[edhans]

Most important thing to remember is that the transaction costs are huge compared to securities. You'll be paying retail prices to acquire "invesrment grade" cards. Think about your options for selling them; 1) direct sale to a dealer, who will offer you a wholesale price to leave him room for profit; 2) Auction them-even if you get a zero consignment fee, buyers will factor the hammer fee into their maximum bids, thus reducing the proceeds to you; or 3) Become a dealer yourself and absorb the cost of travel, table fees, advertising, website development etc. into your basis. It's going to take substantial price appreciation to offset those costs and leave you with some net income. Then you get to pay income tax. Bottom line, collect what you like and gratefully accept any profit you derrive from your hobby.