Buy rarities online – Find rare collectibles and bid on them at great prices

The demand for gold is constantly rising, while the real estate market has experienced a veritable boom over the last 10 years. The classic car trade and the art scene have also seen record prices year after year, continuously attracting wealthy investors. At the same time, largely unnoticed by the general public, new, exciting, and promising collecting areas are constantly emerging.

In sectors dealing with rare treasures and antique rarities, prices seem to rise incessantly. Works of art and coveted collectibles are not subject to inflation and are therefore increasingly sought after as alternative tangible assets for investment.

Since the outbreak of the financial crisis in 2008 and the accompanying sovereign debt crisis, which triggered an unprecedented flood of money from central banks, concerns about a massive devaluation of paper money have been growing. These concerns are being further fueled by the current inflation crisis.

Fixed-income investments have been and remain unattractive given historically low interest rates, if not actually a losing proposition after accounting for inflation. The risk of losses on the stock market is high and continues to rise. For this reason, it makes sense to invest to preserve assets independent of conventional investments. This principle is also exemplified in the popular TV show "Bares für Rares" (Cash for Rarities) with Horst Lichter.

Buy rarities online: Discover special treasures lurking in the depths of the internet

Immerse yourself with us in the fascinating online world of rarities and special collectibles and discover hidden treasures waiting for you in the vastness of the internet. From rare Art Nouveau figurines, contemporary art, antiques, Star Wars collectibles, rare Watches , luxury goods, exotic stamps and iconic classic cars to unique accessories and decorative items for the garden and home, you will find everything a collector's heart desires online.

But what factors influence the value of quirky and solid investment options for collectors and investors? Find out more here.

6 curious rarities that were auctioned for record sums

Why should you buy rare items online?

The internet offers an incredible variety of rare and sought-after collectibles that are often difficult to find in traditional stores. Auction platforms, online marketplaces, and online shops allow you to discover and buy rarities and antiques from the comfort of your home.

It doesn't matter whether you're looking for a specific rarity or simply want to browse. With just a few clicks, you have access to a virtually limitless world full of precious treasures.

Furthermore, buying rare items online offers practical advantages such as convenient shipping and a wide selection of accessories and care products. At the same time, comparing and checking the resale value is relatively easy.

What are popular collector's items and sought-after rarities among enthusiasts?

When we think of collectibles, stamps and coins are usually the first things that come to mind. This is probably because these two categories were highly valued by collectors and as investments in the 20th century. But is that still the case?

A recent representative survey among us Germans revealed what collectors from Germany paid particular attention to in 2022.

In 2022, the renowned market research institute Appinio on behalf of Fanzone Media GmbH . This yielded important insights into collecting behavior and preferences.

Fanzone Media GmbH has set itself the goal of developing and operating an innovative fan experience platform . This platform combines digital trading cards and gameplay elements on the blockchain and offers users on fanzone.io the opportunity to acquire, collect, trade, and use digital trading cards of their favorite sports stars in various game modes.

The collecting experts at Fanzone.io have published the results of their representative survey on their platform. This reveals the ten most sought-after collectibles among Germans .

Traditional objects still hold immense fascination for people in Germany. Coins, , are highly popular as collector's items, followed by books , comics , and sound recordings such as records and CDs Watches or classic cars also remain in high demand among collectors.

In fact, more than one in three Germans are interested in collecting one or more of the aforementioned goods.

Ranking of the ten most popular collectibles in Germany

1. coins
2. Books, comics
3. Vinyl records, CDs
4. Luxury items
5. The Kunstplaza Magazine places special emphasis on a critical examination of works and themes. The articles are thoroughly researched and provide readers with a deep insight into the background of the artworks and their social significance.
6. Non-Fungible Tokens
7. Autographed cards
8. toy
9. Trading cards
10. Postage stamps

The once iconic collectible – the postage stamp – has clearly lost popularity. More than half of Germans reject stamp collecting, while only one in five still pursues it. Last year, however, a Red Mauritius stamp was auctioned for an incredible 8 million euros.

