Quote:
Originally Posted by MVSNYC
It can never be mentioned too many times, that the PSA pop reports can be very misleading, as there are TONS (61,944 to be exact) of cards that fall under "unknown" backs, because PSA only starting listing the pops by backs about 4 or 5 years ago. so if a card is 1 of 2 none higher under the "Polar Bear" section, that's not to say that 15 more don't exist under "unkown".
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If the real pops for each back were known, we might not be seeing the types of prices we often see for each card. Because there is uncertainty, collectors assume the worst and that they will not be able to find the card again. Also, it is deceptive because auction houses list a card as "highest graded" without recognizing that there are potentially many more that are listed as unknown.
Basically, the rare back phenomenon can be chalked up to 2-3 advanced collectors looking to complete the master set. As long as these collectors continue to purchase cards and rabidly attempt to collect the master set, it is difficult to envision prices dropping much. Also, considering the amount of skeptics out there regarding current prices, if those people change their minds and start bidding, then things could get really crazy.
We've also seen really high prices for rare poses of OJ cards - again, the same thing, it's advanced collectors attempting to complete a master set of every pose. These collectors obviously possess the financial means to do so, and that is the current trend in the hobby today. There is nothing wrong with that! But if for some reason these collectors stop bidding or choose to sell, prices could collapse in a hurry.