What are the top 10 "safest" cards to "invest" from 1990 to present?

[hazenuts]

I saw this thread from football forum and thought it would be interesting to see the responses when applying to baseball.

I can think of these two as the "safest" off my head:

Miguel Cabrera 2000 Topps Traded AUTO RC
Albert Pujols 2001 Bowman Chrome AUTO RC /500

[calculusdork]

In terms of undervalued, long-term growth ... I have to think Felix Hernandez BC autos have a lot of room to grow.

[HOFcollector]

2009 bcd trout

[FlyHighCards]

I feel like Goldschmidts chrome auto has a ton of room to grow

[ridgerider]

UD Mantle/Griffey dual auto

[Andrew Jones]

1993 SP Derek Jeter RC.

2009 bcd trout

Huh. That would be on my least safe list.

[fenwaykid]

I feel like Goldschmidts chrome auto has a ton of room to grow

This guy has been underrated in the card world for years.

[Addison]

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/912/w09c5Y.jpg

[exitmusicblue]

Of active players, whoever would be surefire HOFers if their careers ended tomorrow = Pujols and Miggy.

[calculusdork]

In terms of undervalued, long-term growth ... I have to think Felix Hernandez BC autos have a lot of room to grow.

I retract this statement ... did not realize these had gone up so much :o

[rngrdanny22]

1990 Topps Frank Thomas NNOF

[Thommy]

2011 Museum Collection Framed Autos
2006 Kershaw Chrome Autos

[stormshadow815]

2011 Museum Collection Framed Autos
2006 Kershaw Chrome Autos

Spot on.... Also agree with the Miggy Auto

[calculusdork]

2006 Kershaw Chrome Autos

After giving it some thought, I think this is a big one. I can't see these going down, ever. Not with that fan base, with what he has accomplished, and with the perpetual comparisons to Koufax. Doesn't hurt that he's probably one of the nicest and most giving guys in the game.

[asujbl]

Safest and Pitcher in the same sentence?

Odd use of the word safe.

[hairyharold]

johan santana? tim lincecum? roy halladay? those guys haven't held value as far as i know. pitchers are too risky imo

After giving it some thought, I think this is a big one. I can't see these going down, ever. Not with that fan base, with what he has accomplished, and with the perpetual comparisons to Koufax. Doesn't hurt that he's probably one of the nicest and most giving guys in the game.

[calculusdork]

Safest and Pitcher in the same sentence?

Odd use of the word safe.

Indeed, but I think Kershaw may already be a HOF'er.

(Let the debate begin. :))

[calculusdork]

johan santana? tim lincecum? roy halladay? those guys haven't held value as far as i know. pitchers are too risky imo

Indeed, and Santana is a particularly valid comparison. We'll just have to wait and see.

Now, I'm not rushing out to buy Kershaw BC autos ... just my gut feeling.

[hazenuts]

Ichiro japanese and US rookies will grow steadily over the next decade after retirement

- Ichiro 93 BBM RC
- Ichiro 2001 Bowman Chrome RC Gold /99, Spx, Ultimate Collection

[bedot]

If you can find the rare ones at reasonable prices, always try and snag a rare Griffey insert card from the 1990s or his rare early refractors.

[no10pin]

2009 bcd trout


At current prices? I wouldn't call that a safe investment at all. If he slumps for a couple of months people will panic and start selling.

[pcfriarmet]

UD Mantle/Griffey dual auto


This is the safest imo.

[Peties Army]

Anything with a teddy bear on it. They make me feel safe

[cygtr]

1990 Topps Frank Thomas NNOF

This is the first card I thought of.

[MeetJSquared]

Safe? This is about it when it comes to rookies. Kershaw's 2006 BC is a borderline one just because he's still so young. Anyone not at least 30 cannot be considered safe, IMO. Trout's stuff is high as is that in the long run (5+ years), I feel there is a better chance to drop from today's prices simply because of the way people collect. Harper could take some of his share away, and so could every other young prospect. Remember, Trout still has thousands of autos out there. It's as safe as you can get probably as far as current guys under 25, but I think of Nomar when it comes to stuff like that.

Miggy 2000 TT Auto
Pujols 2001 BC RC Auto /500
Felix 2004 BC RC Auto */2000

You can add to this list, some of the non-autos mentioned already like Ichiro. But to be honest, there's really not a huge list of guys out there that have been consistent like the guys already mentioned in this thread.

[Orange October]

Ichiro japanese and US rookies will grow steadily over the next decade after retirement

- Ichiro 93 BBM RC
- Ichiro 2001 Bowman Chrome RC Gold /99, Spx, Ultimate Collection

Yeah I was thinking this earlier in the year. He will probably retire after this or next season (maybe next since he'll pass 3000 hits). First Asian Hall of Famer, and one of the greats of the 2000s. I know his autos can be expensive since there aren't as many as a lot of other players, but the price may go up a lot in the next 5 years and that will only drive them up further.

