2022 has arrived and with it the predictions from the experts on the best things to collect. Whether you are a speculative collector looking to turn a profit or just out for the thrill of the hunt, here are a few things to be watching for.
Sports memorabilia — The most commonly collected category of sports memorabilia is the trading card. Experienced trading card collectors have always valued the potential of a rookie card. Novice collectors need to keep in mind that there is a considerable difference between a true rookie card and a first release from a card company of a particular player. It is important to make certain that you are looking at the first card on which the player appeared.
Jerseys, helmets and balls and bats, especially those that are signed, are growing in value and can be a wise investment if you know how to determine their authenticity. Research is imperative to collecting these items, but you can simplify the process by narrowing your collection to one team. You many also want to join a blog or collectors club where sharing experiences with experienced collectors can assist in increasing your knowledge. Be cautious of shopping on Etsy or eBay. There is a wealth of merchandise to choose from but where there is also a considerable amount of misrepresented memorabilia.
Action figures — From Star Wars and GI Joe to Stretch Armstrong, and Spiderman, this is the year of the action figure! So what kind of money are we talking about? GI Joe, the first action figure introduced in 1964 by Hasbro, is currently selling for several thousand dollars (mint condition in box). While all of the early Star Wars figures are of considerable value, a 1978 Luke Skywalker will set you back $25,000. If these are a tad steep for your budget you can find early issue Spiderman figures in the $700 range, 1980s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for around $400, and for the beginning collectors who are exercising caution in their purchases, there is the gelled corn syrup filled Stretch Armstrong from 1970 for $25.
Comic books — Books from the Golden Age (1938-1956) and the Silver Age (1956-1970) are seeing record prices in shops and at specialized auctions. It might be time to dig through those boxes you have stored from your childhood and see it there is a fortune hiding in the closet! Superman #1 and Marvel Comics #1 from 1939, Batman #1 from 1940 and Captain America comics, March 10, 1941 are rare and valuable comics from the Golden Age. Also be on the lookout for Tales of Suspense #39, March 1963, X-Men #1, September 1963 and Incredible Hulk #1, May 1962 from the Silver Age. There are those who will tell you that newer reprints are of no value, but that is not always the case. Some reprints are demanding high prices. Watch for those with unique cover and small print runs.
Typewriters — Collected by Millennials for their aesthetic appeal and by serious collectors for the market value, old manual typewriters from the 1950s and ‘60s will be hot again this year. The most common ones are black or gray and sell in the $30-$75 range. However, if you are lucky enough to have one in bubblegum pink or turquoise you can multiply those numbers by 10. Names to watch for include; Royal, Smith Corona, Underwood and Olympia. Condition is a major determinate when setting value, so check for dings and scratches and keys that stick.
Thinking 2022 might be the year you become a collector? The Internet is full of articles listing the most valuable collectibles and it is exciting to consider the prospect of striking it rich with a $5 auction purchase. That said, I firmly believe that if you collect what you love, you can never make a bad investment. Until next time . . . Linda
Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and may be reached at 317-258-7835 or lkennett@indy.rr.com