New collector

Options
antonio
antonio Posts: 21
in Trading Cards & Memorabilia Forum
I am new to the baseball card collecting hobby. I am in my 50s with many family obligations who still need to put kids to college. Discretionary income is a factor. With that being said I am interested in collecting the baseball Hall of Fame rookie cards with the exception of the 1900 stars as well as the rookie mantle Satchel Paige and Matthews. I fear is that the cards will lose value over time when it is time to sell them. Even though I see this to some extent as an investment it is mainly a hobby but it can become very expensive. I would also like to collect three or four cards for most Hall of Famer's besides their rookie cards. I am really looking for sound advice whether I should proceed with this venture or of this is a foolish thought that will bankrupt be in the future. I have been looking at eBay as well as Dean's cards and 707 sports cards Inc. websites to look for relatively affordable grade 3 or four cards in general. I appreciate any and all advice that I can obtain from all of you.thank you .image
antonio blanco

Comments

  • ugaskidawg
    ugaskidawg Posts: 882 ✭✭✭
    Options
    Well, I would say that it depends on if you want to be a "collector" or an "investor." If you get in it for investing, it is a different ballgame. If you want to collect, then you would approach it differently.



    If budget is a concern, you wouldn't really be able to do much in terms of vintage investments. The cards that hold the most value are the highest quality cards. For some of these HOF RCs, you would be spending a minimum of $50k for a PSA 8, 9, or 10 (depending on the player of course).



    Now, if you just want to collect and budget is an issue for you, you can get reasonably priced HOF RCs at PSA 1, 2, or 3 and be very happy. For example...



    Based on recent sales, a 1955 Roberto Clemente RC can put you back...



    PSA 1 sold in April for $342

    PSA 5 sold last week for $1,681

    PSA 8 sold 2 weeks ago for $68,018

    PSA 9 sold this February for $478,000



    Personally, I have so many projects going, that I just like to pick up nice centered lower quality HOF RCs for my PC and not as investments. I would rather put my money towards other projects.



    Good luck and welcome to the hobby...

  • vintagefun
    vintagefun Posts: 1,974 ✭✭✭
    Options
    Make a list of cards you want to collect over time.

    Make a budget: either total or per card. I do a bit of both.

    I like mid-low grade 50/60/70s HOF RCs also. While I appreciate the investment angle, this is a hobby for me, so I have zero expectation of turning a profit. Partly cuz I have no intent to sell.

    707 has nice cards but high prices I've found. Many do have a BO, but I've found him to not be very flexible. But that's just my experience. Dean's prices would make most sellers blush. He offers 5s at 8 prices.

    Leverage the BST here. Nice Drysdale RC at a fair price and lots more regularly listed.

    Register for eBay Bucks program as it'll help add a little free money each quarter.

    Most importantly, keep it fun...and in budget.

    Good luck

    52-90 All Sports, Mostly Topps, Mostly HOF, and some assorted wax.
  • DanBessette
    DanBessette Posts: 6,421 ✭✭✭
    Options
    Jim's advice is spot on and he has a very nice collection. Those 2 sellers are ones to avoid if budget is a concern.
  • ugaskidawg
    ugaskidawg Posts: 882 ✭✭✭
    Options
    Originally posted by: DanBessette

    Jim's advice is spot on and he has a very nice collection. Those 2 sellers are ones to avoid if budget is a concern.




    Those two are ones you use when you are in a pinch...like when you are trying to finish a run and too inpatient to wait for something to come to the market!
  • Baez578
    Baez578 Posts: 967 ✭✭✭
    Options
    Welcome! You'll get some sound advice since we have many knowledgeable collectors here image
  • MULLINS5
    MULLINS5 Posts: 4,517 ✭✭✭
    Options
    I read somewhere that PSA recommends at least PSA 7 for 'investment' - any truth to this?
  • bobmoat
    bobmoat Posts: 257 ✭✭
    Options
    Amazing that no one's troll alarm has gone off. Ya'll getting soft.
  • Stone193
    Stone193 Posts: 24,832 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    First and foremost: Welcome to our forum!