[benjamincarm]

Of active players, whoever would be surefire HOFers if their careers ended tomorrow

Plus one :)!

[BestRCs]

Ichiro japanese and US rookies will grow steadily over the next decade after retirement

- Ichiro 93 BBM RC
- Ichiro 2001 Bowman Chrome RC Gold /99, Spx, Ultimate Collection

Throw in the 93 Tomy ID and Takara with the 93 BBM too.

Those are rarer than the BBM.

[Cornerstore]

Any 1990 score commons. They cant go any lower

[hazenuts]

Anyone here thinks Barry Bonds 1986 Topps Traded RC TIFFANY /5000 can go up gradually?

[Thommy]

Safest and Pitcher in the same sentence?

Odd use of the word safe.

johan santana? tim lincecum? roy halladay? those guys haven't held value as far as i know. pitchers are too risky imo
A. Halladay is a hall of famer imo, and at worst one of the best of our generation
B. Kersh is off to WAY better a start than either of those guys.

Here's a list of people with three CY:
Clemens
Maddux
Koufax
Carlton
Palmer
P-Mart
Johnson
Seaver
Kershaw

If he has even a decent playoffs, his cards will explode, his history in the playoffs is the only reason his chromes aren't worth $600+. He's either going to be a hall of fame Dodgers pitcher or one of the greatest ever. Either way his cards will hold their current value.

[broadway6]

Hopefully Griffey UD RC PSA 10 since I just bought one. Lol

[Archangel1775]

Yeah I was thinking this earlier in the year. He will probably retire after this or next season (maybe next since he'll pass 3000 hits). First Asian Hall of Famer, and one of the greats of the 2000s. I know his autos can be expensive since there aren't as many as a lot of other players, but the price may go up a lot in the next 5 years and that will only drive them up further.

I think his autos will decline as he does more private signings with the amount of time he'll have on his hands.

[MeetJSquared]

Hopefully Griffey UD RC PSA 10 since I just bought one. Lol

It will, but since it's 1989, it doesn't qualify. :)!

[broadway6]

It will, but since it's 1989, it doesn't qualify. :)!


Reading isn't my strong suit.

[hazenuts]

I think his autos will decline as he does more private signings with the amount of time he'll have on his hands.

that's why i think his base rookie from BBM and Bowman Chrome 2001 will be hugely significant moving forward

[seabass97166]

good suggestions here

[LoveItCards]

Frank Thomas NNOF is solid, yes!

[Morgoth]

Trout and any current player could break their neck tomorrow, the only really safe cards to invest in are for players already done. These seem pretty safe and rare

1. 1990 Topps NNOF Thomas
2. 1991 Topps Desert Shield Chipper Jones
3. 1989 Bowman Tiffany Griffey Jr.
4. 1993 Topps Finest Refractor Nolan Ryan

[razorsharp]

2005 Bowman Chrome Andrew McCutchen base and parallels

[CharlieHustle]

Ichiro japanese and US rookies will grow steadily over the next decade after retirement

- Ichiro 93 BBM RC
- Ichiro 2001 Bowman Chrome RC Gold /99, Spx, Ultimate Collection

Couldn't possibly agree with this more. IMO, Ichiro will be on a short list of Greatest of all Time players, when he finally retires.

3 instances over the next ~8 years will cause his cards to bump:
-3,000 hits
-Retirement
-HOF induction

The fact that he also has global appeal doesn't hurt either. Not having a starring role on a championship team is his largest drawback, but IMO, will be quickly forgotten, once he retires.

[cyndeeg3]

1990 Leaf Kevin Maas - very steady

[dwest13cavs]

If you can find the rare ones at reasonable prices, always try and snag a rare Griffey insert card from the 1990s or his rare early refractors.

I agree with any Griffey Jr. Card that is relatively rare especially those were hard to pull in the 90s. For the less rare stuff, you may need to buy in bulk to get much a profit margin.

[StlScott]

I saw this thread from football forum and thought it would be interesting to see the responses when applying to baseball.

I can think of these two as the "safest" off my head:

Miguel Cabrera 2000 Topps Traded AUTO RC
Albert Pujols 2001 Bowman Chrome AUTO RC /500

Pujols is way down from his highest prices. (Or at least he was). There would have to be an influx of collectors for his to go up. I would have to live to be well over 100 to see what his cards look like compared to Mantle from the end of his career. Need to get that time machine invented lol.

[dwest13cavs]

Anyone here thinks Barry Bonds 1986 Topps Traded RC TIFFANY /5000 can go up gradually?

Yes..over a long time. He is the one guy tainted with the PED talk that has the best chance to make the HOF. If he anyone of those guys gets in, it will be him. And no others get in, before him, because technically he hasn't been found guilty to have knowingly used them, and two, he was pretty much a HOF lock before the years that he was accused of using.

