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Michael Rinella’s rock music collection of books, records, CD’s, and memorabilia is primarily a Beatles collection, but includes a lot of other classic rock music as well.  “I’ve always liked music and records, and my mom said one of her earliest memories of me was when I was one or two years old. She’d put a record player on the floor, and I would watch the record spin around – it seemed to fascinate me.”

Despite this early love of music, it was seeing The Beatles on Ed Sullivan at the age of nine that really birthed the collector bug. On Easter that year, the Easter Bunny gave him a copy of “I Want to Hold Your Hand”, the first Beatles single on Capitol Records. That was the start of his collection! From this point on, Michael would buy an album to add to his collection whenever he had some extra cash.

Today, Michael’s collection is unique for its size and how comprehensive it is. Overall, he has between 6,000 and 7,000 pieces. “I probably have a bigger collection, especially a bigger Beatles collection, than anyone else I’ve ever known,” shares Michael.

A standout item is his collection of all four Beatles autographs, which he treated himself to as a birthday gift last year. “What is unique is that these autographs are from 1967. The Beatles had stopped touring then, so catching more than one Beatle at a time was hard to do. The fact that they all came from 1967 and that three of them were gathered at the same time is rare! And of course, Beatles autographs are valuable in general.”

Another cool and unique item in his collection are vinyl dolls of The Beatles made by Remco Toy Company. They have real hair and plastic instruments. “I have all four of those thanks to my wife, who gave them to me as a retirement gift.” These are hard to find in good shape – presumably because so many of them have been played with over the years! He also has a Beatles board game, put out by Milton Bradley in 1964, as well as a board game featuring The Monkees that was put out shortly thereafter.

The albums in Michael’s collection are stored on album shelves, and he also has plenty of shelves containing CDs and records. Some items are also stored in bookcases. The board games are currently in a closet, but he has plans to display those too. The record section of the collection starts off with The Beatles – the group stuff and then the solo stuff, and all chronological. Next comes Neil Young’s albums and then Crosby, Stills & Nash – all organized chronologically. After that, everything is alphabetical by artist. “I’m kind of OCD,” shares Michael.

Ryan Bailey’s love of comic books began when he was about 10 or 11 years old. “My parents discovered I had a reading problem,” he explains. “They sent me to a specialist who told them to let me read whatever I wanted to read – if I was reading [at all], it was a good thing.” On a drive to a family vacation, they stopped to get gas and young Ryan wanted to know if he could purchase something. His father told him, “As long as you can read it, you can have it.” Ryan perused a rack of comic books and selected three: Action Comics #509, Superman #349, and DC Comics Present #22.

From there, a passion for comics was born. To this day, Ryan still favors Superman as his favorite, but he loves a variety of superheroes. He collects mostly DC comics, but he’ll indulge in a smaller publication if it catches his interest. “I used to collect Star Trek,” he explains. “Sometimes, there will be a Dark Horse series that I like. But 80% of the collection is DC comics.”

Over the years, Ryan went from being a comic book lover to a comic book collector. “It wasn’t until my parents said I was spending too much money on comic books where it dawned on me that I was a collector!” What’s special about Ryan’s collection is how organized everything is. “People are shocked that everything is as organized as it is!” he shares. Everything is bagged and boarded and stored neatly in boxes, all in alphabetical order. What’s more is that everything is nicely catalogued in a database. This organization is thanks to the one week every year that Ryan devotes to his collection, where he adds his new comics to the boxes and shifts some comics from one box to another to maintain alphabetical order.

Ryan is unable to select a favorite book, except to say that Superman is his favorite character. “When we had started using Collectibles Insurance Services, my husband suggested that I take a couple of boxes and store my favorites, in case there were ever a fire or a need to grab and go real quick,” he shares. The problem was, Ryan couldn’t select his favorites, so the “grab and go” box never materialized.

Over the years, Ryan has stopped buying as many new comic books because of their cost. But his collection does continue to grow, as he still goes to the comic book store every week.  Putting together an extensive collection and keeping it organized is a lot of work, but well worth it. “It’s a labor of love, that’s for sure!”

What are Funko Pops? Funko Pops are currently the biggest fad on the toy market, the most popular toy since Beanie Babies and Pokémon cards. There is an unprecedented demand for these vinyl figures, with their oversized heads and black eyes.

Funko Pop figures come in an impressive assortment of pop culture characters, from sports stars to tv show and movie characters. Anyone can collect them, and there are plenty of crowd pleasing options to choose from.

The cost of the average pop is between $8 and $15, making them an affordable collectible item. However, there are some rare and limited edition pops that sell for thousand of dollars, making them seem an attractive investment opportunity for the investor-collector.

Why are Funko Pops so popular? What is the history behind them? Why are they viewed as being such a great investment? Read on for the answers to these and many other questions!

Why do people like Funko Pops so much?

Perhaps the popularity surrounding the Funko Pop is due to it’s clever, large-headed design. More likely it is due to the wide variety of characters that are available.

There are pops available from all areas of pop culture. The sports fan can collect pops of his or her favorite players. The Marvel fan can focus on assembling a collection of Marvel-themed pops. A fan of The Office can have a Michael Scott Funko Pop. A Game of Thrones fan can put together a collection of their favorite characters from the show. There’s something for everyone, and the affordability makes collecting very accessible.

Funko only produces limited runs of each character, which ensures that there is always demand for their products. They also have some characters with very limited runs, which drives up the value even further.

What was the first toy that Funko created?

The first toy ever designed by Funko was called the Big Boy Bobblehead. Eventually, they produced a line of Pop vinyls that became today’s Funko Pop. In 2010, the first official Pop vinyl figure was launched at New York Comic Con.

When did Funko Pops become such an important part of pop culture?

Toy collectors Mike Becker and Claudia Becker founded Funko in 1998, starting with bobblehead figures called the Wacky Wobblers. These Wacky Wobblers came in popular characters, such as Peanuts and Looney Tunes.

In 2005, the company was sold to Brian Mariotti. The new leadership’s decision to expand to other popular characters really brought Funko Pop products into bigger levels of popularity. Their knack for getting licensing deals is a key to their success, as they are able to cover a wide range of popular characters. Today, millions of units of Funko Pops have been sold, and the most valuable Funko Pops are selling for thousands of dollars.

What is the rarest Funko Pop in the world?

