Collectors will tell you, you can collect just about anything. Vases, books, diamonds, teacups; the possibilities are endless. All you need is a passion for what you’re collecting and the budget to buy it. There are two types of collectors: The first is a casual collector that simply does it for the love of the items he or she is acquiring. The second is the serious collector – a person who is very knowledgeable about the antiques and collectibles in their possession – and the one who wants to turn their collection into a lucrative pastime.
Choosing what to collect is of course largely based on a person’s personal preferences and fondness for said items. But there are always popular items that not only hold places in many of our hearts, but also hold places as very profitable items among collectors and antique dealers alike.
Top 5 Antiques and Collectibles:
1. Comic Books and Books
Comic books and books are a hard collection to perfect. The older and rarer the book, the more it will be worth, if it has stood the test of time. Books need to be kept in temperature controlled areas away from too much humidity or dryness and especially sun or direct moisture. Finding rare books isn’t as tough anymore sue to online antique malls and book stores; finding truly rare, first edition, signed books is a little tougher. Finding people to buy your books for what they’re worth is even tougher still. Comic books need to be near mint condition and extremely rare to have much worth at all.
Most expensive book: Leonardo Da Vinci’s Codex Leicester, worth $30.8 million.
2. Coins
There are many different types of antique coin collections. A person could collect all American coins, or all one denomination; there are many routes to choose from. Coins are easily collectible and a collection can take just a few dollars to start. This type of collection does require research and an Eagle eye in order to spot anything of value, but if you so, you could strike it rich. The older and rarer the coin is, the better.
Most Expensive Coin: 1933 gold double Eagle, worth $7.5 million.
3. Toys, Dolls and Action figures
Almost the most fun collectible, toys, dolls and Barbie doll collections are one of the most popular collections in North America. These items are fairly easy to come by at thrift stores, antique shops and garage sales. Condition is a big factor in the item’s worth and usually once the item has been found, you will want to display it properly, away from dirty little fingers. Vintage toys are very chic right now and some of them can fetch an amazing price; an original 1963 G.I. Joe Soldier doll is currently worth about $200,000.
Most expensive doll: L’Oiseleur automaton doll, worth $6.5 million.
4. Stamps
Philately, more commonly known as stamp collecting is a pastime that requires dedication, patience and some heavy stamp knowledge. To start your collection, you could simply buy a stamp album, magnifying glass, a pair of stamp tongs and some stamp hinges. Handling and storing stamps come with very specific instructions and can be tricky. How valuable a stamp is depends on the design, condition, country of origin and rarity.
Most expensive stamp: The Swedish “Treskilling Yellow”, worth $2.3 million.
5. Wine
Collecting wine is a very fun hobby indeed! This is the one collection where you have to test your wares so to speak. But it can also be one of the most expensive collections to have. It is recommended that if you are serious about this undertaking that you build a wine cellar in your home to properly store all of your bottles. Wine is meant to be aged and consumed; therefore as a collector, you may have to wait a long while to taste the fruits of your labours. The worth of wine depends on it’s age, it’s rarity and it’s history. Buying whites as well as reds, and champagne is recommended, as is buying wines that you want to drink in bulk. Make sure to buy some mid-priced wine to enjoy while you’re aging the rest.
Most expensive bottle: 1907 Heidsieck (shipwrecked), worth $275,000.
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