[StlScott]

Pujols is way down from his highest prices. (Or at least he was). There would have to be an influx of collectors for his to go up. I would have to live to be well over 100 to see what his cards look like compared to Mantle from the end of his career. Need to get that time machine invented lol.

Couldn't possibly agree with this more. IMO, Ichiro will be on a short list of Greatest of all Time players, when he finally retires.

3 instances over the next ~8 years will cause his cards to bump:
-3,000 hits
-Retirement
-HOF induction

The fact that he also has global appeal doesn't hurt either. Not having a starring role on a championship team is his largest drawback, but IMO, will be quickly forgotten, once he retires.

I think for those 3 instances you listed are forgone conclusions. THe prices already reflect that.

[callou2131]

This. Great thing is I traded this card for 2 1982 TT Ripkens once.

[MeetJSquared]

Pujols is way down from his highest prices. (Or at least he was). There would have to be an influx of collectors for his to go up. I would have to live to be well over 100 to see what his cards look like compared to Mantle from the end of his career. Need to get that time machine invented lol.

I don't think anyone's going to compare to the vintage stuff simply because of the amount of stuff produced. At this point, I don't see why his BC would go down. There's only 500, and the next best card he has is the Bowman (non-Chrome) auto, which is not technically a rookie card (insert auto). Might not skyrocket, but it should be steady at the very least.

[rttrffg2012]

http://www.library.olemiss.edu/exhibits/hail_to_the_chief/images/willie_morris/Bush%20Baseball%20Card%20Front.jpg

[CharlieHustle]

I think for those 3 instances you listed are forgone conclusions. The prices already reflect that.

I disagree, there's still room to grow.
As a barometer of "investment potential" I like to use raw, Topps base Rc cards.
You can still routinely buy Ichiro base Rc's for less than $5 (http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=2001+ichiro+topps+726+rc+-%28gold%2Cbgs%2Cpsa%2Clot%29&_sop=15&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.X2001+ichiro+topps+726+rc+-%28gold%2Cbgs%2Cpsa%2Cbccg%2Csgc%2Clot%29.TRS0&_nkw=2001+ichiro+topps+726+rc+-%28gold%2Cbgs%2Cpsa%2Cbccg%2Csgc%2Clot%29&_sacat=0). Relative to where he will rank among greatest players ever, $5 and under is an absolute steal and def provides room for growth. His top end will also incrementally increase as his lower end becomes more desirable. This will happen with more media attention as he nears 3,000 hits and the HOF.

[lindeman79]

:eek: :eek: :eek: What were you on?

This. Great thing is I traded this card for 2 1982 TT Ripkens once.

[CharlieHustle]

This. Great thing is I traded this card for 2 1982 TT Ripkens once.

If this thread was 1980 - present day, I would say the #1 card would be the 1982 Topps Traded Ripken, and it's not even close.

[hazenuts]

I disagree, there's still room to grow.
As a barometer of "investment potential" I like to use raw, Topps base Rc cards.
You can still routinely buy Ichiro base Rc's for less than $5 (http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=2001+ichiro+topps+726+rc+-%28gold%2Cbgs%2Cpsa%2Clot%29&_sop=15&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.X2001+ichiro+topps+726+rc+-%28gold%2Cbgs%2Cpsa%2Cbccg%2Csgc%2Clot%29.TRS0&_nkw=2001+ichiro+topps+726+rc+-%28gold%2Cbgs%2Cpsa%2Cbccg%2Csgc%2Clot%29&_sacat=0). Relative to where he will rank among greatest players ever, $5 and under is an absolute steal and def provides room for growth. His top end will also incrementally increase as his lower end becomes more desirable. This will happen with more media attention as he nears 3,000 hits and the HOF.

I agree! Ichiro is massively revered in Asia -

m49PSP6BRjY

[MeetJSquared]

Why? Is he somehow above having a bad month or two? My point is that this card has been going up steadily for 4 years, and one blip on the radar and some people will cash out. The safe investment period was about 2 years ago.

Put another way, if Trout tears his ACL tomorrow, will his card prices stay the same?

Major injury, no. Slump, yes.

[Bretsky]

2009 bcd trout

This.........

[no10pin]

Maybe I have a different definition of what a safe investment is. In my opinion, 'safe' is not a $2000 card of a 24 year old who has been the hottest player in the league for 3 years. It is definitely the BEST card of the era, but not the safest, at least not at this price.

[phasesout]

There really aren't any safe bets less than 10 years old. Kershaw is the closest but his prices three months ago had already fallen quite a bit from the end of last year, so those prices are not immune to shortcomings.

Some iconic sets will have staying power like 2011 Marquee Museum framed autos, but Topps could possibly release a nearly identical set (they have been trying and failing for 4 years now) that would really hurt prices.

