Question/Where to Buy Bowman "Chrome" or "Gold"

Sequitur

Hey guys. My nephew is bugging me about buying him something called "Bowman Chrome" cards. I try to encourage his young collecting instincts, and told him maybe we'll get some tomorrow before the game starts.

Well, then he tells me they're something like $3 a pack, but only a few cards come in a pack? Is that right? Just a few cards in a damn pack? (What in the Virgin Mother's name has happened to the pricing of this hobby!? I thought my coins were bad . . . I can remember getting dozens of Topps cards plus a stick of gum for something like $0.75. What kid can afford this?)

He says he wants something called "Gold" cards, too. Is that something different? A different brand or a different product, or do they come in this "Chrome" product?

Finally, where can I buy them cheap . . . I searched Walmart's website, but they don't seem to carry them. I don't want to be traveling to some mall-based dealer and getting hosed. Can anyone reccommend a California-based store or major retailer?

Thank you one and all. And enjoy the game tomorrow.

Beachbum

Welcome to the "modern era" of cards and your fortunate your nephew has the good sense to recommend a product which offers the most for the least investment.

Bowman Chrome ( he is probably referring to "BCDP" the prospect update ) has the most coveted rookie cards and long-term value dependant on the career of the prospect.

At $3.00 a pack, it is a bargain in today's market where premium products like Upper Deck Ultimate Collection cost $100 per pack for 4 cards, of which only one has true value.

The "Gold" he is referring to is either the variant subset of the base cards which is on thicker stock signed with a facsimile gold signature; the other possibility is a gold version of the chrome card which is very collectible. Each pack comes with 5 regular bowman draft cards, one gold subset card and two chrome cards, one of which could be the valuable gold insert.

I know you obviously are more expert at coins and this sounds foreign, but this is the answer to your question.

Sequitur

<< <i>it is a bargain in today's market where premium products like Upper Deck Ultimate Collection cost $100 per pack for 4 cards, of which only one has true value. >>



Holy sweet mother of god. A HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR FOUR F-ING BASEBALL CARDS?

I am shocked. I mean genuinely shocked. I had to read that sentence over four times to ensure I had read what I thought I read. I had no idea, absolutely none, that this is the face of modern sportcard collecting.

I am singularly focused on coins, and haven't bought a pack of cards in 15 years, when I was a kid. If I had walked into a sport place, and saw a 2004 pack of four cards for $100, I would have called the dealer a fraud right to his face and walked straight the F out of such a shop. Man o man am I getting old (in my early 30s).

Thanks for the response. Sheesh, I'm going to happily buy him a few packs of those Bowmans, and cross my fingers he never asks for the Upper Deck Ultimate Collection.

Basilone

Hope he doesn't ask for 2004 Playoff Prime Cuts Baseball...its $150.00 per pack which contains 4 cards, 1 of which is an Autograph or Memorabilia piece numbered to less than 50.

Sequitur

How bad can it get?

Oh, hey, where should I go tomorrow for the Bowman "Chrome" cards? Will a national retailer have them, or do I have to schlep to an overpriced mall and render unto a card dealer for these cards?

AlanAllen

Your best bet is a local card shop NOT in a mall, if there are any left in your area. Where in California are you?

Joe

Sequitur

San Diego my friend. Shorts and short sleeves all year long, all year strong. Any recommendation to acquire some cheap packs of these cards is appreciated.