Sets or singles:Your choice for a long term investment

Tomi

Just a question for the people who collect as a long term investment. What is your approach, buying graded single cards (Ruth, Mantle,etc.), or are you putting sets together. For example, would you rather buy a certain grade Ruth Sporting News rookie or put together a certain grade 52 Topps set. I'm more of a set guy, but I'm curious at the choice you guys have made. Just wondering at the replies. I know people also do both, but I'm curious at what your preference would be if you had to choose one.

totallyradd

I think they're both gonna do well from an investment stand point. So just do whichever you enjoy and you'll prolly be alright if you are ever in a position that you need to sell your collection.

shu4040

For investment - singles 100%. Much bigger population of potential
Buyers. Way less unwieldy

edmundfitzgerald

Most people will say singles, but the fact of the matter is that it all depends on pop reports.

If you buy a POP 1 today, and it goes to a POP 7 a few years from now, you could be a big loser.

Case in point is the 1972 Topps Nolan Ryan POP 1 that sold for $10,000.00
When it became a POP 7, the card was being OFFERED at $4,000.00


So it really doesn't matter about stars or commons. It all depends on the POP.

Stone193

Investment.

If a set is high grade and in demand?

There's the possibility of appreciation. I remember a PSA 8 selling years ago in an SCD report. Don't remember how long after - probably at least a year - it sold for a nice profit. Sorry I don't remember the exact numbers but I think you get the idea.

I remember a PSA 10 52T Mantle being reported in a sale for 125K around 1992 - Beckett. I thought it was insane. What do I know? I would consider that a good investment.

Overall - which is better? I'm clueless.

I think it would be cool to talk about investing, as such, in my POV thread.

WalterSobchak

My vote is singles, although I collect both.

The way I collect sets (card by card looking for nice examples, after I have a good starting base), I have basically no chance of EVER getting back what I have into them. I do it for the fun and the challenge, not to make money.

Big80s

I love singles as I've always been a player collector, but there are a few specific sets that I love (ie. anything Topps Tiffany, OPC, etc). There's something fun about having a set run of your favorite years.

I think another fun topic of discussion would be collecting sets versus unopened product from the same year. I'd be interested to hear how people feel about the two.

TheMick6

I'd say singles if your just looking to invest. It's hard to be a collector and not get hooked on certain sets though. I've tried but can never help myself.

MintMoondog

<< <i>My vote is singles, although I collect both.

The way I collect sets (card by card looking for nice examples, after I have a good starting base), I have basically no chance of EVER getting back what I have into them. I do it for the fun and the challenge, not to make money. >>



Agreed 100% Singles of HOF and key rookies for investment - Sets for fun. Sets can do okay but I believe it is a VERY long term investment because the churn rate is so low it takes time for VCP movement. We are talking the difference between years versus decades.

jmmiller777

<< <i>My vote is singles, although I collect both.

The way I collect sets (card by card looking for nice examples, after I have a good starting base), I have basically no chance of EVER getting back what I have into them. I do it for the fun and the challenge, not to make money. >>



+1

cjaccardi

investment , long term investment ? cards ?

I would never use cards as a long term investment. who knows what the hobby will be like in 5 or 10 years they could be like hummels

cards and collectibles are only speculations not investments. Only put like 5 to 10 percent of your money into speculations.

cjaccardi

<< <i>Most people will say singles, but the fact of the matter is that it all depends on pop reports.

If you buy a POP 1 today, and it goes to a POP 7 a few years from now, you could be a big loser.

Case in point is the 1972 Topps Nolan Ryan POP 1 that sold for $10,000.00
When it became a POP 7, the card was being OFFERED at $4,000.00


So it really doesn't matter about stars or commons. It all depends on the POP. >>




the pop reports are all going to increase over and over again, I bet only like 5 to 10 percent of cards worth grading are even graded if that.

Tomi

<< <i>investment , long term investment ? cards ?

I would never use cards as a long term investment. who knows what the hobby will be like in 5 or 10 years they could be like hummels

cards and collectibles are only speculations not investments. Only put like 5 to 10 percent of your money into speculations. >>



I bet everyone wishes they bought the 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth PSA 1 for just a little over $100,000 a few years ago. The last PSA 1 sold this year for $400,000+. High grade cards will always be in demand. This hobby has gone through many changes and the hobby is still thriving. I've invested in high grade vintage and pre-war and have done very well. I think if you cater to the high end collector then you will do very well. It just takes 2 rich guys to pay double the money for an item they need. Ruth and Mantle have been good to many collectors, especially Ruth. The reason I chose sets is because since it is long term I can afford to take my time putting it together. Not many people want to take the time and put a set together, so they will pay when one they want comes up. I would rather invest in cards than the stock market, high grade sales just soar every year. JMO

fiveniner

I am definitely a set guy however there are certain HOFer rookies where putting a set together I will purchase the single card.

perkdog

<< <i>Most people will say singles, but the fact of the matter is that it all depends on pop reports.

If you buy a POP 1 today, and it goes to a POP 7 a few years from now, you could be a big loser.

Case in point is the 1972 Topps Nolan Ryan POP 1 that sold for $10,000.00
When it became a POP 7, the card was being OFFERED at $4,000.00


So it really doesn't matter about stars or commons. It all depends on the POP. >>



Completely agree however buying a big item card such as a Ruth or '52 Mantle will always get a strong look, If I was going to invest I would consider one of these 2 cards and sleep well at night.

CubsKiller99

Buy high-end PSA-Graded singles of HOF players or key rookies.

Stay away from the illusion of low-pop because grading is stll in it's early
years and there are tons of guys holding on to cards that haven't graded ANYTHING.

KNAPP

Singles. I live by the 50 year rule. 50 years from now are people going to want a Frank Thomas rookie card or Joe DiMaggio high end card. No brainer. This goes for every sport and yes wrestling.

thenavarro

I think photos cut from old newspapers or other publications, have a pretty high ROI right now once slabbed.

CubsKiller99

<< <i>I think photos cut from old newspapers or other publications, have a pretty high ROI right now once slabbed.

>>



I think we should ask Orlando for clarification on this trend?

Question: Joe, what will PSA not slab if it has a HOF player on it?
Answer: As long as they pay the fee -- it's alright by me!

MrNearMint

I'd say singles. I've never collected sets but it seems like it wouldn't be profitable to collect a mid-high grade set because you would probably pay quite a bit for them being in better condition.

Lefthander

Singles of players who are already in the Hall of Fame.

corncobb

I believe virtually all cards will eventually become worthless in the next 50-60 years.