Sports Card Dealers on the Triumphs and Challenges of 2024

[Rhotchkiss]

From someone who has sold a shit-ton of blue(er) chip, prewar vintage this year (2024), I can tell you almost everything is down from this time last year, and likely 20% from 2022. And I think prices have come down over the course of 2024 (the same card sold for more in February than in November). This includes Cobb, Wagner, Ruth, and other big names. Other than super-high grades, all t206s are down and rare backs are down a ton from 2021-2022; likely thanks first to the David Hall auctions and then from the Brady Hill floods of 2023 in PWCC and Heritage.

Some things are up, however. These include 1914 and 1915 cracker jacks, D304s, super tough backs and/or rare cards of blue chip HOFers (other than t206), and super high grade examples of key sets, like t206 and 33 Goudey.

I think the “white glove collector” is still buying and paying whatever it takes to get what they want. Otherwise, I think things have come down a good deal over the past year. Demand remains strong, which means values remain solid - so hardly a bubble or a crash.

I did very well selling this year, but mostly because of profits made on pre 2020 purchases. I think I took a loss on half the items I acquired in the past two years.

[theshowandme]

Originally Posted by Rhotchkiss

From someone who has sold a shit-ton of blue(er) chip, prewar vintage this year (2024), I can tell you almost everything is down from this time last year, and likely 20% from 2022. And I think prices have come down over the course of 2024 (the same card sold for more in February than in November). This includes Cobb, Wagner, Ruth, and other big names. Other than super-high grades, all t206s are down and rare backs are down a ton from 2021-2022; likely thanks first to the David Hall auctions and then from the Brady Hill floods of 2023 in PWCC and Heritage.

Some things are up, however. These include 1914 and 1915 cracker jacks, D304s, super tough backs and/or rare cards of blue chip HOFers (other than t206), and super high grade examples of key sets, like t206 and 33 Goudey.

I think the “white glove collector” is still buying and paying whatever it takes to get what they want. Otherwise, I think things have come down a good deal over the past year. Demand remains strong, which means values remain solid - so hardly a bubble or a crash.

I did very well selling this year, but mostly because of profits made on pre 2020 purchases. I think I took a loss on half the items I acquired in the past two years.

Ryan, thank you for your insight. Your transparency is a gift for this board. Data, charts, etc. is great. First hand lived experience is unmatched.