Many people ask me what they should collect or what may go up in value. Collectibility varies and forecasting is a fool’s errand. But if pressed for an affordable option that might appreciate, I often say ephemera.
As an armchair analyst, I guarantee nothing. Still, consider this: a circulated 1916-D Mercury dime made in 264,000 examples can bring $10,000, and a common Patek Philippe Calatrava, produced in far greater numbers, will sell for $5,000 at entry level, with a rare example topping $3.5 million.
Given those disparities, it’s remarkable that historic first-edition books go for only a thousand or two, and early American newspapers (you can find a 1776 issue for a few hundred dollars) or documents signed by Founding Fathers remain inexpensive.
A few years back, we sold for a Tampa gentleman a letter signed by John Hancock, referencing Paul Revere and a meeting at Boston’s Bunch of Grapes Tavern (a gathering place for Revolutionary-era patriots) for just $4,000. A one-of-a-kind piece of American history.
Likewise, signed photos of Robert F. Kennedy from the 1960s or First Ladies from the 1950s–1990s often sell for only a few hundred dollars. There are even services that will locate a genuine newspaper from the day you were born for under $100.
Sure, we love rare coins and high-end vintage watches; but it’s hard to ignore the value proposition – mass-produced objects, whether coins with millions minted or watches made by the tens of thousands often cost more than a unique slice of history signed by John Hancock or Lincoln for $2,000 to $7,000. A unique one-of-a-kind Civil War letter can be bought online for $25-$200.
Those seem like interesting bargains in the collecting world. A caveat: old paper deteriorates, so proper framing and acid-free backing are essential. Early paper was made from low-quality, acidic pulp, and exposure to light, humidity and oxidation breaks the cellulose down, causing brittleness and yellowing.
