Collecting Photographs: Here’s How to Go About It

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People have been collecting photographs ever since they were put up for sale for the very first time in 1850. Compared to other collectibles, photographs are more expensive. However, the value that photographs offer more than make up for the difference in price between them and other collectibles. Photographs stimulate you and give you pleasure: this is probably the biggest reason to collect them.

Manhattan Bridge Under Construction Collectible Photo
Manhattan Bridge Under Construction 1914

Although people have been buying photographs since mid 1800s, it wasn’t until the 1970s that they became recognized as collectibles. Since photographs have been a collectible for only a brief period of time, there are no established guides for collecting them. Nonetheless, there are some basic rules for collecting photographs including what to collect and where to buy. If you want to collect photographs but aren’t sure how to go about it then you need to keep the following things in mind.

Price

Before you buy any photograph for your collection, you must determine its true worth. This means that you must find out a justified price for the photograph you’re looking to buy. A photo that has historical significance will cost you a lot more than a photograph of a local attraction taken by a semi-pro photographer. Therefore, to determine a justifiable price for the photo you’re buying, consider who took it and the importance of the event/location in it

What to collect

People collect all sorts of photographs. Some people collect still life or portraits, others collect photos of landscapes of a particular region and there are some who collect photos that depict historical or significant events. Nothing makes one type of photographs better than the other. Focus on collecting the type of photographs that interests you the most. Also, a good thing to do would be collecting photographs with higher monetary or sentimental value.

Important things to remember

Before you start buying or collecting photographs, there are a few things that you must always keep in mind and ensure. First and foremost, it’s absolutely necessary for you to stay current. The best way to refine your eye is seeing at every possibility and there’s a lot to see since the photographs market is diverse and robust. As a photograph collector, an important thing for you to keep in mind is that classic photos never go out of style. Iconic images found in museums and history books have been and will continue to be significant.

Finally, see if any information is available with the photograph. Often, people buy photographs just for the sake of making it a part of their collection. However, there is no point of making a photograph a part of your collection if you don’t know its significance or what it’s about. Therefore, you must look for photographs that come with some sort of information on them.

Where to buy

For any photograph collector, knowing where to buy the photographs is essential. Generally, you can get photographs from four different sources including dealers, exhibitions, photographers, and auctions. Therefore, find out about the dealers, exhibitions, photographers, and auctions in your area.

There you have it—how to collect photographs. By considering the aforementioned things, you’ll be able to buy/collect photographs that offer you the most value.

 

The Six Most Popular Types of Collections You Can Start Right Now

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Whether it is empty bottles or old coins, most people will collect something at some point in their lives. The things that you gather or collect are known as collectibles. For most collectors, collectibles are items that offer only sentimental value. However, there are some people who view collectibles as items worth preserving and showing to future generations. Regardless of why you collect them, collectibles are an interesting hobby. If you’re interested in collecting things but aren’t sure what to collect then you’ve come to the right place. Following are some great things to collect.

Currency that is no longer in circulation

Apart from being the means to buy goods or services, money is a great collectible. Of course, collecting and preserving money which you can currently spend would be a nonsensical thing to do: this is something that goes without saying. However, collecting money which is no longer useful (cannot be spent) is a great hobby to have. Look for money which was in use ten, twenty, or fifty years ago. Collect this money and then preserve it in a place where you’re sure it won’t get lost.

Bottles

Not many people consider bottles as collectibles. However, they can be an interesting thing to collect. Look for jars or bottles that sold for thousands of dollars twenty, thirty, or fifty years ago. Collect these bottles or jars and be happy/ proud that own them.

Photographs

They say a picture is worth a thousand words and they’re not wrong. Pictures or photographs can tell you a story better than any words can describe it. Furthermore, photographs allow you to relive the events shown in it. Photographs are great collectibles whether they are photos of historical wars, ancient times, classic sport games, or an old picture of your town/city.

Coins

When it comes to collectibles, coins are the preferred choice of many people. People who collect coins look for coins of many different countries. Whenever you travel to a new country, make it a point to keep the coin of that country to take home with you. If you do that, you’ll eventually have an enviable collection of coins.

Video games

Most people believe that collecting video games is something that only kids do. However, the reality is a bit different. Many adults collect old SEGA, Atari or PS1 games to keep alive their tween and teen years. Therefore, if you want to experience a bit of nostalgia then collecting old video games is something you should consider doing.

