ANSWER: The evolution of collectibles mirrors generational shifts by reflecting changing priorities, such as the move from utilitarian items to pop culture icons. Nostalgia drives demand for memorabilia from one's childhood, like vintage comic books for Baby Boomers, or Pokémon cards for Millennials. Historical interpretation evolves as society's values change, influencing what is preserved and cherished. Collectibles thus serve as cultural artifacts, encapsulating the zeitgeist and sentimental values of different eras.