Many people invest in collectibles. Sometimes it’s an intentional investment; other times, the collection accrues simply from the love of collecting. And sometimes, people come into a collection as part of an inheritance without even realizing it has additional value. Interestingly enough, the collectibles market can be just as volatile as any financial market. In one report, AARP looked at collectibles that continue to rise in value. Here are a few of them.
COINS Many people enjoy collecting coins from various time periods, as well as coins made from precious metals. Generally speaking, coins and currency reliably retain their value. Of course, it depends on what coins you collect. The AARP report noted that coins from the 19th century and prior have been increasing in value. Additionally, if you collect silver or gold coins, you will, at minimum, be guaranteed the market price of the metal.
TOYS Have any pristine Barbie dolls, G.I. Joes, or diecast vehicles in your home dated to the ’50s and ’60s? If so, you may be sitting on a gold mine. The better condition they are in, the higher their value. In some cases, having the original packaging can send those values skyrocketing. Thanks to the power of nostalgia, there is a huge market for vintage toys of all kinds. Even pristine toys from the ’80s and ’90s can fetch remarkable prices at auction and in private sales.
POSTERS In this case, we’re talking about movie posters. According to John Brigandi of Brigandi Coins & collectibles, movie posters dated pre-1990 can be worth quite a bit. If you browse eBay for posters of your favorite movies, like the original “Star Wars” or Sean Connery’s “James Bond,” you can see for yourself. These are posters that haven’t been in print for decades (though there are reprints out there, so beware). It’s getting more difficult to find classic movie posters that are in good condition.
Ultimately, it’s all about knowing what you have. If you’re preparing a will or estate plan, it’s important to make sure your heirs know what they are getting. While collections often mean the most to the original collector, pairing the collection with a story or brief history can ensure that meaning passes along with collection.