Books

Books increase your knowledge, make you more creative, and take you to a whole new world. Therefore, collecting them is highly recommended. You can collect books by requesting the books that your friends or family have already read. Also, you can buy the books that you’ve heard about and are interested in reading. If you do this, slowly but surely, you’ll build a small library for yourself.

 

Stamp Collecting: A Hobby That Never Gets Outdated

Stamps

Stamp Collectors BookStamp collecting has been a popular hobby of people of every age group, class and culture, particularly of those interested in arts, geography, history and various cultures of the world. Although stamps are just little pieces of paper with pictures printed on them, they represent history, in one way or the other. The pictures printed on stamps are either of historical places, famous personalities or point towards specific historical events. This makes stamp collecting a tool for learning, in addition to being a fun hobby.

Also, one does not need a large amount of money to collect stamps, like some other collectibles, as most of the stamps are easily available at nominal prices, unless you are looking for the rare ones (that could be expensive).

Stamp Collecting – The Right Way

There is no wrong way when it comes to stamp collecting. This is a hobby that gives you a free hand as there are almost countless ways of stamp collecting. Stamps have represented literally every field and subject over the years, be it famous personalities or different fields such as arts, sports, animals, ships, flowers, cars, space, maps, science, historical places or events. So, no matter what area you are interested in, you can easily get your hands on the stamps related to that.

Other ways of collecting stamps are:

  • Country Collection

Rather than selecting a specific topic and collecting stamps from all over the world related to that, many people collect stamps that have been issued in a specific country, most often their own. Such people try to collect every stamp that has been issued since the inception of the country, if possible, or since they were born.  

  • Worldwide Collection

People who do not have any specific area or country of interest often go for collecting as many stamps from all over the world as possible, without being concerned about the field they belong to. However, one cannot collect all the stamps that have been issued all over the world as it is both expensive and unrealistic.

A Never Ending Process for Learning  

Stamp collecting opens new avenues for learning, regarding a variety of topics. As stamps continue to be issued, you can never get done with getting new information related to historical as well as new topics.

Stamps as a Communication Channel

While it may sound strange, each stamp has been used throughout history at least for once as channel of communication. The U.S. President, Franklin D. Roosevelt (19330 – 1945), used stamps for this purpose during the Great Depression. He knew the power of visual images and therefore, issued new stamps to convey the message of optimism, hope, solidity and strength of the U.S. federal government during that tough period. Roosevelt himself was a stamp collector.

Stamp collecting may sound simple and boring to some people, but it is actually great fun and at the same time, a knowledgeable and relaxing hobby. It is like visiting and learning about the world while sitting in the comfort of your home.

A List of The Most Unusual Collectibles

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Ben Landa CollectiblesWhile most of us often think about traditional items like stamps and coins whenever we hear the word collectibles, there is no specific criterion for an object to qualify as a collectible. It can literally be anything. There can be as many collectible items as there are people in the world. From the traditional items like the stamps, coins and stationary to toys, artwork and antiques and to the most bizarre items like newspapers, license plates and even bones and skulls (this is no joke), there are people with collections of the simplest and the most weirdest things one can imagine.

Whether you are looking for ideas regarding an unusual collectible item or just want to know about people’s’ hobbies across the world, take a look at the following list to know about the most unusual things people collect.

Coca-Cola Bottles

Throughout its decade-long journey, Coca Cola has adopted various designs and shapes for its bottles and cans, making them interesting items to collect and a fun way to learn about Coca Cola’s history.

Salt and Pepper Shakers

Salt and pepper shakers are collectibles with endless varieties. From the highly sophisticated shapes, designs and colors to the amusing and funky ones, the options are unlimited. Additionally, they are useful (you cannot use all of them though). You can use a different shaker every time a guest comes to your place.   

Your Favorite Animal

No, this does not mean bringing all existing species of your favorite animal to your home. There are other ways to express your love for an animal. People do this by collecting every available item related to their favorite animal, such as stuffed toys, pictures, posters, cards, garments, clothing, statues, miniatures, furniture, models and the real dead animals themselves. So, do not worry that you cannot bring home your favorite animal, especially if it’s a lion or any other wild animal. There are various other ways you can make it a part of your life.

Bones and Skulls

No! I am not talking about a horror movie where the hero/heroine finds himself/herself in the midst of a room filled with skulls and bones while fighting against the evil ghost. This is real! There are people who collect all kinds of bones and skulls of living beings. One such example is of Ray Bandar’s Bone Palace. He is a biologist who has been collecting skulls since the last 50 years and has around 7,000 skulls placed all over his home (except in his bedroom).    

