Best Time to Sell Jordan Rookie?

1971BBFan

Hey all,

I've been contemplating selling off my non-core collection, which includes a group of 1986-87 Fleer Basketball. I've been tracking (but not too seriously) pricing, and a few months ago it seemed a Jordan PSA 8 was selling consistently for about $2k, and just now it seems they are in the $1500s.

I am sure there are much more active trackers than I have been, but can anyone suggest the best time of year to sell? I had thought at the height of basketball season, with no baseball or football to distract would lead to increased values, but it seems it is just the opposite?

Anyone have any thoughts on when the best time to sell to maximize my profits?

Thank you!

slum22

I think the easy thing to say would be the best time to sell would have been a few months ago, but that doesn't help you. I mainly collect basketball and I would say that the in season bump you are talking about mainly applies to active players. Active players will receive hype during the season because of their play and this in turn can lead to hype for their cards and a subsequent rise in their card prices. This season alone, MVP candidates James Harden and Russell Westbrook RC's have doubled, young first time all star Giannis Antetokoumpo and young not even an all star Nikola Jokic RC's have rode the hype train and gone up by 5x and more in some cases.

For retired players, even legends like MJ, I don't believe in season or out of season makes much of a difference. Unless there is a HOF induction or something of that nature there is not enough sustained buzz to carry their card prices for a prolonged period. Instead of on court performance affecting card price, retired players and vintage sets require some sort of internal hobby catalyst to move their prices. For whatever reason, the entire 1986 Fleer set, led my the MJ RC rode a tide of rising prices for much of last summer. Along with a lot of other major cards and sets, the prices seemed to rise too fast and prices have gradually returned to a lower settling point. The prices are still above the pre-hysteria rise but definitely lower than their peaks: as you observed PSA 8 MJ's have gone from $2000 at their peaks to about $1500 now.

If you can wait I would not be a seller now. The worst time to sell cards is December as cards typically sell for their lowest values at that time, competing with the holidays for dollars and attention. January, people will start spending more again but they will be comparing prices to December and will often times only want to pay incrementally more. Once tax returns come in Feb and March I believe you will see a rise in spending and this momentum should carry forth into the summer (barring a macroeconomic shift). I think your MJ RC will not fall much further so there is only a small downside risk at this point. Even if the card loses ground in the short term I believe the card is a good long term hold at this point. I don't know how quickly prices will rise but I tend to believe that the most recognizable sports card of the last 50 years will probably hold its value in the long run. These of course are just my opinions.

1971BBFan

Thanks for the reply. It makes sense that as people have more disposable money luxury items like these will rise in price.

Thanks again.

HighGradeLegends

Try about 30-45 days prior to the national. Usually a spike in demand about that time.

divecchia

@HighGradeLegends said:
Try about 30-45 days prior to the national. Usually a spike in demand about that time.

I agree with this. When I sold my HOF set 5 years ago it was around May-June and I was pleasantly surprised with the results.

Donato