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Collectible marbles evoke youth

Do kids still play marbles? If memory serves, we drew a big circle in the dirt and used a shooter marble to knock smaller marbles out of the circle. The phrase “play for keeps†comes from the practice of keeping the marbles that a player knocked out of the circle.

Most of the marbles we see today are glass marbles. Vintage glass marbles are good collectibles. They are easy to display, recall our youth and are relatively inexpensive.

Marble games originated in ancient Rome and Egypt. The name comes from the use of marble stone and alabaster, which is white marble, to make the round game pieces. But real marble was expensive. By the 1800s, clay was the material of choice for marbles. These are the kind I collect.

Local potteries had their young apprentices making marbles in their spare time. A clay marble was made exactly the way you would make a marble if someone handed you wet clay. Small amounts were rolled between the palms of the hand until a round shape was formed. These small clay marbles dried quickly.

Unglazed marbles made from colorful clays were simply poured into pitchers or open jars for firing. Since they didn’t have glaze on them, they didn’t stick together or harm the jars. Glazed marbles were rolled in a flat tin of glaze and then fired on the kiln shelves next to the regular pottery offerings. If you look at glazed clay marbles, you will see round spots where they touched the shelf and other marbles. After firing, they were knocked apart and given away or sold for almost nothing.

In 1846, a German glass blower invented special scissors that could cut hot glass during the glass blowing process. He perfected the technique, added color to the glass and made the first glass marbles. They were an immediate hit. Glass marbles were perfectly round, allowing a marble player to more accurately predict where a marble would hit and roll. Later, hot dollops of glass were dropped onto metal plates, where steel rollers formed the round orbs. Bright colors and intricate patterns were created within the glass. Marbles are being made in virtually the same way today.

An expert marble collector can tell the old ones from the new ones by their size, color and design. But, because glass does not show its age in the same way as wood or metal, it’s best to buy old marbles from a reliable source until you are more familiar with collecting these amazing items. There are several marble game accessories that are fun to collect as well. Vintage board games, shooters, marble bags and other items will make your collection more interesting to display.

3 Marvel Collectibles to Shop for If You’re a Superhero Geek

Welcome to the ultimate haven for all superhero geeks! Yes, we are talking about the infamous Marvel collectibles, targeting everyone who yearn to hold a piece of superhero history in their hands. It’s a realm where heroic legends come alive and where the ordinary meets the extraordinary.  

To sum up what this article involves, we’re going to be talking about the following in more detail:

  1. Hot Toys Marvel CosRiders
  2. Hot Toys Scale Figures
  3. Marvel’s Mini Co Figures

With these collectibles, prepare to be transported into a world where Spider-Man’s web-slinging adventures are waiting to be unlocked, Captain America’s iconic shield gleams with patriotic pride, and the mighty Thor’s enchanted hammer rests, waiting to be claimed.  

What better way to celebrate your love for these superheroes than by adding some extraordinary Marvel collectibles to your prized collection? Unleash your inner hero by getting your hands on Just Geek’s wide range of Marvel collectibles. 

From Spider-Man’s Green Goblin to President Loki’s Hot Toys, there is something for everyone here. This is where the Marvel Universe comes alive, and you hold the power to bring its heroes home.

Our extensive range of Marvel collectibles can be a little overwhelming. To help you out, we’ve made a list of our favourite Marvel collectibles, bound to look absolutely marvel-ous in your home.Â

Let’s get started! 

1. Hot Toys Marvel CosRiders

If you are a superhero geek who loves both collectibles and unique displays, then Hot Toys CodRiders are a fantastic addition to your collection. There’s something really enchanting about having miniature versions of your favourite Marvel characters. 

Perhaps it’s the combination of your favourite Marvel characters with their signature, retro-style motorcycles. A perfect blend of adorable and badass, you can find these Marvel CosRiders on the Just Geek store. 

It isn’t just limited to Marvel CosRiders, there are also Captain America CosRiders, featuring the First Avenger riding an old-school motorcycle from his debut movie. Similarly, you can find characters like Loki, Star-Lord and Black Panther to name a few. Â

These are meticulously crafted with highly detailed illustrations and intricately designed motorcycles, creating a visual delight. Its attention to detail and great quality are just some of the factors contributing to their desirability. 