In 2022, collectors are predominantly male. Only 32 percent of the women surveyed enjoy collecting valuables, compared to 42 percent of men. When women do collect, they prefer art , books, autographed cards, and valuable luxury goods such as jewelry or Watches .

In Germany, collectors are on average between 25 and 54 years old, with younger collectors (under 25) showing great interest in trading cards such as Panini or Pokémon cards , toy figures , and merchandise (fan items) , while stamps are less in demand. Older collectors (over 54) prefer records and coins, while trading cards and non-fungible tokens generate little interest in this age group.

The new technology of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) is generating interest among German collectors, but also skepticism. While 28 percent of those surveyed could imagine NFTs , 31 percent currently reject the idea.

Trading cards are trending

If you skim through these 10 categories and specifically look for trends and strong upward developments, two special collector categories in particular stand out:

1. Pokémon Cards
2. Baseball cards

Pokémon Cards

Barnebys , the market for Pokémon cards is booming. It's astonishing how the Pokémon cards we collected as children have become valuable rarities. The reason for this surge lies in the details.

The Pokémon craze began in the USA, particularly thanks to well-known influencers and YouTubers like Logan Paul . As the owner of the most expensive privately sold Pokémon card ever (valued at $5,275,000), Paul is also known for his unusual boxing matches with a Pokémon card around his neck.

French rapper Lorenzo , who sings about Pokémon cards on TikTok, was able to sell his collection for a remarkable 305,793 euros on eBay in May 2021.

We also recommend the following podcast on this topic : Barnebys' Podcast #37: Inside the Pokémon Card Craze.

At France's leading auction house, Ivoire Troyes, expert Léonard Pomez has observed a growing trend in the auction market – the boom in Pokémon cards. Despite the pandemic, the house achieved a new auction record for France in June 2021, selling a Dracaufeu card for a staggering €12,000 – even though it had previously been estimated at only €2,500. Pomez believes this market will continue to grow and will bring about a whole new generation of bidders.

Looking at the bigger picture, Pokémon cards have a global market and are popular everywhere. However, the highest prices are achieved particularly in the USA and Japan, where truly extraordinary sums are at stake.

Baseball cards

The recent record sale of a Mickey Mantle baseball card for $12.6 million was just the tip of a veritable baseball card boom. The record-breaking auction of a 1952 baseball card at Heritage Auctions caused quite a stir. It has brought renewed attention to an old but burgeoning collecting area with an interesting price trend for collectors and investors alike.

This was a new record price for a sports trading card, nearly doubling the previous record of $6.9 million for an Honus Wagner card. The sports trading card industry experienced a revival during the Covid pandemic, as nostalgic pursuits gained popularity. This market sector for sports memorabilia such as trading cards is now estimated to be worth over $13 billion – and growing ( Barnebys reported ).

Coveted brands and design icons

The 20th century produced numerous iconic product designs and coveted brands . In particular, the emerging pop culture of the second half of the century spawned a whole range of products that were celebrated with almost fanatical enthusiasm and turned them into highly desirable objects for collectors.

look at the popular auction platform Catawiki reveals the following brands:

• ROLEX (luxury watches )
• OMEGA (Swiss luxury watches )
• Cartier (High Jewelry, Watches and Accessories)
• Louis Vuitton (luxury fashion)
• Hermès Paris (luxury fashion)
• PORSCHE (sports car)
• Märklin (model railways)
• Christofle (branded silver)
• Pokémon (trading cards)
• Macallan (Single Malt Scotch Whiskey)
• LEGO (toys)
• Nikon (cameras)

Meteorites and bonsai trees – unusual investments for collectors

The admittedly somewhat dated, but no less relevant article in WirtschaftsWoche, “Wealth You Can Touch: Investing Between Gold Coins and Meteorites”, vividly demonstrates that it doesn't always have to be the old master on the wall or the classic car in its original condition when it comes to collectibles with high potential for value appreciation.

