The demand for gold is constantly increasing, while the real estate market has experienced a real boom for the past 10 years. The trading of classic cars and the art scene also recorded record prices year by year and continuously attract wealthy investors. At the same time, new, exciting and promising collection areas are developing largely unseen from the general public.
In the areas in which rare treasures and ancient rarities are traded, prices seem to rise constantly. Works of art and coveted collectibles are not subject to inflation and are therefore increasingly being asked as an alternative real assets for the investment.
Since the outbreak of the financial crisis in 2008 and the associated sovereign debt crisis, which triggered an unprecedented flood of money by the central banks, concern has grown before a massive loss of value of the paper money. This concern is fueled again by the current inflation crisis.

photo of Ekaterina Bolovtsova, via Pexels
Fixed interests were and are unattractive in view of the historically low interest rates, if not a minus business after deducting inflation. The loss of loss on the stock exchange is high and continue to rise. For this reason, it is obvious to invest to receive assets regardless of the conventional investments. This credo is also lived on the popular TV show "Bares for Rares" with Horst Lichter.
Buy rarities online: Discover special treasures that lurk in the depths of the Internet
Immerse yourself with us a fascinating online world of rarities and special collector's objects and discover hidden treasures that are waiting for you in the vastness of the Internet. From rare Art Nouveau figures, contemporary art, antiques, Star Wars collector's pieces, rare Watches , luxury goods to exotic stamps and iconic youngtimers to unique accessories and decorative items for garden and home, you will find everything the collector's heart desires.
But what factors influence the value of bizarre and solid investment forms for collectors and investors? You can find out more here.
6 curious rarities that were auctioned for record sums
Why should you buy rarities online?
The Internet offers an incredible variety of rare and coveted collector's objects that are often difficult to find in conventional shops. On auction platforms, online marketplaces and in online shops, you can easily discover and buy rarities and antiques from home.
It does not matter whether you are looking for a certain rarity or just want to browse. With just a few clicks you have access to an almost limitless world full of precious treasures.
In addition, the online purchase of rarities also offers practical advantages such as comfortable shipping and a large selection of accessories and care products. At the same time, the comparison and testing of the sales value is relatively easy.
What are popular collector's objects and coveted rarities among lovers?
Basically, we always think of stamps and coins spontaneously with collector's objects. This is probably because these two categories were of great importance to collectors and also as a valuation in the 20th century. But is that still like that?
A representative survey among us Germans recently revealed what collectors from Germany in 2022 paid particular attention to.
In 2022, the renowned market research institute Appinio carried out a survey of 1,000 male and female participants from Germany on behalf of Fanzone Media GmbH Important findings about collector behavior and their preferences were gained.
Fanzone Media GmbH has set itself the goal of developing and operating fan experience platform This platform combines digital collection cards and gameplay elements on the blockchain and offers users on Fanzone.io the opportunity to acquire, collect, act and use digital collecting cards of their favorite sports stars.
The FanzONE.IO have published the results of the representative survey on their platform. This provides information about the ten most sought -after collecting objects in Germans .
For people in Germany, traditional things still arouse an immense fascination. Coins in particular enjoy great popularity as preferred collectibles, followed by books , comics and recorders such as records and CDs . Valuable status symbols such as Watches or classic cars still very much in demand.
In fact, more than every third German is interested in collecting one or more of the goods mentioned.
Ranking of the ten most popular collective objects in Germany
- Coin
- Books, comics
