defining "priceless"

[Goldy1]

I know we hear the word priceless as a figure of speech ie I Say my son is priceless. But what does it mean financially as a term?

I was talking to a doctor I know about some of the odds and ends collectibles we have. We just sold a vintage slot machine which beceme cluter for much less than my dh's dad paid for it 15 years ago.
A clock fixer told us a vntgae clock we inherited is wirth many thousands.

I told my freind we have 1950's working jukebox we cherish. He says "ohh aren't those PRICELESS?"
I said "No, I think my husband said someone once told him it might go for around 10 grand"

One true fact is that no matter what somethigng is worth, you need a buyer. I could have an odd piece of art worth x amount but I would need a buyer to collect on my money to buy it.
OK so that being said! .....

I told my husband how the dr. said the juke box is "priceless"
My dh dismissivley says "EVERYTHING has a price. Nothing is priceless"
I said "actually some things are pricless, not sure what, but it means it's worth so much you can't price ie. Possibly the constitution of the USA, the Mona Lisa"

Can you guys think of anything else priceless? and does this exist?

[JustDave]

I think of priceless as defining things which may have very little monetary value, but very much emotional/sentimental value. I love my wife and dogs dearly, and they are not for sale no matter how high the price. I would consider them priceless.

Others might have family photos or other mementos that they consider priceless. These are things that might be one-of-a-kind, and they would not be able to replace if sold.

But the Constitution, on the other hand, give me your best offer.

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

This word just happens to have deep meaning to me, thanks to Mrs. Hudson, my second grade teacher. It was from her that I first heard the word "priceless." She told my class that "Every human being is priceless," and she explained what priceless meant. I know I was just a seven year old, but in my heart, I agreed with what she had said and was glad to find out that there was a word to express it....I never use the word priceless, but if I did, it really would only be in reference to a person.

[jasonnoguchi]

You just described what caused the subprime crisis that led to this world recession.

CDOs, or Collateral Debt Obligations that banks hold which has absolutely no market and no value beyond what they tell the world they are worth finally realised that there REALLY isn't any market and the PRICELESS became WORTHLESS.

[disneysteve]

To me, priceless means I wouldn't sell them for any price. My wife and daughter would fall into that category. If someone came along and said I'll give you $5 million for your daughter, I would politely decline.

Offhand, I can't think of any material possession that I would consider priceless. If somebody wants something that I have badly enough to pay some exorbitant price, I'd certainly consider selling it. I have a feeling my wife would not part with her engagement and wedding rings for any price but I can guarantee you that if someone offered her $1 million for them, I'd do my best to talk her into accepting. I'm sentimental but I'm not stupid.

[cptacek]

To me, priceless means I wouldn't sell them for any price. My wife and daughter would fall into that category. If someone came along and said I'll give you $5 million for your daughter, I would politely decline.

Reminds me of an off color joke.

A wealthy man approached a beautiful woman and asked "if I gave you $2 million, would you sleep with me?" She thought about it, and finally said yes. He then asked, "Would you sleep with me for $25?" Outraged, she asked "What kind of woman do you think I am?!?" He replied, "We already know what kind of woman you are; right now we are haggling over price!"

[disneysteve]

Reminds me of an off color joke.

A wealthy man approached a beautiful woman and asked "if I gave you $2 million, would you sleep with me?" She thought about it, and finally said yes. He then asked, "Would you sleep with me for $25?" Outraged, she asked "What kind of woman do you think I am?!?" He replied, "We already know what kind of woman you are; right now we are haggling over price!"

This thread also reminded me of "Indecent Proposal", the movie with Robert Redford, Demi Moore and Woody Harrelson. Redford is some rich tycoon who offers Demi and Woody $1 million for one night with her. They accept and it destroys their relationship.

[Caoineag]

Priceless referring to items generally means something that is highly valued (lots of potential buyers) but can't be replaced. I remember seeing red stained glass windows (the kind they use gold in) and someone pointing out that no amount of money in the world could replace them because no one actually makes the stained glass like that anymore.

For me, I only tend to refer to experiences and people as priceless.

[buildmybudget]

Having the time to do the things I want to do, instead of the things I must do, is priceless! Also, the love of friends and family is priceless, as well as life's experieinces. For any material good, there is always a price.

[jasonnoguchi]

Interestingly, what most people regard as priceless are really worthless...

[PrincessPerky]

sheesh you can have my ring for 1M...if I can find it...

And the constitution is being ignored so I doubt it is worth the paper it was printed on (though being old paper it prolly is worth more than the scraps from kinkos...)

[BillK]

For there to be a price there needs be a ready, willing and able buyer and seller. At the point where the seller is unwilling to sell at any price, then it is priceless.

True story. Was at a bar and someone commented they would sell their soul for a drink. We wrote it up on a napkin and I bought him a drink. As I was leaving he asked what I was going to do with it. I told him I was giving it to God and he would have to talk to him about getting it back.

Some stories are just to good to be made up.