CosRiders capture the essence of each character’s personality perfectly, and bring an element of action and adventure to your collection. Impressive features, such as rocking motion, sound and LED light-up function add a sense of adventure to these collectibles. Hurry up and get your hands on these irresistible CosRiders on Just Geek’s store!

2. Hot Toys Scale Figures

marvel merchandise for geeks, Loki display figurine

No Marvel collection is complete without the addition of Hot Toys 1:6 Scale Figures. These highly sought-after collectibles are a true testament to the unparalleled craftsmanship and attention to detail, a feature Hot Toys is reckoned with. 

Each figure is crafted with utmost care to recreate the iconic suits worn by various Marvel’s superheroes. Not only will scale figures allow you to claim a piece of cinematic history but add a layer of uniqueness and exclusivity to your collection. From Spider-Man’s Miles Morales to Marvel’s Winter Soldier, you can own it all!

The intricate and detailed skin textures of Marvel’s War Machine or the sleek web patterns on Spider-Man’s costumes, these figures never fail to bring the Marvel Cinematic Universe to life thanks to their astonishing detailing.Â

Pre-order your favourite Scale Figure on our store and watch your collection become a breathtaking tribute to iconic heroes!

3. Marvel’s Mini Co Figures

marvel figurines, Thor display piece

Have you heard this saying, ‘Sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest impact’? This stands true when it comes to collectibles, especially our Marvel’s Mini Co-figures. In fact, Spider-Man’s Minifigure from the 2013 Comic-Con is worth a fortune. This shows just how loved mini figures are among fans.Â

These adorable yet highly detailed figures perfectly capture the essence of Marvel’s iconic characters in a compact size, making them a great addition to your display. 

However, don’t be fooled by their size. They boast impressive craftsmanship with intricate sculpting and vibrant colours. They capture your faction hero’s personality beautifully. From Captain America to Endgame’s Thanos, our extensive range has something that caters for all, geek or not!

Whether you’re looking to create a charming display or add a touch of Marvel magic to your workspace, these Mini Co Figures are a delightful addition to your superhero geek’s collection. 

If you are a die-hard fan of the Marvel Universe, then you know that collecting memorabilia is not just a hobby; it’s a way of life. And Mini Co figures are a definite keep in our eyes! 

5 Popular Collectibles Expected To Soar in Value Before the End of 2025

Many people collect toys, coins, Legos, comics and other items for the sheer joy of owning merch from properties and characters they love. Others view these items as investments , with an eye on re-selling them in mint condition down the line to make a profit.

According to global market research firm Market Decipher, the annual toy, figurines and consumer collectibles market is worth roughly $52 billion, globally. This encompasses both toys and collectible figurines.

Here are some popular collectibles that experts expect to see rising in value this year.

Marvel Funko Pops

Funko Pops, plastic bobble-head dolls made by one of the top collectibles manufacturers, are often hit-or-miss. While some appreciate, others are relegated to the Target bargain shelves or destined for BOGO sales.

YouTuber Slapshotpops recommended investing in Marvel Funko Pops that will have movie tie-ins in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2025. The show host spotlighted Betty Ross, the Red She-Hulk. This figure checks off several boxes as a solid collectible. There is only one Red She-Hulk figure released to date, back in 2017. If the Red She-Hulk appears in the upcoming Captain America : Brave New World, the price of the toy could skyrocket.

Retiring Lego Sets

Every year, Lego releases a list of kits set to retire throughout the year. Not every retired set will go up in value, but it’s worth keeping tabs and, perhaps, investing in a few to keep mint-in-box if you spot them in stores today. As the year goes on, these sets may be more difficult to find.

The Lego Icons Boutique Hotel will retire at the end of the year. According to YouTuber Stud City , it went on sale for $165 on Amazon in 2024. However, if you can find it for the retail price of $229 now, it’s still worth picking up. Other sets that may retire in 2025, according to Reddit , include the Daily Bugle, several Harry Potter sets and The Razor Crest (Star Wars).

Trump Memorabilia

As Donald Trump takes office in January, collectors are predicting that merchandise and memorabilia, especially anything signed, may appreciate in value throughout 2025. Whether you love him or hate him, you can try to make some money off the polarizing president. If you have thousands to spend, you might even try investing in some of these items from Trump’s first presidency that are now worth a lot of money.

