<< <i>Okay the 25K is almost all spent...I'll give you all the "hypothetical" purchases soon , I promise, this should lead to some interesting debate >>
But the Rocky Graziano auction just got started over at REA! Hah.
<< <i>Okay the 25K is almost all spent...I'll give you all the "hypothetical" purchases soon , I promise, this should lead to some interesting debate >>
But the Rocky Graziano auction just got started over at REA! Hah. >>
...nice! but my final reply might have to wait out that auction... here are some more clarifying thoughts.
1. The question is more about "disposable" income. Therefore, it is not necessarily either a pure investment or enjoyment play. 2. An easy response is more of what you already collect. 3. The Rocky Graziano idea is so off the wall it is brilliant and actually captures the spirit of the question.
Do 1971-75 Topps sets with all HOFers/checklists in PSA 7 for 1971-72 and the top 25 or so key cards in PSA 7 for 1973-75. Plus I'd want to finish up my early-to-mid 90s insert set project (BB/BK/FB). At least that's where I'd start!
So here was the final criteria. I had the good fortune of coming across 25,000.00 that I could spend freely on this hobby. The decision on what to purchase had to be based on 15 years out from today...not necessarily investment or appreciation, but something I would enjoy. The investment part of this decision was based on "what it would cost me to have in 2030 versus today" After listening to all your advice and insights my list will follow tomorrow and I am open to ridicule!
Congrats on the cash windfall! I can't wait to see what you purchased with it. Some great suggestions were made on how to spend it, so if you took the advice given, you'll do just fine.
Thanks Downtown. What I decided on in the end is that in 15-20 years when I am retired...what would I enjoy the most in those years related to Baseball cards. I decided that I would get the MOST joy just breaking through unopened material from my youth. I grew up mainly in the 1970s but that supply is dry as a desert. I went through high school in the early 1980s (graduated 1985) and bought boatloads of cards using my paper-route money. I sold my entire collection to help pay my way through graduate school (working on a graduate degree with 2 young kids while living on food-stamps) The final deciding factor was that I bought a 1981 Topps vending case about 5 years ago for 600.00. At that time, a couple people said it was a bit high because the quality of cards out of a vending case were atrocious. However, today, I guess the case's value at around 1500.00. At this pace what would the cost be in 2030? Based on this here is what was purchased (mostly from BBCE)
<< <i> What I decided on in the end is that in 15-20 years when I am retired...what would I enjoy the most in those years related to Baseball cards. I decided that I would get the MOST joy just breaking through unopened material from my youth. >>
There's your answer. 25 grand well spent. Something you're really gonna enjoy. Congrats MMdog!!!
That's a huge list! Pretty much the opposite of my 1 card proposal, but I like it. I grew up in the same time period, and collect cards from this period. Mostly for enjoyment. I think you have some nice upside there and it's smart to get what you will enjoy. The only issue for me would be the space. I don't have the space any longer to store that many cards. If you are going to keep them in a basement or garage, I would suggest storing on slightly elevated shelving in case there are ever water issues.
<< <i>That's a huge list! Pretty much the opposite of my 1 card proposal, but I like it. I grew up in the same time period, and collect cards from this period. Mostly for enjoyment. I think you have some nice upside there and it's smart to get what you will enjoy. The only issue for me would be the space. I don't have the space any longer to store that many cards. If you are going to keep them in a basement or garage, I would suggest storing on slightly elevated shelving in case there are ever water issues. >>
Thanks ESports and DT, I have a couple empty bedrooms upstairs that will now be wall to wall cards. I figure to save on heating and cooling costs and that will pay for the cards sometime in the next couple hundred years...or in 10 years with the Obama energy policy
I do not see a single thing wrong with your purchase considering what early 80s unopened is going for and what it eventually will appreciate into. Man I wish I had half that dough to make my own purchases. Congratulations!
I collect vintage PSA graded SF Giants, Willie Mays, McCovey, Cepeda, Marichal and Perry. And modern players like Buster Posey, Will Clark and Barry Bonds.
Skin, I disagree with your assessment of the unopened market, which I certainly wouldn't describe as a "novelty" by any means. I think prices at worst will flatline for a while, but the likelihood is that they will continue to rise as product gets scarcer. There is potential fraud anywhere you turn in this hobby but people will continue collecting. Of course, this is a hobby, so I wouldn't put my retirement fund into cards, but as far as unopened product goes, the last decade has been very strong, in particular the last year or two, and imo that will continue for the forseeable future at least. Anyway, I'm sure Henry can weather a 25K investment even in the unlikely event the market gets soft. It's all about collecting what gives you pleasure right now in life, imo, which is what the hobby is all about.
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
MintMoonDog, For the record, I would not have gone on that direction but I wish you the very best in 10-15 years. Also thank you for the post, it was fun reading and dreaming what I would have done!
