Crazy escalation in card prices, or is it just me?

[MULLINS5]

Gretzky 1979 OPC RC PSA 5 sold for $2,600 USD today.

[Exhibitman]

I was astounded the other night when I sat down and ran a bunch of card prices on PSA's site. Across the board increases anywhere from 10% up to 300%. The major postwar RCs in particular seem to be on fire in just about any grade. A PSA 3 Aaron RC is now a $1700-$2000 card.

[Republicaninmass]

I agree on Aaron, but I think he was/is undervalued. I just don't know what changed. 52 May's as well.


Do people feel.once they pass their cards might get a spike? I'm always the cynic when it comes to crazy run ups on anything!

[bobbyw8469]

I think more people are entering the hobby. There is no other explanation for the crazy spike in such a short period of time. This is different than the "buying group".

[Dpeck100]

Originally Posted by bobbyw8469

I think more people are entering the hobby. There is no other explanation for the crazy spike in such a short period of time. This is different than the "buying group".

There are so many people coming in it is crazy.


Last year I started posting my wrestling cards on Twitter. I get direct messages all of the time from new collectors looking for advice or just asking general questions. In the comment sections you see so many people saying I want in.

All one needs to do is follow Gary V and read the comments on his tweets and all of this makes sense.

Everyday when I check completed sales I am just floored watching what were $20 cards sell for $60 or $40 cards go for $100. It is all over the place.

I get the feeling that many in the hobby do not do this but I check completed sales multiple times a day. Every day and one would have to be blind not see the incredible move higher across the hobby.

It isn't going to stop anytime soon. I know you like me sub to PSA and probably got the email that showed how much their submission volume went up in the past few months. The hobby has never been stronger during the time I have been collecting and submitting cards.

Unopened, graded, raw, autographs, non sport, soccer, basketball, 80's baseball, wrestling, boxing you name it prices are on the move.

[rjackson44]

This is terrific

[sportscardpete]

This feels like 06-07 when everyone was going crazy over caramel cards. I do think, however, that you’re seeing people come into the hobby who are now accepting cards as a form of alternative asset. It is part euphoria and also part structural. I do think it’s a good sign that you’re seeing people flock to the hobby but in any asset class super inflated prices over a short period of time are never a good thing!

[obcmac]

It seems like a very weird flip...a guy with 18 feedback buying what should be your Baker. Sounds like someone knows you pay a premium and maybe also wanted to hide who he was with an alternate ebay ID. Conspiracy theories abound. I would suspect a nefarious flipper from the net54 collective.

I do wonder what the approved level of markup is...as everybody seems to complain about it. I don't believe one auction result sets the price. Sometimes being at the right place at the right time means you get to make more than 20% even in the short term.

Mac

[ullmandds]

I agree that prices are insane these days...but this is likely a situation where someone is hoping to make a profit off your niche!

[Fuddjcal]

Originally Posted by obcmac

It seems like a very weird flip...a guy with 18 feedback buying what should be your Baker. Sounds like someone knows you pay a premium and maybe also wanted to hide who he was with an alternate ebay ID. Conspiracy theories abound. I would suspect a nefarious flipper from the net54 collective.

I do wonder what the approved level of markup is...as everybody seems to complain about it. I don't believe one auction result sets the price. Sometimes being at the right place at the right time means you get to make more than 20% even in the short term.

Mac

I believe every seller buys a card for whatever price it is, and then lists it for double. Eventually, the price gets there or close. They wait if they have to.

Even though I live in CA, I made a killing in Texas 15-20 years ago doing this with land. Buy the land, put a for sale sign up for double. Some lots sold right away, others took a year or so but everything always sold....just like cards. Double UP fellas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!