A Gift to CherishA Gift to Cherish

Building a collection of valuable figurines can be a great way to expand your wealth, and selling these collectibles could be an easy way to generate additional income when you need it. If you are new to the world of collectible figurines, then determining the value of an item might be challenging.

Here are three simple tricks you can use to research the value of a collectible figurine before purchasing it in the future.

1. Look for a maker's mark.

Many of the most prestigious manufacturers of collectible figurines used special symbols to identify their work. These symbols can easily be used to help you determine the authenticity and origin of a particular figurine.

Since figurines made by desirable manufacturers will retain their value over time, you should become familiar with the symbols used by prominent figurine companies over the years. These symbols will help you determine if a figurine is an authentic piece created by well-known ceramic companies like Royal Doulton or Hummel, allowing you accurately determine value.

2. Look for condition issues.

When it comes to collecting figurines, condition plays an important role in determining the value of the item. While it's obvious that a figurine with a smudged face or a broken hand will not be worth as much as a figurine that is in pristine condition, there are some flaws that might not affect the value of your collectibles quite as much.

Since figurines are often made from porcelain, the same grading system used to evaluate fine china is used when determining the value of a collectible figurine. When you know that things like glaze slips or stilt marks (which can appear to be imperfections to the untrained eye) aren't signs of damage, you can more accurately evaluate the true value of a figurine you are considering purchasing.

3. Look at the market value.

The value of many collectibles fluctuates based on supply and demand. If you are trying to decide how much a particular figurine might be worth, it can be beneficial to research the current market conditions. Try to find similar figurines selling on both retail and auction websites. The selling prices of these items will help you more accurately determine what your own figurine might be worth if you tried to sell it.

You can also see how many figurines similar to the one you are considering have sold in recent years. Fewer figurines sold often means there aren't many available, which could help you investment grow in value over time.

Before buying anycollectible figurines for sale, be sure that you research its value by looking for maker's marks, imperfections, and market value.