should I use PSA's SMR to value cards?

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Posted By: pete

I'm thinking about (selling off some stock) and trying to complete either a T206 set or the M116 Sporting Life set. I'm about 15 cards in between the two sets. The Cobbs, Mathewsons, Johnsons and Youngs are taking care of already. When buying these cards (mainly the listed stars) which price guide should I consider?

Which price guide is going to give me the true value of the minor stars and common players so I dont over pay (too much) ?

Thanks and looking forward to buying some of your cards at some great deals!

pete-

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Posted By: Bryan Long

I have found that price guides have been of no help to me at all. It is always nice to have the "Big Book" nearby just for set reference but when it comes to the price of cards - it seems all over the place. Ebay is going to be your best bet I think. Look at past auctions and certain cards have sold for. Price guides are not able to keep up with the change as fast as the cards move. Like I said before I use price guides just to have a reference as to cards in a certain set and to give maybe a very rough ballpark, but ebay is going to be your best bet when it comes to what cards are selling for right now. Although, others may have a different opinion.

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Posted By: pete

Im traveling up the coast and come across a card shop that has 20-30 cards I need for my set, no ebay around, what guide is in my car that I can run to? what is the "big book" ?

pete-

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Posted By: tbob

Since you are traveling in your car, carefully roll down the driver's side window and making sure there are no state troopers around, chuck your price guide out the window as far as you can throw it. There hasn't been enough input in to purchase costs on M116s in the 300 series and some commons to accurately reflect their prices. You'll find that out when you go toe to toe for some of the tough ones. The HOFers are relatively easy, it's the scarce ones that drive you batty.

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Posted By: Bryan Long

is what I meant when I said the "Big Book." As for your card shop story I would say that only experience can help you there. Looking at ebay enough would give you an idea of what cards go for in all conditions. All in all I would say that a card is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. I know that doesn't give you help but I have paid tons more than "book" for cards that I really wanted and I'm sure that many if not all the guys and gals on here would say the same.