Why Do People Collect Things? The Psychology of Collecting

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A large number of people from all over the world collect various things for multiple reasons. This may be due to following a pastime of interest or possibly due to  religious or cultural backgrounds, but many collect just to collect, as it creates a pastime that one finds interesting and fun.

Let’s take a look at what professionals say about collecting:

Psychologists’ Views

Psychologists have come up with various theories as to why people go for collecting various things, some of which are mentioned below:

  • For many people, collecting particular kinds of objects is purely a thrilling and exciting experience and they do it for the thrill of the chase and for the sake of pleasure they get from it. Searching for an item and then taking measures to get their hands on it is such a thrilling and enjoyable experience for many people that they continue doing it purely for getting that pleasure.
  • According to Dr. Rebecca Spelman, a psychologist, “Although there are people who have been working as professional collectors and collect objects as a form of financial investment, for most of us, being a collector has nothing to do with financial gain. It is an emotionally driven action, often with people collecting objects they connect positively and emotionally with, at particular times in their lives.”
  • Another explanation states that since people have a desire to be remembered, they want to leave their identity behind them. They see collectibles as an extension of their own self and as their legacy which they can leave behind.
  • According to psychoanalysts, children who do not get love resort to it as a way of seeking comfort. Such children try to find pleasure and comfort by collecting one or multiple kinds of things.
  • Sigmund Freud went a little too far in an attempt to provide a psychological explanation for collecting and exaggerated the issue. He said, “Collecting ties back to the time of toilet training. The loss of control and what went down the toilet was a traumatic occurrence and the collector, by collecting particular kind of object/s, is trying to regain not only the control, but also the possessions that were lost years ago.”
  • For some people, their collection is a store of good memories to which they can get back to whenever they want and when things go wrong in their lives. For them, the collection serves as a mood booster, a way to reminisce the good old memories and also to satisfy our natural desire to preserve our past.

Human beings have been collecting various things since the time they gave up their nomadic lifestyle and became able to get things more than their needs. While psychologists have come up with different explanations for humans’ desire to collect things, not everyone agrees to their point of view. As stated earlier, everyone has their own reason for collecting.

Are You Bored of Collecting Sports Cards? Here’s What You Can Do!

Baseball, Sports

Collecteibles Sports CardsEnjoyment; history; money; or personal inclinations – people collect sportscards for a myriad of reasons. But sometimes certain circumstances intervene and overshadow the simple joy of collecting.

If collecting sports cards does not hold the same charm for you as it once did, it may be the right time to take a step back from it. The first thing to keep in mind: there’s absolutely nothing to worry about, in fact it’s quite normal – and healthy too!

How?

Well, it allows you to re-focus your energies and strategies into becoming a better card collector or it simply leads you to something that you may find more appealing and exciting. However, before you completely give up on the hobby, take the time to ensure “is this what you really want?”

Here’s how you can do that:

Start at the Beginning

If there’s anything that can motivate you back into the game – it’s the original answer to “What inspired you to collect cards?” There was obvious joy in the hobby when you started it. It could be a player you loved or the time spent trading them that you got hooked too. It could be anything. Try and rekindle that magic, that fun into your hobby and see how things change for you.

What Do You Want?

There’s already a century worth of sports cards floating out there. Not just that, new releases keep popping up every now and then. All this can get overwhelming. Instead of getting caught up in the whirlwind of the thousands of available choices; STOP! BREATHE! And try to figure out what exactly it is that you’re looking for. Explore your existing interests instead of running after every new release; set some ‘older stuff goals’. Once you accomplish them, you’d be rejuvenated enough to ease back into the newer stuff.

Clean Up

Purge! Get rid of the clutter. You’re bound to have cards in your collection that do not interest you or are plain useless. They may even be devouring significant space in your closet. Take them out. They’re just distracting your focus. You could trade them, sell them, or simply donate them – do whatever you can to de-clutter your space. Looking at cards you consider your ‘prized possessions’ can help you stir back that lost interest in the hobby.

Time Out

If you feel that the water is way too much over your head – take a break. It is important to realize that sometimes it is better to walk away from things to make us appreciate them again. You need to recharge your thirst for collecting cards and a break can help you achieve that. When you’re ready – may be in a few months or years – you can pick up on the hobby again just where you left it.