    Sometimes it's hard to answer questions involving someone's personal income - how much "real" extra money is involved.



    I would recommend doing a lot of research - asking questions - before spending a penny.



    Once one finds a "Focus" - attach a "Budget" to that and NEVER deviate.



    As we have all experienced, going all nuts and OCD is part of the hobby. I would want newcomers or even returners to the hobby to benefit from that knowledge.



    Last, and this is just my opinion, a Hobby is so much more fun when not predicated on a return on investment.



    Good luck Antonio and don't be a stranger. image



    Mike
  • Brick
    Brick Posts: 5,003 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    Hi, hello, how are ya? image
    Collecting 1960 Topps Baseball in PSA 8
    http://www.unisquare.com/store/brick/

    Ralph

  • antonio
    antonio Posts: 21
    Options
    Thank you for your suggestion. So if I want to buy baseball cards at a good price what sites do you suggest?
    antonio blanco
  • antonio
    antonio Posts: 21
    Options
    Thank you for your response which I highly value. I guess my wish list would incorporate making a profit on cards so then I can start collecting as a hobby. I don't want to pour a lot of my heart earned money and cause undue stress to my family. Unfortunately I'm not into sales or marketing. I don't know if Cosigement is a possibility in this field, and with whom as I am a novice in this industry
    antonio blanco
  • antonio
    antonio Posts: 21
    Options
    Thank you for your response which I highly value. I guess my wish list would incorporate making a profit on cards so then I can start collecting as a hobby. I don't want to pour a lot of my heart earned money and cause undue stress to my family. Unfortunately I'm not into sales or marketing. I don't know if Cosigement is a possibility in this field, and with whom as I am a novice in this industry
    antonio blanco
  • antonio
    antonio Posts: 21
    Options
    I brickhow are you? I am utterly confused on how to remain solvent and this hobby/investment project. I really don't know how a person with a limited budget can get started in this quest of collecting cards as a hobby and a future investment venture. I have even thought of starting to collect vintage football cards which are more affordable although my true passion is vintage baseball cards. Would appreciate your thoughts thank you.
    antonio blanco
  • Dpeck100
    Dpeck100 Posts: 10,916 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    When you say you are working with limited funds. How limited?
  • jay0791
    jay0791 Posts: 3,603 ✭✭✭✭
    Options
    First of all

    Dean's cards is a total rip-off. His prices are astronomically high. If you buy from him you will never get your money back
    even if card appreciates.

    707 has also very high prices and his cards are even generally very low end for the grade. So skip him also.

    You could easily pay 2X what a card is worth if you do buy from the above sellers.

    Before you buy any card research on ebay for completed auctions of that exact grade and year. Centered cards get better prices

    than those that are not. Do not ever buy a cad that has what is called negative qualifiers such as OC off center.

    A OC card in PSA for instance is worth 2 grades or even less than that in value. Don't ever get trapped in sellers scams

    of PSA 8 OC SMR $450 (stating value of a straight PSA 8) for instance when that 8oc is worth less than a PSA 6 and could be worth

    only $50. Also don't really go by the SMR sports card market that PSA produces. It is highly inaccurate. Go by VCP vintage

    card pricing and post a request for prices on the boards as a membership is required.

    There is no substitute for research. Read the answers here. Many have been dong this for years.

    For investment selling one card is easier than selling 20.

    (The older the better pre 1975 for sure) RC's of HOFers is what is going upward fastest. Mantle is often a very safe bet.

    Buy the highest quality you can afford. PSA 8's and 9's are what is going upward fastest. The PSA 7's and possibly 6's will follow.

    People who invest stay away from mid grade. Scarcity (quality) is what drives up prices. A PSA 4 1966 Jim Palmer is easy to find

    so supply vs. demand will keep prices relatively down. I am not saying prices will not go up or a 1966 Palmer is not a good card

    but it is an example of collecting as a hobby vs investing.

    examples of good investments

    1955 Clemente and Koufax
    1954 Aaron, Kaline and Banks
    ** 1952 Mantle and any other
    1951 Mays and Mantle

    Many other's so do your research as there is no real perfect answer here.

