Franklin Mint "Sombra Sobre la Playa"
(Shadow on the Beach, 1977)
by Salvador Dali
Published by the Franklin Mint in 1977, it features an original work by Salvador Dali, etched in solid sterling silver, and issued in a single limited edition. It comes packaged in an attractive black and silver frame, double-matted with beige over black. The mat has a blind stamp in the lower right corner.
The brushed silver surface catches the light and reflects it back, changing appearance depending on the angle. A pretty neat effect that makes it look like its glowing in any kind of light.
This work is sealed in the frame, so I have not inspected the entire plaque. Therefore, its weight and overall dimensions are unknown. The visible area of the plaque is about 23.7 cm x 34.1 cm.It is not known how many of these were published, but it is extremely rare. It typically sells for fewer than $300, and I was lucky enough get mine for fewer than half that. My advise is to patiently wait, and you should be able to get one of these for your collection at a bargain price.
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Dali's Teatro Museo Figueras
Inauguration 1974
Coin/Medal/Medallion
One side of the coin is dated "28 IX 74" which corresponds to the museum's opening.
It is a shiny silver color and has been represented to be sterling silver, however no silver hallmarks are visible on this tiny coin.
It is about 17 mm in diameter (just a bit smaller than a US dime), and has about a 2.2 gram mass.
Nothing more is known about this coin, and it seems quite rare. If it is truly composed of sterling silver, then it is likely worth about $15.
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Dali's Tribes of Israel
Bronze Medallion:
"Joseph."
Not because of the Israel/Jewish reference (I have no connection to either), but because both the name and the date of its production are of special significance to me.
The medal is 5cm in diameter, and consists of about 80g of bronze. A stamp on the rim identifies the maker as Medallic Art Co., N.Y.
This medal is number 315. I do not know how many sets of these medallions were produced.
Usually, one sees the Tribes of Israel medallions sold as complete sets in a number of competing editions most commonly in bronze and silver.
In my experience, a single medal from a set like this is rarely sold by itself. In fact, I can only remember seeing two sets of these round medallions in silver at auction over the past year, but none in bronze.
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1988 U.S. Olympic Dali Medallions
by Deak International
This set of five olympic medallions is packaged in a dark blue flocked case. Each medal is embedded in a clear plastic holder so you can inspect both sides.
This set comes with a COA which identifies it as one of a limited edition of 25,000 sets in silver. Also listed is a gold set limited to 1,000.
Four of the medallions share the USA Olympic Committee name and logo, dated 1988, on the reverse. One medallion (the one in the lower right corner of the first image above) has a US-Canadian friendship motif on the reverse (see photos below).
While each medallion bears Dali's signature/logo, I question the level of Dali's participation in these designs. Unless these designs were produced prior to about 1980, these designs probably weren't even made by his hand. Dali's last painting was produced in 1983, and it likely that another artist's hand worked at Dali's direction.
The set is fairly easy to buy, though sellers tend to ask way too much. At the current average price for silver (~$40/troy ounce), there's only $80 worth of silver in this set.
A good rule of thumb to calculate the value of something like this to a Dali collector is about 2 to 3 times the value of the precious metal. Therefore, a reasonable price for this set is about $200. I got my set for a bit less than that.
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Beachwood (Cleveland) Ohio
Salvador Dali Museum Dedication Medal/Medallion/Coin
Since that time, I have become a more active Dali medallion collector, and have pined for the one that got away. That is, until now.
This rare medallion finally showed up, and I stepped up to the plate to swipe it faster than lightning.
It was obviously made to commemorate the March 7, 1971 dedication of the original Salvador Dali Museum established by Mr. and Mrs. A. Reynolds Morse.
In my experience, this medallion is extremely rare. It is not clear exactly how many of these were actually made or distributed. So far, I have only observed the two low number serials above.
Of the two that sold over the past year, medallion number 0157 sold for $86. However, I paid far less for my medallion number 0156--more than 33% less, in fact. At current market value for silver (~$40/troy ounce), there's only about $40 worth of silver in this medallion. Therefore, this medallion is likely worth about $60-$70, on average.
Of course, it's really worth whatever you are willing to pay for it now that you know it exists. Happy hunting!!!
