What is the long-term value of Game-Used cards?

[michael3322]

Hi everyone. I know a number of collectors focusing on Game Used bat/patch/jersey cards for current and HOF players.

Topps/UD/Razor have been pumping out these and cut autos for several years now, and I am wondering what you think about the long-term value of these cards. For example, a bat card of Ty Cobb varies significantly in price depending on how it is numbered, even though the bat shaving might be identical in shape/size.

For example...a few years ago it was hard to get a Ty Cobb game-used bat card. Now, just a quick survey of recent eBay auctions reveals that they are plentiful and that their prices are as low as $30 and maybe even less. And yet the same slice of bat card can also sell for 10x more.

Here are just a few very recently SOLD items on eBay...

TY COBB 2010 TOPPS TRIBUTE BLUE GAME BAT #60/75
Sold for $30.66

2010 Topps Tribute Ty Cobb BLACK REF BAT #/50
Sold for $34.01

2009 TOPPS T-206 TY COBB POLAR BEAR GAME USED BAT
Sold for $100

2010 TOPPS STERLING TY COBB 6X BAT CARD #1/1
Sold for $255

TY COBB 2004 DONRUSS CLASSICS AUTHENTIC GAME BAT 08/10
Sold for $325

Ty Cobb Autos also reflect this range...(same thing here: these are recent items sold on eBay):

2007 SP LEGENDARY CUTS TY COBB CUT AUTO AUTOGRAPH #1/2
Sold for $2370

+1/1+Ty Cobb+Signed+Top​ps T206 AUTO+PSA/DNA+20​09+
Sold for $1200

TY COBB auto check PSA/DNA 9 Tigers HOF
Sold for $1146

What do you think about the value of the Game Used cards in the long run? As more and more come into the supply are the older ones worth less? With Sterling, since there are 6x pieces, does that mean that 1x pieces are less desirable? I'd love your thoughts.

Thanks,
Michael