Thanks for bringing this up. Here are the answers to all of your questions:
1. When you bought your first crypto collectibles? [What "triggered the spark"?]
I've bought my first crypto collectible in 2017. It was a white BTCC poker chip. Physical crypto coins' constant increase in price (especially the Casascius coins), triggered me to get into the world of crypto collectibles. After I've bought my first collectible, I felt the urge to accumulate more with the hopes of turning a profit in the future. I went from buying the BTCC poker chip, to buying a Satori poker chip and so on. I now have over 97 physical crypto items I've collected over the years. None of them have been sold yet. Crazy isn't it?
2. What did you love about this sector?
What I love about this sector is that you can always find something new and exciting made by talented people in the crypto community. I've seen many impressive collectibles ranging from art to physical crypto coins and bars.
[What excites you more about this kind of objects?]
What excites me the most about crypto collectibles is their link between the digital and analog world. They're the best of both worlds! (especially loaded physical coins, bars, and plastic/metal wallet cards).
3. What future do you see in this kind of collection? [Will there be an expansion based on the largest number of users who approach crypto currencies?]
I believe there's a lot of potential in crypto collectibles, especially those related to Bitcoin. The more popular crypto becomes, the more exposure physical crypto items will get. As BTC becomes scarce, demand for physical crypto coins will increase. I'd say physical crypto collectible are often better than NFTs (digital collectibles). But not everyone has the same tastes as me.
4. What do you think are the objects or types of objects that will have a greater interest or revaluation in the future? [Coins? Drawings? Stamps?]
I think coins will have a greater interest in the future (especially loaded ones with BTC), as people seek to buy physical crypto as a sort of long-term investment (just like they do with gold bullion today). With increasing KYC measures, there will be a need to buy Bitcoin in a physical form (off-chain). And what better way than doing so by buying a loaded coin like a Lealana, Casascius, Satori, 1HODLCLUB, or BTCC Mint Poker Chip?
5. What advice would you give to those who are entering this sector for the first time?
Don't invest into any crypto collectible just because someone else says it's "extremely rare" or "ultra rare" (usually happens on eBay). Always do your own research by asking questions on this forum and "digging" information about the coin maker/manufacturer, his/her past history and reputation, as well as, the mintage/production numbers of the crypto collectible you're willing to purchase. The "Collectibles" section of this very forum is a great place to start.
6. Can you post your collection item that you think deserves more attention? [The rarest, the purchase you dreamed of, the one you are most fond of?]
I think the crypto collectible that deserves more attention is the Squirrelbits coins by Liquidoptions. They have very limited mintage numbers, built with solid materials such as stainless steel or titanium. I have the Lucky Block set of 3 coins, and I couldn't be any happier with my purchase. Who knows if they become worth a fortune as BTC gains massive traction in the future?
7. What do you think could be the “holy grail” of collecting bitcoin/crypto objects?
A multi-currency physical crypto coin with the ability to load it with Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other altcoins at the same time. It would be like an "All-in-one" cold storage solution if you ask me.
8. Do you think it's a hobby "for the rich" or can it be started by "penniless" collectors as well?
You don't have to be rich to get started into the world of crypto collectibles. I've seen different collectibles being sold at different prices depending on their rarity, materials used, etc. Buying a new release with a low mintage/production number is a great way to turn a profit in the future. That is if you manage to snag one before they're sold out. If you start early, you'll increase your chances of becoming rich in the future.
9. What do you think about the dilemma of those who buy items paid for in bitcoin rather than keep bitcoins themselves? [It is the exact opposite of what happens in classic collecting where an inflationary system favors the long-term hodler...]
Physical crypto collectibles will surely appreciate in USD, but not in Bitcoin. If you bought collectibles using Bitcoin, then I'd be best to sell them for Fiat (USD) to reap huge profits. You can then use the cash to buy more Bitcoin once it goes all the way down the drain. But if you just want to hoard collectibles like me without ever selling, that's fine too. As long as you don't put your life savings in collectibles, you'll have nothing to worry about.
10. Observations / comments / ask yourself a question and give an answer.... more...
Crypto collectibles definitely need more exposure. There are some collectibles selling on eBay, but most of them can be found here on this very forum. Collectible makers/manufacturers should ramp up their marketing/promotion efforts in order to help increase awareness. Who knows if the next bull market run will increase demand for physical crypto collectible items?