Sat, November 14, 2026 at 12:30 AM UTC
New to collecting unique items like Pokémon cards or antique, Louis Vuitton trunks? While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of procuring these rare finds, you may be unknowingly making the No. 1 rookie mistake that costs amateurs thousands they won’t ever get back.
James Massey is a treasure archivist and founder at <a href="https://whatsellsbest.com/” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank”>WhatSellsBest, an independent research archive documenting the stories behind valuable collectibles like antiques, art, coins, jewelry and memorabilia, with a stated mission of helping everyday finders “identify, value and sell rare items.”
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What did Massey say is the biggest mistake new collectors make? Overpaying because they haven’t done enough research.
“An asking price isn’t necessarily a market value,” he said.
In fact, Massey said some purchases exceed their true value by (get ready for it) anywhere between $1,500 and $12,000!
Case in Point?
PBS’s Antiques Roadshow documented the case of a counterfeit Fabergé egg (a “faux-berge” egg) which sold for $15,000 when its true value was somewhere between $3,000 and $4,000. An authentic Fabergé egg would be listed for hundreds of thousands of dollars — something the buyer would have known had they done their research.
Similarly, a Greg Ohr pitcher was purchased for $2,000 when its estimated value was closer to a number between $100 and $200. Unbeknownst to the buyer, a fake glaze on the authentic George Ohr piece dramatically affected the item’s value.
How Can New Collectors Avoid This Costly Mistake?
First, don’t let excitement and emotion affect your decision-making. Massey said that collectors need to identify exactly what they’re buying and compare how much money similar items have sold for.
Next, consider the condition of the item and find ways to verify its authenticity. Consulting a reputable specialist is important prior to purchasing expensive items.
Alladan Flinn, founder and CEO at Based Trading Cards, said that scarcity is what creates urgency — and urgency is where overpaying thrives. However, supply can often be much larger than most collectors imagine. It’s, therefore, crucial to take a beat and drown out influencers and hype. Make sure to do your own research.
This article was provided byMoneyLion.comfor informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
