, grading and storage experience. As part of the partnership, eBay and PSA plan to introduce a over the coming months. Plus, PSA is launching a new service for customers to list trading cards on eBay as soon as the card is graded in order to accelerate the selling process.

Additionally, eBay acquired Collectors' auction house Goldin, a significant move that will greatly benefit collectors. The sale helps eBay expand the range of inventory for buyers as well as give Goldin sellers a wider audience.

eBay is also selling the eBay vault to Collectors, creating a new offering that merges the existing vault services. Launched in 2022, the eBay vault allows collectors to store trading cards that are valued at more than $750 in a secure, temperature-controlled vault.

To read the complete article, see:
eBay enters trading card commercial agreement with Collectors, acquires Goldin(https://techcrunch.com/2024/04/10/ebay-enters-trading-card-commercial-agreement-with-collectors-acquires-goldin/)

The State Quarter Series

It's been 25 years since the U.S. Mint began producing arguably the most-collected coins: the 50 State Quarters.

Just as the name implies, every state got its own quarter, sporting a design on the reverse reflecting an important feature, historical moment, or tagline (or, in some cases, all three). From 1999 to 2008, the U.S. Mint released five new quarters a year, following the order in which the states ratified the Constitution or were admitted to the Union.

More of the quarters released early in the program, like Delaware, were minted than others. A report from the Mint points to Y2K-related concerns in the late 1990s, followed by a slowing economy in 2001 for the production differences.

To read the complete article, see:
How rare is your state quarter - and is it worth more than 25 cents?(https://thehill.com/homenews/nexstar_media_wire/4562515-how-rare-is-your-state-quarter-and-is-it-worth-more-than-25-cents/)

Nigerian Banknote Abuse

In a move that has captivated public attention, Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, one of Nigeria's most prominent and controversial figures, has been arrested on allegations of abusing banknotes. The incident reportedly occurred during a high-profile film premiere in Lagos, casting a spotlight on the celebrity known for her gender identity and vibrant social media presence.

Authorities, speaking with the BBC, explained that Bobrisky's actions involved "spraying" money - a practice where banknotes are thrown into the air as a gesture of appreciation or celebration. While this tradition is a common sight at Nigerian weddings and festive occasions, it technically violates laws against the mishandling of national currency. Such acts, which result in money being scattered and potentially trodden upon, carry a risk of six months imprisonment, although legal actions are infrequently pursued.

The event that led to Bobrisky's arrest was the premiere of "Ajakaju," a film eagerly anticipated by fans of Eniola Ajao, an acclaimed actress and producer. The premiere took place at Film One Circle Mall, located in Lekki, a prestigious district of Lagos. Footage from the event, showcasing the act of spraying money, rapidly spread across social media platforms, likely precipitating the authorities' decision to intervene.

To read the complete article, see:
Nigerian Celebrity Arrested for Banknote Abuse(https://www.africanexponent.com/nigerian-celebrity-arrested-for-banknote-abuse/)