Cashing in a Starting All Over

[Johnny630]

In light of the recent auction sold prices. I’m getting close to selling/consigning all my high end vintage cards. Never in a million years would I have thought my cards would be worth what they are now. Many seek to enjoy collecting low grade on platforms such as here,OBC, Facebook Ect and have a great time doing so, it can keep me in the game. Chasing higher end cards for my collection is no longer fun or financially a option.

The profits will be very nice. You only need to get rich once, this could be the time. I have no fear, none when it’s gone it’s gone.

Has anyone else started this process ?

Please no emails soliciting interest in buying or consigning my collection, thanks.

[ullmandds]

Nope

[ullmandds]

Nope…im too young. BUT...if all of a sudden my cards...after selling and paying taxes could fund a comfortable retirement...I wouldn't give it a second thought!!!

[brianclat11]

Nope. I get too much enjoyment out of the cards. I wouldn’t sell unless I had to at this point.

[Republicaninmass]

Nope, but cant lose money taking a profit.


Ask, if they sell higher in 10 years, would you be upset?


Can the money be put to something that sparks joy in your life?

Collecting is great, but I have to say with numbers floating around, I've been tempted to do the same.


I just have that sinking feeling "when my come for sale, at an auction without shenanigans, they wont achieve these prices"

[Orioles1954]

Yep. Haven’t regretted it for a second. At the end of the day they’re inanimate pieces of old cardboard with baseball pictures of old guys who 99.9% of the world has never heard of.

[NiceDocter]

You dont have to sell 100% or nothing at all. Start with a few things and see how you feel as you go.... then proceed accordingly! Best wishes for whatever you decide! Rocky

[Johnny630]

Originally Posted by NiceDocter

You dont have to sell 100% or nothing at all. Start with a few things and see how you feel as you go.... then proceed accordingly! Best wishes for whatever you decide! Rocky

Thanks Rocky !!

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by ullmandds

Nope…im too young. BUT...if all of a sudden my cards...after selling and paying taxes could fund a comfortable retirement...I wouldn't give it a second thought!!!

Fortunately for me, my collection isn't worth anywhere near what I would need to retire, unless my plan was to be homeless, so I can keep it.

[Snapolit1]

I have taken a hard look at my collection and decided to sell a number of cards that have appreciated which I really don't have strong feelings about. One of two maybe I have regretted selling, but if you paid $5k for a card now worth $25k, that profit in effect pays off a lot of other purchases.

I have no interesting in leaving behind 1000s of cards for others to have to deal with. A nice size interesting collection as an inheritance is cool. More than that is a burden. I've seen it with friends and family members with coins and stamps. You are not doing anyone a huge favor. Sell some of your stuff and take that trip you've always dreamed about. I really can't imagine on my death bed my last utterance is going to be "God damm it I should I have bought that Eddie Plank card when it was $4000."

If you think everything just goes up, up, and up, remember the old Wall Street saying "trees don't grow to the sky."

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

I have taken a hard look at my collection and decided to sell a number of cards that have appreciated which I really don't have strong feelings about. One of two maybe I have regretted selling, but if you paid $5k for a card now worth $25k, that profit in effect pays off a lot of other purchases.

I have no interesting in leaving behind 1000s of cards for others to have to deal with. A nice size interesting collection as an inheritance is cool. More than that is a burden. I've seen it with friends and family members with coins and stamps. You are not doing anyone a huge favor. Sell some of your stuff and take that trip you've always dreamed about. I really can't imagine on my death bed my last utterance is going to be "God damm it I should I have bought that Eddie Plank card when it was $4000."

If you think everything just goes up, up, and up, remember the old Wall Street saying "trees don't grow to the sky."

Inheritance? Pfft! I plan to line my casket with my collection and take it into the afterlife like a Pharoah. A poor, nerdy Pharoah.

[Snapolit1]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

Inheritance? Pfft! I plan to line my casket with my collection and take it into the afterlife like a Pharoah. A poor, nerdy Pharoah.

Would be a great story on CNN.

[Eric72]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

Inheritance? Pfft! I plan to line my casket with my collection and take it into the afterlife like a Pharoah. A poor, nerdy Pharoah.

L O L

My wife was startled by the suddenness and volume of my laughter.

[chlankf]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

Inheritance? Pfft! I plan to line my casket with my collection and take it into the afterlife like a Pharoah. A poor, nerdy Pharoah.

As an amateur egyptologist/archaeologist. I'm going to do a dig and display you and your treasures in my own personal museum. Title the display as "A poor, nerdy American Pharaoh by an even poorer and nerdier Iowa Pharaoh."

[skelly423]

This is an interesting idea which I've employed to a lesser degree. I've never sold everything at once, but I've had cards/sets that I've fallen out of love with and sold. I can't say I've ever really regretted it. I think an occasional examination of your priorities and interests (both with respect to specific cards/sets, and life in general) is a healthy part of collecting, and I have no hesitation when it comes to purging cards I don't love.

I'd rather have a small, well selected collection of cards I absolutely love than a large selection I'm lukewarm about.

[marzoumanian]

Yes, Johnny, I started the process seven years ago.
Here's my two cents:

1) Make certain your top 10 "stars" from each set are graded and accept the grade given by PSA/SGC if you're submitting now (don't resubmit over and over for a higher grade)
2)Test a few auction houses. I tested Heritage, Mile High, and PWCC before ending up with REA. Don't base your final decision on the PRICES you get. Auction houses can't determine price. Instead base that decision on CUSTOMER SERVICE
3) Enjoy the auction process when it goes live. It should be FUN to watch your set move up, especially in those final hours. I wrote a piece about this in particular on my website, www.markearzoumanian.com. I titled it "Why am I Addicted..." and it can be found under the "Love of the Hobby" section.
Hope this helps. Peace and stay healthy.

[HistoricNewspapers]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

I have taken a hard look at my collection and decided to sell a number of cards that have appreciated which I really don't have strong feelings about. One of two maybe I have regretted selling, but if you paid $5k for a card now worth $25k, that profit in effect pays off a lot of other purchases.

I have no interesting in leaving behind 1000s of cards for others to have to deal with. A nice size interesting collection as an inheritance is cool. More than that is a burden. I've seen it with friends and family members with coins and stamps. You are not doing anyone a huge favor. Sell some of your stuff and take that trip you've always dreamed about. I really can't imagine on my death bed my last utterance is going to be "God damm it I should I have bought that Eddie Plank card when it was $4000."

If you think everything just goes up, up, and up, remember the old Wall Street saying "trees don't grow to the sky."

That's a good way of looking at it.

Trees never grow to the sky is true, but some do grow considerably tall, they maintain their height as a pillar of nature, and some trees have recorded life spans of 3,000 years.

[HistoricNewspapers]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

Fortunately for me, my collection isn't worth anywhere near what I would need to retire, unless my plan was to be homeless, so I can keep it.

I enjoy your quips.

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by Johnny630

Has anyone else started this process?

I don't think you're the first one that's ever done this. Seriously, though, a poll on whether those who have gone down that road would do it again if they could go back in time might be helpful.

[Casey2296]

Originally Posted by Johnny630

You only need to get rich once.

Unless you go through a divorce, then the number is exactly "twice"...

[Johnny630]

Originally Posted by Casey2296

Unless you go through a divorce, then the number is exactly "twice"...

Not married, I feel for those who are and have to go through divorce.

[ALBB]

From my many experiences, I say try to sell own you own..and NOT use auction houses...If your not in a rush/ have the time/ know what you have and what your doing..in most cases you will do better

I say - cut out the middle man and sell directly to the collector

[parkplace33]

Trust your gut. You will know when the time is right.

[toledo_mudhen]

Originally Posted by parkplace33

Trust your gut. You will know when the time is right.

Use the "Force", Luke........

[ullmandds]

I'm looking at my collection as my "bridge" from early retirement until Medicare/SSecurity kicks in...assuming I live to see it!!!!

I'll retire from dentistry...sell my cards slowly and report as income...which will be my main income...then the tax burden won't be so bad.

I'm just hoping the blue chips will continue to rise into the stratosphere!!!!!

[bmattioli]

I do not or will not sell. It would break my heart to sell something I've had over 50 years and the memories it holds... Best of luck with your sales..

[Jewish-collector]

Baseball cards are like owning a boat. "The two happiest days in a boat owner's life: the day you buy the boat, and the day you sell the boat.”.

[ejharrington]

You should go card by card. If a card would net you more money today than you would pay for it today if you didn’t own it, sell it. Otherwise, hold.

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by bmattioli

I do not or will not sell. It would break my heart to sell something I've had over 50 years and the memories it holds... Best of luck with your sales..

Well yeah, those cards won't be sold regardless. They aren't worth much but are rich with nostalgia for me. I will carry them into (hopefully) old age and remember my childhood fondly through them. If I am lucky enough to have grandkids who are collectors, that's where those cards would go.

[Snapolit1]

Originally Posted by ALBB

From my many experiences, I say try to sell own you own..and NOT use auction houses...If your not in a rush/ have the time/ know what you have and what your doing..in most cases you will do better

I say - cut out the middle man and sell directly to the collector

With all due respect, I disagree 100%. I think the best investment you can make is to find the right auction house and let them market your cards or memorabilia piece for you. We've all seen first hand the value of good marketing and how the energy of an auction can push the selling price of a cool item up up and up some more. And with the market the way it is today you have no idea if the guy buying your card is down the street or in China. I've been very happy selling items on BST and even on eBay, but for anything special its going to an Auction house with broad exposure who can intelligently discuss the importance of what I have and what's so cool about it. For me that's Love of the Game.

[boneheadandrube]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

With all due respect, I disagree 100%. I think the best investment you can make is to find the right auction house and let them market your cards or memorabilia piece for you. We've all seen first hand the value of good marketing and how the energy of an auction can push the selling price of a cool item up up and up some more. And with the market the way it is today you have no idea if the guy buying your card is down the street or in China. I've been very happy selling items on BST and even on eBay, but for anything special its going to an Auction house with broad exposure who can intelligently discuss the importance of what I have and what's so cool about it. For me that's Love of the Game.

+1 Selling direct leaves rebuilding money on the table, especially for higher end graded cards.

[jcmtiger]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

With all due respect, I disagree 100%. I think the best investment you can make is to find the right auction house and let them market your cards or memorabilia piece for you. We've all seen first hand the value of good marketing and how the energy of an auction can push the selling price of a cool item up up and up some more. And with the market the way it is today you have no idea if the guy buying your card is down the street or in China. I've been very happy selling items on BST and even on eBay, but for anything special its going to an Auction house with broad exposure who can intelligently discuss the importance of what I have and what's so cool about it. For me that's Love of the Game.

Yes I agree.

[bigtrain]

I am retired and decided recently to sell my cards. I will keep most of my non-card memorabilia and few cards that are special to me. I don’t need the money. I just realized that I have too much tied up in cards. Al Crisafulli will be selling my T206 set (520) and other high end cards in the next Love of the Game auction. Al has been a pleasure to work with so far. Thinking I might use the dough to take my wife on a lengthy world tour. You only live once.

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by Casey2296

Unless you go through a divorce, then the number is exactly "twice"...

You see, I don't make much money
Only five, uh-uh, thousand per
And some judge who thinks he's funny
Tells me I got to pay six to her
I said now judge, suppose I fail?
The judge says, "Ray, son, son, right on into jail
Ah, you better keep her. I think it's cheaper."
--Ray Charles, Makin' Whoopee

[frankbmd]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

You see, I don't make much money
Only five, uh-uh, thousand per
And some judge who thinks he's funny
Tells me I got to pay six to her
I said now judge, suppose I fail?
The judge says, "Ray, son, son, right on into jail
Ah, you better keep her. I think it's cheaper."
--Ray Charles, Makin' Whoopee

I love Ray Charles and actually played this song on my saxophone at my second wedding.

I now have the tenor of the groom.

Ray was right but the first wife wouldn't keep me .

Yeah, my bills were all due and the baby needed shoes but I'm busted
Cotton is down, quarter a pound but I'm busted, oh yeah
I got cow that went dry, hen that won't lay
Big stack of bills gettin' bigger each day
County's gonna haul my name, know that I went and I'm busted, I am, yeah

[jcmtiger]

Originally Posted by Johnny630

In light of the recent auction sold prices. I’m getting close to selling/consigning all my high end vintage cards. Never in a million years would I have thought my cards would be worth what they are now. Many seek to enjoy collecting low grade on platforms such as here,OBC, Facebook Ect and have a great time doing so, it can keep me in the game. Chasing higher end cards for my collection is no longer fun or financially a option.

The profits will be very nice. You only need to get rich once, this could be the time. I have no fear, none when it’s gone it’s gone.

Has anyone else started this process ?

Please no emails soliciting interest in buying or consigning my collection, thanks.

Yes, sent stuff to REA in 2016, sent some more this year to REA spring auction

[jcmtiger]

Originally Posted by jcmtiger

Yes, sent stuff this year to REA spring auction

Actually sold different parts of my collection thru the years.

[Luke]

We're all having to adapt with this crazy surge in prices. If I were you I'd be thinking about the same things. My first thought was maybe you don't have to make a decision right away. You could sell a couple of your PSA 8s, then find nice looking raw VGEX or graded 4s to replace those two cards and see how it feels. Maybe it feels good, and you can use the rest of the money to keep going. Or maybe it wouldn't feel great.

I have often sold a card I had in midgrade in order to keep a lower grade copy that I also had and buy an additional couple cards with the rest of the money. That has always felt great to me because I'd rather have three nice looking 2-3s than one nice 5. But, if you are used to looking at really sharp corners, maybe it would be tough to drop down to VG or VGEX.

[Lucas00]

What I have noticed being mainly a player/niche collector is rare items are far far harder to acquire than almost any high $ card. Say a goudey ruth or cobb portrait that you see for sale almost daily. It’s not that these rare items don’t exist it’s people don’t want to sell them.

Humans like rarity, so say when someone is going to retire they think hmm ill sell my ‘51 mantle and my ‘54 aaron. But this obscure 1920s minor league team photo and this 1895 tin type of a random person with a baseball uniform on. Think ill keep them.
(Rip niche collector looking for that photo for the last 20 years) These items can bring the most joy to even the highest of high rollers collections.

I also feel with such intense prices more and more people will turn into niche collectors, especially new vintage collectors. Which seems to be a ton lately.

My main takeaway is this: Buy A 1934 Exhibit 4 in 1 with ruth and gehrig! Boy oh boy those are underpriced and extremely rare!

But seriously, don’t sell something you love that you know you could never get back.