Collectible trading cards can be quite valuable. You may have heard wild stories of how much people have paid for them. Like anything else in demand, these cards are no exception to being a part of a valuable market. Collectible trading cards are not just about supply and demand, but also about a popular pastime that many have enjoyed throughout the years.
Types of Collectible Trading Cards
Today, you’ll find a wide variety of trading cards to choose from. If you have an interest in something, you can probably find collectible cards that relate to that subject. This is why trading cards are so incredibly popular.
Collectible trading cards typically fall under one of two major categories; sports and non-sports. I’d like to explore both categories together. Ready?
Sports Trading Cards
Baseball cards were introduced in the 1800’s. Today, you can find sports cards for just about any sport you can imagine. Here are some examples of popular sports trading cards:
- Baseball Cards
- Basketball Cards
- Football Cards
- Hockey Cards
- NASCAR Cards
- Soccer Cards
Non Sports Trading Cards
Here’s an in-depth article about non-sports trading cards.
You can find cards related to just about anything. For example, I’m a pretty big Star Trek fan, and I enjoy Star Trek collectibles. So yes, I have a collection of star trek trading cards. Here are a few examples of non-sports trading cards.
There are also CCGs, which blends strategic gameplay with trading cards. Take a look at my Ultimate List of Collectible Card Games.
Investing in Trading Cards
Collectible trading cards are very similar to the stock market with rising and falling prices. These prices vary based on consumer interest, supply of the cards availability, quality of the cards themselves, and of course their demand. Based on this information, it makes sense to invest accordingly. If you are buying collectible trading cards as investments, you are most likely to profit by considering cards in high demand, with little supply, and in the absolute best condition possible.
Trading card collectors that are focused on the cards as an investment typically utilize one of two strategies.
- The collector buys the card at a bargain price and then resells the card at market value (or higher). These can be few and far between, but can make a nice income if you are persistent.
- The collector buys a card at market value and holds it until it appreciates in price in the future. Like any investment, there is always the risk of losing money if the card depreciates over time.
However, not all collectors are investors. Some are passionate about the niche that they buy trading cards for and love adding them to their personal collection.
Me? I enjoy a little of both.
Learn how to to buy trading cards online.
How Much Are the Top Trading Cards Worth?
So what are some of the top trading cards worth? Well, the 1909 Honus Wagner baseball card has sold for almost $3 Million dollars. There are only about 50 of these believed to be in existence today.
If you like basketball, the 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan Rookie Card can sell for upwards of $10,000 based on the condition.
Are you in to entertainment? for about $45,000, you could be the proud owner of a 1959 Fleer Three Stooges Curly card.
As you can see, cards can be quite valuable, even though they are nothing more than a simple piece of cardboard with some information and images on them. As collectors though, we know they are much more than just that.
How Do I Get Started Investing in Cards?
So you want to know how to start investing in collectible trading cards but don’t know where to start? eBay is a great place to find cards for sale. Just be careful of some of the “Buy it Now” prices. Start out by observing what the cards are actually selling for. If you can buy collectible trading cards online on the lower side and sell them on the higher side, you’re on the right track.
Good luck and happy collecting!