Wanting to know what you own, how much it's worth, and what it costs is more than mere curiosity or an accounting exercise. It's human nature.

Indeed, in the 1950s, archaeologists studying first-century Greek civilization discovered that an ancient language, called "Linear B," was inscribed on stone tablets for the purpose of doing an inventory of the palaces on the island of Crete.

Today, collectors buy and treasure everything from Beanie Babies plush toys to van Gogh paintings. The thrills of collecting come from the chase, the buy, the possession, and the display. And a collection's worth can significantly add to the pride and interest of ownership.

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