Best cards to invest in for the next 10 years?

BIGBEN7

I have been thinking about which cards are the best investment for the next 10 years. I believe Tiger Woods rookie cards which includes the SI for Kids and Michael Jordan's 86 Fleer are the best. Both of them will go down in history as the greatest in their sport. Most kids today grew up watching these two and they will forever hold their value. There will be no down side to either one of them. They are the most recognizable people in history along with Babe Ruth and Muhammad Ali.

hammered

Many, many people will disagree with me on this, but I believe the best long-term investments RIGHT NOW are of those baseball players who have recently fallen out of favor due to steroid allegations. I'm talking about Clemens, McGwire, Bonds (yes, Bonds), etc. These players, IMHO, are in the top 5 pitchers, power hitters, and pure hitters of all time.

Their cards are cheap right now. You can pick up a PSA 10 Bonds 87F for around $30. Clemens will never be cheaper than he is right now. Short term their cards are no good, because most fans are taking the "high" road right now and pretending that they lost interest in baseball due to steroid use, blah, blah, and so these players are currently demonized.

Point is, I feel that long term people will not care about steroid use nearly as much as they do now. They will put steroid use in its proper perspective, and realize that these players were great long before they took the juice. Steroids' impact on actual field performance is a topic for another thread.

But if you want a good long term deal, you should start with those three.

CrimsonTider

If your regarding cards as an investment, you must ask yourself this question. Will more people collect cards in 10 years than do now? If you believe that the answer to that is yes,then yes, those should do well. If you answer no, then fewer collectors will equal less demand, less demand means lower prices. Therefore, no, those cards will be worth less.

daneyb

I think the same rules apply today as they always have. Card prices for active players will always fluctuate based on current level of stats and popularity. As a player does better prices go up and vica a versa. I think with the exception of a few cards you best sell the high priced cards of a player while he is hot and then once he retires and the prices settle back down rebuy it for your personal collection. Also the manufactures realized that they almost killed their business with so many card brands that were massed produced in the late 90's that they went too far the other direction. The addition of autos and patches were a great idea but with so many 1 of 50 or 1 of 250 parallel sets I think they still have not done the right thing for card collecting. Now it is almost impossible to collect a player or set like the old days. They really needed to find a middle ground. I think it is cool to pull a limited edition card but a 1 or 50 is not really a card it is something else. Not to mention you just don’t really know what is still waiting to be opened.

You can never go wrong with vintage. For the most part what is out there is out there and there is enough to go around for everyone. Based on your funds depends on the condition of a particular card you own.

phelda

phelda

I feel that marginal players will actually be solid in a few years. If the trend continues to stay away from players like Bonds, A-Rod, and Clemens, then people will start to look at players that had solid numbers from the late 70's and 80's. Soon 300-400 HR's, 250 wins, and 2500+ hits will look like an accomplishment again. Guys like Eddie Murray, Dale Murphy, Fred McGriff, could gain some popularity. Not saying these type of players will reach Ryan or Rose or Munson like prices, but interest should climb. Of course overproduction plays a role in any card as an "investment".

EarlsWorld

In my opinion, high grade vintage has ALWAYS been the safest and most surest investments one can make. No matter what, it has proven itself over decades -- its all about the supply and demand.

vintagechris

if buying for investment, I think you can't go wrong with autographed cards. Seems like more and more people are collecting autographs and I think there will always be a high demand for them.

DrJ

<< <i>If your regarding cards as an investment, you must ask yourself this question. Will more people collect cards in 10 years than do now? If you believe that the answer to that is yes,then yes, those should do well. If you answer no, then fewer collectors will equal less demand, less demand means lower prices. Therefore, no, those cards will be worth less. >>



I don't see the number of collector's increasing and probably actually decreasing. Case in point is the local Wal-Mart where the Pokemon section is just as large as the card section. Not to mention the card section is filled with $20 Blasters which neither the kids or parents skimping to make ends meet can afford.

This is a hobby for adult males with decent jobs and disposable income, a demographic which is rapidly shrinking if things do not turn around in this country.

mcadams

<< <i>In my opinion, high grade vintage has ALWAYS been the safest and most surest investments one can make. No matter what, it has proven itself over decades -- its all about the supply and demand. >>



I realize I'm in the minority here- but I'll politely disagree. Think about who has all the $ to throw around in the market today. Its guys who were kids in the 50's and 60's and they're now buying the post-war stuff they've always wanted b/c they've worked their whole life and can afford it now. Here's the kicker- In 20 years, the people who control the hobby and dictate pricing will be doing the same thing, only they won't be able to name many players from the 50's or 60's because they've never heard of them. It will be the high grade rare whatever cards of their generations great players- Clemens, Maddux, Arod, Pujols etc. etc. etc. Why would some kid born in 1985 ever spend a dime putting together a 52 topps set? I just don't see it playing out that way, but maybe I'm wrong.