I'd stay away from Ichiro due to his increased signings as well. The RCs won't fall much if at all, but it is possible. He's a long way from Pete Rose, Stan Musial or Cal Ripken, but who knows what he'll do once retired?

[Andrew Jones]

Maybe I have a different definition of what a safe investment is. In my opinion, 'safe' is not a $2000 card of a 24 year old who has been the hottest player in the league for 3 years. It is definitely the BEST card of the era, but not the safest, at least not at this price.

I'm with you. The Pujols Bowman Chrome auto is a great example. Like Trout, he was the guy in the hobby and that was the card to have. But that didn't last and prices dipped. That, to me, is not a "safe" investment. Nor is putting $2K+ into a guy who is a freak injury away from being worth 1/2-3/4 of that.

[pdxprospect]

2011 Museum Collection Framed Autos
2006 Kershaw Chrome Autos
Did they make museum in 2011? I though 2012 was first year? Do you mean marquee?

[callou2131]

:eek: :eek: :eek: What were you on?

No No! I GOT the Ripkens for that card lol. That used to be like a $75 "error" card.

[phisouza33]

Why? Is he somehow above having a bad month or two? My point is that this card has been going up steadily for 4 years, and one blip on the radar and some people will cash out. The safe investment period was about 2 years ago.

Put another way, if Trout tears his ACL tomorrow, will his card prices stay the same?

no, a 2 month slump for the best player in baseball is not going to make his cards dip. it would take something a lot more significant than that. even the great players go through slumps.

[no10pin]

no, a 2 month slump for the best player in baseball is not going to make his cards dip. it would take something a lot more significant than that. even the great players go through slumps.

Yes they do, but just for arguments sake, let's say Trout hits .230 for the last 7 weeks of the season and his HR/RBI production drops. Are you telling me that his cards wouldn't come off the prices they are at right now? The pricing is based on him being practically super-human, so any flaw is going to make an impact. Not huge or anything, but base 9.5s wouldn't be selling for $2000+ anymore.

[bwalter1]

Would any of the 93 finest refractors go up in price down the road? Have to think once someone gets one they tuck it away so even less around.

Agree with Pujols and Cabrera. I'd throw in...

Chipper Jones Desert Shield
Jeter Little Sun Auto
Frank Thomas Topps NNOF
Giancarlos Stanton Bowman Chrome Auto
94 SP Aroid Holoview Red Die Cut (If he breaks record you will make money)

Also gotta think that grabbing some nice graded Mo Rivera 92 Bowman's would pay off in a few years when he is inducted.

[Jblaw1]

First, I wouldn't consider cards an "investment". To me that's stocks bonds, precious metals etc.

However ignoring my AR side I would say truly rare memorabilia cards with legit certification like the leaf/Donruss cards that show the item the card came from of guys like Ruth, gehrig, Wagner etc. I know I've never lost on any of these I've sold and the rarity makes it a sellers market.

On rc's the thomas NNOF would be my #1 because u know Frank isn't having a bad year. For trout he is SO high that a bad year or God forbid an injury would start the sell off like it did when griffey broke his wrist the first time. Now the smart guys kept them and turned out ok or even bought but I can just see the "day trader" card guys freaking out if Trout broke a wrist or an ankle.

[Thommy]

Did they make museum in 2011? I though 2012 was first year? Do you mean marquee?

The set was called Museum Collection, the product was marquee

[phasesout]

Would any of the 93 finest refractors go up in price down the road? Have to think once someone gets one they tuck it away so even less around.

Agree with Pujols and Cabrera. I'd throw in...

Giancarlos Stanton Bowman Chrome Auto


Whhhaaatt?

[HYPTZEMDSTRPLES]

Were Pujols' Bowman Chrome autograph rookies already trending down before he signed with Angels?

[bwalter1]

Whhhaaatt?
raws can be had for 130 being injured at the moment. If I had the cash I'd be buying tons to flip at st next year.

[shortstopguy12]

This card is extremley rare to find, let alone in the orignal holder, with the original letter. It is obviously not a "Top 10 card", but it certainly will never go down in value and will only go up....One of the few cards that is actually at my house, and not in my COMC account. Rumour is less than half were redeemed, but who knows.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/caitken/SCAN0039-1.jpg (http://s6.photobucket.com/user/caitken/media/SCAN0039-1.jpg.html)

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/caitken/SCAN0040-1.jpg (http://s6.photobucket.com/user/caitken/media/SCAN0040-1.jpg.html)

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/caitken/SCAN0041.jpg (http://s6.photobucket.com/user/caitken/media/SCAN0041.jpg.html)

[Skipscards]

This is the answer. /endthread

[edgeusaf1]

Here's my opinion:

1. 2001 Bowman Chrome Albert Pujols Rc Auto /500 *there are less than 500 out there, this was a redemption and not all the cards were sent out*