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Springbok Puzzle by Salvador Dali:
"Double Image/Apparition of Voltaire" (1965)
When I first received my Dali Springbok puzzle, I was surprized at how big the box is. Having only seen pictures on the internet, I realized that the pictures don't give you a feel for the size of this item.
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| 2nd Edition puzzle with box. |
I am not an experienced puzzler, but the puzzle was not too difficult to assemble. I estimate that it took me fewer than 10 hours to complete over the course of a week.
If you are looking to add one of these puzzles to your collection, you should know that there are two editions which can be primarily distinguished by the bottom of the box.
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| 1st Edition puzzle box bottom. |
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| 2nd Edition puzzle box bottom. |
The two editions can also be distinguished by the puzzle pieces which are not identical. In other words, the puzzle editions are unique, so the pieces are not interchangeable. You should be able to use the outer pieces of the 2nd Edition puzzle pictured at the top, or the 1st Edition puzzle pictured at the bottom, if you need an identification.
If you really want to get crazy, you can also distinguish the box top of each edition. The copyright notice is at about the 7 o'clock position on the 1st Edition box whereas the copyright notice is at about the 6 o'clock position on the 2nd Edition box.
If you really want to get crazy, you can also distinguish the box top of each edition. The copyright notice is at about the 7 o'clock position on the 1st Edition box whereas the copyright notice is at about the 6 o'clock position on the 2nd Edition box.
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| 1st Edition box top. |
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| 2nd Edition box top. |
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| 1st Edition puzzle. |
A 1st Edition puzzle will likely cost you about $75, and a 2nd Edition puzzle will likely cost you about $45.
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"La Fecundidad"
sterling silver plaque
by Salvador Dali.
This item became a small restoration project for me.
The plaque had a thumb-sized stain seen in the picture to the right. The stain turned out to be tarnish. When the tarinsh was removed, the shiny silver underneath was exposed, which was in contrast to the dull appearance of the rest of the piece.
It appeared that the rest of the piece was lacquered. I decided to remove the lacquer so that the cleaned area would be less obvious. I separately tried vinegar, then acetone, and finally mineral spirits; the combined effect was the eventual removal of the lacquer.
The original stained area shows some residual pitting which may be repaired by a professional.
The plaque was attached to the original plexiglass by rubber pads. After removing and cleaning the plaque, I decided to replace the plexiglass with a brand new tinted piece of plexiglass.
I avoided removing the old label from the original plexiglass by cutting the plexiglass down around it and mounting it to the rear of the new plexiglass with velcro.
The cleaned plaque was securely attached to the new plexiglass with two strips of velcro.
The chrome frame shows significant pitting, but has been left as-is.
There is also a slight pinch in the raised border of the plaque just to the right of the stained area. I think that a previous owner tried to pry the plaque from the plexiglass by digging fingers under the plaque and using the thumb on the front as leverage. The thumb print eventually ate through the lacquer, creating the stained/pitted area.
The pictures below are of the item after restoration. In its present condition, it is likely worth about $600.
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Pair of Vintage Dali Medallions (1967):
"Dionysos et Pallas Athena" and "Unicorn Dionysiaque"The first thing to notice is that they are huge--both are 80mm in diameter. They each weigh more than 300g (Unicorn 310g; Athena 309g). They are easily the largest and heaviest medallions in my growing collection.
The reverse of each medallion has a statement in French that reads:
Cette oeuvre de salvador dali a ete frappee dans les ateliers de la monnaie de paris au mois de mars 1967 pour le compte du club francais de la medaille ce tirage etant limite a cent cinquante exemplaires d'argent au premier titre numerotes de 1 a 150I don't speak French, so I used an online translator to assemble this translation:
This work of Salvador Dalí was struck in the workshops of the Paris Mint in March 1967 on behalf of the French medal club. This run is limited to one hundred and fifty copies in silver as the first edition numbered 1 to 150.
It appears that these medallions are struck in silver. Normally, a silver medallion is stamped with a silver hallmark (usually on the rim). The rim of each medallion is stamped "1967" with a hallmark that looks like a mouse followed by a "1."It turns out that the hallmark is a Paris Mint (Monnaie de Paris) standard hallmark used on objects of silver to indicate 95% silver content. The hallmark is actually a "corne d'abondance" or a cornucopia symbol.
