1986 fleer basketball discussion

billwaltonsbeard · November 18, 2008 6:37AM

Has anyone else noticed how the prices for nice looking raw singles seem to slowly keep rising, yet the prices for 9s (and 10s) continue to drop?

Any thoughts?

Morgoth · November 18, 2008 7:05AM

I think there is still alot of interest in most basketball collectors of all levels to finish this set. Since most commons come NM/MT or better most set guys probably feel they can put together a high quality set without the need for grading. Stick a PSA 8 Jordan in it and your done.

Conversely on a Pre 70s set most raw on the bay is nowhere near NM let alone NM/MT so collectors have learned to buy graded if they want good condition.

Alot of dealers and collectors stock up on 86 commons and semi stars as they go fast at card shows.

ndleo · November 18, 2008 7:25AM

I agree with Morgoth. This is one set that I don't mind in raw form for the singles. There is an ample supply of nice well-centered raw commons, which display nicely in a binder. In my set I have all of the stars graded in PSA 8, except for the Jordan and Jordan sticker, which are both a PSA 9.

With the drop in PSA 9 prices, I may upgrade all of the stars.

CDsNuts · November 18, 2008 7:43AM

walton- As you know, I've been buying and selling raw and graded 86 Fleer for the past couple years, and I know I even sold you a set or two. A year ago I was buying commons in lots and sets for .30-.60 a piece. About 4 months ago they hit the $1 each landmark and I just about stopped looking for them for the reasons you mentioned: Raw keeps going up and graded keeps going down. If I bought a lot of 500 singles for $200, I would maybe pull a half dozen 10s out of the lot and turn a decent profit. Nowadays, that same lot would cost $500 and I might get $300 for the grade singles.

I think the reason this happened is because, like me, people noticed that there was money to be made by grading and flipping. The market was slow to catch on to the profitability of the raw commons, and now it is slow to catch on to the fact that grading and flipping is no longer profitable. Common 9s were selling for $10-$15, now they sell for $5-$10. The money just isn't there to make any more so Im curious as to why people are paying so much for raw cards.

julen23 · November 18, 2008 8:40AM

indeed.

i agree.

indeed.

i agree.

flooded.... must reboot.

j

MBMiller25 · November 18, 2008 11:26PM

As a guy that putting this set to together (81% complete) I have absolutely noticed that over the last 4-6 weeks the prices on common PSA 9 cards has really dropped and quickly. Didn't associate it to the prices rising on ungraded commons, etc. but certainly what Lee said makes absolute sense to me.

leathtech · November 18, 2008 11:28PM

<< <i>walton- As you know, I've been buying and selling raw and graded 86 Fleer for the past couple years, and I know I even sold you a set or two. A year ago I was buying commons in lots and sets for .30-.60 a piece. About 4 months ago they hit the $1 each landmark and I just about stopped looking for them for the reasons you mentioned: Raw keeps going up and graded keeps going down. If I bought a lot of 500 singles for $200, I would maybe pull a half dozen 10s out of the lot and turn a decent profit. Nowadays, that same lot would cost $500 and I might get $300 for the grade singles.

I think the reason this happened is because, like me, people noticed that there was money to be made by grading and flipping. The market was slow to catch on to the profitability of the raw commons, and now it is slow to catch on to the fact that grading and flipping is no longer profitable. Common 9s were selling for $10-$15, now they sell for $5-$10. The money just isn't there to make any more so Im curious as to why people are paying so much for raw cards. >>

Thanks for the insider info Lee, it might finally be time for me to start working on this set!

1986 fleer basketball discussion

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