Biggest changes in the past 5 years?

[goodtricks]

As a 26 year old getting back in the hobby after a 15 year hiatus, I was immediately drawn to vintage, more specifically T206 to start given the recent press. I realized quickly that the world of modern cards had changed and moreover was confusing. Graded cards were also foreign to me, but a welcome surprise.

The history behind these cards amaze me still and I don't see that stopping anytime soon. I think there is also a sense of comfort in the "known". When you are collecting these sets you know what you have and what your are getting into. In my opinion modern is the exact opposite.

I'm sure there will be many of my generation to follow that will have a similar thought process. And with many of these sets hitting or close to hitting the 100 year mark doesn't hurt...

[Exhibitman]

To the above I'd add that I know a lot of collectors who are holding their breath because they got into substantial portions of their collections in the 2006-2009 period and don't want to realize the losses. They are buying lightly, if at all, and then only when the items are either bargain priced or really difficult to find. Sort of a dollar cost averaging approach to their overall collections. FWIW, I think the market bottomed out during the fall of 2010.

[mcap100176]

I wouldn't worry about your kids selling your collection or it becoming worthless cardboard. Hopefully that is a long time off and I feel that is something that your shouldn't be thinking about. I firmly believe the collection is for you to enjoy and for then to share the fun of collecting with your kids. I got married last year and we were together 5 years before that. My wife now had joined a few auction houses to bid on items for my birthday and Christmas gifts. Yesterday she asked, "What's the website where I can look up card prices?" You never know who is going to be the next buyer (and hopefully she'll stop overpaying!)

I got back into the hobby 5 years ago doing HOF rookie. I moved away from that to 19th century, concentrating on the Mayo Cut Plug set. You never know where the hobby is going to take you, just enjoy the ride and pay what you think is reasonable and not what someone thinks is. It's a long process, be patient.

Over the last 5 years, I feel the market has been all over the place. Rarer cards have done exceptionally well as have the icons of the sport - they have retained their value. Commons or low grade cards, I think have decreased a little but remember..... buy the card not the grade.

The increase in internet only auction houses has been a blessing and a small curse. I am hesitant to bid on some items I don't "need" but "want" when I know another auction is right around the corner. But it has allowed for an increase in selling away from eBay which is a good thing.

As someone who came back 5 years ago, the fundamentals are still the same: do your research; don't overextend yourself financially; find a way to track your purchases; be patient.

Michael

[ls7plus]

Originally Posted by goodtricks

As a 26 year old getting back in the hobby after a 15 year hiatus, I was immediately drawn to vintage, more specifically T206 to start given the recent press. I realized quickly that the world of modern cards had changed and moreover was confusing. Graded cards were also foreign to me, but a welcome surprise.

The history behind these cards amaze me still and I don't see that stopping anytime soon. I think there is also a sense of comfort in the "known". When you are collecting these sets you know what you have and what your are getting into. In my opinion modern is the exact opposite.

I'm sure there will be many of my generation to follow that will have a similar thought process. And with many of these sets hitting or close to hitting the 100 year mark doesn't hurt...

Steve, I just love to hear of a 26-year-old drawn to vintage! Sounds like you agree with my philosophy that these cards represent the history of the game you can hold right in your hand! The modern/new card market on the other hand is based on speculative and largely transient demand, directed towards unproven players, with the demand for even scarce variations playing out when the player in question falters, or even if he doesn't, when the next hot item takes its place.

Best regards,

Larry