While not definite, the rarest pop is possibly the Stan Lee Platinum Metallic Funko Pop. Only ten units of this extremely rare pop were released, making it most likely the rarest pop. Based on a recent sale, the estimated value is around $18,000.

What is the most expensive Funko Pop?

The most expensive pop of all time is Alex, the lead character in the classic film Clockwork Orange. This pop tops the list of most valuable pops of all time, with a price tag between $25,000 and $26,000. A glow in the dark version recently sold for $32,439. The non glow in the dark version sold for $35,000.

Are Funko Pop vinyl figures worth buying?

Funko Pops are generally considered to be a good investment. Most of them increase in value, and the most expensive and rare pops are selling for thousands of dollars.

That said, if you like something, it’s definitely worth collecting! With the average pop coming in at such a low cost, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t start assembling a collection of your favorite characters.

Why Funko Pops are a good investment?

Funko Pop vinyl figures are a good investment because they are generally inexpensive to procure, and most of them will experience some sort of increase in value, however modest. Keep in mind that rare pops and pops that are in high demand are more likely to be a good investment than common pops.

FAQs

Is it worth it to keep Funko Pops in the box?

Funko Pop vinyl figures are most valuable when they come with their original packaging. That said, the packaging isn’t sealed, making it easy to gently remove your pop from the box and display it outside of the packaging. The choice is up to you, just make sure you keep the box in case you ever want to resell. Many collectors will not buy a pop without packaging.

What makes a Funko Pop go up in value?

Funko Pops go up in value depending on the demand for the pop. This is especially true for a pop that is rare. If a pop is hard to come by and the character is in demand, you can expect the value to skyrocket!

What does the future hold for Funko Pops?

Like other trendy toys of the past, Funko Pops have the potential to disappear, but that doesn’t appear to be happening anytime soon. Pops are on an upward trajectory, and they have become even more popular since the pandemic. It’s unlikely that Funko Pop figures are going anywhere!

Sources

https://www.ask.com/culture/funko-pop-vinyl

https://www.toynk.com/blogs/news/what-are-funko-pops

Funko Pops (also called Funko Pop vinyls) are little plastic figurines that have become super popular in recent years. With their oversized heads and black eyes, they have a very distinctive appearance. They are often displayed inside their boxes, as that’s how they retain the most value. What’s more is that Funko Pops take on a large portion of pop culture. They come in the form of popular sports stars, characters from TV shows, movie characters, and even famous politicians.

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what makes these funny little figures so popular, but the most likely reason is the wide variety of pop culture that these figures cover. You can get a Funko Pop vinyl figure of just about anything – which means that there’s something appealing for everyone. Collectors often focus on their a specific type of pop that they prefer, making it easy to create a customized collection that suits your taste.

Pops are also notorious for being viewed as a potential investment. There are pops that now sell for thousands of dollars, making them appealing to collector-investors who are collecting for the return. But is every pop a good investment? How do you know which pops are the most valuable? What are the pros and cons of investing in Funko Pop figures? Read on to learn more about these cool collectibles!

Funko Pop Figure Investing: Pros and Cons

Pro: Boxes Are Unsealed

Because of this, Pops can be removed and displayed without destroying the original packaging. This is a big pro, as many Funko Pop collectors prefer to display their favorite figures outside of the box. It is important to note that you should still keep the boxes on hold in case you want to sell your Funko Pops in the future.

Pro: Limited Edition Pops

You can purchase limited edition Funko Pops to add to your collection. Limited edition pops are those that are created in only a limited number, so they are guaranteed to remain rare. If you purchase a limited edition pop, be sure to save it and keep the packaging in good condition, as it is more likely to increase in value over the years.

Pro: Most Pops Gain Value Over Time

While it may not always be a huge increase, pops mostly grow in value, especially those that are extremely rare or scarce or were originally a limited release.

Pro: Inexpensive to Purchase

Funko Pops are inexpensive to purchase, so you can easily start a collection with limited funds. Their starting price is typically between $8 and $15.

Pro: Wide Variety

There are a wide variety of Funko Pops to choose from. No matter where your interests lie, there is sure to be a pop that appeals to you! They cover a wide variety of pop culture, from sports to movies to tv shows.

Con: Higher Price for Certain Pops

There is a higher price tag associated with purchasing certain types of Funko Pops, such as a vaulted pop (or limited edition and exclusive pops). The resell value of such pops is often determined by whether or not demand grows or fades.

Con: Hard to Resell Without Original Box

You’ll need to keep the original box in order to get the most value when you resell. Without the box, many collectors won’t even consider purchasing.

Pops don’t always increase in value. If the demand for a specific pop doesn’t grow, the value may not increase – even if it’s a limited edition, rare, vaulted, or exclusive pop.

Con: Series Numbers Are Often Confusing

The series numbers are consecutive for each separate series run, so you can end up with different pops that have the same series number.

Con: Collecting Pops Just to Make Money Can Be Tricky

It’s hard to determine which pops will increase in value over time, so it’s best to collect if you are genuinely interested in collecting. Making money is a bonus, but it’s not always guaranteed.

List of Funko Pops Worth Collecting

So you may be wondering – which valuable Funko Pop vinyls are worth collecting? Here, we’ve rounded up a list of the rarest, the best, the most expensive, and the best selling pop figures that Funko collectors can have in their arsenal.

Stan Lee Platinum Metallic – The Rare Funko Pop

Only ten units of this extremely rare pop were released, making it quite possibly the rarest of them all. Based on a recent sale, the estimated value is around $18,000.

Freddy Funko – The Best Funko Pop

Freddy Funko is the official mascot of Funko. There are plenty of variations of Freddy, but some of the most valuable ones include Freddy Krueger, Black Ranger, Glow in the Dark Deathstroke, Glow in the Dark Joker, Glow in the Dark Count Chocula, the Boba Fett Freddy Funko, and Black Suit.

Alex from Clockwork Orange – The Most Valuable Funko Pop

Alex is the lead character in the classic film Clockwork Orange. This pop tops the list of most expensive pops of all time, with a price tag between $25,000 and $26,000. A glow in the dark version recently sold for $32,439. The non glow in the dark version sold for $35,000.

Santa Jack Skellington – Best-Selling Funko Pop

This character from The Nightmark Before Christmas tops Funko’s best-seller list. This popular figure is available for just $15 on Funko’s website.

