Sports Cards Mania

Deathofthebambino

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Apr 12, 2005
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Aren’t a lot of these cards going to be worth nothing in the not too distant future? I mean I find this all fascinating and I’ve been sucked into buying a bunch of product too but I don’t see how the values on a lot of these guys is anywhere close to sustainable…everything is being priced as if these guys are all going to the HOF.
In most cases, yes, but if you're buying Bowman Chrome right now via a 10 case break, you're either looking to catch fire (ie. gambling) and then flip what you get and make money, or looking it as an investment if the guy hits. Mike Trout's rookie cards from the same product, just his base rookie autos, are selling for 7k-20k plus for cards that have graded from 7-10. If folks had a crystal ball and knew Mayer was going to the HOF, his cards would be selling for 20x's what they are now.
 

Petagine in a Bottle

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Oh totally, I get it, but what if he’s Brandon Crawford? Or worse? Feels like all of these cards are being priced with the 95th percentile baked in. As short term flipping, yeah that makes sense.
 

deanx0

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Neither of those prices are even close to what they should go for.

Mayer's base auto (non numbered) from Bowman is going for $400+. In a 10 case break like that, you should expect to see at least 2-3, and maybe a lot more. His gold auto's (numbered to /50) are going for 5k plus. His autos to /150 are selling for 2k, etc.

Davis' golds are going for over 2k, his auto's numbered to /499 are going for $400+. Anything under 2k for Davis, and around 3k for Mayer would be good buys if you ask me.
Agree 100%--I was more interested that Meyer was currently 12X the level of the Davis bid. Obviously things will continue to heat up as we get closer to the break on Sunday.
 

LogansDad

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Agree 100%--I was more interested that Meyer was currently 12X the level of the Davis bid. Obviously things will continue to heat up as we get closer to the break on Sunday.
I think there are a couple of factors that go into this, to be honest.

One is that Marcelo was drafted by the Red Sox while Davis was drafted by the Pirates. Not to be mean to Pirate fans, but I don't think there's a huge question of which of them is going to be more "popular" out of the box based on that alone. Partly because of fan base size, but also because I think it is far more likely that Mayer remains a Red Sox player than Davis remains a Pirate if both become superstars.

The second is that Meyer is a high school phenom while Davis is a college player. One of the reasons Davis was drafted so high is because of his floor, I think, and not necessarily his ceiling. He should be a very good player, and soon. But the expectations for Mayer are absolutely sky high and his ceiling (which is what collectors are hoping for) is way higher than Davis'.

Last, I think position has a ton to do with it. Davis being a catcher while Mayer is projected to be above average in every way at what a lot of people (myself included) consider the most important position on the field.

I am not surprised at all that the Mayer bids are way higher than Davis.
 

Fishercat

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I don't understand the risk/reward of it all. I was reading Joe Posnanski's The 100 and found myself really interested in the Hank Greenberg story so I took a peek at his cards on EBay and watched a 2006 Upper Deck SP Legendary Cuts Cut Auto. #60 - ungraded and in good condition visually. Hall of Famer, 2x MVP, passed away so there is actually a hard limit on the autos, etc. It sold for $330. His 2021 Dynasty Dual Relic/Cut Signature 1/1 went for $375 shipped. A PSA 3 Gowdey from 1939 went for about $300. Alll of these are less than a Bowman Draft Marcelo Meyer to 150 non-auto, or less than his Draft Auto (Chrome) not numbered. I get the speculation aspect of it all and that the market of a player from several generations back who isn't a Ruth, Gehrig, S+ tier player is probably pretty static, but I just can't imagine paying more for a decently rare parallel or a basic signature of the #15 prospect in baseball.

Of course, if part of your collecting is to get players you believe in and then cash in if you're right, that is fine. I just can't imagine having $1000 in my hand to spend on a baseball card and choosing something like...a Jasson Dominguez 2020 Chrome Refractor Unsigned.

I guess for some folks, that's not a lot of money so it's a bit like fun long term gambling, and I understand the breaking mentality a bit more, (I might get multiples, I might get something obscenely rare, etc.), but the market seems so off kilter to how most other collectibles work.
 
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LogansDad

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Yeah I get that. I love opening packs even though it's generally a net negative. I wouldn't buy a Mayer card at the current price point, but I would buy all the boxes of draft I find on a shelf to try to get one.

