Collectibles

Collecting news, rare finds, auction results, and the stories behind sought-after objects.

The Problem with NFTs

Illustration labeled “What’s happening?” and “NFT,” with a line that rises sharply before falling.

Around February of this year, in the midst of the still-pending cryptocurrency boom, a sub-category of digital assets started to really take off. NonFungible.com reported that by the first quarter of 2021, over $2 billion worth of transactions had taken place in the NFT market. Musician Grimes sold almost $6 million worth of digital art via digital asset marketplace Nifty Gateway, who are partnered with Sotheby’s. Twitter founder Jack Dorsey auctioned his first ever tweet as an NFT, the final bid closing at $2.9 million. UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou sold NFTs following his knockout victory over Stipe Miocic. The proceeds of the sale, $580,000, was actually more than his disclosed purse for the fight itself that earned him the belt. Despite the hype, in many regards serving as a speculator’s dream, NFTs come with inherent issues that threaten to hamper widespread and enduring adoption.

Interview with Metal Sculpture Artist Chris O’Rourke – Part 1: $150,000 Statue

As a longtime car and motorcycle enthusiast, Chris O’Rourke’s journey from metal fabricator to sculpture artist is a shining example of how materials typically reserved for mechanical applications are equally suited to art when in the right hands. In this two-part series, World Art News has the pleasure of interviewing a unique artist whose pursuit of perfection has resulted in his work being appraised at valuations that just might surprise you.

Why Soviet Firearms are a Great Investment – Part 1: The SKS

SKS rifle on a white background with the words ‘THE SKS’.

Despite its relatively short term as the Soviet Union’s main battle rifle, this has not diminished the SKS rifle’s presence on the global market as an increasingly sought-after firearm that is both highly collectible and investible. There are in fact numerous reasons for this. The most readily apparent is the historical aspect. There is of course the SKS rifle’s iconic status as a classic WWII and Cold War era firearm of the Soviet Union. There is also its extensive use by other countries across numerous conflicts throughout history, including the Chinese Civil War and the Vietnam War. To this day, the SKS remains in active, secondary, and ceremonial use across the world.

3 Valuable Toy Cars & Trucks That Your Kids Could Be Playing With Right Now

Blue Radio Shack Dash 49 toy truck with oversized black tires and red-and-yellow stripes.

Ever wanted to have a car dealership as a kid? Maybe you desired an exotic car collection but couldn’t afford it? Well, this is your lucky day! All over North America and the world at large, adults of many ages relive their childhood memories through their beloved childhood toy cars and truck, paying handsomely for specific models. Surprisingly, some of these toys aren’t even that old, but then again, neither are adults who seek them. Seriously, there are toy car dealers who make good money buying, selling, and trading these vehicles. If you think that’s crazy, we got news for you – toy car repair shops exist as well! So when your kids get back from their 4×4 off-road trip with a busted tire, you know where to go. Just don’t forget insurance.

$133 Million in Loans: Exclusive Interview with an Art Banker, Thomas González – Part 2

Thomas González

Thomas González has always had a passion for art. Today, he arranges art loans and has committed himself to the art loan business. He has developed a trusted cadre of financial partners, responsible for successfully brokering art loans above $133 million. We, at The World Art News, have had the pleasure of interviewing Thomas to learn the ins and outs of being an art banker. In this two-part series, you will discover his secrets to running a successful art loans business. This time, in Part 2 of our exclusive interview, Thomas González will talk about the differences between the art and financial worlds, share with us how art loans change lives, and tell our readers how to get started as an investor in the global art market.

Interview with an Art Banker, Thomas González – $133 Million in Loans | Part 1

Thomas González

Thomas González always had a passion for art. So today, he arranges art loans and has committed himself to the art loan business.

He has developed a trusted cadre of financial partners, responsible for successfully brokering art loans above 100 Million Euros.

We, at The World Art News, have had the pleasure of interviewing Thomas to learn the ins and outs of being an art banker.

In this exclusive two-part series you will discover his secrets to running a successful art loans business. Let’s begin!

“I can tell you that loans up to $25 Million aren’t a problem for us.”