Space Memorabilia

As SpaceX founder Elon Musk plays a large role as an unofficial advisor to incoming President Trump, space travel is likely to take center stage in 2025. That means the values of space-related memorabilia may also rise “to the moon.â€

High-value items may range from historic astronaut flights suits that may go up for auction to signed astronaut photos, moon rocks and anything that has been in space, including these limited edition silver coins that launched to the International Space Station on a Falcon-9 rocket, spent 14 months in space, and returned on a SpaceX Dragon.

K-Pop Collectibles

K-pop (Korean pop) has maintained its popularity across several decades, and according to Market Decipher , the global market for K-pop memorabilia is set to grow at a rate of 4.2% between 2023 and 2033, with photo cards holding the largest market share.

Keep an eye out for anything from Choi Seung-Hyun, the former K-pop rapper with the band BigBang, who reached new levels of stardom on Netflix as Thanos in season two of Squid Game.

Final Take

Keep the words of PaulFraserCollectibles.com in mind when it comes to predicting the future value of collectible merch. “[Y]ou shouldn’t take this too seriously,†the UK-based reseller wrote on its blog. “[I]t’s a trade in passions and that means volatility is built in.â€

Buy what you like and what will bring you enjoyment today, with the added bonus of making money if it appreciates tomorrow.

The Future of Collectibles: Sports Memorabilia Market to Hit $271 Billion by 2034

The growth of the trading card and memorabilia market seen in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic has been widely covered. Perhaps the subject of even more coverage has been the speculation that this growth is unsustainable. Based on new research from Market Decipher, there is reason to be very bullish on the future of the hobby!

The trading card and memorabilia market has never been healthier according to new research from Market Decipher.

They predict that the global memorabilia and trading card market is poised for extraordinary growth, with forecasts predicting a surge from $33.6 billion in 2024 to a staggering $271.2 billion by 2034, according to the Market Decipher report. They note that through growing consumer interest, digitization, and expanding accessibility through online platforms, the market is expected to grow at a remarkable compound annual growth rate of 22.1% over the next decade.

Key factors fueling this growth include the rising popularity of live commerce platforms like Fanatics Live, Whatnot, Ebay among others, which combine entertaining real-time interaction with instantaneous e-commerce. These emerging sales channels offer an engaging marketplace for fans and collectors alike. The pandemic accelerated the shift to e-commerce, with platforms like eBay seeing substantial surges in sales during lockdowns.

Fan loyalty and emotional connections to teams and athletes remain at the heart of this booming industry. Record-breaking auctions, such as Babe Ruth’s $24M World Series jersey and Michael Jordan’s $10.1M game-worn jersey, underscore the investment potential of iconic memorabilia. Yet, the market is becoming increasingly accessible to casual collectors through modern platforms offering authenticated items.

Sports trading cards represent a significant growth driver, with the sector projected to grow from $14.9 billion in 2024 to $52.1 billion by 2034. Technological advancements, including online trading and live events, have elevated the appeal of both modern and historical cards.

With North America and the Asia-Pacific regions leading the market, factors like rising affluence, urbanization, and demographic shifts are broadening the collector base. Peer-to-peer sales, university collectibles, and emerging markets highlight the evolving consumer mindset.

As the market expands, digital innovation, high-profile auctions, and fan-driven commerce will continue to shape the future of collectibles, transforming a nostalgic and beloved hobby into the high-value global industry.

What Everyone Needs to Know About Funko Pop

We all have those childhood movies we love or that show we’ve binge-watched a thousand times. Typically, one of the biggest reasons we have these attachments and nostalgia around movies and shows is because of the characters, from how we connect with them to the joy they bring us.

Funko Pop is the latest way to connect to characters from all your favorite shows, movies, and pop culture. Let’s find out together all you need to know to start the endless fun of acquiring your favorite Funko Pop collectibles.

What Are Funko Pop Collectibles?

Funko Pop collectibles are vinyl figurines of characters from pop culture, movies, and real life. They are unique and immediately recognizable due to their signature oversized heads and black eyes. Funko Pop has become quite popular around the world since its rise to fame in 2010.

Funko Pop originally started in 1998 by a toy collector who wanted to create a toy-like mascot for a restaurant franchise based in Michigan. In 2005, under new ownership, Funko Pop figurines were first created. It is estimated that today, there are over 8,300 Funko Pop designs!

Why Are Funko Pop Collectibles Popular?

Funko Pop figurines cover characters from a vast array of pop culture, movies, and television shows. These fun, adorable figures have also been made for the gaming community and other markets that typically do not have much merchandise.