I will be surprised if your unopened purchase matches inflation over the next 10-15 years. Right now the unopened market is dominated by unopened collectors rather than rippers (when the forum rips started 70-80% of packs/boxes were opened now you are lucky to see 25% ripped). The surge of new collectors for unopened plus the relative scarcity of product has caused prices to rise astronomically. For me the idea that people are paying more for unopened hoping for PSA 10 star RCs or low pop 10s is misguided, while it seems like high grade prices are rising most are well off historic peaks, a majority of PSA 8s and 9s are money losers and there are far fewer low pops now. We will see how long the new unopened collectors stay in the market, that will determine how sustainable current prices and any future appreciation will be. In the end I think folks will find that selling their unopened for market prices is much more difficult than selling PSA graded cards due to the unbelievable amount of bad wax out there (and only to get worse as prices continue to rise).
I have spent $10k-50k a year for over a decade on unopened and the last 12-18 months have been crazy (I would be sitting on a gold mine if I had actually kept any of what I bought the last decade unopened Prices are 50-100% higher than 2-3 years ago almost across the board and demand seems insatiable. Prices I would not consider paying sellout on BBCE in a day or week, heck prices I have to think about sellout before I can even pull the trigger.
In the end you indicated that you purchased what you would enjoy the most in 10-15 years and that is all that really matters. Especially since you are planning to rip it all anyway. Cheers,
Hey Robb, what happens to us old unopened collectors??? LOL!!!
I agree, prices have gotten to the point that I may start working on finishes more of my raw sets. Like Robb, I find myself debating a purchase only to find it sold within minutes. I am very thankful to have purchases a bulk of my collection prior to a couple of years ago when prices on unopened started their upward climb. I never thought that the early 80's would be in such demand now as I could have picked up cases of it not that long ago. It will be interesting to see how the unopened market goes in the next couple of years to get more clarity. Now if my 1988 Donruss wax boxes and 1991 Fleer rack boxes start to sell at $100 each, I'll know the end is near.
"The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep."
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."
Collecting: Any unopened Baseball cello and rack packs and boxes from the 1970's and early 1980s.
By novelty, I mean how high can the packs rise in price when the sets and cards within never rise in value. Sure, the 10's from those have risen...but those prices drop once a few more 10's get added.
One cannot ignore the rampant resealing going on, and guys putting stars on front to make the pack more valuable. That could absolutely kill that market.
It isn't comparable to fraud in other areas. When people make fake Pre War stuff, it is really pretty easy to spot because they don't have the original materials to make them.
With the packs, you have all the original materials, wrappers, cards, gum...all one needs is a similar adhesive and know how the folds lineup and it fools people all the time.
If you knew people had the original printing plates for a '52 Mantle, the original paper, and the original ink...would you be rushing out to buy '52 Mantles?
To the OP, if that is a good form of enjoyment 20 years from now...hey I can't argue with you there. Your money, your enjoyment In that regard, it may very well be money well spent...especially if you do have virgin material.
Comments
T206 Johnson Portrait PSA 6 $5,000
'51 Mantle PSA 6 $5,000
'33 Goudey Ruth PSA 6 $4,500
'48 Leaf J. Robinson PSA 8 $7,500
<< <i>Okay the 25K is almost all spent...I'll give you all the "hypothetical" purchases soon
But the Rocky Graziano auction just got started over at REA! Hah.
<< <i>
<< <i>Okay the 25K is almost all spent...I'll give you all the "hypothetical" purchases soon
But the Rocky Graziano auction just got started over at REA! Hah. >>
...nice! but my final reply might have to wait out that auction...
here are some more clarifying thoughts.
1. The question is more about "disposable" income. Therefore, it is not necessarily either a pure investment or enjoyment play.
2. An easy response is more of what you already collect.
3. The Rocky Graziano idea is so off the wall it is brilliant and actually captures the spirit of the question.
D's: 54S,53P,50P,49S,45D+S,44S,43D,41S,40D+S,39D+S,38D+S,37D+S,36S,35D+S,all 16-34's
Q's: 52S,47S,46S,40S,39S,38S,37D+S,36D+S,35D,34D,32D+S
74T: 241,435,610,654 97 Finest silver: 115,135,139,145,310
73T:31,55,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,80,152,165,189,213,235,237,257,341,344,377,379,390,422,433,453,480,497,545,554,563,580,606,613,630
95 Ultra GM Sets: Golden Prospects,HR Kings,On-Base Leaders,Power Plus,RBI Kings,Rising Stars
MY GOLD TYPE SET https://pcgs.com/setregistry/type-sets/complete-type-sets/gold-type-set-12-piece-circulation-strikes-1839-1933/publishedset/321940
The final deciding factor was that I bought a 1981 Topps vending case about 5 years ago for 600.00. At that time, a couple people said it was a bit high because the quality of cards out of a vending case were atrocious. However, today, I guess the case's value at around 1500.00. At this pace what would the cost be in 2030?