In principle, all items or objects that are exceptional and rare are suitable as investments – so rare that there is always more demand from collectors and enthusiasts than the supply can meet.

In his 2014 publication “Unusual Investments – 25 Alternatives to Fixed Deposits & Co.”, expert and author Gerald Pilz described some extraordinary collectibles that can serve as investment opportunities.

According to Pilz, meteorites and bonsai trees are among the most unusual tangible assets. A small meteorite can fetch a high price of several hundred euros, while in Japan, meticulously maintained bonsai trees can even be traded for more than 100,000 euros.

It is by no means easy to identify which collectibles will experience a significant increase in value. To build a successful and particularly valuable collection, numerous factors must be considered, which the author explains in detail in each chapter.

In 2020, Gerald Pilz published a new book that captivatingly presents unconventional investments that help investors preserve and grow their wealth. Whether dealing with small or large investments suitable for every budget, the book offers comprehensive information on buying, selling, and storing these valuable assets.

It contains fascinating examples, exemplary investors, valuable advice and helpful checklists, making the book a useful and entertaining guide.

The 10 most valuable rarities sold on live television

Where can you find the best collectibles and rarities?

When it comes to buying rare items online, finding the best deals is crucial. The internet offers a wealth of opportunities to discover rare collectibles, and with a few tips, you can ensure you get the most out of your shopping experience.

01 Search engines

First of all, it's helpful to use some specific search terms to refine your search. For example, if you're interested in rare antique Art Nouveau figurines, terms like "figurines," "Art Nouveau," "collectibles," "rare," or "rarity" could help you quickly find the desired items using a search engine like Google.

02 Online Auction Houses

Sotheby's

Founded in 1744, Sotheby’s leading address for art and luxury goods . Sotheby’s promotes access to, connoisseurship of, and the preservation of art and rare objects through auctions and buy-now channels, including private sales, e-commerce, and retail.

Sotheby's global marketplace is powered by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists in 40 countries and 50 categories. These include auctions in contemporary art, modern and impressionist art, Old Masters, Chinese art, jewelry, Watches , wine and spirits, interior design, and much more.

Website: www.sothebys.com

Christie's

Founded in 1766, Christie’s art and luxury goods company . Known for its expert live and online auctions and bespoke private sales, Christie’s offers its clients a comprehensive portfolio of global services, including art valuation , art financing , international real estate, and expertise.

Christie's operates in 46 countries across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, with flagship international distribution centers in New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris, and Geneva. It is also the only international auction house authorized to conduct sales in mainland China (Shanghai).

Christie's auctions encompass more than 80 art and luxury categories, with prices ranging from $200 million to over $100 million. Christie's has sold 8 of the 10 most important individual collections in history, including the Paul G. Allen Collection – the most valuable collection ever offered at auction (November 2022).

Christie's Private Sales offers a seamless service for buying and selling art, jewelry and Watches outside the auction calendar, working exclusively with Christie's specialists at the client's individual pace.

Recent innovations at Christie's include the groundbreaking sale of the first NFT for a digital artwork ever offered at a major auction house ( Beeple's Everydays , March 2021), with the unprecedented acceptance of cryptocurrency as a means of payment.

As an industry leader in digital innovation, Christie's continues to pioneer new technologies that redefine art business hologram technology to tour life-size 3D objects around the world and the creation of integrated viewing and bidding experiences through augmented reality , global live streaming , instant purchase channels and hybrid sales formats .

Website: www.christies.com

Catawiki

Catawiki has been around since 2008. What started as a collector's catalog has grown into a large digital auction house. Since 2011, enthusiasts of art, classic cars, watches, jewelry, coins, antiques, silverware, whisky, and stamps have been able to participate Watches auctions or offer their favorite items for sale.

The former Dutch auction startup is now the leading curated auction marketplace for special collectibles in Europe, offering a wide range of unique objects. The platform receives approximately 14 million visitors per month.

