“Basically every time an athlete signs their name, they’re devaluing their autograph, because now there’s more of the autographs out there of larger supply,” Provenzale said. What is – and isn’t – valuableĪ commonality among sports fans – having things autographed – can impact the value of your card or memorabilia, and not always in the best way. Just one minor flaw – like a slight wax stain on the back or discoloring of the borders – drops the card to a Mint 9.ĭropping an entire point, “exponentially affects the value” of the card, Provenzale explains. Under the PSA grading scale, a common one in the industry, a Gem Mint 10-point card has perfect corners, no staining, and a perfectly centered image. The smallest error or damage to the card can have a big impact on its grade.Ĭards are graded on a 10-point scale, ranging from Gem Mint to Poor. The condition makes up about half of the grade – that includes the card being cut perfectly centered, whether the corners are sharp, and if there are any other defects to the card. Provenzale says it’s pretty common for collectors to believe they have an original T206 when really it’s a reprint.īesides authenticity, the grade of the card can impact its value. While the front of both cards look nearly identical, on the reverse of the reprint is the story of the legacy behind the T206 card. Several decades after the original card was printed, a company did a reprint. One recently sold for more than $6.6 million, becoming the most expensive trading card ever. Provenzale points to the most famous card in the industry – the T206 Honus Wagner card, of which there are only believed to be 60 believed in existence. (Photo by Chris Hondros/Newsmakers via Getty) A lot more people have come into the sports collecting industry,” Mike Provenzale, a production manager with Heritage Auctions tells Nexstar.įor those who already found themselves with sports trading cards in hand, you may be wondering, now what? What to look forįirst, it’s important to note the authenticity of the item. While there are thousands of cards that have been printed, many are actually reprints, which have no value.Ī T206 Honus Wagner baseball card is shown June 6, 2000, in New York City. “In the last three years, our industry has really exploded. In some cases, the market was so hot and the desire so great that retailers like Target had to restrict access to its trading card department.ĭuring the first half of 2021 alone, eBay reports $2 billion in trading cards transactions occurred on its site, with an average of one sports trading card being purchased every second. While some took that time and money to the housing market, others took it to a different, equally hot market – the trading card market. Others found themselves with extra change in their pockets thanks to the stimulus checks. (NEXSTAR) – During the pandemic, many found themselves with time to return to hobbies they may have lost before.