[Archive]

Posted By: runscott

The autograph cards are the only ones that have any legitimate value, since at least they are WHOLE. There is added value because of the scarcity of the card itself, and sometimes because of the scarcity of the autograph (but as David pointed out, not in this case). Personally, I think combining vintage with a modern piece of cardboard is a confliction that ruins the idea of collecting the autograph.

I will digress here at the end - I'll never forget the first time I saw a pack of "non-card" cards. I was in one of those "sports memorabilia" stores in the mall and saw a pack of cards for something like $8. The proprietor explained that it might have a "game-used bat" card inside. When he explained what that meant I was stunned. My first thought was "why would anyone cut up a perfectly good bat?". Next thought: "why would anyone pay for a sliver of ANYTHING?". Now we're all used to this ridiculous marketing ploy and it doesn't seem as odd...but IT IS.