Collectibles and Collecting

A

Condition

Items in better condition (without flaws such as tears, rust, missing pieces, or excessive wear) generally command more interest and value than a similar piece in poorer condition. Items that look new are often called “mint.” Some collectors call condition the most important criteria in the hobby.

B

Rarity

The rarity of a collectible usually plays a big part in determining its value. For example, the first Ponytail #1 Barbie with brunette hair is harder to find than the more common blond and thus commands a higher price. If there are different variations to a collectible, the least common one is usually worth more. Often there are interesting stories behind rarities, such as the highly sought-after 1909 Honus Wagner baseball card. At that time tobacco companies manufactured and distributed baseball cards, and when the antitobacco Wagner complained, his card was pulled from production. Very few copies in good condition have ever been found.

C

Age

Age is often an indicator of potential value, because there are probably fewer similar items that have survived the passage of time. However, older is not always better. Some brand-new action figures are so popular and collectible that they may be more valuable and more interesting to collectors than some action figures from the 1960s. The best way to determine an item’s rarity is to do specific research, or ask a dealer or expert.

D

Packaging

Original packaging can often add to the charm and value of an item and also offer important clues to an item’s age and manufacturer. A 1967 GI Nurse action figure by Hasbro can sell for $4,500 in its original box; it might bring half that amount or less without its original packaging. Because most original buyers threw the packaging away, the packaging adds an extra element of rarity to the item. Collectibles in their original packaging are sometimes graded “mint in box” or similar designations.

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E

Regional Interest

For some items, collectors are often more interested in items from their own region, so the value is often higher there. Pennsylvania Dutch furniture, for example, typically draws more interest on the East Coast than in California. Conversely, California pottery might have a smaller audience in Massachusetts. A book written by a local author will generally be valued more highly by collectors from that region.