With the value of precious metals such as silver and gold rising, many people are wondering if now might be the best time to sell Hamilton Mint silver sets. The answer is YES, but with caution.

You might sell locally, but you will not get top dollar from a local gold buyer or coin shop. You could try to sell on eBay, but that's a hassle and after paying fees and commission you will end up with less than if you had simply sold directly to an interernet buyer.

That leaves you with finding an internet buyer.  You should look for a Internet buyer who will pay the highest percentage of the precious metal value, obviously.  But you should also look for an Internet buyer who is a member of the Better Business Bureau online reliability program. If the company is a member of their local Chamber of Commerce, that’s even better. And, of course, the company should have a valid business license in the county in which they operate. If the Internet company is not licensed, do not deal with them! You certainly want to sell for the highest possible price, but you also want to avoid being ripped off in the process.

If you look locally for where to sell you may find a coin shop or pawn shop who will offer to buy, but compare their offer with others before accepting. Local buyers pay as little as 40% of the true value when they buy your Hamilton Mint sets. A top buyer will pay 75% to 85%.  The difference could be hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Look for an Internet buyer that provides fast, friendly communications and no-obligation bids. A professional buyer will reply to your emails quickly and treat you with respect. If not, go elsewhere. Any reputable buyer will have years of experience and will be happy to help you sell.

Of course, a business must make a profit to remain in business, but a solid company knows that competition is intense and they must pay a fair price in order to remain successful.

A good buyer will provide a price quote in advance, without asking you to ship first.  If a buyer cannot provide an upfront quote, go elsewhere. Do not send your items on approval unless you have thoroughly checked references. By having an upfront bid, you can decide to sell or not, based on the price offered. This is much better than sending first and“hoping” for a good price, which is the way many Internet buyers operate.

In summary, Do your homework, deal with a reputable firm, and you will ensure a successful transaction.

Many folks have collections of Hamilton Mint collectibles, either from collecting themselves or through inheritance. The burning question in the minds of many  is: "Do HamiltonMint collectibles have value?" The answer, like so many in life, is "It depends."

Sterling silver is not pure. It is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper or other base metal. Pure silver is 100% silver (or 99.9% which is close enough to pure). Many new collectors think sterling silver is the highest and greatest form of silver, but it is not. It is only 92.5% pure.

Also, little known is the fact that, by law, an error margin of 10% is allowed in the sterling alloy, so that quite often, when tested, a piece marked STERLING may actually only test our as 91% pure.

The realm of collectibles is as vast as it is varied, encompassing items that range from the mundane to the extraordinary. Among the myriad players in this field, the Franklin Mint holds a distinct place, renowned for its wide array of collectibles that have captivated enthusiasts for decades. This article delves into the intricacies of collecting Franklin Mint items, examining the factors that influence their value and offering insights into the appraisal process.

The Franklin Mint: A Brief Overview

Founded in the mid-20th century, the Franklin Mint quickly rose to prominence as a purveyor of collectibles, ranging from coins and medals to dolls, die-cast cars, and jewelry. Its approach to marketing and creating limited edition items made it a household name among collectors. Despite facing financial difficulties and undergoing a bankruptcy reorganization in the early 2000s, the Franklin Mint has continued to operate, adapting to the changing landscape of collectibles.

The Value of Franklin Mint Collectibles

The valuation of Franklin Mint collectibles is a complex process, influenced by various factors including rarity, demand, condition, and the materials used in production. Collectibles made from precious metals, such as sterling silver or gold, often retain or increase in value over time. This appreciation is largely due to the intrinsic value of the materials themselves. On the other hand, items produced in more common materials without the allure of precious metals tend to depreciate, often selling for a fraction of their original issue price.

• Precious Metal Items: Collections crafted from gold or silver represent the pinnacle of Franklin Mint collectibles in terms of investment. The value of these items usually don't match their original purchase price, but there are exceptions to this rule.
• Non-Precious Metal Items: Collectibles made from non-precious materials, such as porcelain, resin, or common metals, are less likely to hold their value. The market for these items is driven more by sentimental value or the interests of niche collectors.

