What is My Campaign Memorabilia Worth? The American Society of Appraisers Offers Advice to People Wondering what their Campaign Collectibles Might be Worth Someday

Don't throw away that campaign mug just yet. What your political memoribilia is worth depends on what the item is, its condition, and and history of the candidate.

Herndon, Va. (PRWEB) November 5, 2008 -- Holders of a Barack Obama button or a McCain-Palin bumper sticker may want keep their collectibles in a safe place, as items from the historic 2008 elections may become valuable memorabilia in years to come, appraisal experts who are members of the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) advise.

They say campaign memorabilia may likely increase in value over the years, depending on election outcomes, an office-holders' legacy, or the events that shape an administration. Not only was this an historic presidential election, but there were scores of pivotal House, Senate and gubernatorial races. It was also the first time a former first lady ran for president.

"The value of an item comes after the campaign is over," said Allan Stypeck, a 35-year personal property appraiser and member of the American Society of Appraisers. "Political memorabilia is so much a part of this country."

Paula Hantman, Accredited Senior Appraiser of the American Society of Appraisers, said a president's profile plays a large part in the value of memorabilia. Hantman also said the rarer the item--such as an inaugural address or a pen used to sign an important document--will become more valuable. A PT109 tie tac from the Kennedy legacy is less valuable because there are a large number of them available through various commercial outlets.

Stypeck, an ASA Accredited Senior Appraiser who appraised the holdings of Fords' Theater in Washington, D.C. that houses an exhibit on President Abraham Lincoln, said the history of items plays a large part in an object's value. Items from the term of Willliam Henry Harrison hold particular value, Stypeck said, because the president died only 30 days into office.

Another key determinant in the value of political memorabilia is its desirability. Hantman and Stypeck said if an item is mass produced or in wide circulation, it won't be worth as much. Stypek added that as electronic campaigning becomes more popular, there are fewer tangible collectibles whose values may rise.

The rarer the item, the more value it holds. Stypeck counts a jug commemorating the inauguration of George Washington as the nation's first president as one of the oldest items he's appraised.

Both Hantman and Stypeck also warned to be aware of counterfeit campaign collectibles.

Collectors who want their pieces valued for their own curiosity, insurance or charitable purposes may consult an accredited appraiser. For more information about appraisals, or to locate an appraiser, log onto www.appraisers.org or call 800.272-8258 .

About ASA

ASA is an international organization of appraisal professionals and others dedicated to the education, development, and growth of the appraisal profession. ASA is the oldest and only major organization representing all disciplines of appraisal specialists, originating in 1936, and incorporating in 1952. ASA's headquarters is in the metropolitan Washington, DC., area. Visit the ASA website at www.appraisers.org

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