Batman in Wing Suit- Best-Selling Funko Pop

Another one on the best seller list, Batman in his Wing Suit is available for only $15.

Harry Potter with Floo Powder – Best-Selling Funko Pop

This glow-in-the-dark pop is another favorite on Funko’s website, available for just $15.

Rick with Memory Vial – Best-Selling Funko Pop

From the popular series Rick and Morty, this $15 find is also available on the Funko website.

Dobby with Diary – Best-Selling Funko Pop

This cute character from Harry Potter is another fan favorite. It’s available on the Funko website for just $12.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Best-Selling Funko Pop

An extremely popular movie character, the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever pop is a best seller and is available on the Funko website for just $12.

The Flash Lights and Sound – Best-Selling Funko Pop

A popular DC comics character, the Flash is available on the Funko website for just $18.

FAQs for Funko Pop Collectors

How do you see how much your Funko Pop vinyl is worth?

The best way to determine the value of a Funko Pop is to check what it has recently sold for. You can check this out online by browsing auction sites such as eBay.

Will my Funko Pop vinyl lose value if opened?

Funko Pops do not lose value if opened, but the packaging should be keep in pristine condition. The boxes aren’t sealed, so it’s possible to display them outside of their packaging.

Is my Funko Pop vinyl worth less without the box?

Pops are worth much less without their original packaging. Some collectors won’t even make the purchase if the box isn’t available.

Are Funko Pops worth money?

Most pops will increase in value, although not all of them skyrocket. Unfortunately, some pops will not increase. It really depends on the demand for the individual pops and if that demand increases.

Sources

https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/15-most-expensive-funko-pop-figures-in-2022

https://www.toynk.com/blogs/news/how-much-are-funko-pop-figures-usually-worth

https://antiques.lovetoknow.com/collectibles/are-funko-pops-worth-collecting-pros-cons

https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2021/01/how-to-tell-if-your-funko-pop-vinyls-are-rare/

Since 1968, Hot Wheels cars have been a staple when it comes to popular toys. Adored by both kids and adults alike, these small toy cars are a coveted collectible item. Collectors often seek after these toys in their original packaging, which maximizes their value. However, loose Hot Wheels cars are also popular.

The original Hot Wheels were made by Elliot Handler with the assistance of engineer Jack Ryan. Another designer that played a key role in designing the original line of cars was Harry Bentley Bradley. Bradley formerly worked for General Motors, designing real cars for about four years. He then joined Mattel, where he helped design the toy car line that came out in 1968.

Today, these toy vehicles continue to be produced by the toy company Mattel. Since their inception, over 4 billion cars have been produced by the company. You can find the latest Hot Wheels available at Mattel.com, or in retail stores, such as Target and Walmart. They are also available for purchase on auction sites such as eBay. Did you know that over sixteen Hot Wheels are sold every second?

Let’s dive in and take a deeper look at these classic toy cars. We’ll discuss their history, fun facts about Hot Wheels, how to determine the value of your collection, how many are manufactured each year, and so much more!

How many Hot Wheels cars are made each year?

Over 130 new variations of Hot Wheels designs are manufactured each year, and these colorful and unique designs are sold in over 150 countries. There are also over 20,000 different models in existence overall, making a complete collection something that’s nearly impossible to acquire.

What is the oldest Hot Wheels car model?

The very first Hot Wheels was introduced in the 1960s. This first vehicle was the Custom Chevrolet Camaro, a dark blue toy car which is a part of the original Sweet Sixteen set.

Other cars in the “Original 16” or “Sweet Sixteen” set include the Beatnik Bandit, the Custom Barracuda, the Custom Corvette, the Custom Cougar, the Custom Eldorado, the Custom Firebird, the Custom Fleetside, the Custom Mustang, the Custom T-Bird, the Custom Volkswagen, the Deora, the Ford 3-Car The Hot Heap, the Python, and the Silhouette.

This timeless set is now a coveted and top selling toy among collectors. The early collection featured a variety of bright colors, chrome finishes, and engines that popped from the hood.

How are Hot Wheels cars designed today?

Designing cars is a process that Hot Wheels goes through every year. First, the design team selects the styles and car designs for the current year. These ideas are parsed through and the best ones are chosen.

The selected ideas go into a sculpting and scaling phase. The design team uses 3-D modeling software, and haptic feedback pens are then used to develop a model which is printed into a physical prototype in a few hours.

One the prototype in is the hands of designers, the design and proportions of the toy car are perfected, and each model is given its own unique characteristics.

How do I know if my Hot Wheels are valuable?

So how do you determine the value of Hot Wheels? Is there a valuable toy car in your personal collection? Which are the best Hot Wheels to purchase if you are considering your collection an investment?

When determining if you have valuable Hot Wheels in your possession, there are a few key things to keep your eye on:

Redline cars: Some of the most valuable Hot Wheels are Redline cars. Redlines have a red stripe on their tires. This mark indicates that they were manufactured during the first ten years of production. Vehicles from this period are highly sought after, and therefore are most valuable.

Something to keep in mind: some reproductions have been made that feature the classic red line, so be sure to distinguish between a genuine Redline and a reproduction.

Rare Cars: Rare models of Hot Wheels tend to be valued more highly then common vehicles. Typically, older cars are the most scarce, but this is not always the case.

There are some cars that only were manufactured in a limited run. For example, only 4,000 units of the the 1955 Candy Striper Chevy Bel Air Gasser Hot Wheels car were released in 2014, making this a rare find, despite being a newer car.

First Editions: To create each Hot Wheels, a cast of the car is first created. The bottom of each car is marked with the year that this particular cast was first produced. A first edition is a car that was manufactured when the cast was first created.These Hot Wheels tend to hold their value better than cars cast in later years.

FAQs

Are Matchbox and Hot Wheels the same company?

Matchbox was founded in 1952, when Jack Odell found that his daughter’s school had a rule; you could only bring toys for show and tell that could fit inside a matchbox. He scaled down his daughter’s road roller toy and placed it carefully inside of the matchbox.

With that, Matchbox was born, and these small vehicles were sold for mere pennies! Their inexpensive retail price made them popular with children of all ages.

Matchbox was the main competitor of Hot Wheels in the industry for many years, until one day in 1997, toy auto manufacturer Mattel bought out the toy company called Tyco Toys, the then-owner of Matchbox.

