Yes, it is time for a brand new year full of broken New Year’s resolutions and crazy predictions of what is to come. Regular readers of this column know that every year I release a series of articles that talk about some of the hottest markets in the antiques and collectibles trade and some that are cooling off. The year 2021 saw many record breaking prices across the entire trade. This was the year that we saw a rare coin sell for close to $20 million, the very first collectible video game soar past $1 million, and a copy of the U.S. Constitution sell for more than $43 million. It is no secret that the antiques and collectibles trade is on fire, and this trend is set to continue well into 2022. Let’s start by taking a look at some of the hottest collecting markets, and, as always, I will provide my top tips for anyone looking to get into these markets. And before we get to this year’s list, please know that this list represents my own observations in the trade. As such, you may agree or disagree with my observations, but if you disagree, you would most likely be wrong (just kidding, sort of).
5. Luxury Collectibles
The market for vintage and modern Rolex watches is on fire, with auctioneers and even high profile watch dealers reporting record-breaking sales. Even Omega and Patek Phillippe watch prices are soaring, with men being the primary consumers of these relics. Women, however, are also doing well in this realm, as the popularity of Hermes Birkin Bags is reaching all-time highs. Blame it on shows like “Sex and the City” or the fact that most people of means are graduating towards high profile fashion, and it is easy to see why these markets are so hot.
Tips for Collectors: Getting a modern era Rolex or even a modern era Hermes Birkin Bag at retail is next to impossible at present time, unless you have connections and a lot of money to spend. You are far better off getting a vintage piece that is in great condition and still in fashion. This is how you can maximize your collecting dollars in a market where the average items sells for $10,000 on up. This is not a market for the inexperienced or cash poor.
4. Numismatics: Coins and Currency
The last bull market we saw in collectible investment grade coins occurred back in 2007. However, combine a shaky monetary policy, along with a pandemic, add in a lot of uncertainty, and collectors and investors are going back to basics once again. View the latest offerings in Heritage Auctions or even Stacks and Bowers, and you will see record prices being paid across the board for highly sought after material. That coin that cost $2,000 back in 2017? Prepare to pay $3,000 or more in today’s market. That $5,000 coin that sold back in 2016? That is probably a $7,500-plus coin at present time. The same can be said for graded large size U.S. currency. These markets are soaring.
Tips for Collectors: There is still some potential in this market if you know where to look. While it is true that Walking Liberty Halves, Saint Gaudens Gold, proof gold coins, and even Morgan Silver Dollars are all trending high right now due to increased demand, Barber Dimes, Barber Halves, and Seated Liberty Quarters have not seen the same run up in prices as the more popular coins from the late 19th and 20th centuries. Those looking for growth potential over the long term should start there. For those going after large size currency, silver certificates and gold certificates remain the most popular, with bargains being found is some of the lesser popular Federal Reserve Bank Notes printed in the early 1900s (think 1918 $1 Flying Eagle series).
3. Vintage Key Graded Comic Books
Read the entire title, as the key words here are vintage, key, and graded. Marvel and DC comic popularity are at all-time highs thanks in part to the movies and video games that are keeping their characters and stories front and center. With everyone singing the praises of the newest Spider-Man film, vintage key comic books will be in collectors’ consciousness for years to come. And this is also why some of you high profile collectors should think about selling. This market cannot continue to go up in price forever.
Tips for Collectors: Any dealer or auction house can secure you a copy of Amazing Spider-Man 300 in CGC 9.8 within minutes. The same is true for most high profile bronze age keys (Hulk 181, GS X-Men 1, ASM 129). You would be better off going after scarce key books in the best grade you can afford to buy them in. Think Hulk 1 or something similar. Long-term collectors? You may want to think about selling as your collection has gained tremendously these past few years. Take the money and put it in something else.
2. Vintage Pokemon Cards
Yup, it is 1999 all over again. Pokemon fever is a byproduct of the nostalgia that younger collectors grew up with. Given the fact that Nintendo owns and controls most of the publishing rights to Pokemon, it should be no surprise that Pokemon fever is well outlasting that of Pac-Man fever. Tread carefully here. While it is true that Pokemon is by no means in danger of dying out anytime soon, it does not mean that demand will last forever. The pandemic and alternate asset investing made popular by crypto-currency enthusiasts all conspired to help make Pokemon a thing. This one isn’t slowing down, but some prices are starting to stabilize from their high prices achieved over the last few years.
Tips for Collectors: Vintage high grade is where it is at. More specifically, vintage high grade holo-foil cards produced by Wizards of the Coast back in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Avoid the modern era dreck that is being mass-produced by the truckload. Also know that while the demographics are strong here, prices can still tank if demand lessons. Collectors usually make the mistake of only looking at supply while not focusing on constantly changing demand. Again, use caution here.
So what is number one? For that you have to read the next article, and make no mistake, this collecting category requires a full column devoted to it just due to how it became a “thing.” Can you guess what category it is? Pop culture collectors already know.

Shawn Surmick has been an avid collector since the age of 12. He currently resides in his hometown of Boyertown, Pa., and is a passionate collector of antiques and collectibles. His articles focus on various topics affecting the marketplace.