When people think about the rich, images of luxury cars, fine art, or rare watches often come to mind. But in reality, some wealthy individuals collect odd things that rarely hold value over time. These strange assets may be fun or unique, but they’re risky if you’re hoping for long-term financial gain. Understanding which items fall into this category can help everyday investors avoid costly mistakes. If you’re tempted by the same collectibles the wealthy chase, it pays to know which ones are more hobby than investment. Let’s look at ten strange assets the rich collect that rarely hold value.
1. Beanie Babies
Beanie Babies were a craze in the 1990s, with some rare editions selling for thousands of dollars at their peak. Many wealthy collectors stockpiled these plush toys, hoping they’d become a goldmine. Unfortunately, the market for Beanie Babies collapsed. Today, most are worth only a few dollars, with only the rarest fetching higher prices. As an asset, Beanie Babies rarely hold value over time.
2. Celebrity Hair Locks
Believe it or not, some collectors pay big money for a lock of hair from a famous person. This strange asset is hard to authenticate and even harder to sell later. The value is based on niche demand and a little bit of shock factor. Unless you find the right buyer, it’s unlikely to appreciate. Most people will find these items creepier than collectible.
3. Vintage Lunchboxes
Old metal lunchboxes featuring cartoon characters or TV shows can fetch hundreds at auction. Some wealthy collectors chase them for nostalgia, but the market is fickle. Condition, rarity, and pop culture trends drive prices, but these factors change quickly. In the world of strange assets, vintage lunchboxes rarely hold value for the long haul.
4. Movie Props from Flops
Movie props can be valuable—if they’re from a blockbuster. But the rich sometimes scoop up props from films that bombed at the box office, hoping they’ll become cult classics. The problem? Most movie flops stay forgotten, and their memorabilia gathers dust. These items rarely hold value unless the film unexpectedly gains a following years later.
5. Taxidermy Oddities
Taxidermy is a niche collectible, with some wealthy individuals seeking out rare or unusual mounts. Think two-headed animals, albino creatures, or Victorian-era displays. While these might fetch attention at a party, the market is tiny. Legal and ethical concerns also limit resale options. Strange assets like taxidermy oddities rarely hold value and can be hard to insure or sell.
6. Celebrity Autograph Collections
Autographs from the rich and famous seem like a good investment, but the market is flooded with fakes. Even authentic signatures can lose value if the celebrity falls out of favor or more autographs surface. Collectors often overpay for the thrill of owning a piece of fame. When it comes to strange assets, autograph collections rarely hold value unless meticulously verified and from enduring icons.
7. Obsolete Technology
Some wealthy collectors snap up old gadgets—think early mobile phones, pagers, or outdated computers. While a handful of tech relics become valuable, most gather dust. Technology moves fast, and nostalgia doesn’t always translate into demand. These strange assets rarely hold value, especially as new generations forget their significance.
8. Unopened Food and Drink
Believe it or not, unopened cans of soda, limited-edition chips, or decades-old candy sometimes end up in private collections. The value is usually tied to novelty, not investment potential. Over time, packaging degrades and contents spoil, making these items risky to store and nearly impossible to resell. As with most strange assets, unopened food and drink rarely hold value and can even become hazardous.
9. Comic Book Variant Covers
While classic comics can be a good investment, some wealthy collectors obsess over rare variant covers released in limited runs. These are often hyped as future treasures, but the market is unpredictable. Most variants lose value once the initial buzz fades. For those looking to invest, mainstream issues with proven demand tend to fare better than these strange assets.
10. Custom License Plates
Some rich individuals spend fortunes on unique or quirky license plates. In a few places, certain plates become status symbols, but outside those markets, their value plummets. Plates tied to trends or jokes often age poorly. As a strange asset, custom license plates rarely hold value unless they have a broad appeal or historical significance.
Think Before You Invest in Strange Assets
Chasing the same strange assets the rich collect might seem exciting, but most of these items rarely hold value in the long run. The allure of owning something unique can cloud judgment and lead to poor investment decisions. For those interested in collectibles, it’s wise to research markets, consider storage and insurance costs, and be honest about your motives.
Instead, focus on assets with proven track records, like diversified portfolios or even alternative investments with real demand.
Have you ever been tempted to collect something unusual? What strange assets have you seen others invest in? Share your stories in the comments below!
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