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Up 13.07% pa: Celebrate July 4 with a US icon

As America celebrates July 4, one of the founding fathers is causing a stir on the collectibles market

Paul Fraser Collectibles, Wednesday 4 July 2012

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He's the most famous absentee from the signatures on the Declaration of Independence.

No longer a member of the Continental Congress, he was ineligible to sign, and instead was leading the Continental Army to victory over the British on the battlefield.

13 years later he would become the first president of the United States.

I speak, of course, about George Washington.

And as the US celebrates the declaration of independence on July 4, 1776, today is the perfect time to explain why his memorabilia is such a good investment - no matter where in the world you live.

Why Washington?

As the first US president he stands in a unique position for collectors - he will never be superseded. He is a figure whose name is known throughout the world, and revered in the US. Washington is synonymous with a time that established the very psyche of the US - breaking free of the controlling British and establishing the right for "life liberty and the pursuit of happiness". Collectors want a connection with the man and those times.

Why is now the time to buy?

George Washington memorabilia is a rising market, and one that looks set fair for the long term. Three key factors are at play:

Baby boomers: This demographic is impacting the Washington memorabilia markets heavily. Baby boomers, those born between 1946 and 1964, own 80% of the world's wealth, and are retiring at an ever-increasing rate. They have the money, and now the time, to enter the collectibles market, and for those with an interest in American history, Washington will play an important role.

Patriotism: At a time when many Americans feel their country is more vulnerable than at any other stage in its history, patriotism is reaching new levels, and reverence for the founding fathers, those who established the American ideals, is at an all-time high.

Investors: A growing number of high-end investors with a passion both for US history and strong returns are buying in to the market as a way of bringing some exciting diversity into their portfolios.

The growing demand for Washington memorabilia is reflected by growth in values:

· A 1786 Washington handwritten signed letter to his nephew made $218,500 at Christie's in 2009

· Washington's Inaugural Address manuscript, previously thought lost, sold for $182,000 at Christie's in November 2011

· George Washington's personal copy of the Acts of Congress, featuring his annotations on the US constitution, sold for $9.8m at Christie's in June - a record for a US book. It was previously bought for $27,000 in 1964, representing a 13.07% pa rise in value.

Capitalise today

The strong figures are indicative of the growing demand for Washington's memorabilia as a whole. Yet if you're worried that you have already missed the opportunity to grab yourself a superb investment, I have great news.

A stunning Washington artefact remains on the private market at a fraction of the prices above.

We have a pre-revolution George Washington signed lottery ticket that you can invest in today for just £22,000 (approx. $34,410). Washington signed the ticket as manager of a lottery set up to raise funds for road works in his home state of Virginia.