Regardless of how long your hiatus from card collecting is, if you can are able to successfully regain your passion and thrill for this hobby, you can simply return to it. Cards and collecting in all its form is here to stay. You just need to re-focus and refresh your mind before resuming the latest phase of your game plan. Happy collecting!  (Whenever you consider it’s time to get back)

The Intrigue of Old Bottle Collecting

Bottles

Bottles, whether they are related to the medical industry or the soda industry, they are considered antique if they were manufactured in the early 20th century and before.

Old Bottle Collecting

Many people are probably not aware that antique bottles are a major collector’s item, due to their history and the different shapes that they have came in.

Similar to checking ‘defects’ on baseball cards, stamps and coins to determine their current value, old bottles also have indicators, called pontil marks that indicate the same thing. This, together with their age, color and history determine their value.

Benjamin Landa is a major collector of bottles of antiquity and is displaying them for viewing here.

Nine Reasons that Make Investing in Collectibles a Smart Choice

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When one looks at different investment options, the most commonly suggested ones include stocks, currency, real estate or bonds. But what if someone is not looking for conventional investments? What if they’re not ready to bear the risk attached to stocks or real estate markets?

They can explore alternative investments — art and collectibles. As an investor, one’s prime goal is to maximize wealth with steady profits, but investing in collectibles offers much more. Here are ten benefits that make investment in collectibles a bright prospect.

Defying inflation: You can call collectibles the rebel category of investment. After all what other form of investment gains value over time above the prevailing inflation rates?

Time and Value: You’ve read about the traditional long-term investments. This is beyond that. With collectibles, the more you wait before selling them off, the more chances there are of an increase in value. Whether you hold on to it for decades or pass it down to your later generations, a collectible will earn you sizeable returns.

They’re Trending: 2015 saw an uptrend for collectibles and experts predicted 2016 to continue with the same. More than halfway through 2016, we feel the experts played their cards right as collectibles continue to sell at record prices.

They’re Global: Don’t think your collectible is attracting the right buyer in your own country? Sell to someone in another as long as they pay you the value you desire. Collectibles are universal; you just need to find the right market.

The Demand: Historical collectibles are quite limited in supply. Most of these end up being bought by museums which makes them rarer. This helps keep the overall demand for them high over a long period of time. Makes the ones you own more valuable, now doesn’t it?

The Treasure Hunt: Ordering stocks or bonds on a computer can be boring. That’s not the case with collectibles. Finding the perfect investment is more of an adventure as you set out to hunt piece after piece in a real world setting.

The Increase in Middle Class: There has been noticeable growth of middle class (higher disposable incomes) in emerging markets. This means that despite of the predicted volatility of these markets in the upcoming years there will be an increase in the number of buyers for collectibles.  

Interest Rate Fluctuations? Who cares: Normally when interest rates fluctuate, they tend to impact investment gains. Collectibles are not susceptible to interest rate changes. This means there are fewer chances of decline in investment gains and subsequent reductions in the level of disposable incomes.

Utility: Probably the best thing about investing in collectibles is that you do not need to lock them away unless you want to sell them off. Like a painting can hang in your living room and the wife can wear those heirloom baubles you so fondly collect. It’s an investment you can enjoy.

The bottom line is that collectibles pay off substantial returns. However, investing in collectibles is a long term investment. You need to hold on to them for longer time periods to improve the returns you wish to reap. So if you are looking for regular returns this is not a feasible option for you.

Five Unbeatable Tips for Coin Collectors

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Did you know that the roots of collecting coins date back to the ancient era of the kings and queens?

Flowin Hair Liberty Dollar
Most Valuable Coin Ever Sold 1794 – Flowin Hair Liberty Dollar

The activity has been commonly known as “The Hobby of Kings”. That’s not all. The coin collecting hobby has also earned fortunes for a number of collectors. The biggest one in history amounted to $10,016,875 – a Flowin Hair Dollar sold in 1794.

Collecting coins is a hobby that attracts people of all ages and backgrounds. While some get bored in no time, others have found bliss in it for years. If you’re pondering upon the idea of taking up this rewarding hobby, here are five tips that will help you become an apt collector of coins.

Keep Your Patience

Don’t just go in and start buying coins for your collection. Take time to gain adequate knowledge about the pros and cons of buying your coins; such as, the MS70 Capped Bust Dimes (If that’s what you’re interested in). The point is that you need to be composed and resourceful when deciding the type of coins you’d like to collect. Learn about their artistic appeal, their historic value, and their current quality. The more you know, the better you’d be at collecting coins.