Market Dynamics and Collectibility

The collectibles market is dynamic, with trends and tastes evolving over time. Franklin Mint's broad range of offerings means that certain categories may experience fluctuations in popularity and, consequently, value. For example, limited edition plates or dolls that were highly sought after during their release might not command the same attention today.

Assessing the Condition and Authenticity

Condition plays a crucial role in the valuation of collectibles. Items in mint condition, with original packaging and certificates of authenticity, are more likely to attract higher prices. Collectors should be vigilant about preserving the condition of their items and obtaining documentation that verifies their authenticity.

Navigating the Secondary Market

The secondary market for Franklin Mint collectibles is vibrant, encompassing auction houses, online marketplaces, and private sales. Understanding this market is crucial for both buyers looking to acquire pieces and sellers hoping to find buyers for their collectibles. Prices can vary widely based on the venue and the manner in which items are sold. In conclusion, the world of Franklin Mint collectibles is one of richness and diversity. While some items have seen their value appreciate, particularly those made from precious metals, others have not fared as well. The key to successful collecting lies in understanding the market, recognizing the factors that influence value, and making informed choices. Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to the hobby, the journey of collecting Franklin Mint items is one filled with discovery and potential rewards.

Learning More about the Value of Your Collection with iGuide's Appraisal Reports

For collectors seeking to appraise their Franklin Mint collectibles, iGuide's Appraisal Reports offer a valuable resource. These reports provide up-to-date market values based on real data, offering insights into current trends and valuations. Whether you're considering selling your collection or simply wish to understand its worth, an appraisal report can provide the information you need to make informed decisions.

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Franklin Mint Price Guide

With the value of precious metals such as silver and gold rising, many people are wondering if now might be the best time to sell Franklin Mint silver sets. The answer is YES, but with caution.

You might sell locally, but you will not get top dollar from a local gold buyer or coin shop. You could try to sell on eBay, but that's a hassle and after paying fees and commission you will end up with less than if you had simply sold directly to an interernet buyer.

That leaves you with finding an internet buyer.  You should look for a Internet buyer who will pay the highest percentage of the precious metal value, obviously.  But you should also look for an Internet buyer who is a member of the Better Business Bureau online reliability program. If the company is a member of their local Chamber of Commerce, that’s even better. And, of course, the company should have a valid business license in the county in which they operate. If the Internet company is not licensed, do not deal with them! You certainly want to sell for the highest possible price, but you also want to avoid being ripped off in the process.

If you look locally for where to sell you may find a coin shop or pawn shop who will offer to buy, but compare their offer with others before accepting. Local buyers pay as little as 40% of the true value when they buy your Franklin Mint sets. A top buyer will pay 75% to 85%.  The difference could be hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Look for an Internet buyer that provides fast, friendly communications and no-obligation bids. A professional buyer will reply to your emails quickly and treat you with respect. If not, go elsewhere. Any reputable buyer will have years of experience and will be happy to help you sell.

Of course, a business must make a profit to remain in business, but a solid company knows that competition is intense and they must pay a fair price in order to remain successful.

A good buyer will provide a price quote in advance, without asking you to ship first.  If a buyer cannot provide an upfront quote, go elsewhere. Do not send your items on approval unless you have thoroughly checked references. By having an upfront bid, you can decide to sell or not, based on the price offered. This is much better than sending first and“hoping” for a good price, which is the way many Internet buyers operate.

In summary, Do your homework, deal with a reputable firm, and you will ensure a successful transaction.

Many collectors ask iGuide about the marketability of limited edition porcelain plates issued by The Franklin Mint and other private mints. Beginning in the 1970s, The Franklin Mint issued limited edition porcelain plates in many series and on many subjects. They also issued limited edition plates made of solid sterling silver. Massive advertising campaigns in magazines such as Parade touted the desirability and 'limited' nature of these collectibles. The original issue prices ranged from $30 to $300 EACH!

The sad truth is, in today's market, these porcelain plates are worth only a fraction of their original price in most cases. Thus, most fall into the TRASH category. But don't throw the baby out with the bath water. Sterling silver limited edition plates have good value due to their silver content. While the sterling silver plates often will not fetch more than their original issue price, in many cases they have at least held their value.