Today, both of these toy car brands are owned by Mattel. Both types of vehicles are considered valuable collectible items and are highly sought after in the collecting community.

Do Hot Wheels and Matchbox sets connect?

Hot Wheels and Matchbox aren’t exactly the same as each other. Hot Wheels are designed have more fantasy elements, such as bright colors and enlarged wheels, while Matchbox is designed to look like real vehicles.

The tracks are not compatible with one another, because a track for Matchbox is going to be designed differently than a Hot Wheels track. A Matchbox track is going to be more realistic, like their cars, whereas a Hot Wheels track is designed with unique elements such as a shark or ghost. However, due to the sizing, newer both cars can go with both types of tracks.

Sources

https://blog.tirebuyer.com/the-hottest-wheels-in-history/

https://www.ft.com/content/02470634-bae6-4a60-96ae-1180644c3fb3

https://thediecastmodel.com/matchbox-and-hot-wheels-are-they-compatible/

Many a collector waxes nostalgic about Hot Wheels cars, which first came on to the scene in 1968. Whether you own the original Sweet Sixteen cars or your collection is filled with newer models, these little diecast vehicles are a fun and potentially lucrative collectible item.

In the past 25 years, Hot Wheels collecting has changed a lot! These days, Hot Wheels are incredibly collector-oriented, and the collectible market is skyrocketing, with early edition Redlines being the most sought-after cars. This term refers to cars that were manufactured in the first eight years of production, which can be identified by the red stripe on their tires.

Whether you collage vintage cars or newer editions, here is an investor’s guide to collecting Hot Wheels cars.

How Hot Wheel Cars Started in 1968

Hot Wheels cars were introduced in 1968, and the original cars were made by Elliot Handler with the assistance of engineer Jack Ryan. They were intended to be most like hot rod cars compared to Matchbox, which generally produced small-scale models of production cars.

In 1968, the first line of Hot Wheels cars, known as the Sweet 16, were produced. These cars started the Red Line Series, which is so named because the tires have a red stripe on them.

The original Sweet 16 set included the Beatnik Bandit, Custom Barracuda, Custom Camaro, Custom Corvette, Custom Cougar, Custom Eldorado, Custom Firebird, Custom Fleetside, Custom Mustang, Custom T-Bird, Custom Volkswagen, Deora, Ford 3-Car, Hot Heap, Python, and finally, the Silhouette.

Are Hot Wheels Worth Anything? The Value of Your Collection

What are these cars worth? The value varies from car to car, with vintage and rare cars being worth more than those that are newer or more common.

Here are some types of cars which are considered the most expensive Hot Wheels cars:

Redline Cars

Redline cars have a red stripe on their tires. This mark indicates that they were manufactured during the first ten years of production. Cars from this period are highly sought after, and therefore are most valuable.

Something to keep in mind: some reproductions have been made that feature the classic red line, so be sure to distinguish between a genuine Redline and a reproduction.

Rare Cars

As with any collectible, rare Hot Wheels models tend to be costlier than common cars. Often, it’s the older cars that are the most rare, but this is not always the case.

There are some cars that only were manufactured in a limited run. For example, only 4,000 units of the the 1955 Candy Striper Chevy Bel Air Gasser Hot Wheels car were released in 2014, making this a rare find, despite being a newer car.

First Editions

Casting is the structural design of each car. On the bottom of each car, you’ll see the year that this particular cast was first produced. A first edition, or a first version of the cast car, could be more valuable than those cast in later years. Typically, the name of the casting stays the same, but occasionally these names change.

Series & Manufacturing Date

Two important factors in determining the value of Hot Wheels cars is the series and the manufacturing date. These can help determine how rare a car is. Knowing the series can also assist you with looking up your exact car online to determine its value.

Custom Cars

As the name suggests, custom cars are those which have been customized by the owner. They might have new decals, different wheels, new paint, or even a modified body.

Most Expensive Hot Wheels Cars Ever

Attempting to name just a few of the most valuable Hot Wheels cars ever is a difficult task. There are just so many options from which to choose! A search online will reveal hundreds of lists of the most expensive Hot Wheels cars.

While this is certainly not comprehensive, here are just ten of the most valuable Hot Wheels cars of all time.

1969 Pink Volkswagen Beach Bomb

Built in 1969, this adorable pink car has surfboards loaded in the back – perfect for a tiny trip to the beach! This is a pre-production vehicle. The prototype car didn’t work well with the Hot Wheels Super Charger, so the style was never produced, but rather they were given to Mattel employee’s children. They are often found in the collections of past employees.

Today these valuable Hot Wheels cars are worth around $150,000.

1968 “Cheetah” Base Python

The first release of this car was named “Cheetah” – until it was discovered that GM excutive Bill Thomas used the name for his Corvette race car. The name was changed to Python.

This Hot Wheels car is valued around $10,000 or more.

“Mad Maverick” base Mighty Maverick

Originally introduced as Mad Maverick, the name was changed after a competitor came out with a car of the same name. Today the car is known as Mighty Maverick.

Only a few of these Hot Wheels cars exist today, and the value can’t be quantified.

1970 Red Baron (with white interior)

A German helmet makes up the roof of this car, and it’s also fitted with two machine guns. The white interior is a unique touch that adds value.

These Hot Wheels are worth around $3,000 today.

1968 Custom Volkswagen (without sunroof)

These Volkswagens, which were released without a sunroof, are often blue, but include some rare colors such as orange, green, red, and copper.

They are worth around $1,500 or more.

1970 Ed Shaver Custom AMX

This rare car is only available in blue, which is the same colors at the real car. Today the Hot Wheels are worth around $4,000 or more.

1974 Blue Rodger Dodger

Another blue colored Hot Wheels, this car was most recently sold for $6,000 in 2012.

1971 Purple Olds 442

This Hot Wheels car was produced exclusively in the U.S. and only in the year 1971, making it quite rare. It came in purple, which is a rare color, and the car also came with a sticker sheet. It is valued around $2,000.

1995 Collector Number 271 Funny Car

Only around 20 of these cars are still in their packaging today, making it quite rare. It is valued around $3,500.

1968 White Enamel Camaro

A stunning Hot Wheels car, there are only about 25 in existence today. They were pre-production prototypes that were never released. This Hot Wheels could be worth over $100,000.

