Every four years, the Christmas season takes a bit of a hit. That’s due to the twinkling lights, carols and ornaments being overshadowed by unpleasant political electioneering. I’d wager most would agree the 2024 presidential campaign was the most divisive in memory. Honestly, not since the Nixon/McGovern election in the 1970s have candidates and their minions used such awful rhetoric. Republican or Democrat. It doesn’t matter. The vitriol from both camps was epic.
Another tradition that continues are the commemorative baubles and “collectibles” sold to supporters of the winner. Some are created in anticipation of the outcome. In 2016, Newsweek had an entire issue prepared and prematurely released chronicling the “win” of Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump. That errant “Madam President” issue mistakenly landed on stands.
I was lucky enough to spy one on a rack. Being curious, I paid the cover price of $10.00. The next day, I saw all the remaining copies had been pulled. Soon, sellers were trying to hawk them on eBay for $10,000. Really? Cooler heads prevailed. Today, that issue sells for around $150....
This being Christmastime, we may all have memories of dreaming for something we hoped/prayed Santa would bring. As we age, the desired items may have changed but the anticipation remains. The thing is, no matter the time of year, when it comes to collectibles, it’s vital to make sure the prized possession is actually something that is cherished - now and even more so in the future.
For 2024, the nomination of Donald Trump and the millions of votes he garnered spurred several companies to try to capitalize on that popularity. Today, Trump collectibles abound. (Truthfully, had Kamala Harris become the first female president, the abundance of “collectibles” would have been quantifiably even higher.)
For instance, in newspapers, full-page ads are promoting a “Make America Great Again” model train set. Many adults have fond recollections of trains they had as kids. Some are worth quite a bit. Not long ago, a mint-in-box Lionel 400E train set from 1936 brought $250,000 at auction.
The new Trump train has little if any chance of having substantial future value. The brightly colored three-car train, including engine, sells for $270. It comes with some track and a controller. It’s suggested more cars might eventually be made available also at $89.99 each. To promote sales, the ad claims, “Strong demand is anticipated, so don't delay. Order now!”
On top of that, late-night TV commercials are hawking a cavalcade of Trump “commemorative coins.” All feature various portraits of the president-elect. Some include campaign slogans; “E Pluribus Unum;” or other patriotic idioms. (And, yes, there are also Kamala Harris coins being sold.)
For the record, no matter how much these Trump or Harris items are referred to as “coins,” they are not. To be a coin it must be issued by a recognized government with a denomination making it legal tender. These are neither. The Trump/Harris items are, at best, shiny medallions.
Most are struck from a base metal coated with a microscopic layer of silver or gold. The use of precious metals makes them sound impressive with assumed value. Nope. They’re not. And based on similar, previously produced such items, they won’t be in the future. One Trump medal actually made of pure silver is selling for $199.99, plus shipping. Today’s actual silver value is $32.
Whatever level of passion a person may have for an elected official, I’m amazed at how many other alleged “collectibles” are available this Christmas season.
Just a few saluting Trump’s victory include charm bracelets; beer steins; tabletop Christmas trees; light-up bridge (for aforementioned model train); Trump finger rings; eagle sculpture with printed quote; “Vision For America” wall plaque; painted toy “Woody” wagon vehicle; $2.00 bill with colored Trump overlay; eight-piece Trump pocket knife set in illuminated display case; two-foot by three-foot art flags (one wishing everyone a “Trump-tastic New Year”); shot glasses; ornaments and on and on.
Again, in fairness, there are also many Kamala Harris items – invariably created in anticipation of her presidential win. Companies are surely hoping to get rid of as many as possible.
To add credibility, many items include a printed Certificate of Authenticity – one of the easiest and cheapest things to produce.
We all want to have a Merry Little Christmas. The right gift under the tree can help that happen. It’s just equally important there won’t be major regrets or collectible disappointment after Santa is long gone. Consider it a holiday caveat emptor.
For more collecting information and advice, log on to: http://prexford.com/.