Additional Coverage:
- 9 Supposed ‘Collectibles’ That Are Basically Worthless (financebuzz.com)
Think Twice Before Cashing in on These Collectibles
Many of us have childhood collections tucked away, brimming with nostalgic treasures like Beanie Babies and baseball cards. It’s tempting to imagine these items might be worth a fortune today.
Unfortunately, most aren’t. Decades of mass production have diluted the market, leaving many collectibles gathering dust rather than dollars.
While certain rare items hold significant value, the majority are worth a fraction of their original price.
Here are nine collectibles that are unlikely to fund your retirement:
- Baseball Cards: While a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card fetched a record-breaking $12.6 million in 2022, most cards are worth between $1 and $3 each. The 80s card boom led to overproduction, significantly decreasing their value.
- Norman Rockwell Collector Plates: These limited-edition plates, once priced at $50-$75, now sell for around $8-$18. While a rare plate sold for over $1,000 in 2021, most listings hover around $25.
- Hummel Figurines: Popularized during World War II, these figurines experienced a boom in the 1970s. While some rare Hummels can be worth thousands, most sell for under $3.
- Pogs: These 90s favorites are largely worthless today. While rare pogs or sets (like Jurassic Park) can command higher prices, most sell for $1-$10.
- Beanie Babies: Despite the hype, most Beanie Babies won’t make you rich.
While a Princess Diana Beanie Baby has been listed for as much as $900,000, most sell for far less. Only a handful of rare Beanie Babies retain significant value.
- Barbies: Only Barbies in mint condition, particularly those representing historical figures, limited editions, or collaborations, hold substantial value. Most Barbies in good condition sell for $8-$20 online or even less at garage sales.
- Pokémon Cards: While a PSA 10 Illustrator Pikachu card sold for $5,275,000 in 2022, common cards are worth less than $1. Rare holographic cards might fetch up to $50.
- Model Trains: Model trains, once a popular hobby, have declined in value. Full sets in mint condition can be valuable, but most old and newer versions are practically worthless.
- Stamps: Despite stamp collecting’s long history, most stamps aren’t worth much due to mass production. Rare and well-preserved stamps, like the 1918 “Inverted Jenny” which sold for $2 million in 2023, are the exception.
Bottom Line: While parting with sentimental items can be difficult, it’s important to be realistic about their value. These nine collectibles, while fun to collect, are unlikely to generate significant income. Consider other investment strategies for building wealth.
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- 9 Supposed ‘Collectibles’ That Are Basically Worthless (financebuzz.com)