You might think that 'alternative' collectible investments - for example, investing in a person's legacy through autographs or memorabilia - are a radical contrast to investing in a company through stocks or bonds.
But, with collectibles, you can still hold a stake in a thriving business and brand. What's more, if you choose wisely you can find a business or brand that you can feel sure will reinvigorate and 'boost' its value to stakeholders in future years. Let me show you what I mean...
Two examples of what I'm talking about cropped up on the collectibles markets this week. The first came to my attention when an email dropped into my inbox. It was sent by a website that many of us use to buy things, Amazon.com, and it read...
"As you've previously shown an interest in John Lennon or the Beatles, you might like to know about a whole range of remastered albums, box sets and other treats being released to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Lennon's birth."
This is great news. In other words, Lennon's legacy is once again reinvigorating itself. Just as The Beatles Anthology series introduced the Fab Four to a new generation in the early 1990s, now Lennon's standing in popular culture will again be given a boost.
 Lennon on holiday in Bermuda in 1980 |
And, of course, this is especially good news if you happen to be a 'stakeholder' who owns Lennon memorabilia. I mean, market analysis has shown that Lennon's autograph has risen in value by 756.1% over the past 10 years (source: PFC40 Index). That's a leap in value from £695 to £5,950.
So just think what that same autograph could be worth in another 10 years, or beyond. As younger generations delve into Lennon's remastered solo albums - or his books, DVDs and merchandise listed in the Amazon email - the future potential of Lennon's autograph as an asset is immense...
And it isn't just rock legends who are re-emerging as 'multimedia brands' in the 21st century. If music isn't your thing, how about an artist who's firmly established in the 20th century American art canon?
I'm talking about Charles Schulz, whose legendary Peanuts cartoon strip is turning 60-years-old. While Lennon's estate reissue the ex-Beatle's catalogue, Schulz's family is also boosting his legacy, with TV specials and a new film starring Charlie Brown and pals reportedly in the pipeline.
 Charles Schulz's drawing of Lucy |
Schulz is a bona fide American national treasure. You can buy his autographs on the market priced at anything from a couple of hundred to a couple of thousand dollars - and it's possible to spot undervalued bargains if you keep your eye out.
So, while Schulz's family works hard to keep Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy and pals alive for generations to come, you too can get involved and reap and enjoy the benefits as his memorabilia, like Lennon's, appreciates in future years.
Even better, Schulz and Lennon are just two of the 'thriving and reinvigorated brands' out there that you can get a stake in - whether your passion is for The Beatles, Andy Warhol, Mercedes-Benz motors, back in fashion art deco, Sherlock Holmes... the list goes on...
Until next week, good luck and happy collecting!
Paul
www.paulfrasercollectibles.com
