Item Value - Condition

To determine the value of an item, one must take into account three factors, condition, rarity and desirability.

Condition:

Condition starts at perfect and works its way down. Collectibles of the sort we are dealing with were not designed to last for years. When a relic is found the degree of its preservation is determined by either foresight or luck. The laws of physics remind us that all things will decompose eventually: Therefore preserving your collection requires effort. All valuables should be kept out of basements, garages and attics where temperatures can vary wildly and humidity can be high.

I have stopped being surprised when collectors, opening their boxes of cans for the first time in years, tell me “Boy, I remember these cans being in much better condition!” Even collectibles protected in climate-controlled rooms are not immune to tarnishing, fading or drying out. Preserving these treasures requires maintenance. While you own them you have a duty to keep them well.