Our mission statement is a testament to our commitment: "To know the price of everything and to share our knowledge universally with everyone."
This guiding principle shapes everything we do, from the meticulous gathering of data to the way we present it, ensuring access to accurate and up-to-date market values is always within reach.
Our Story
iGuide's journey began with a vision to create a comprehensive repository of pricing information across a myriad of categories—antiques, collectibles, memorabilia, and beyond. We recognized early on the challenges collectors, sellers, and investors faced in finding reliable market values. In response, iGuide.net was born, a beacon for those navigating the often murky waters of market pricing. The iGuide Network is an extensive online appraisal service that specializes in the evaluation and pricing of personal property, including hundreds of categories of antiques and collectibles. From rare finds to everyday items, we appraise just about anything of value, providing a crucial resource for collectors, sellers, and investor alike.
Early History
iGuide was founded in 1984 by Jon R. Warren, a notable figure associated with Overstreet Publications and Wizard Press. Originally starting as a publisher of price guide books such as Warren's Movie Poster Price Guide, Comics Source, The Official Guide to Vintage Paperbacks, and others, iGuide Media, Inc. made its mark in the field of antiques and collectibles. This early endeavor set the stage for what would eventually become a digital powerhouse in the appraisal industry.
About Jon Warren
Our founder, Jon Warren, has been a pioneering figure in the world of collectibles and pricing guides. With an eye for detail and a passion for accuracy, Jon built the foundation for iGuide.net. Under his leadership, iGuide has grown from a fledgling site into a trusted authority on price research. Jon's commitment to integrity and transparency remains at the heart of our operations, inspiring our team to continually raise the bar. Warren's vision was clear from the beginning. As the founder of iGuide.net, Jon brought his deep expertise and passion for collectibles to the forefront, transforming the landscape of price research and appraisal. Under his leadership, iGuide evolved from publishing print guides to becoming a digital authority, ensuring Jon's legacy of accuracy and integrity continues to guide our path forward.
Appraisal Services
iGuide Appraisal Services has distinguished itself not only among collectors but also as an expert witness for the IRS and appraiser to the stars. Our expertise has been sought after for appraising the collections of notable individuals, including the extensive movie memorabilia collection of legendary actor John Wayne. Our commitment to educating collectors and estates about the value of their belongings underscores our role as a trusted advisor in the appraisal world.
The Internet
Embracing the dawn of the Internet Age in the 1990s, we recognized the transformative potential of making our database accessible online. In 1999, iGuide.net was launched as a searchable tool for pricing an array of collectibles, including movie posters, comic books, action figures, Beanie Babies, and more. This transition marked a significant milestone, extending our reach and impact globally.
Milestone
In 2022, iGuide achieved a landmark milestone, having provided over 5 million appraisals to collectors and estates worldwide. This achievement not only reflects our extensive experience and trust within the community but also our commitment to serving the needs of collectors across the globe.
Excited About the Future
As we look ahead, iGuide is excited about the possibilities that artificial intelligence (AI) and data automation offer. We are at the cusp of a new era where AI can sift through vast amounts of unstructured text to distill accurate, real-time pricing data. This technological evolution will enable us to expand our database, refine our accuracy, and offer insights with unprecedented precision. Our aim is not just to keep pace with the advancements but to be at the forefront, leveraging these technologies to empower our users with the most comprehensive and up-to-date pricing information available.
Our new servers located outside Nashville, Tennessee, USA are enabling us to:
Expand Our Dataset: Leveraging AI to broaden our categories and items, making our database as comprehensive as possible.
Enhance Accuracy: Utilizing data automation to lock and load real market data for real-time updates, ensuring the most current market prices.
Empower Users: Developing tools and insights to enable informed decisions for buyers, sellers, or investors exploring the value of collectibles.
Dedication
At iGuide.net, we believe in the power of information to transform decisions, enrich knowledge, and empower individuals. As we advance, our focus remains steadfast on delivering the unparalleled accuracy and universal accessibility that our mission promises. Through innovation and dedication, we continue to serve those seeking to know the true value of their treasures and investments.