- Records, CDs
- Luxury objects
- Art
- Non fungible tokens
- Autograph cards
- toy
- Collection cards
- Stamps
The former icon among the collective objects - the stamp - has significantly lost in popularity. More than half of the Germans refuse to collect stamps, while every fifth collector still relies on them. Last year, however, a red Mauritius stamp was auctioned for an incredible price of 8 million euros.
In 2022, collectors are mainly male. Only 32 percent of women surveyed like to collect valuables, while it is 42 percent in men. When women collect, they prefer art , books, autograph cards and valuable luxury goods such as jewelry or Watches .
In Germany, collectors are between 25 and 54 years old, with younger collectors (under 25 years) great interest in collecting cards such as Panini or Pokémon maps and toy figures as well as merchandise (fan articles) , while stamps are less in demand. Older collectors (over 54 years), on the other hand, prefer records and coins, while collection cards and non-fungible tokens arouse little interest in this target group.
The new technology of non-fungible tokens awakens desires among German collectors, but also skepticism. While 28 percent of the respondents can imagine NFTs , 31 percent are currently rejecting this.
Collective cards in the trend
If you overflow these 10 categories and search for trends and strong upward developments, then two special collector categories in particular catch the eye:
- Pokémon cards
- Baseball cards
Pokémon cards
The market for Pokémon cards in the Lord Barnebys strong. It is astonishing how the Pokémon cards we collected as children have developed into a valuable rarity. The reason for this upswing is in detail.
The start signal for the Pokémon fever fell in the USA, especially from well-known influencers and YouTuber such as Logan Paul . As the owner of the world's most expensive map (worth 5,275,000 USD), Paul is also known for his unusual boxing matches with a Pokémon card around the neck.
The French rapper Lorenzo , who sings on Tiktok on Pokémon cards, was able to sell his collection for a remarkable 305,793 euros on Ebay in May 2021.
We also recommend the : Barnebys' Podcast #37: Inside the Pokémon Card Craze.
In France's leading auction house Ivoire Troyes, Léonard Pomez has observed a growing trend on the auction market as an expert-the boom in Pokémon cards. Despite the pandemic, the house was able to achieve a new auction record for France in June 2021 by selling a Dracaußeu card for a proud 12,000 euros-although it had previously only been estimated at 2,500 euros. Pomez believes that this market will continue to rise and that a whole new generation of bidders will produce.
If you look at the overall picture, Pokémon cards have a global market and are well received everywhere. However, the highest prices are achieved in the USA and Japan, truly extraordinary sums are involved.
Baseball cards
The latest record sale of a Mickey Mantle baseball map worth $ 12.6 million was only the tip of a real baseball card boom. The record of a baseball card from 1952 at Heritage Auctions caused a sensation. It attracts newly obtained attention to an old but aspiring collection area with an interesting price development for collectors and investors.
It was a new record price for a sports collection card that almost doubled the old best of $ 6.9 million for a Honus Wagner card. During the Covid pandemic, the industry for sports collection cards experienced a revival because nostalgic employment gained popularity. This market sector for Sport Memorabilia such as collective cards is now estimated to be over $ 13 billion -and tendency to grow ( Barnebys reported ).
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Coveted brands and design icons
The 20th century has produced numerous iconic product designs and coveted brands . In particular, the emerging pop culture of the second half of the century has launched a whole series of almost fanatic celebrated products and made it into longing objects for collectors.
If you look at the popular Catawiki , the following brands immediately catch the eye:
- Rolex watches luxury bracelet )
- Omega (Swiss luxury bracelet watches )
- Cartier (haute joiLlerei, jewelry, Watches and accessories)
- Louis Vuitton (luxury fashion)
- Hermès Paris (luxury fashion)
- Porsche (sports car)
- Märklin (model trains)
- Christofle (brand silver)
- Pokémon (collective cards)
- Macallan (single malt scotch whiskey)
- LEGO (toys)
- Nikon (cameras)