VERDICT:
PORCELAIN PLATES: TRASH
PEWTER PLATES: TRASH
STERLING SILVER PLATES: TREASURE

Get current prices and learn how to sell at our Franklin Mint Price Guide (click here)

Obviously, the better the state of preservation any collectible enjoys, the more it is worth. Our Franklin Mint Grading Guide is intended to give collectors some guidelines to help determine the grade, or condition, of their collectible. I welcome your feedback. Please e-mail me with comments and suggestions. My e-mail address is jon@2ndmarkets.com.

Grading is an art, not a science. It can take years of experience to learn how to accurately rate the condition of an item. Hopefully this guide will start you on your path.
C10 = Like New
As new (pre-1980 items are seldom found in this condition). C9 : N-
Nearly New, but has very slight signs of age. No visible signs of wear or damage. C8 = E+
Almost like new, with very, very few signs of handling, such as tiny scuffs from being slipped in and out of holders, noticeable only with a magnifying glass. C7 = E : Excellent
Still very shiny, near new looking, with no visible signs of wear, but a few slight blemishes may be present.
C6 = E-
Still shiny but without the luster of a the above grade, may have a few light scratches or possibly signs of tarnishing.
C5 = VG+
V+ is an average condition collectible in which scuffs and general use has dulled the finish somewhat. Wear is moderate but eye appeal is generally very good. Surface not worn but not lustrous either.
C4 = VG : Very Good
Moderate, even wear throughout, but still very playable. Surface noise and scratches audible but not intrusive. C3 = VG-
Surface scratches and general wear are obvious.
C2 = G+
Heavy scratches.
C1 = G : Good
Quite seriously worn and scratched.
G- ; F ; and P
Some experts also use these designations for collectibles in extremely poor condition. We do not place these on the 10-point scale because Franklin Mint collectibles in this condition have little or no value. In cases where the item is extremely rare, it would be worth the C1 price in our price guide.

From the mid-1960s to the late 1980s, The Franklin Mint issued limited edition coin and ingot sets made of sterling silver, bronze, pewter, and sometimes gold-plated sterling silver. The sets were sold using a subscription model, where each month the subscriber would receive one or two coins to add to their set. At the end of the subscription period, the collection would be complete. The sets were also sold as a complete set, without the need to subscribe.
Today, with the value of silver and gold having reached more or less the same inflation-adjusted value they had in the late 1970s, collectors are wanting to learn the value of these sets. Herewith, we provide a list of the top 10 most valuable Franklin Mint silver sets. Word of warning: these sets have value only when they are made of sterling silver or gold-plated sterling silver. Often, an "economy priced" set was issued made of bronze or pewter, and these versions have very little if any value.

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Get current prices and learn how to sell at our Franklin Mint Price Guide (click here)

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1. The Franklin Mint Presidential Ingot Collection, 5000 Grains Edition

According to our database of Franklin Mint sets, this set of 36 sterling silver ingots is the most valuable of all the silver sets issued by The Franklin Mint. A 2500 grain set and a one ounce set were also produced in sterling silver. You can check the value of this set in our FRANKLIN MINT PRICE GUIDE.

2. The Franklin Mint History of USA Medals Collection

Each of these sterling silver medals is 45 millimeters in diameter (about 2 inches). The complete set is 200 medals. This series of 200 medals provides a comprehensive history of the U.S. since the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Each medal recalls a different year by depicting the 'event of the year' selected from those listed on the reverse. The set was housed in a large wooden box with sliding shelves for the medals, 20 medals per shelf.

3. The Franklin Mint 100 Greatest Masterpieces Collection

This set of 100 medals was produced in a regular sterling silver edition and also a gold-plated sterling silver edition. The gold-plated version is slightly more valuable than the regular sterling edition, although some buyers will try to convince you otherwise. Each medal depicted a famous artwork through the ages. The set was housed in a beautiful mahogany display box with shelves. Although quite valuable, this is one of the more common sets.

4. The Franklin Mint Centennial Cars Ingot Collection

Celebrating 100 years of automobiles, this set of 100 sterling silver ingots was produced from 1974 - 1978. Each ingot measures roughly 1.25" X 2.25". The set was housed in a beautiful solid oak trunk.