2. 2000 Topps Traded Miguel Cabrera Auto

3. 1990 Topps Frank Thomas NNOF

4. 1993 UD SP Derek Jeter Foil (higher the grade the better)

5. 1990 Bowman Mariano Rivera

6. 2004 Bowman Chrome Felix Hernandez Rc Auto

7. 2006 Bowman Chrome Clayton Kershaw Rc Auto

8. 2009 Bowman Chrome Mike Trout Rc Auto

9. 1999 UD Piece of History 500 HR Club Bat Set

10. Any rarity 1990's insert of Griffey Jr, Frank Thomas or Jeter.

[edgeusaf1]

This card is extremley rare to find, let alone in the orignal holder, with the original letter. It is obviously not a "Top 10 card", but it certainly will never go down in value and will only go up....One of the few cards that is actually at my house, and not in my COMC account. Rumour is less than half were redeemed, but who knows.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/caitken/SCAN0039-1.jpg (http://s6.photobucket.com/user/caitken/media/SCAN0039-1.jpg.html)

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/caitken/SCAN0040-1.jpg (http://s6.photobucket.com/user/caitken/media/SCAN0040-1.jpg.html)

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/caitken/SCAN0041.jpg (http://s6.photobucket.com/user/caitken/media/SCAN0041.jpg.html)

This is quite cool! I have been collecting for over 32 years and have never seen one of these! Very nice!!

[magicpapa]

If you can find the rare ones at reasonable prices, always try and snag a rare Griffey insert card from the 1990s or his rare early refractors.

I agree with any Griffey Jr. Card that is relatively rare especially those were hard to pull in the 90s. For the less rare stuff, you may need to buy in bulk to get much a profit margin.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v520/mnbamboozled/griffeys/INSERTS/90s.jpg

[Boo]

So much 2004 Chrome made, that's the only reason I hate it. 2006 not far behind either.

[hohlernr]

Don't forget that there's a good chance that Ichiro retires and moves back to Japan and essentially stop signing for card companies. I really can't think of a much more "safe" card purchase than one of his autos.

[rats60]

Forget about current players. The only things that are safe are cuts of Ruth, Gehrig, Wagner, Cobb, etc. Even the 01 BC Pujols has dropped over the last few years.

[kinar]

Maybe I have a different definition of what a safe investment is. In my opinion, 'safe' is not a $2000 card of a 24 year old who has been the hottest player in the league for 3 years. It is definitely the BEST card of the era, but not the safest, at least not at this price.
I'm not a huge Trout fan and the only cards of his I have are a few of his 2011 Update / Bowman Chrome Rookies (non-auto) but you're selling Trout short with this comment. Trout has not only been the hottest player in MLB (not just the AL), he has compiled the best start of a career (through age 24) of anyone who has ever played the game. Think about that for a bit and then go try and find something to prove it wrong, and then if you do, start another thread to debate it. It will take a very serious degradation in performance (think Lincecum) or a career affecting injury to make an immediate dent in Trouts prices. Failing that, after several more years, when he falls back into the rest of the pack, his cards will start their slow decline.

As for everyone else mentioned in this thread. Rarity is the first key to holding value here but it can't be too rare. The player on the cards is secondary. The best card needs to be rare enough that not everyone can have one in their collection but it also has to be common enough that they are always on the market (once again, think Pujols rookie). This keeps it at the front of collectors wish list and keeps the card relevant. As soon as people start forgetting about a card, it drops in value.

[Morgoth]

I'm not a huge Trout fan and the only cards of his I have are a few of his 2011 Update / Bowman Chrome Rookies (non-auto) but you're selling Trout short with this comment. Trout has not only been the hottest player in MLB (not just the AL), he has been the greatest player to ever play the game through age 24. Think about that for a bit and then go try and find something to prove it wrong, and then if you do, start another thread to debate it. It will take a very serious degradation in performance (think Lincecum) or a career affecting injury to make an immediate dent in Trouts prices. Failing that, after several more years, when he falls back into the rest of the pack, his cards will start their slow decline (think Pujols).

As for everyone else mentioned in this thread. Rarity is the first key to holding value here but it can't be too rare. The player on the cards is secondary. The best card needs to be rare enough that not everyone can have one in their collection but it also has to be common enough that they are always on the market (once again, think Pujols rookie). This keeps it at the front of collectors wish list and keeps the card relevant. As soon as people start forgetting about a card, it drops in value.

We all thought the same about Griffey until he ran into one too many walls. These guys cant use drugs to recover like they used too from injury. The odds he stays healthy and at these levels his whole career is ridiculous. He would need to stay basically this good all his career for his cards to be good investments right now.

