I was hoping some of you could offer your opinions on the "accuracy" and usefulness of Charlton and Beckett guidebooks. Is either more accurate? Is one better on some issues, and vice versa? Do you feel they are just accurate for modern cards?

Also, when the Candian currency strengthens, do prices go up in the US, or down in Canada, or a bit of both?

David. The only accurate way to price cards is researching the confirmed selling prices in the last year. Guides are good for info, checklists and maybe a price range for actively traded issues. Anyone who is also into baseball cards should really check out VCP, if they haven't already. Great resource for $100 a year for any active buyer.

As for the currency question, the weakness of the US$ has made prices rise in the last few years but in Canada we are still kind of paying the same price. Americans have made a nice return on hockey cards purchased say 4-5 years ago. If a card sold for $100US when the exchange was 1.50, Canadians were paying C$150. If it is trading for $140-150US now, we're still basically paying the same. A large part of rising hockey prices has been Canadians being able to bid higher.

Just my opinions. Jim.