Quoted from frolic:For the spirit of this poll, I would include parts. Money spent on this hobby. Valuing appreciation in pins is fine too.
In my case I lose money on each pin because I'm a nib buyer but that is part of my hobby cost and I'm cool with that.
I'm yet to sell a pin, still in building collection phase. Three NIB's on the the way......so weather in AUD or USD I've spent a lot more than the original " only getting one pin" idea.
I like all my pins so would struggle to sell any, so Don't expect to get anything back (-$50k) not in hobby to make money, Just leave them to the kids in the will.