5. The Franklin Mint History of Mankind Medals Collection

The set was issued from 1974-1982. The complete set contains 100 medals. Each medal is a 51 millimeter Proof, 24K gold electroplate coating on sterling silver. The most important events in the history of civilization were commemorated in this collection.

6. The Franklin Mint 50 Greatest Sailing Ships in History Ingot Collection

Museum Collection. Complete set of 50 ingots. Each measures app. 2-1/2" by 1-3/4". The 50 greatest sailing ships of the past 50 centuries were honored in this collection of 50 ingots.

7. The Franklin Mint Bicentennial History of the United States Ingots Collection

This set of sterling silver ingots included 100 different pieces commemorating great events in American history.

8. The Franklin Mint Bicentennial Bowl

14 inches in diameter, 7 inches high. Huge and solid sterling silver.

9. The Franklin Mint Masterpieces of Thomas Gainsborough Ingots Collection

This was a set of 100 gold-plated sterling silver ingots issued to commemorate the great works of British artist Sir Thomas Gainsborough. We believe this set was issued only in Great Britain and the UK.

10. The Franklin Mint Flags of the United Nations Collection

Complete set of 135 large ingots, certified on March 15, 1974. Each ingot shows the official flag of a country that is a member of the United Nations at that time. The full size set was issued when there were 135 members. A small so-called "mini" set was issued later which contained 142 tiny silver ingots, each about the size of a fingernail. The mini set is much less valuable than the large set.

This list includes only sterling silver sets. A number of very valuable sets were produced in 24 karat gold.

Get current prices and learn how to sell at our Franklin Mint Price Guide (click here)

The Danbury Mint is a division of MBI, Inc. that markets a variety of collectibles. Danbury Mint historically marketed high quality medals and ingots produced by others exclusively for them. The company also sold numerous other collectible offerings including plates, bells, sculptures, etc. Danbury Mint is well known for their 1:24 scale die-cast vehicles, including a now discontinued James Bond's DB5.  
Their licenses include: Boyds, Coca-Cola, John Deere, Dept 56, Dr. Seuss, General Motors, Goebel, King Features, Looney Tunes, Major League Baseball, Mars, Inc., NFL, Gary Patterson, Peanuts, Pillsbury, Elvis Presley, Red Hat Society, The Walt Disney Company and Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation.   History The Danbury Mint was founded in Westport, Connecticut by Ralph Glendinning and Ted Stanley in 1969, as a subsidiary of Glendinning Companies. Their first product was a series of medals commemorating the Apollo 11 moon landing. The Danbury Mint has since gone on to capture the legacy of landmark events, products and people though collectible figurines, collector's plates, dolls, and die-cast cars. Those legacies include the inauguration of President Barack Obama, Princess Diana, Shirley Temple, corvettes, Hummel figurines, and Christmas gold ornaments.   Danbury's first sister division was formed in 1970 under the name Postal Commemorative Society, recently changed to PCS Stamps & Coins. In 1973, both divisions were incorporated as MBI. In 1975 Easton Press was formed as MBI's third division, and MBI was spun off from Glendinning Companies as a separate company.  

A common misconception surrounds the value of Franklin Mint silver collections. Many believe these items possess a value beyond their precious metals value, attributing to them a rarity or collectible premium that, in reality, seldom exists. This discussion aims to shed light on the intrinsic and market values of Franklin Mint silver, providing a grounded perspective on what sellers can realistically expect.

What is Franklin Mint Silver?

Franklin Mint has a storied history as a private mint known for producing collectibles, art, and memorabilia, with a significant portion of its offerings in silver. Founded in the mid-20th century, it gained fame for its intricate and themed silver sets, ranging from commemorative coins to decorative plates. However, despite the initial allure, the reality today is that the value of these pieces is rooted more in their metal content than in any collectible appeal.

The collecting world witnessed a similar phenomenon with Beanie Babies. Once a fervent hobby with items fetching thousands, the craze has significantly waned. The decline in Beanie Babies' popularity mirrors the depreciating interest and values in other collectibles, including Franklin Mint silver, emphasizing the volatile nature of such investments.