We are dedicated to our mission of demystifying the value of art, antiques, collectibles— indeed, anything of value — and sharing this knowledge universally with everyone. Through ongoing innovation and a commitment to accuracy, we will always serve as the Ground Truth for those seeking to understand the economic value of the rare, the unusual ... the awesome objects we all love.
For many years, iGuide.net and 2nd Markets Corporation have envisioned a secure, peer-to-peer trading system for real assets that eliminates the high fees and burdens of traditional third-party middlemen like auction houses and online marketplaces. These third-party layers often take as much as 40% of the value of every transaction. This is unfair and unacceptable in the 21st century. By combining digital authentication, accurate appraisals, and blockchain technology, we propose a streamlined, transparent and open source framework for peer-to-peer trading without the burden of middlemen.
The Evolution of CUSIP: A Blueprint for Identifying Financial Assets...and Beyond?
In the mid-20th century, financial markets faced a growing problem: the sheer volume of securities being traded created significant inefficiencies in tracking, clearing, and settling trades. The solution came in 1964 with the creation of the Committee on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures (CUSIP). This system introduced a nine-character alphanumeric code that uniquely identified financial instruments such as stocks and bonds. By standardizing identification, CUSIP streamlined financial operations, reduced errors, and paved the way for automated trading systems.
The success of the CUSIP system demonstrates how a standardized, universal identification method can solve complex organizational problems. It ensured that every financial instrument had a unique "fingerprint," allowing traders, brokers, and clearinghouses to handle securities with clarity and efficiency. Today, CUSIP numbers are indispensable, underpinning modern financial markets and enabling seamless global trade.
However, while financial instruments now benefit from universal identifiers, a similar challenge exists for tangible assets of value such as fine art, watches, rare coins, sports cards, and other real assets. These assets lack a standardized system for universal and unique identification. Without such a system, the market for these items remains fragmented, with authentication, provenance, and valuation often disputed or unclear.
The Challenge of Identifying Tangible Assets
Unlike stocks or bonds, tangible assets are physical objects, each with unique characteristics and histories. A rare coin may have subtle variations in minting, while a piece of art might carry provenance documentation or distinguishing features. Currently, these details are recorded in disparate systems—appraisal reports, certificates of authenticity, or private databases—which are neither standardized nor universally accepted. This fragmented approach creates inefficiencies in buying, selling, and valuing these items, often leading to disputes or fraud.
A "CUSIP for Tangible Assets": Solving the Problem
Just as CUSIP revolutionized the financial markets, a similar system could transform the world of tangible assets. Imagine a standardized "fingerprint" for personal property—each item assigned a unique identifier that records its details, history, and current market value in a universally accepted format. This "CUSIP for tangible assets" system would unify the market, enabling seamless transactions, clear provenance, and real-time valuation.
The process could work as follows:
1 Appraisal
An expert evaluates the asset to determine its authenticity, condition, and value.
2 Authentication and Certification
Unique characteristics are documented, and the asset is certified by trusted authorities.
3 Assignment of Token
A unique identifier—akin to a CUSIP number—is assigned to the asset and recorded in a digital ledger or blockchain, ensuring its immutability and accessibility.
Innovating Tangible Asset Identification
At iGuide, we recognize the need for such a system. As part of our ongoing research and development initiatives, we are exploring and refining concepts for such a CUSIP-like framework for real assets. We suggest the process begins with comprehensive appraisals, followed by authentication and certification, culminating in the assignment of a unique digital token recorded on a blockchain.
This innovation could empower collectors, buyers, and sellers with a secure, transparent, and universally accepted system for identifying and managing their valuable assets. By combining technology with expertise in appraisals and market data, iGuide.net hopes to be at the forefront of efforts to revolutionize the way real assets are identified, valued, and transacted.
