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Jordan vs. Bird/Magic vs. Gretzky??

Not sure if this has been a topic of discussion in the past, but, I wanted to hear your thoughts?

Between these three rookie cards, '86 Fleer Jordan, '80 Topps Bird/Magic or '79 OPC Gretzky, which rookie card has the MOST bang for the bucks?! Also, would a PSA 7 be a worthwhile consideration or save up and go for the 8 or 9? Thanks for your input....

Comments

  • ThoseBackPagesThoseBackPages Posts: 4,871 ✭✭
    MJ ALL DAY, nine times on sunday
    Big Fan of: HOF Post War RC, Graded RCs
    WTB: PSA 1 - PSA 3 Centered, High Eye Appeal 1950's Mantle
  • Originally posted by: ThoseBackPages
    MJ ALL DAY, nine times on sunday


    Likewise!

  • cardcountrycardcountry Posts: 571 ✭✭✭
    MJ. But all three are outstanding cards on the rise. It's fine to buy a nice for the grade 7 now and move it when an 8/9 you like comes up

    Jeff
    Jeff Foy/Dave Foy
    Card Country
    Graded stars 1950's-1980
  • DanBessetteDanBessette Posts: 6,421 ✭✭✭
    MJ, then Gretzky
  • craig44craig44 Posts: 11,442 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Gretzky was as dominant in his sport as Jordan was in his, but basketball is so much more popular. It's gotta be MJ

    George Brett, Roger Clemens and Tommy Brady.

  • craig44craig44 Posts: 11,442 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Gretzky was as dominant in his sport as Jordan was in his, but basketball is so much more popular. It's gotta be MJ

    George Brett, Roger Clemens and Tommy Brady.

  • LuvOldPacksLuvOldPacks Posts: 263 ✭✭
    Thanks.
  • mikelowell25mikelowell25 Posts: 1,252 ✭✭✭
    Originally posted by: LuvOldPacks

    Not sure if this has been a topic of discussion in the past, but, I wanted to hear your thoughts?



    Between these three rookie cards, '86 Fleer Jordan, '80 Topps Bird/Magic or '79 OPC Gretzky, which rookie card has the MOST bang for the bucks?! Also, would a PSA 7 be a worthwhile consideration or save up and go for the 8 or 9? Thanks for your input....







    Steve you ignorant slut!! image



  • rtimmerrtimmer Posts: 1,347 ✭✭✭✭
    From here I will go with the Bird & Magic rookie Jordan has already seen such an outsized rise.
    Follow me at LinkedIn & Instagram: @ryanscard
    Join the Rookie stars on top PSA registry today:
    1980-1989 Cello Packs - Rookies
  • ChancePChanceP Posts: 68 ✭✭
    Originally posted by: craig44
    Gretzky was as dominant in his sport as Jordan was in his, but basketball is so much more popular. It's gotta be MJ




    Value of the cards aside I would argue Gretzky was MORE dominant in his sport than Jordan, or anyone for that matter. His career records are in the stratosphere when compared to the other NHL legends. Also, Ive heard people say other NBAers are the greatest but ive never heard anyone say wayne isn't the goat
  • miwlvrnmiwlvrn Posts: 4,266 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Originally posted by: ChanceP

    Originally posted by: craig44

    Gretzky was as dominant in his sport as Jordan was in his, but basketball is so much more popular. It's gotta be MJ








    Value of the cards aside I would argue Gretzky was MORE dominant in his sport than Jordan, or anyone for that matter. His career records are in the stratosphere when compared to the other NHL legends. Also, Ive heard people say other NBAers are the greatest but ive never heard anyone say wayne isn't the goat




    +1.



    Edit to add: I'm totally with you on Gretzky as more dominant than Jordan within his respective sport. However, there are those out there who would argue that Lemieux was better than Gretzky. I give the edge to Gretzky, but I understand why the argument exists.



