5 Affordable Collectibles Experts Recommend for Under $100
For people who want to break into collectibles but don’t have a lot of money to spend, a $100 budget is enough to buy something with real craft or fan appeal. However, it may not necessarily be a surefire investment.
MoneyLion spoke with collectibles experts who emphasized researching items, comparing completed sales and buying something you would still enjoy if it never appreciated.
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1. A 1938-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar
Blake Alma, editor of CoinHub Media and owner of Lebanon Coin and Jewelry in Ohio, would put his $100 toward a 1938-D Walking Liberty half dollar in “fine” condition.
“Only 491,600 were minted, and it’s a recognized better date in a popular series with a beautiful design,” he said.
Alma said current retail examples run about $75 to $80 before shipping and tax.
“The appeal is owning a low-mintage classic at an accessible price, rather than betting on a sudden price jump before 2027,” he said.
2. A West Point Quarter or First-Year Lincoln Cent
For a smaller entry point, Alma suggested a 2019-W Lowell quarter in “brilliant uncirculated” condition or a Philadelphia 1909 VDB Lincoln cent in “about uncirculated condition.” He estimated retail prices around $25 to $26 before shipping and tax for each.
However, it’s important to be especially precise when shopping: the Lowell quarter needs the “W” mintmark, while the more affordable 1909 VDB cent (designer Victor David Brenner’s initials) is the Philadelphia version without an “S.” The much scarcer 1909-S VDB cent is a different, far more expensive purchase, he explained.
“Each offers something different,” he said.
3. An Original Pressing of a Beloved Album
For vinyl record fans, Inki Hong, founder of Recordbuilds, suggested that “the sweet spot is music you want to own, an edition other collectors have a reason to want and a sensible purchase price.”
He would consider an original 1988 pressing of Tracy Chapman’s self-titled debut, while early pressings of Sade’s “Diamond Life” and “Promise” would also be on his list.
Hong noted that original pressings can appeal to collectors, but an expensive listing alone does not establish value. A good starter purchase might be a desirable record in the $25 to $50 range that lets a new collector practice identifying editions and evaluating condition.
“At that level, you can learn how to identify pressings, judge condition and compare prices without committing a huge amount.”
4. A Distinctive Contemporary Vinyl Edition
Collectors interested in newer music might investigate a documented limited edition of an album they already love, such as editions of Magdalena Bay’s “Imaginal Disk” or Khruangbin’s “A La Sala,” Hong said. The key is to research the specific version, its production run and actual resale history because “a quick sellout doesn’t necessarily mean the demand will last,” Hong said.
Contemporary collectibles are often the most speculative. A fan base that continues to care about an album may support interest later.
5. A Damascus Folding Pocketknife
Brian Feiger, founder of Battling Blades, suggested a Damascus folding knife for someone drawn to craftsmanship and functional collectibles. One example is a folding pocketknife with a bone handle for $89.99.
A knife collection “can have a clear focus, such as a particular maker, blade shape or handle material,” he said. “That makes it easier to learn what distinguishes one piece from another and compare prices.”
Buyers should retain the receipt and identifying information, inspect for corrosion or alterations and understand whether they are buying an antique or a modern reproduction.
“Craftsmanship, condition, an identifiable maker and a reason people would want to own the piece. Rarity matters when there is demand,” he said.
Final Note: Use Completed Sales and Buy What You’ll Enjoy
It’s important to remember that collectibles are not liquid investments — you might also not recoup what you spent. The experts advised:
Compare completed sales for the same item in similar condition
Watch for fees
Avoid inflated viral listings or unsupported “rare” claims.
Additionally, while grading, original packaging and authenticity can matter, they should match the type of item. For example, Alma cautioned against cleaning coins, while Hong said both the record and its sleeve and inserts affect a vinyl purchase.
Never assume that the retail price you pay is what you could immediately sell it for either, Alma warned.
“Dealer margins, selling fees and shipping can take a meaningful bite out of a small purchase,” he said.
Another mistake is “buying something you don’t particularly like because you expect someone else to pay more later,” Feiger added.
With a modest budget, the best collectible may be one you can afford to research carefully and would be happy to keep, whether its resale value rises or not.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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