Beckett Price Guide

[Railroad Bill]

Bought the guide to find out book value. It seems like everyone refers to book value on cards. There are 2 prices for each card. I assume that the lowest is what you can sell it for and the highest is what you would pay a dealer. Is that correct?

Also, it doesn't say anything in the book about the grade of the card that is priced. Anyone know what grade the priced cards are?

In my opinion, book isn't done very well.

Thanks,

It is not accurate either. Following the cards you are interested in and seeing what they sell and trade for is the best guide. Watch the market for a bit and look at past auctions may be you best and most accurate bet.

[Bilko G]

Originally Posted by Railroad Bill

There are 2 prices for each card. I assume that the lowest is what you can sell it for and the highest is what you would pay a dealer. Is that correct?

Actually that is what many people believe but it is incorrect. The two prices that are in Beckett are a "range" that the card will sell for. Basically the first price is the cheapest or lowest price you will be able to find the card for, Most internet prices or ebay prices are near the low end of book value (including shipping prices). The second value is the high end price you will find. Many high end prices will be prices you find in a retail location like a shop or a show. Also many times a "hot" card will sell closer to the high end of book value.


As far as your second question about what grade is listed for value, it defers for the age of the card. If you look at where the guide begins it will give the definition of "book value", similar to what i explained above and it will also explain the different eras and conditions that are listed as book value.

If you use the Beckett correctly and use the price ranges (many people just look at the "high" BV and take that as fact) you will find that many book values are not that far off from reality.

[mintacular]

1. There is a table in the front with percentages to calculate "value" of a card for cards under NM condition....For example. according to Beckett cards from 60s-80s in G/F/P are worth 5-10% of NM $ e.g. Nolan Ryan RC in rough shape = $25-$50. (HBV =$500)...

2. SCD is a price guide a would recommend over Beckett as most the $'s are closer to true market price i.e. lower and it has three columns of condition VG, EX, and NM and so you don't have to try and calculate %'s based on condition.

3. Beckett $'s are generally agreed upon to be inaccurate almost always too high as to the true eBay value of said cards which is a much better guide to determining value...you can get a Terapeak subscription and get real time values of raw cards the last 90 days. As stated Beckett values are usually 10-50% too high on most stuff

4. The LO column is completely ignored by most, I think beckett tries to say the lo column is the low retail $ you could expect to buy a card but everyone ignores that column and it is completely irrelevant. the Lo column has no connection to condition...

In short, if you get into the habit of using Beckett to buy cards you will probably overpay quite a bit...

[shimozukawa]

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