What is a baseball card worth?

[Johnny630]

Zero

[Rhotchkiss]

I own a lot of original artwork. I buy a painting because I like it and I want to look at it on my wall, and I like original bc I like to know the artist created it by hand and I own the only one. Aside from 1 or 2 exceptions, I understand the paintings I buy have virtually no value and are worth nothing near what I paid for them (now or ever). I expect you are asking for a similar analysis - what would I pay to own a card I really want knowing that it has no real value other than sentimental value - I like to own if, look at it, show it off, hold it, etc.

Using that analysis, I voted for $1k - $5k. (I would put painting at $10k+)

[Harliduck]

I voted for $1k t $5k...

I took it as how much I'm willing to spend/invest. I've now bought a few cards in that range and am comfortable doing so. Anything over that and I wouldn't be comfortable as I do not buy to invest, I buy the cards I want not carrying about resale. If I bought a card for $2k and I love the card, and it drops to $1k...I could care less.

Like the example of paintings above, I also collect classic cars from 1955 to 74. Same rules apply and I like to stick in the $10K (project) to $35K (complete). My collection is very consistent in value...and again, I don't buy to invest, but to DRIVE.

[sbfinley]

It’s strange that I’m getting to the point in my life where many of the cards or items that were pipe dreams a decade ago are attainable and I’ve almost pulled the trigger a handful of times this summer, but then I contemplated spending that amount of money on a baseball card or signed item and I just couldn’t do it yet. It’s fun now checking out an Major auction and knowing “I could buy that right now if I really wanted to” , but also I just don’t.

As for the question I guess it’s best to use my Tommy Bridges collection as a base as he isn’t widely collected and I’m willing to grossly over pay for an item I don’t have yet. It also won’t be sold, as long as I’m living anyways. I guess my start to flinch number would be around $2k before I started questioning if I really need it in my life. (Yes, yes I do.)

[tlhss]

In the minority at less than $100.

I would get no joy in my cards being assets. It would become one more thing to worry about.

For most of my cards, if they had a sticker for eye appeal it would say "bicycle spoke worthy"

Tim

[NiceDocter]

I still get way more excitement out of paying a small amount for something weird and unusual baseball or other sports (and even occasionally non sports) that you just can’t find so easily. The fun to me of collecting is getting something most people don’t have not something that is expensive or popular. A lot of things I have collected over the years are like this…. Some have become expensive or popular over time .

[ullmandds]

Originally Posted by NiceDocter

I still get way more excitement out of paying a small amount for something weird and unusual baseball or other sports (and even occasionally non sports) that you just can’t find so easily. The fun to me of collecting is getting something most people don’t have not something that is expensive or popular. A lot of things I have collected over the years are like this…. Some have become expensive or popular over time .

agree with this...although my bargain finds tend to be in a totally different area of collecting. Most of my baseball additions are auction house purchasing exercises!!!!!! The thrill of the hunt is the best!

Found this hans coper pot for the cost of a combo meal at arbys last week!

[JLange]

Originally Posted by NiceDocter

I still get way more excitement out of paying a small amount for something weird and unusual baseball or other sports (and even occasionally non sports) that you just can’t find so easily.

Some of my absolute favorite cards I picked up for $25-$100. In most cases I didn’t even know said item existed, or have come across it so infrequently as to think I would never own it.

Don’t get me wrong, I still pursue bigger ticket items and buy what I like, but obtaining inexpensive yet obscure items has more significance to me.