Collectibles are a beloved pastime for many people around the world. Whether you’re looking to expand an existing collection, or starting one from scratch, the process of seeking out and collecting interesting and valuable items can be incredibly rewarding.
So, what are the most searched for collectible items? There are a few different categories that stand out, from vintage toys to antique books and rare coins.
One of the most popular categories of collectibles is vintage toys, with particular emphasis given to those from the mid-twentieth century. Brands such as Barbie, Hot Wheels and Matchbox are popular amongst collectors, with investors willing to pay top prices for rare finds. In fact, there are some Barbie dolls that have been known to sell for tens of thousands of dollars. Old board games like Monopoly, Clue and Risk are also highly collectable, with aficionados seeking out early versions or special editions.
Stamps are another popular category of collectible items, which have been in use since the 19th century, and have become highly specialized, with collectors focusing on various countries, images or time periods. Often stamps range from pennies to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on rarity, condition and history. One such example is the “Inverted Jenny” stamp, which was printed in the United States in 1918, with a biplane printed upside down. Only 100 of these stamps were printed, selling for millions of dollars in auctions.
Coins have been a popular collectible item for centuries and are a widely traded item amongst collectors. Collectors seek out rare coins with specific criteria such as collecting by country, time period or coins made from certain materials. In 2008, a rare penny from 1943 sold for $1.7 million – due to it being mistakenly made from bronze rather than steel, because copper was needed for ammunition production.
For many readers, old English books may seem a far cry from stamps or coins, but for avid book collectors they are a treasure trove of value. Rare, first-edition books can be worth thousands of dollars, depending on age, condition and rarity. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, for example, has sold for over $90,000 at auction. Other classics like Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice or Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn have also attracted large sums from book collectors.
Vintage cameras are popular items among collectors who show a strong interest in photography and technology. These cameras range from wood and brass styles to more modern, 35-millimeter cameras. Leica brand cameras are considered the “Cadillac” of cameras and range from $1500 to over $30,000 in price. Other popular models include Kodak, Nikon, and Canon.
Sports enthusiasts send prices soaring when it comes to purchasing their favorite sports memorabilia. Baseball fans are obsessive collectors of old trading cards, with some rare editions selling for millions of dollars. A Honus Wagner card, for example, sold for $2.8 million in 2007. Other popular collectibles include game-worn jerseys, stadium memorabilia and autographed items from famous athletes.
Antique furniture is also amongst the list of popular collectibles with antique buff enthusiasts looking to buy Victorian Era or Georgian pieces. Depending on rarity and condition, prices can range from a couple of hundred dollars to several thousand. Popular furniture includes Edwardian dressers, Georgian dining sets and Victorian rocking chairs.
In conclusion, the world of collectibles is vast and offers great variety for all potential collectors. Toys, stamps, coins, books, cameras, sports memorabilia and antique furniture are the most searched for collectibles. Whether you’re searching for your next modern piece of equipment or an older more rare piece of memorabilia, each category has its own set of unique assets that can add great value to any collection. Ultimately, the most important aspect is to seek out pieces that pique your personal interest, and collecting small valuable items can become a rewarding pastime.