Market Dynamics

The market for Franklin Mint and similar collectibles is influenced by a variety of economic factors. The perception of value in the collectibles market is often subjective, with prices heavily dependent on current trends, demand, and the broader economic environment. For Franklin Mint silver, the market has seen a considerable downturn, with interest largely subsiding over the years. This shift reflects a broader trend away from traditional collectibles, impacting prices and demand.

Sellers should also know the facts:
1) Sterling silver is not pure silver. The 'silver price' in the newspaper is for pure silver. Sterling is 92% - so buyers must deduct for this fact. Most limited edition medals sets by Franklin Mint, Danbury Mint and others are made from sterling silver, not 999 pure silver. Of course, for sets made of 999 pure silver, no deduction is made.

2) Many people think they have more weight than they actually do - an ounce of silver is a troy ounce, which contains 31.1 grams. If you weigh a set on a bathroom or kitchen scale, the weight you get is a 'standard' ounce, or 28.5 grams. This is a 10% mistake in the weight. This is a common mistake novice sellers make.

Contrary to typical market drivers such as grade, rarity, and demand, the value of Franklin Mint silver collections is solely determined by their silver content. The notion of a thriving market for these items is, for the most part, a relic of the past. Today, the collectible aspect of Franklin Mint silver does not command a premium, rendering the market essentially inert.

Does Anybody Buy Franklin Mint Silver Today?

Despite the downturn in the collector's market, there are still avenues for selling Franklin Mint silver. Online platforms, such as 2nd Markets of Nashville, Tennessee, offer a buyer for these items, focusing on their metala value. Additionally, local pawn shops might show interest, particularly for the silver content. This highlights that while the collector's market may have diminished, the intrinsic value of the silver itself retains appeal.

It's crucial for sellers to remember that Franklin Mint silver remains valuable for its silver content.

Learn More About the Value of Your Franklin Mint Silver

iGuide’s Franklin Mint price guide is a good place to find the pricing information about your Franklin Mint silver and its current value. Learn more.

This series of four plates was produced from four original sculptures created especially for this series by renowned Western artists. These were the first Franklin Mint plates to be issued in both 22K gold and Sterling silver, and the first series of sculptured plates. Each plate is serially numbered on a medallion affixed to the reverse of the plate.

Each plate was produced in a 22K gold version which weighed roughly 22 troy ounces or 684 grams.

1 Horizons West by Richard Baldwin, 1972, 8 inch diameter, bas-relief
2 Mountain Man by Gordon Phillips, 1972, 8 inch diameter, bas-relief
3 Propsector by Gus Schaefer, 1973, 8 inch diameter, bas-relief
4 Plains Hunter by John Weaver, 1973, 8 inch diameter, bas-relief

Get current prices and learn how to sell at our Franklin Mint Price Guide (click here)

The Franklin Mint issued many coins for sovereign nations, and of those, a significant number were made of platinum rather than gold or silver. The Franklin Mint also produced several so-called 'mini' coins made from platinum. And, in a few instances, Franklin Mint made several commemorative medals sets made of platinum. iGuide's research has determined that the purity level of these platinum medals is about 90% pure. These platinum coins are valued like other platinum bullion coins, they are worth a percentage of the metals or scrap value. They do not have 'rarity' or 'collector' or 'numismatic' value.

Get current prices and learn how to sell at our Franklin Mint Price Guide (click here)

The bronze versions: trash. The sterling silver versions: treasure. Calendar medals were issued in 1967, 1968, and 1972-1980. Each medal is 77 millimeters in diameter and has an antiqued finish. The Calendar medals for 1967, 1968 and 1972 were struck with the Benjamin Franklin portrait designed by Gilroy Roberts. Beginning in 1973, these medals featured an original work of art whose design includes a calendar for the year. Starting in 1972, the medals were produced in both sterling silver and bronze. The bronze versions have little if any value.

