In the 1950s, author Pierre Berton was asked if he would put up a total of $200 for a couple of paintings

Original Toronto Star caption: In the 1950s, author Pierre Berton was asked if he would put up a total of $200 for a couple of paintings. He liked the works and spent the money. A pretty good investment, considering the artist was Arthur Lismer, one of the founders of the Group of Seven. A few years back, Berton also liked the shine of gold. So he bought some - about $50,000 worth, to be precise - at $440 (U.S.). Gold only has about another $100 an ounce to go before it gets back to that level.