Bud...collectibles markets don't work that way.  If a collectible is a popular item/limited etc ..they may very well skyrocket in value.  Are Picasso's painting at the same buy cost as they were when he originally sold them? Same principle.  This is also how the numismatic hobby works.  The US Mint just sold an enhanced reverse proof silver eagle for like 60 bucks or so a sold out a few months ago. Check ebay for what they are currently being sold at.  10x + that cost last I checked.  Can you buy a Babe Ruth baseball card  for 5 cents today? You could in the 30s.  See what Im saying here?