Get current prices and learn how to sell at our Franklin Mint Price Guide (click here)

Over the past 50 years, Joseph M. ("Joe") Segel has founded more than 20 different companies in businesses as diverse as publishing, minting, photography, aviation, software, hospitality, television broadcasting and behavioral modification. As a result of this prolific entrepreneurship, Segel has received numerous awards for creating new businesses and jobs, and has been referred to by several journalists as "the quintessential entrepreneur." Most recently, he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Electronic Retailing Association and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree by Drexel University. He is the only person who has been elected to both The Direct Marketing Hall of Fame and The Specialty Advertising Hall of Fame. He has also served as chairman of the Philadelphia Presidents Organization.

Segel entered the undergraduate program of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School at the age of 16. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics in 1951 and went on to become the youngest member of the faculty of the Wharton School at the age of 20, teaching Marketing 101 and 102 while running his first significant business, The Advertising Specialty Institute. That business, which evolved into National Business Services, Inc., was acquired by the Cohn Family Trust in 1961 and it recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.

In 1962, Segel started Jordan-Edwards Company to market a pocket appointment and expense account record-keeping system he had designed. That led to his being called upon to testify as an expert on expense account record keeping before a Congressional committee, the first of several appearances before Congress. That company was acquired by Day-Timers, which replaced it with its own system.

In 1964, at the age of 33, Segel took note of two concurrent events – the passing of General Douglas MacArthur and people lining up at banks to buy the last U.S. silver dollars. That sparked an idea. He quickly started The National Commemorative Society, which introduced a monthly series of limited edition, sterling silver commemorative coin-like medals honoring events and heroes in American history, starting with a medal commemorating General Douglas MacArthur. The program was an instant hit. Not satisfied with the quality of the coin-medals produced by a subcontractor, he recruited Gilroy Roberts, who was then Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, to join him in starting General Numismatics Corporation ("GNC") to mint superior-quality coins and medals. In 1965, shortly after going public, GNC changed its name to The Franklin Mint.

The Franklin Mint soon became listed on the New York Stock Exchange and rapidly developed into the world’s pre-eminent producer of high-quality collectible items, as well as the only private mint commissioned by foreign countries to produce coin of the realm. Segel retired as chairman of Franklin Mint Corporation in 1973. The company was subsequently acquired by Warner Communications (predecessor to TimeWarner), which later sold the company to a private group of investors. The Franklin Mint today produces a wide variety of collectible products. Coins and medals are no longer a significant part of its output.

In 1970, Segel and his wife acquired a small hotel on Mont Pelerin in Switzerland and renamed it Le Mirador. Over the next 27 years, while still living in the USA, Segel expanded the hotel and spa into one of Europe’s finest 5-star resorts, eventually becoming one of the 300 "Leading Hotels of the World." In 1990 he sold Le Mirador to a Japanese group. He bought it back in 1993 and extensively renovated the property. Then in 1998, he sold Le Mirador a second time – to a German software magnate, Hartmut Lademacher, and it is now part of the Kempinski hotel group.

In 1975, Segel started Presidential Airways, a private jet service with 5 jets and 3 helicopters, specializing in shuttling executives to the supersonic Concorde. He learned how to fly and achieved an unusual score of 100 on the instrument-rating test, but he chose not to pursue a pilot’s license after a hair-raising experience during flight training. Presidential Airways was financially unsuccessful and, after several aircraft changes, was sold in 1980 to its largest customer.

In 1980, Segel and his wife went on an African Safari. As an avid photographer, he shot over 3000 slides on that trip. He then selected the 50 most interesting pictures and individually printed a limited edition of each of them in his own darkroom. After agreeing to allow The Franklin Mint to market his "Portraits of a Safari" series, he learned that color photographs fade significantly over a five to ten year period, even when displayed under glass. Dismayed that collectors would not be aware of the fact that his photographs would gradually fade, he destroyed all the prints he had made and vowed to find a solution to the problem. That led him to start PermaColor Corporation to develop new systems for inhibiting the fading of color photographs. Eventually, through personal experimentation, he worked out a system to preserve color photographs for 50-100 years. He then went back to his darkroom and individually reprinted a limited edition of 60 of each of the 10 best photographs, protecting them with the new preservation system, and The Franklin Mint went ahead to successfully market the series. Nearly thirty years later, the photographs show no sign of fading. Segel now shoots only with Canon digital cameras and does all his photographic processing by computer.

