Sports Card Attic - Buyer's Guide

Sports cards and sport card memorabilia perceived values are mainly dependent upon supply and demand. This applies to Baseball card values, Basketball card values, Football card values etc. However, supply is a big variable. For example, at the beginning of a product's release period, there is limited supply as very little product is opened and prices may be high for a "hot" player. Normally, as an increase in quantity gets in to the marketplace, the price will stabilize. If the number of sellers exceeds the number of buyers, the result is card values may decline. Future card values of Rookies is impacted by selection to the Hall of Fame. Also, since Graded Cards are much more limited (lower supply), their value is usually higher.

Over time, publications such as Tuff Stuff (Baseball card prices, Basketball card Prices, Football card prices, Hockey card prices, Entertainment card prices and, Figurine prices and Collectible prices) may recommend "buy", "hold" and "sell" actions and prices. Ultimately, competition or demand in the marketplace is what determines the value of the sports cards sale and/or purchase.  Both companies publish price guides and Beckett has a sports card guide online.  Also, see  Vintage Card Prices .

Recently, a company has initiated a Beckett Certified Appraisal program.

Depending on the player, production quantities and perceived value, cards may be submitted for Grading to an independent "third" party. The higher the grade, the more valuable the card.
For example, a key rookie card #1 for Ken Griffey Jr. is his 1989 Upper Deck card.  A key rookie card #138 of Kobe Bryant is his 1996-97 Topps Chrome card.   According to the 2012 Beckett GRADED CARD Price Guide 2nd Edition, below are prices listed (except BGS 10 for Kobe Bryant):

Note: The above presentation is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any cards for investment. It is provided to assist readers in understanding the card market dynamics.