Indeed, the willingness to trade is the crucial factor here. Something that collectors of very expensive luxury items would know. They all agree among themselves that the value of their holdings are slowly but surely rising. What they might have spent a fortune on years ago is worth a lot more today, with increasing rarity and uniqueness. But the real problem, which many recognise, is finding someone willing to trade for it for its perceived value.
Saw a show recently about a guy who spent $2million worth on special edition Nike shoes, enough to fill up an entire warehouse, all on display in immaculate condition. He tried selling it for $1 million, HALF of what he invested, insisting it was worth much more. He wasn't wrong, and Nike enthusiasts might agree... but the rest of the world wouldn't think so.
So you might bank on cheese, and hope more and more people agree that cheese is valuable and can be convinced to trade for it. The same way we're all banking on Bitcoin
Yes. We have to remember that, at one time in the not so distant past, things like certain spices (salt, for instance) were far more valuable than shiny, pliable metals such as gold, silver, etc. Salt was needed for daily life, way moreso than a golden bauble. Fast forward to today where we post on here using a phone that costs a few bucks to make but we "value" at upwards of $800 or more and we will spill a gallon of salt and not even pick a single grain up.