Meteorites and bonsaibeums - unusual investments for collectors
"Fund to touch: Investment between coin gold and meteorite", which admittedly has been getting a bit, clearly demonstrates to us that it does not always have to be the old master on the wall or the classic car when it comes to gathering objects with a high potential for value.
Basically, all objects or objects that are exceptional and rare are suitable as a value situation - so rare that there are more and more demand from collectors and lovers than the offer can serve.
The expert and author Gerald Pilz in his work published in 2014 has "unusual investments - 25 alternatives to fixed deposits & Co." Some extraordinary collecting objects described that can serve as investment opportunities.
According to the mushroom, Meteorites and Bonsaiboums are among the most bizarre real estate. A small meteorite can achieve a high price of several hundred euros, while in Japan carefully well -kept bonsaiboos are even traded for more than 100,000 euros.
It is by no means easy to recognize which collecting objects will experience a significant increase in value. In order to build a successful and particularly valuable collection, numerous factors must be taken into account, which the author explains in detail in each chapter.

In 2020, Gerald Pilz published a new book that presents unconventional investments in a captivating way, helping investors to maintain and increase their assets. Regardless of whether it is small or large value objects that are suitable for every wallet, the book offers comprehensive information on purchase, sale and storage.
It contains fascinating examples, exemplary investors, valuable advice and helpful checklists that make the book a useful and entertaining guide.

The 10 most valuable rarities sold in front of the camera
Where can you find the best collectibles and rarities?
When it comes to buying rarities online, it is important to find the best offers. The Internet offers a wealth of ways to discover rare collector's objects, and with some tips you can make sure that you get the best out of your shopping experience.
01 search engines
First of all, it is helpful to use some specific search terms to refine your search. For example, if you are interested in rarities in the field of antiquarian figures in Art Nouveau, terms such as "figures", "Art Nouveau", "collector's objects", "rare" or "rarity" help you to quickly find the desired objects via a search engine like Google.
02 Online auction houses
Sotheby's

ajay_suresh, CC by 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Sotheby’s was founded in 1744 and is the world's leading address for art and luxury . Sotheby's promotes access, expert knowledge and the preservation of art and rare objects through auctions and immediate purchase channels, including private sales, e-commerce and retail.
Sotheby's global marketplace is supported by an industry -leading technology platform and a network of specialists in 40 countries and 50 categories. These include auctions from the sections of contemporary art, modern and impressionist art, old masters, Chinese works of art, jewelry, Watches , wine and spirits, interior design, with much more.
Website: www.sotheby.com
Christie's

Christie’s was founded in 1766 and is a worldwide leading art and luxury company . Christie's is known for his professional live and online auctions as well as his tailor-made private sales and offers its customers a comprehensive portfolio of global services, including art assessment , art financing , international real estate and know-how.
Christie's is represented in 46 countries all over America, Europe, in the Middle East and in the Asia-Pacific area and has international flagship sales centers in New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris and Geneva. It is also the only international auction house that is entitled to carry out sales on the Chinese mainland (Shanghai).
Christie's auctions include more than 80 art and luxury categories with prices between 200 and over $ 100 million. Christie's sold 8 of the 10 most important individual collections in history, including the Paul G. Allen Collection - the most valuable collection that was ever offered at an auction (November 2022).
Christie's private sales offers a seamless service for the purchase and sale of art, jewelry and Watches outside the auction calendar and works exclusively with the specialists of Christie's in the customer's individual pace.
One of the recent innovations at Christie's is the groundbreaking sale of the first NFT for a digital work of art that has ever been offered in a large auction house ( Beeple's Everydays , March 2021) with the unprecedented acceptance of cryptocurrency as a means of payment.
As an industry leader in the field of digital innovation, Christie's continues to do pioneering work for new technologies that redefine art transaction hologram technology for the tour of life-size 3D objects around the world and the creation of integrated viewing and bidder experiences Augmented Reality , Globales Livestreaming , immediate purchase channels and Hybride sales formats .
Website: www.christies.com
Catawiki

Catawiki has been around since 2008 . A large digital auction house was created from the former collector catalog. Since 2011, lovers of art, classic cars, Watches , jewelry, coins, antiques, silver cutlery, whiskey and stamps take part in auctions or offer their favorite pieces for sale.
The former Dutch auction startup is now the leading curated auction market for special collectibles in Europe, which offers a wide range of unique objects. The platform receives around 14 million visitors every month.
With over 65,000 objects that are available in auctions every week, the platform offers its customers a smooth and exciting experience when buying and selling special objects.
A special feature of the online auction house is that every auction takes place under the strict supervision of a notary . In addition, each individual object is thoroughly checked by recognized experts to ensure that the quality of the antiques offered meets the highest demands.
More than 150 experts are now working on the online platform who bring their special knowledge from different areas. Everything is represented from wine connoisseurs to art experts to jewelry and gemstone experts. Some experts even have a pronounced niche knowledge, such as collective cards, whiskey and tribal art .
Website: www.catawiki.com/de/
Barnebys

