Skyrocketing Card Values Lately - Theories?

[bounce]

Lots of factors that are pushing the market higher, agree with DPeck that there seems to be money coming in from all directions and it's coming at all kinds of different items.

I've definitely noticed "lower" feedback scores on many of my eBay sales, which is where I sell most of my cards.

One thing to keep in mind - while I appreciate the discussion of the "good investment" cards have been, I think it's important to just remember that it's not "realized" until it's cash in the bank. Until then, it's "paper gains" and those don't spend too easily.

Personally, I've been trying very hard to "trade up" into more stable quality cards for my collection, using the funds from the "rocket ships" people have mentioned - Lebron, Kobe, Trout, Brady, others, etc.

I have bought some various modern cards, too, but again I've tried to be pretty picky about those. At least for me, the higher prices have been great because it's encouraged me to pare down the number of cards I own, but it's also affording me some opportunities on some things I'd normally otherwise pass on.

Plus, I'm having fun! At least for me, that's got to be a big component. It's still a hobby for me, not a job.