In the same way that CUSIP brought order to financial markets, a "CUSIP for tangible assets" system could do the same for the world of collectibles and valuables—ensuring trust, efficiency, and clarity in every transaction.
Asset banking involves strategically managing and leveraging valuable assets, both tangible and intangible, to safeguard, grow, and utilize wealth effectively. Unlike cash deposits, which can be limited by insurance thresholds, asset banking allows individuals to diversify their holdings and capitalize on the inherent value of their possessions.
Asset Types
1. Real Estate Land Long-term investment, often appreciating over time.
Expensive Homes A popular method for the wealthy to "safe park" capital. However, property taxes and maintenance costs can erode the capital invested over time.
2. Personal Property Fine Art Sought-after as a hedge against economic downturns.
Collectibles Rare items like vintage cars or historical artifacts hold value and often appreciate.
3. Precious Metals Gold Coins and Bullion Universally recognized as a stable investment.
Silver A more affordable entry point into precious metals investing.
4. Financial Assets Stocks and Bonds Traditional investment vehicles for growth and income.
5. Digital Assets Cryptocurrency Digital currency that offers high growth potential but is volatile.
NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) Unique digital collectibles tied to art, media, or virtual goods.
Why Asset Banking?
Asset banking provides benefits that go beyond traditional savings accounts, particularly for individuals with substantial wealth:
FDIC Limits With FDIC insurance covering only $250,000 per account (or $500,000 for joint accounts), asset banking becomes essential for safeguarding larger amounts of liquid wealth.
Income Assets like rental properties or stocks generate steady income streams.
Collateral Assets can secure loans or lines of credit.
Risk Management Spreading wealth across asset types reduces risk.
Hedge Against Inflation Assets like real estate and gold often increase in value as inflation rises.
Growth Assets such as stocks and collectibles appreciate over time.
Revenue Generation Renting or selling assets can produce income.
Difference from Shadow Banking
While asset banking focuses on the strategic use of personal and tangible wealth, shadow banking refers to non-traditional financial intermediaries (like hedge funds or private equity firms) that operate outside regulated banking systems. Shadow banking is often criticized for its lack of transparency, whereas asset banking emphasizes secure and informed asset management.
References
U.S. Federal Reserve
Information on FDIC insurance limits
The Art Market 2024 Reports on fine art investment trends.
World Gold Council Data on precious metal performance.
Blockchain.com
Cryptocurrency valuation insights
Summary
Asset banking is a critical strategy for individuals and institutions seeking to manage significant wealth beyond the confines of traditional banking. It provides flexibility, security, and growth potential through diversification into real estate, collectibles, precious metals, and digital assets. However, accurately evaluating these assets is essential to making informed decisions.
iGuide is a leader in valuation of collectible and tangible assets, providing real market data to ensure your asset portfolio reflects its true value. Accurate appraisals are the cornerstone of successful asset banking, and iGuide delivers the expertise and tools needed to succeed.
The use of credits or tokens as a form of currency within platforms allows users to pay for access to premium services, content, or features without the burden of yet another recurring monthly subscription fee. It also enables a "micro-payments" strategy. This strategy provides a flexible and user-centric approach to monetization, especially popular in Software as a Service (SaaS), digital platforms, and online services sectors.
Key Elements of the Strategy
Flexibility: Users can purchase credits in advance and use them at their discretion, offering a pay-as-you-go model that is often more attractive than fixed subscriptions.
User Engagement: By allowing users to decide how and when to spend their credits, platforms can increase engagement and customer satisfaction.
Incremental Revenue: This model encourages users to keep returning and spending on the platform, providing a steady revenue stream.
Scalability: Adding new services or content for users to spend credits on can scale revenue growth effectively.
Successful Examples
Several industries broadly apply this model effectively:
Gaming Platforms: Many online games use credits for in-game purchases, character upgrades, or to unlock special content.
Cloud Computing Services: Platforms like Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure adopt a pay-as-you-go model where users pay for the compute resources they consume, akin to spending credits.