Segel had always been fascinated with computers, going back to the earliest days of the industry. When the IBM Personal Computer was introduced in 1983, he bought the first PC delivered in the Philadelphia area. After discovering that the initial software left a lot to be desired, he founded Software Digest and National Software Testing Laboratories (NSTL), which has become the world’s leading independent PC software testing organization. NSTL was subsequently acquired by McGraw-Hill and is now privately owned.

In 1986, Segel noted the success of the pioneering home shopping program, Home Shopping Network. After watching the primitive nature of its programming at that time, he immediately recognized that televised home shopping could be made significantly more appealing in a number of ways. So he then started QVC Network (standing for Quality-Value-Convenience). Within three months after starting the company, Segel raised over $20 million in an IPO. With a novel plan to sign up cable companies by awarding them convertible preferred stock in proportion to the number of homes to which they would carry the QVC program, Segel initially lined up over 7 million TV homes for the network’s launch. The first broadcast, five months after the company was started, was carried by 58 cable systems in 20 states.

Segel introduced numerous innovations to televised home shopping, such as accurately describing products rather than hyping them, full disclosure of shipping and handling charges, and imbuing all employees with the mission to "give customers more than they expect." In its first year, QVC registered sales of $112 million — a record for first-year sales of a new public company that had not taken over an existing business. In 1989, Segel decided that the next important step in expanding QVC"s sales would be to acquire Cable Value Network (CVN). Supported by TCI, the nation’s largest cable operator at the time, CVN had become the second largest televised shopping network, not quite as large as HSN but twice the size of QVC. CVN was bought by QVC for $380 million, primarily with financing provided by banks and cable operators.

The purchase of CVN was described as a python swallowing an elephant, resulting in an initial quarterly loss of $17 million. However, the calculated gamble to establish QVC’s market leadership eventually paid off. In 1986 there were 17 other new shopping channels trying to improve on the HSN model. Only one – QVC-- would survive into the 90’s. Segel retired as chairman of QVC in 1993, but he continues to be associated with QVC as Chairman Emeritus and consultant to QVC management. In 1995, Comcast Corporation and TCI acquired QVC. TCI’s interest was subsequently acquired by Liberty Media, and Liberty Media eventually bought out Comcast’s 57% interest for nearly $8 billion.

QVC is now one of the largest television networks, broadcasting live to more than 80 million homes in the USA, England and Germany. Now with over 10,000 employees and more than 10 million customers, QVC’s annual sales around $7 billion. It has become more than twice as large as HSN, still its principal competitor.

Segel started several other smaller companies in recent years, such as International Skincare Research, Inc., SmokeStoppers, Inc. and HealthLift.com. All of those businesses have been sold. He now spends most of his time experimenting with new PC software and digital imaging. He is determined to stay in retirement, which he enjoys immensely, and has vowed not to get involved in the active management of any new businesses.

An avid wine connoisseur, Segel maintains a unique, private database of ratings of American and Australian chardonnays, syrah and zinfandel and has become somewhat of an expert on Australian wines.

Segel’s public service activities have been concentrated in the field of international diplomacy. In 1971, he was elected chairman of the Board of Governors of the United Nations Association of the USA. And, in 1973, President Ford appointed him as a member of the U.S. Delegation to that year’s United Nations General Assembly, where he served under U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. During that term, Segel made a landmark speech at the United Nations General Assembly condemning apartheid in South Africa, which presaged a shift in U.S. policy toward a more active role in ending apartheid. He also organized a national campaign of The Advertising Council to improve public understanding of the United Nations, chaired a national conference on the United Nations for the American Society of Newspapers Editors and testified in support of the United Nations before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee. During Segel’s involvement with the United Nations in the 60’s and 70’s, he met with numerous ambassadors, several foreign leaders and three U.S. presidents.

Segel was born in 1931. He has been married since 1963 to Doris Segel. The Segels have residences in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania and Boca Raton, Florida. They have three grown children and six grandchildren.

