Limited Edition Collectibles vs Non Limited Editions

The collectibles world in general is an ever changing venue for buying, selling and collecting.  There was a time when limited edition collectibles were at a peak and trading for 100% and more above their original price point.  Today, however, many do not hold that price any longer for various reasons.

Many artists now sign with several different producers and allow their work to be strewn among many different genres.  A good example is Thomas Kinkade.  Where once his plates were highly collectible and produced by one manufacturer, now his works can be seen everywhere and on everything from books to calendars to note cards and more.  Once that happens, the work depreciates.  Limited editions are about supply and demand.  When the supply is higher than the demand, the items no longer hold a high value.



Limited editions are based on either the amount of days in which an item was produced or a specific number of pieces.  There are many items described as collectibles which are not limited editions such as the fan plate above.  It is not by any named artist, yet it is unique, it displays high quality color artwork and it's attention to detail is amazing.  It is collectible for it's artistry rather than the amount of pieces that were produced in a given time.

When I buy something for myself, I buy what I like.  I don't care where it was made, who created it or even who produced it.  If it is visually appealing and I want it, I buy it.  When I buy for my store, Collectibles Mercantile I have to ignore my own personal preferences and look at the supply and demand factor combined with the uniqueness of the collectible.  I have to spend more time reading the backstamp on collectibles which show the maker, the date, the country and the artist.  Either way it's fun for me.  I enjoy collectibles in general so whether I'm buying for myself or the store it's always a fun adventure.