EB22

IMO, I would go with autographed vintage rookie cards.... And maybe even second year cards. Autographed cards from today would be ok, but the original RC will always hold more value.

Allen

Autos of dead,or nearly dead, guys. Walter Payton, Wilt Chamberlain, Johnny Unitas, and Muhammad Ali Master Collection. None of those will decrease in value anytime soon.

ripkenintheminors

<< <i>Autos of dead,or nearly dead, guys. Walter Payton, Wilt Chamberlain, Johnny Unitas, and Muhammad Ali Master Collection. None of those will decrease in value anytime soon. >>



Totally agree. Someone broke up a set of the '99 Passing the Torch autographs and the prices are huge.

On a longer term scale I would add true SP'ed HOF rookie cards, especially signed ones.

EB22

You know I had a chance a few years back to buy a 1948 Bowman George Mikan RC autographed BVG 1 for only $400!!! I can't remember if that first bid was placed or it didn't sell. I guess back then people were just concerned that the card was a poor 1 and not worried about the auto. In fact, people probably felt that the auto ruined the card

How I regret that...

Allen

<< <i>You know I had a chance a few years back to buy a 1948 Bowman George Mikan RC autographed BVG 1 for only $400!!! I can't remember if that first bid was placed or it didn't sell. I guess back then people were just concerned that the card was a poor 1 and not worried about the auto. In fact, people probably felt that the auto ruined the card

How I regret that... >>




Or maybe you were just an idiot making up BS with your third ID....

Overrated

52 Mantle.

PoppaJ

Years ago, I had a few opportunities to have my '52 Mantles signed by Mantle.

Back then, any kind of writing on a card, even an autograph, was considered taboo. Thus, the value would have decreased immensely.

As far as investing goes, I'll stick with my Mantles. If I had to choose others, I'd pick high grade Ruth, Gehrig, Aaron, and Mays cards.

JMHO,
PoppaJ

redsfanman

This is a great question. My friend and I were debating this a few weeks ago. My 2 cents...The comments on demand being sustained 10 years from now is a valid one as well as the comment about kids growing up in the 80s and 90s will want to buy those rookie cards instead of older vintage. On the latter, I just don't know if those collectors will ever come back. I know I was dissuaded from collecting - like many others - in the early 90s when so many cards started coming out. In talking with my friend, (he and I are both 80s kids), I've started back to collecting - mainly only b/c of grading - and he still remains skeptical. He asked why he should get back in...really the only reason I could come up with was the enjoyment of it (not as much the investment). Welcome other comments...

jimrad

Investment over the next ten years - something other than sports cards would be the best direction.
If it's not vintage and I mean pre 1960 then forgetaboutit. Keep the sports cards thing as a hobby of enjoyment !

SidePocket

Here's the kicker- In 20 years, the people who control the hobby and dictate pricing will be doing the same thing, only they won't be able to name many players from the 50's or 60's because they've never heard of them. It will be the high grade rare whatever cards of their generations great players- Clemens, Maddux, Arod, Pujols etc. etc. etc. Why would some kid born in 1985 ever spend a dime putting together a 52 topps set? I just don't see it playing out that way, but maybe I'm wrong.

If that's true then why are Ruth, Cobb, Gehrig, etc etc so expensive?

majorflux

Deceased HOF autographed rookies card, for example

1961 Wilt Chamberlain rc auto
1970 Pete Maravich rc auto
1948 Bowman George Mikan rc auto

When one of these go up in the future, it will be frenzy bidding

NickM

Manufacturer-certified autographs (especially on-card as opposed to sticker) of deceased HOFers. Topps Heritage, Fleer GOTG, Upper Deck Legends, etc. are self-authenticating for most collectors.