    Try and have some fun along the way. If you spend so much that it becomes a stress source then it's not fun

    Lastly welcome to the boards




    Collecting PSA... FB,BK,HK,and BB HOF RC sets
    1948-76 Topps FB Sets
    FB & BB HOF Player sets
    1948-1993 NY Yankee Team Sets
  • Stone193
    Stone193 Posts: 24,832 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    Just a quick note about OC.



    Back in the early 90s, OC wasn't treated as much like Plutonium as today.



    Example:



    This card sold for $1125.



    image



    You can buy this one for $69!



    image



    I find this to be incredible, but that's what happened to the market. OC is now the kiss of death.
    Mike
  • grote15
    grote15 Posts: 30,223 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    The OC qualifier is typically treated as a two-grade differential, though in some cases a 9OC will outperform a straight 7. That Ryan OC is a really ugly card, though. I'd rather have a nice-looking straight 7.





    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.
  • Stone193
    Stone193 Posts: 24,832 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    Hiya Antonio



    I like the advice you're getting.



    Patience and luck play a part in collecting along with good old fashioned research, experience and knowledge.



    E.g. I bought the Baylor card for 30 bucks from Rotman Auctions back in 1992.



    One like it is up for auction right now - maybe a bit better centered - at over 900 and it ends today - will probably reach around $1200 or so.



    image



    Luck.



    I bought this one from Greg Bussineau for something like 55 bucks - he was NOT in the HOF at the time. Bought it around 1992 or 3 - today Davis is in the HOF and this card is probably worth more like $500+



    image



    I think what's got people all nuts is the recent incredible prices that are being had for HOF rookies in high grade.



    More on that later.
    Mike
  • Stone193
    Stone193 Posts: 24,832 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    42K for this card!



    image



    Note the sell price in SCD for this card:



    image



    I find this incredible. This was back in 1995 - and that was righteous bucks for that card back then!



    Anyone who had that kind of dough to drop on this card?



    All I can say is congratulations.



    Back then, a PSA 9 Mantle from 1960 e.g. was way less than today!
    Mike
  • Stone193
    Stone193 Posts: 24,832 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    Originally posted by: grote15

    The OC qualifier is typically treated as a two-grade differential, though in some cases a 9OC will outperform a straight 7. That Ryan OC is a really ugly card, though. I'd rather have a nice-looking straight 7.







    Hiya Tim



    I can't argue.



    OC cards totally offend my eye. Tho, I do have a bunch of OC star cards due to affordability back in the 90s.



    A 57T Mantle #95 PSA 8 will cost ya 5K. An OC? Around $900 or so and a 6 around 6-800?



    OC's are just radioactive!

    Mike
  • grote15
    grote15 Posts: 30,223 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    Mike, on the flip side, it's also interesting to note that an Ozzie Smith RC in PSA 8 cost more then than it does today.


    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.
  • Stone193
    Stone193 Posts: 24,832 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    Originally posted by: grote15

    Mike, on the flip side, it's also interesting to note that an Ozzie Smith RC in PSA 8 cost more then than it does today.




    Sure enough and I will confess:



    I bought this one back around 1992 or 3 - Greg Manning Auctions - if memory serves, I paid $250! Back then there was almost a premium on PSA vs raw fer sure.



    image



    edit: I didn't want to mislead Antonio into thinking I'm the luckiest guy on the planet.



    There's plenty of loss to go along with the wins.



    Most of mine in the arena of "bricks" of cards that I can't give away today!
    Mike
  • thebaseballcardkid
    thebaseballcardkid Posts: 432 ✭
    Options
    I am just a caveman and new to the ways of your strange world. Your world frightens and confuses me. When I see these little men trapped in a small cardboard prison makes me want to run into the hills.

Categories