What is happening with baseball card prices?

[vintagebaseballcardguy]

The longer this goes, the more skeptical I become. I saw two examples occur last night that make me feel this way, both compliments of PWCC. First off, a PSA 3 '52 Topps Jackie Robinson sells for just north of $16k?! Yes, I get the idea that it has supposedly been undervalued for a long time and such, but seriously?

Also last night, I watched a PSA 3 '56 Topps Mays go for $616. That card could have been had for $150-175 for years. Right after that auction ended (another PWCC special), I watched a BIN which was listed at $399 obo get snapped up. Don't get me wrong, I'm not my dad here upset that bread isn't 5 cents a loaf anymore, but even $399 is quite a bit for that card. But that's how it happens. PWCC runs up an auction to a ridiculous level, so that a card that was somewhat overpriced suddenly doesn't look so bad, and it becomes the new normal for that card. This is now happening with PSA 3s! I have resisted wearing the tin foil hat and have shaken my head when I have seen other members indicate they are laying low for a while until this calms down, but even I am starting to think that might not be such a bad idea.

I really don't know what to think, and I may just stick to commons for my sets for a while and see what happens.

edit to add: I have a lot of cards that have risen in value dramatically, but I would sacrifice that in a heartbeat to be able to add stars to my collection at reasonable prices.

[bks14sr]

Originally Posted by vintagebaseballcardguy

The longer this goes, the more skeptical I become. I saw two examples occur last night that make me feel this way, both compliments of PWCC. First off, a PSA 3 '52 Topps Jackie Robinson sells for just north of $16k?! Yes, I get the idea that it has supposedly been undervalued for a long time and such, but seriously?

Also last night, I watched a PSA 3 '56 Topps Mays go for $616. That card could have been had for $150-175 for years. Right after that auction ended (another PWCC special), I watched a BIN which was listed at $399 obo get snapped up. Don't get me wrong, I'm not my dad here upset that bread isn't 5 cents a loaf anymore, but even $399 is quite a bit for that card. But that's how it happens. PWCC runs up an auction to a ridiculous level, so that a card that was somewhat overpriced suddenly doesn't look so bad, and it becomes the new normal for that card. This is now happening with PSA 3s! I have resisted wearing the tin foil hat and have shaken my head when I have seen other members indicate they are laying low for a while until this calms down, but even I am starting to think that might not be such a bad idea.

I really don't know what to think, and I may just stick to commons for my sets for a while and see what happens.

edit to add: I have a lot of cards that have risen in value dramatically, but I would sacrifice that in a heartbeat to be able to add stars to my collection at reasonable prices.

I was also watching that PSA 3 52 Jackie with the wtf thoughts as it finished. If that was a legit sale, there are some true dumb dumb entering the room. I am doing exactly as you mentioned, only searching for common set fillers until things take a shift (which they will).

On the bright side, the shift from big card purchases has reopened my eyes to some toy spending.

[Exhibitman]

A PSA 3 1953 Topps Paige closed over $1500 (allegedly). A year ago it was a $250-$300 card.

I sold off one of my grotesquely appreciated cards yesterday and will be taking additional profits in the near future.

[packs]

If we can collectively not bid on some items some sellers might exit the hobby.

This of course means you'll need to forego "stuff" in hopes to buy it later.

[Touch'EmAll]

I have cards similar to what PWCC occasionally auctions off. I follow the bids, check up on closing prices - wow, tough to believe, but heck, could be reality.

At this point I wonder, If said card on PWCC closes for $10.k, could I sell my copy for the same $10.k if I listed it myself? Asuming centering/registration, etc is as good.

Also tinkering with the idea if $10.k gets the PWCC card, perhaps I could list at $11-12.k and sooner than later get the sale in this booming market.

Anyone have first hand recent experience doing this? Thx for input.

[dio]

PWCC has

Vault (free tax)
international shipping
easy to sell if your card in vault
cash advances
payment plan

they sell more than cards, although i only buy from them twice, but i do see if i'm not in US, probably will buy more from them

And here's an example, pwcc vs non pwcc on 54 aaron psa 7, that pwcc one is nicer one. price about the same

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1954-Topps-...p2047675.l2557

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1954-Topps-...p2047675.l2557

[bks14sr]

Seeing 52 Topps Robinson and Mays cards multiplying in asking price for every listing is laughable. Who the hell is dumb enough to even consider paying half of current asking prices? Desperate attempts by dreamers. Looking forward to resuming some type of norm again. And no I don’t think these new prices, 52 Mantle PSA 1s at 30k plus, are real. Eventually people are going to start listing cards again and real prices will shake out.