When we think about the American Civil War, it is easy to imagine it as ancient history. The war ended in 1865, before automobiles, airplanes, radio, television, or any of the technology that defines modern life. The soldiers who fought at Gettysburg, Shiloh, Vicksburg, and countless other battlefields seem to belong to an America completely […]
Collecting
Posts and content related to my collection... you can also find me on the hobbi community!
Helena, Arkansas: A Mississippi River Town with an Extraordinary History
There are towns whose history can be told by listing a few important dates, and then there are places where history seems to be everywhere you look. Helena, Arkansas, is one of those places. Sitting between the Mississippi River and the hills of Crowley’s Ridge, Helena occupies one of the most unusual locations in the […]
Frustrations with PSA in the Trading Card Industry
For years, PSA has occupied a unique position in the trading card hobby. For many collectors, dealers, auction houses, and investors, a PSA slab is more than a plastic holder with a number on it. It has become a kind of currency. A PSA 10 often commands a premium over the same card in another […]
Collecting Classic Southern Rock Vinyl Albums
Southern rock remains one of the most collectible genres in vinyl record collecting. From legendary live albums to rare first pressings, these records continue to attract collectors, music historians, and longtime fans looking for original copies with authentic sound and iconic album artwork. Whether you are building a personal collection or hunting for investment-grade vinyl, […]
Trying Out Degree Grading Service
When it comes to collecting sports cards, trading cards, and collectibles, condition matters. A card’s grade can dramatically impact its value, desirability, and long-term investment potential. With so many grading companies available today, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. After researching the options and considering what matters most to collectors and sellers, I decided […]
Collection of Native American Artifacts
I have recently added some of my collection of Native American Artifacts for sale on the Cotton Exchange. I have my collection broken into two subcategories, individual pieces and groups (cache). This collection will soon be available online on my eBay channel and possibly other locations and auctions in the future. Disclaimer: All Native American […]
High Cotton Trading Cards Boxes & Hanger Packs
Okay, so this is a weekend project I’ve been working on in my spare time for the past few months. I’ve blogged about my massive sports card collection a few times in the past and one of my goals for 2026 is to start minimizing things while I’m still here so I don’t leave a […]
The Marketplace is now Connected to eBay!
I’m happy to report that a big part of the new marketplace project has been completed. The Cotton Exchange marketplace is now connected to eBay and products from this website will now be offered on eBay here… This part of the project is actually way ahead of schedule, I hadn’t anticipated that it would be […]
Trading Card Grading Services
Back in my day there was no such thing as a grading service for trading cards. We simply eyeballed our cards and decided if they were in mint or very good condition, etc. I’m not complaining, I think it’s great that the hobby has became more sophisticated for serious collectors. I can see where this […]
Products Being Added…
I updated the other day that the all-new Cotton Exchange, an online marketplace of curated items that I’ve collected over the years, is starting to take shape. This past weekend I spent a little time adding some individual coins and coin sets as well as some trading cards from my collection. In the coming days […]