Hey there! Remember when I suggested investing in heartland real estate back in 2016? Well, I’ve got another exciting investment idea for you – rare books and autographed memorabilia. Not only can this be a profitable venture, but it’s also a lot of fun!
Take me, for instance. I’ve been collecting rare Chinese coins since my study abroad stint in China in 1997. I was fascinated by the country’s history, especially the warring states period and the various dynasties. I started buying all the rare coins I could find, and after some time and research, I learned to distinguish the real ones from the fakes. Now, I have a collection of rare coins from every dynasty and warring states period. And guess what? Some of my coins are now on display at the British Museum in London! That’s how I know they’re worth a lot.
But it’s not just about the money. I love investing in collectibles because they’re tangible objects that I can enjoy. It’s like investing in real estate – you can enjoy your investment and potentially sell it for a profit down the line.
During my coin collecting phase, I bought books to learn about Chinese coins, spoke to other collectors and dealers, and built my collection methodically. It was a blast! And now, knowing that they could be worth a fortune feels even better.
I used to collect fine watches too, like the stainless steel Rolex Daytona. But they’re hard to come by and quite expensive, so I stopped. Instead, I started investing in other collectibles like rare books, comics, and shoes, which are more affordable.
The pandemic has been tough, but it’s had some silver linings. For one, it’s boosted the value of real estate since we’re all spending more time at home. Plus, it’s created a scarcity in some assets, like autographed collectibles. With fewer in-person events, there are fewer opportunities for autographs, which makes them more valuable.
I’ve been on the hunt for collectible books with autographs. I plan to build my collection over time with books from authors I appreciate. And in 30 years, I’ll pass on my rare book collection to my children. I might even buy two versions of each book – one to read and one to keep in pristine condition.
I’m starting small with my book collecting. I’m looking for promising new authors who are releasing new books. The investment cost for a signed book from a new author is just the retail cost of the book, but the potential return could be massive, especially if you can find a first print from the first edition.
First-edition books are particularly valuable, especially if they have errors. Errors are usually corrected in future editions, which makes the first editions with errors limited in supply and therefore more valuable. For example, the Inverted Jenny stamp, which had an error in its design, sold for over a million dollars!
As a first-time author myself, I’ve learned a lot about the book publishing process. Despite multiple rounds of editing, my book still ended up with a spelling error, which will make the first edition even more coveted by collectors.
I don’t plan to sign more than 100 first-edition copies of my book. If it ends up selling well, the value of a first-edition and signed first-edition copy will go up. So, if you’re a collector, try to keep your books in as pristine condition as possible.
In addition to collecting books, I’m also investing in the Innovation Fund, which invests in areas like artificial intelligence, data infrastructure, and financial technology. The minimum investment is only $10, making it accessible to everyone.
So, there you have it! Investing in collectibles and new technologies can be a fun and profitable venture. Why not give it a try?
