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 Limited Editions
An often perilous venture for collectors is that
of the "Limited Edition ". The whole term
"Limited Edition" has fallen on hard times
of late, debased by it's use to include mass
produced collectibles from stuffed toys to
Elvis memorabilia. Few of these items even
retain their original retail value, let alone
increase in value.
The term "Limited Edition" in it's true sense got it's start in the
Fine Art prints market where
an artist would offer high quality lithographic prints of his original
work.The number of prints being limited generally to less than 500
copies, including the artist's "Proofs" for his own use (designated
AP), plus printer's proofs (designated PP).. In a very small number of
editions, there is an additional series called "hors de commerce"
(designated HC). All of the Artist's proofs, printer's proofs and hors
de commerce are all separately numbered and signed by the artist ( E.g.
Fred Jones- 37/500, 7/10 etc.)
While all of these features are no
guarantee of a good investment, they do help authenticate what you have
is indeed a limited edition item. Values for limited editions, like all
things collectible, are driven by the market. What's sought after today
might not be in five years, in the case of some items changes can be
dramatic. In the recent past it was possible to stuff a $100,000 worth
of a popular line of fluffy toys (See Above Image) in a large pillow
case¹, now the
vast majority of these stuffed animals fail to sell for less than fifty
cents at online auctions
¹ See image above
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