How to Identify A Hot Wheels Car

How does one distinguish a Hot Wheels car from a regular diecast car – or from a fake? Here are some tips and tricks for examining your cars and determining whether they are genuine Hot Wheels – or something else entirely.

Inspect the Packaging

The first step in identifying a Hot Wheels cars is to examine the packaging. Is the logo clear and displayed properly? Does the top right hand corner contain a number indicating the car’s number in the collection? Does the Hot Wheels logo have a period at the end (it should!)?

Inspect the Bottom of the Car

It’s also important to inspect the car itself. You can find the name Hot Wheels inscribed on the bottom, as well as the Mattel name, the production year, the car model, the logo, and the manufacturing company.

Look for a Sticker on the Back of the Packaging

Imported Hot Wheels cars have a sticker on the back of the package which indicates the country of production. You can check Mattel’s website to confirm that it’s an accredited country.

Consider That a Variation Could Be a Factory Error

Sometimes the factory produces flawed cars – and these attributes can actually make a car more valuable! So don’t assume that a mistake is a bad thing every time. When in doubt, reach out to an expert for their advice.

Where to Buy Hot Wheels

So you want to add to your collection – where should you start looking for new cars? There are plenty of places to go, both online and in person, to help grow your stash of cars.

Online Auctions: Online auction sites, such as eBay, can be a great way to procure new cars for your collection. Be sure to consider the added cost of shipping!

Toy Stores & Retail Stores: Any toy store will certainly supply you with cars to add to your collection! You can also try places such as Target and Walmart, which have toy sections.

Flea Markets: A flea market can be a great place to score new cars for your collection, but you may have to search more than you would if you went to a retail store. But if you enjoy the thrill of the hunt, this may be a good option for you!

Yard Sales and Consignment Shops: Again, you may have to hunt more, but if you do find a great car at a yard sale or consignment shop, you’re likely to catch a great deal!

FAQs

Here, we recap some of what we just shared to answer your most frequently asked questions.

How long have Hot Wheels been around?

The company started producing diecast cars in 1968, and they continue producing cars to this day.

What was the first Hot Wheels car ever produced?

A dark blue Custom Camaro, which is part of the original Sweet Sixteen set, was the first car produced by Hot Wheels.

How many Hot Wheels have been sold since 1968?

Mattel has sold over 1 billion cars since the inception of Hot Wheels.

What are the most expensive Hot Wheels?

Ten of the most expensive Hot Wheels include the 1969 Pink Volkswagen Beach Bomb, the 1968 “Cheetah” Base Python, the “Mad Maverick” base Mighty Maverick, the 1970 Red Baron (with white interior), the 1968 Custom Volkswagen, the 1970 Ed Shaver Custom AMX, the 1974 Blue Rodger Dodger, the 1971 Purple Olds 442, the 1995 Collector Number 271 Funny Car, and finally, the 1968 White Enamel Camaro.

What Hot Wheels are worth collecting?

Truthfully, any car that strikes your fancy is worth adding to your collection! In the Hot Wheels community, collectors often select a specific focus, such as muscle cars, cars from a specific decade, cars in a specific color, or a specific model of car. Collect what you enjoy!

However, if you’re looking for valuable cars, consider those on the top ten list, as well as vintage redline cars.

What Hot Wheels will be worth money?

Rare Hot Wheels, vintage cars, and redline cars tend to be worth the most money when it comes to Hot Wheels. Newer cars with a limited production run are also quite valuable. A quick Google search will reveal plenty of listicles of valuable cars that you can add to your collection.

How do I know if my cars are worth money?

A great way to determine the value of an individual car is to check what it has recently sold for on auction sites, such as eBay.

What is the most anyone has ever paid for Hot Wheels?

The most expensive Hot Wheels car was sold for $70,000. The car was an extremely rare Beach Bomb model. The reason this car is so scarce is because, ironically, it wasn’t a hit when it was first produced.

Is there an app for Hot Wheels collectors?

The Hot Wheels Collector Guide app is a great way to organize your collection. Over 10,000 cars are supported.

How can I tell what year the cars in my Hot Wheels collection are from?

The production year is typically stamped on the bottom of the car.

Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_Wheels

https://www.txantiquemall.com/most-expensive-hot-wheels-cars/

https://www.antiquetrader.com/collectibles/hot-wheels-perfect-10

https://www.motor1.com/news/397046/rare-chevy-camaro-hot-wheels/

https://www.hotcars.com/how-to-know-if-your-hot-wheels-cars-are-valuable/

https://blog.wheelsbywovka.com/ultimate-hot-wheels-collectors-guide-beginners-2016-edition/

https://www.childrensmuseum.org/blog/5-things-you-should-know-about-hot-wheels-plus-2-more

Collecting baseball cards has become a timeless pastime! From the early days of finding trading cards in packagers of cigarettes to the extensive hobby packs and popular rookie cards that are available today, these sports cards have managed to become a valuable and popular collectible item.

The pandemic is a contributing factor when it comes to the renewed interest in collecting baseball cards. With more time on their hands, baseball card collectors purchased, organized, sorted, and had their collections graded. In fact, PSA was so overwhelmed with grading submissions that they had to temporarily suspend their services.

Today, adding the right baseball cards to your collection is a worthy investment opportunity, as the value is expected to continue to grow in the future. But what cards should you be adding to your collection? Which cards are the most valuable? How can you determine whether you have a valuable card? Which baseball card brands are the best option? Which rookie cards should you be keeping an eye out for?

For the answers to these questions, look no further! Continue reading to learn all about baseball cards, their value, and what you should be adding to your collection.

How do you value baseball cards?

Wondering how to determine the value of your baseball card collection? There are several factors to consider when valuing a card, and we explain each one in detail below. Read on to get a better understanding of the value of baseball cards!

Cards with Famous Players

When valuing a baseball card, the most obvious question to ask is, “Who is featured on the card?” Cards featuring famous or popular players will fetch a higher price than lesser known ones. Has the player been inducted into the Hall of Fame? If they have been, their card is much more likely to have a high value.

You can also keep an eye out for players who have won Most Valuable Player (MVP), Gold Glove, Cy Young, and the Silver Slugger Award. Finally, rookie cards tend to be more valuable then cards from other years.

The Card’s Condition

Cards that are in good condition are more valuable than those in poor condition. Crisp edges, sharp corners, and clear printing (not faded) are a few things to look out for. Read on to learn more about grading, which measures the condition of the card in an objective way.

