Do you have a collection that is now worthless because of the economy?

[Mike 03]

Anybody here collect something, just for the sheer happiness and passion, and the collection actually was worth a lot, and you suddenly realized that because of the economy, people could care less if you have signed First Editions of prize-winning novels or sealed copies of Madonna's sex book, or rare Star Wars items or props from Lord of the Rings or Batman, or whatever your particular passion happens to be?

Nobody cares. Nobody can afford it. The world is probably coming to an end. Who has time to read or collect?

And paintings? Swell. I have a book of Jackson Pollock's greatest works; who needs to buy the original? Who has time to worry about how to ship and receive it? Jasper Johns? Warhol? Longo?

There are way, way bigger concerns right now.

It just goes to show that collecting is one of the more precarious and risky hobbies one can have. I'm guessing it's only a matter of time before the auction houses like Sotherbys declare bankruptcy, because people are not even bidding on once sought-after paintings anymore.

How times change, and how quickly.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

1. my wheat penny collection ...

[Kat45]

5. They're probably worth something for the copper alone.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

9. Probably worth more for the copper than anything else.

meh...I think I will keep them just the same.

[bluesbassman]

2. Just my collection of dollar bills and stock certificates.

:)

[quakerboy]

3. Really? I found the opposite true.

I sold of my collection of collectible cards and most of my silver coins about 8 years back. The cards have about doubled in value, judging from an E-bay visit when I was really bored a few weeks back. The coins.. I could get twice the price I got just on melt value alone. I will not let myself look at their collector value.

[XemaSab]

4. Don't collect for money

Collect for the joy of it.

[realisticphish]

6. I collect beer glasses

not much money in it, I just like beer glasses :shrug:

especially Guinness glasses

[Orrex]

7. I have a number of collections that weren't worth shit even before the recession

I'm not a speculator; I collected them because I wanted to have them.

[texanwitch]

8. I sold my stuff last year, glad I did.

If you like your things keep them.

I was getting rid of clutter.

Things may get better with time.

[MajorChode]

10. My collection of W bumper stickers

[Jamastiene]

11. Not the economy, but for other reasons, I now have 1 guitar

that I no longer feel any kinship with, like I do my other guitars. If it was worth anything to anybody, I'd sell it at this point. Unfortunately, it's not worth that much. To be honest, I think the custom Fender hardshell case it came in is probably worth more than it is. I'll probably just keep it even though the designer of the guitar now hates my guts because they were told lies about me. :mad: :banghead: :cry:

Geez, I do like the guitar though. I'll keep it and just not look at it or ever be photographed with it while I play it. *sigh*

[Dappleganger]

12. Used to collect old books...

Old children's history and art books in particular. Sold them on ebay several years ago because I grew tired of dusting them.
Don't miss collecting at all, just not into it. Would rather spend $$ on doing things with the family.

[Iggo]

13. Collecting is only risky...

...when it's mistaken for investment.

[DarkTirade]

14. I've got a 2nd edition hardcover copy of Lord of the Rings.

Not sure how much it was worth before and after, but its a moot point because I wouldn't sell it anyway. :P

[Deja Q]

15. Not the 'end'. People keep saying 'new world order'. That doesn't mean the end.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

16. The money collection in my 401K...

[murielm99]

17. I have vintage restaurant ware mugs.

They are the heavy, thick old mugs. I have them because I like them.

A few years ago, I was surprised to learn that some of them are rare and valuable. Maybe by now they have decreased in value. I don't care. I think I will keep them.

[WinkyDink]

18. Wedgwood plates.