Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Some Random Thoughts on Over-Production Era Rookies

With 2015 Topps Series 2 streeting last month, I think it's time to discuss Rookie Cards. Why, you ask? Well, because the Kris Bryant rookie card was featured in the set, and naturally, everyone went bat-crap crazy trying to get their hands on one.

Yup, I'm guilty, too. I have four that I pulled, and I'm going to send all of them to PSA. Why would anyone do that? Well, if Bryant lives up to anything remotely close to his hype, those PSA rookies will sell like hot cakes. Don't believe me? Go search eBay for Mike Trout rookies.

But we're talking about modern rookies. Production has been curtailed to create a market for these cards. We know that vintage rookies sell for a good deal, but they are vintage and hard to find in good shape. What about the dreaded era of over-production? Well, there are still some rookies that carry value. The top three in my mind are simple: Derek Jeter, Chipper Jones and Mariano Rivera.

1993 SP Derek Jeter
Out of all the rookie cards for Derek Jeter, this one is the most valuable. It routinely goes for over $100, and it is pretty distinct as well. SP was produced by Upper Deck, and foil coating makes this card stand out even today.

1991 Topps Desert Shield Chipper Jones
Even though he was one of the best in his era, Chipper Jones never really got the credit he deserved. With that being said, he has one of the most valuable rookie cards from this particular time. These cards were produced during the Iraq war, and the limited production makes the price tag just slightly below Jeter.

1992 Bowman Mariano Rivera
In 1992, very few people knew anything about Mariano Rivera. He certainly did not look like a guy who would be the best closer in the game. Jeter and Jones were first round picks, but Rivera was just trying to find his footing. Because of this, there are very few true rookie cards for him, and that influences value. You can find one for $50 to $60.

All of these are most likely to hold value, at lest for the time being. All three players are fresh in our minds and soon-to-be Hall of Famers (most likely, first ballot HOFers), so they will be in demand for a while.

So there you have it, my take on some good rookie cards from the 90's. What do you think? Agree? Disagree? Lemme know!

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1 comment:

  1. My father in law gave me a bunch of cards that he collected in the 90s, told me to keep and sell as I pleased. Had a Jeter SP that sold for $100. Yeah, that Trout RC is crazy, I remember looking into it last year and was really surprised that a recent base card could be so much. Even bought a couple of Series 2 rack packs trying to hunt it down, until I found out that it was an Update card. Seems like Update came and went a little faster than Series 1 or 2, wonder if the production was the same.

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