"I'm going to fund my grandchildren's education and I'd like to buy a bigger home in San Diego," he told local newspaper UT San Diego.
Comic book collector John Wise's story is an inspiration to any of us who would like to make our hobby not only pay its way, but change our lives for the financial better.
62-year-old Wise's collection of rare Golden Age comics auctioned last night.
 This comic will help put Wise's grandchildren through university |
Values were strong: A Flash Comics No.1 made $182,000. An Action Comics No.1 achieved $172,000.
And for Wise it is vindication.
Here is a man who knew what he was doing when he bought 175 vintage comics back in the 1980s.
He focused on rare, sought-after titles in top condition, and kept them carefully sealed in plastic sleeves, away from the grubby hands of his children and grandchildren.
Wise was confident that the market was going up. All that was required was patience.
He has now been rewarded with auction results that will enhance not just his life, but also the lives of his family. And all from a passion for collecting.
Play the long game
It's a salient reminder to collectors of the importance of taking the long view.
Whichever collectibles market takes your interest, I recommend a minimum hold of five years should you wish to see a profit. More is better.
Because when you consider that the rare autographs sector, for example, is growing in value at a rate of 13.0% per annum, each passing year can add significant value to your collection.
Sure, not all of us will be lucky enough to amass a collection that enjoys Wise's level of gains, yet even on a smaller scale, it's entirely possible to improve our future financial position with the help of collectibles.
Take first man on the Moon Neil Armstrong, for example.
You could have bought an Armstrong-signed photo for £550 ($920) back in 2000. Today one is worth £7,950 ($13,300). That £7,400 increase could easily have funded that work on the house you've been putting off, or that incredible holiday you've always wanted to take.
The 50th anniversary of the historic first Moon landing in 2019 will ensure values will continue to grow.
And when you consider that this is just one autograph, the potential for gains when you amass a suite of signatures, or other collectibles, is tantalising.
?� If you would like to learn more about successfully investing in collectibles, click here.
?� Or view my ready-made investment portfolios, which I've handpicked for their money making potential over the long-term.
Thanks for reading,
Paul