That card is a beauty @Carmine Hose
 

Batman Likes The Sox

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Need a little help for an item that's over my head.

I had to sign today for delivery of my fulfilled card from 2021 Inception Baseball.

It is DARB-EL, Dual Autographed Relic Book Card of Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert. It looks like there are three of these that exist.

I don't have any White Sox fondness so I'm looking to unload it. Usually I'd do so on eBay (I sell very rarely) but there don't seem to be any comps. No listed nor sold DARB cards from 2021. Any idea of how I can get a sense of price for this and/or where I should unload it other than eBay?

Also the clear plastic case it came in is sealed with Topps sealing stickers -- I'm assuming I should just leave it sealed, but if that's a mistake and I should look at it first, that would be helpful to know.
 

ElcaballitoMVP

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Can you post a picture of it in here? I can ask for help on comps from my friends who are in the card business. I can also ask the sports discord group I'm in if anyone is interested in buying it, if you figure out a price you're good with.

And I would definitely keep the sticker on it.
 

NJ_Sox_Fan

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Oh totally, I get it, but what if he’s Brandon Crawford? Or worse? Feels like all of these cards are being priced with the 95th percentile baked in. As short term flipping, yeah that makes sense.
99% of the time you’re hoping to hit color autos and flip them while people are paying stupid money for a guy whose never had a pro at bat.

Of course the 1% of the time this is bad, is when that player is Mike Trout and you sell a blue chrome auto for $150 that in the future sells for $30,000 - not that I’m bitter.
 

ElcaballitoMVP

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99% of the time you’re hoping to hit color autos and flip them while people are paying stupid money for a guy whose never had a pro at bat.

Of course the 1% of the time this is bad, is when that player is Mike Trout and you sell a blue chrome auto for $150 that in the future sells for $30,000 - not that I’m bitter.
Oh noooooo
 

Batman Likes The Sox

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Can you post a picture of it in here? I can ask for help on comps from my friends who are in the card business. I can also ask the sports discord group I'm in if anyone is interested in buying it, if you figure out a price you're good with.

And I would definitely keep the sticker on it.
Thank you! That's a ton of help and I greatly appreciate it. Both of those offers sound great.

Here's the front and back:

48962

48963
 

Deathofthebambino

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Apr 12, 2005
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Need a little help for an item that's over my head.

I had to sign today for delivery of my fulfilled card from 2021 Inception Baseball.

It is DARB-EL, Dual Autographed Relic Book Card of Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert. It looks like there are three of these that exist.

I don't have any White Sox fondness so I'm looking to unload it. Usually I'd do so on eBay (I sell very rarely) but there don't seem to be any comps. No listed nor sold DARB cards from 2021. Any idea of how I can get a sense of price for this and/or where I should unload it other than eBay?

Also the clear plastic case it came in is sealed with Topps sealing stickers -- I'm assuming I should just leave it sealed, but if that's a mistake and I should look at it first, that would be helpful to know.
Normally, I would tell you to keep the stickers on, but the only exception is books, particularly books with relics/jerseys in them. Folks are going to want to see what those patches look like, and are going to want to see the numbering on it, which would be inside the book. Topps redemption stickers are generally very easy to peel and then put back on, fortunately, but you have to be careful. That said, even if you can't re-use it, I think you could potentially cost yourself money, particularly on the numbering, and especially if the patches are good ones.

This Jimenez/Robert from 2021 Luminaries just sold for around $305.00, also numbered to /3. It has no patches, and I personally think Inception is more valued product, so I would guess somewhere between $500-$700 for yours:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/224763945039?hash=item3454f9a04f:g:oLsAAOSwvGZhy6Oi&nma=true&si=gAXBMwfA2dWOHTV4J6fK9VrIvI8%3D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

Can't really help you on the other question. I do everything via auction with every card starting at .99. I've tried basically everything to maximize sales price, and I think I lost money every time I tried to set a price, and I think I almost always maximize with auctions. I try to do 5 day auctions, and always have them end on Sunday nights (never on Friday or Saturday) or on Thursdays, but Sunday seems to be the sweet spot now for me. I have them end at 9:00 p.m. eastern (6:00 p.m. Pacific, which you have to be careful about, because sometimes Ebay's times default to Pacific, so you have to change it).
 

