Too often we think that provenance is limited to the fine art world. But the New York Times has reported a situation that indicates its importance for collectibles as well. During 2002 the Langbord family checked a long-neglected safe-deposit box and found nine 1933 double eagle gold coins. The famous "double eagles" from that year were never officially released by the US government. Only a few had ever made their way out of federal vaults, and only one had ever been sold publicly, in 2002. The price: $7.6 million.

But after the Langbord family took the coins to the United States Mint to be authenticated in 2004, they got a rude surprise. The Mint said the coins were genuine and kept them. The government claims that they are government property stolen from the Mint, most likely in the 1930s, by Mr. Langbord's grandfather, a Philadelphia jewelry dealer.

The Langbord's attorney argues that the government "did not conclusively establish when, how or by whom the coins found in circulation were taken from the Philadelphia Mint." In a recent partial victory for the family, a judge shifted the burden of proof onto the government, which must show that the coins could not have gotten out legally.

Chubb Personal Insurance reminds us that structure fires kill more Americans each year than all natural disasters combined. Here are some come sense safety tips from Chubb:

1.       Purchase Fire Extinguishers 

There should at least be one fire extinguisher in the kitchen, in any room that has a wood-burning stove or fireplace, in the workshop and the garage. Every six months, check that the pressure indicators are still firmly seated in the green area.

2.       Understand Your 9-1-1

An increasing number of 9-1-1 calls are being made either from cell phones or from broadband home phones. The 9-1-1 service works differently in both these situations, and it is important to understand the difference. An emergency call from a cell or broadband phone is typically routed to a dispatcher in a distant place. He or she may be unable to pinpoint your location, so you must clearly communicate the city you are calling from, your exact address and the type of emergency.

3.       Maintain Your Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors should be installed on each level of your home and within 15 feet of all sleeping areas. If you opt for battery-operated smoke detectors, test them every few months and replace the batteries at least twice a year.

4.       Keep Warm Safely

Furnaces should be professionally cleaned and inspected prior to each heating season.

5.       Prevent the Shock of Your Life

If you need more plugs in one location than can be accommodated by the electric outlet, purchase UL-rated power strips or surge protectors instead. Never run electrical cords or extension cords under carpeting or connect two or three of them to each other.

6.       Keep the Grill Where It Belongs

Never use an outdoor cooking device inside. Do not use outdoor cooking devices on the porch since the flames of a grease fire can easily reach the porch ceiling.

7.       Plan for Wildfires

If you live in a wildfire-prone area, clear dead limbs from trees and brush from the ground prior to wildfire season to help create a "clear space" around your home.

-Smart Choices, a semiannual eMagazine for Chubb Personal Insurance Customers, Fall 2009