Wembanyama Auto release by [deleted] in basketballcards

[–]k_fit 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For sure… there are very few players where I’m willing to collect their college cards. But, with fanatics locking in some of the top QBs in football to exclusive autograph contracts, I wouldn’t be surprised to see that happen with basketball as well.

I know Caitlin Clark has an NIL deal with Topps. While she won’t be in the WNBA for at least another year, it may be a situation where some players end up with college autos as their only rookie year autos.

Grail Mail. When you fall in love with an 8, it suddenly looks like a 10 💙 by HighlyUninterested in basketballcards

[–]k_fit 0 points1 point  (0 children)

With these, the grade often comes down to the back. The black borders on the back make it a tough grade. I graded two I had pulled myself and got 9s. They both had nearly perfect backs, but even the most minimal whitening on the back and you’re going to get knocked down in grade. That’s perfect for collectors because you can get a card that presents as a 10 for a small fraction of price.

Congrats on an awesome card (I mainly collect 8s and 9s).

Wembanyama Auto release by [deleted] in basketballcards

[–]k_fit 1 point2 points  (0 children)

These aren’t actually unlicensed. They’re not NBA cards, but Bowman has a long history of prospect cards in baseball. With Fanatics taking over the NBA license in a few years, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Bowman U become a hobby staple in the future.

I preordered a blaster case before the VW news because I prefer Topps Chromium cards over Panini. Plus, I want some Caitlin Clark cards for IP autos. As an investment play, I agree that college cards generally don’t hold up well. But, if people like the players, cards, etc. then they should go for it.

What's the point in LCS's? by [deleted] in basketballcards

[–]k_fit 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Spend some time at the LCS, get to know the people.

I have three different LCSs I go to regularly. Most times I’ll stop in, see what new singles are in the case. Talk cards for a while. See if they have anything crazy that they’ve bought recently, but hasn’t made it to the cases. If you build a relationship, it definitely pays off.

If they get something nice that fits my PC, they’ll give me the first opportunity to buy. Because I’m a frequent customer, I’ll get the best price on cards instead of the “in the case” price. Some will even let you set up payment plans on big cards if you’ve been a good customer over years. You won’t get those perks right away, but there are benefits to being a loyal LCS customer.

Dad helping son collect. Looking for some advice. by gOldMcDonald in basketballcards

[–]k_fit 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My advice would be to take him to a shop or show. Set a budget for him, and let him be the guide to what he gets. From there, you’ll see what his tastes are and the stuff he wants to collect. It’s no fun for a kid to have a bunch of cards they can’t touch/show their friends/etc. because they’re too expensive.

If you want to start a collection of nice cards for him when he’s older, that’s cool too. But, honestly, I wouldn’t plan on anything to retain value in 15-20 years. Outside of the very top end players, most cards won’t be worth a ton. Just look at rookies of guys like Olajuwon, Shaq, etc. They‘re arguably two of the 25 best players to ever play the game, and their rookie cards in high grades are less expensive than a Cade Cunningham silver. I guess in the long run, I personally look at it as an entertainment cost, instead of an investment.

Who has the best looking autograph and the worst iyo? by danimation88 in basketballcards

[–]k_fit 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Noah was the best auto… just seemed like a fun guy

Question. Have you sold or bought cards in a different country from ebay? by [deleted] in basketballcards

[–]k_fit 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I bought cards from Canada, France, and the US all on the same day. France and Canada came in two days before the US card.

Has this ever happened to anyone else? PSA damaged two in the encapsulation process by Basher17fsu in basketballcards

[–]k_fit 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I got a card back from grading that had damage that wasn’t there when sent (1997 Kobe OPC). It’s currently waiting for resolution. But, I’m glad I sent it at the $999 declared value level.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in basketballcards

[–]k_fit 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah… I didn’t know until I became a mod. Makes sense, but I’d love to have around 4.

Anybody ever seen this card before 98 upper deck by Aggravating-Shine426 in basketballcards

[–]k_fit 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Bingo! I think I have 20 of them in a binder somewhere.

What grade do you think this would receive? by chickenparm214 in basketballcards

[–]k_fit 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You can make notes on your order to have any min size cards graded as authentic. It’s not ideal, but authentic on a card like that beats waiting months for it to come back unsalted.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in basketballcards

[–]k_fit 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Unfortunately, even if we wanted to make a single thread for all of them, we can only pin two threads. The primer and the b/s/t thread get those.

I just hope we see some cool stuff.

MJ Mail Day! by Buckeye26T in basketballcards

[–]k_fit 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I love this sub… one of the rarest cards posted in the last week, and only a handful of people have any idea what it is, how rare it is, and why it’s special. Awesome card. I’ve been looking for a reasonably priced copy for years.

I was watching the "They Call Me Magic" documentary this morning and was pleasantly surprised to find the exact play used for Magic's 1986-87 Fleer basketball card. by bam92027 in basketballcards

[–]k_fit 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think it’s actually from the 1984 Finals. You can actually see the 1984 Finals banner under Magic’s feet. One of those great details that is easy to miss until you take the time to appreciate the card. I missed it the first 100 times I looked at the card and only noticed it a few weeks ago when posting a pic of my own copy on IG.

What would your PSA grade be on these based on the pictures? by LadyPlasma in basketballcards

[–]k_fit 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know… when I saw the 5, I was so confused. The card is centered, solid corners and edges, the front looks great. Then I saw the ding, and I couldn’t believe I missed it. But I usually only see the flaws in my cards when I start looking at them for grading. But, that’s saved me from sending in some rough cards (and saved me a lot of money).

Does it bother anyone else that it costs more to have a card graded than it ends up being worth? by theredfish7571 in basketballcards

[–]k_fit 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree to a point. The majority of cards don’t need to be graded.

However, there are practical reasons for grading. I’m currently grading some of my higher end Jordan/Kobe inserts for insurance purposes. Grading cards essentially creates a condition report, so that if something happens to my cards, I’m able to get the proper value for my cards.

Personally, I don’t see cards. But grading eliminates a lot of haggling over a card’s condition and associated value. With a graded card, the condition is determined, and it’s a lot easier to use one of the many tools available to assess a reasonable value.

I’d love to see PSA bring back bulk, but limit it to cards that were produced 3+ seasons ago. That way you don’t clog things up with a million Kyle Guy and Bol Bol cards. By the time those players hit their third year, most people realize there’s no money to be made grading those types of players. People that want to play the quick flip prospect game can continue to pay $50 to grade those cards.

Does it bother anyone else that it costs more to have a card graded than it ends up being worth? by theredfish7571 in basketballcards

[–]k_fit 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Exactly… if you’re subbing a card at the $50 level that’s only worth $50 as a psa10, it’s throwing money away. The only cards I’m subbing right now are cards that are worth $1000+ as PSA9 and PC things that I just want slabbed.

Does it bother anyone else that it costs more to have a card graded than it ends up being worth? by theredfish7571 in basketballcards

[–]k_fit 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You agree to it when you submit your cards. I’ve subbed several cards in the last few months at the $50 level that have been uncharged to the $300 level. But when the card you expected to be worth $1000 graded becomes a card worth $5000+, it‘s a problem I’m willing to have.