1958 Jim Brown undervalued?

CSUrunandstun · August 20, 2018 11:12AM

PSA 8's of Jim Brown (POP 195, 11 higher) have been averaging @ $6,000.00 lately... I noticed that 1965 Namath's in 8 (POP 74, 8 higher) are averaging around $25,000.00. So arguably the greatest player in the history of the NFL is WAY undervalued relative to a statistically borderline HOFer? ...I know, Namath "changed the game" and helped force the merger of the AFL/NFL, but all things considered, isn't JB way undervalued? Thoughts appreciated.

markj111 · August 20, 2018 11:19AM

@CSUrunandstun said:
PSA 8's of Jim Brown (POP 195, 11 higher) have been averaging @ $6,000.00 lately... I noticed that 1965 Namath's in 8 (POP 74, 8 higher) are averaging around $25,000.00. So arguably the greatest player in the history of the NFL is WAY undervalued relative to a statistically borderline HOFer? ...I know, Namath "changed the game" and helped force the merger of the AFL/NFL, but all things considered, isn't JB way undervalued? Thoughts appreciated.

Perhaps Namath is overvalued. The market is what it is.

PADIdiver · August 20, 2018 11:19AM

I don't know much about football cards but it reminds me of how Namath was named in the thread of most over-valued cards out there so perhaps Jim Brown isn't undervalued but Namath is over-valued?

Stone193 · August 20, 2018 11:50AM

I'm not a FB guy.

Is it possible that QBs always get more "love" than RBs, e.g.?

GreenSneakers · August 20, 2018 12:07PM

Nameth played in NY and was the childhood hero of those that now have disposable income. Similar premium that exists for Mantle.

What is interesting is when they next generation becomes the buyers does the premium hold.

Unknown · August 20, 2018 12:13PM

This content has been removed.

CSUrunandstun · August 20, 2018 1:50PM

good feedback - thanks to all. Another way to look at it: if you took the rookie cards of the "Mt Rushmore" of sports....say, Ruth, Brown, Gretzky and Jordan (and I know we can argue them all - use whomever you like)... I don't think you would find many (any?) other examples where the "best" player in his sport is so (undervalued/underloved) on a pricing basis for like grade levels relative to other players in his sport, as JB is....just found it interesting...

prgsdw · August 20, 2018 2:16PM

I agree with the Namath overvalued sentiment. I think part of the value is QB as mentioned above, another premium is the iconic figure in New York with the guarantee and finally the card itself, a tall boy form factor which was more difficult to preserve than a standard size card.

That said, I've always thought that Roger Staubach's rookie was undervalued compared to Namath's...

dan89 · August 20, 2018 3:14PM

I think it is incredibly undervalued. It is just so hard to find in focus, let alone centered. Just not aesthetically pleasing in 80% of the copies out there. Thing is 51 Bowman Mantle is just as tough for focus, centering etc and is the exception to this rule. Even completely out of focus copies with major print and centering issues have no problem selling and clearly are not undervalued. I think I just confused myself......

phelda · August 20, 2018 4:09PM

There is a difference in the population of both in PSA8, that might be part of it. The Namath being an oversized card and perhaps more susceptible to condition issues could also be a factor. Brown is certainly my pick for better player than Namath, but QB's get lots of love. I think the Brown rookie in a nice centered PSA 7 is a huge card with upside potential

UFFDAH · August 20, 2018 5:15PM

Yes Brown is beyond great, yes his rookie card is subject to many imperfection issues, yes quality examples of his rookie card are scarce and undervalued with room to grow.

1951WheatiesPremium · August 20, 2018 5:48PM

When you consider the life and career of Jim Brown and his marketability, remember that he was the most controversial of the four Mt Rushmore guys you mentioned.

Ruth was Ruth and Gretzky and Jordan were (and are) completely in control of their plain image. Jim Brown was a guy who some people really don’t like and that limits his market some.

vols1 · August 20, 2018 8:35PM

Brown seemed to have a chilly relationship with the NFL after he retired. He just never seemed to get along with anybody. And numerous off field lawsuits didn't help.

JoeBanzai · August 21, 2018 5:19AM

Short answer is yes.

People do not collect just because of greatness, they collect who they like.

Namath was a big celebrity and had a TON of press (some not good at all). He also had that big grin that people just seemed to love. Would have loved to see what he could have done with good knees/legs!

Brown was (it seems to me) depicted as a somewhat sullen, angry, and SCARY man. Certainly intimidating.

If I had money to invest, I would think that Namath was a better investment even though his cards are "overvalued".

P.S. Almost 3X more Brown 8's might have something to do with it!