High Value Score

Graded cards are cards that have been examined by a rating agency such as PSA and assigned a score between 1 and 10, with 10 being “Gem Mint” condition and 1 being “Poor.” Graded cards are worth than ungraded cards more due to the fact that their condition has been measured and guaranteed.

Limited Availability

Rarity plays a big role when it comes to the card’s value. The less there are of a particular card, the more valuable it will be. Factors that impact the rarity of a card include the year it was manufactured and the number of cards produced. Vintage cards are in high demand and they are rare due to their age, making them quite valuable.

Best individual baseball cards to buy right now

Looking to add individual cards to your collection, but not sure where to start? Here are some of the best single baseball cards to add to your collection.

1909-11 T206 White Border Honus Wagner

Valued around $1.75 million, this vintage card is the most valuable on the market today. Only 50-75 of these cards are estimated to exist. In the days when the card was produced, Wagner actually stopped the American Tobacco Company from making the card because he didn’t like that children had to purchase cigarettes to obtain it. This is another factor contributing to the card’s scarcity.

2009 Bowman Chrome Mike Trout Autograph Refractor

After winning two MVP Awards and an AL Rookie of the year, Mike Trout is one of the best players in the game today. Many people believe that he will one day be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

His autographed card recently sold for a pretty penny: $38,600 on eBay.

2019 Bowman Chrome Draft Adley Rutschman Auto 1st RC

A top draft pick in 2019, Adley played 123 games with 66 teams, and he hit 23 home runs in the process. Selected as an All-Star, he is currently the second ranked prospect in the MLB. The highest price that this Adley Rutschman card has fetched is $1,225.

Rookie Cards

Ever popular, rookie cards of all kinds are a top collectible item. Some of the hottest rookie cards of the moment are listed below:

• Seiya Suzuki – Chicago Cubs
• Spencer Torkelson – Detroit Tigers
• Reid Detmers – Los Angeles Angels
• Spencer Strider – Atlanta Braves
• Bobby Witt Jr. – Kansas City Royals
• Jeremy Peña – Houston Astros
• Steven Kwan – Boston Red Sox

What brands produce baseball cards?

There are many top brands in the baseball card industry. Read on to learn about the top six brands that are known for their baseball cards.

Panini

Though established in 1961, they didn’t enter the card industry until 2009. Panini is currently the largest brand of sports cards in the world.

Topps

Topps started producing cards in 1951. They produce cards for many different sports, but they are most known for the baseball cards. Through an exclusive licensing agreement, only Topps can use baseball team names and logos on their cards, which nearly gives them a monopoly on baseball cards. Topps cards have come to be viewed as standard in the industry.

Bowman

This company released their first set of trading cards in 1948. For a while they struggled to compete with Topps, and in 1989 Topps acquired the brand.

Upper Deck

Founded in 1989, Upper Deck’s massive popularity led to them branching out into other sports besides baseball, including hockey, basketball, and football.

Fleer

Founded in 1929, this company is still producing cards today, and they are best known for their baseball cards. Like other companies, they have found success with other sports, notably basketball cards.

Donruss

Founded in 1989, the company took a hiatus from 1998 – 2001. This company was eventually bought by Panini in 2011.

Best baseball card packs to buy right now

Buying brand-new packs of baseball cards? You may be wondering which are the best packs to buy these days. Here you’ll find a list of some of the best baseball card packs to buy right now.

2022 Bowman Baseball

Bowman is a big name when it comes to baseball cards, and their 2022 collection is in high demand. Purchasing a pack of Bowman cards is a great way to add to your collection.

2022 Topps Heritage

Topps cards are known for having a classic, vintage appearance that is reminiscent of the early days of the hobby. Nine cards come in each pack, and a hobby box contains 24 packs. Keep an eye out for one autograph or one relic card in your hobby box. These affordable cards are sure to make a great addition to your existing collection.

2022 Topps Inception

While less affordable than Heritage, Topps Inception is known for its high-end cards. This set contains many autographs, material cards, and rare parallels. These high-quality cards feature close-up photos of the players.

2022 Bowman First Edition

This card pack is full of baseball’s top prospects and rare cards. A pack has 10 cards and hobby boxes contain 24 packs per box.

2022 Topps Gypsy Queen

These cards are designed in a stunning, retro style that evokes a sense of nostalgia. The set contains rare parallels and autographs, as well as plenty of rookie cards. There are six cards per pack, 24 packs per box, and eight boxes per case.

2022 Topps Series 1

A popular collection in the hobby, these cards contain some great inserts, rare refractors, and throwback cards. There are 14 cards in a pack and 24 packs in a hobby box.

2022 Topps Opening Day

Finally, you’ll find that Topps Opening Day cards are an inexpensive option. There are 7 cards per pack and 36 packs per hobby box. These boxes sell for just $50. In these packs you’ll find relics, autographs, and great inserts.

Where to find the best baseball cards to collect?

Wondering where to buy baseball cards? There are many places where you can acquire new sports cards to grow your collection. Read on to learn more about our favorite places to buy.

Online Hobby Shops

Similar to a real hobby shop, and online hobby shop will have a wide selection of cards to choose from, from modern baseball cards to vintage trading cards.

Online Auction Platforms

Browse sites such as eBay, ShopGoodwill, PropertyRoom, and MySlabs, where you can bid on a variety of baseball cards.

Consignment Sites

Check Out My Cards (COMC), StarStock, and Alt are all places where you can browse consignment options.

Retail Stores

Physical retail stores, such as Target and Walmart, are a great place to find new cards for your collection.

Baseball Card Shops

Though not as popular as in the past, there are still some of these in existence. At baseball card-specific shops, you are sure to find the best selection of cards.

Online Classifieds

Check out sites such as Craigslist and Nextdoor to see if anyone is selling baseball cards from their collection.

Mobile Apps

Online apps such as OfferUp and Mercari are a great place to make a baseball card purchase.

Garage Sales & Thrift Stores

While you might have to do more searching, garage sales and thrift stores are a great place to stumble on a hidden treasure, like someone’s old baseball card collection being sold at a low price.

FAQs

Still have questions? Here’s a recap of what we just shared!

What are the best baseball cards to buy?

Purchase cards with popular players, and remember that rookie cards are very popular. Also consider the condition of the card, which is indicated by the card’s grade. Rare cards are also a great investment.