  • EmJay
    Joe

    IG: goatcollectibles23

    The biggest lesson I've learned in this hobby, and in life, is that if you have a strong conviction, you owe it to yourself to see it through. Don't sell yourself, or your investments, short. Unless the facts change. Then sell it all.
  • MULLINS5MULLINS5 Posts: 4,517 ✭✭✭
    The question is most bang for your buck and that, IMO, belongs to Gretzky, then MJ.



    The card is older, much more condition sensitive. It may not be as popular as MJ, but it's close.



    There's a lot of room for growth with that card in all grades.



  • georgebailey2georgebailey2 Posts: 1,078 ✭✭✭
    Originally posted by: ChanceP
    Originally posted by: craig44
    Gretzky was as dominant in his sport as Jordan was in his, but basketball is so much more popular. It's gotta be MJ




    Value of the cards aside I would argue Gretzky was MORE dominant in his sport than Jordan, or anyone for that matter. His career records are in the stratosphere when compared to the other NHL legends. Also, Ive heard people say other NBAers are the greatest but ive never heard anyone say wayne isn't the goat


    There are those that will argue for Orr or Lemieux.

    I am not one of them. Gretzky is, simply, Gretzky.

    That aside, MJ is more well known. (Although, hockey is infinitely more exciting to watch than basketball)

    Upside may favor MJ as the relative demand to supply ultimately could end up higher for the '86 Fleer to the '79 OPC. I think the lone OPC PSA 10 is already over $300k (w/ buyer's premium) with over a week to go, though.
  • Do they know who Gretzky is in Zimbabwe?
    Big Fan of: HOF Post War RC, Graded RCs
    WTB: PSA 1 - PSA 3 Centered, High Eye Appeal 1950's Mantle
  • PMKAYPMKAY Posts: 1,372 ✭✭
    Originally posted by: ChanceP
    Originally posted by: craig44
    Gretzky was as dominant in his sport as Jordan was in his, but basketball is so much more popular. It's gotta be MJ




    Value of the cards aside I would argue Gretzky was MORE dominant in his sport than Jordan, or anyone for that matter. His career records are in the stratosphere when compared to the other NHL legends. Also, Ive heard people say other NBAers are the greatest but ive never heard anyone say wayne isn't the goat



    Could not agree more.
  • MULLINS5MULLINS5 Posts: 4,517 ✭✭✭
    Originally posted by: ThoseBackPages

    Do they know who Gretzky is in Zimbabwe?




    I wouldn't ship a Jordan or Gretzky RC to Zimbabwe to be honest.
  • sushihotwingssushihotwings Posts: 452 ✭✭✭
    I like all of the cards and I don't think you can go wrong on whatever one you choose. I would also consider some of Jordan's early Star cards. They were actually produced before the 86 fleer so I consider the Star #101 his true rookie and many others do as well but not the majority yet because they weren't distributed in wax packs. They can be had for a song compared to the 86 Fleer. It is just a mater of time before they make a move higher. They are already starting to move. Also there are many parallel Star Jordan cards produced in 1985-86 Star set that can be had in Mint condition for under $1000. The Bird Majic card still has a lot of upside. How cool to have both on the same card. You will find multiple 86 fleer Jordan's on eBay at any time but PSA 9 Gretzky is a bit tougher to find although still readily available. Full disclosure I have a Topps 9 for sale right now. Go with whatever makes you happy, but I would hesitate to pay top dollar for a PSA 10 Fleer Jordan right now with SO many available. Buy the dip using stock terminology. I think a dip is coming for 86 Fleer as interest turns to Star basketball for upside
    On the hunt high grade Star Basketball.
  • miwlvrnmiwlvrn Posts: 4,266 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Originally posted by: ThoseBackPages

    Do they know who Gretzky is in Zimbabwe?




