1. Think ahead. It’s always dicey to try to predict the future growth of any collectible market. But consider this fact: Movie theaters are now obligated to destroy or discard posters once the film’s run at their theater is through. Want to start a collection and have no money? Check out the dumpster behind your local movie house!
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Think Mickey Mouse. This tiny rodent never ever goes out of style. And he has worldwide appeal. Recently a piece of original art work with Mickey on it (entitled “Symphony Hour”) sold for $17,000. But there are lots of other items you can start with!

If toys are your passion, think Hot Wheels. These tiny vehicles are fetching big bucks. Check your attic, your basement, visit garage sales. Then check out prices. Some are going to $40 while others, more rare finds, are actually being sold for up to $22,000. That’ll fuel your bank account!

It’s the Real Thing! Everything goes better with Coca-Cola. And the older it is, the more it’s worth usually. But don’t limit yourself. Think Dr. Pepper, too! It has a great history and these items may be easier to find!

One of the top ten collectibles markets is smoking accessories. If it’s a hot market now, think of what it could be if the future of the cigarette industry is in doubt, as it just might be.

They once topped every farmhouse in New England and the Midwest. Yet today they are coveted by some of the most ardent of collectors. What am I talking about? Weather vanes. Recently, a grasshopper shaped weather vane sold for nearly $1,300. Now, you know which way the wind is blowing!

Thinking about collecting something today that may be worth something tomorrow? Think cell phones. Yes, I know they're everywhere right now. But so were weather vanes at the turn of the twentieth century. Who knows? If you don't see them appreciate in value, maybe your children will.

Looking for a hot collectibles item that is compact, easy to display and equally easy to store. I have two words for you: fountain pens. Indeed, whether you collect them because of the manufacturer or because that particular pen was used in a historic moment, you've discovered one lucrative market! A pen, used to sign the document creating Singapore's independence sold recently for $175,000.

Baseball bats. Used baseball bats at that. In fact, signed used baseball bats. If you can find bats used and signed by major league players, grab them. They are, indeed, a hot commodity at the moment. A bat used by Hank Aaron recently sold for more than $700