The Art of Diecast Collecting
There are the Jay Lenos and Jerry Seinfelds of this world who own rare cars and motorcycles they house in climate controlled environments – motor museums for the rich and famous. But, most car collectors around the world opt for cars of more modest size and investment. The die cast collector crosses all social and economic boundaries – from people who buy affordable miniatures just for fun to collectors who engage in auctions where a model can fetch hundreds of dollars or more.
History on Small Wheels
Model cars first appeared in England and the U.S. in the early 1900s. Unlike the detailed die cast models of today, they featured painted shells and no interior adornment. They were also made of metal alloys that that didn’t stand the test of time – they rusted and cracked, and few survive today. But, it wasn’t long before manufacturers caught on to the idea that there was a market for model cars, trucks, airplanes and farm equipment. As popularity increased, so too did the quality of manufacturing and attention to detail.
Matchbox cars made in England by Lesney appeared in 1947 and started a new trend. The fledging company’s first blockbuster was in 1953 when a million miniatures of Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation Coach were sold. But, the Matchbox concept was inspired much closer to home for Jack Odell (co-owner of Lesnsy) when he designed a toy that could be taken to school by his daughter. School rules dictated that only toys capable of fitting into a matchbox would be allowed in the classroom. Odell complied with the rule by making a miniature car with rolling wheels and sent his daughter off to school with a toy that became the first Matchbox car and the first page in a mass marketing success story.
Each tiny car fit neatly inside a box the size and design of the traditional matchbox. Every line of cars had 75 different vehicles and gave people – children and adults – a body of styles to collect, trade and save.
At the same time, other die cast cars hit the fast lane. In the 1950s Mettoy, producer of the popular Corgi brand, paid particular attention to interior detail and installed clear plastic in window frames. Miniatures with such detail went beyond simple toys to collectibles.
Precious to Popular
Then, in 1968, Hot Wheels got the rapt attention of America’s boys. Hot Wheels was Mattel’s plan to reach the market of boys in the same way that Barbie Dolls had captured the attention of girls. The idea was wildly successful and introduced the concept of collecting to young boys who might one day become adult collectors of more sophisticated die cast cars.
In the ensuing years, die cast manufacturers were increasingly focused on the collectors’ market. Mainstream corporate customers saw the value of having their logo and brand on vehicles and Sears, Coca-Cola, Texaco and other companies ordered die cast models bearing their signatures.
Manufacturing Market Changes
For many years, these detailed models made with increasing accuracy and quality were produced in the U.S. and Great Britain. But, by the 1980s, the economic climate changed as a worldwide marketplace emerged. The cost of domestic manufacturing didn’t match revenues and many companies declared bankruptcy or traded hands. Production moved in a great exodus to China and other Far Eastern centers where cheaper labor was available. Mattel was among the first to make the big shift and was rewarded with continued success. Mattel eventually bought Corgi and Matchbox.
Collectors Expect Quality Control
Many other die cast manufacturers joined the movement and, today, there are hundreds of companies offering die cast models of varying cost and quality to collectors all over the world. It would be a mistake, however, to assume that die cast quality went down along with domestic production. Since the market is so competitive and demand for quality among collectors is very high, producers in Hong Kong, Makau, Indonesia, Shanghai and elsewhere are under a bright spotlight.
World over there are die cast clubs that cater to collectors of specific models. There are online auctions in which rare models are purchased for record high prices and collector forums where fans exchange ideas and trade cars. Die cast models seem to capture the fascination of people from all walks of life and economic standing. Affordable, accessible and, at the same time, exclusive and rare, die cast cars appear to have built a significant niche in the world of collecting.
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Invest in Platinum with American Platinum Eagle Coins
The American Platinum Eagle is the official platinum bullion coin of the United States of America. It is one of three coins offered under the Congressionally authorized American Eagle Bullion Coin Program, along with Gold and Silver Eagles coins. Platinum Eagles have proven themselves to be popular with both precious metals investors and coin collectors.
Platinum Eagles were first issued in 1997. Authorization for the new coins came from the Omnibus of Consolidated Appropriations for Fiscal Year 1997 (PL 104-208). Coins were released under US Mint Director Philip N. Diehl and US Treasury Secretary Robert E. Rubin.
The coins are minted to exacting specifications and are guaranteed for weight, content, and purity by the United States Government. Coins are offered in four different denominations, each with a specific fractional amount of .9995 fine platinum. The $100 face value coin contains one ounce of platinum, the $50 face value contains one-half ounce, the $25 face value contains one-quarter ounce, and the $10 face value contains one-tenth ounce.
Platinum Eagles are offered in either uncirculated or proof versions. The uncirculated version of the coin is offered through a network of authorized bullion dealers at the spot price of platinum plus a mark up. The proof version of the coin is offered directly from the US Mint to coin collectors. Prices are set each year, but can be adjusted in the event of a significant change in the market price of platinum.