What brand of baseball cards should I buy in 2022?

Top packs to buy include 2022 Bowman Baseball, 2022 Topps Heritage, 2022 Topps Inception, 2022 Bowman First Edition, 2022 Topps Gypsy Queen, 2022 Topps Series 1, and 2022 Topps Opening Day.

What are the hottest baseball cards right now?

A few top-selling cards include 1909-11 T206 White Border Honus Wagner, 009 Bowman Chrome Mike Trout Autograph Refractor, and 2019 Bowman Chrome Draft Adley Rutschman Auto 1st RC.

Rookie cards are also hot right now, and top cards include Seiya Suzuki of the Chicago Cubs, Spencer Torkelson of the Detroit Tigers, Reid Detmers of the Los Angeles Angels, Spencer Strider of the Atlanta Braves, Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals, Jeremy Peña of the Houston Astros, and Steven Kwan of the Boston Red Sox.

Should I invest in baseball cards?

Your baseball card hobby can definitely be considered an investment, but be sure to do your research so that you know what you are buying! Again, rare cards featuring popular players will have the most value. Also, remember to get your cards graded. Keep an eye on online auction sites to see what specific cards are selling for now.

Sources

https://moneymade.io/learn/article/best-baseball-cards

https://bargainbunch.com/best-baseball-card-packs-to-buy-2022/

https://clutchpoints.com/psa-reopens-grading-submissions-with-change-that-wont-please-sports-card-collectors

https://ballcardgenius.com/where-to-get-baseball-cards/

https://moneymade.io/learn/article/best-baseball-cards

https://www.rookieroad.com/baseball/top-6-best-baseball-card-brands-9007331/

Since their inception in 1865 as “cigarette cards”, baseball cards have come a long way! Called “trade cards,” these cards were found inside of packs of candy or cigarettes, and they featured the relatively new sport of baseball.

During the early 1900s, color printing was popularized and baseball cards came one step closer to what we know them to be today. In the 1930s, companies began to print player biographies on the cards. In 1952, Topps began to produce the sports cards we know and love today. By the 1980s, these cards came to be known as valuable collector items, and card collecting was popularized as a hobby.

Today, baseball cards are a common collectible. If you have an interest in learning how to collect baseball cards, then look no further! Here, we’ll provide the “beginner collector” with the tools you need to build a successful baseball card collection.

How to Start a Baseball Card Collection

Anyone can become a successful baseball card collector! All you need is a passion for the cards and a drive to collect. Follow these tips to get started:

Step #1: Build a Solid Knowledge of Baseball Cards

We cannot emphasize this enough: do your research! The average baseball card collector spends as much – if not more time – researching baseball cards as they do collecting them.

The easiest thing to do is get on Google and conduct a search on the subject. But there are other ways to learn. You can read books about baseball card collecting. Mint Condition by Dave Jamieson and The Card by Michael O’Keefe and Teri Thompson are good books to start with.

You can also befriend others in the hobby or talk to someone who sells baseball cards and ask them questions about the hobby. Talking to others is a great way to learn new tricks and tips for collecting!

Step #2: Select Which Type You Want To Collect

Baseball card collectors often have a specific area of focus when it comes to their collection. First of all, there are different manufacturers of baseball cards, including (but not limited to) Topps, Panini, Upper Deck, and Fleer.

You could focus on collecting from specific card companies, a specific team, rookie cards, or you could focus on vintage baseball cards only. Whatever you choose, consider your own personal interests – not just what is popular or what other collectors are doing.

Step #3: Purchase Baseball Cards

When you purchase cards, you’ll want to make sure you are purchasing from a reputable buyer. You can purchase from a local card shop, or you can even buy online. If you are buying online, be sure that the listing photos are clear and that you are buying from a highly rated seller. If the seller has previously sold baseball cards, they are more likely to know what they are talking about than someone who is selling off the collection they found in their attic.

Also, consider whether the card you are purchasing has been graded. This means that a grading service (PSA is the most popular one) has examined the cards and assigned them a number value to indicate their condition. Purchasing an ungraded card can be risky as the condition has not been verified.

Step #4: Ensure Proper Storage and Protection

When you are collecting sports cards, it is of utmost importance that you store your collection properly. Improper storage can lead to damage, which will wreak havoc on the value of that rare card that you spent so much time and effort tracking down!

When designing your storage space, be sure to consider a design that will protect your precious rookie card and still keep the cards accessible. One way to store them is to keep them in a binder inside of pockets that are designed specifically for collecting cards. Another option is to store them in hard plastic sleeves and keep them in boxes. Whatever you do, be sure to keep your cards away from direct sunlight, as this can cause fading.

Step #5: Enjoy and Have Fun with the Community

Sports card collecting brings a community along with it! Collectors love to share their collections with each other and “talk shop.” Plus, as mentioned earlier, it’s a great way to learn more about sports cards!

Get connected online by joining an online forum or a Facebook group dedicated to collecting. You can also build community by connecting with others at your local baseball card shop, or by chatting with baseball card dealers.

Types of Baseball Cards

There are many types of baseball cards out there! Here are just a few of the types that you can collect.

Digital Baseball Cards: NFTs (or non-fungible tokens) are digital assets that utilize blockchain technology to ensure that they cannot be duplicated. Topps recently announced it’s first series of NFT digital baseball cards. You can choose between a standard pack and premium pack, and much like real cards, some cards are scarcer than others.

Base Cards: A base card is a common card that is part of the main set. These cards are usually numbered according to how many are in the set.

Subsets: Subsets are part of the main set of baseball cards, and they follow the same numbering, but they have a different design or theme. An example of a subset is the All-Star cards in the annual Topps Update release. These cards feature an All-Star game logo.

Rookie Cards: A rookie card is a card of a player from the first year that they entered the league. These are often coveted and valuable!

Insert Cards: Insert cards are special cards contained within a set that are not a part of the main set. They often follow a different theme. They may or may not be numbered, but if they are numbered they follow a different pattern than the main set.

Parallels: A parallel is a card that is a serial numbered version of another non-serial numbered card. For example, a base card would have no number, but a parallel of that base card would have a serial number. Parallels usually have the same photo and design, but their color schemes vary.

Autographs: An autographed card contains the signature of the person depicted on the card – and these often carry more value thanks to that autograph!

