Investing in Art, Antiques & Collectibles

Hard assets, such as art, antiques, gems and collectibles, are yet another way to diversify your holdings. Because hard assets often retain their value as inflation rises, they can provide balance to other asset classes that suffer more from rising costs.

However, because their value depends so heavily on supply and demand, economic conditions, and the quality and condition of a given piece itself, you may have trouble predicting if and when the money you invest in them will provide a return.

Collectibles include everything from high-priced antiques and works of art to stamps, coins, books and many other objects. Gems include diamonds, rubies, pearls, and certain other colored precious and semi-precious stones that can be purchased as loose stones (typically in parcels) or as jewelry.

What makes collectibles valuable?
Some collectibles are valuable because they are creations born of talent, skill and fine workmanship (for example, paintings, sculpture, musical instruments, glasswork, jewelry, furniture). Each item is inherently unique, and its value may be specific to that individual item. Other types of collectibles are valuable because they are rare or because scholars have attributed some significance to them (for example, coins, stamps, books, antiques).

These types of collectibles tend to hold their value over time, generally keeping pace with inflation. Many have the potential to appreciate in value. The value of these types of collectibles depends on many factors. A work considered an artist’s best would probably have more value than one of his or her mediocre works. Value may be added if an artist produced relatively few works. Items in better condition are generally more valuable than those that are in poor condition or that have been restored. The age of the item, its historical value, and its current popularity among collectors may all be factors in determining value.

But there’s another type of collectible that has no intrinsic value, such as baseball cards, memorabilia, bottles of wine, action figures, stuffed toys, and dolls. The worth of these collectibles is strictly in the eye of the beholder. They are only valuable if there is someone who is willing to buy them; they may be valuable today and worthless tomorrow. Though a savvy collector may profit from this type of collectible if his or her timing is right, serious investors typically seek collectibles that are less subject to changing tastes.

Why invest in collectibles?
Some collectibles increase in value, though they tend to appreciate slowly over a number of years (often several decades. On the other hand, they can decrease in value, and they do not generate income while you own them. So, making money is generally not a good reason to invest in collectibles.

Collectibles can, however, act as a hedge against inflation. This is why many investors are sometimes tempted to add them to their portfolios. Finally, collectibles offer an important intangible benefit that most other types of investments don’t–personal enjoyment.

Tradeoffs as an investment
They require specialized knowledge
One of the keys to investing in collectibles is to know what you’re doing. This requires a commitment of time and effort on your part. With art and antiques, even if you become reasonably knowledgeable, it can be difficult to determine an object’s true value, and fakes sometimes can fool even experts.

If a knowledgeable investor is willing to do some legwork, he or she may buy at auctions and estate sales. Otherwise, investors must enter the wholesale/retail market. Because retailers, galleries, and dealers typically mark up prices significantly, investors should seek a reputable and trustworthy person with whom they can do business.

There are many simulated collectibles on the market, and there are many unscrupulous sellers as well. Even with training and experience, it can be hard to recognize whether an antique or artwork is genuine or has been enhanced, forged, or tampered with. Here are some things you can do to manage this risk:

-Educate yourself as much as possible about the piece you are buying and the market
-Deal with a reputable and trustworthy dealer
-Hire an independent appraiser

Tip: You can find a qualified appraiser by contacting the American Society of –Appraisers or the International Society of Appraisers.

They require care and storage
You may need to transport, properly store and secure, maintain (e.g., clean, repair or restore), and insure your art and collectibles.

They can lack liquidity
It may take some time to sell your collectibles and you may have to sell at a less-than-desirable price if you need the money quickly. In addition, there is no organized or regulated marketplace where investors can buy and sell collectibles.

They may involve opportunity cost
Many collectibles require large outlays of capital. While you may derive great joy from owning them, that money cannot be invested in other vehicles that offer greater growth potential.

Subject to special long-term capital gains tax rate
Net capital gains from selling collectibles that are held longer than one year are not taxed at long-term capital gains rate but at a maximum rate of 28 percent. However, short-term capital gains on collectibles held for less than a year are taxed as ordinary income, just as other short-term capital gains are.

Provided by Ed Wettig, CFP, Wettig Capital Management which offers investment management, financial planning and retirement income strategies. Securities, insurance and investment advisory services offered through Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Wettig Capital Management is a marketing designation.