From a Michael Jordan & Kobe Bryant card selling for $12.9 million to Pokémon Happy Meals causing chaos at McDonald’s, collectables are hotter than ever. Whether it’s trading cards, autographed memorabilia, or Funko Pop figures, the market for pop culture collectables is thriving in Australia and worldwide.
The top collectables right now:
Trading Cards
Trading cards remain one of the strongest collectable categories globally. Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, and Yu-Gi-Oh! have a nostalgic pull for younger buyers while still commanding attention from serious investors. Sports cards are also breaking records, with rare graded examples from icons like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James fetching staggering sums. Even contemporary players’ rookie cards are climbing in value as collectors bet on their future legacy.
Funko Pops & Figures
Few items symbolise modern pop culture collecting more than Funko Pop figures. What started as quirky vinyl toys has exploded into a global phenomenon. From Marvel superheroes to cult TV series, collectors chase rare variants, exclusives, and discontinued designs. These small figures have become surprisingly big business — and some limited editions can sell for thousands of dollars.
Autographed Memorabilia
From signed guitars and vinyl albums to jerseys and film props, autographs remain a timeless way to capture a piece of history. The demand spans across sports, music, film and even social media stars. Items authenticated and tied to major moments or celebrities often generate bidding wars at auction.
Comics & Vintage Media
Comic books continue to hold their place in the collectables world. First issues, origin stories, or comics tied to blockbuster film franchises are especially hot. Beyond comics, retro media such as VHS tapes, video game cartridges, and original posters are finding renewed popularity — both as nostalgia pieces and as cultural artefacts.
Emerging Collectables
The world of collecting is always evolving. Artist collaborations, designer toys, and even digital-physical hybrids (such as NFTs with linked physical merchandise) are creating new frontiers. While still a developing space, these items attract younger audiences keen to blend art, tech, and fandom.
Why people are collecting
Nostalgia
For many, collectables are a way of revisiting the past. The thrill of rediscovering a favourite childhood Pokémon card, the comic book you couldn’t afford as a teenager, or the action figure that sat on your shelf in the 90s can be powerful. Collecting allows people to relive those moments — and share them with the next generation.
Connection & Fandom
Pop culture items connect fans across the globe. Collecting isn’t just about ownership, it’s about belonging to a community. Whether it’s joining online groups, trading at card shows, or bidding in an auction room, collectors love to share their passion with like-minded people.
Investment & Value
For others, collectables are more than a hobby — they’re an investment. As rare items become scarcer, values often increase. Trading cards, for example, have shown steady growth as an alternative asset class. While not every collectable will skyrocket in value, many buyers see their collections as both enjoyable and financially rewarding.
Sustainability
Buying and selling collectables also ties into a wider movement of reuse and recycle. Rather than items being forgotten in storage boxes or ending up as waste, auctions give them a second life with someone who will treasure them.
How Abbeys can help
At Abbeys Auctions, we connect sellers with enthusiastic buyers who value these unique treasures. Whether you’re downsizing your collection or hoping to start one, our monthly auctions are the perfect platform.
We hold regular sales featuring collectables of all kinds, and our friendly team can guide you through the process — from appraisal to auction day.
👉 Thinking of selling your collectables? Contact Abbeys Auctions today at 03 9898 2118 or use our online form to discuss your collection: Contact form
