How much is your collection worth?

[griffin]

Most of that expense was during the last 10 years, with a better job (to catch up on older figures) and more current product being released (to keep up with). It just makes it feel a bit better to average it out over the entire 25 years.
Similarly, it won't take another 25 years to double, at the current release/purchase rate.

1985-95 - only 200 toys obtained during those first 11 years.
1996-2002 - most years I bought 50-100 toys
2003-2005 - most of these years I got around 200 toys
2006 - I got about 250 toys
2007 - I got about 350 toys
2008 - I got about 400 toys
2009 - I got about 310 toys
2010 - I got about 380 toys
2011 - so far I have about 400 toys (should pass 500 if we ever start seeing new product here again)

So if the trend continues at 400-500+ per year, it would only take me 7-9 years to double the collection (which is currently at 3,405).
(hope no one feels intimidated by these numbers - I don't throw them around much anymore in case it makes newer fans with smaller collections feel less important in comparison... I just wanted to illustrate the sheer amount of product we've been getting in recent years)

[1orion2many]

I used to be that obsessive Then they brought out the Movie lines, what a boon for my wallet, I have collected movie lines just no where near as much as the other lines. I must admit I've been catching up on some items I missed out on years back Alright maybe I'm still a little obsessive Just for curious people, I have my collection insured in the 6 figure sum

[UltraMarginal]

Most of that expense was during the last 10 years, with a better job (to catch up on older figures) and more current product being released (to keep up with). It just makes it feel a bit better to average it out over the entire 25 years.
Similarly, it won't take another 25 years to double, at the current release/purchase rate.

1985-95 - only 200 toys obtained during those first 11 years.
1996-2002 - most years I bought 50-100 toys
2003-2005 - most of these years I got around 200 toys
2006 - I got about 250 toys
2007 - I got about 350 toys
2008 - I got about 400 toys
2009 - I got about 310 toys
2010 - I got about 380 toys
2011 - so far I have about 400 toys (should pass 500 if we ever start seeing new product here again)

So if the trend continues at 400-500+ per year, it would only take me 7-9 years to double the collection (which is currently at 3,405).
(hope no one feels intimidated by these numbers - I don't throw them around much anymore in case it makes newer fans with smaller collections feel less important in comparison... I just wanted to illustrate the sheer amount of product we've been getting in recent years)

I read that with a mixture of Jealousy, awe, terror and wonderment.
though, like you said and Reflector too, it's not the size that matters, but how you enjoy it...

I've been folding up most of my collection over the last few weeks getting ready to move and I am constantly enjoying the way they fold back up into vehicle mode, especially last night, some of the animated figures are pure brilliance.

[Paulbot]

I read that with a mixture of Jealousy, awe, terror and wonderment.
though, like you said and Reflector too, it's not the size that matters, but how you enjoy it...

I read it and think: I had 200 toys by 1998, if I'd really put in the effort I could have all of G1 by now, but I was too lazy.

[GoktimusPrime]

Once you open something the value goes down instantly, so unless you're a dedicated MISB collector, your collection is probably worth less than you spent on it.

I know I have spent a lot over the years, and at times I have questioned "is it worth it" and then I try not to think about it.

Collecting toys is a poor form of financial investment IMO (unless you keep the sealed - but even then not all sealed toys will appreciate well... I still find MOSC Darth Mauls selling for $5 at collector fairs). If people want to invest, go buy blue chips or stock market shares or throw your money in a long term savings bank account.

To me it's been worth it simply from the joy I've received from playing with my toys rather than a monetary value.

[yoshi594]

Collecting toys is a poor form of financial investment IMO (unless you keep the sealed - but even then not all sealed toys will appreciate well... I still find MOSC Darth Mauls selling for $5 at collector fairs). If people want to invest, go buy blue chips or stock market shares or throw your money in a long term savings bank account.

To me it's been worth it simply from the joy I've received from playing with my toys rather than a monetary value.

I like to buy two of each toy if I can (if i like it and it's not too pricey). why you ask? I learnt my lesson back when was a kid when I had an european g1 gold box reissue of wheeljack. His right spoiler was stepped on and now the hole is filled up with the broken peg stuck inside. I wish i had money so i could have bought two, one to play with, the other for backup/Money if really needed.

I don't go for every toy in a particular series, so space isn't that much of a problem.

[GoktimusPrime]

I like to buy two of each toy if I can (if i like it and it's not too pricey). why you ask? I learnt my lesson back when was a kid when I had an european g1 gold box reissue of wheeljack. His right spoiler was stepped on and now the hole is filled up with the broken peg stuck inside. I wish i had money so i could have bought two, one to play with, the other for backup/Money if really needed.

I don't go for every toy in a particular series, so space isn't that much of a problem.

I find collecting one of each toy that I want to be darn expensive enough as it is! Don't think I could afford to go all Noah's Ark and collect two of every toy I want!

[yoshi594]

I find collecting one of each toy that I want to be darn expensive enough as it is! Don't think I could afford to go all Noah's Ark and collect two of every toy I want!

I couldn't imagine your collection x2. But yeah if the 2nd copy of the toy is a fraction of the first, why not?

[AJ_Prime]

I'm a relatively new collector and still haven't cracked the 100 (although I'm fast approaching that figure and getting close now), but I would estimate that I have probably spent about $2,500K on my collection.

Although that pales in comparison to some of the other members here (I'm still in awe and completely envious) I would agree that the intrinsic value far exceeds the monetary value. The sense of enjoyment I get from playing with them easily justifies the expense, as does the feeling of accomplishment from acquiring the figures I am after. I often just stand there and stare at my display in admiration (I know it's sad).

I figure that the appreciation of my (meagre) collection is something that lasts far longer than more consumable alternatives for my hard earned dollars ever would.

In summation: money well spent with no regrets.

[Bumbleb33]

176 Fellas = $5748.89

Yeah! :P