What makes a Collectible?
What makes a Collectible…..collectible?
What makes a 1st Edition of a book worth more than the most recent printing of the same book? What makes a 1953/54 Chevy Corvette worth more than 2 brand new Corvettes? Why do current Baseball cards today have little or no value except for trading and putting in a shoe box? Why do people collect bottle caps or match books or ash trays?
Collectibles can include things of little or no value that people accumulate or collect because it makes them feel good. Collectibles can also be those rare, one of a kind items that are hard to find and even harder to purchase like the ultra rare Ferrari 250 GTO shown above valued at more than $2 million.
It all depends on one’s passion for their interests. Something that started as a hobby…Stamp collecting, insect collecting, comic books, thimbles, dolls, teacups & spoons, teddy bears, salt & pepper shakers can blossom into a full blown collection that if accumulated with value and condition as critical standards, can be worth substantial amounts of money. It is still the love of the “hunt” that fuels most true collectors and when you “score”, it’s that special moment when you realize that you have found a desirable item and the “price” is right! The money value of your collection is still a great side benefit, but it’s not the primary reason for collecting. This can also result in a misconception by family and friends.
EXAMPLE: When Uncle Bill or Aunt Alice passes onto the great Flea Market in the sky, the remaining family members may think that the left behind collection of rare sheet music will bring them a great financial reward. That may be true IF you find another collector who also collects rare sheet music and wants to add the Bill/Alice collection to theirs. Unfortunately, in most cases, the estate of the deceased Collector doesn’t have a clue as to the value of the sheet music collection and as a result, they usually end up selling the collection at a price that disappoints the family. That’s because the original Collector was collecting for the sheer enjoyment that collecting can bring…..and not thinking of cashing out.
So collect because you want to and if your Collection happens to appreciate in value…….all the better!
What makes a 1st Edition of a book worth more than the most recent printing of the same book? What makes a 1953/54 Chevy Corvette worth more than 2 brand new Corvettes? Why do current Baseball cards today have little or no value except for trading and putting in a shoe box? Why do people collect bottle caps or match books or ash trays?
Collectibles can include things of little or no value that people accumulate or collect because it makes them feel good. Collectibles can also be those rare, one of a kind items that are hard to find and even harder to purchase like the ultra rare Ferrari 250 GTO shown above valued at more than $2 million.
It all depends on one’s passion for their interests. Something that started as a hobby…Stamp collecting, insect collecting, comic books, thimbles, dolls, teacups & spoons, teddy bears, salt & pepper shakers can blossom into a full blown collection that if accumulated with value and condition as critical standards, can be worth substantial amounts of money. It is still the love of the “hunt” that fuels most true collectors and when you “score”, it’s that special moment when you realize that you have found a desirable item and the “price” is right! The money value of your collection is still a great side benefit, but it’s not the primary reason for collecting. This can also result in a misconception by family and friends.
EXAMPLE: When Uncle Bill or Aunt Alice passes onto the great Flea Market in the sky, the remaining family members may think that the left behind collection of rare sheet music will bring them a great financial reward. That may be true IF you find another collector who also collects rare sheet music and wants to add the Bill/Alice collection to theirs. Unfortunately, in most cases, the estate of the deceased Collector doesn’t have a clue as to the value of the sheet music collection and as a result, they usually end up selling the collection at a price that disappoints the family. That’s because the original Collector was collecting for the sheer enjoyment that collecting can bring…..and not thinking of cashing out.
So collect because you want to and if your Collection happens to appreciate in value…….all the better!
