Biggest changes in the past 5 years?

[Big Ben]

I think that some of the recent realized prices in the hobby are a result of the demographics of collectors, but I also think that you need to consider the economy over the past few years. I know how you feel about getting back into the hobby after a prolonged absence. I would dabble with things here and there, but for the most part, I was away from the hobby for 20 years! Talk about a lot of catching up!

[Leon]

In today's environment you really have to be careful on the buy side of our gems. As long as you can get the card at a good price then the resale, if you must, wont be too bad. As mentioned before, it's the cards that were bought 4-8 yrs ago that are under water, for the most part (with exceptions to the cards mentioned that have gone up in value). I am having the time of my life right now as it's a great time to be collecting. There are plenty of 20 somethings and 30 somethings coming into our space too. I would say we are safe for the next generation or two, as far as the population of vintage collectors....after that I don't know. Nice posts in this thread. Welcome back David, glad I was able to help a bit.

[Matthew H]

Hi David,

I was introduced to pre-wwii cards at a very early age by those Dover reprint books. I've posted that before and a few people in my age group (30ish) PM'd me to share their version of the same story.

Today, I believe it's Topps that has taken on this role. A lot of us here have mixed feeling's about these 'chase' cards inserted into modern products, many featuring items mangled game used items. The most popular items in terms of value seem to be of players like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.

They've also released products like Topps 206 where the cards look like t206 and they also randomly insert t206s into the product. I know there are a few board members that got into vintage this way.

Here is a cool thread with a poll outlining the general age groups of those who participated:

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthr...light=age+poll

[rainier2004]

David - Leon pretty much summed it up, but it sounds like the dealers at the National were pretty pleased this year. The turnout was better, I bought more than I ever have at one place and it was nice to see some kids back at a show. There was even a small feature on ESPN about it. It seems the marker is coming back with the economy.

Also, I feel some of the problem w/ cards is MLB. The Tigers/A's game yesterday was not available on our cable and I had to listen to it on AM RADIO, a playoff game at noon. Also, some games simply start too late and kids go to bed. When I was a boy, the latest a game started was 730pm except for the west coast. $$$ isn't everything as youth is the key to any sustainability. All that and attendance records continue to be broken. BB also had a great year IMO.

[goodtricks]

As a 26 year old getting back in the hobby after a 15 year hiatus, I was immediately drawn to vintage, more specifically T206 to start given the recent press. I realized quickly that the world of modern cards had changed and moreover was confusing. Graded cards were also foreign to me, but a welcome surprise.

The history behind these cards amaze me still and I don't see that stopping anytime soon. I think there is also a sense of comfort in the "known". When you are collecting these sets you know what you have and what your are getting into. In my opinion modern is the exact opposite.

I'm sure there will be many of my generation to follow that will have a similar thought process. And with many of these sets hitting or close to hitting the 100 year mark doesn't hurt...

[Exhibitman]

To the above I'd add that I know a lot of collectors who are holding their breath because they got into substantial portions of their collections in the 2006-2009 period and don't want to realize the losses. They are buying lightly, if at all, and then only when the items are either bargain priced or really difficult to find. Sort of a dollar cost averaging approach to their overall collections. FWIW, I think the market bottomed out during the fall of 2010.

[mcap100176]

I wouldn't worry about your kids selling your collection or it becoming worthless cardboard. Hopefully that is a long time off and I feel that is something that your shouldn't be thinking about. I firmly believe the collection is for you to enjoy and for then to share the fun of collecting with your kids. I got married last year and we were together 5 years before that. My wife now had joined a few auction houses to bid on items for my birthday and Christmas gifts. Yesterday she asked, "What's the website where I can look up card prices?" You never know who is going to be the next buyer (and hopefully she'll stop overpaying!)

I got back into the hobby 5 years ago doing HOF rookie. I moved away from that to 19th century, concentrating on the Mayo Cut Plug set. You never know where the hobby is going to take you, just enjoy the ride and pay what you think is reasonable and not what someone thinks is. It's a long process, be patient.

Over the last 5 years, I feel the market has been all over the place. Rarer cards have done exceptionally well as have the icons of the sport - they have retained their value. Commons or low grade cards, I think have decreased a little but remember..... buy the card not the grade.

The increase in internet only auction houses has been a blessing and a small curse. I am hesitant to bid on some items I don't "need" but "want" when I know another auction is right around the corner. But it has allowed for an increase in selling away from eBay which is a good thing.

As someone who came back 5 years ago, the fundamentals are still the same: do your research; don't overextend yourself financially; find a way to track your purchases; be patient.

Michael

[ls7plus]

Originally Posted by goodtricks

As a 26 year old getting back in the hobby after a 15 year hiatus, I was immediately drawn to vintage, more specifically T206 to start given the recent press. I realized quickly that the world of modern cards had changed and moreover was confusing. Graded cards were also foreign to me, but a welcome surprise.

The history behind these cards amaze me still and I don't see that stopping anytime soon. I think there is also a sense of comfort in the "known". When you are collecting these sets you know what you have and what your are getting into. In my opinion modern is the exact opposite.

I'm sure there will be many of my generation to follow that will have a similar thought process. And with many of these sets hitting or close to hitting the 100 year mark doesn't hurt...

Steve, I just love to hear of a 26-year-old drawn to vintage! Sounds like you agree with my philosophy that these cards represent the history of the game you can hold right in your hand! The modern/new card market on the other hand is based on speculative and largely transient demand, directed towards unproven players, with the demand for even scarce variations playing out when the player in question falters, or even if he doesn't, when the next hot item takes its place.

Best regards,

Larry