1969 Lew Alcinder Topps PSA 9

[Vintage Basketball Pat]

I think the recent price increases on high-grade cards has been a little ridiculous. Yet, other vintage basketball cards that are far more rare are in general decline. A Scott's Mikan sold on Ebay for $2000 last night. 1986 PSA 9 Jordan Fleer cards are $4500 - even though there are nearly 2500 of those in existence. Yet an Ashland/Aetna Oil set went unsold in the SCP Auction. There is clearly a shift of interest.

[Exhibitman]

It is kind of tough to compare basketball with other sports in terms of performance of vintage cards. In all fairness, before the Topps era began in 1969, the game was so different, the league was so new, and there were so few vintage sets of national reach, that I can understand why a collector might not be interested in a card from an obscure chip or gas set.

I do agree that the pricing on the 86 Jordan is insane as compared with the 1969 Alcindor. I mean, when you have thousands of examples grading near mint and up, I don't see the point of going there. I'd much rather have a near mint Alcindor RC than a near mint Jordan RC. Though, frankly, neither card is rare, so I personally wouldn't even bother collecting them in marquee grades. I'd rather have a nice midgrade and a big wad of cash. Personally I am content with my vg 1969 set that cost me all of $200 or so.

[Vintage Basketball Pat]

Well said... My loyalty has always been towards older cards. Why buy anything for your collection that you can buy any day for the rest of your life. Make it unique.