Anthony Love: Head of Collections

“In philately I think we’re going to see a continued global rise of interest in postal history.

“Next year should see items in this area continue to go for high prices as more and more new collectors are coming into this area of the market.

"Postal history gives a broader understanding of the wonders of postal systems - one of humankind’s greatest innovations - by going beyond stamps to envelopes, documents, stationery, machinery and more.

There was a great response to the postal history at our partner JC Auctions' recent Crown & Dragon sale, including Mulready envelopes, like these.

Mulready sheets were introduced alongside the first stamps, but the public didn't take to them. Now, they're a beautiful curiosity of postal history. Click this image to discover our full collection.

Paul Fraser, Chairman of Paul Fraser Collectibles

“My prediction is that trading cards will continue to attract interest and money, especially with some stand-out moments coming up in 2026.

“There are as many as 420 million trading card collectors in the world. That’s a hell of a market - the population of the US is around 340 million - and they’re dedicated to their hobby.

“In 2026 the FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States will heighten interest in sports cards in general and football or soccer cards in particular. Italian publishers Panini have been producing their World Cup albums since 1970 and you could see prices rising exponentially in this sector.

“In other sports the 75th anniversary of Topps baseball cards will drive massive interest.

“And Pokémon is 30 years old in 2026. Attention and publicity on the Japanese-created collecting cards is likely to push up prices.

"We will be watching the World Cup and its impact on the collecting world with interest."

The 1970 World Cup saw the birth of the Panini sticker album, and next year's World Cup will focus minds on the game, the tournament and its greats. You'll find many of them in our sports memorabilia collections, click the image to explore.

Mike Hall: CEO Paul Fraser Collectibles

“This prediction is quite contrarian…: After nearly 10 years of declining catalogue values and subdued collector activity, 2026 will mark the turning point for the British rare stamp market.

“Prices at the top end have now reached levels that simply look too cheap relative to global equivalents. Existing collectors have grown accustomed to buying great rarities on the cheap. AI will, however, bring in new collectors who do not suffer from a tainted view on the true, fair value of rare British stamps.

“We are already seeing increased competition as collectors in the US and Asia identify the value inherent in lower prices for some of Britain’s rarest stamps. I expect to see new collectors from these areas begin to have an impact on pushing prices upwards again.

“In recent years, British stamp collectors have been spoiled by a huge supply onto the market. 2026 will be the year this supply dries up, making it more difficult for collectors to find what they need for their collection.

“Many major rarities sold by Stanley Gibbons a decade ago are returning to market through our auctions for the first time and at today’s levels, they represent outstanding value.

“With rarity unchanged but prices at historic lows, the conditions are now in place for a meaningful recovery in 2026. I expect a re-rating of the great British classics and a noticeable shift in sentiment as collectors seize what could be the last genuine buying opportunity of this generation.”

What a stunning addition to any collection this 1888 £1 Brown-Lilac would be. Such GB classics are due an uptick in value. Shop for your GB stamps by clicking the image.

AI is coming and will change the game

"I also expect 2026 will be the year the application of AI will show its power in the collectibles market, permanently reshaping how collectors buy, sell, and value rare collectibles.

"For the first time, collectors will have instant, trustworthy pricing data, authentication tools, and market insights at their fingertips. These are the key friction points that have held the market back until now.

"Transparency is core to confidence in a market and as this increases a new level of liquidity will follow.

"AI-driven valuation platforms will bring tens of thousands of new participants into categories once considered “specialist,” particularly stamps, coins, and autographs. Sellers will discover that accurate, real-time valuations unlock far higher conversion rates, and buyers will engage more freely when pricing feels objective rather than opaque.

"The result will be higher price realisations and more active buyers in the market than we have ever seen before."

Andy Ozouf, Head of Marketing:

“The past 18 months have seen the luxury watch market slow right down.

“However, demand is still strong and the potential for real growth over the next 5 years is enormous.

“Choose carefully - you can start by downloading our Investing in Luxury Watches brochure.

“Follow the market for a couple of months and then make your first purchase. Buy from a reputable dealer and you won’t get stung.

“Watches with a number of complications (E.g. date, moon phase etc.) will always be in more demand.

“The Rolex chronograph is a great example.

"It's a hobby with real depth - you could challenge yourself to learn all the Rolex 'nicknames' for a start, beginning with this lovely Rolex "Hulk" here."

“Happy Christmas and a good 2026 of watch hunting!”

If your passion for timepieces is in need of feeding, keep checking in on our luxury, pre-owned watches section. Or get in touch.

One of the great rarities of the Rolex world fully earns its green-inspired "Hulk" nickname. Find out more about Rolexes for sale by clicking the image.

Daniel Wade, Head of Editorial

“Just three guitar groups have had a UK #1 with a new song this decade. Three! The growth of bedroom producers, and music labels’ preference for cheaper (and easier to control) individual acts are two main reasons.

“The glaring absence of modern bands in the mainstream makes those of yesteryear even more prominent in music lovers’ minds. Particularly those who represent the end of the era - I’m talking about the likes of Oasis, Blur, Pulp. What’s more, those who grew up in the 90s are now 40-somethings with the necessary nostalgia and disposable income to buy up the sounds of their youth - just look at the fervour around Oasis’ reunion this summer.

“Signed photos, signed LPs (very rare!), and stage-used instruments are all growing in demand and value from this era.”

As you were wondering, those three bands with #1s this decade were the Foo Fighters, the Killers, and the Teardrops.

We're confident that whatever your taste in music (and your age) you'll find something to love in our music memorabilia store.

90s bands are coming into their collecting peak. This heart-shaped box contains some of Kurt Cobain's hair. Click the image to discover your next music memorabilia treasure.