Purging Your Commemorative First Edition Collectible Collection
Added on 11/01/06 by
Betsy
There are a lot of things that people think are worth money. Even at garage sales I repeatedly see the same items over and over that people think are worth tons of cash on a special little card table near the cash box in case anyone gets any ideas.
Now I understand- it was just you and a box of wine at 2am when the Franklin Mint coin set was calling your name- it's not your fault you bought a monthly subscription to the coins of the world club- it's the fault of Mr. Franzia and his clever wine in a box idea.
Now Christmas comes and Grandma sends you what she sends you every year- you don't know why she sends it to you. Perhaps you never realized that Grandma likes wine in a box too and that she is regifting her late night QVC impulse buy- but there you are face to face with a Precious Moments commemorative figurine. "What a Friend You Have in Jesus" is looking at you with sappy eyes just begging to be smashed, but Grandma bought it and in case she visits you should keep it.
Then your significant other is on their way to work and hears the DJ remind the world that manana is Sweetest Day. Freaking out your SO's secretary recommends a Vermont Teddy Bear- not only are they adorable, and available for express shipping but they are collectible too you see.
Before you know it there you are drowning in a see of Commerative First Edition Collectibles.
Unfortunately for you, most things designed to be collected are not worth anything on Ebay.
Now you may get 14.99 if you are lucky for that Vermont Bear but they are at least 59.99 plus ship new, unless of course your SO ordered you the Gay Pride bear which is worth nearly retail.
There are also Precious Moments a plenty, but most made in the last 15 years aren't worth much- typically 5-20 and yes that is mint in box.
The Franklin Mint is like an Ebay joke. Unless your coins are silver, which gives them value- or feature the cast of Star Trek- your late night dollars were wasted.
What makes an older item valuable isn't a certificate of authenticity. Value is based on people's emotion and memories. If you have a favorite childhood toy that every kid wanted but not every kid could afford and it is in great condition- probably worth something. If you have a play set that everybody had, but you kept every piece and the original box when their parents tossed it in the trash Christmas morning- that is valuable.
