Sports Cards can only go up in value, right? (2024)

FAQs

Do sports cards increase in value over time? ›

During periods of high inflation, sports cards have either held their value or offered an annual growth rate as high as 95%. Over the last 5 years, sports cards have increased in value by 218%, outperforming nearly every other asset aside from cryptocurrency.

A study of 200 top sports cards found that the number of championships won and MVPs held by the player, as well as rookie designation, are key predictors of a card's value. Rookie cards accounted for 72% of the top cards, with basketball having the highest average price.

Like any other collectible or precious metal, the value in baseball cards is partially based on scarcity. In that context, good ones really are like gold. That's why the Wagner card – referred to among baseball card experts simple as “The Card” – is so valuable.

The more low-numbered a card is, the more it is worth. This, in particular, is true in relation to the other cards of the set. For example, a /99 Prizm of LeBron will be worth more than a /199 Prizm of LeBron.

This is why selling and buying sports cards is challenging but also fun. For example, the best time to sell NFL football cards is during the months of September through January the next year. Then, best time to sell your MLB cards would be starting with April and up to October.

The hobby is far from dead. In fact, there's not much doubt the card market is a much bigger arena than it was just 3-4 years ago, but it's safe to say that things aren't quite as robust overall as they were at this time last year.

Keep in mind your cards are ungraded or raw, so they will usually sell at prices that are typically less than if they were graded in the same condition. That does not mean you should or must get your cards graded. In fact, you may lose money if you do.

While Honus Wagner's card is generally seen as the holy grail for baseball card fans, it's Mantle's rookie that takes the top spot. On August 28 of 2022, a Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps Card sold for $12.6 million to an anonymous buyer.

Antique playing cards are a unique art form that has changed through the centuries. Although the hand painted versions beloved by royalty can command thousands of dollars at auction, even mass produced cards are very collectible.

Many new collectors entered (or re-entered) the hobby. At that time, card prices increased multiple times. The values of baseball cards peaked in the early 1990's and then decreased by 10% to 30% over the next few years. Since that time, the card values have been relatively flat.

What baseball cards are hot right now? ›

A card in pristine condition will always be worth more than the same card in poor condition. Regardless of its rarity or subject, the condition of the card will affect its value. The condition of any card is determined by inspecting its corners, edges, centering, and surfaces for any noticeable wear and tear.

Rookie cards are the holy grail of sports card collecting and have been for a long time. But just because a card says "rookie" on it doesn't make it a rookie card. Often a rookie card will be from that player's rookie season, though not always. When in doubt, look up the card to verify.

Sports cards are usually not as liquid as other collectable assets. Card collectors and investors may find it hard to sell their cards later. Also, it's often hard to determine the value of a sports card - especially if it's an ungraded one. Trading cards can also fluctuate in value drastically.

If you no longer want your sports card collection, you should consider sell baseball cards rather than throwing them away. If you have a big collection, it could take a lot of time and effort to try to sell it over the internet.

CollX (pronounced “collects”) is the fastest way to figure out what your cards are worth. Snap photos of them and instantly get the current market price. Add them to your collection and track your overall portfolio value. You can even buy, sell, grade, and trade your cards with other collectors.

To find the value of sports cards, there is no better source than eBay. eBay will show you exactly what a particular card in a variety of conditions has recently sold for.

Is it better to buy raw or graded cards? ›

Raw or poorly-protected cards can get lost or damaged over time, but grading them can help preserve their condition and value. It's a great idea to get cards graded of some of your favorite rookies or prospects.

Graded cards are generally worth more than their counterparts that aren't graded because graded cards have been examined, authenticated, and assigned a condition by an expert. Thus, a card deemed to be gem mint is going to be valued higher than one that looks mint in “raw” condition. This makes sense.

Of the major grading companies, BGS currently offers the cheapest card grading service, which is $18 to grade a single card at the “Base” level. This is $2 less than CSG's “Economy” level, $5 less than PSA's “Value” service, and $4 less than SGC.

These cards, like the T206 Honus Wagner and the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle, are incredibly rare and sought after by collectors. In conclusion, the T206 Honus Wagner and the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle are two of the most valuable baseball cards in the world, with both cards selling for over $1 million.

The Shichif*ckujin Dragon, created to celebrate the opening of the DCI Tournament Center in Tokyo, Japan, is also the only one of its kind in existence. In Japanese mythology, 'Shichif*ckujin' is the name given to the Seven Deities of Good Fortune.

The current record price is the US$12.6 million paid for a 1952 Mickey Mantle baseball card (Topps; #311) on August 28, 2022, breaking all previous records.

Head to PSAcard.com/auctionprices and search for your card. The more refined the query, the more accurate the results. It is best to include the year, manufacturer and subject of your card in your search. If you include the card number, expect All-Star results.

Collecting sports cards can be a great investment for card enthusiasts. Not only does it provide a fun hobby, it can also be an excellent way to make a profit. While the value of individual cards depends on the rarity and condition, some rare cards can be worth thousands of dollars.

If you have status then yes, the card has an expiration date. If you have the lowest level card then no, it doesn't expire but sometimes the cards will no longer work as systems are updated.

The global sports trading card market is valued at $44 billion and is expected to approach $100 billion in 2027, according to data from Verified Market Research.

Will Kobe Bryant cards increase in value? ›

Kobe Bryant Rookie Card Investment Potential

Since the devastating passing of Kobe Bryant in January of 2020, his rookie cards have seen a significant increase in value. While it can feel strange to think that Kobe's passing has financial gains associated with it, it does, in fact, matter to collectors.