Barnebys is an aggregator or a search engine that specializes in search of any kind. In contrast to other auction platforms such as Catawiki, Barnebys itself is not a auction platform, but a platform on which important information is collected about objects to be reproduced as well as achieved auction and price data. An additional estimation service rounds off the offer.
The selection of the auction houses listed is extremely extensive and includes providers of all size, from small providers such as "A-1 auction" in Orlando to large providers such as Sotheby's in London. As a result, the price range ranges from the smallest amounts to hundreds of millions.
Therefore, Barnebys can confidently be referred to as the meta search engine for auctions .
If you enter a search term, you will receive a illustrated list of all offers offered by the connected houses. The search can be limited for categories, countries and auctioners/art dealers. Every week there are around 520,000 objects to choose from, of which 112,000 come from Germany, which are offered by 1200 auction houses, 300 dealers and 25 trade fairs.
Website: www.barnebys.de
Auctionet

Auctionet is a platform for auctions that offers European auction houses the opportunity to auction furniture, art, design and collector's items as well as many other objects.
In contrast to Ebay, all objects of experts are checked, described and professionally photographed in order to enable you to buy safe and comfortable purchase. This is guaranteed by the provider.
The purchase of objects at auctions is not only clever for your wallet, but also for the environment. You can find interesting objects to beautify your home - often at a cheaper price than when buying a new one. The value is often preserved if you want to sell the object one day again.
The unique approach of auctionet makes local auction houses global by opening the opportunity to offer unique objects from small auction houses in northern Sweden to long -established houses in Bavaria. Before bidding customers, you can see available transport options at fixed prices and pay safely via auctionet.com. A multilingual customer service is at your side with questions or problems.
Website: auctionet.com/de
Julien's auctions

Deidre Woollard, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
We would like to complete this list with a real highlight for music, sports and film fans.
Julien's auctions is the auction house of the stars and asterisks . In cooperation with celebrities, VIPs and Julien's auctions perform top -class auctions in the markets film , music , art and sport .
Julien's auction has received international recognition for his unique and innovative auction events that attract thousands of collectors, investors, fans and enthusiasts from all over the world.
Julien's auction is specialized in the sale of iconic artifacts and remarkable collections, including Marilyn Monroe, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Lady Gaga, Banksy , Cher, Michael Jackson, Slash by Guns N'Roses, U2, Barbra Streisand, Les Paul, Neil Young, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra and Jimi Hendrix , Hugh Hefner, Pelé and many more.
In 2016, Julien's achieved a revenue of $ 5 million at the historical auction of the collection of memorial, personal property and awards from the Brazilian football icon, the triple world champion and FIFA player of the century , including the sale of Pelés three World Cup gold medals. The total price was $ 970,992 (£ 674,300), including the 1970 world champion medal, which was sold for $ 346,000).
This set world records for the most expensive pelé article and the most expensive football medal that was ever sold at an auction.
In 2020 Julien again broke records for auctioned sports jerseys when he was auctioned with a trio of historical basketball jerseys with No. 23. This number was worn by Michael Jordan in his rookie season.
Julien's auction is based in Los Angeles and has a global presence that spends her auctions and exhibitions at destinations around the world, including London, New York, Las Vegas, Japan and China. Live auctions are presented for local bidders and online via live streaming video and mobile technology. The page and services are only available in English.
Website: www.juliensaucions.com
03 specialized online shops
Another targeted method when looking for the best offers is to visit specialized online shops and online platforms for rarities, antiques and rare objects.
By searching and comparing the prices in different shops, you can make sure that you get the best offer.
Waigand collector's world
Since 1975 the Waigand collector's world a renowned provider of historical collecting objects such as stamps , coins , banknotes and securities . Numerous satisfied customers from Germany, Austria and Switzerland appreciate the team's personal service and the comprehensive authenticity and quality guarantees of the team.
With passion and expertise, the Waigand collector's world is dedicated to trade with unique treasures, history and culture against mirrors n.
Website: www.waigand-sammlerwelt.de
Vialibri
Vialibri is the world's largest search engine for old, rare and used books .
libribot checks the Internet for new offers for books for sale. When new entries are found, Libribot compensates for them with the desired wishes of the Vialibri subscribers and registered users.
The number of inquiries that are met every day depends on the subscription level of the user and the category of the website.
Books that are listed on the collected and scanned websites of book dealers who have subscribed to Vialibri's premium services are compared every day with all the applicants recorded.
Website: www.vialibri.net
Abbooks
ABEBooks represents a virtual trading platform for books, art objects and collectibles , which enables them to discover their favorite items and to buy them.
The products offered come from trustworthy and independent sellers from all over the world and include a variety of new, used and rare books as well as art and collectors.
These items are then provided on the ABEBooks website.
Website: www.abebooks.de
Morris Antiques & Fine Furniture
At Morris Antik you can expect a fascinating variety of English antiques that will inspire every lover of stylish and timeless furniture. From desks, chairs and Chesterfield sofas to book cupboards, there is something suitable for every taste and facility.
Particularly noteworthy is the fact that many of the pieces offered are original English antiques that have retained their history and its unique character.
Morris Antik is characterized by a steady search for high -quality and true antiques. Each single piece is selected with great care to meet the high standards of Morris Antik. The pieces of furniture are not only relics of the past, but also tell their own history and have an enchanting charm that distinguishes them from modern replicas.
Website: morris-antikhop.de
04 classified ads
against classified ads such as eBay , Markt.de , Quoka and Co. when it comes to buying rarities and antiques. There are many black sheep on these portals and it is sometimes difficult to adequately check the authenticity, the value and quality of rare objects.
The transactions are sometimes difficult and if the object cannot be checked and appreciated by a third or a trusting, neutral service provider, the risk of disappointment is great.
However, we came across a promising, but in the general public but little -known marketplace that has drawn our attention in a positive way:
Oldrthing