Nick

billwaltonsbeard

Mikan menko

lsutigers1973

All former LSU players not named Jamarcus Russell.

hofautos

These legends and futures are all bargains at today's prices imho

1948 Musial (7+)
1954 Aaron (centered 6+)
1957 Frank Robinson (centered 7+)
1962 Joe Torre (7+)
1966 Joe Morgan (2nd year all-star rookie) (8+)
1986 Tiffany Bonds (10)
1989 Bowman Tiffany Griffey (10)
2001 Ultimate Ichiro Suzuki Auto
2001 Ultimate Mark Teixeira Auto (if he passes test of longevity)
2009 Derek Jeter 1993 Buy Back Auto (esp if he gets to 4193 hits)
2000 Cabrera Traded auto (if he passes test of longevity)
2003 Hanley Ramirez auto (if he passes test of longevity)

Inserts are making a great comeback as well (Griffey 1998 Donruss Crusades Red #/25 sold for $2300+)

MinorLeagueSource

All signed Tiger Woods Items

bosoxphan

Pre 1960 sets that exhibit two things. True rarity not just condition rarity which can be fleeting. And popularity. Cracker Jacks, Ramlys, Wilson Franks, Leafs, Delongs etc. Cards that are both popular and are hard to put together in even VG-EX condition. Some sets exhibit one or the other and if one aspect is overwhelming they'll do well too. 33 Goudey, 52 Topps, T206 on the popularity side. A number of rare prewars on the rarity side. Cards that nobody has really heard about except advanced prewar collectors. Cards with only a few graded examples.

bosoxphan

<< <i>

<< <i>In my opinion, high grade vintage has ALWAYS been the safest and most surest investments one can make. No matter what, it has proven itself over decades -- its all about the supply and demand. >>



I realize I'm in the minority here- but I'll politely disagree. Think about who has all the $ to throw around in the market today. Its guys who were kids in the 50's and 60's and they're now buying the post-war stuff they've always wanted b/c they've worked their whole life and can afford it now. Here's the kicker- In 20 years, the people who control the hobby and dictate pricing will be doing the same thing, only they won't be able to name many players from the 50's or 60's because they've never heard of them. It will be the high grade rare whatever cards of their generations great players- Clemens, Maddux, Arod, Pujols etc. etc. etc. Why would some kid born in 1985 ever spend a dime putting together a 52 topps set? I just don't see it playing out that way, but maybe I'm wrong. >>



Disagree. Best performing part of the market is prewar and its been that way for awhile. Think of all the T206 collectors. None of those players were seen by those collecting them. Legend is bigger that way. Plus advanced collectors always end up gravitating towards rarity. True rarity not the fake rarity that been manufactured in todays market.

BIGBEN7

I had some good responses. But nobody thinks a Michael Jordan or Tiger Woods rookie would be a wise investment? These are two of the greats of all time and will be forever linked to our generation.

itzagoner

there are still safe havens out there....some aspects of this market will allow you to treat it that way, like putting money into high end cards of key HOFers, popular players & rookie cards, so you can declare yourself wise for not having put your money into a failed business partnership, but for now, this market is likely not the best place to look for a pot o' gold investment, at least in the short term (wanna buy 1000 Juan Gonzalez rookie cards?????)

i would put every single launderable penny into it, though.....

as for the contention that we will generationally lose interest in "out-dated" collectibles, no.....there are plenty of collectors and investors out there would gladly expend the energy to chase them.

bosoxphan

<< <i>I had some good responses. But nobody thinks a Michael Jordan or Tiger Woods rookie would be a wise investment? These are two of the greats of all time and will be forever linked to our generation. >>



Too many of them available imo. We're talking 10,000+ of each graded by PSA alone with most in NrMT-MT or better condition. Thats not even counting the other grading companies and all the raw and unopened out there.

1960toppsguy

Definitely avoid modern and autograph stuff

justmichael

<< <i>In my opinion, high grade vintage has ALWAYS been the safest and most surest investments one can make. No matter what, it has proven itself over decades -- its all about the supply and demand. >>



I think high grade vintage is going to be subject to investagations by the FBI.Starting with Mastro/Legendary.It may cause some bad things to happen with that market.Mid grade Ruth's and 52 Mantles seem like a better investment.Those 2 will always have a place in Americana.Every year the prices for them rise albeit slightly.IMO it is a more sound investment.
Mike

Basilone

In some ways, I think VCP might have hurt the overall investment return on a number of cards. It appears many people will not want to pay more than the average (at most). In addition, I would stay away from high grade graded post-war commons (say post 1956)...the POPs only go up.

The secret to investing in cards is you make your money on the buy side. You should know the issue well enough to spot good buys. In addition, you should follow the market so you know when a new "gotta have it" whale" enters the market. That is the time to sell. At the end of the day, if you want to maximize your ROI, you will need to do some homework on your end.

