Newby to the hobby - Looking for advice

[Johndhouck2]

I’m relatively new to the hobby. I collected as a kid in the late 80s/ early 90s, but lost touch with the hobby after that. After a visit with my dad in the memory care unit this spring, where we reminisced of collecting all those years ago, I got nostalgic and bought some cards at target. Needless to say, I caught the bug again.

I am a Phillies fan, and I’ve started building a PC of Phillies cards. They are for collecting, not flipping.

However, I am interested in learning how to purchase cards as an investment. I’m realistic…I don't expect to make a fortune, but I would like to see my collection gain some value on a year over year basis.

What are some tips for entering into this arena? How do I identify cards that might mature in value? Is it best to stick to prospects, or can value be found in active players too? Should I stick to licensed products like Bowman and Topps, or are Leaf and Panini worth a look? Also, I notice that Bowman Chrome has Prospect cards, and1st cards. Which of these are most coveted as a rookie card?

Thanks in advance for the help. I’m excited to get back into the hobby. It’s making me feel like a kid again! LOL!

[JohnnyHatesJazz]

Read the modern baseball card investor by Jeff hwang.

I read it soon after it came out and everything he said came true. Even now, it’s a good primer for newcomers.

[mfw13]

Originally Posted by Johndhouck2

However, I am interested in learning how to purchase cards as an investment. I’m realistic…I don't expect to make a fortune, but I would like to see my collection gain some value on a year over year basis.

Just don't. There are far easier ways to make money than trying to invest in sports cards.

The #1 thing that people conveniently forget is transaction costs. Depending on where you live, you may have to pay sales tax on your purchases. If you sell on EBay, they're going to take 13.25% in fees off the top of every sale. And with the 1099-reporting limit down to $600 for tax year 2024, you're going to have to pay income or capital gains tax on your sales as well.

Basically, in most instances you're going to have to sell a card for 30-40% more than you bought it for just to break even.

[mikejones]

Originally Posted by mfw13

Just don't. There are far easier ways to make money than trying to invest in sports cards.

The #1 thing that people conveniently forget is transaction costs. Depending on where you live, you may have to pay sales tax on your purchases. If you sell on EBay, they're going to take 13.25% in fees off the top of every sale. And with the 1099-reporting limit down to $600 for tax year 2024, you're going to have to pay income or capital gains tax on your sales as well.

Basically, in most instances you're going to have to sell a card for 30-40% more than you bought it for just to break even.

He's right. I'd just go straight into group breaking.

[OhioLawyerF5]

First, don't invest in cards. Collect what you like and enjoy it.

But if you must invest to enjoy it, it sounds like you want long-term value, not quick flips. In that case, vintage hall of famers is your best bet. If you want modern players, buy rookies and first bowmans of future hall of famers during the 2nd half of their careers. As their skills diminish, their prices dip until enshrinement. Prospects and early career stars are usually overpriced because of hype and excitement by the masses, which bakes their hall of fame career into their values before they ever do it on the field.

[MiamiMarlinsFan]

I really would not recommend investing in sports cards. Especially not ultra modern.

If you have to though, and you’re a Phillies fan, here are some ideas: look into some vintage Mike Schmidt. Maybe some modern autos of his. And add a few nice Bryce Harper RCs. Since this is for investment, only buy high grade and stick with PSA.

Stay within your budget, do what sounds fun, and collect what you like.

[Cracktoast]

hahahaha run away as fast as you can

[ThoseBackPages]

yea, i wouldnt start up again.

if you need to invest, buy gold not cards

[SleepyWill]

If you're hellbent on investing, buy vintage or known/lock commodities that are generational talents.

I'd advise against this, but to each their own.

Card types of modern that will likely retain or not loose too much value noted below.

(Baseball)
1. Bowman First autos
2. Topps Flagship black variant
3. Topps Chrome Gold (not wave) variant, with or without auto.
4. Topps Heritage Real one red ink auto

(Football)
1. Tom Brady Bowman Chrome Rookie
2. Tom Brady Bowman Paper
3. Patrick Mahomes Silver Prizm Rookie
4. Patrick Mahomes Select XTC Rookie

[REGGIE206]

Originally Posted by ThoseBackPages

yea, i wouldnt start up again.

if you need to invest, buy gold not cards

This 100%.

I don’t ever recommend jumping into the hobby for an “investment”. Jump back into the hobby to “collect” and enjoy cards.

You’re going to have a stroke if you buy sports cards to make money.

[FTLFTL]

Like what everyone else said: Baseball cards are a hobby not an investment.

[rms13]

If you're in it for collecting then separate it from financial value in your head. If you want to invest then come up with money for a 52 Mantle or Honus Wagner because those are probably the only two true investments. There are of course current cards that can sell for 5-6 figures but that is more gambling because the only way to really make money is to get lucky pulling one from a pack or break. But with the cost of boxes now you're much more likely to lose money. I got back into the hobby after collecting as a kid in the 80s/90s. I collect a handful of Red Sox players that have meaning to me and it's a fulfilling hobby.

[Bcwcardz]

Very very little of this new junk gains year after year. It’s as volatile as nitroglycerin.


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