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#WorthPoint #Auctions #GoldPrices #VintageLiterature #AlternativeInvestments #TradingCards #SpaceMemorabilia #Collectibles #InvestmentTrends #MarketInsights #RareItems #AuctionFinds #GoldRush #VintageCollectibles #WillSeippel
Will Seippel, CEO of WorthPoint, has been closely monitoring auction sales by WorthPoint Industry Partners, selecting standout items to share insights on current buying and selling trends. His observations reveal a dynamic market where gold, vintage literature, alternative investments, and rare collectibles are gaining significant traction.
Gold Continues to Shine
Over the past few weeks, gold prices have surged by 6-8%, reaching $3,000 per ounce—a 44% increase over the last year. This spike reflects shifts in the U.S. economy and global market conditions, with consumers prioritizing stable investments. Auctions like AppleTree demonstrated this trend, with a 94.85-gram 18K gold bracelet selling for $6,765, close to its spot price. AppleTree’s top five lots, all gold items, totaled over $18,000. Similarly, Bunting Online saw gold dominating its top sales. A notable exception was a complete Edwardian gold-plated shower setup at MaxSold, which sold for $2,596—a bargain compared to its $8,000 retail value. This contrast highlights how market fluctuations create both opportunities and uncertainties in estate sales.
Vintage Literature Holds Value
At Bunting Online Auctions, an early edition of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven stood out. Published in 1884 by Harper & Brothers and illustrated by Gustave Doré, this first American book edition is a collector’s gem despite its well-used condition. Selling for $660, it underscores the enduring appeal of vintage literature, particularly for works tied to iconic authors like Poe.
Alternative Investments Gain Momentum
Trading cards, especially Panini cards, are emerging as a popular alternative investment. A 2017 Panini Donruss Optic Bronze Autograph Patrick Mahomes Rookie card sold for $17,243.48 at Goldin, marking a 500% increase in value over two years. Similarly, a 2023-24 Topps Cosmic Chrome Pluto #9 Victor Wembanyama Rookie card in PSA 7 condition garnered attention, reflecting Wembanyama’s potential as the 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year. These sales highlight how trading cards are becoming a hedge against inflation, with Goldin’s top five lots nearing $60,000.
Space Memorabilia Soars
Goldberg’s auction of space memorabilia also made waves, with a signed photo of Neil Armstrong stepping onto the moon fetching $23,125. This rare image, inscribed with “Best Wishes,” is one of the few full-body shots of Armstrong on the lunar surface. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, the sale underscores the growing interest in space-related collectibles, with Goldberg’s top five lots surpassing $70,000.
Rising Values Across Categories
Other notable sales include Thompson 45 caliber submachine gun rounds, which sold for $750 at NicNac—double their price five years ago—and a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which fetched $4,560 at Leland Little, nearly double its previous sale price. These examples illustrate a broader trend of collectors shifting toward high-ticket items as alternatives to traditional dollar-based assets.
Conclusion
Will Seippel’s insights reveal a market increasingly focused on gold, vintage literature, trading cards, and rare collectibles as hedges against inflation and economic uncertainty. As CEO of WorthPoint, Seippel’s expertise and passion for collecting provide valuable guidance for buyers and sellers navigating this evolving landscape. WorthPoint continues to empower collectors by offering tools to discover, value, and preserve their treasures.