I wish I knew more about these medallions, but I can find no information about them in cyberspace. I have collected Dali for years and I have never seen these before. I may be the very first person to provide this much information about them.
The value is difficult to assess. It appears that these are extremely rare, and they are vintage, which is a good feature. The silver content of each is worth about $350 at current market value (~$36/troy oz). Any collector value will only add to that.
I estimate that each medallion is worth a minimum of $400.
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The Lincoln Mint 1972 Annual Easter Plate
"Easter Christ"
by Salvador Dali.
This sterling silver plate measures almost 9" across, reportedly weighs about 325 g, and is numbered on the reverse side with a 4-digit serial number (a larger number of digits has not been observed). It is reported that this is a limited edition of 20,000.
Of the three Lincoln Mint Dali plates, this one is the most common, yet typically sells for closest to the actual value of the silver (~$348) at today's market price (~$36 / troy ounce). So, expect to pay just under $350 for this one.
Though this plate is common, there are many for sale at outrageous prices far in excess of the aforementioned estimate. So, considering the number of plates for sale at a reasonable market price may make this among the less common of the three Lincoln Mint Dali plates.
Also note that this plate has been made in sterling vermeil (sterling silver plated in gold). These are far less common, but still sell for the same price as the sterling silver version.
Both come in a sturdy white presentation box with a purple silk interior. The information card accompanying the plate is also pictured here.
Update: 7/12/12:
Presented here are a few variants to this common collectible which have recently joined my collection.
The first is this beautiful Easter Christ in 24K gold on sterling silver (vermeil). It comes in the same box as the sterling version except that the cover logo is in gold, and the interior is done in white satin.
This version tends to be far more scarce than the sterling version, but auction results suggest that its value is about the same as the sterling version.
This one is serial number 2153 of a limited edition.
The next variant comes in the form of a sterling version box that is missing the cover logo. In all other respects, the box is identical to the regular sterling version box.
This plate is still sealed in its original packaging, so I am not sure what serial number it has. On information and belief, the serial number is likely either 5326 or 5393.
The final variant is a bit of an enigma, and might be in a class of its own.
It comes packaged in a box that, on the outside, looks like a regular sterling version. However, the logo on the inside of the lid is very different. It appears to be a sticker stuck on top of the satin.
The plate itself is not stamped with a serial number on the underside. It only has the number "27" stamped into it.
The metal of this plate feels flimsy. It can be bent easily with the hands. In fact, it came to me a bit warped around the rim.
It seems poorly made, and one artifact of its flawed production is the ghost imprint under the nail on one arm of the cross. This imprint does not exist on authentic versions of this plate.
The plate weighs 321.5 grams within its plastic shrink wrap, which is close enough to the mass of the known sterling version ( ~ 315-323 g ) to make this a decent counterfeit.
I hypothesize that this version is either a sales sample or a proof. On the other hand, it could just be a counterfeit made of a base metal.
I have not seen another of these, so more information is needed about this item.
Presented here are a few variants to this common collectible which have recently joined my collection.The first is this beautiful Easter Christ in 24K gold on sterling silver (vermeil). It comes in the same box as the sterling version except that the cover logo is in gold, and the interior is done in white satin.
This version tends to be far more scarce than the sterling version, but auction results suggest that its value is about the same as the sterling version.
The next variant comes in the form of a sterling version box that is missing the cover logo. In all other respects, the box is identical to the regular sterling version box.
This plate is still sealed in its original packaging, so I am not sure what serial number it has. On information and belief, the serial number is likely either 5326 or 5393.
The final variant is a bit of an enigma, and might be in a class of its own.
It comes packaged in a box that, on the outside, looks like a regular sterling version. However, the logo on the inside of the lid is very different. It appears to be a sticker stuck on top of the satin.The plate itself is not stamped with a serial number on the underside. It only has the number "27" stamped into it.
The metal of this plate feels flimsy. It can be bent easily with the hands. In fact, it came to me a bit warped around the rim.
It seems poorly made, and one artifact of its flawed production is the ghost imprint under the nail on one arm of the cross. This imprint does not exist on authentic versions of this plate.
