Collectables gather more value

Published: Aug. 9, 2008 at 8:16 AM LONDON, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- The value of collectables is soaring, especially as an investment hedge against inflation, officials of the British firm Collins Stewart say. Collins Stewart, the world's oldest stamp dealership, Friday reported a 6 percent rise in profits to $3.5 million in the first half of 2008, including a 12 percent rise in rare stamp and memorabilia sales to $18.8 million, The Guardian reported. The reason is that collectibles are becoming a better investment in a time of rising inflation. "The benefits of investing in collectables as an alternative asset class have never been clearer," Collins Stewart Chairman Martin Bralsford told the newspaper. "Not only do rare stamps and historical signatures provide a means of diversification and a safe haven in difficult economic... [read full story]