# Top Collectibles to Watch for Investment in Late 2026

> As the collectibles market heats up in late 2026, savvy investors should keep an eye on the Pokémon 30th Anniversary products and rare LEGO sets, which promise exciting opportunities for appreciation.

**Source**: moneylion.com | **Published**: 2026-09-07 | **Type**: article

## Key Facts

- Pokémon's 30th products may replicate past success; 25th set surged from $120 to $1,400.
- Retired LEGO sets like Harry Potter Gringotts doubled in value, highlighting strong demand.
- Lamine Yamal's rookie card spiked $200 post-World Cup, showing performance impacts on pricing.
- Pop Mart figures like Labubu Jazz rose from $40 to $99, indicating strong brand expansion potential.
- Sealed vintage Nintendo games can yield high returns; Super Mario Bros sold for $3 million recently.

## Summary

The collectibles market is poised for significant activity in the latter half of 2026, driven by a mix of nostalgia, cultural milestones, and strategic investment opportunities. As collectors and investors alike seek to capitalize on limited-edition items and trending themes, certain collectibles are emerging as particularly promising. This trend is noteworthy for executives and business leaders as it reflects broader consumer behaviors and investment patterns that can influence market dynamics.

One of the standout opportunities is the Pokémon 30th Anniversary Trading Card Game expansion, set to launch on September 16, 2026. This event is anticipated to be one of the year's most significant collectible occurrences, especially with the return of renowned Pokémon artist Ken Sugimori for a new Pikachu illustration. Historical data indicates that anniversary products can appreciate dramatically; for instance, the Pokémon 25th Anniversary Ultra-Premium Collection, which retailed for $119.99, now commands prices around $1,400 on resale platforms like eBay. Such examples highlight the potential for high returns on investment, particularly for products tied to major cultural moments.

LEGO sets also present a viable investment avenue, particularly retired themes that feature exclusive minifigures. The Harry Potter Gringotts Wizarding Bank Collectors’ Edition, which retired in March 2026, originally sold for $429.99 and is now valued at approximately $790 when sealed. This trend underscores the importance of selecting the right themes and sets, as the value can vary significantly based on fan engagement and market demand.

The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup further amplifies interest in soccer rookie cards, particularly those of emerging stars like Lamine Yamal. Following his World Cup victory, a PSA 10 rookie card of Yamal reached a trading price of $350, reflecting a surge of nearly $200 from pre-tournament values. This volatility illustrates the impact of player performance on collectible prices, emphasizing the need for investors to remain vigilant about market shifts influenced by sports events.

Limited edition figures from brands like Pop Mart are also gaining traction. The Pop Mart Labubu Jazz Figure, which originally retailed for $40, has seen its value soar to $99. Pop Mart's strategic expansion into entertainment, including a Labubu film project, may further enhance the character's popularity, indicating that collectibles tied to broader media narratives can sustain or increase in value over time.

Vintage video games, particularly sealed copies of iconic titles from Nintendo, continue to attract attention. Earlier this year, a sealed copy of Super Mario Bros sold for an unprecedented $3 million, setting a new benchmark for collectible video games. While not all vintage games will reach such heights, well-preserved copies of popular titles can still offer substantial resale potential, reflecting a growing interest in gaming nostalgia.

Investors should approach the collectibles market with caution, considering factors such as marketplace fees, grading and storage costs, and the illiquidity of these assets. The speculative nature of collectibles necessitates a strategic mindset, as investments can be tied up for years without guaranteed returns.

The trajectory of the collectibles market indicates a shift towards more strategic, informed investment practices among collectors. As cultural events like anniversaries and global sporting competitions drive demand, businesses and investors will need to adapt to these trends. The potential for high returns in this sector suggests that companies involved in collectibles, whether through manufacturing or retail, may find new opportunities for growth. Engaging with these dynamics could position businesses favorably in a rapidly evolving market landscape.

## Entities

- **Companies**: MoneyLion
- **Products**: Pokémon 30th Anniversary Products, Harry Potter Gringotts Wizarding Bank Collectors’ Edition, PSA 10 2023 Donruss Optic Rated Rookie Lamine Yamal #177, Pop Mart Labubu Jazz Figure, Super Mario Bros
- **People**: Ken Sugimori, Lamine Yamal

## Key Concepts

collectibles, speculative investments, scarcity, nostalgia, trading cards, LEGO investing, vintage games, marketplace fees

## Definitions

- **collectibles**: Items that are valued for their rarity and demand, often bought and sold as investments.
- **speculative investments**: Investments that carry a high risk of loss but also the potential for significant returns.
- **PSA 10**: A grading scale used for trading cards, where PSA 10 indicates a perfect condition card.
- **marketplace fees**: Charges incurred when buying or selling items on online platforms.
- **sealed games**: Video games that are still in their original packaging, often increasing their value.

## Use Cases

- Investing in Pokémon trading cards
- Collecting retired LEGO sets
- Buying soccer rookie cards
- Collecting limited edition figures
- Investing in vintage Nintendo games

## Frequently Asked Questions

**What are the best collectibles to invest in for 2026?**

Some of the best collectibles to consider include Pokémon 30th Anniversary products, retired LEGO sets, soccer rookie cards, limited Labubu and Pop Mart figures, and vintage Nintendo games.

**How do I determine the value of collectibles?**

The value of collectibles can be determined by factors such as rarity, condition, demand, and recent sales prices in the marketplace.

**What should I consider before investing in collectibles?**

Before investing, consider marketplace fees, grading and storage costs, and ensure you can afford to leave your money tied up for an extended period.

**Are collectibles a good investment?**

Collectibles can be a good investment if you understand the market and choose items with potential for appreciation, but they also carry risks.

**What types of collectibles are currently trending?**

Currently trending collectibles include Pokémon cards, LEGO sets, soccer rookie cards, and vintage video games, especially those that are sealed.

## Links

- [Read on Welcome.AI](https://welcome.ai/content/top-collectibles-to-watch-for-investment-in-late-2026)
- [Original source](https://www.moneylion.com/trending/money/best-collectibles-invest-second-half-of-2026)

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Source: Welcome.AI | https://welcome.ai/content/top-collectibles-to-watch-for-investment-in-late-2026