The design used for the obverse of the coin is a rendition of the Statue of Liberty by US Mint Sculptor/Engraver John Mercanti. The design used for the reverse of the coin is an image of a soaring Bald Eagle by Thomas D. Rogers.
Starting with 1998, the reverse of the proof version of the coin began to feature a rotating design under the Vistas of Liberty series. This program lasted for fives years and used designs which highlighted natural landscapes of the United States.
Recently, the Platinum Eagle Coin series celebrated its tenth anniversary. In celebration, the US Mint issued a special 10th Anniversary Set. This set included two half-ounce platinum eagle coins. One featured a standard proof cameo finish, with frosted raised design elements over a mirrored background. The other featured a special reverse proof finish. This type of finish has mirrored raised elements and a frosted background, the reverse of the traditional proof style.
In recent years the price of platinum has experienced significant gains impacting the affordability of the series for some collectors. When Platinum Eagles were first offered in 1997, the market price of platinum was roughly $400 per ounce. Early in 2008, the market price of platinum exceeded $2,000 per ounce. This has resulted in substantially higher offering prices for the coins, which may keep some collectors on the sidelines.
Michael Zielinski is an internet entrepreneur and coin collector. Learn more about Platinum Eagles including coin information, images, and mintages. Stay up to date with the latest coin collecting news.
The Care and Feeding of Die Cast Collections
There are die cast model cars and then, well, there are toys. Where is the dividing line and how to serious collectors of die cast vehicles judge the quality of their collections? Like most things, there’s more to this collecting passion than meets the eye.
Die cast collectors must consider a number of factors that are shared by people in the larger collecting world. How common or rare is a piece they own, what’s the condition, who made the item, is it associated with an important event or person, is it part of a complete set or one-of-a kind?
Quality Components
Since the quality of die cast vehicles has evolved over the past century, the value of a car may be related to the year it was produced. Most of the cars manufactured in the early 1900s were made with metal alloys not nearly as durable as today’s metals and polymer plastics. They were simple shells, with painted exteriors and interior details such as steering wheels, seats and dashboards. In this case, owners of early die cast model cars might expect a little rust or hairline cracks on their collectible. However, the fact that they own an intact die cast car from this era is a rarity. Of course, the better the condition, the higher the value.
As die cast vehicles became more popular, they also became more detailed. Interiors of cars and trucks were faithfully reproduced. More innovations such as working steering wheels and doors were introduced. The industry became increasingly competitive and some die cast cars were treated like jewelry – polished and presented in the finest detail and packaging possible. Limited editions were introduced specifically to interest the growing number of serious collectors who could count on rarity to enhance their investment.
Getting Serious about Die Cast
A culture developed along with the number of casual and serious collectors. There were questions about how best to preserve and display die cast collections. People were interested in the value of their pieces and completing entire themed collections. For many people, die cast collecting moved from a hobby to a serious passion.
Like all collectors, the buyer is expected to be the ultimate judge of his or her die cast investment. The value of a model is often in its adherence to exact historical detail. Buyers purchase models from manufacturers they trust have done research and cut no corners when it comes to accuracy.
It’s said that a perfect model is one that looks like the real thing, displayed on a showroom floor and ready to be driven away. That means paint jobs and upholstery must reflect historical reality – not the whimsy of the manufacturer. For cars of appropriate eras, working doors, trunks, hoods and other moving parts should be operational. In these matters, an educated collector has the edge on the casual buyer. Collectors not only know the details of the cars, they know which manufacturers adhere to precise detail and deliver what’s promised.
Maintaining and Maturing
Collections also require care from the moment of purchase. Experts advise owners to apply a thin coat of wax to new die cast models using a very soft cloth and Q-Tips to get into the corners and crevasses. Only a light application of wax will help repel dust and clean up any hairline scratches that might mar the finish. They caution to not spray wax directly on the model because wax can build up and dry in places you can’t reach – a cotton cloth instead of a chamois is recommended. Once waxed, a quick buffing makes the model ready for brilliant display.
That said, it’s often the untouched die cast replica that commands the highest prices. In the collecting niche this is known as Mint in Box (MIB). All the packaging and foam that protects the model is untouched and the accompanying paperwork is saved. Some collectors find this level of “investment” isn’t quite as enjoyable as handling and arranging their collections so cars can be appreciated from all angles. Of course, these cars require careful dusting with soft cloths and small, soft bristled brushes from time to time.
There are several group websites and auction sites to help collectors assess the value of their die cast treasures. Whether for pleasure or profit – or perhaps both – die cast model collectors share a love of nostalgia and accuracy for vehicles that never have to stop at the pump to keep on providing pleasure.
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