With over 65,000 items available in auctions every week, the platform offers its customers a smooth and exciting experience when buying and selling special objects.

A unique feature of this online auction house is that every auction takes place under the strict supervision of a notary . Furthermore, each individual item is thoroughly examined by recognized experts to ensure that the quality of the offered antiques meets the highest standards.

The online platform now employs more than 150 experts who contribute their specialized knowledge from various fields. From wine connoisseurs and art experts to jewelry and gemstone specialists, everything is represented. Some experts even possess in-depth niche knowledge, for example, in trading cards, whisky, and tribal art .

Website: www.catawiki.com/de/

Barneby's

Barnebys is an aggregator , or search engine, specializing in finding auctions of all kinds. Unlike other auction platforms such as Catawiki, Barnebys is not an auction platform itself, but rather a platform that gathers important information about items up for auction, as well as auction results and price data. An additional valuation service completes the offering.

The selection of listed auction houses is extremely extensive and includes providers of all sizes, from small firms like A-1 Auction in Orlando to large players like Sotheby's in London. Consequently, the price range extends from the smallest amounts to hundreds of millions.

Therefore, Barnebys can confidently be described the meta-search engine for auctions

Entering a search term provides an illustrated list of all items offered by participating auction houses. The search can be refined by category, country, and auctioneer/art dealer. Approximately 520,000 objects are available each week, 112,000 of which originate from Germany and are offered by 1,200 auction houses, 300 dealers, and 25 art fairs.

Website: www.barnebys.de

Auctioneer

Auctionet is a platform for auctions that offers European auction houses the opportunity to auction furniture, art, design and collectibles as well as many other objects.

Unlike eBay, all items are inspected, described, and professionally photographed by experts to ensure a safe and convenient shopping experience. This is guaranteed by the seller.

Buying items at auctions is not only smart for your wallet, but also for the environment. You can find interesting objects to beautify your home – often at a lower price than buying them new. The value often retains itself should you wish to resell the item one day.

Auctionet's unique approach transforms local auction houses into global players by giving customers the opportunity to bid on unique items from small auction houses in northern Sweden to long-established houses in Bavaria. Before bidding, customers can view available transport options at fixed prices and pay securely through Auctionet.com. Multilingual customer support is available to assist with any questions or issues.

Website: auctionet.com/de

Julien's Auctions

We would like to conclude this list with a real highlight for music, sports and film fans.

Julien's Auctions is the auction house of choice for celebrities . Working in collaboration with famous people and VIPs, Julien's Auctions conducts high-profile auctions in the film , music , art , and sports .

Julien's Auctions has received international recognition for its unique and innovative auction events, which attract thousands of collectors, investors, fans and enthusiasts from around the world.

Julien's Auctions specializes in the sale of iconic artifacts and remarkable collections, including Marilyn Monroe, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Lady Gaga, Banksy , Cher, Michael Jackson, Slash of 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 historic auction of the collection of memorabilia, personal belongings, and awards belonging to Brazilian football icon, three-time World Cup winner, and FIFA Player of the Century Pelé , generating $5 million in proceeds. This included the sale of Pelé's three World Cup gold medals. The total price reached $970,992 (£674,300), including the 1970 World Cup medal, which sold for $427,100 (£346,000).

This set world records for the most expensive Pelé item and the most expensive football medal ever sold at auction.

In 2020, Julien broke records again for auctioned sports jerseys when he auctioned off a trio of historic basketball jerseys bearing the number 23. This number was worn by Michael Jordan during his rookie season.

Julien's Auctions is based in Los Angeles and has a global presence, taking its auctions and exhibitions to destinations around the world, including London, New York, Las Vegas, Japan, and China. Live auctions are presented to bidders both on-site and online via live-streamed video and mobile technology. The website and services are available in English only.

Website: www.juliensauctions.com

03 Specialized Online Shops

Another effective method for finding the best deals is to visit specialized online shops and online platforms for rarities, antiques and rare objects.

By searching and comparing prices in different shops, you can ensure that you get the best deal.