Oldding is an established platform on the net that specializes antiques , collector's pieces and fine furniture Every single product that is offered here has an individual charisma and is worth discovering and appreciating by interested parties.
The provider attaches great importance to the personality and uniqueness of its offered goods and offers customers direct access to exceptional collectors' pieces, artistic unique and personal souvenirs.
Antiques and ancient furniture are particularly popular with Oldding, as well as old books , records , stamps and historical postcards . But there are also numerous attractive online offers to discover in the areas of design and vintage furniture, ancient jewelry and graphic art.
In addition to the known collections, there are a variety of wonderful still young collection areas on the marketplace that are constantly being expanded. Merchandise Figures , Carte de Visite Photography and Seals & Adlam brands are among the smaller but very specialized areas that already have an impressive online offer.
One of the most successful collection areas is the topic of auto & transport , which is in third place on the sales ranking. In this section you can find a wide selection of old car brochures, automotive and everything related to bicycles, motorcycles, shipping, aviation and traffic.
Website: Oldding.de
FOCUS classifieds: Art & Antiques

We have already addressed the risks and dangers on classified ads portals. Nevertheless, you may want to get to cheap gems in this way. For this we recommend the large meta search engine FOCUS classified ads (section: art & antiques).
FOCUS Online classified ads presents itself as a metasa engine that clearly bundles German classified ads from various portals. Here you can find memorabilia, collector's objects, antiques, old books, furniture and much more. This saves you the tedious search on several websites and gives you a comprehensive overview.
If you come across a classified ad that wakes your interest, just click on the link. A new window opens and you get an insight into the complete offer. In order not to miss suitable offers, you have the opportunity to store your search in the classified ads. As soon as a suitable offer is published, you will receive a notification by email. You can park this function again at any time.
However, please note that the displays are automatically collected and updated. FOCUS Online classified ads provide no liability for the correctness, completeness and topicality of the content provided.
In our research, we noticed that the predominant proportion of rarities in this meta search service of Quoka .
The world of online trading via classifieds Portals offers a convenient way to buy goods-but this anonymity also harbors dangers. There are users who use unfair methods. For this reason, Quoka has undertaken to take additional security measures to strengthen the trust of its users.
the security guidelines provided which steps the provider has taken and how you can proactively protect yourself. We recommend reading this guideline before acting at Quoka.
Website: Kleyercheige.focus.de/kunst-antiquitaeten
05 apps and smart investing
The past few years have produced a number of exciting innovations to the traditional and established market participants. This includes the blockchain , NFTS , and smart investing . In this segment, we noticed a promising company in particular, which has entirely fractional investing (shares in art objects as a value system) based on blockchain technology.
Timeless

