CJ 14 prices surging--theories?

[rainier2004]

Originally Posted by I Only Smoke 4 the Cards

My 2 cents - I think that part of the increase in prices is due to the nostalgic link between Cracker Jack and baseball.

Nah........

There are a couple more set builders in the market, it only takes 2. When you got a couple guys who need a lot of cards, not to mention all the other non-set builders like HOF guys, you can see prices do his as we did a couple years ago.

A big shock to me was the Pratt, kinda rough for the grade and to get $9600 is very strong compared to the last couple that sold, although they were not as nice as this one.

There will always be that market from type, HOF and guys looking for upgrades on these cards, they are too mainstream, popular and beautiful not to. Throw in some set builders and there you go...my theory.

FWIW, 1915s have been escalating for a few months now.

[dtp717]

How on earth does a PSA 3 "15 Jimmy Austin go for over $500?

[btkpath]

Originally Posted by dtp717

How on earth does a PSA 3 "15 Jimmy Austin go for over $500?

My concern is that several bidders did not actually realize that it was a 1915 AND NOT a 1914. It was stuck in the middle of a stack of 1914 cards.

[btkpath]

I tend to agree with Steve. There would appear to be a cadre of new collectors of the set with reasonably deep pockets. Several years ago, I was one of three collectors who were actively putting together a 1914 CJ set, and I know we were responsible for a bump in prices back then. All three of us completed our sets, and now there are several new collectors. The prices for the higher grade cards certainly seem to be strong, but the saying about rising waters raising all boats holds true. There is going to be a trickle down effect on lower grade cards, as well. Also, there is probably a cyclical effect to most card sets, with them becoming more and less popular.

The cards that really surprised me last night were the Becker and the Marsans. The Marsans is a very low population card and sold at a reasonable price (IMHO). Granted it was marked, but it is still a nice looking card. Also, the Becker sold very strong. Perhaps it is getting the credit it deserves as being equally touch to acquire as the Pratt.

[Brian Van Horn]

Originally Posted by rainier2004

Nah........

There are a couple more set builders in the market, it only takes 2. When you got a couple guys who need a lot of cards, not to mention all the other non-set builders like HOF guys, you can see prices do his as we did a couple years ago.

A big shock to me was the Pratt, kinda rough for the grade and to get $9600 is very strong compared to the last couple that sold, although they were not as nice as this one.

There will always be that market from type, HOF and guys looking for upgrades on these cards, they are too mainstream, popular and beautiful not to. Throw in some set builders and there you go...my theory.

FWIW, 1915s have been escalating for a few months now.

This is why I am holding on to my Pratt.

[sniffy5]

Each forum member is right on this post. The popularity of the Cracker Jacks, especially the 1914's, is likely never to wane. The name 'Cracker Jack' ensures that, as does the unique beauty of the cards, the relatively low number of cards comprising the set (with no back variations to deal with), and also the challenging nature of completing it, which can be done with perseverance.

Recent auctions, eBay and otherwise, certainly show that the 1914 set is hotter than ever. ( Note that a Psa 4 Becker sold for about $1200 this past November in a memory lane auction.) The recent surge in prices is simply a reflection of a surge in set collectors.

[Jlighter]

I think some of it can be attributed to the centennial.

[peterb69]

Originally Posted by Jlighter

I think some of it can be attributed to the centennial.

I agree that this is also a factor. This and the recent book I'm sure raised interest in this set. It did for me (until I saw what $$ it would take to build a set).

[Leon]

I think they will eventually cool off a little but not like some other caramel sets from 7-10 yrs ago have..while we are here, I have had these as my types for quite a while...I got the Purdue in a 3 holder and have $20 into him and the Jennings is raw in GD+ and I paid $45 for him. I paid $400 for the Knabe raw (now in a 40 holder) in a poor deal I did. (ya' can't win them all)

[sniffy5]

That Knabe card of yours is no longer a poor deal. Trust me on that one!! Very nice for the grade. And quite a coveted card.