The world of collectibles is unchartered territory for most people. Whether you’re thinking about undertaking it for value or just for fun, there are a few things you should know. Your personal collection will always be a direct representation of your personality. You may be somebody with a keen interest in vintage toys, for example. Others may prefer to build up a collection of rare commodities. There really is no right or wrong answer.

If you’re struggling for ideas, though, we’ve compiled a list of some of the things that may be worth your investment. Take a look at the following for inspiration when deciding how to start a collection.

By Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library (Flickr: Stacks view) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Nobody wants to see their bookshelf neglected and threadbare. The whole idea is to fill it with literature from across the ages. A range of different genres, authors, and time all go into a good book collection. Any its owner will look on it with a sense of pride that is hard to discover anywhere else. You are not likely to stumble upon anything worthwhile, at least in monetary terms, but you may get lucky. As with any collection, rare books will fetch far more at auction. If you can uncover an out-of-print gem, you might just be able to get a return on it.

Coinage

Not all coins are created equally. There is a misconception that all rare or vintage coins must be worth something, but that isn’t true. Indeed, there are a lot of other factors to take into consideration, including any given coin’s condition. Coins are also a lot more versatile than many people would give them credit for. With history spanning centuries and ranging from around the world, every coin has a story to tell. That’s what makes them such an appealing commodity to many collectors. Your utmost concern, however, should be placed on value. You can take a look at this link for more information on precious coins.

Movies

There may not be much resale value, but it’s still a hobby that is universally adored. The same could be said of avid music and video game collectors, which fall into the same category. Although many mediums (such as VHS) will one day become redundant, that could actually work in your favor. Though it’s far too early to tell, it may be a case of them becoming more valuable due to its relative scarcity.

Stamps

Another collector’s favourite, given that every stamp has its own story to tell. Any good collection will usually span a long period of time, and it’s interesting to see the subtle nuances in each one. You may even find that some of them can be worth a lot of money. Of course, there are limited edition stamps released to commemorate different occasions. Often times, if the accompanying story is intriguing, you may be able to find an investor that is willing to pay a premium for the privilege.

Truth be told, you can collect almost anything. The above ideas, however, are a good starting point if you’re looking for a financial return.