If you’re interested in a different type of investment to add to your portfolio, consider these ten types of everyday collectibles that are likely to gain value in the future.
Looking to Diversify?
For some people, investing in collectible items can be an effective way to diversify their investing portfolio. And these collectibles don’t have to be ultra rare or expensive to obtain – some can even be everyday household items.
Finding the Right Items
Figuring out what items will pay dividends in the future isn’t always easy (we’re looking at you, beanie babies!), but there are a number of collectibles that have a good chance of gaining significant value in the coming decades.
10 Potential Collectibles
Let’s take a look at ten everyday items that could be worth a fortune in the future. Who knows – maybe you’ll find a new hobby as a collector-slash-investor!
1. Vinyl Records
While vinyl records are not nearly as popular as they were in the 1970s, vinyl collectors will still pay a mint for the right records. For example, a copy of The Beatles ‘White Album’ can be worth up to $13,000!
2. First Edition Books
Best-selling books have made money as collectibles for decades, so long as they retain their popularity or increase in popularity over time. And first edition books, meaning copies from the first printed run, are the most valuable.
Bestseller Book for Collectors
Older classics tend to rake in the most. For example, last year, a thrift store manager in the UK found a first-edition copy of J.R.R Tolkien’s The Hobbit, which sold for $13,000. But modern classics like Harry Potter and Game of Thrones are likely to be good investments.
3. Funko Pop Figures
You don’t have to be a gamer or a Comic-con aficionado to appreciate the value of Funko Pops. These collectible figurines are made in the likeness of all your favorite films, TV shows, and video game characters.
Huge Potential Returns in a Short Period
Funko Pops are some of the most popular collectibles in the world, and most experts put them near the top of the list for collectibles that will amass value over time. Just look at the Star Wars Chewbacca figurine, which was released in 2011 for $20 and just sold for $2,700!
4. Vintage Clothing
Vintage clothing, which is usually 20 years or older, can also sell for hundreds to thousands of dollars. If you’re aware of fashion trends and epochs from the past, you might spot some future secondhand goldmines on Ebay and in stores.
5. Historic Newspapers
This may surprise you—for a few dollars and some critical thinking, you might be able to sell a simple newspaper copy for up to $100.
Election Newspapers
Recently, copies of prestigious newspapers from Nov. 9, 2016, which covered Donald Trump’s U.S. presidential election, have been selling online for up to $99. It is likely we will see similar historic events that will be worth catching via printed media, so keep your eyes on those newsstands!
6. Sneakers
First-edition and limited-release sneakers from flagship brands like Nike and Adidas are highly valued by sneaker collectors, also known as “sneakerheads.” And while most buyers are looking for pairs that have gone unworn, even secondhand shoes can fetch a pretty penny.
Air Jordan I’s
Just remember that specific releases are much more sought after than others. For example, a pair of Air Jordan I’s from 1985 sold for almost $40,000, up from its original price of $65.
7. Concert Posters
Concert posters can gain unprecedented value over time, depending on the artist and the tour. Posters can soar in value, anywhere from 100s to 100,000s of dollars! Record-breaking artists like Taylor Swift will likely be winners if you’re looking for collectible concert posters with future resale value.
8. Wine
The saying “aging like fine wine” exists for a reason! While valuable bottles of fine wine will set you back a few hundred dollars more than the other items on this list, the right choice could bring in massive returns.
$500,000 Cabernet Sauvignon
Just look at the bottle of Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon from 1992, which sold for an astounding price tag of $500,000! But beware, you’ll need to learn quite a lot about the wine industry to make the most financially effective decisions as a collector.
9. First Gen Apple Products
Have a super old iPod Shuffle or iPod Classic lying around? Future you might be able to sell these for thousands of dollars in the future. While many electronics brands have collectible value, Apple products will likely be near the top of the market in 30 years or less.
1976 Apple I
Back in 2013, a 1976 Apple I computer sold for $671,400 in Germany. There’s no reason to think that modern first-gen products won’t also gain exponential value in the coming decades.
10. LEGO
Your favorite toy building blocks have plenty of potential too, though the best sets may set you back several hundred dollars. According to experienced LEGO collector and reseller Clayburn Griffin, there are ways you can find LEGO sets with high collectible potential for cheap.
Advice for Collectors
“Collectors should particularly look for in-store exclusives and seasonal offers because these will be far more limited and will fetch a higher markup down the road,” he advised. “When there’s one I like, I try to get two or three so I have one for myself and at least one to save for later.”
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / dimitris_k.
The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional financial advice.
The images used are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the actual people or places mentioned in the article.