The plate weighs 321.5 grams within its plastic shrink wrap, which is close enough to the mass of the known sterling version ( ~ 315-323 g ) to make this a decent counterfeit.
I hypothesize that this version is either a sales sample or a proof. On the other hand, it could just be a counterfeit made of a base metal.
I have not seen another of these, so more information is needed about this item.
Finally, here is something you don't see every day: an original magazine advertisement for the Easter Christ plate. The purchase price is listed as $150. At that time, silver cost about $2 per ounce, so the plate had fewer than $20 worth of silver in it!!!
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The Lincoln Mint 1972 Annual Plate:
"Dionysos et Pallas Athena"
by Salvador Dali.
The plate measures about 8" across, weighs about 282 g, and is numbered on the reverse side with a 4-digit serial number.
It is attractively packaged in a recessed presentation case within a tan slipcase covered in a velvet material. A trifold information card has the plate's artwork embossed on the front. This plate is a limited edition of 10,000.
Of the three Lincoln Mint Dali plates, this one is the least common. However, it still tends to sell for less than the value of the silver (~$300) at today's market price (~$36 / troy ounce). You can expect to pay about $290.
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The Lincoln Mint 1971 Annual Plate:
"Unicorn Dyonisiaque"
by Salvador Dali.
The plate measures 8" across, weighs about 218 g, and is numbered on the reverse side with a 4-digit serial number.
It is unclear how many of these were produced. Some online sellers represent that there were 1000 produced, however other sellers quote serial numbers higher than 1000. A 4-digit serial number seems to suggest that a maximum of 9999 were produced.
Of the three Lincoln Mint Dali plates, this one seems to be in the middle--not the most common, but not the most rare.
It tends to sell for less than the value of the silver (~$233) at today's market price (~$36 / troy ounce). So, expect to pay about $190.
It comes in a white presentation box with a purple velvet interior. The information card accompanying the plate is also pictured here.
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Salvador Dali Institute
Dedication Coin / Medal / Medallion.
It is actually a coin within a bezel so that one can wear it with a ribbon. I have yet to see one of these with the original ribbon. The bezel can be removed by one small screw.
The coin within the bezel is actually the same design and dimensions as its silver/rhodium counterpart. It weighs about 23.7 g without the bezel and has a 37 mm diameter.
The only difference in the design is the presence of a small hallmark on the reverse side which reads "MET."
I am not sure what this medal/coin is made of. It appears to be some kind of base metal plated in gold.
This medal is very rare, though a few have turned up at auction recently. Realistically, this medal is worth about $40, but an actual sale price of more than $100 has been observed.
There does not appear to be a great demand for this medal, so if one does turn up at auction, there won't be much competition.
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1971 El Salvador 1 Colon Coin
This tiny little coin (about 1.5 cm) is about 2.3 grams of sterling silver and features Dali's "La Fecundidad" on one side.
Though the actual silver value is only about $2, it will cost you about $20 to pick up one of these for your Dali collection.
Available quite readily.
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Salvador Dali Institute
Dedication Coin / Medal / Medallion.
This coin was issued to commemorate the opening of the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida back in 1982.
It is #39 of a limited edition of 500. It has the appearance of a silver proof coin, with a shiny surface. It is solid sterling silver with a rhodium plating, was designed by Italcambio and minted by Monilart, both in Italy. It weighs about 28.2 grams and has a 37 mm diameter.
Considering the rarity of this item, if could be worth from $50-$100.
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Playing Cards / Poker Decks
with Case Designed by Dali.
Seriously, the poker cards designed by Dali typically come in a black box, though I once saw them in a wood presentation case (possibly the second edition/reissue?). The leatherette card case seen here purports to be a "Dali design."
Did Dali design this case? I have my doubts.
The clasp is held by magnetic force, which is a nice touch. Inside we find storage space for two decks of cards. There is smooth fabric under each deck. In my opinion, the straps that hold the cards in place seem chintzy and poorly-designed.
The card decks are unopened, but my gut tells me that these decks are probably a second edition or a reissue, as opposed to a first edition. It just seems unlikely that this case and these cards have remained in such a mint state since the original release of the cards in the late 1960's.And, yes, the cards have gold gilt edges and the Dali designs.
