#36-Garage Finds, Bugatti, and the Art Market
#36-Garage Finds, Bugatti, and the Art Market
“I build the cars I like. If people wished to buy them, well, that could possibly be arranged.” - Ettore Bugatti
Coins, Cards, Collector Cars, and Collectibles!
Thanks for reading The Attic Capital Newsletter - discovering, pondering, sharing… and hopefully inspiring the next generation of collectors.
Three Things -
We could talk about rare coins, sports cards, and cool collectibles all day long - but for now, here is this week’s Three Things.
#1 - Rare Coin Garage Find
A valuable coin collection was discovered in a Boston, MA garage that was untouched for nearly 60 years.
Inside the collection was a 1909 MS66 Half Eagle, a box of unopened mint-sealed Proof sets, and even rolls of 1945 Wells Fargo original half dollars.
Heritage Auctions sold the entire collection last week, bringing in $987,000.
I love hearing about these garage and barn finds, especially when they’re real! And from all accounts, so far, this one appears to be true. (sorry to be so skeptical)
If you’ve recently found a box of ancient coins in your garage, or if you have a barn full of dusty cars that say “Ferrari” on the hood… call me!
#2 - The Pebble Beach Bugatti
There were several multi-million dollar sales at the Gooding and Company Pebble Beach Auction this year.
A few of the highlights - a 1962 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta sold for $9.4 million, a 1972 Lamborghini Miura sold for $3.6 million, and a 1933 Alfa Romeo Cabriolet sold for $4.5 million.
My favorite rig from the auction? The incredible 1932 Bugatti Type 49 Roadster, which brought in $1.3 million.
For anyone who knows the Ettore Bugatti story and his passion to create amazing vehicles, you understand the significance of this model. The 1932 Type 49 was Ettore Bugatti at his highest peak.
#3 - Why Do We Collect?
Artsy has a new feature report on the art market, and factors influencing collectors in 2023.
The report included survey results from over 1,200 Artsy readers on trends inside the art world. But parallels from the art report can be seen in other collector markets.
For example, over the last 12 months, 75% of collectors bought the same or more art than they would have in a typical year. That’s a pretty strong indicator of art collector enthusiasm, even with the possibility of the overall economy slowing.
One of my favorite data points. When asked, “why do you buy art?” only 38% admitted they are looking to “make an investment.”
We all have to pay the rent, but I love seeing evidence of fellow collectors collecting for it’s own sake, and not focusing solely on profiting from every single decision we make.
Favorite Quote -
“I build the cars I like. If people wished to buy them, well, that could possibly be arranged.”
- Ettore Bugatti
Collector Questions?
Are my old marbles worth anything? You would be amazed by how many people collect vintage marbles. It’s incredible. And values for old marbles can be off the charts. People are constantly finding old marbles and asking me about values - I love it!
Ready to sell your coins? Here’s a few ideas on how to sell your coin collection online, from the comfort of your desk chair. Not sure where to go? You can sell them to me!
Featured Articles -
Feel free to share a few of our recent stories, and help me inspire the next generation of collectors!
Vintage Tonka Truck Restorations?! Yes, you read that correctly. There’s an entire community of Tonka truck mechanics, meticulously restoring old, busted up Tonka trucks. Here’s one of my favorite YouTube channels - Chip Channel Restorations. I want to do this!
Can’t Afford a Nolan Ryan Rookie Card? It’s ok. I can’t either. But you can still build an amazing Nolan Ryan collection by looking for all his 1970s Topps cards. And they don’t even need to all be PSA 10s. Drop down a few grades, and try to collect one from each year!
Question for You -
What is your favorite Twitter account and YouTube Channel in the collector community? Coins, comics, cards, cars, vintage watches… whatever it is, let me know so I can shout them out!
We have a YouTube Channel, but I need your help. What video should I make next?
Our visitor traffic is steadily growing - and they love collecting! Do you want to advertise with us? Reach out for rates.
Update - I’m still working on my Attic Capital Giveaway Plan! I will get there… eventually… stay tuned…
Thanks for reading, and have a great week!