Online Education Platforms: Sites like Udemy or Coursera allow users to buy courses individually, offering a form of credit spending on education.
Stock Media: Shutterstock and Getty Images let users purchase credits to download images or videos, providing flexible access to media assets.
API Services: Similar to Metals-Api, many API providers use a credit system where developers pay for the amount of API calls they make, optimizing costs based on usage.
Future of Credit-Based Monetization in SaaS
The credit-based monetization strategy presents a promising future for revenue generation in the SaaS and digital services landscape. Its flexibility caters to the growing demand for personalized and user-driven consumption models. As customers increasingly seek control over their spending and access to services, platforms that offer granular, usage-based pricing models like credits will likely see higher engagement and customer loyalty.
This model also aligns with the broader trends of digital transformation and the subscription economy, where users are accustomed to paying for exactly what they use rather than blanket access. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more innovative applications of this strategy, potentially integrating with emerging technologies like blockchain for transparent and secure transactions.
In conclusion, the credit-based model offers a scalable, flexible, and user-focused approach to monetization that can significantly enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty while providing a steady revenue stream for SaaS and digital platforms. Its adaptability and alignment with current consumer preferences suggest it will continue to play a crucial role in the future of SaaS revenue generation.
Provenance, essentially the history of ownership, is a vital element in assessing the authenticity, value, and historical significance of a collectible. Whether it’s a painting by an Old Master, a rare coin, or a limited-edition trading card, a well-documented provenance adds layers of credibility and allure, enhancing the item’s appeal to discerning collectors. In a market where authenticity is paramount, provenance provides the backbone for genuine historical and monetary worth.
The Role of Provenance in Fine Art
In the art world, provenance serves as a chronological trail leading back to a piece’s origin. This record often begins with details about who commissioned or created the work and continues through each owner, sale, or exhibition it has encountered. Collectors and historians rely on provenance to verify a piece’s authenticity, detect forgeries, and place it within the broader context of art history. This can make all the difference when evaluating its cultural and financial value, especially if the artwork was owned by notable collectors, displayed in prestigious exhibitions, or featured in historic sales.
For example, discovering that a painting once hung in the salon of an iconic collector or was exhibited at a landmark gallery event can substantially boost its market value. Such documented lineage also serves as proof of the work’s originality and place in the artist’s oeuvre, qualities that elevate it far above similar yet undocumented pieces.
Provenance in Collectibles: Coins, Trading Cards, and Beyond
Beyond fine art, provenance remains invaluable for other collectibles, such as rare coins, trading cards, and high-end memorabilia. While these items may not carry the same cultural gravitas, they often hold deep sentimental and financial value for collectors. In these cases, provenance can verify authenticity and offer insights into rarity and condition, both of which directly impact an item’s market value.
For instance, a coin that passed through the hands of notable collectors or survived intact through different historical periods acquires added significance. Similarly, a trading card that has been graded for quality and comes with a documented history—perhaps of its purchase by a famed collector or a feature in a key auction—often commands a premium. Collectors take pride in owning items with a rich history, as these pieces come with stories that deepen their connection to the collectible world.
Provenance as a Protective Measure Against Forgeries
In a market vulnerable to counterfeits and reproductions, provenance offers a safeguard. By documenting an item’s history, it becomes easier to identify anomalies, such as sudden gaps in ownership, that might suggest foul play. For buyers, especially those investing significant sums, a well-documented provenance acts as a measure of confidence, reassuring them of their investment’s authenticity. Reputable sellers, too, rely on provenance to uphold trust and integrity in their offerings.
Conclusion: The Timeless Value of Provenance
Whether it’s a work of fine art, a rare historical document, or a collector's coin, provenance is more than a record of ownership. It is a timeline that reveals an item’s legacy, enriches its story, and safeguards its place within its respective market. As collectors seek items with both intrinsic and extrinsic value, provenance becomes the key to understanding and preserving the authenticity and significance of collectibles across time and trends.