BUSINESSES STARTED BY JOSEPH M. SEGEL

1. 1947 Eastern Advertising Co., Inc. -- advertisingspecialties.
2. 1949 Desk-Sign Manufacturing Co., Inc. -- personalized desk signs.
3. 1950 Magicard Co., Inc. -- promotional mailing pieces.
4. 1950 The Advertising Specialty Institute, Inc. -- central information service.
5. 1953 Colorcrafters, Inc. -- pioneer in full-color printing.
6. 1954 Selective Gift Institute, Inc. -- business gift selection service.
7. 1960 National Business Services, Inc. -- consolidation of last 3 businesses.
8. 1961 Gem Publishing Co., Inc. – books featuring humorous sayings.
9. 1962 Jordan-Edwards Co., Inc. -- pocket appointment and record books.
10. 1964 National Commemorative Society, Inc. -- producer of commemorative medals.
11. 1964 The Franklin Mint (initially called General Numismatics Corporation).
12. 1965 Britannia Commemorative Society, Inc. -- producer of commemorativemedals.
13. 1970 Le Mirador, S.A. -- Swiss resort hotel, spa andconference center.
14. 1975 Presidential Airways, Inc. -- private jet and helicopter charterservice.
15. 1980 RateSearch Corporation -- computerized air freight rate analysis service.
16. 1981 PermaColor Corporation -- systems to preserve color photos.
17. 1983 Software Digest, Inc. -- PC software rating reports.
18. 1983 National Software Testing Laboratories, Inc. -- PC software testing.
19. 1986 QVC Network, Inc. – televised home shopping.
20. 1997 International Skincare Research, Inc. – Le Mirador skincare products for QVC.
21. 1997 SmokeStoppers, Inc. – smoking cessation programs
22. 1997 HealthLift.com – interactive health enhancement system.

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The Franklin Mint is a private corporation based in Exton, Pennsylvania which markets collectibles of its own designs. It was founded by Joseph Segel. The company started by marketing privately-minted gold and silver commemorative rounds and medallions, but quickly branched out into other collectibles. In the 1960s the price of silver rose, causing all silver coins to be removed from circulation. The Nevada casinos used silver dollars in their slot machines, which were soon worth more than a dollar. The Franklin Mint was one of the earliest and largest minters of replacement slot machine tokens.

It minted in its own production facility numerous sets of coins-of-the-realm, theme-based medals and ingots, selling them on the subscription plan, with buyers getting a monthly shipment and invoice. Franklin Mint struck issues in all the different precious and semi-precious metals. American history and art masterpiece themes were predominant, with space and important persons and other topics also quite popular. Sets were often limited by the number of subscribers by a cut-off date, or a fixed mintage, resulting in "limited editions."

Prices were fairly reasonable, compared to the cost of silver, and often tens of thousands of sets were sold. Custom wood cases, fancy packaging and certificates appealed to collectors, and the market boomed. However, silver prices climbed, making the cost of larger items high, and replacement bronze and pewter issues did not appeal to collectors as much.

From 1973 to 2000, the Franklin Mint had a division called the Franklin Library, which produced hundreds of editions of classic works of literature in fine bindings.

In 1983, and to much success, The Franklin Mint entered the die-cast car market with the 1935 Mercedes Benz 500K Roadster. In the following years, Franklin Mint produced numerous designs including the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, one of Franklin Mint's better-selling models.

Collector knives, figurines, plates, Monopoly sets, chess sets and board games, plaques, coins, medals, and other collectibles have been issued over the years by The Franklin Mint. The Franklin Mint was heavily reliant upon direct mail and media print ads for sales. Advertisements for Franklin Mint collectibles—including the Civil War Commemorative Chess Set among thousands of other items—were once ubiquitous in popular magazines.

Currently The Franklin Mint has divested itself of minting capacity, and has downsized, and is now mostly a producer/marketer of die-cast models.

On October 17, 2006, The Franklin Mint announced it was sold by Roll International Corp to a number of private investors including M. Moshe Malamud and Steven Sisskind, chairman and chief executive respectively from The Morgan Mint, and David Salzman, a Hollywood producer. The sale closed on August 31, 2006 and no price was announced. The new ownership plans to return Franklin Mint to its former market-leading status and offer the full lineup of collectibles including coins and medallics. Many of the Franklin Mint's most recent Resnick era products are pop-culture icon themed, for example porcelain plates featuring images of John Wayne among many others.

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