Simply put, Funko Pop is a way for people to connect to a character they have fallen in love with or a movie or television show they have nostalgia around. We all remember the first time we were introduced to the characters from “Spiderman†or “Harry Potter†or when we binged “Stranger Things.†Funko Pop collectibles are a fun way to commemorate those memories with adorable figurines of your favorite characters!

Funko Pop collectibles are generally affordable and accessible to the public, making it easy for most people to buy as many as they want. Funko Pops usually sell for under $15 but beware – the company makes a limited amount of each character created, so the figures always sell quickly!

Is Funko Pop Collecting Worth It?

Most people collecting Funko Pop do it for the love of the characters they can find and the fun they can have with their collections. Funko Pop collectors have also found a sense of community and belonging with others obsessed with these vinyl figurines; you cannot put a price tag on connection and friendship!

There are some rare Funko Pops that can get youhigh dollar if sold, but if the sole reason you are collecting Funko Pop is for monetary value, you may want to find something more profitable to collect.

Top 7 Rare Funko Pop Figures

“Clockwork Orange†(Glow-in-the-Dark Chase Limited Edition of Alex DeLarge)

“Game of Thrones†(Freddy Funko as Jaime Lannister)

Freddy Funko as Count Chocula

Stan Lee (Superhero)

“Star Wars†(Darth Maul)

Dumbo

Boo Berry

How To Start Collecting Funko Pop

There is no right or wrong way to start your Funko Pop collection. Most people start by choosing characters they love and buying them. It’s hard to stop!

Do you have fond memories of reading “Spiderman†comics and watching the movies? Finding the perfect Spiderman Funko Pop may be just the right way to kickstart your newest obsession. Did you binge-watch “Stranger Things†with your best friend? What better gift for them than a “Stranger Things†Funko Pop character!

Funko Pop collectibles come in many different categories, sizes, and editions. Some collectors choose to hone in their collection in categories, whether it be specific movies or shows, sizes, or Funko Pop finishes. No matter what category you choose to start your Funko collection, you can add to it with more favorites as you find them.

Funko Pop Finishes

Sepia

Black and white

Invisible

Metallic

Translucent

Flocked

Glossy

Glow-in-the-dark

Where Can I Get Funko Pop Collectibles?

Funko Pop figures can be found in mainstream stores, comic/gaming shops, online! There are also many Funko Pop collector’s groups that are online or in person where you can trade and connect with other Funk Pop enthusiasts.

Should I Keep My Funko Pop in the Box?

Once you get your hands on your favorite Spiderman Funko Pop or “Stranger Things†Funko Pop, the great debate is whether to keep it in the box or not. Deciding to keep your Funko Pop collectible in the box or take it out really depends on why you are collecting and what you want to do with your fun figures.

Obviously, Funko Pops will be more valuable in the box among collectors. If selling your Funko Pop collectibles at the highest price possible is important to you, keep them in the box. If you are more interested in the fun of collecting and using them, take them out of the box and let your imagination run wild!

What Can I Do with Funko Pops?

The possibilities are endless with Funko Pop. While collecting, trading, and selling are all great things to do with Funko Pop collectibles, people have also used them to create scenes with characters, take pictures for social media, or create movies and other art. You would be surprised by the social media following some Funko Pop collectors have!

You can display your Spiderman Funko Pop and “Stranger Things†Funko Pop characters on shelves or in specific configurations on a coffee table to reflect a favorite movie scene. If your collection gets big enough, you may need to devote a whole room in your house to it, like some collectors have done!

How Do I Know I Have an Authentic Funko Pop?

Sadly, there can be counterfeit Funko Pops. There are several ways tocheck if a Funko Pop is legit. When buying a figurine, make sure to inspect the box or ask for pictures. Fake Funko Pops often have strange borders, missing logos, or wrong numbering, coloring, and stickers.

Funko Pops always have unique number made up of the year and item number. If a Funko Pop collectible is missing this, it’s most likely fake. These item numbers are easy to look up and verify online.

Funko Pops have the Funko LLC logo on the bottom of the character’s feet, below the back of the skull, or under the character’s chin. If you can’t find the logo, it most likely isn’t real.

There are so many possibilities with Funko Pop collectibles. Connect to the joy and memories the characters from your favorite movies and shows have brought you with these funky, cartoon-like figures. It’s hard not to smile once you have one in your hands!

Reference: americasantiquemall.com

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