Does Limited Edition Really Add Value?

Many collectibles are produced in limited editions.many variations they have issued for extremely
What does "limited edition" mean? It means thatpopular items. This may indicate how they will
the issuing company promises that after thetreat your issue if it becomes really popular.
specified number of copies are produced, theAs an example, Bev Doolittle's "Pintos" limited
means of production are destroyed. The molds,edition print was so popular that it sold out very
screens and printing plates are defaced or brokenquickly. She has created other prints in the same
so no more copies of the item can be made byvein, which is quite legitimate. But, in addition to
the issuer.the original "Pintos" art print, the actual "Pintos"
The number of copies in an edition may alsoimage is included in books on the artist and in a
ensure the quality of the item when compared tosmaller size in a set of prints called "Hide and
others in the edition. With use, molds and platesSeek." This is completely legitimate. But there is
wear and the later copies are not as good as thenothing stopping her from issuing the same image
first ones. If the edition is small enough, the buyerin three other sizes of limited edition print, except
is assured that his copy is as crisp and finelyher regard for her own good name. And other
detailed as the first copies made, for all intent andpublishers could issue the print in other sizes, reap
purposes.big bucks and confuse the market until legal action
Limited editions try to preserve the value of thestopped them. So BE SURE OF YOUR SOURCE.
collectible by preventing later copies, whichAnd do your homework so you won't be taken in.
devalue the collectible, and the use of worn moldsAnother way to approach collecting limited editions
and printing plate, which produce inferior copies.is by identifying one or more producers you trust
Sounds good. All copies are produced fromand then purchasing only from these trusted
pristine molds and plates, and only a limitedsources. Warner Brothers and Disney produce a
number are available when the item is produced.number of attractive limited edition items with
But these points depend on the size of the edition.cartoon character themes. With their reputation
An edition of 5000 is quite large. What collectible isand corporate clout, you can be pretty sure the
going to be desired by 5000 people? Exceptingitems are legitimate and the limit will be observed.
the instant hit or a design of great beauty orThe only knock-offs anyone could get away with
originality, it may take years to sell the originalfor long is probably copies of movies and small
edition. Such a large edition means the the issuingstills, that are not limited editions anyway.
company will have copies available for sale forBradford Street is a well-known source for limited
years, and during those years the secondaryedition collectors plates. They produce items for a
market will undervalue the collectible. Why buy thenumber of artists and you may find one or two
item from some individual when it is still availablewhose work you like. Sign up to get the products
new from the issuer, unless you can get it for afor those artists automatically if you do not want
lower price? So, until the edition is sold out by theto miss an issue. Signing up will also get you
issuer, the secondary market price is going to benotification of other artists' works before the
lower that the issue price.release date so you won't miss other items you
Even after the issue is sold out, it may takewant.
years for the price on the secondary market toFenton Art glass creates a number of limited
equal the original price. If the edition was large,edition items. Iittala creates beautiful glass birds of
there may never be enough desire in thea very high quality and small editions. Artists
secondary market to drive the price up to thecreating glass paperweights create one-of-a-kind
original issue price. So for collectibles with largeor very small editions as the paperweights are
editions, the buyer must buy purely for personalcreated by hand by the artist. Caithness and
satisfaction, realizing that the item may not reallyother glass works create limited editions items as
have any "value" beyond its intrinsic beauty.well as open editions. Zippo lighters come in limited
For items with smaller editions, say 50 or 100, theeditions, with presentation boxes. Buck Knives
original price will be higher since the costs ofproduces limited editions.
production must be born by fewer copies.Nearly all manufacturers with a national or
However, the small edition is more likely tointernational presence have boxed gift sets, in
guarantee the value of the collectible, both duringlimited editions, of their finer products. Remember
the initial sale period and after it sells out at theRule Number One: these sets should include a
issuing company. Small editions for extremelycertificate of limited edition with an actual number
attractive or original items can mean almostof copies and the position this set holds in the
instant sell-outs. After an item sells out at theedition: 35 / 100. Keep the paperwork with the
issuing company, anyone who wants a copy mustitem, and handle the item as little as possible to
go to the secondary market to buy it and theretain any possible value.
price may begin to rise as soon as the edition sellsAs gifts, limited editions imply more value than
out. This is good, if you want your item to retainregular production items, and greater forethought
its "value" beyond the value you, as the owner,by the giver. Presentation boxes can improve this
place on it.impression as well. Looking into the possibilities of
In the case of extremely popular limited editionlimited edition American collectibles for your
items, forgery becomes a problem. Manyfriends and family members may strike a spark
"Remington" bronzes are in fact copies madefor you as well. The implied time to find a source
from an original Remington bronze byand purchase a limited edition American collectible
unauthorized persons and are not of the quality ofindicates your love for the recipient.
the initial sculpture. This makes buying on theAs you explore the world of limited editions, get
secondary market somewhat hazardous formagazines, specialty newspapers and even dealer
popular items. In this case, buy from a reputablepublications. You may not understand everything
dealer who guarantees its authenticity or haveyou read at first, but there will be something of
one check your copy BEFORE you buy it.value to you in the material. As you learn more
Limited editions will be marked with two numbersthe publications will make more sense and
separated by a slash, as in: 35 / 100. This meansbecome a valuable resource as you pursue your
that this particular item is the 35th copy of anparticular interests. Also, these publication
intended 100 copies. It is possible, if the issue doesfrequently have marketplace columns where
not sell well, that less than 100 may be created. Itclosed editions may be for sale, and you can
depends on the issuing entity. But by using thisstudy the prices and activity for artists you are
notation, the issuer promises that only 100 will beconsidering collecting.
created: at this size, of this material, with thisCollecting limited editions can be very rewarding
paint scheme, etc. The issuer can create otherand educational, but do not let the "limited"
series of this item in different sizes, or withdescription tempt you to pay more than you
different colors, interiors, etc. This is where thewould for the object otherwise, because limited is
reputation of the issuer comes into play again.in the eye of the beholder, and no guarantee of
Before you sign on to pay limited edition prices,greater value over time.
look into the issuer's past series and see how