Price Guides are another good way to check out the value of either an item or an entire collection. These books list antiques and collectibles by category, often including photos. The prices are either listed beside the items or in the back of the book. Your local library has an extensive inventory of price guides on all aspects of collecting. If you like, there are places on the Internet to check the value of your collection.
Online auctions have thousands of items up for sale at any given time.
Some are individual while others come in lots. Check the listings on these sights. By doing so, you will get a general idea of how much people are willing to pay for specific items. Keep in mind that you may not be able to sell for a similar price locally. Another thing that you need to know when starting a collection is how to detect damage and repairs.