Investing your hard-earned money can protect it from the threat of inflation. You want to make sure you get the most bang for your buck. Once you have most of your money invested in traditional vehicles like stocks and bonds, you can start looking at other investments. You might already have items that you collect as a hobby. Not all collectible items increase in value. Some may not even hold their value.

Collectibles are collected because they are rare, and other people want them. The most valuable collector’s items are one-of-a-kind and are not mass-produced. Some people start collecting items that they think might become valuable in the future. Several years ago, people were even collecting beanie babies. Anything rare and desired can become a collectible.

Unlike beanie babies, there are some collector’s items that increase in value over time. If you’re looking for an alternative investment vehicle, try researching collectibles that interest you. Some require a lot of money to get started and others are a smaller investment. Here are five collectibles that hold their value and have made a lot of money in the past.

Coins

Rare coins are common collector’s items. Most collectors get immersed in researching, examining, and collecting rare coins from different currencies. The US Mint releases commemorative coins periodically, but collectors are most interested in error coins. These coins are released into circulation with slight imperfections. Collectors search for error coins, take them out of circulation, and add them to their collections.

Error coins are valuable because they reflect a mistake made by the US Mint. Collectors carefully inspect each coin for errors and store them appropriately to ensure they remain in good condition. Even though people often collect coins as a hobby, a good collection can be worth a good amount of money over time. The most expensive rare coin sold for over 18 million dollars at an auction. You never know what you might find in your loose change!

Cars

Classic cars are fun to look at but expensive to own. Some requirements determine what is considered a classic car. The age and model of the car are the indicators. There are car shows and auctions collectors attend to see classic and vintage cars. These events draw traffic from all over the country.

Although classic cars are not driven much, they still need maintenance and upkeep, which can be expensive. But if you own a good model, you could make your money back and more. Some classic cars have sold for as much as 18 million dollars.

Jewelry

People have been investing in jewelry for years. Gold is a common investment by mutual funds and by purchasing gold itself. When you hear about people investing in jewelry, it’s usually related to gold or diamonds because they hold their value. The materials used to make the jewelry and its scarcity contribute to how valuable it is.

Some people choose to collect watches as a specific jewelry type. Watches are more complex and are sentimental timekeepers. For some people, they represent the skill of man and they will pay good money to acquire the highest quality. Patek Philippe watches, specifically, are a part of rare collections and are worn by athletes and celebrities around the world.

Like other collectibles, a jewelry collection should be insured and locked in a safe or post office box. Jewelry is also an investment that is often saved and passed down from generation to generation. But if it is sold, it can also bring in a lot of money and protect your dollar from inflation. Some of the most expensive jewelry sold for over 200 million at auction.

Baseball Cards

It’s important to keep collector’s items in good condition. This is especially true with baseball cards. Similar to coins, the value of baseball cards is determined by scarcity and print variations. Most collectors also trade cards as they personalize and build their collections. Baseball cards can also be sold at auction for a pretty penny. A Mickey Mantle baseball card recently sold for over 12 million dollars!

Art

Collecting antique art is a favorite for many people. There are paintings, artifacts, sculptures, and furniture that draw the eyes of collectors. Abstract paintings are one of the most common art collectibles. Most art collectors enjoy attending museums, auctions, and galleries. Antique art can be very valuable because it is so rare. One Leonardo de Vinci painting sold for a record 450 million dollars. It often takes a lot of time and research to acquire a rare art collection.

Final Thoughts

Investing can be boring and, in some cases, it should be. But if you’re looking for collectibles to invest in as an alternative, you have several options. Collectors’ items are generally valuable because they are rare and unique in some way. Some common collectibles that hold their value are rare coins, classic cars, jewelry, baseball cards, and artwork.

Owning a collection of any of these items will not guarantee a return on your investment. But there are examples where each of these collector’s items has made some people very wealthy. There’s no reason you can’t be one of them.