[kinar]

We all thought the same about Griffey until he ran into one too many walls. These guys cant use drugs to recover like they used too from injury. The odds he stays healthy and at these levels his whole career is ridiculous. He would need to stay basically this good all his career for his cards to be good investments right now.

You're correct. I can understand why my post may have made you think I was trying to say he is but I agree that Trout is NOT a good investment right now.

[no10pin]

I'm not a huge Trout fan and the only cards of his I have are a few of his 2011 Update / Bowman Chrome Rookies (non-auto) but you're selling Trout short with this comment. Trout has not only been the hottest player in MLB (not just the AL), he has compiled the best start of a career (through age 24) of anyone who has ever played the game. Think about that for a bit and then go try and find something to prove it wrong, and then if you do, start another thread to debate it. It will take a very serious degradation in performance (think Lincecum) or a career affecting injury to make an immediate dent in Trouts prices. Failing that, after several more years, when he falls back into the rest of the pack, his cards will start their slow decline.



I know what he's done in his 4 years, but that wasn't really my point. His base autos are $2000+ based on the fact that he's off to one of the best starts to a career in history. Any bump in the road longer than a few weeks WILL have an impact on price because the price is out of this world right now. People have done nothing but buy because he just seems to keep getting better. As soon as that stops being the case, some people will cash out.

[kinar]

I know what he's done in his 4 years, but that wasn't really my point. His base autos are $2000+ based on the fact that he's off to one of the best starts to a career in history. Any bump in the road longer than a few weeks WILL have an impact on price because the price is out of this world right now. People have done nothing but buy because he just seems to keep getting better. As soon as that stops being the case, some people will cash out.

I think you're wrong. IMO, it will have to be a sustained decline (not just a slump) before enough people abandon ship to affect prices.

[mbrown2626]

Adrian Beltre gets no love but he will be in the HOF when it's all said and one. I believe the 98 Bowman is his first auto.

[davidk]

I collect stuff that I like, but I also don't want things that'll drop in value. After awhile I decided to get a little wise (instead of getting everything from a player or a team), and start collect things that are "safer". I'm not sure what you guys think, but here's what I've done:

2013 five star auto set - I really dont see this set going down in value, and I really liked the design. I thought it was "safe" enough. rare enough and popular enough where in 10 to 15 years, i thought it'd be really sought after.

Trout and Stanton Heritage stuff - I like them a lot. big fans, also I thought that their values (especially since a lot of the cards are low numbered and hard to find) would go up a lot in the future. Bowman chrome stuff scare me. They just do. They're numbered, yes, but the prices...I know that Trout is unbelievable, but I don't know why, chromes scare me. I think some like trout, harper, kershaw can maintain the value over time, but can it go higher? I don't know for sure. The other guys... prospects for thousands of dollars, etc.. I think some people are crazy.

Heritage sets - Just the short prints and the action variations cause of the print counts. I think the base cards will be kind of pointless as far as an investment choice (too many prints)... but i could be wrong. Will the value rise like crazy? No. But I think it'll rise steadily over the years. just my opinion. It's "safe". Maybe instead of 3 bucks, it'll be 7 bucks in 10 years, who knows. But I love the sets, they're cheap, and I dont think it'll go down, so why not?

also, 1993 finest refractors set (those green ones)... i dont have these but I think they're a safe bet. 2013 ones too... the refractors. They're so rare.

i think the only sure bet right now are vintage stuff personally, cause they've already lasted this long.

[Cubsfanp]

I get why people love Trout, and I am amazed more and more by him. He is in no way shape or form "safe", though.

Everyone seems to forget Grady Sizemore, who wasn't near as good as Trout, but he was DOMINANT for 3-4 years then injuries and poor performance killed his value.

[seabass97166]

All this would've couldve shouldve...the fact is there is always some amount of risk in everything. Any player is 1 play away from a season or career ending injury. But it's still the safest bet out there to invest in guys like Trout, Harper, Correa.

Trout is as safe as anyone. His cards have done nothing but go up each year with no end in sight. A BGS 9 is at $1000 in 10 minutes now...so it's pretty safe to say you aren't going to lose. And if something does happen you can quick sell and be ok.

I just sold a refractor on Blowout for $2300 a month ago. Now they are $2900.
(the buyer replied YOU WIN..because I held firm at $2300....I said, NO...YOU WIN...this card will go up $500 in a month!)

Show me a 90s card that can do that.

Huge Reward outweighs minimal risk

[dhcollecting]

I would go with rare 90's inserts of star players...griffey, jeter, ripken, thomas,etc. You can find some at decent prices.

[cnewby]

All this would've couldve shouldve...the fact is there is always some amount of risk in everything. Any player is 1 play away from a season or career ending injury. But it's still the safest bet out there to invest in guys like Trout, Harper, Correa.

Trout is as safe as anyone. His cards have done nothing but go up each year with no end in sight. A BGS 9 is at $1000 in 10 minutes now...so it's pretty safe to say you aren't going to lose. And if something does happen you can quick sell and be ok.

