Nonsense Newsletter No. 84: The economics of breaking, the allure of vintage mustaches, Elly De La Cruz and More!
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In this week’s edition of the the Nonsense Newsletter, despite school being out for the summer, John Dudley takes us to Sumer school on the economic of breaking. Meanwhile, I wax poetic about Lanny McDonald and exquisite mustachios. And it that wasn’t enough, the Quick Hits section is, as the kids would say, “fire,” this week! So you know what time it is….. time to kick back and enjoy the Nonsense Newsletter.
Contributor: John Dudley
2023 Bowman Sapphire was the first product Topps released using a Dutch Auction. That process was fascinating, but it also revealed that buyers were using different economic factors other than the previous year’s sales and the value of potential singles in deciding how much to pay for a box. The product sold out at $375 (unless you believe Topps simply pulled it at that price and sold the rest to their favored dealers). This was a hefty increase over the previous year during a time when singles prices are way down.
The big surprise, to some, was that the $375 really was the floor for this product. Prices have continued to climb and boxes now trade for $600-$700. While it is a nice Bowman class, the explanation does not rest with high singles sales and prospect performance. The explanation for the prices can only be seen by examining the motivations of buyers and potential buyers. The seemingly high price is not the result of anyone getting fleeced, but rather people having different things they are looking for in products.
Contributor: John McTaggart
If you asked me, I would tell you that if I were a trading card I’d be considered vintage, and few would argue that point.
And I would also consider that a compliment.
There is something about the word vintage, right?
It evokes a certain feeling of elegance, of class, of refinement that few other terms can.
So, if I’m considered vintage — I am fine with that.
Having said all that, the vintage sports card market is something I have always been intrigued by, but never really delved into, despite that fact I’ve been in this game for more than three decades now.
It always seemed too complicated for me, honestly.
There was so much information that really needed to be mastered.
It’s a niche of the hobby that requires you to be thrilled by a PSA 3. It demands an incredible eye for detail, and a feel of patience that is really quite astounding.
I have a friend, a gentleman who has been in the hobby for 50 years, who spends decades searching for a single card in just the right condition.
He builds sets, and collects individual players and the process is always in process.
Quick Hits
Hobby News- In case you missed it, Elly De La Cruz is providing the spark that collectors were hoping several of the young hitters would bring to the 2023 season. It’s worth noting that he won’t have real rookies until 2024, so his Bowman 1sts will have some time alone in the spotlight. They’ve done well there already with some big sales. More about those here.
Vintage- Alas, a vintage trading card article about hockey cards! Yes!! Sports Collectors Daily takes a look at the 1966-67 Chicago Blackhawks in this super-interesting article. To check it out, click here.
Pop Culture News- This week is the pre-release week for the Lord of the Rings-themed Magic: the Gathering set. That means you can snag some LOTR cards and promos at participating retailers. A lot of stores are running promotions for new players so if you’ve been on the fence about checking out MTG this might be the week to do it.
Hobby News- I like using Topps Now print runs as a good indicator of hobby popularity. Elly De La Cruz’s call-up card (explicitly not labeled a rookie) sold nearly 19,000 copies. This is second only to Anthony Volpe’s first Topps Now card this year and doesn’t have the advantage of coming out on Opening Day. The hype for Elly seems higher than any of the other top-flight rookies this season.
The Sports Card Nonsense newsletters reflect the opinions of only the authors and contributors. They are for informational purposes only and are not a recommendation for purchases or of an investment strategy or to buy or sell any assets.