'Political collectibles equal investment power - especially for collectors'

Have you ever noticed that people only ever tend to remember the 'first'?

Neil Armstrong, the first man on the Moon...

Roger Bannister, the first 4-minute mile...

Being the 'first' in one of mankind's greatest ever achievements helped Armstrong to become the world's rarest living signature (up in value by +900% over the last 10 years).

The reason why I mention this is that, today in history, another important 'first' took place. In 1979, Margaret Thatcher became the West's first female Prime Minister.

She was also the longest serving Prime Minister of the last century.

Three points for successful investing...

If you're a regular reader of Paul Fraser Collectibles, then you'll know that these three factors should be considered before investing an autograph:

* Rarity

* Supply and demand

* The signer's legacy.

This is why I recommend politicians as a great investment. The great ones tick all three of these boxes. But can Thatcher be counted among them?

Let's look at some other examples... Sir Winston Churchill's legacy as the Prime Minister who lead Britain into World War II still endures today.

He remains one of the most-loved Britons, to the extent that a UK auction house last year sold his half-smoked cigar for £4,500 ($6,750).


As well as being the first black US president, Barack Obama's already-confirmed status as an icon and his regime's successful hunting of Osama Bin Laden should cement his legacy - and boost the future value of his collectibles


Likewise Theodore Roosevelt, the 29th US President. He is still remembered for his crucial role in uniting the United States of America. Not long ago, his 'most important and historic' shotgun blasted to a final price of $862,500 in a US sale.

And signers of the US Declaration of Independence are also highly sought-after by collectors.

Like Button Gwinnett, the one-time Governor of Georgia who signed the famous parchment copy of the declaration on August 2, 1776. A document by Gwinnett on July 12, 1776 sold from the James Copley collection for $722,500, last year.

So how about Margaret Thatcher...?

Well, to her supporters Thatcher was a revolutionary figure who transformed Britain's stagnant economy, re-established the nation as a world power and, with US Presidents Reagan and Bush, helped to bring about the end of the Cold War

Meanwhile, in the eyes of her detractors, British society is still feeling the effect of Thatcher's divisive economic policies and their impact of jobs, communities and industry.

Whatever your opinion, Thatcher's legacy still endures. And, like Churchill, she has also been elevated to 'icon' status - a simple photograph of her is loaded with meaning and significance.

 

What's more, Thatcher's retirement from public life means that her autographs are rare, and likely in finite supply. While the fascination she holds among worldwide buyers means they'll likely always be interested in her memorabilia.

The same can also be said for another 'first' and political icon, US President Barack Obama.

As with President John F Kennedy, Obama's status as a political icon was established fairly quickly - thanks in no small part to posters created by street artist Shepard Fairey (pictured above).

His letters have already appeared at auction valued between $6,000-10,000. And his regime's recent successful hunting of Osama Bin Laden should also guarantee that Obama is remembered by future generations.

One thing's for sure, whether it's Churchill, Thatcher, Obama or Theodore Roosevelt, the world's most powerful people are consistently proving themselves as some of the collectibles markets most powerful investments.

You can find more information on investing in memorabilia in our dedicated investments section. Or get in touch with our experts for more information at:

+44 (0) 117 933 9500

info@paulfrasercollectibles.com

All the best, until next week

 

Paul

 
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