Anniversaries.
If you're looking to profit from collectibles, they offer huge potential.
On April 15, it will be the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic.
Interest in artefacts from the ship are subsequently at an all-time high, as major media coverage and a vast number of auctions whip the market into a frenzy.
In the past few days we've seen a first class menu from the last lunch ever eaten aboard the Titanic sell for £76,000, 172.8% more than a third class menu which sold for $44,650 (£27,850) in 2005.
And a two-page handwritten letter, written aboard Titanic, achieved $40,700 at a New York auction house last month.
And then there is Scott of the Antarctic.
On the 100th anniversary of his death on Friday, a letter written by Captain Scott just days before he and his men lost their battle with the Antarctic sold for £163,250 - beating its estimate by 8.8%.
The sale is further confirmation of the power of important anniversaries.
If you're kicking yourself for not having invested in Titanic or Captain Scott artefacts ahead of these dates, I sympathise.
But there is good news.
Because there are several other major anniversaries approaching that you can capitalise on, by buying now.
Take a look at these suggestions:
Short term: Marilyn Monroe
August 5, 2012 will witness the 50th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe's passing. Monroe's autograph has risen 7.82% pa in value since 2000, according to the PFC40 Autograph Index. It is currently listed at £6,750 ($10,600), and I expect it to surge higher as we approach August 5.
We have a limited number of Marilyn Monroe autographs currently in stock, including a superb advertising slip for her first movie, Love Happy, signed by Monroe on the reverse. It is available for just £3,950 (approx. $6,320).
Mid term: Winston Churchill
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I anticipate the 50th anniversary of Churchill's death, in 2015, to spark heightened appreciation of his life, and increase demand for his collectibles.
Churchill-signed photos have grown 7.82% pa in value since 2000, from £2,600 ($4,000) to £5,950 ($9,160).
We have one of the rarest items of Churchill memorabilia available: a handwritten letter by the future prime minister, written in 1904.
It is available for £4,950 ($7,600).
Long term: John Lennon
The 50th anniversary of Lennon's passing, which will occur on December 8, 2030, will receive major media attention and spark a rise in value for his memorabilia.
Lennon's autograph is already increasing rapidly in value - up from £695 ($1,080) in 2000 to £6,250 ($9,725) today, at the rate of 22.10% pa.
Our experts have obtained a superb rarity for you to invest in today: a glossy, colour photograph of Lennon, signed by the star in 1974.
Until next week
Paul
Paul Fraser