Based on this here is what was purchased (mostly from BBCE)
49 1981 Topps Rack Packs BBCE 9
12 1981 DonRuss Wax Box BBCE 40
2 1982 DonRuss WaxRack Case (3) BBCE 500
120 1982 DonRuss Rack Packs BBCE 5.5
2 1982 DonRuss WaxRack Case BBCE 1350
48 1984 DonRuss Rack Packs BBCE 20
2 1985 DonRuss Rack Case BBCE 500
26 1985 DonRuss Rack Packs BBCE 8
1 1985 DonRuss Display Case BBCE 400
12 1986 DonRuss Rack Packs BBCE 2
12 1986 DonRuss Wax Box BBCE 30
3 1987 DonRuss Blis/Rack Case BBCE 90
6 1987 DonRuss Blis/(NFS) Case BBCE 50
7 1987 DonRuss Wax Case BBCE 380
1 1988 DonRuss Wax Case Dugout 137
72 1985 DonRuss Rack Packs ebay 5
144 1985 DonRuss Rack Packs Kruk 4.27
1 1986 DonRuss Rack Case ebay 214
3 1988 DonRuss Rack Case Dugout 72
1 1988 DonRuss Blis/Rack Case Dugout 70
1 1983 DonRuss Wax Case Dugout 2000
1 1981 DonRuss Wax Case Dugout 1200
1 1985 DonRuss Wax Case Dugout 1700
1 1985 DonRuss Rack Case Dave's 500
1 1984 DonRuss Rack Case Dave's 1600
16 1981 DonRuss Wax Box Duff 40
1 1982 DonRuss Wax Case Thilmony 1130
2 1981 DonRuss Wax Box BBCE 40
4 1981 Fleer Vending Box BBCE 14
2 1981 Topps Rack Packs BBCE 8
20 1982 Fleer Vending Box BBCE 40
18 1982 Topps Rack Packs BBCE 9
20 1983 Topps Vending Box BBCE 60
8 1983 Fleer Vending Box BBCE 36
37 1984 DonRuss Rack Packs BBCE 20
70 1985 Topps Rack Packs BBCE 6
43 1986 Fleer Rack Packs BBCE 4
150 1986 Topps Rack Packs BBCE 1
4 1986 Topps Vending Box BBCE 6
total was about 25,000.00
Okay let's hear it!!
<< <i> What I decided on in the end is that in 15-20 years when I am retired...what would I enjoy the most in those years related to Baseball cards. I decided that I would get the MOST joy just breaking through unopened material from my youth. >>
There's your answer. 25 grand well spent.
Something you're really gonna enjoy. Congrats MMdog!!!
MY GOLD TYPE SET https://pcgs.com/setregistry/type-sets/complete-type-sets/gold-type-set-12-piece-circulation-strikes-1839-1933/publishedset/321940
<< <i>That's a huge list! Pretty much the opposite of my 1 card proposal, but I like it. I grew up in the same time period, and collect cards from this period. Mostly for enjoyment. I think you have some nice upside there and it's smart to get what you will enjoy. The only issue for me would be the space. I don't have the space any longer to store that many cards. If you are going to keep them in a basement or garage, I would suggest storing on slightly elevated shelving in case there are ever water issues. >>
Thanks ESports and DT, I have a couple empty bedrooms upstairs that will now be wall to wall cards. I figure to save on heating and cooling costs and that will pay for the cards sometime in the next couple hundred years...or in 10 years with the Obama energy policy
youtube acct
Thanks,
David (LD_Ferg)
1985 Topps Football (starting in psa 8) - #9 - started 05/21/06
Oh, I see now...cards....ok
Good question...
I'd probably make a run on a PSA or BGS 10 Bird/Magic RC
OR
A Gem Mint Bradshaw RC along with a Payton RC
TheClockworkAngelCollection
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
I have spent $10k-50k a year for over a decade on unopened and the last 12-18 months have been crazy (I would be sitting on a gold mine if I had actually kept any of what I bought the last decade unopened
In the end you indicated that you purchased what you would enjoy the most in 10-15 years and that is all that really matters. Especially since you are planning to rip it all anyway.
Cheers,
Robb
I agree, prices have gotten to the point that I may start working on finishes more of my raw sets. Like Robb, I find myself debating a purchase only to find it sold within minutes. I am very thankful to have purchases a bulk of my collection prior to a couple of years ago when prices on unopened started their upward climb. I never thought that the early 80's would be in such demand now as I could have picked up cases of it not that long ago. It will be interesting to see how the unopened market goes in the next couple of years to get more clarity. Now if my 1988 Donruss wax boxes and 1991 Fleer rack boxes start to sell at $100 each, I'll know the end is near.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep."
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."
Collecting:
Any unopened Baseball cello and rack packs and boxes from the 1970's and early 1980s.
One cannot ignore the rampant resealing going on, and guys putting stars on front to make the pack more valuable. That could absolutely kill that market.
It isn't comparable to fraud in other areas. When people make fake Pre War stuff, it is really pretty easy to spot because they don't have the original materials to make them.
With the packs, you have all the original materials, wrappers, cards, gum...all one needs is a similar adhesive and know how the folds lineup and it fools people all the time.
If you knew people had the original printing plates for a '52 Mantle, the original paper, and the original ink...would you be rushing out to buy '52 Mantles?
To the OP, if that is a good form of enjoyment 20 years from now...hey I can't argue with you there. Your money, your enjoyment