cross-posted from: https://sh.itjust.works/post/15669474
This could be something that you bought for a higher price than what most people would guess based on the item, or it could be something you bought for a normal price that has gained significant value as time has gone on.
What made me think of this question is a LEGO minifigure I got with my “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” disc. It is Bilbo Baggins in a blue coat that was apparently only sold in that movie box only at Target stores. Even considering the exclusivity, I would have guessed maybe $10-20 for such a tiny piece of plastic, but there are sold listings on eBay from $80 to $225. I could possibly even get towards the higher end of that number since I still have everything in the original box in good condition. It’s not worth a ton compared to some other items people may own, but I think most people would not expect nearly that amount.
Bought a couple copies of a Magic card for $20 each, then they shot up to $80 each. Then it got reprinted and now they’re $25 each. (Ulamog, the Ceaseless Hunger)
I bought a funny drawing for $20 from Goodwill showing toony animals in an 80s office setting. It was extremely dated, down to portraying a mainframe computer with eyes on it, but there’s something about it I find absolutely charming and it has a place of honor above my fireplace.
A few years later, I looked it up on a whim, and it turned out to be a limited-run lithograph called “Bits” by Robert Marble in 1983, and it was worth a hundred bucks then (closer to $250 now). There’s only 750 copies of it ever made, and mine is a relatively low number (122).
There’s no way in hell I’m selling it, but it’s a really neat little story!
spoiler
My house… Used to be at least
Bought 2 acres of wooded land in North Carolina for $60k, 2 years ago and built a house on one of the 1 acre lots. Now an empty 1 acres lot is going for $100k next door. I guess land really is a great investment if you find a deal.
I have a LOT of comic books and it always surprises me when a book comes out of flipping nowhere to become valuable.
Example:
