Seaver RC vs Ryan RC

[Kutcher55]

Been noticing something odd/interesting about the pricing behavior of these two cards.

Ryan RCs in the upper grades tend to sell for more than Seaver RCs. Ryan PSA 7s sell in the 2500-3000 range and 8s go for maybe 6k to 7500. The last three Seaver 7s have been reported at just under $2k and 8s go in the $4-5k range.

Yet when it comes to beaters, it seems possible to grab a Ryan for 300-400 and basically impossible to find a Seaver for less than 500.

No real conclusions on this one. Just think it’s interesting. Also somewhat annoying that I can’t find a crappy Seaver RC anywhere unless I want to pay 700+ (which I don’t). It’s not scarce but certainly much less pop than the Ryan.

[Elberson]

I hear you lol. I brought 2 Seaver RCs in psa 6 for about 1300.00 each. Maybe in 10 years that will be a bargain. I still need 1 more Seaver for my 3rd set.

[1952boyntoncollector]

Nolan Ryan beating up robin ventura sets him above seavor..forget his ks

[Eric72]

Generally speaking, there are fewer Seaver rookies available for sale at any one time. As such, the competition for Seaver rookies is a bit more spirited among collectors who simply wish to own one.

Both cards are from the late '60s. Both are multi-player cards that feature HOFers. One (Seaver) may be the best pitcher from the 20th Century. The other (Ryan) may be the most popular pitcher from the 20th Century. In a "tale of the tape" that's otherwise relatively close, Seaver's scarcity matters.

As for the prices at higher grades, Ryan's popularity may be a factor. This popularity applies to both the player and the card. Ryan's rookie has been a chase card for 35-40 years. For those into "competitive collecting" it probably makes sense to spend an extra five grand for a one-grade-bump.

[G1911]

This is pretty normal. The Ryan is one of the most highly printed cards of the decade, the Seaver one of the least. When total population is low and demand high, it pushes the price between poor and mint closer than it is when there’s enough to go around and the set builders can just take the low grade ones without much scarcity. The Ryan is popular and iconic, but there’s one out there for every single vintage collector.

[Eric72]

Originally Posted by G1911

This is pretty normal. The Ryan is one of the most highly printed cards of the decade, the Seaver one of the least. When total population is low and demand high, it pushes the price between poor and mint closer than it is when there’s enough to go around and the set builders can just take the low grade ones without much scarcity. The Ryan is popular and iconic, but there’s one out there for every single vintage collector.

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^

Greg gets it.

[Kutcher55]

Originally Posted by G1911

This is pretty normal. The Ryan is one of the most highly printed cards of the decade, the Seaver one of the least. When total population is low and demand high, it pushes the price between poor and mint closer than it is when there’s enough to go around and the set builders can just take the low grade ones without much scarcity. The Ryan is popular and iconic, but there’s one out there for every single vintage collector.

That makes total sense. It’s interesting just how much this impacts the low grade market for these cards.

[mrreality68]

Originally Posted by Eric72

Generally speaking, there are fewer Seaver rookies available for sale at any one time. As such, the competition for Seaver rookies is a bit more spirited among collectors who simply wish to own one.

Both cards are from the late '60s. Both are multi-player cards that feature HOFers. One (Seaver) may be the best pitcher from the 20th Century. The other (Ryan) may be the most popular pitcher from the 20th Century. In a "tale of the tape" that's otherwise relatively close, Seaver's scarcity matters.

As for the prices at higher grades, Ryan's popularity may be a factor. This popularity applies to both the player and the card. Ryan's rookie has been a chase card for 35-40 years. For those into "competitive collecting" it probably makes sense to spend an extra five grand for a one-grade-bump.

Both cards are great cards to have in your collection. They getting 1 of each in whatever the best grade your budget allowed.
As for the why I think it feels like their are always Ryan’s cards available for purchase or auction.

[ALR-bishop]

What if any is the differential in price between the Topps Ryan and the Topps/MB Ryan in the same condition ?

[jchcollins]

I think 1988 was about when the slow uptick on Ryan RC cards began - in that it was no longer a $20 card, and nice ones got up to $200 or so. However from about 1989 until 1991 or so after Nolan’s 5000th K and with 2 additional no-hitters with the Rangers was when the card just absolutely skyrocketed, with EXMT or so copies fetching more than $1,000 in 1991 and ‘92.

[smallstocks]

I'll add one more story. In the early to mid 70's (I don't remember exactly), my aunt gave me all of my much older cousin's cards, since he had lost interest when his focus turned to girls. The cards were all from 1965 - 1968. Zero Seavers or 1967 high numbers. 3 Nolan Ryans though. Still have one now - recently graded a PSA 5.