TORCH IS PASSED, FOR A PRICE

Among the hottest collectibles are the torches used during the 15,000-mile torch relay. Runners were allowed to buy their torch for $300 and Olympic officials thought most would keep them as cherished mementos. But many runners have re-sold their torches to entrepreneurs, who are charging $1,000 each in Atlanta.

Even at those prices, the torches are difficult to find.

“We can’t keep them in stock,” said Judy Dupler of Gold Medal Collectibles. “People offer us torches all the time and no sooner do we get them than they’re gone again.”

“I have a waiting list as long as my arm for torches, and yet every day one or two people come in with torches to sell,” said Greg Marsh of Pins! Pins! Pins!