You’ve Got to Have Goals

Setting goals as you tread into collecting coins is a great way to keep the excitement alive. It gives you purpose and a mission. Trust us, there is nothing as satisfying as completing ‘your collection’ – the feeling uplifts your spirits and makes you beam with pride. Wouldn’t you want to be able to display your perfect collection to everyone around you?

Stick to a Theme

US Half Dollars
Set of US Half Dollars

This is more of a suggestion for beginners. There is a plethora of coin types out there to collect. When stepping into the world of coin collection, it is ideal to stick to a theme in order to keep your collection focused yet diverse. You could look into ancient coins or explore their world or select silver coins, perhaps even .99% pure silver precious metals. The last option is a bit off the limits of coin collecting, but is a wonderful (and lucrative)  hobby to pursue in addition to old coins. If you’re more interested in a timeline of coins compile a yearly collection or think of a series of time periods.

Get Help

The coin business, especially grading a coin can be technical for newbies. In instances as such it is advisable to seek help from the ones who’ve been in the field for a long time. Know someone who’s been collecting coins for a while now? It’ll pay off well to learn under his/her wing. All those local shops and dealers can provide insider knowledge of how things work in the industry. It’s a good Idea to visit them frequently and get to know them on a personal basis. Speaking to coin shop dealers is another great way to learn. Ask them any questions. They love to help offer their knowledge for free. 

Learn the Lingo

Like every other specialized industry, numismatic comes with a unique set of jargons. Familiarizing yourself with the language can help you set your feet better into the coin collecting hobby. Terms like brockage, business strikes, bag marks and more make for more effective communication during dealings and discussions. Normally, the coin collecting community is quite accepting and amiable – they can help you gain ample knowledge of the business. But don’t completely rely on them. Do your homework. Learn the lingo and of course the anatomy of the coin.

It may have begun as a hobby for the kings, but coin collection over the centuries has evolved into a fun and profitable activity for the masses alike. If you’re looking for a hobby that will keep you occupied and interested in it for a long time to come, take a dip into the ocean of collecting coins.

Top Five Most Valuable Collectibles

Blog, Coins

Collectors are passionate about collecting just anything they like. Collectibles could be anything from crockery to jewelry and from coins to classic vehicles. The possibilities are simply endless. Here are the five most valuable collectibles you should consider buying and keeping with you.

Chinese Ceramics

Nothing matches the loveliness of the beautifully carved ceramics back then. Considering the ceramics in particular, the Chinese crockery and ceramics are the most attractive and valuable item you can purchase. According to Huffington Post, despite the doubts about the forgery and authenticity, the sale of the Chinese ceramics rose by 83% in 2013. Considering these results, it is proved that collectors are taking Chinese ceramics more seriously now, and it is not slowing in collection.

Antique Furniture

Experts believe that the trend of antique furniture keeps changing with years. As per reports, the antique furniture market had dropped during the past few years because people were leaning towards purchasing contemporary designed furniture. But now it is trending again, and thanks to the collectors. Antique furniture is very captivating for the collectors. They have a huge list of antique items to choose from and have major pieces in the market that they would want to collect.

Ornaments and Jewelry   

Unlike other collectibles, the market for the ornaments and jewelry is likely stable and volatile. This is because the prices of the jewelry vary widely due to import bans and supply constraints; for this reason, it often becomes easier for collectors to purchase the type of ornaments they love. Though, this does not happen every time or stays for long, the prices of the jewelry do rise yet thrive as collectors purchase them regardless of the high prices.

Classic Cars

All vehicle aficionados in the collectibles market stay updated about the classic cars. Like other markets, the market for the classic cars is not sluggish either. As per Huffingtonpost, back in 2013, a Mercedes-Benz was sold for $26.5 million, which is the highest paid price for the classic cars to date.

This record was broken by another collector who paid $27.5 million for a 1967 model of Ferrari 275 GTB/4 NART Spider which was worth $14,000 in 1967. That being said, it proves that collectors who are fond of classic cars would pull out all stops to purchase the classic car they like, regardless of the cheaper modern cars today.   

Coins

Being one of the most common collectible items in the list of collectibles, coins are the most expensive item sold to the collectors. The interest in investing in coins has never fallen among the collectors, instead it keeps on increasing. Some people collect coins from their grannies, while some pay a high price for it; despite how they are collected collectors love keeping coins along with other collectibles in their museums.

If you are also a collector, in which valuable collectible would you like investing in?