TomGshotput

If anyone has a proven track record of correctly identifying the best investments, they already have an eight figure bank account and can buy whatever cards they want. The best thing I can think of to invest it would be any unopened box for $6 or less. You are guaranteed to not lose more than $6 and you can always open the cards with an almost certain guarantee to pass the time for a few minutes

EB22

<< <i>I had some good responses. But nobody thinks a Michael Jordan or Tiger Woods rookie would be a wise investment? These are two of the greats of all time and will be forever linked to our generation. >>



If you want to invest in Jordan, may I suggest the 1985 Prism Jewel Sticker and the 1988 Fournier Estrellas Sticker. Those two issues are waaay rarer than his 86 fleer "rookie" card. The 85 Prism is actually 85 and not 86 like the fleer. The 88 Fournier Sticker is 88, but it is still way rarer than his RC and a nice card/sticker to have.

Of course you have the 1985 Star XRC but with that card comes doubt if its real or not. Sure you have reprints for the 86 fleer too, but at least the graders can tell them apart, but with the Star they can't be certain.

With Tiger Woods, the 96 Sports Illustrated for Kids is a very good investment, but even a better investment would be to get him to sign it!

Good luck!

otwcards

If I had to examine the modern market for 10 year investments, I'd consider the following players and their key RC's:

LeBron James (he will eventually go down in the same breath as Michael Jordan)
Tom Brady (another that will be mentioned in the same class as Unitas and Montana)
Alex Rodriguez (he's bound to win a World Series Title and the PED talk will wear off after he eclipses Ruth/Aaron/Bonds)
Martin Brodeur (inexpensive, albeit overproduced, even in PSA 10 for arguably the greatest goalie to ever play the game - 700+ wins, 120 shutouts when all is said and done)

larryallen73

As so often said I think it's a fools game to think of cards as an investment. They are a collectible and collectibles should be a SMALL percentage of a well diversified portfolio but only a very small and only for people who really can afford it. Having said that I think supply and demand will prove to be king forever. The supply of cards since the mid-70's is just too great. Cards of the 80's and 90's even greater supply. Sadly, the cards I have the most of but I think they are by far the worth "investment." People were buying 100 or 1,000 card blocks of rookie cards back then as investments. That's not the case with true vintage or even with the modern "rookie" cards. I thus would go with true vintage (pre 1970) in PSA 8 or higher and I might consider dabbling in modern limited edition Pujols, et al. Woods and Jordan are probably fine. In conclusion if I were investment I would be buying 1960's and older, high grade, HOFers and popular players.

spazzy

I would say any old major superstar still living from the 50s or 60s suck as AAron ,Mays, Ali, Hull , Howe,Jim Brown,Namath in the best condition that you can afford, They are great cards and players. Dont forget basketball stars too.

Texoma

<< <i>Years ago, I had a few opportunities to have my '52 Mantles signed by Mantle.

Back then, any kind of writing on a card, even an autograph, was considered taboo. Thus, the value would have decreased immensely.

As far as investing goes, I'll stick with my Mantles. If I had to choose others, I'd pick high grade Ruth, Gehrig, Aaron, and Mays cards.

JMHO,
PoppaJ >>



Definitely with Pop on this one...vintage Mickeys never had a bad day and never will.

Texoma

<< <i>Years ago, I had a few opportunities to have my '52 Mantles signed by Mantle.

Back then, any kind of writing on a card, even an autograph, was considered taboo. Thus, the value would have decreased immensely.

As far as investing goes, I'll stick with my Mantles. If I had to choose others, I'd pick high grade Ruth, Gehrig, Aaron, and Mays cards.

JMHO,
PoppaJ >>



Definitely with Pop on this one...vintage Mickeys never had a bad day and never will.

bbcemporium

<< <i>As so often said I think it's a fools game to think of cards as an investment. They are a collectible and collectibles should be a SMALL percentage of a well diversified portfolio but only a very small and only for people who really can afford it. Having said that I think supply and demand will prove to be king forever. The supply of cards since the mid-70's is just too great. Cards of the 80's and 90's even greater supply. Sadly, the cards I have the most of but I think they are by far the worth "investment." People were buying 100 or 1,000 card blocks of rookie cards back then as investments. That's not the case with true vintage or even with the modern "rookie" cards. I thus would go with true vintage (pre 1970) in PSA 8 or higher and I might consider dabbling in modern limited edition Pujols, et al. Woods and Jordan are probably fine. In conclusion if I were investment I would be buying 1960's and older, high grade, HOFers and popular players. >>



Very well put. Simple supply and demand economic principles. I also agree that high grade vintage and pre-war cards will continue to go up in value or at least hold their value. I have zero insight on modern limited edition other than they have no appeal to me, and I wouldn't advise people to buy them except for collecting purposes.

ripkenintheminors

<< <i>Definitely avoid modern and autograph stuff >>



Depends on the card. For example, the '98 Manning Contenders is a keeper. Then again, at the current price level it might be hard to consider it an "investment card".

