Collectors will tell you that you can collect almost 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 who simply does it out of love for the items he is acquiring. The second is the serious collector, a person who knows very well the antiques and collectibles he owns, and who wants to turn his collecting into a lucrative hobby.
The choice of what to collect is, of course, largely based on a person’s personal preferences and his fondness for such items. But there are always popular items that not only hold a place in many of our hearts, but also hold places as highly profitable items among collectors and antique dealers alike.
Top 5 Antiques and Collectibles:
1. Comics and Books
Comics and books are a difficult collection to perfect. The older and rarer the book, the more it is worth, if it has stood the test of time. Books should be kept in temperature controlled areas away from excessive humidity or dryness and especially direct sun or moisture. Finding rare books isn’t so hard anymore thanks to antique malls and online bookstores; finding truly rare, first-edition, signed books is a bit more difficult. Finding people who will buy your books for what they are worth is even more difficult. Comic books must be in near mint condition and extremely rare to be of much value.
Most expensive book: Codex Leicester by Leonardo Da Vinci, valued at $30.8 million.
2. Corners
There are many different types of old coin collections. A person could collect all the American coins, or all of a single denomination; there are many routes to choose from. Coins are easily collectible and a collection may take only a few dollars to start. This type of collection requires research and an eagle eye to spot anything of value, but if so, you could get rich. The older and rarer the coin, the better.
Most expensive coin: 1933 gold double eagle, valued at $7.5 million.
3. Toys, dolls and action figures
Just about the funniest collectibles, Barbie toys, dolls, and doll collections are one of the most popular collections in North America. These items are fairly easy to find at thrift stores, antique stores, and garage sales. Condition is a big factor in the value of the item and usually once the item has been found you will want to display it properly, away from dirty fingers. Vintage toys are very much in style right now and some of them can fetch an incredible price; an original 1963 GI Joe Soldier doll has an approximate value of $200,000.
Most expensive doll: L’Oiseleur automaton doll, valued at $6.5 million.
4. Seals
Philately, more commonly known as stamp collecting, is a hobby that requires dedication, patience, and extensive knowledge of stamps. To start your collection, you can simply buy a stamp album, a magnifying glass, a couple of stamp straps, and some stamp hinges. Stamp handling and storage comes with very specific instructions and can be tricky. The value of a stamp depends on design, condition, country of origin, and rarity.
Most expensive stamp: the Swedish “Treskilling Yellow”, valued at 2.3 million dollars.
5.Wine
Collecting wine is a very fun hobby! This is the one collection where you have to test your products, so to speak. But it can also be one of the most expensive collections to own. It is recommended that if you are serious about this venture, you build a wine cellar in your home to properly store all your bottles. Wine is meant to be aged and consumed; therefore, as a collector, you may have to wait a long time to taste the fruits of your labor. The value of wine depends on its age, its rarity and its history. Buying both whites and reds and champagne is recommended, as is buying wines you want to drink in bulk. Be sure to buy a mid-priced wine to enjoy while you age the rest.
Most expensive bottle: 1907 Heidsieck (castaway), valued at $275,000.