My Greatest pull ever!! Advice needed

TheMcgwireMuseum

Today I was fortunate enough to pull a 1992 Barry Colla Autograph card out of a box set! They are really rare, with 15,000 sets made and only 200 autos ( It's even #18, my birth date and Jersey #). Now after my excitement leveled off and my heart rate returned to semi-normal, Im wondering what to do with it. Normally there'd be no question in keeping it (especially since I didn't have this card yet), except that what I consider to be the 'Holy Grail' of McGwire cards, the 1985 Chong Modesto A's error version PSA 10, has recently been put up for sale. I figure between the sale of this card, and my 1993 refractor, I could buy the Chong error for the same money these 2 would bring in. Any suggestions? Should I go for the Chong, or keep this card so I dont have to worry about getting it later, as Ive only seen 3 for sale in the past 8 years. The autograph card would grade an 8, which would be the highest grade to date. I want my registry set to be all 9-10's, but this might not be possible with this card. HELP!!

CDsNuts

Awesome pull. Have you seen any sales for this card?

Lee

TheMcgwireMuseum

Ive seen 2 of them, but I dont remember what the sales were. I was guessing it would bring around $400, with this being his 1st licensed card ever. The Cardinals years licensed autos sell for about that, so maybe this sells for a tad more?


edited to add Naxcom has one listed for $1000 with no takers as of yet

RipublicaninMass

jgarci is gonna have to change his underoos!!! Great pull!

CDsNuts

Tough to say. I tend to be on the side of keeping my big pulls because of the emotional attachment. I remember back in 1993 I pulled Finest refractors of Maddux and Piazza, spending most of my work money to buy 1 or 2 packs a week (I was in high school). Even though I didn't have much money, I couldn't bring myself to sell them until they both hit $1000 in 1995 when I was in college and had no choice.

Lee

TheMcgwireMuseum

<< <i>Tough to say. I tend to be on the side of keeping my big pulls because of the emotional attachment. >>



My thoughts exactly. Thats why I'm trying to decide as fast as possible, because the longer I keep it the harder it will be to sell it. I just don't want to regret it later. Im sure if I do sell it, the '82 anchorage Pilots in a 10 will be available right after I buy the Chong (which the 82 has 50 fewer 10's per pop report), or I'll get the Chong but might be pissed later on when Im trying to find this card in high grade for my registry set.

leftofdial

Congrats on that pull -you must have been totally thrilled to see that card emerge!

And now you have a fun, yet semi-nerve wracking decision to make. I wouldn't be too suprised if you don't have more knowledge then most of us on his cards and what might happen down the road with them, both price wise and availability wise, so I don't have many words of wisdom for you regarding what you might do.

So instead of anything I might say, I suggest you heed the timeless advice of the Grammy award winning Swedish band Roxette when they say: "Listen to Your Heart"

and look at the title of your post should you need any additional help

again, CONGRATS!!!

metalmike

obviously you are a mark. keep smiling it's yours!

jmbkb4

jay,

The Chong Modesto error is not terribly difficult to find. BUT...it is also not plentiful. If you absolutely cannot afford the card without selling the recently pulled McGwire (Ramen noodles, boxed cereal, etc. for a month), then go after the one you want the most -- your Holy Grail.

Good luck!

TheMcgwireMuseum

Man I'm really on the fence!! I'm not sure I can swing keeping this and getting the Chong. I already bought a 1/1 this week, as well as numerous other items, since I hadnt made a big purchase in about 3 weeks because of supply. This always happens to me after I spend a lot. To top it off, theres about 20 PSA 10's I dont have yet, all listed in the same 2 day span. My mind tells me 'no' but my fingers say 'yes' to bidding on them. And then of course I see the Chong listed. I kinda might sorta be leaning on keeping this auto, since its in good shape, and its rare and pulled it myself, and Ive seen the Chong listed 3 times since November. Maybe if I sell it will be for an '82 Pilots PSA 10, since they are rarer than the Chong in 10's. I'll keep everyone posted. Maybe by the end of the week I have the Chong as well

jmbkb4

Tough call. Keep us posted!

storm888

Keep the nice card you pulled today.

Get money elsewhere to buy the other card/cards.

1989FleerBillRipkencollector

<< <i>Keep the nice card you pulled today.

Get money elsewhere to buy the other card/cards. >>




I agree.

I've sold cards that I wish I would of kept and just saved up to buy the other.

Ahmanfan

why not keep this card and get the Chong in a psa 9? I'm sure there isn't much difference to the eye between it in a 9 and a 10.
John

f2tornado

I would assume that is Macs first auto'd card? If so then definately a keeper.

Mrcardsniper

SaaaWEEET.... card!!! I have never pulled a gem like that!!!

sagard

If you eventually want to own both cards I don't see the point in selling the one you currently own and buying the other. The other card will be available again at some point. With this one be available?

Tedw9

That is one sweet card! Nice pull!


If it was me, I would keep that card and save my pennies for the other card.


Either way, keep us posted and good luck making your decision.

RipublicaninMass

keep that, sell garci some more refractors and resubmit a solid Chong PSA 9...and there you have it!

TheMcgwireMuseum

jgarci has indeed been funding some of my latest splurges I think what Im going to do is keep this card. Ill wait on this Chong card for now, it was priced a tad high anyways. I had started a decent sized side account for when any of the big PSA 10's come up for sale, but I dipped into it aka: cleaned it out. I'll make sure that I have funds stashed for when a 1982 Pilots, '85 Tiffany, 86 Burger King, or the Chong error PSA 10's come up for sale so I'll be ready. I was just trying to hurry up with one of these 'Big 4' because I think I am getting engaged soon , and am scared thats like committing collector's suicide!

Estil

That's the only bad thing about being a set collector; I miss being able to buy packs and hoping to hit the big one.

NickM

One PSA 10 of the Chong is just like another. This McGwire is not only numbered, it has the most special number (jersey #) to a significant group of collectors.

Keep it. You'll get a Chong later.

Nick

prscott933

Keep it! You would buy one someday anyway and you'll always know that you pulled this one on your own.

rbdjr1

"A bird in the hand!"

K~E~E~P~E~R~!

ORANGE

You mean you're collecting McGwire and then you find the great autograph brand new out of a pack by pure chance? No way I would get rid of that. That one is Yours.

TheMcgwireMuseum

Thanks for all the replies. It seems pretty unanimous, so I guess this will be a permanent addition to my collection!

1989FleerBillRipkencollector