MICROSOFT, GOOGLE or the RUBY SLIPPERS of OZ?

Investing in Movie Memorabilia could provide staggering returns.

(PRWEB) August 12, 2004 -- Investors who have seen their stock holdings crumble in a volatile market have been looking to other investment vehicles that not only provide great returns, but also great conversation. The popularity of Movie Memorabilia -- collectibles such as movie posters, celebrity autographs and the props and wardrobe used and worn by stars in the creation of films -- has been growing tremendously in recent years.

According to Daniel Cohen, author of 'The Official Price Guide to Movie Autographs & Memorabilia, People want to own a piece of Hollywood. Instead of purchasing stock that amounts to a very minor holding in a company, investors have been buying significant pieces of movie history to display in their homes or places of business. They are creating their own personal museums, and at the same time are benefiting from amazing increases in the market values for their treasures."

There has always been a core group of cinema fans who have collected movie memorabilia, but the most dramatic changes to the collecting marketplace have been in recent years. According to Cohen, The most influential factors have occurred in the last 20 years, starting with the emergence of the memorabilia-themed restaurant chains like Planet Hollywood" and The Hard Rock Café" opening the worlds eyes to the magic of movie memorabilia. The major auction houses began showcasing sales of movie memorabilia in the late-1980s, with celebrity bidders such as Steven Spielberg and Michael Jackson paying record setting prices for items. But the most influential force has been the emergence of the Internet, and online auction sites such as eBay opening up the entire world to these types of collectibles."

Adding an incredible global demand to a very limited supply (some items are one-of-a-kind) and you create a recipe for meteoric rises in values for collectibles. Probably one of the most fabled examples is the case of the ruby red slippers worn by Judy Garland in the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz". Only a handful of the six to eight pairs designed for Garland have survived. The first pair sold at auction in 1981 for $12,000. The second in 1984 for $15,500. The third pair sold in 1988 for $165,000 and again in May of 2000 for over $662,000.

Author Daniel Cohen has been a collector and dealer of these types of collectibles for over twenty years, and the incredible popularity in this collecting area was the catalyst for writing his book. I wanted to create a handbook that served as an introduction to the specific terminology of these collectibles for the new collector. To try to illustrate why one poster from 1932 is worth $450,000 to a collector, and why one that maybe is older and rarer may be worth only a few hundred dollars.

Hundreds of thousands of different types of movie memorabilia can be purchased for prices ranging from a few dollars up into the millions. Cohens book lists current prices for thousands of different movie posters, celebrity autographs, animation art, original scripts and screen-used wardrobe and props. Anyone looking to purchase any type of movie collectible should do their research before making any purchase. Just as you would look at a stock-price history before investing in a stock, or look at comparative sale prices when purchasing a home, the prices in the book allow the collector to have an understanding of what the current price for a collectible should be, and what the indications for future values might be."

When looking at the present and future values of movie collectibles strictly from an investment point of view, the traditional economic rules of supply and demand dictate just as they do in the stock market. The main difference with collectibles is that the volatility of the stock market is a lot harder to gauge than the popularity of Hollywood and its legends. As long as people continue to love movies and movie stars, these Hollywood treasures will always be in demand.
The Official Price Guide to Movie Autographs and Memorabilia lists long-term and future values on movie props and wardrobe, celebrity autographs, posters and lobby cards, animation art, movie scripts and even Oscar® statuettes from the 1920s to today. This is THE resource for information and values for highly desirable movie star autographs, including Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, Judy Garland and todays top actors and actresses.

A complete introduction to the field of collecting, The Official Price Guide to Movie Autographs and Memorabilia includes a dealer directory and list of clubs, organizations and publications, as well as a glossary of autograph terminology. This guide offers the most up-to-date prices on these highly sought after pieces, as well as advice from author Daniel Cohen, the leading expert on autographs and movie memorabilia.

The Official Price Guide to Movie Autographs and Memorabilia is a journey through the history and diversity of film collectibles. In addition to over 300 black and white photographs, this resource includes a full-color insert showcasing some of the most desirable memorabilia, such as a "Gone with the Wind" script signed by the cast and a rare Mickey Mouse watch. The comprehensive price lists and complete industry information ensure that this is THE essential price guide for collectors of movie autographs and memorabilia.

House of Collectibles books are available on Amazon.com, by calling customer service at 1-800-726-0600, and wherever books are sold. For more information about the entire line of books published by HOC visit www.houseofcollectibles.com

About the author: Daniel Cohen has been a passionate collector and dealer of all types of entertainment-related collectibles for over 20 years. A noted authority of entertainment autographs, he is the operator of a full-time collectibles business, Daniel Cohen Autographs & Memorabilia. His Web site, www.danielcohen.com, features thousands of rare and unique collectibles in an illustrated online catalog and through weekly auctions.

Editors Notes:
o Images are available upon request
o Media Contact: Daniel Cohen, (905) 893-2328
o Interviews with Daniel Cohen are encouraged

Academy Award and Oscar are the registered trademarks and service marks of the Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences.

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