Those cute, plush toys are finding a big market as collectibles.
Mom sells Beanies to help son.
Web auctions attract collectors looking for deals. Bizarre Beanie tales. By Vivian Marino The Associated Press From Flintstones lunch boxes to fine Lenox china, Americans love to collect things. An estimated 20 million Americans are considered collectors, and some of them have even managed to collect a few profits in the process by selling items that have accrued in value. But investing in collectibles and antiques requires careful research and an understanding of the market since some items may be overpriced or become vulnerable to fraud.