Thank you for the clarification. I should have made myself clearer. Yes, you are correct. Bitcoin itself has not been hacked. But that does not mean that it will not be someday. As you said, where there is a will, there is always a way. You are also correct in that the transaction points are the most vulnerable and that is where the low hanging fruit for criminals is picked. Why go after the blockchain when it is much easier to go after some other point in transaction chain that is more vulnerable. When it comes to cryptos, the whole operation needs to be taken into consideration. Therefore, Bitcoin or other cryptos are not without risk - especially for the average person that is not as savvy about the digital world. Then there is the whole issue with geopolitics that can be involved with manipulation. The security of Bitcoin itself has left some with a very misplaced security in the entire operation of owning cryptos. Like with other types of purchases or investments - buyer beware.

As far as the collectables, I have a few myself. I understand they are only worth what people are willing to pay for them. Therefore, any increased value in them was only secondary to wanting them for my own enjoyment. I have cards and artwork. I wouldn't mind having a nice vintage car just for the occasional Sunday drive. If you can afford to have one of those cars you sure as hell can afford the gas to go for a drive. The gemstones I purchased, as far as value is concerned, have not increased as I would have hoped. In fact, they have not increased in price much since the time when they were purchased many years ago. Therefore, with the devaluation of our currency, I would have to say they have lost value. Oh well... like my other collectables, I did not purchase them for investment purposes.