You DO Want This Smoke

On your marks, Collectors.

We’re in the home stretch of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, and with Team USA leading the medal count by a wide margin, the collectibles world has been following the gold — well, mostly.

The recently released Topps Chrome Olympic set excluded gymnast Simone Biles, despite including her in the 2016 set. According to cllct, Biles and swimming star Katie Ledecky, who is included in the latest Topps Chrome Olympic set, have seen new records in their collectibles markets during the Games. A Biles card went for $2,500 on eBay, and a Ledecky card sold for $3,000.

Both Biles and Ledecky have left open the possibility of competing in the 2028 games, which would be their fourth and fifth Olympics, respectively. Does more exposure to athletes who only compete on the world stage once every four years help or hurt the value of their collectibles? Let us know what you think on Mantel.

Snoop Dogg Wins Gold For Olympic Pins

Since 1896, Olympic goers have traded pins. Alexis Ohanian and his family have even gotten in on the action this year. While Biles’ custom pin was an early favorite in Paris, tennis player Coco Gauff got something even better…from Snoop Dogg. Gauff said her popular smoke ring pin was a personal gift from Snoop. But the rapper, who has been working with NBC this Olympic games, told USA Today he doesn’t know where to find the pins and doesn’t own one himself.

Seth Rogen May (Or May Not) Have a Record-Breaking Ash Tray Collection

The Los Angeles Times showcased the popular actor’s unique collection of 567 vintage ashtrays, spanning the 1920s to the 70s, known as the “Golden Age” for ashtrays. These pieces encompass an era when design and artistry were as essential to an ashtray as putting a cigarette out. Check out Rogen’s favorite pieces from his extensive collection.

Why Matchbooks Are Back

While smoking might be less popular among younger generations, a smoking accessory is making a comeback. According to the Wall Street Journal, phillumeny — the hobby of collecting matchbooks, matchboxes, and match-related items — is on the rise. What’s behind the resurgence? Experts and collectors quoted in the story offer multiple theories.

Actor Paul Scheer Joins Mantel Quality Stories

Paul Scheer’s career in Hollywood has run the gamut, from playing a starring role in “The League” to being connected to the “Lost” franchise. So it’s no wonder he has an awesome mix of collectibles that reflect his career and the movies that inspired him back when he was just a kid going to Blockbuster to meet the cast of “Honey I Shrunk The Kids.” He gets into all of it on the latest episode of Mantel Quality Stories.

Washington’s “Most Cherished Possession” Heading To Auction

An ink-wash drawing George Washington received from French Major General Lafayette is headed under the hammer on September 10, with estimates putting the piece’s value between $500,000 and $800,000. The drawing was a token of appreciation to the first US President on behalf of the French. It followed Washington through his two executive terms to his Mount Vernon estate, even hanging in his entryway after his death. Fox Business documented the complete history of this fascinating piece of art.

Barn Restoration Uncovers Ted Williams Rookie Card

A Manchester, New Hampshire, barn owned by the same family for generations has proven to be full of surprises. The family recently decided to restore the barn and in the process discovered 52 baseball cards from 1930s and 1940s, including a Ted Williams rookie card. In good condition, these Williams cards can net over $30,000 easily, but homeowner Toni Pappas says she has no intention of selling anytime soon.