Deathofthebambino

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Apr 12, 2005
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Makes me sick every time I look it up lol
I sold over a half million dollars worth of cards during 2017-2018, everything from rookie Lebron RPA's to /25 to Prizm Tatum rookie autos to /10, a million Mahomes rookies and 1/1's and on and on and on...

Those same cards probably would have sold for like 3 million in 2020 during the pandemic when cards skyrocketed. I feel you.
 

ElcaballitoMVP

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Normally, I would tell you to keep the stickers on, but the only exception is books, particularly books with relics/jerseys in them. Folks are going to want to see what those patches look like, and are going to want to see the numbering on it, which would be inside the book. Topps redemption stickers are generally very easy to peel and then put back on, fortunately, but you have to be careful. That said, even if you can't re-use it, I think you could potentially cost yourself money, particularly on the numbering, and especially if the patches are good ones.
@Batman Likes The Sox, DotB makes a great point about being able to see the patches/autos. For some reason I was thinking the book was open and you'd be able to see them. I'd peel that sucker back and show off the goods.

I'll see what I can find out about the value, but that $500-750 estimate DotB made is probably pretty accurate. I'll either reply to you again in here or shoot you a DM if I can get any info or find an interested buyer. My finders fee is 50% of the sale! (jk)

Update: just got some feedback from a guy who breaks cards and he thought it would be around $500, depending on how the patches look and whether the auto's were on card or just stickers (less value for sticker, obviously). If you do end up peeling the stickers off and get pictures, please update me and I'll ask him again.
 
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Batman Likes The Sox

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@ElcaballitoMVP and @Deathofthebambino thank you both for the tips! I'm comfortable with the $0.99 eBay approach and have made similar sales before over the last couple decades on eBay so that will be the aim. But @ElcaballitoMVP if you've got anyone interested that path works too!

Glad I got to peel the stickers back a bit (although I left them intact and reapplied them at the end) just to see how cool a card like this is. Nice player-worn relics and signatures on card from what I can tell. 1/3.

49018

49019

49020

49021
 

Deathofthebambino

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Apr 12, 2005
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@ElcaballitoMVP and @Deathofthebambino thank you both for the tips! I'm comfortable with the $0.99 eBay approach and have made similar sales before over the last couple decades on eBay so that will be the aim. But @ElcaballitoMVP if you've got anyone interested that path works too!

Glad I got to peel the stickers back a bit (although I left them intact and reapplied them at the end) just to see how cool a card like this is. Nice player-worn relics and signatures on card from what I can tell. 1/3.

View attachment 49018

View attachment 49019

View attachment 49020

View attachment 49021
Yep, the fact that it's numbered 1 out of 3 makes it a bit more valuable (also known as the Ebay 1/1, anytime you have #1, the last number like 99/99 or 50/50 or the players jersey #, it's the same thing), the patches are excellent, so tack on a bit more, and the autographs are on card, as opposed to sticker, definitely increases the value. Good call opening it up, it's a beautiful card.
 

saintnick912

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Yep, the fact that it's numbered 1 out of 3 makes it a bit more valuable (also known as the Ebay 1/1, anytime you have #1, the last number like 99/99 or 50/50 or the players jersey #, it's the same thing), the patches are excellent, so tack on a bit more, and the autographs are on card, as opposed to sticker, definitely increases the value. Good call opening it up, it's a beautiful card.
The one short-run card I bought was definitely influenced by it being a 1/x and feeling like that was cooler, rational or not. Edit for Tommy

49053
 
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Bongorific

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Jul 16, 2005
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Are we ready for a case break? I’m getting the post-football-pre-baseball nothing exciting is happening in sports itch.
 

Ferm Sheller

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They found a wall which has less than zero value. I'm surprised this is a CNN article.
I thought the same thing. I guess the "story" is that someone was crazy enough to cover a wall entirely in baseball cards? Yawn. It's like finding a wall covered in newspapers from the 70's and 80's. Big deal.

My reason for posting it was the use of the term "vintage" in describing the cards. That makes me feel old.
 

Mugsy's Jock

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Are we ready for a case break? I’m getting the post-football-pre-baseball nothing exciting is happening in sports itch.
I’ve been opening a pack a day all off season. I know packs aren’t efficient, but I do love it so.

I’m in. Topps Heritage?
 

