Are Olympic Collectibles Worth The Quest?

Experts Reveal Olympic Items Of Value

1992 Olympic Dream Team

New York - With the close of one of the most memorable and groundbreaking Olympic games ever, due in large part to its stellar location and use of recycled venues, the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics manged to captivate and interest not only sports enthusiasts, but also dealers and buyers of Olympic collectibles, who noted that prices for antique and vintage items related to the event had been surging in value recently. Experts within the industry attributed the trend to a combination of nostalgia, unique historical significance, and the allure of owning a piece of Olympic history. For many antique and resale dealers it was an opportunity to profit from an event that only comes about every four years while also being the hundredth-anniversary of the last Olympics to be held in Paris (1924).

Dr. Lori Verderame, an antiques appraiser and host of "Ask Dr. Lori LIVE," emphasizes the emotional connection and historical value of Olympic memorabilia. “Each Olympic Games is a unique event that carries its own set of symbols, stories, and memories,” she explains. “Collecting items like torches, medals, and pins allows individuals to own a piece of that history, which only grows in value over time," she says.

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Paris 2024 Olympic Soccer Pin

The current market is particularly active due to the excitement surrounding the recent Paris Olympics. Collectors are eager to acquire items from past Games, especially those held in iconic locations or featuring memorable performances. According to OlympicsMarketplace.com, items from recent Games, such as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, have shown significant value increases. Unique pieces like the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch, made from recycled aluminum, and the official medal set designed by Junichi Kawanishi are highly sought after by both collectors and sports memorabilia enthusiasts alike.

Steven Gold, owner of Gold’s Sports Memorabilia, notes that the scarcity of certain items plays a crucial role in their value. “Limited edition pins, particularly those with unique designs or produced in small quantities, can fetch a high price,” he says. For example, a set of Paris 2024 Olympic Mascot Pins, inspired by impressionist art, has already become a collectible item on platforms like eBay​.

The profitability of investing in Olympic memorabilia is not just about recent items. Vintage pieces from earlier Games are also experiencing a price boom. America's Antique Mall highlights the importance of condition, historical relevance, and rarity when assessing the value of sports memorabilia. Items such as autographed jerseys, game-used equipment, and rare pins from earlier Olympics can command high prices, particularly if they are well-preserved and have a documented history that can be traced.

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Souvenir Collection From 1984 Los Angeles Olympics

David Holstein who runs an online emporium for Olympic related collectibles says that the surge in pricing was obviously affected by the Olympics in Paris this year, but says that prices for items have continued to be strong in the years leading up to this summer's events. "Almost all our Olympic related items from the previous summer Games, and the one's before that have seen double-digit growth," he says, "It's a market that really holds its own, and then gets a massive boost every four years." Holstein says pins are huge, but so are jerseys and even things like Coca-cola cans, entry tickets to big events (think Simone Biles recent win in gymnastics), programs, mascots, along with billboards and posters.

For Jack Johnson, who says he's been a fan of Olympic related collectibles since the USA's first 'Dream Team' in 1992, it's all about the sport. Johnson admits that while he's collected other memorabilia associated with the Games, it's been primarily items related to Olympic basketball that have been the bread and butter for his Internet auction sales over the years. Johnson says that original items, such as action figures, commemorative coins, and framed card-sets have been skyrocketing in value over the last three decades. "I think it's probably wise to pick the most popular sports if you're wanting a hefty return on investment," he says. "Water polo may look cool, but will you be able to remember the event and players names a year or two later?" For perspective, Johnson notes that anything related to Steph Curry's stellar performance in the gold medal match-up against France will likely become "highly" collectible.

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1992 Olympic Dream Team Action Figures

For those looking to start or expand their collection, industry experts advise thorough research and careful purchasing. Gold recommends, “Always buy from reputable sources and verify the authenticity of the items. Fakes and reproductions can be common, especially as demand increases.” Dr. Lori adds, “Understanding the history and significance of the items you’re collecting not only enriches your knowledge but also ensures you’re making sound investments.”​ 

The allure of Olympic memorabilia can extend beyond monetary value. Collectors often find personal satisfaction in owning items that represent the pinnacle of athletic achievement and global unity. While the 2024 Paris Olympics may have come to an end, the market for these historical pieces is likely to remain robust, providing both emotional and financial rewards for collectors worldwide.​

- A.I.A. Staff Writers

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