How is the market for high-end collectables?

Posts: 647 · Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2008 1:45 pm

Howdy All,

I have been away from my computer and the collectable market for all but passing glances and occasional purchases. My wife and I had our fourth child and I have been spending my late nights off the computer dispensing bottles and pacing the halls with him.

To the point: I have several auctions queued up for game designers and artists but I am concerned for the timing of these. I have my own opinions of how the market is faring in these economically troubled times (for the US anyway) but I would like to see others opinions.

I'm not looking for arguments of why we shouldn't view these items as investments. I'd like the discussion to be about the items' value in the collectable market during economic downturns. In particular, this one.

Example: Traditionally, collectables like fine art are even more sought after as a reliable investment during difficult economic times. Does this have any bearing on how $100 plus RPG collectables sell?

Thanks for any thoughts or opinions in addition to your poll response.

Futures Bright,

Paul

Posts: 2525 · Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2008 2:28 pm

It all depends on your definition of 'high end'. I believe at present we are seeing quite high priced for unique and rare items, although there seems little consistemcy with regard to what buyers are willing to pay for, and what they are not.

The rarities are going to the usual suspects, although I notice TFM is not so active (or at least not in the market I'm used to seeing him in), and the prices they are willing to pay does not seem to reflect the current downturn in a lot of economies. Possibly (flame me if you will) because those who can afford to collect the truely rare have figured out how to ride the inevitable economic bumps in life. If you're collecting box fulls of rare goods in a nieche market (ie not mainstream art), then this isn't your primary means of investing for your future. And at that level of superfluous income, little bumps in the economy are just part of life, like getting a flat tyre.

The uncommon mainstream product also seems to be quite boyant, although there has been a distinct move in the market from the traditional TSR/non-TSR product to more esoteric and modern collectables (Goodman Games/PPP/Ptolus/etc) which are surging in price and demand. The traditional non-TSR mainstream is suffering a lull with low prices right accross the board from the traditional Judges Guild main pieces to the difficult to get UK pieces. Prices there are low.

I would assess the Acaeum scale 4 and 5 rares as having a solid market with prices pretty stable as most would expect. Neither high nor low compared to their relative long term values. Uniques I would expect to sell well, but that will depend on desirability. I wouldn't hesitate to put up an unpublished manuscript or a particularly detailed or appealing item of artwork, but somethin a little boring or mundane, or a signed uncommon item I would not have so much confidence in.

Just my 2c. I'm sure others will offer their perceptions.

Posts: 2635 · Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2008 10:51 am

Seems like the sale prices just keep goin' up. We've set quite a few records in recent years. I haven't been watching the short-range trends very carefully, but I wouldn't be surprised to see a bit of a lull at some point. (Mind you, I've been saying that for years, and prices just keep going up!)

Posts: 1756 · Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2008 11:23 am

Well... there was that Domesday sheet that sold for a super-record price at Gencon.

Two other recent very high prices which come to mind are:

- a DM's copy of the Ghost Tower of Inverness - which sold for $3,000+ to thefantasymuseum

- a 1st print Chainmail - which sold for $2,000+ to, erm... you Wink

In the light of these I would say that super-rare stuff is probably (at least) holding up in price. As to more middle range rare or uncommon stuff, it varies according to the item. White box sets and early Dragons have fallen back a little from what they were going for a year ago, but (without citing any specific examples), other rare prices still seem to be holding up. Other than that I would echo the last couple of comments.

Posts: 2130 · Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2008 12:06 pm

The rare stuff is holding it's value right now. The market seems to have quite a depth. I think if you are offering rare and possibly unique items then you should do quite well.

Posts: 100 · Posted: Thu Oct 02, 2008 10:45 am

Blackmoor wrote:

The rare stuff is holding it's value right now. The market seems to have quite a depth. I think if you are offering rare and possibly unique items then you should do quite well.

/agree

With what was sold at Gencon this year (and some ultra rare mod's on ebay), Acaeum 4 and 5 rares are selling above average. I see no signs in that slowing down either.

But some items like the "brown box" D&D sets seem to have a certain set range, as opposed to constantly appreciating in value (in the $800-$1500 US Dollar range, depending on condition [price is usually for a 3rd printing].

Posts: 1348 · Posted: Thu Oct 02, 2008 11:56 am

I think this is the wrong time of the year to sell these types of things, and that they're likely to sell for higher amounts closer to April / May. But, that's just a hunch, since I really don't care about tracking prices -- I'll pay what I want to pay since value is inherently subjective.

Posts: 15 · Posted: Thu Oct 02, 2008 12:27 pm

At least from one collector, i am happy to pay up for rare items......

Posts: 827 · Posted: Thu Oct 02, 2008 1:47 pm

Invincible Overlord wrote:

But some items like the "brown box" D&D sets seem to have a certain set range, as opposed to constantly appreciating in value (in the $800-$1500 US Dollar range, depending on condition [price is usually for a 3rd printing].

that is appreciating was $600-800 not long ago

Posts: 1756 · Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2008 5:05 am

Of course, the market for ultra-rare D&D collectibles may take a hit as we slide into a financial apocalypse (i.e. this weekend). When the survivors of the 'Crash of 08' are fighting for the last few tins of beans in a burnt-out supermarket, or foraging for potable water in a sun-bleached mad-max wasteland, worrying whether that woodgrain is 2nd or 3rd print may seem less pressing. Wink

Posts: 4545 · Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2008 11:43 am

red_bus wrote:

Of course, the market for ultra-rare D&D collectibles may take a hit as we slide into a financial apocalypse (i.e. this weekend). When the survivors of the 'Crash of 08' are fighting for the last few tins of beans in a burnt-out supermarket, or foraging for potable water in a sun-bleached mad-max wasteland, worrying whether that woodgrain is 2nd or 3rd print may seem less pressing. Wink

How many woodgrains can I get for a can of beans now???

Mike B.

Posts: 827 · Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2008 3:09 pm

Badmike wrote:

How many woodgrains can I get for a can of beans now???Mike B.

safeway or walmart?? the beans that is
think responses to poll about right so far as market still strong in general but forgetting how much has increased + will be patchy in places once high-rollers have got what they need. comments about inverness being low at well over $1,300 but deadlord copy did not even get bid at $800 only few years ago. looks better than stockmarket for those with eye to $ from that. unfortunately could not move my pension fund

Posts: 91 · Posted: Sun Oct 19, 2008 8:44 am

The day woodies go for cans of franks and beans is the day I invest in Heinz.