EAsports

<< <i>All former LSU players not named Jamarcus Russell. >>



Sweet. This stack of Cecil Collins cards is MONEY.

fmclaug11

For the past couple of years I've been concentrating on building a nice collection of centered mid-grade Mantles and I try to buy them right (make the money on the purchase as opposed to counting on making it on the sale as they say). If I can do that, I feel pretty good about the fact that they'll continue going up in value from there. His legend will continue to be passed down thru generations and his cards will always command a premium ahead of most, if not all others from the 50's to the 70's.

41GoudeyGuy

T206 HOF'ers and low pop cards such as Demmit and O'Hara. Any low pop back such as Broad Leaf, EPDG, Cycle, Uzit, etc. HOF'ers with low pop backs are doubly good to pick up.

This set will always be popular no matter where the hobby goes as a whole resulting in consistant sustainable high demand. And with the number of these cards being locked up in collections supply will remain low. Finds from time to time will add to the overall population but not enough to impact prices.

smtjoy

I am putting my money in scarce pre 1950 issues. I like issues where there are only a few graded (less than 100 a card but prefer less than 25 cards), like E cards, Exhibits, Delongs, M101 rare backs, Zeenuts, etc. I see issues like T210-215 taking off in value because as advanced collectors finish off there T205, 206 and 207 collections they tend to move into more scarce issues, T210 prices are going thru the roof right now, cards I could get for $25-50 dollars 3 years ago are selling for $100-200. If I had to choose 1950's and newer stuff I would buy mid grade HOF cards (mantle, mays, arron, clemente, koufax) or scarce topps test issues and scarce issues like Kahns, Macgregor, venz topps, etc. Sets like 55 Topps AA FB are awesome in mid grade and I think will go up in value. I think autos of deceased hof who died before the auto market exploded will be smart, like wilt, clemente, mikan, payton, etc.

What I would stay away from are high grade low pop 1950-70's cards (the pops will keep going up and who knows how many of them are really trimmed), any 1970-80's psa 8-10's, most modern stuff unless its a scarce issue (not the numbered insert crap), and anything else that was overproduced. On autos anyone still alive signing today will not be worth it, they all sign way to much these days.

artistlost

If I was investing now for 10 years down the road I would buy cards such as the following.

2001 Albert Pujols Bowman Chrome Auto RC
2002 Joe Mauer Bowman Chrome Auto RC
2003 Hanley Ramirez Bowman Chrome Auto RC
2004 Felix Hernandez Bowman Chrome Auto RC
2005 Ryan Braun Bowman Chrome Auto RC
2006 Evan Longoria Bowman Chrome Auto RC
2007 Tim Lincecum Bowman Chrome Auto RC

and others like that ie: Prince Fielder, David Wright, Ryan Zimmerman etc...

Why? Well they will be entering their later years and prime years and if they stay healty will be putting up (or will have already put up) huge numbers and will be the talk of baseball. These are all fairly limited in production and all autographed rookies.

Anyway...just my thoughts.

mathew

Nathaniel1960

Mid-80's HOF and Stars in PSA 10's.

Mid-80's wax (1982 - 1987).

Anything old and Latin American (Tolesteros (sp?)/Topps Venezulan, etc).

Old Minor League stuff.

1969 Topps Mickey Mantle checklist. I can't stress this enough.

Perez Steele HOF Autos.

ANYTHING Pre-1940's in PSA 1 but good eye appeal.

Kelloggs football and baseball 1970 - 1980 (uncracked).

Everything Pete Rose.

And my long shot prediction: Sammy Sosa Leaf RC's. Snap these bad boys up now!!!

eagles33

i think lebrone james rookies and sealed wax boxes that could contain a james auto. just my guess.. when he is done.. he might be pretty close to jordan as the greatest of all time.

mtcards

I agree with early 80's wax 81-85

Mainly because of the number of HOF or potential HOF in these sets. The cost is low. I was looking through a 1999 Tuff Stuff and virtually EVERY 80's wax was priced higher back then than now. Eventually these cards will go up. Ten years is a good chance. Granted, you wont make a ton, but I think the price on the early 80's wax has bottomed out.