A Guide To Diecast Toy Collecting

cting die cast toys has been a favourite hobby forobsolete, or a model made to represent a sports
both children and adults for many years. These minipersonality. Information on rarity values can be found
replicas of full size vehicles have fascinated manyfrom speciality magazines, collectors catalogs or your
generations. Many die cast toys in perfect condition,local library. Clubs and conventions are good places to
complete with the original box, special markings andfind enthusiasts with the information you need, and to
price tags have increased in value enormously. Sometrade, sell or buy die cast toys.
of these models were specially made for storeThe condition of die cast vehicles may be described
openings, launches of new products or special events.as below. Mint generally means that there are no
They were offered for sale in stores, given as prizesdefects or wear marks.
in competitions or sold through catalogs where theyMint condition – There are no broken, missing or
could be purchased as sets.misaligned parts. The paint is perfect and there are no
Originally only a few models were produced but overglue marks or other assembly marks.
the years they have been manufactured for majorMint in Box – These are mint condition models in
racing events, releases of new car lines and totheir original box and packaging.
promote cereals, popular drinks and cartoons. All theMint on Card – These are models still enclosed in
common vehicles can be found as die cast modelsthe original blister packaging.
including police cars, farm vehicles, ambulances andSome examples of Die cast Toys that are much
army tanks.Some popular models include John Deeresought after by collectors and therefore more valuable
toy tractors, die cast toy trucks and die cast toyinclude the following.
cranes.Limited Editions – These die cast toys were
The box that the die cast model came with wasproduced in a restricted number and the cast was
usually made from thin cardboard or plastic and thosethen destroyed. Limited editions are highly collectible
models with their original case in good condition areand the number of models produced in the run should
particularly prized. As the boxes were made of flimsybe included in the information supplied with the model.
material they can easily be damaged by moisture,Limited Production Cars – Examples include
sunlight or dirt. Keeping the box in perfect condition isMatchbox Challenge cars, Treasure Hunt Hunt Wheels,
often more of a challenge than preserving the die castRacing Champion's Chase cars and Johnny Lightening
vehicle itself!White Lightening cars.
Die cast models are often displayed in plasticRetired Toy Cars – Toy vehicles that the
showcases but some collectors store their prizedmanufacturer has stopped making. They may decide
models in plastic bags or storage boxes. This will keepto reissue the vehicle later with color or detail changes.
the cars and boxes dry and away from damagingToy Vehicles with Certificates – Vehicles
sunlight. If displayed in showcases the models need toproduced by Franklin Mint or Danbury Mint may include
be dusted often with a dry cloth. A damp cloth shouldCertificates of Title or Certificates of Authenticity.
not be used on boxes as this can fade the ink orDiecast toys with their original paperwork and
wrinkle the box.packaging will be more valuable than the same model
Die cast toys kept over from childhood may be worthwithout the packaging. If you plan to sell a toy vehicle
collecting if they are examples of rarer models. Thesekeep the original packaging in as good condition as
include models made for a particular product that ispossible.