What can you tell me about non-sports cards?

[polakoff]

Hi all,

I’m really strictly a baseball-only guy but I understand the market, big names, key cards and sets, etc. for all sports. But I have a huge blind spot about non-sport cards. Like the other sports, I have no intention on ever buying, selling, or collecting these, but I do have an interest in having a working understanding of it. I was kind of looking for a primer on this subject but had difficulty locating one that answered some of the questions I have.

The types of things I’m hoping to learn are things like:

Is there a history of non-sport cards that diverges in some way from sports cards? (My basic understanding is they both went from tobacco to gum to modern day, but not sure that’s accurate)

What are the most desirable vintage and modern sets?

Are some franchises or subjects more popular than others? Which and why?

Are there rough equivalents (in how they’re viewed, not necessarily in price) to baseball cards like T206 Wagner (holy grail), 52 Mantle (golden age storied card), 89 Griffey (common but iconic and popular), 11 Trout (ultra modern and expensive)?

What cards have increased in value lately and what pushed that increase?

Are there blue chip subjects the way Mantle, Clemente, Ruth, Trout, etc. are? As in, subjects that are seen as worthwhile investments at any point in the market?

Anything else someone who just wants to understand the market and not invest should know?

Thank you!