This week’s auction boasts a fair number of sports cards, perfect to add to any sport card enthusiast’s collection. But what makes a card valuable? And how do you know if you have the next $125,000 Kobe Bryant rookie card (2023)?
There are five key factors to determine value:
- Star Power
- Popularity is one of the most important signifiers that affect the worth of a card. Cards featuring athletes that have become the stuff of legends (Michael Jordan, Babe Ruther, Mickey Mantle, to name a few) will typically garner high prices. We’re talking not just talent, but the impact on their chosen sport.
- Rookie Cards are also high impact as these cards are typically created at the start of a career (before we know if they’re destined for greatness), they’ll increase in value as that player’s star rises.
- Rarity
- It’s the old supply and demand. High demand, but low supply – that’s a recipe for value! Cards that were produced in limited quantity or short-printed will tend to pull a bigger price tag.
- Example: The T206 Wagner card for shortstop Honus Wagner (one of the first inductees into the Baseball Hall of Fame) is one of the most rare and valuable cards in baseball – only about 50 copies of this card were made from 1909 – 1911.
- Newer modern cards are also printed with serial numbers, indicating how many cards were made. Additionally, autographs with certificate of authenticity often come with a serial number as well increasing rarity and value.
- It’s the old supply and demand. High demand, but low supply – that’s a recipe for value! Cards that were produced in limited quantity or short-printed will tend to pull a bigger price tag.
- Condition
- This is a big one! The condition of the card is vital to determining its value. Cards in mint or near-mint condition (practically brand new) are much more valuable than cards that have been in our of a pocket or two. Edges, corners, print centering, surface quality all play a part in determining worth.
- Professional grading: Using companies like Professional Sports Authenticator or Becket Grading Services can provide a standardized and accepted condition assessment and can add value to the card if graded highly.
- Historical Value
- Cards that represent special moments in a player’s career can be highly valuable. From record breaking moments to championship series, notable achievements typically mean a hike value.
- Demand in the Market
- Popularity plays a big part in card value. Keeping an eye on what’s trending can be beneficial to determining if your card’s value has changed – especially for those looking to sell.
- Media: Sometimes media can play a big role in garnering interest in a specific athlete or era. Documentaries featuring athletes that have been retired or out of the public eye, can boost collectible value simply by making them relevant again.
- Current Star Power: Just being awesome at what you do can also put the spotlight on you and increase card value. As a player’s career takes off, so will their market value (and demand).
- Popularity plays a big part in card value. Keeping an eye on what’s trending can be beneficial to determining if your card’s value has changed – especially for those looking to sell.
Whether you’re new to card collecting or a seasoned collector, knowing the combination of factors used to assess value can help you make decisions on what to buy, sell, and/or hold on to for future consideration. Back to the Past can help you on all fronts – take a look at our auction this week to add to your collection, or if you’ve used the factors listed here and know it’s time to sell, contact us and we can help with that too!