WAIGAND Collectors' World

Since 1975, WAIGAND Collectors' World a renowned provider of historical collectibles such as stamps , coins , banknotes , and securities . Numerous satisfied customers from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland appreciate the team's personal service and comprehensive guarantees of authenticity and quality.

With passion and expertise, WAIGAND Collectors' World is dedicated to trading in unique treasures that reflect history and culture.

Website: www.waigand-sammlerwelt.de

viaLibri

viaLibri is the world's largest search engine for old, rare and used books .

Libribot scans the internet for new offers of books for sale. When new listings are found, Libribot compares them with the recorded preferences of viaLibri subscribers and registered users.

The number of requests that are fulfilled each day depends on the user's subscription level and the website category.

Books listed on the collected and scanned websites of booksellers who have subscribed to viaLibri's premium services are matched daily with all recorded requests from all viaLibri users.

Website: www.vialibri.net

AbeBooks

AbeBooks is a virtual trading platform for books, art objects and collectibles , allowing you to discover and purchase your favorite items.

The products offered come from trusted and independent sellers from around the world and include a wide variety of new, used and rare books, as well as art and collectibles.

These articles will then be made available on the AbeBooks websites.

Website: www.abebooks.de

Morris antiques & fine furniture

At Morris Antiques, you'll find a fascinating variety of English antiques that will delight any lover of stylish and timeless furniture. From desks, chairs, and Chesterfield sofas to bookcases, there's something to suit every taste and interior design.

Of particular note is the fact that many of the pieces offered are original English antiques that have preserved their history and unique character.

Morris Antik is distinguished by its constant search for high-quality, authentic antiques. Each piece is selected with the utmost care to meet Morris Antik's exacting standards. These pieces of furniture are not merely relics of the past; they tell their own stories and possess an enchanting charm that sets them apart from modern reproductions.

Website: morris-antikshop.de

04 Classified ads

against using classifieds portals like eBay , Markt.de , Quoka , and similar sites when it comes to buying rarities and antiques. These platforms are rife with unscrupulous sellers, and it can be difficult to reliably verify the authenticity, value, and quality of rare objects.

The transactions can be difficult at times, and unless the property can be inspected and valued by a third party or a trustworthy, neutral service provider, there is a high risk of disappointment.

However, we came across a promising marketplace that is little known to the general public and which has attracted our attention in a positive way:

Oldthing

 

Oldthing is an established online platform specializing in the trade of antiques , collectibles , and fine furniture . Every single product offered here possesses a unique charm and is worth discovering and appreciating.

The provider places great emphasis on the personality and uniqueness of its offered goods and provides customers with direct access to extraordinary collectibles, artistic one-of-a-kind pieces and personal mementos.

Antiques and antique furniture are particularly popular at Oldthing, as are 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, antique jewelry, and graphic art.

Besides the well-known collections, the marketplace offers a multitude of wonderful, emerging collecting areas that are constantly expanding. Merchandise figures , carte de visite photography , and seals & advertising stamps are among the smaller but highly specialized categories that already boast an impressive online selection.

One of the most successful collecting areas is the theme of cars and transportation , ranking third in sales. This category offers a wide selection of vintage car brochures, automobilia, and everything related to bicycles, motorcycles, shipping, aviation, and transportation.

Website: oldthing.de

FOCUS Classifieds: Art & Antiques

We've already discussed the risks and dangers of classified ad portals. Nevertheless, you might still want to find some bargains this way. For that, we recommend the large meta-search engine FOCUS Classifieds (category: Art & Antiques).

FOCUS Online Classifieds presents itself as a meta-search engine that clearly aggregates German classified ads from various portals. Here you can find memorabilia, collectibles, antiques, old books, furniture, and much more at a glance. This saves you the tedious search on multiple websites and gives you a comprehensive overview.

If you come across a classified ad that interests you, simply click on the link. A new window will open, giving you access to the complete listing. To ensure you don't miss any suitable offers, you can save your search in the classifieds. As soon as a matching offer is published, you will receive an email notification. You can deactivate this feature at any time.