Trout isn't even close to as safe as the guys listed right below your post...

[seabass97166]

Trout isn't even close to as safe as the guys listed right below your post...

I want something safe that can double in value and have very little downside.

I don't want safe where it wont go down, but wont really go up too much either.

I want to be safe with huge potential - take on minimal risk.

I guess it's how you define safe.

[cnewby]

I want something safe that can double in value and have very little downside.

I don't want safe where it wont go down, but wont really go up too much either
says who?

I want to be safe with huge potential - take on minimal risk.
'safest' has nothing to do with potential, much to do with minimal risk, which would be the guys no longer playing and heading to cooperstown.

I guess it's how you define safe.
agreed

[seabass97166]

I don't want safe where it wont go down, but wont really go up too much either
says who?

I want to be safe with huge potential - take on minimal risk.
'safest' has nothing to do with potential, much to do with minimal risk, which would be the guys no longer playing and heading to cooperstown.

I guess it's how you define safe.
agreed

I sold most of my Trouts and bought a 1952 Topps Mantle...so I guess that is my definition of safe :)

[Metsfan1121]

I'm going to be the first to say it but... In 2030, every single currently existing card will be worth less than it is at this moment. All of them.

[Cubsfanp]

I want something safe that can double in value and have very little downside.

I don't want safe where it wont go down, but wont really go up too much either.

I want to be safe with huge potential - take on minimal risk.

I guess it's how you define safe.

Your definition of safe sounds like buying guys such as Ryan Howard, Josh Hamilton and Grady Sizemore at their peaks.

[shortstopguy12]

I grew up a huge Alomar fan, wore #12, but played shortstop instead. If I think back to my childhood (I am 31), Alomar played a huge role in it. I didn't know this card existed until I really started to collect cards. However, I do remember getting the packs these came in from McDonald's. I think this may be the top Blue Jays card out there... That is simply my opinion :)

This is quite cool! I have been collecting for over 32 years and have never seen one of these! Very nice!!

This card is extremley rare to find, let alone in the orignal holder, with the original letter. It is obviously not a "Top 10 card", but it certainly will never go down in value and will only go up....One of the few cards that is actually at my house, and not in my COMC account. Rumour is less than half were redeemed, but who knows.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/caitken/SCAN0039-1.jpg (http://s6.photobucket.com/user/caitken/media/SCAN0039-1.jpg.html)

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/caitken/SCAN0040-1.jpg (http://s6.photobucket.com/user/caitken/media/SCAN0040-1.jpg.html)

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/caitken/SCAN0041.jpg (http://s6.photobucket.com/user/caitken/media/SCAN0041.jpg.html)

[BestRCs]

Don't forget that there's a good chance that Ichiro retires and moves back to Japan and essentially stop signing for card companies. I really can't think of a much more "safe" card purchase than one of his autos.

That's exactly what I thought about Ichiro autos too. I mean when's the last time you've seen a Nomo auto or an auto of a Japanese player since they've retired? The Matsui's, Johjima, Sasaki.... nada tostada.

[SDcardguy24]

That's exactly what I thought about Ichiro autos too. I mean when's the last time you've seen a Nomo auto or an auto of a Japanese player since they've retired? The Matsui's, Johjima, Sasaki.... nada tostada.

Matsui is actually back in the states working with the Yankees. I know some people have gotten him at Trenton games this season!

But yeah I agree for most of the other names.

[whitesoxfan3579]

1991 Upper Deck Heroes Hank Aaron (first pack certified auto from Hammerin' Hank) /2500.

[phasesout]

I'm going to be the first to say it but... In 2030, every single currently existing card will be worth less than it is at this moment. All of them.

I wouldn't bet against this.

This is definitely one of those threads that five, ten or more years from now people will bump and laugh at. Some of these Trout posts are laughable right now!

[MeetJSquared]

I wouldn't bet against this.

This is definitely one of those threads that five, ten or more years from now people will bump and laugh at. Some of these Trout posts are laughable right now!

Yeah you're probably right. Hobby has been trending down and it's not like cards are being produced any slower.

[edogg1982]

1992 Upper Deck Ted Williams auto
1994 Upper Deck Mantle/Griffey autos

pretty much any auto or rookie card of a big name HOF'er. Those are the cards that are least likely to lose value, which in my mind equates to safe.

[exitmusicblue]

I don't think everything modern will trend down. In 50 years, today's modern will be vintage and will have its own market.

The cream of the crop should keep rising gradually a la the cream of the crop from previous generations.

...unless crazy sh*t happens to baseball and it becomes relegated to a hockey-esque niche.

[razorsharp]

99 UD Century Legends Ted Williams epic signatures gold auto /100

[MeetJSquared]

I don't think everything modern will trend down. In 50 years, today's modern will be vintage and will have its own market.