YTF

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Just a quick thought. Old guy here remembering the thrill I used to get from finding desirable cards in packs before the days where specialty and limited edition inserts became the rage. I'm sure I would be stoked today to find some of the cards that y'all are finding, but I have to say that I look at some of these cards and can't help but wonder why some of these athletes can't put a bit more effort into their signatures.
 

deanx0

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So I've been keeping an eye on the Marcelo Mayer cards on eBay, and it's clear the Bowman autos get a premium, but I kind of wanted to add an auto card to my collection and I found a Panini Elite Extra auto #'ed to 75 for $95 and decided to pull the trigger. One thing that helped was the guy selling had a 15% off if you buy a second card and he also had a 2020 Leaf Nick Yorke also numbered to 75 (it''s on the back) for $25, so I got the pair for like $100:

49315
 

ElcaballitoMVP

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Managed to snag a pretty cool card last night in an online break. I had the Pirates and believe it or not, pitcher Andre Scrubb of the Astros had the Marlins. When dual autos get pulled in these they randomize the winner and I was lucky enough to take this one down.
 

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saintnick912

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I took a break from shopping for a while, as I got through most of my first pass "want" list outside of stuff from the 50s.

Is there any advice on how to shop for decent deals on the older stuff? I am looking probably mostly in the PSA 2-4 range for most of them, as a balance between a nice looking card and cost. I've looked at the list of sales on the PSA guide pages, which breaks it down by grade/price over time. The "Buy It Now" listings on eBay seem to sit at a substantial premium to the closed sales, often 50-100% higher. I don't think real prices are trending that sharply based on the history. So is it a "play the auctions and win a few" game? It seems like most of them seem timed to Sunday closes, and I did grab a few less costly basketball/hockey cards that way.
 

ElcaballitoMVP

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Nov 19, 2008
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I took a break from shopping for a while, as I got through most of my first pass "want" list outside of stuff from the 50s.

Is there any advice on how to shop for decent deals on the older stuff? I am looking probably mostly in the PSA 2-4 range for most of them, as a balance between a nice looking card and cost. I've looked at the list of sales on the PSA guide pages, which breaks it down by grade/price over time. The "Buy It Now" listings on eBay seem to sit at a substantial premium to the closed sales, often 50-100% higher. I don't think real prices are trending that sharply based on the history. So is it a "play the auctions and win a few" game? It seems like most of them seem timed to Sunday closes, and I did grab a few less costly basketball/hockey cards that way.
Doesn't hurt to make offers on "Buy It Nows" with prices you're comfortable with. You'd be surprised what some people will accept. Worst that can happen is they say no.
 

Petagine in a Bottle

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Jan 13, 2021
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I took a break from shopping for a while, as I got through most of my first pass "want" list outside of stuff from the 50s.

Is there any advice on how to shop for decent deals on the older stuff? I am looking probably mostly in the PSA 2-4 range for most of them, as a balance between a nice looking card and cost. I've looked at the list of sales on the PSA guide pages, which breaks it down by grade/price over time. The "Buy It Now" listings on eBay seem to sit at a substantial premium to the closed sales, often 50-100% higher. I don't think real prices are trending that sharply based on the history. So is it a "play the auctions and win a few" game? It seems like most of them seem timed to Sunday closes, and I did grab a few less costly basketball/hockey cards that way.
I tend to look for ungraded cards. I don’t plan on selling any of the stuff I buy, and often times don’t really like the slabs the graded ones come in. I guess it all depends on the card and the price; anything $$$ you’d want the grade / authentication but generally raw seems to be a lot cheaper.
 

saintnick912

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I tend to look for ungraded cards. I don’t plan on selling any of the stuff I buy, and often times don’t really like the slabs the graded ones come in. I guess it all depends on the card and the price; anything $$$ you’d want the grade / authentication but generally raw seems to be a lot cheaper.
I hear that, and I did buy ungraded for many where the cost of grading would have overwhelmed the cost of the card, and relied on eBay seller rankings for people who sell real things. Mostly 70s-80s stuff. I saw a lot of people selling reprints, which seems like straight up counterfeiting to me.

For higher value things, the authentication in an online transaction is what really is driving me to look at the graded ones.
 

Fishercat

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As an unsurprising heads up, 2022 Topps print runs are way up from prior years. Hopefully easier to find but parallels will be scarcer for sure.