    No, but they know who Pele is.
  • sushihotwingssushihotwings Posts: 452 ✭✭✭
    No offense intended to Zimbabwe but the citizens can barely afford to put food on the table not alone consider buying these cards. They wouldn't even be able to afford a pack of 1988 Topps baseball. Worldwide recognition is for the most part irrelevant in the world of card collecting. I traveled to Zimbebwe and inflation is completely out of control. I attempted to pay for a tour by credit card and they couldn't use it because the amount in local currency that needed to be inputted into the credit card machine couldn't accept enough zeros. Like 34,000,000,000,0000 local currency or something like that for $34. Just crazy. I know we have worldwide collectors but for the most part prices are driven by USA, Canada, and now China.
    On the hunt high grade Star Basketball.
  • miwlvrnmiwlvrn Posts: 4,266 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Originally posted by: sushihotwings

    No offense intended to Zimbabwe but the citizens can barely afford to put food on the table not alone consider buying these cards. They wouldn't even be able to afford a pack of 1988 Topps baseball. Worldwide recognition is for the most part irrelevant in the world of card collecting. I traveled to Zimbebwe and inflation is completely out of control. I attempted to pay for a tour by credit card and they couldn't use it because the amount in local currency that needed to be inputted into the credit card machine couldn't accept enough zeros. Like 34,000,000,000,0000 local currency or something like that for $34. Just crazy. I know we have worldwide collectors but for the most part prices are driven by USA, Canada, and now China.




    Depending on what you are selling, Europe and the UK has a significant portion of collectors and buyers, competitive with North American and Chinese collectors. Not true for baseball or American football, but it is the case for soccer (football), hockey, basketball, boxing, tennis, golf and non-sport.





  • aro13aro13 Posts: 1,961 ✭✭✭
    For all three cards I would not buy less then a PSA 8.

    In the hockey world Bobby Orr and Gordie Howe have close to the support Gretzky does for the being #1 of all-time.
  • LuvOldPacksLuvOldPacks Posts: 263 ✭✭
    Great reading all the comments. I might as well just get all three....
    ~ perhaps mikelowell25 can climb down off that mountain of money
    he sits atop and help a brother out!! image
  • Originally posted by: sushihotwings
    I like all of the cards and I don't think you can go wrong on whatever one you choose. I would also consider some of Jordan's early Star cards. They were actually produced before the 86 fleer so I consider the Star #101 his true rookie and many others do as well but not the majority yet because they weren't distributed in wax packs. They can be had for a song compared to the 86 Fleer. It is just a mater of time before they make a move higher. They are already starting to move. Also there are many parallel Star Jordan cards produced in 1985-86 Star set that can be had in Mint condition for under $1000. The Bird Majic card still has a lot of upside. How cool to have both on the same card. You will find multiple 86 fleer Jordan's on eBay at any time but PSA 9 Gretzky is a bit tougher to find although still readily available. Full disclosure I have a Topps 9 for sale right now. Go with whatever makes you happy, but I would hesitate to pay top dollar for a PSA 10 Fleer Jordan right now with SO many available. Buy the dip using stock terminology. I think a dip is coming for 86 Fleer as interest turns to Star basketball for upside


    Jordan's Star Cards will never be as popular as his 86 Fleer. Especially since PSA refuses to grade them. Too many Jordan fans and not enough 86 Rookies. They may level off a bit but a dramatic drop I do not see.

  • HighGradeLegendsHighGradeLegends Posts: 1,693 ✭✭✭✭
    New member checking in. I am a "The Great One" fan, so I am biased towards the OPC 10 RC. However, MJ has wider appeal. So I would rank MJ first and the OPC WG.
  • sushihotwingssushihotwings Posts: 452 ✭✭✭
    Double striker I agree the 86 Fleer is not likely to drop dramatically and will always be popular. There will be ebbs and flows in price. The star cards are gaining in popularity even just over the past few months and prices are lifting. I know that for fact as I have been aggressively shopping in recent months and you can't get what you used to for x amount of dollars. I am hoping PSA will get back into the grading game with Star. The rumors that kept these cards down for so long have been debunked and people are starting to realize what short print runs they actually had. Many of the cards are quite beautiful and to have production dates preceding Fleer is significant to me and a burgeoning number of collectors. I am planning to start a thread in the next few weeks displaying some of my pickups.
    On the hunt high grade Star Basketball.
  • Originally posted by: sushihotwings

