Market flattening definitely

[rats60]

Originally Posted by Vintageclout

The Ruth rookie that sold for $717K was nearly dead centered. The 7 that just sold for $552K was way off-centered with 2 glaring print lines. So much for that analogy. People are leaning more towards buying the "card", not the grade.

The 717k Ruth was badly off centered, about 75/25.

[Dpeck100]

There might be pockets of weakness but the trading card market as a whole is in an uptrend.

From the CLCT press release on May 3rd.


That increase was driven by a $0.8 million, or 7%, increase in coin
service revenues and a $0.4 million, or 11%, increase in cards and autograph
service revenues.



Robert Deuster, Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We are very pleased with
the performance of our Company this last quarter and the growth in revenue and
profit achieved so far this year. The year-to-date growth in our international
and modern coin businesses are indicative of our focus on organic growth in
segments where brand preference, innovation and presence are important. The
momentum in our sports card business reflects the confidence collectors have
in graded cards and the rate of card submissions remains very high. Our US
businesses during the quarter provided strength to our overall global grading
activity, where Asian demand was lower due to seasonal holidays, resulting in
another record quarterly performance. Our outlook for 2017 remains very
positive.”

[Vintageclout]

Originally Posted by rats60

The 717k Ruth was badly off centered, about 75/25.

Not even close. I just measured both based on super-sized scans. $717K Ruth approximately 60/40. $552 Ruth approx. 30/70 (give or take of course). That equates to a 10% difference on each border or an overall 20% disparity to the visual appeal. Bottom line is the difference between a 60/40 card and 30/70 card is immense. Now add in two glaring print lines and that strongly justifies the pricing variance between the two cards.

[BeanTown]

Originally Posted by Vintageclout

Not even close. I just measured both based on super-sized scans. $717K Ruth approximately 60/40. $552 Ruth approx. 30/70 (give or take of course). That equates to a 10% difference on each border or an overall 20% disparity to the visual appeal. Bottom line is the difference between a 60/40 card and 30/70 card is immense. Now add in two glaring print lines and that strongly justifies the pricing variance between the two cards.

One thing to note are both are currently available for purchase.

[Vintageclout]

Originally Posted by BeanTown

One thing to note are both are currently available for purchase.

Interesting. Thx for posting the 2 scans. The centering disparity between the two cards is quite obvious. 👍

[sterlingfox]

Maybe it's just me, but the one on the right is more off center top to bottom, has a print line of its own (albeit more faint), and is darker and not as focused as the one on the left (this could be from the scan, however). The corners are sharper on the left too.

In my book, they are nearly equal in overall appeal.

[ValKehl]

Originally Posted by sterlingfox

Maybe it's just me, but the one on the right is more off center top to bottom, has a print line of its own (albeit more faint), and is darker and not as focused as the one on the left (this could be from the scan, however). The corners are sharper on the left too.

In my book, they are nearly equal in overall appeal.

You gotta be kidding - right?

[Bradyhill]

Maybe I bought them both...

[rats60]

Originally Posted by Vintageclout

Interesting. Thx for posting the 2 scans. The centering disparity between the two cards is quite obvious. 👍

It is also obvious that they are both badly off centered. I measured them both too and they are both more than 2:1. I don't know how you come up with 60/40. It is 70/30 to 75/25.

[wondo]

I still maintain the market is in a "Catch its Breath Mode". Lots of auctions and lots of quality have been absorbed in the past few months. Again, this is a great time to hunt bargains or pick up auction pieces against reduced competition from empty-pocket buyers. Are there gonna be spikes and en fuego pockets? Sure, but you can find some reasonable deals on main stream and unpopular issues as they take a further back seat.

[ls7plus]

Originally Posted by wondo

I still maintain the market is in a "Catch its Breath Mode". Lots of auctions and lots of quality have been absorbed in the past few months. Again, this is a great time to hunt bargains or pick up auction pieces against reduced competition from empty-pocket buyers. Are there gonna be spikes and en fuego pockets? Sure, but you can find some reasonable deals on main stream and unpopular issues as they take a further back seat.

+1 as to the opportunities available. Just as in coins, not all areas of the market will be in focus, i.e., "hot," at the same time. When a certain area is quiet, that is the time to buy. Demand inevitably comes around to rare and significant items.

Highest regards,

Larry

[Vintageclout]

Originally Posted by rats60

It is also obvious that they are both badly off centered. I measured them both too and they are both more than 2:1. I don't know how you come up with 60/40. It is 70/30 to 75/25.

Whatever makes you sleep at night....

[mark evans]

I share the philosophy of buying what I like.

Those who buy for investment value, all or in part, are fine too. [Makes for some interesting threads.] But, that would create stress for me and thus not worth it.