Current state of the hobby-Modern cards

[Kutcher55]

As others have said, part of it is increased popularity of pokeyman and all that garbage. Also more kids wheeling and dealing trying to make a buck. Vintage prices seem steady, although perhaps some recent moderate lift in blue-chip cards? I haven't tried to sell anything substantial in many months. On the buy side, prices seem pretty flat.

[Balticfox]

Originally Posted by Kutcher55

As others have said, part of it is increased popularity of pokeyman and all that garbage.

But any and all cards were considered just garbage back in the day! That's why almost all were roughly handled and then eventually pitched out in the garbage. And the very fact that they were nothing but cheap kid stuff when issued is what gives them charm today.

What troubles me about the TCG cards issued since the mid-1990's is that they weren't considered absolute garbage when issued. Everybody including kids knew about card values by then. As a result there's not been much of a destruction factor. The rarities these days are therefore the manufactured rarities which I consider to be "artificial" somehow.

[Rich Klein]

Originally Posted by Balticfox

But any and all cards were considered just garbage back in the day! That's why almost all were roughly handled and then eventually pitched out in the garbage. And the very fact that they were nothing but cheap kid stuff when issued is what gives them charm today.

What troubles me about the TCG cards issued since the mid-1990's is that they weren't considered absolute garbage when issued. Everybody including kids knew about card values by then. As a result there's not been much of a destruction factor. The rarities these days are therefore the manufactured rarities which I consider to be "artificial" somehow.

Yes, but many people actually, ahem, USED or still use those TCG cards in games so there is not quite the same level of protection for many of those as there are for sports cards.

[1952boyntoncollector]

i notice that the chase cards for modern that go for 10-50 bucks for the current year people bid on ebay on but the next year they drop and keep dropping besides the ohtanis and witts....on to the next year chase.

in the old sets we all loved every card in a set...now its just certain subsets...the level of love is much thinner..i just dont see 18 year olds today paying big money to build these subsets in their 40s and older when they have more money

i do see that with pokemom cards that are played with and certain cards to them are like the 1950s mantles that we couldnt afford in are youth but some of us can and do pay. I can see certain pokemon cards that are $ 1000 or so now to buy that kids cant afford but will be paying much more than than 30 years later as they are cards of their youth and lore that that were playing with and not just chasing for a sub set for one year than on to the next

[Balticfox]

Originally Posted by 1952boyntoncollector

i notice that the chase cards for modern that go for 10-50 bucks for the current year people bid on ebay on but the next year they drop and keep dropping besides the ohtanis and witts....on to the next year chase.

I've noticed precisely that phenomenon as well. It's actually been that way for thirty years.

Originally Posted by 1952boyntoncollector

in the old sets we all loved every card in a set...now its just certain subsets...the level of love is much thinner.

Truth!

Originally Posted by 1952boyntoncollector

i do see that with pokemom cards that are played with and certain cards to them are like the 1950s mantles that we couldnt afford in are youth but some of us can and do pay. I can see certain pokemon cards that are $ 1000 or so now to buy that kids cant afford but will be paying much more than than 30 years later as they are cards of their youth and lore that that were playing with and not just chasing for a sub set for one year than on to the next

You're very correct. Pokemon cards continue to be a sensation with kids. As nostalgia sets in with these former kids in decades to come, they'll eagerly ante up for the cards that they once had as well as the ones they merely coveted. It's therefore a mistake to dismiss Pokemon cards as a legitimate and potentially very pricey collectible.