And that's only during the past weekend. These are exciting times for collectors, and I think that Goldman Sachs says it best...
A survey by the global investment banking and securities firm confirms that we are in the middle of a 'global middle class explosion.'
Goldman Sachs estimates 70 million people a year are joining the 'middle class' ranks, which in the next 20 years will see a huge expansion to roughly two-billion extra people by 2030.
What's more, people are ageing more rapidly and history has shown that these 'ageing middle classes' will be looking to resume childhood hobbies or explore new interests.
That means they'll be more likely to put their money into stamp collections, artworks, toy dolls or even classic cars.
And here's the thing...
One of the main areas of growth is in Asia
As you can see by the above news headlines, and if you regularly read this column, Asia's huge impact is becoming increasingly evident in the collectibles markets.
Particularly in fine wines, rare stamps and art. Like the 1940 Qi Baishi artwork which recently set a new $65.5m World Record price for a contemporary Chinese painting...
Or how about more unusual collectibles? This week, the most expensive camera ever sold went to an Asian buyer who participated in a Venice auction. The final price? $1.9m.
So what can we gather from these sales results? Well, they represent the shape of things to come.
If you've read Paul Fraser Collectibles' Top 10 Reasons to Invest in Collectibles, then you'll be familiar with the following...
• the population of the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China) is set to double in the next 40 years, with a rise in middle classes by between one and two billion
• this will be accompanied by a huge increase in disposable income
• history shows these people will be looking to buy the collectibles and artefacts that have left their country over the years, in order to return them to their homeland.
In other words, $65.5m paintings and $1.9m cameras are just the tip of the iceberg... and we can expect much more in the future.
But what does all this mean for you?
Whether you're looking to spend a few thousand in a Picasso sketch or millions on a Mattisse, all of the above can reinforce your collectible investments.
How? Well, for starters, there's improved liquidity. No-one is more excited about the BRIC nations' growth than collectors from those countries.
Increasingly, Brazil, Russia, India and China's bidders are proving themselves to be devoted, informed and very influential at the world's top auctions and other private sales.
Like at the recent Austrian auction which starred the most expensive camera ever sold. There, two of the most light sensitive lenses in camera history also auctioned for €60,000 and €90,000.
Even more impressively, each sold for ten times their original estimate. Needless to say, the global population boom and 'middle class explosion' are throwing open the doors of possibility...
Even better, these doors are open to you like never before. All it requires is a little bit of research.
In much the same way that you might research a company's performance and potential before investing in its shares, the potential of global collectible assets are also there for your consideration.
And you stand to gain more profit from collectible investments than you ever could from shares...
For more information on how you can benefit as a collector and alternative investor from the factors i've mentioned above, Paul Fraser Collectibles' experts are just a phone call away...
+44 (0) 117 933 9500
info@paulfrasercollectibles.com
For now, all the best until next week
Paul
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