The cream of the crop should keep rising gradually a la the cream of the crop from previous generations.

...unless crazy sh*t happens to baseball and it becomes relegated to a hockey-esque niche.

I would hope so, but I think a lot of why today's vintage holds value is because of rarity and condition. Even Andrew Luck and Mike Trout have tons of autos; yes their rookie/prospect ones will hold much higher than 2nd year+ but there's still so much to choose from even in their rookie/pre-rookie years. They don't have just one Topps card.

Maybe with the companies making a lot of junk, it'll help keep the 'good' ones afloat and keep value (i.e. BC in baseball, Contenders/TChrome in football, NT/Immac in basketball, etc.).

I've heard a lot of possibilities about what can happen in the future, so there are plenty of opinions out there.

I just hope it turns out for the better of the hobby.

I don't think anything is really 'safe' as far as modern cards, but this thread was about the 'safest' cards (which could still mean a drop, just not as huge as everything else) and most of the stuff here is on point.

To those hating on the Trout stuff, I don't really think it's there, but in its defense, I think putting $1000+ on a Trout is much safer than putting it into any other prospect, including Harper and Correa.

[ninjacookies]

In my personal opinion, very few (if any) 1990's cards are a 'safe investment.' The 90's inserts don't have the same secondary appeal (or asian shilling groups) as their basketball counterparts, and just about every big player from this era has had either suspicions or confirmed proof of tainted play. Still remember how much Bonds, Sosa, and McGuire stuff was during their heyday. Even Pujols high end stuff has plateau'd and went down a bit, and he's pretty much the best power hitter you can get in terms of a career resume.

Trout is a terrible investment at his current levels. He's shattering all records and paces through his 3rd year, but that really means nothing in the grand scheme of things unless he can maintain a career free of injuries or unforeseen regression. Or god forbid any steroid scandals a la ARoid.



About the only, and I mean only, guy I'd even remotely think about putting in the 'safe' category is Jeter, only because his career is already set in stone, was a Yankee, and he's one of the only few that never had a negative cloud hovering above his head (except for women's rights groups who took exception to his sleepover care packages). Though his stuff is already pretty high, I'd imagine his rare 90's inserts and high psa graded rc's should do nothing but appreciate in decades to come.

[lindeman79]

93 Jeter: topps, score, pinnacle.

[hazenuts]

In my personal opinion, very few (if any) 1990's cards are a 'safe investment.' The 90's inserts don't have the same secondary appeal (or asian shilling groups) as their basketball counterparts, and just about every big player from this era has had either suspicions or confirmed proof of tainted play. Still remember how much Bonds, Sosa, and McGuire stuff was during their heyday. Even Pujols high end stuff has plateau'd and went down a bit, and he's pretty much the best power hitter you can get in terms of a career resume.

Trout is a terrible investment at his current levels. He's shattering all records and paces through his 3rd year, but that really means nothing in the grand scheme of things unless he can maintain a career free of injuries or unforeseen regression. Or god forbid any steroid scandals a la ARoid.



About the only, and I mean only, guy I'd even remotely think about putting in the 'safe' category is Jeter, only because his career is already set in stone, was a Yankee, and he's one of the only few that never had a negative cloud hovering above his head (except for women's rights groups who took exception to his sleepover care packages). Though his stuff is already pretty high, I'd imagine his rare 90's inserts and high psa graded rc's should do nothing but appreciate in decades to come.

Agree on the Jeter. He will be more revered as the years pass on, but yes his 93 SP in high grade is already so expensive. Not sure how much more it can grow. On the same vein, I would like to say Ichiro fulfilled all your aforementioned criteria: steroid-free, international appeal, career achievement. The only thing he didn't have was rings, but I think he is just so unique as a player that really set him apart. And I think years from now, he will be more of the legends and myths.

[razorsharp]

Ichiro is going to have to play 1 more year to reach 3k hits and 500 steals. If he does, he will be become only the 5th player in MLB history to have 3,000 hits, 500 steals and a lifetime average of over .300.

[Chrome3434]

Keisha's would of been a good investment back when his chrome came out. Someone talk about jofer

[Chrome3434]

Kershaw...

[caflisch78]

Kershaw...

There is a button called 'edit' for this.

[Cubsfan2011]

I think 2011 Topps Update Hope Diamond /60 will be desired. I personally love the looks of them, and there are tons of star rookies and legend variations to keep the demand high.

[superdan49]

Just bought a PSA/DNA on-card auto of Ichiro on his 2001 Topps RC while the prices were reasonable. I think he is as safe an investment as any. Jeter's 1993 SP in a PSA 9 holder is IMO an incredibly safe bet. It's iconic plus there's the potential of a crossover (or crackout) to a BGS 9.5 considering how stingy PSA is with the "10" on this one.