Standard Catalog pricing question

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Posted By: warshawlaw

One thing I've learned in doing my book is that there is a great deal of difference between a guide and a report of results. I've offered for years to buy 1928 PCL Exhibits and Zeenuts HOFers for full book adjusted for condition--so far, no takers. The cards are valuable and rare enough that "book" is irrelevant. Just last week I had some jackass write me telling me that I was nuts to ask $1500 for an N162 card because it was a $200 common in the book. OF COURSE, THE CARD WAS IN SGC 86. I got my $1500 on the card because it is rare.

The Standard Catalogue is a guide to relative values--a range of information designed to keep you from paying $1,000 for a $10 card--it doesn't profess to record and report up to date actual prices on rare cards, with certain well known exceptions like the T206 Wagner. In that respect, it is useful. When it comes to rare cards, however, the market makes the card, not the guide, and you have to watch the market.