Please note, however, that the ads are collected and updated automatically. FOCUS Online Classifieds assumes no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of the provided content.

During our research, we noticed that the vast majority of rarities in this meta-search service come from Quoka .

The world of online commerce via classifieds portals offers a convenient way to buy goods – however, this anonymity also carries risks. Some users resort to unfair methods. For this reason, Quoka has committed to implementing additional security measures to strengthen the trust of its users.

The provided security guide the steps the seller has taken and how you can proactively protect yourself. We recommend reading this guide before making any transactions on Quoka.

Website: kleinanzeige.focus.de/kunst-antiquitaeten

05 Apps and Smart Investing

The past few years have brought about a number of exciting innovations alongside the traditional and established market players. These include blockchain , NFTs , and smart investing . In this segment, one particularly promising company has caught our attention, one that is entirely dedicated to fractional investing (acquiring shares in art objects as an investment) based on blockchain technology.

Timeless

Timeless is a pioneer in the world of blockchain technology, enabling everyone to invest in collectibles and benefit from their performance.

The company's innovative business model opens up the collectibles asset class to everyone, making rare collectibles such as Watches , art, vehicles, sneakers, wine, trading cards, and memorabilia accessible to all. Blockchain technology is used to reliably, transparently, and securely document digital transactions.

As part of New Horizon GmbH, based in Berlin, Timeless is a digital platform that acquires, verifies, and divides unique assets into shares (tokenization). Anyone can purchase these shares with other users for a minimum investment of €50. The company also handles the secure custody, insurance, and maintenance of the assets until they are resold. Purchasing shares is convenient, secure, and digital via the Timeless app.

The only downside, in our view, is that the exclusive valuables cannot be easily touched and appreciated with one's own eyes.

Website: www.timeless.investments

What should you consider when buying rare items?

When buying rare items, there are some important points to consider to ensure that you acquire a high-quality and authentic collector's item.

First, it's advisable to gather detailed information about the object you're looking for. For example, if you're a collector of Art Nouveau figurines, you should be familiar with the different styles, artists, and manufacturing methods of that era. This will help you more easily identify forgeries and better assess the value of a particular rarity.

Another important aspect is choosing the right online shop. Make sure the shop is reputable and has a good reputation .

Read reviews from other customers and find out about the payment methods and shipping conditions offered. A trustworthy shop will provide clear information about the origin and condition of the rare item.

Furthermore, you should check the condition of the object , especially if it is a delicate item such as antique furniture or rare objects.

Ask the seller for detailed pictures and make sure all features and any damage are visible. If possible, ask about a return policy in case the purchased item doesn't meet your expectations. Finally, it's advisable to research the price of the item and compare different offers. Be wary of extremely low prices, as this could be a sign of a possible forgery.

Please note that additional costs such as shipping fees and customs duties may affect the total price.

Also, check the return and refund policies in case you are not satisfied with your purchase or the item turns out to be inauthentic.

By following these tips and doing thorough research, you can ensure that you acquire a high-quality and authentic collector's item when buying rarities online.

How do you protect yourself against fraud?

In addition to the points mentioned in the previous section, you can consider a few more measures to protect yourself from fraud and scams.

Look for certificates or quality seals that confirm the product's authenticity. For art, the work's provenance should be clarified and documented.

Furthermore, it is advisable to thoroughly read the shop's Terms & Conditions to learn about return options and warranty services. A reputable seller will offer clear conditions for any exchange or return.

Furthermore, you should be careful not to disclose any sensitive data when paying. Use Secure payments like PayPal, where your data is transmitted in encrypted form.

To be even more protected, you can also consider insuring your purchase

By following these precautions, you can best protect yourself from fraud when buying rare items. Enjoy the exciting world of collectibles and discover special treasures lurking in the depths of the internet. With care and attention, an unforgettable shopping experience awaits you. Happy browsing and discovering!