Mormon collecting has always been investment, in contrast to consumption.  In the time that it takes a new car to depreciate to nothing, a equally priced group of Mormon books might increase ten-fold in value.  Since 1968, Mormon books and artifacts have kept pace with the S&P 500, with no volatility.  But you cannot display your stocks like you can show your Mormon Americana collection.  Mormon books are a great way to demonstrate your strong faith, your sophistication, your heritage, and your conservatism.  Prosperous Mormons should build refined libraries or even walk-in vaults into their homes, as a display of conspicuous investment, or a heritage one never inherited.  Many collectors enjoy this prestige, taking books to presidency meetings, and sharing them with General Authorities; others feel a mission to preserve their heritage and church history; or stir-up others to become more interested.  Wives often develop their own interests, often tiny hymn books with the first Sacred Hymns.  Rare Mormon books can also be a conservative, low-profile, transportable and discreet asset, with minimal recordkeeping, unlike stock or other financial instruments.  Many successful Mormon businesspeople have diversified by including rare books for at least 5% or as much as 20% of their investment portfolio.