Reigning National League Rookie of the Year, Michael Harris II is one of the top 2023 Topps Baseball Rookie Cards. Others with the RC logo badge include Gunnar Henderson, Riley Greene, Adley Rutschman (who also has a base card in 2021 Bowman's Best), Christopher Morel, Gabriel Moreno, Bret Baty and JJ Bleday.

#1: 1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle

The card is key for three main reasons: 1) 1952 was the first year Topps entered the sports card market so the set itself is wildly popular and even common cards in mint condition can fetch over $1,000.

Panini is the leading sports card manufacturer, with popular NBA cards like National Treasure, Prizm, Donruss Optic, and Select. Best card packs to buy in 2023 include Panini Prizm, Panini Select, and National Treasures, offering various designs and limited edition cards.

Grading is an expense, and you may actually end up with cards that sell for the same or even less than if they were sold ungraded. Just because the card is in a plastic slab with a numerical grade does not automatically increase its value. The key is to learn when a card is gradable and when it isn't.

Collector's Rare

The border, image, Level/Rank, and Attribute of these cards has a rainbow-colored pattern along with a Secret Rare-style name. Collector's Rare cards also have a slightly raised texture with an engraved appearance, similar to an Ultimate Rare.

CollX uses millions of historical auction prices to calculate a card's average value. As you add cards to your collection, you'll see your overall portfolio value grow. Set conditions or grades on your cards and get more accurate prices.

To get an appraisal, submit your card(s) for PSA grading and, once graded, submit them for appraisal services. Since the PSA will only appraise items that it has certified, the organization's authenticity and accuracy are valid in a court of law and for insurance purposes.

So, what are the most expensive NFL cards in 2022? Currently, this honor belongs to a Patrick Mahomes card, graded 8.5 by BGS, which sold for over $4 million in 2021 (more details in this article). Three 2000 cards featuring Tom Brady round up the list of NFL cards to sell for $1 million or more.

Are sports cards in demand? ›

The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 13.36% during the forecast period. The rising demand to acquire sports trading cards online is driving the sports trading card market growth significantly, although factors such as growing online data security issues may hinder the market growth.

The most valuable brand of baseball card can vary depending on the specific card, however, Topps is generally the most constantly valuable baseball card brand. Topps is considered the leader of the industry, and rookie cards produced by Topps are often very highly sought after.

Many people these days are seeing the potential value in sports cards as an alternative investment. So, can you make money buying and selling sports cards? The short answer is yes you can, but it's important to be aware of a few things. In this article we take a look at how you can make money with sports cards.

Sports card investments are highly speculative and can yield significant profits. Determine if you're interested in short-term flips or long-term investments. Finding undervalued cards involves predicting player and card value increases.

A PSA 9 1952 Mickey Mantle Card sold for $2.8 million at auction in 2018. The Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps rookie card is the most valuable piece of sports memorabilia in the world, with an estimated value of up to $4.2 million.

In addition, sports card investing is considered more stable and less risky than stock market investing. While the stock market is known for its volatility and unpredictability, the value of sports cards is often based on the player's performance and popularity, which tends to be more consistent over time.

1980 Topps Larry Bird / Julius Erving / Magic Johnson Rookie Card PSA 10: Sold in April 2021 on PWCC for $840,000. 1957 Topps Bill Russell Rookie #77 PSA 8.5: Sold in August 2021 on Heritage Auctions for $630,000. 1948 Bowman George Mikan #69 PSA 9: Sold in June 2021 on Memory Lane for $426,000.

A favorite of many when it comes to premium football cards is Panini Flawless. Flawless cards generally hold very high values. With numerous low numbered gem base cards to chase, auto cards and RPAs, the set has some of the highest value cards in the hobby, with their classy designs and high-quality finish.

However, the sports card industry is recession-proof to the extent that it is going nowhere. Moreover, it has a loyal core base of customers. So, many passionate collectors will remain even if some flippers and breakers abandon the hobby.

If you're looking to sell your late-80s and early-90s cards, you're not alone. The cards are worthless because nobody's buying. Don't blame the card shop owner for not wanting them. They won't be able to sell them, so if they take them off your hands, they're merely adding to a potential fire hazard.

What is the oldest sports card ever? ›

Having won several city championships, the Brooklyn Atlantics dominated New York baseball in the early 1860s. The team's carte de visite (a visiting card), produced in 1865, is considered the earliest extant dated “baseball card,” a souvenir handed out to fans and even to opposing teams.

Ken Griffey Jr.'s baseball cards from the junk wax era are in high demand, but their massive print runs have limited their investment value. Among the most valuable are the 1989 Bowman Tiffany, 1989 Topps Heads Up, and 1989 Upper Deck Star Rookie cards.

Sports cards are usually not as liquid as other collectable assets. Card collectors and investors may find it hard to sell their cards later. Also, it's often hard to determine the value of a sports card - especially if it's an ungraded one. Trading cards can also fluctuate in value drastically.

NEW YORK, March 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The global sports trading card market size is estimated to grow by USD 6.71 billion from 2021 to 2026, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 13.36% during the forecast period.

Due to excessive collector demand, rookie cards are more valuable than any other later issue (with some occasional exceptions). Even in cases where a player's second year card has a lower supply than a rookie card, the rookie card still tends to be worth more money.