For every action, there is a reaction. Last week we discussed the intense focus on quality, originality and the widespread acceptance of CGC grading. These three developments have greatly influenced the vintage concert poster market in the following ways:
Exponential growth of new customers. During the first half of 2017 we’ve seen a huge influx of collectors that entering this market for the very first time. These are folks that are already active collectors of rare coins, comic books, baseball cards and other popular collectibles. They understand and are familiar with the advantages of third party grading.
These experienced collectors feel confident that they can now acquire vintage concert posters and know they are getting what they bargained for. Time and time again, we’re told that vintage concert posters represent an extraordinary value when compared to more mature collectibles markets that have already “been bid up.”
Widening premiums between grades. Now that CGC is grading concert posters, we are starting to see a widening of values between each individual grade. This should be a surprise to no one. The very purpose of any grading service is to distinguish differences in quality among examples of the same issue. Once these differences are established, common sense dictates values will be differentiated as well.
Record Prices. The influx of experienced collectors from other markets is steadily producing world record prices for the highest graded and finest known examples of various issues. This is simply the result of growing demand and a fixed supply.
The market has greatly increased the number of market participants, and these participants have greatly increased confidence to “pay up” when a special opportunity presents itself. While prices are just beginning to increase, premiums for high grade material continue to be a tiny fraction of what is commanded in every other collectibles market. Really great coins, comic books and baseball cards regularly bring over $1,000,000 each while the very rarest and finest quality vintage concert posters don't six figures at auction. Clearly, this is STILL VERY EARLY days for these wonderful pieces of art.
Huge media attention. In addition to the structural market factors previously discussed, this market is also growing fast due to huge tailwinds generated by the media. The 50th Anniversary of The 1967 Summer of Love has been extensively reported on and celebrated across the country. TV specials, concerts, museum exhibits and other special events commemorating 1967 continue to be enjoyed by literally millions of people around the world.
The triumphant and critically praised 2017 tour of Dead and Company, as well as the recent deaths of Chuck Berry and Greg Allman have also shined a bright light on the UNSURPASSED HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE of vintage rock concert posters. ( Chuck Berry and Allman Brothers posters are experiencing huge demand)
A perfect storm. All of the factors discussed i the past 2 blog posts have created a perfect storm that has been over 50 years in the making. It’s really exciting to be a participant in this marketplace at this unique moment in time. Massive events are being held around the world in appreciation of the historical importance of the music and culture of the late 1960’s.
Vintage rock concert posters are the most tangible and collectible historic artifacts of this era. They are also beautiful, rare and dirt cheap compared to every other collectible. We recommend filling out your collection now, while most issue are still super affordable.