    Double striker I agree the 86 Fleer is not likely to drop dramatically and will always be popular. There will be ebbs and flows in price. The star cards are gaining in popularity even just over the past few months and prices are lifting. I know that for fact as I have been aggressively shopping in recent months and you can't get what you used to for x amount of dollars. I am hoping PSA will get back into the grading game with Star. The rumors that kept these cards down for so long have been debunked and people are starting to realize what short print runs they actually had. Many of the cards are quite beautiful and to have production dates preceding Fleer is significant to me and a burgeoning number of collectors. I am planning to start a thread in the next few weeks displaying some of my pickups.


    I also agree that the 86 Fleer card will always have its special place for collectors, kind of like the 52 Topps Mantle does, just on a lesser scale of course. Even people I know who don't collect seriously still know the 86 Fleer card as THE card to have from the 80s.



    The STAR cards are just so rare. They're finally starting to get more recognition due to the internet. I remember wanting a STAR Jordan rookie back in the early to mid 1990s. It was a card that was impossible to find for me, even living in the NY metro area (even going to the big White Plains show). Even seeing a picture of the card was near impossible, unless you had the right issue of Beckett. I wound up settling on an 86 Best of the Best set, and it took a LONG time to get that (friend at a shop got it from a friend, etc.). I finally saw the 84 STAR Jordan in person for the first time when I bought one off of ebay last year. Without the internet I probably never would have gotten one. Luckily I got in before the prices started going up so much, but too bad I couldn't find a 9! I love my 86 Fleer Jordan, but the 84 STAR Jordan is more special to me.



  • sushihotwingssushihotwings Posts: 452 ✭✭✭
    I never saw a Star card in person collecting in the 80s and 90s as a kid either. Now with EBay you can find them but still not that common to see many at shows. The production runs were very limited. It has been a lot of fun picking some up in recent weeks. My favorite design are the Slam Dunk Supers. I picked a few up and posted some pics in the July mail call. The pictures speak for themselves and the 5 x 7 size make them very unique. Seeing the production datesn the cards preceding the 86 Fleer is significant to me as a collector in terms of what I consider to be true rookie cards and you can still pick them up for reasonable prices.
    On the hunt high grade Star Basketball.
  • Originally posted by: sushihotwings

    I never saw a Star card in person collecting in the 80s and 90s as a kid either. Now with EBay you can find them but still not that common to see many at shows. The production runs were very limited. It has been a lot of fun picking some up in recent weeks. My favorite design are the Slam Dunk Supers. I picked a few up and posted some pics in the July mail call. The pictures speak for themselves and the 5 x 7 size make them very unique. Seeing the production datesn the cards preceding the 86 Fleer is significant to me as a collector in terms of what I consider to be true rookie cards and you can still pick them up for reasonable prices.


    The 84 5x7 Court Kings Jordan is a cool card. I never even knew about that card until I read about it last year. I thought about putting mine in a frame on the wall of my office at home, but it may look weird since it's inside a BGS holder.



  • Originally posted by: sushihotwings

    No offense intended to Zimbabwe but the citizens can barely afford to put food on the table not alone consider buying these cards. They wouldn't even be able to afford a pack of 1988 Topps baseball. Worldwide recognition is for the most part irrelevant in the world of card collecting. I traveled to Zimbebwe and inflation is completely out of control. I attempted to pay for a tour by credit card and they couldn't use it because the amount in local currency that needed to be inputted into the credit card machine couldn't accept enough zeros. Like 34,000,000,000,0000 local currency or something like that for $34. Just crazy. I know we have worldwide collectors but for the most part prices are driven by USA, Canada, and now China.


    I'm still pulling for Zimbabwe. I still have $180 billion of their currency. Once their economy picks up I'll buy all of the 86 Fleer Jordans and 79 OPC Gretzkys, and corner the market!
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