Posted By:
GregI'm pretty new here, but thought I would jump into the fray.
I would point out that the one thing you have to look at in terms in any collectible being an "investment" for the future would be the potential "demand" that the item would have in the future.
To make my point, let's use the prices that auction houses are bringing in as auction houses have been brought up. Say an item brought in $1000 ten years ago but brings in $15,000 now at auction. Although one would think that the item would have the potential as being a good "investment" for the future, I would be very worried if I was the high bidder if there was only one other potential buyer bidding against me to that high number while the rest of the pack stopped at, say, half the high bid. In other words, if the underbidder that jacked the price up should happen to drop out of the hobby for any reason, the true investment potential the item has is now really half of what I paid for it.
This isn't to say I still wouldn't buy the item, but I would justify buying it because I love it, need it, and it gives me pleasure...not because it's a financial investment for the future.
It all depends on what you're paying for something. If you're paying top dollar, don't expect to get a higher return for something in the future. If it happens, and it probably will, consider it a benefit, but don't count on it. There are many other more solid "investments" out there (as have already been pointed out) if you're looking for a higher return on your money in the future.
In the meantime just enjoy your item for what you should have bought it for in the first place, a nice piece for your collection. If you get something at a good price, consider yourself lucky and enjoy the ride the same way.
Greg