Home Trading Cards & Memorabilia Forum

I think Topps missed the mark - over-estimated the demand for 1/1 on Frank Thomas

Hi everyone

A few weeks ago, I got an email from Topps and looked at their store.

I did see a Frank Thomas signed card I liked, but the 1/1 was $1000!

Fast forward to this week and I see it in the Toppsvault for auction.

I threw in a lowball snipe of $150 figuring I might compete for it in the end?

I got it for $105!

Here's the next level #/10 for $250:

image

2013 Topps Museum Collection Auto 1/1 Fine Art Print. Frank Thomas WHITE SOX

image

Specs: 2013 Topps Museum Collection 1/1 Gold Autographed Fine Art Print. Frank Thomas SPECS Foil numbered to 1/1 Size 10"x 14" Printed on 1/64" cotton fine art paper.

So, I got a 1/1 for 1/10. image

Ya gotta wonder what their sales department is thinking about this? I'm contemplating - maybe the concept of 1/1 may be reaching diminished return?

What do you guys think?
Mike

Comments

  • LarkinCollectorLarkinCollector Posts: 8,975 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Great card! I definitely don't think 1/1s are as special as they used to be and personally don't have any interest in chasing them for my player collections. There are just too many of them and they're not eligible for the registry anyway. I may end up getting one of the Larkin 1/1s just for the novelty.
  • Stone193Stone193 Posts: 24,439 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Great card! I definitely don't think 1/1s are as special as they used to be and personally don't have any interest in chasing them for my player collections. There are just too many of them and they're not eligible for the registry anyway. I may end up getting one of the Larkin 1/1s just for the novelty. >>

    Thanx Kyle.

    Keep in mind, these "are" novelties. The size is 10x14" - so there's the possibility of framing here.
    Mike
  • zep33zep33 Posts: 6,897 ✭✭✭
    That is really nice!!

    Don't tell Ross about this one image
  • BunchOBullBunchOBull Posts: 6,188 ✭✭✭
    Glad it went to a good guy Mike! I assumed it would go for a high enough price that it would take away from buying a card I want, so I didn't even bid. Was shocked at how little it sold for.
    Collector of most things Frank Thomas. www.BigHurtHOF.com
  • craig44craig44 Posts: 11,457 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Nice thomas Mike. I would definitely frame that one

    George Brett, Roger Clemens and Tommy Brady.

  • I think Topps prices their novelty items high realizing there is a market. If the item doesn't sell off the bat, they move it to other channels.

    It's no different than items at a big retail store getting moved to Big Lots or the Dollar Store, although it was surprising how quickly they moved it from retail to auction.

    Either way, Topps is making money - its just a question of how much $$ they are making.

    Congrats on picking up a sweet item for dimes on the dollar!
    flcardtrader@yahoo.com
    Website
    Ebay Store
  • skrezyna23skrezyna23 Posts: 908 ✭✭✭
    That's one sweet card! Do you have any Big Hurt printing plates?
  • Stone193Stone193 Posts: 24,439 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>That's one sweet card! Do you have any Big Hurt printing plates? >>

    Thanx!

    No, don't collect plates.
    Mike
  • Stone193Stone193 Posts: 24,439 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Thanx everyone!

    I'm gonna eventually get this framed. He's a great player!
    Mike
  • jmaciujmaciu Posts: 1,289 ✭✭✭
    Mike, that's a really cool item. It will look great framed.
  • Stone193Stone193 Posts: 24,439 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Mike, that's a really cool item. It will look great framed. >>

    Thanx John!

    How ya doin?

    I'm down - to almost my last week.

    I'm leaving faster than I thought. When I see you next time, I'll esplain.
    Mike
  • miwlvrnmiwlvrn Posts: 4,266 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Great card! I definitely don't think 1/1s are as special as they used to be and personally don't have any interest in chasing them for my player collections. There are just too many of them and they're not eligible for the registry anyway. I may end up getting one of the Larkin 1/1s just for the novelty. >>



    I'm with Kyle on this. If buying for your PC, then great, it is a good pickup. However, it has been my experience that set registry participants drive prices higher than non-participants, and IMO you'll get more sales value for a card that is serial numbered x/4 or x/5 than you will 1/1, x/2 or x/3 since the master sets require a minimum print run of 4 to qualify for inclusion on a master set composition. From that point, the competition will drive the sale price up.

  • Stone193Stone193 Posts: 24,439 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>Great card! I definitely don't think 1/1s are as special as they used to be and personally don't have any interest in chasing them for my player collections. There are just too many of them and they're not eligible for the registry anyway. I may end up getting one of the Larkin 1/1s just for the novelty. >>



    I'm with Kyle on this. If buying for your PC, then great, it is a good pickup. However, it has been my experience that set registry participants drive prices higher than non-participants, and IMO you'll get more sales value for a card that is serial numbered x/4 or x/5 than you will 1/1, x/2 or x/3 since the master sets require a minimum print run of 4 to qualify for inclusion on a master set composition. From that point, the competition will drive the sale price up. >>

    This item is 10X14" - not a card and more for a collector to frame.

    Can't argue with ROI, Registry or resale but since I'm a collector and haven't sold anything ever - I'm very happy with the piece. For me, it's more like art.

    Thanx for your input.
    Mike
Sign In or Register to comment.