(MONEY Magazine) – Here's a rundown on the rise -- and sometimes ruinous fall -- of some of the hottest collectibles of the past 20 years:

-- BASEBALL CARDS The average annual rate of return for all cards exceeded 25% from 1980 to 1988. But now that investors have bid up values so much, only rare, top- quality cards are hitting peak prices.

-- CLASSIC CARS Between 1982 and 1990, prices of such beauties as the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado convertible soared roughly 30% a year. Since then, the auto market has tumbled about 40%, making this a great time to buy a dream-mobile.

-- CARTOON CELS In 1985, before the craze for animated film images took off, you could have bought a Fred Flintstone cel for $25. Fred now commands $300. Yabba Dabba Doo! Today's buyers can expect smaller gains.

-- COMIC BOOKS Since superheroes began luring investors in record numbers in the late '80s, first editions such as the premier Batman (Detective Comics No. 27) have risen roughly 40% annually. Still, experts think comic-book returns will keep rising.