Relic Cards: Relic cards contain a piece of material from the baseball player or playing field, such as a uniform or even gloves and cleats.

Types of Baseball Card Collections to Consider

Many collectors of baseball cards select a specific type of card to focus their collecting efforts on. Read on to learn some of the types of cards that you could acquire for your baseball card collection!

Set Building: Set building is collecting every card in a particular series of cards. Many collectors are set builders!

Player Collecting: Player collecting is collecting every card issued of a specific player.

Team Collecting: Team collecting is acquiring as many cards as you can of a specific team.

Parallel Rainbow Collecting: A rainbow is a set of parallel cards that have different colors of foil or border. Parallel rainbow collecting involves collecting all such cards of a particular parallel set.

Vintage Collecting: Vintage cards are considered those from 1979 and earlier, and vintage collectors focus solely on collecting vintage cards.

How To Get my Baseball Cards Professionally Graded?

As mentioned earlier, professional grading is when a grading expert examines your card and assigns a number value to indicate it’s condition. The number will be between 1 and 10, with ten being perfect mint and 1 being poor.

If you are interested in having your cards graded, you can send them to a grading company such as PSA Authentication and Grading Services. Graded cards are more valuable than those that are ungraded, and you may want to consider this when you sell cards.

Where to Buy Baseball Cards

If you plan on collecting, you may be wondering where are the best places to purchase these cards. Fortunately, there are a variety of places where you can buy them! These include, but are not limited to:

Online Hobby Shops: This includes Midwest Cards, Blowout Cards, Dave & Adam’s, Steel City Collectibles, Real Sports Cards, and many more.

Online Selling Platforms: This include platforms such as eBay, Shop Goodwill, Property Room, and MySlabs.

Consignment and Thift Stores: If you prefer shopping in person and like the thrill of the hunt, cards can often be found in local consignment and thrift stores.

Pricing Card Collections

The best way to learn the price of your card is to check what they are selling for online on sites such as eBay. With some quick research, you’ll be able to see the most recent selling price for your card, or you can find a price guide.

If you have difficulty tracking down your specific card online, or you just want to get an expert opinion, consider having your cards valued by a professional.

Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_card

https://breakingbangers.com/blogs/news/baseball-cards-how-to-start-a-valuable-baseball-card-collection

https://www.beckett.com/news/topps-launching-baseball-ca-nfts/

http://www.upperdeck.com/collectors-zone/trading-cards-explained

https://bigleaguecards.com/baseball/inside-the-pack-difference-between-insert-cards-subsets-and-short-prints/

https://www.csgcards.com/card-grading/grading-scale/

https://ballcardgenius.com/where-to-get-baseball-cards/

Ronnie Parisella has been collecting since he was nine years old! What started with He-Man, Video Games, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, G.I. Joe, Star Wars, coins, sports cards and more eventually developed into a different passion.

In August of 1990, Marvel released a new Spider-Man #1 with art and story by Todd McFarlane – It was branded a “First All-New Collector’s Item Issue” and it had multiple versions to buy originally. “It wasn’t the first comic with multiple covers, but it was the biggest ever at the time!” Ronnie explains. “When I found that book, I loved it. There were four original versions, and I got my hands on the rarest one, the Gold UPC for cover price. That sucked me into wanting them all!”

Today, Ronnie’s collection is special because of the sheer volume of it – he has over 250 unique items. He has a high number of top-grade, one-of-a-kind items. His favorite piece is his SM#1 Green Poly-Bagged CGC 9.9. “There are no 10s, only two 9.9s in existence, and it’s unlikely that there will be more. It’s impossible to value, because after 32 years the other one has never come up for sale, and likely never will.”

Another unique thing about Ronnie’s collection is that he has financed it entirely by selling and trading comic books. “I intentionally buy a lot of doubles so that I can trade up to better conditions and then flip the lower grade to buy the items I need”. Most of his collection was bought with the profit from those flips, so this collection has a net cost of $0, despite the fact that it’s approaching 6 figures in value. The most valuable item in the collection is probably the SM#1 Silver Cover CGC 10, worth around $6,000.

Ronnie’s Spider-Man #1 (1990) collection spans many areas of collecting; video games, trading cards, ephemera, trade paperbacks, postcards, posters, statues, toys, stickers, pins, production art and original art.

Very concerned about light damage, all of Ronnie’s comics are stored in boxes in a dark room and organized by categories. Overall, there are only two high-grade comics and three foreign editions missing from the collection. “Once I pick them up, I’ll have everything that I know exists, then I can focus on trading up grades,” Ronnie shares.  He is currently focused on building out his foreign Spider-Man #1 (1990) (and related) collection, which he believes to be the biggest in the world, with over 60 different foreign editions and counting.

Ronnie Co-Founded a Spider-Man #1 (1990) Facebook Group in 2020 that now has over 550 members.

Larry Campbell’s love of comic books started around the age of eight with a Spider-Man comic book. “It was something fun to read, and I got interested!” shares Larry. He soon began seeking out comic books such as Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, and other Marvel favorites.

As a teenager, Larry got a job and found that much of his free income went into buying more comics. “When I started needing to figure out how to store and organize my comic books, that’s when I realized I was a collector.”

Larry set out with a goal: he wanted to collect the full run of The Amazing Spider-Man series. Last year, he achieved that goal. The final – and most expensive – item to finish off the collection was The Amazing Spider-Man #1. “I was thrilled to finish the collection and end on a high note,” says Larry.

After collecting the full run of Spider-Man, Larry set and reached another goal: to get 1-50 all graded. “I have them all on display!” he shares. Larry has around 150 graded comics altogether, and then there are between 5,000 and 6,000 ungraded comics in his collection.

In his collection, there are some books that Larry bought for $1 or $2 that are worth thousands now. There are also some books that he paid thousands for, but they have held their value. The most valuable item in the collection is The Amazing Spider-Man #1, which is worth five figures. Much of his collection date back to the 60s and 70s.

Larry’s collection is stored both in his basement and in a storage unit. The basement has a lot of shelving, so everything is displayed throughout. Everything stored in boxes is in alphabetical order, and there are dividers to label everything. The basement is laid out by themes: Spider-Man in one place, Fantastic Four in another, and so on.

Overall, Larry is proud of the collection he’s assembled. “I’ve had a lot of hard work and a lot of luck in getting this collection. I have made a lot of friends in the community. I think it’s been an exciting adventure!”