Welcome back friends & hello new readers, to an updated chat on collecting in the digital age and the growing importance of edition (mint) numbers in the hot-topic pursuit of showroom glory!
If you’re new to platforms like VeVe or DC NFT / Candy Digital, you’re in for a treat. We’re jumping back into the pages of a rapidly-growing, captivating concept that’s sweeping floors & marketplaces within the digital collecting scene, with a term I would like to coin as: “MINTOLOGY.”
Grab that coffee (right @Doublequill?) and get ready to explore the thrilling art of collecting those fancy mint numbers!
So, What Exactly is MINTOLOGY?
Simply put, Mintology is the study and pursuit of collecting unique mint numbers (or edition numbers) on digital collectibles. Mint numbers are akin to a collectible’s serial number, like a numerical signature and they play a pivotal role in defining the rarity and value of digital assets, much like their physical counterparts.
In the ‘early days’ of digital collecting, lower mint numbers held clout as “hot of the press” or first-to-mint numbers were harder to come by, often given bonus points from the platforms and thus quickly became more coveted.
Over the past few years however, things began to change, and this is where mintology comes into play - a blend of mint numbers + collecting, sprinkled with a dash of digital delight!
What’s Changing and why do Special Mint Numbers Matter?
Think of it this way: just as in traditional collecting where a low serial number or a rare asset / very nifty number can make an item highly desirable, in the digital realm, mint numbers hold similar charms. Collectors are increasingly drawn to these unique identifiers as they add layers of exclusivity and individuality to their collections. Add to this that significant brands are directly involved, officially licensing their coveted intellectual property (IP) for use in digital asset collecting, and things that can help set pieces apart have taken on an entirely new level of significance. Those early to these apps are grabbing up these items quickly, with a mutual consensus the timing is still quite early, where the bulk of mainstream (& physical) collectors have not yet dove deep into this space.
For instance, on platforms like VeVe or DCNFT (Candy Digital), where digital collectibles are bought and sold in vibrant marketplaces, collectibles with fancy mint numbers are fetching premium prices, making mintology a valuable aspect of the collecting strategy.
Some brands, like The Comics & Crypto Podcast are now even placing BOUNTIES on key edition numbers to reward lucky 'drop winners' who land 1:1 Mints referencing the year of comic key publication dates. These are REAL DOLLARS. Real Collector Dollars in a real marketplace:
The concept of mintology isn’t just about the numbers; it’s also about understanding how these numbers impact a collectible’s value and desirability. A common thread among serious collectors is the pursuit of those “holy grail” (1:1) mint numbers, such as highly correlated historical dates (think Aug 1939 for Marvel Comics #1, 1961 or 19618 for the August 1961 Publication date of Fantastic Four #1, 628 (’62 August) FA Spider-Man from Amazing-Fantasy #15 or May '75 for Wolverine's first joining the X-Men in Giant Size X-Men #1). Then there are those coveted fancies like the binaries (1's and 0's), sequential (1234 4321), or FUN (8008 ring a bell?)
These specific numbers often come with hefty price tags, but can also be the crown jewels of a collection. Consider the analogy of traditional physical collectibles, such as rare baseball cards or limited-edition stamps. Just as collectors have always had an eye for rare editions or low serial numbers, palindromes or sequentials, digital collectors now have the same zeal for their virtual counterparts. Mint numbers can be seen as the digital version of those rare finds.
As you navigate through platforms like VeVe, DC/Candy Digital, Topps & more, you’ll discover a world where every mint number tells a story. These platforms offer a treasure trove of digital assets, each with its own unique mint number, adding layers of intrigue and investment potential to any collecting journey (as always, NFA, but the parallels are certainly there).
I mean come on…how can you NOT find collections like those of SUPREME MASTER COLLECTOR @Cleverjerk appealing from a visual standpoint? These pairings are a new form of artwork, blending his years of physical comic & asset collecting with the excitement of pairing many of those assets with their newer digital counterparts, with numbers any collector can immediately visualize as appealing. And that’s the point…
"VeVe has been an incredibly fun way for me to express my collecting interests across a variety of IP, both physical and digital. Mint Numbers have Meaning, absolutely, as they differentiate digital assets in rather unique ways that are fun to showcase! VeVe, and other platforms like DC/Candy etc. have certainly re-invigorated my overall, long-standing passion of comic collecting."
On a personal note, as I’ve discussed many times, I simply ADORE the hunt - also akin to bargain box searches or scouring old ‘throwaways’ at garage sales. I enjoy the homework too…looking up key dates on Marvel, Google and so forth and then having a peek at GOCOLLECT to check what the Fair Market Values on those books to paint a more holistic picture on assets of interest. Where some love the thrill of the gamble on drop days, my thrills begin in the marketplace.
I asksed SERIOUS VeVe mint hunter Daniel (@VivaLaVeVe on X) why he takes such effort to collect these types of assets:
“My journey on VeVe started with humble beginnings. I was Initially attracted to collectibles that brought about nostalgic emotions stemming from my youth (many moons ago!), though my focus over recent times has transitioned into the world of special mint collecting.
Personally, this has been a game changer. I can continue to collect what I love, but also focus on assembling bespoke sets / collections. And whilst this adds another dimension of ‘having fun’ within the VeVe ecosystem, it also offers me a greater potential return on investment (NFA).
Within my vault I currently have 1,528 unique mint items. Some are special in the truest sense, such as specific cover dates, sequential, binary, and angel mints, whereas some maybe veer on the side of just being in the ‘cool’ category. Here a few of my humdingers:
Uncanny X-Men #266, Mint 11111 - Reflects Gambit’s FA
Fantastic Four #52, Mint 1234 - Sequential mint of a key book
Hulk #181, Mint 1997 - Nod to the epic X-Men 97 series
Star Wars #1, Mint 5477 - A classic ‘May the Force’ 1977 themed mint
Ultimately, whilst none of this represents financial advice, special mint collecting allows me to enhance my overall collecting experience, while diversifying my portfolio, and most of all, bringing a lot of joy between my physical and digital collecting paths.”
Mintology is more than just a trendy term, it’s a bartender’s Mixology equivalent within the digital collectibles sphere. In this writer’s humblest of opinions, pay attention to mint numbers, whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out. If you own some interesting editions, do the homework and check if your numbers may have any unique meaning before listing in marketplaces, as these are great ways to break out from the herd, while maybe picking up a few points on your list price. Embracing mintology can add a whole new dimension to your digital collecting adventure, which, trust me on this, makes the entire ecosystem way more fun!
If interested in a bit more homework, please check out the other articles I wrote further back on the topic:
https://gocollect.com/blog/phygital-collecting-do-you-care-about-mint-s
https://gocollect.com/blog/comparing-veve-fancy-mints-with-real-world-number-collecting
Or take time to peruse "The Socials" where over 300,000 active fans now participate in sharing their great collections and finds. Here are a few recent examples I grabbed, but there are so many to choose from!
As our friend @MyCollectibles always ends his YouTube’s with, “Happy Collecting” - may the mint force be with you! Thanks for Reading!