Timeless is a pioneer in the world of blockchain technology and thus enables everyone to invest in collectibles and benefit from their performance.
The company's innovative business model opens the asset class of Collectibles for everyone and makes Rare collectibles such as Watches , art, vehicles, sneakers, wine, trading cards and memorabilia accessible to everyone. Blockchain technology is used to document digital transactions reliably, transparently and safely.
As part of New Horizon GmbH, based in Berlin, Timeless is a digital platform that acquires unique assets and divided them into shares (tokenization), which everyone can buy from a minimum amount of € 50 and act with other users. In addition, the company takes over the safe custody, insurance and maintenance until the assets are resale. The shares are convenient, safe and digitally via the timeless app.
The only downside from our point of view: The exclusive valuables cannot be easily touched and appreciated with their own eyes.
Website: www.timeless.investments
What do you have to consider when buying rarities?
When buying rarities, there are some important points to consider to ensure that you acquire a high -quality and authentic collector's item.
First of all, it is advisable to collect precise information about the object you are looking for. For example, if you are a collector of Art Nouveau figures, you should be informed about the various styles, artists and manufacturing methods of this era. This makes it easier to identify counterfeits and better assess the value of a certain rarity.
Another important aspect is the choice of the right online shop. Make sure that the shop is serious and has a good reputation .
Read reviews of other customers and find out about the payment methods and shipping conditions offered. A trustworthy shop will provide clear information about the origin and the state of rarity.
In addition, you should check the condition of the object , especially if there are sensitive objects such as ancient furniture or rare objects.
Ask the seller for detailed images and make sure that all special features and any damage are visible. If possible, ask for a return option if the purchased object does not meet your expectations. After all, it is advisable to research the price of the rarity and compare various offers. Be careful with extremely low prices, as this can be a sign of a possible fake.
Also note that additional costs such as shipping fees and customs fees can influence the total price.
Also check the return and reimbursement guidelines if you are not satisfied with your purchase or the article turns out to be not authentic.
By following these tips and thorough information, you can make sure that you buy a high -quality and authentic collector's piece online when buying rarities.
How do you secure yourself from fraud?
In addition to the points mentioned in the previous section, you can consider a few more measures to protect yourself from fraud and rip -off.
Pay attention to certificates or quality seals that confirm the authenticity of the product. In art, the provenance of the work should be clarified and documented.
Furthermore, it is advisable to thoroughly read the Terms & Conditions s of the shop in order to find out about return options and guarantee services. A reputable seller will offer clear conditions for any exchange or a return.
In addition, you should pay attention to not releasing sensitive data when paying. Use secure payment methods such as PayPal, where your data is encrypted.
In order to secure yourself even better, you can also consider insurance for your purchase Some online shops optionally offer insurance that protects you from possible damage or loss. Find out more about it and decide for yourself whether this additional security is important to you.
By following these precautions, you can protect yourself as possible from fraud when buying rarities. Enjoy the exciting world of collector's objects and discover special treasures that lurk in the depths of the Internet. With care and mindfulness, you have an unforgettable shopping experience. Have fun browsing and discovering!
Sources, technical support and further information:
- Weltkunst : Art online-the aggregator , https://www.weltkunst.de/kunstwissen/2017/03/kunst-Innetz-der-aggregator
- WELT ONLINE: 20 things that are worth a fortune in 50 years , https://www.welt.de/iconist/service/article201054012/20-dinge-die-in-in-jahren-fuer-unhofften-gaschen-sgen-koennten.html
- Wirtschaftswoche : Investment between Münzgold and Meteorit , https://www.wiwo.de/finance/geldlanch/vermoegen-zum-anfassen-das-sammelgebiet/10215400-2.html
- Rajapack : Cashing in On Collectibles, https://www.rajapack.co.uk/print-to-profit.html

Owner and managing director of Kunstplaza . Publicist, editor and passionate blogger in the field of art, design and creativity since 2011. Successful conclusion in web design as part of a university degree (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expression painting and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through many years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.