Collecting things can be a lot of fun, and sometimes, it can also be quite profitable. But not all collectibles appreciate in value over time. In fact, some once-prized items have dramatically decreased in worth. Let’s take a look at twelve collectibles that have lost their value over time.
1. Beanie Babies
Remember the Beanie Baby mania of the 1990s? These cute, plush toys were once seen as a major investment, with some selling for thousands of dollars. However, the market for Beanie Babies has dramatically dropped. The majority are now worth just a few dollars, if that. The lesson here is that just because something is popular at one time, that doesn’t necessarily mean it will hold its value.
2. Hummel Figurines
Hummel figurines, based on the drawings of Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel, were once highly sought after by collectors. These adorable ceramic figures reached their peak in the 1970s, but the market has since declined significantly. With the younger generation showing little interest in them, their value has dropped considerably.
3. Franklin Mint Collectibles
Franklin Mint was known for producing a wide variety of collectibles from coins to dolls. While these items were marketed as limited edition and valuable, the reality is, they’ve lost much of their value. The huge quantity produced and the lack of a strong market demand have contributed to their depreciation.
4. 1990s Sports Cards
In the 1990s, collecting sports cards was a popular hobby, with rare cards fetching high prices. However, overproduction in the 1990s led to a decline in value. Most cards from this era are now worth very little, especially compared to vintage cards from the 1950s and 1960s.
5. Thomas Kinkade Paintings
Known as the “Painter of Light”, Thomas Kinkade’s mass-produced artwork was incredibly popular in the 1990s and early 2000s. However, the value of his work has significantly decreased since his death in 2012. This is largely due to the oversaturation of his pieces on the market.
6. Precious Moments Figurines
Precious Moments figurines, with their distinct teardrop-eyed children, were a hit in the 1970s and 80s. But their popularity has waned, and with it, their value. While there are a few rare exceptions, most Precious Moments figurines are worth significantly less than their original price today.
7. Cabbage Patch Kids
The Cabbage Patch Kids craze in the 1980s saw parents scrambling to get their hands on these dolls. While they were a hot commodity back then, their value has significantly dropped. Only a few rare dolls fetch a high price today.
8. McDonald’s Happy Meal Toys
While always more of a fun bonus than a valuable collectible, many people amassed collections of Happy Meal toys hoping they would increase in value. Unfortunately, with few exceptions, these toys are usually worth only a dollar or two.
9. Norman Rockwell Plates
Norman Rockwell’s artwork is beloved, and in the 1970s and 80s, plates featuring his art were popular collectibles. Unfortunately, the market for these plates has dwindled and they are now worth very little.
10. Lladro Figurines
These beautiful, delicate figurines were once prized by collectors, but their value has decreased over time. The decline is largely due to changes in decorating tastes, as well as the high initial retail prices.
11. Longaberger Baskets
Handcrafted Longaberger baskets were collectibles in the 1990s. Their value has decreased significantly due to the company’s bankruptcy and the changing tastes in home décor.
12. Department 56 Villages
These miniature holiday villages were a hit in the 1980s and 90s. However, due to their fragility and the large amount of storage space they require, they’ve become less popular and their value has decreased. Today, it’s often difficult to sell these pieces, even at a significant loss.