Well, you saw it here first, and not in an overseas gift shop!
In pricing this item, it is known that the unopened card decks could easily sell for $175. The case adds another $20 to that price, and if it is truly a Dali design, it could add another $50 or more to the value.
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Ten Commandments Medal / Medallion
This particular Ten Commandments medal is an interesting enigma.
I conjecture that this brass version is a proof of some kind.
Dimensions:
- mass is 40.5g;
- diameter is 50mm;
- thickest at 3mm;
- thinnest at 1.5mm.
Calculation of its density based on assumed values of its silver counterpart (mass: 50.5g; density of silver: 10.4 g/cc) yields a value of 8.34 g/cc. This value is consistent with common brass alloys.
While the silver version of this medal is common, I have never seen one of these struck in brass. This is a rare piece.
There is clearly no reference point for an item like this, but I place its value at around $125.
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Espace Montmartre Paris Dali Coin (2009)
by Monnaie de Paris.
It has some weight to it, so it doesn't feel like a chintzy token made of cheap metal. It is about 34mm in diameter.
The obverse features a melting clock and Dali's signature with the crown logo above it. The reverse has the Monnaie de Paris logo, dated 2009, and the word "France" written in eight different languages around the edge.
Here is a picture of the reverse of a different version of this coin that is undated:
Here is another one dated 2001 and marked as a limited edition:
So, it seems that there are at least several versions of this coin for the avid Dali collector to hunt for.
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Comic Images All-Chromium Dali Card Collection (1995).
The back of each card features information and quotes which trace the chronology of Dali's life. One can read each card in succession like a book.
The base set cosists of 90 cards, and there are several collections of chase cards.
These cards are out of print, but are generally available for purchase around the internet. Expect to pay about $25 for a complete set of 90. If you are lucky, you can get the full set with a bunch of chase cards included.
Because of their reflective nature, they are difficult to photograph, so only a couple of pictures are included here for reference.
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"Les Montres Gelatines de L'Espace Temps"
(The Frozen Watches of Space-Time)
coupelle en porcelaine
(porcelain plate)
The rear of the small plate states that it is #1415 of a limited edition of 2000 manufactured in Lamotte-Beuvron by "Editions Van Dick Anvers - Belgique" at a size of 120 x 120 mm.
I cannot find any information about this object on the internet and would appreciate any reader input as to the year of its production, and any information that may be of value in assessing its worth.
While I lack data about the year of production and the original sale price, I tentatively place a value of about $20 on this object.
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Dali "Peace" Medal / Medallion
(.999 silver, 1978)
It is dated 1978, measures about 59mm in diameter, and weighs about 100g. On the edge, it is stamped "silver 999," "E," and "164/350." Please note that the particular medal pictured here is no longer in my posession; it has been passed on to a proud new owner.
Anyhoo, the medal is shown here with its original satin-lined, flocked presentation case.
Internet information on this medal is lacking. It is highly unlikely that only 350 of these were produced. I suspect that the "E" refers to a set, as in the fifth set of 350, for instance. I can't confirm this because I have not heard of another person with a different letter stamped on the edge.
What I have heard from other owners of this medal:
- one person has reported this medal without any serial number on it;
- one person has reported owning two medals, both stamped "## / 150" with no letter;
- I observed an online auction of this medal reported to be stamped "EA 61 / 75";
- I observed an online auction of this medal reported to be stamped "E 100 / 350;"
- Update 4/25/11: I observed an online auction of this medal reported to be stamped "Israel 0827;"
- Update 5/21/11: I observed an online auction of this medal stamped "E 78 / 350;"
- Update: 6/25/11: I observed an online auction of this medal stamped "37 / 150;"
- Update 7/1/11: I recently observed an auction of two medals represented by the seller as #956 and #1061 of 3,500 originating from an Israel edition;
- Update 8/6/11: I observed an online auction of this medal reported to be stamped "E 203 / 350;"
- Update 10/5/11: I recently obtained this medal in a flocked presentation case stamped "AP 68 / 75;"
- Update 11/5/11: I recently obtained this medal in a flocked presentation case stamped "E 10 / 350;"
- Update 11/5/11: I recently obtained this medal stamped "Israel 964," with a card indicating a total edition of 3500;
- Update 8/12/13: I recently obtained this medal in a flocked presentation case stamped "E 285 / 350."
