A 77-year-old man decided to cash out his comic book collection and peddled it around Upstate New York. Police say thugs who found out he had the collection broke into his home, took the comic books and beat the man, allegedly causing a heart attack that resulted in his death.

The Associated Press reports the collection was valued at between $40,000 and $100,000.

The story exemplifies just how dangerous it can be to try to hock valuables. What precautions do you take when you have something expensive to sell?

NY police: 77-year-old is beaten for comics, dies [AP via Syracuse.com]
(Thanks, Ronald!)

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