Ancient relics at modern prices

New York Observer (Rhea Mahbubani)

Dusty relics of ancient Egypt still seem to hold their power. Last week, after negotiations, the Metropolitan Museum of Art surrendered title on 19 objects from King Tutankhamun's tomb to the Egyptian government. On Dec. 9, Christie's puts antiquities dating as far back as 6000 B.C. on the block at suggested bids of up to $5 million.

A handful of objects in the sale, though, can be bought for far, far less. What does a few thousand dollars get you in the antiquities market?