It's a pretty cool medal. Not too common, but it does turn up on auction from time to time. Prices have ranged from about $225 to $350. That's a huge range, but the market speaks for itself. Happy hunting.
(8/12/13 update: prices average around $200)
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Salvador Dali Maximum/Max Card (France, 1979)
w/ stamp designed by Dali (1978)
Anyhoo, it turns out that a max card is sort of like a first day cover. In this case, the cover is a postcard with an image of the stamp designed for France by Dali in 1978, with the actual stamp affixed to it and cancelled on the first day of issue, November 17, 1979.
The reverse side of this postcard is numbered 490, but I have no idea of the total size of the print edition. Seems like a nice low number anyway.
I have never before seen any of these for sale out there, but I imagine that a ton of them exist somewhere, perhaps in stamp collecting circles. Not really sure, but I mean, there must have been millions of these stamps produced, right?
This max card was a good deal at about two dollars mailed to me from France.
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Medal: Antonio Pitxot Exposition,
Teatro Museo Dali, Figueras 1974.
Always on the hunt for unique and affordable Dali collectibles, I have obtained this medal for the SDBC Library.
WOW! I never saw anything like it.
On one side is an Antonio Pitxot nude woman sculpture in relief. On the other side is a relief image of the Teatro Museo Dali in Figueras, Spain.
The medal is dated 1974 and is in excellent condition. It's about 1.5" in diameter and quite hefty in weight.
So, where can you find one for your collection? No clue! I can't find any information about this medal on the internet or in any books in my collection.
If the medal dates to 1974, then any information may be hard to find. I will post an update if additional information turns up.
(8/12/13 update: two recent sales suggest a value of about $40)
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Dali Poker / Playing Card Decks (Puiforcat, 1967)
You won't find Dali's playing card designs in too many places, especially not all together. Thus, these cards really round out any collection.
The cards come in a black storage case with Dali's signature in gold on the front. Two decks are inside, one red and one blue. The edges of both decks are gilded in gold, giving the cards a stiff feel.
Apparently there were two editions of these cards produced, and that the second edition is stated as such. I believe my set to be first edition.
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POKER TAROT DALI playing cards decks.
Once in a blue moon the avid Dali collectible hunter comes across this deck of cards. If it is reasonably-priced, then it's probably worth the purchase.
The set pictured here was purchased from an online seller in Argentina.
Two decks of cards (red and blue) come in a nice presentation package.
There are 52 unique tarot card designs and two joker design (one features Dali, the other features Gala).
There are no dates anywhere on the cards or packaging, which makes me wonder if these are modern reprints, rather than first editions. Since I can't find any definitive information about these cards on the internet or elsewhere, I will have to return to this topic at a later date.
In any case, these playing cards are quite rare. Expect to pay about $50 or more for the double set in new condition.
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Strauss ~ Don Quixote ~ Reiner
(RCA Soria Series, LD 2384, circa 1960)
Of course, Don Quixote is a favorite theme in the Dali illustration oeuvre. This vinyl recording features a booket with illustrations by several artists, including one by Dali.
While there is nothing new here, the illustration is tipped in, making it an improved version of an image already in print in the 1946 and the 1979 reprint of Don Quixote. The tipped in print is not folded, so it can be harvested for framing.
Indeed, you can occasionally find this image for sale on the internet. Some even try to sell it as a lithograph, which I believe it is not. It appears to fall into the photomechanical reproduction category. And a very good reproduction it is.
Nevertheless, it appears that there was a limited edition of 200 copies of the first edition of the booklet to this recording. My copy is not part of this limited edition.
This recording is readily available, with average price around $15. I expect the limited edition to command a higher price.
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Jackie Gleason Presents LONESOME ECHO (1955).
It's the cover to the record album titled Jackie Gleason Presents Lonesome Echo (1955).
The cover features some typical Dalinian imagery: sparcely-populated landscape, long shadows, butterfly, monolith.
On the back is a picture of Gleason and Dali engaged in a handshake.
You can find one of these for your own collection for about $10.
1 comment:
Excellent site very informative
Bruce Hochman OS
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