If you're wondering how to price your bears if you're thinking about selling them, or if you are just curious about the value of your collection - we've got some tips that might be helpful to you.  Perhaps you wouldn't dream of parting with any of your bears and are just wondering what they're worth or looking to estimate their value for insurance purposes.   

While it never makes good financial sense to purchase bears for investment alone, some people are putting money into collectibles as a form of investing for the future.  It is quite likely that you can make money buying old bears - in the long term.  There are several reasons for this, principally that of availability.  There is a finite supply of antique bears available, particularly in good condition.  As the prices for the best and earliest examples rise beyond the average collector, newer bears or replicas become desirable.  

True antique bears are defined as anything from the very earliest bears up to bears produced before World War II.  A professional appraisal of these type of bears is a must to determine their true value.  You might also want to canvas professional auction houses both on line and local to search for comparison bears or types of bears which will help to determine appropriate value.  Keep in mind, that condition will dramatically affect the value of antique bears.  Always buy a bear that is in the best condition you can afford; a bear in good condition will always be worth more than one that is in poor condition.  Small areas of wear or a tiny hole in the paw will not severely affect the value of an antique bear.  However, bugs, dirt, or missing body parts can have a serious affect.  If your bear needs repair he will probably be worth only a quarter to one-half of the price the same bear in top condition.  And just because it is old doesn't mean your bear is worth a high price.  If it is in very poor condition or is just plain ugly, it is unlikely to be worth much.

Vintage and newer manufactured bears are valued much differently in the current market, which is quite sluggish.  Since there are such a vast number of modern manufactured bears produced, the market value will never be what it has been for antique bears.  These bears, even if well cared for, may not retain their original purchase value.  If you are trying to sell them, there are many price guides available which will give you a general idea of their current value.  You can also browse internet market sites or auctions to get an idea of what similar items are selling for.  If you are anxious to sell some your bears, you may have to let them go for a reduced price.  It is definitely a buyers market these days.

The market for artist bears created after the 1970s is somewhat more positive.  Collecting artist bears is a highly personal thing.  Secondary market values are rarely a factor when choosing an artist bear to buy.  If the artist is well known and has maintained popularity with collectors, you can expect your bears are worth at least the original purchase price.  If the bear was made by a lesser known artist, the value will depreciate from the original purchase price.  And since artist bears are really a form of contemporary art, future values are impossible to assess. 

What that said, a bear purchased and added to your collection with the intent that it will increase in value is not a good idea.  Always buy a bear because you love it!  There is an emotional quotient involved in the purchase of an artist bear which reflects both the collector's personal tastes and the skill of the artist.  Like the art lover who buys a contemporary painting to hand on his wall, it may accrue in value in the future or it may not.  The true (and immeasurable) value of a teddy bear is the pure pleasure it has given you by just owning it.