13 Collecting Hobbies That Could Be a Smart Investment
Nostalgic hobbies like collecting stamps or coins might seem like a dated pastime, but for true fans of vintage items, these forgotten pursuits can bring in considerable cash. As more and more collectibles gain value over time, certain items can now sell for surprising amounts at auctions or online marketplaces.
From old coins to antique books, here are 13 collecting hobbies that still have considerable value.
1. Stamps
Stamps from rare postal issues or with printing errors can command high prices, with some reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars. Case in point: A rare British Guiana stamp that fetched nearly $10 million ($9.5 million to be exact) at auction. For collectors, acquiring rare stamps can feel like treasure hunting — and the right finds can indeed be worth a fortune.
2. Watches
Collectors have paid millions of dollars for vintage watches, but you don’t have to a millionaire to collect these timepieces as a hobby. Brands like Longines, Zenith, Omega, and Jaeger-LeCoutre retain their value (and then some) when in good condition. Of course, if you find an old Rolex or Patek Philippe at an estate sale, you’re going to want to snap that watch up immediately.
3. Coins
Old coins — especially those with historical significance or minting errors — are highly valuable, with some selling for hundreds of thousands (or even millions) of dollars. In 2021, a Double Eagle coin from 1933 sold for $18.9 million, showcasing the potential payoff for serious collectors. Coin collecting also attracts history buffs searching for relics of past civilizations.
4. Breweriana
Collectors of breweriana, or beer-related memorabilia, seek items like antique beer cans, tap handles, and vintage signage that capture the spirit of beer production from a bygone era. Surprisingly, the market can also be highly lucrative, as evidenced by this Rheingold beer can that sold for over $10,000 at auction in 2019.
5. Sports Memorabilia
Vintage sports memorabilia, such as signed baseball cards, jerseys, and sports equipment like helmets and bats, can command staggering amounts from collectors drawn to relics that capture iconic moments in sports history. For example, a signed Michael Jordan trading card sold for nearly $3 million at auction in June, 2024.
6. Bowls and China
Antique bowls and fine china sets — particularly from well-known makers like Meissen, Wedgwood, or Royal Crown Derby — can be incredibly valuable, with some pieces selling for tens of thousands of dollars. In 2021, a rare Meissen mantel clock case from the 18th century fetched over $1.5 million at a Sotheby’s auction, reflecting the high demand for these historical pieces.
7. Fountain Pens
Vintage fountain pens, especially from luxury brands like Montblanc and Parker, have become highly sought after among history buffs. Collectors appreciate not only the aesthetic craftsmanship but also the pens’ historical ties to famous writers and figures. In 2023, a limited-edition Montblanc Skeleton 333 pen sold for over $25,000 at auction.
8. Perfume Bottles
High-end perfume brands, or those from limited-edition releases, can be incredibly valuable to collectors. For example, a Rene Lalique perfume bottle from the early 1900s sold for over $100,000 in Paris due to its intricate design and rarity. These collectible perfume bottles are cherished for their craftsmanship and aesthetic beauty that represent fashion and art history.
9. Vinyl Records
Rare vinyl records (and even CDs) that feature rare pressings or limited releases from iconic artists can yield impressive sums. In February 2024, an original pressing of The Beatles’ “White Album,” which was owned by John Lennon, sold for over £128,000 (about USD$162,447) at auction. In recent years, vinyl has seen a massive resurgence, with collectors and music enthusiasts alike seeking out these tangible pieces of music history for their unique sound quality and nostalgic value.
10. Antique Books
Antique books, particularly first editions or signed copies, can be worth a small fortune — with collectors relishing in the thrill of uncovering rare literary treasures and preserving rare historical works. In 2020, a first edition of Shakespeare’s “First Folio” sold for nearly $10 million at auction, cementing its status as one of the most valuable (and expensive) books in history.
11. Vintage Toys
If you’re in the vintage toy market, then you know that some of these toys, like early Barbie dolls, G.I. Joes, Star Wars figurines, and even board games, can be highly valuable — especially if they’re part of a limited release or are still in their original packaging. Collectors often cherish these items for the nostalgia they evoke, linking them to fond childhood memories. One clear example: This 1959 first-edition Barbie that sold for $27,450 at auction in 2023.
12. Comic Books
Comic books, especially those that featured first appearances of popular superheroes, can reach astronomical values. In 2021, a first-edition Superman comic sold for a mind-boggling $3.25 million, demonstrating the serious value that comic books hold. Comic collectors are passionate about preserving these rare copies, which serve as cultural artifacts in pop culture.
13. Vintage Cameras
Classic cameras, especially limited-edition models or early designs from brands like Leica and Hasselblad, can command impressive prices at auctions. Collectors appreciate these vintage cameras not only for their historical value but also for the craftsmanship and design that capture the evolution of photography. In 2018, a Leica camera in mint condition from 1923 sold for over €2.4 million (about USD$ 2.5 million) at an auction in Vienna.