New to Vintage and Looking for Some Advice

[Greekboy]

Got back into cards about a year ago, mainly collecting modern Kobe Bryant cards that I missed when I stopped collecting as a teenager, but lately vintage has caught my eye. I’m looking to pick up some iconic Mantle, Mays, and Jackie Robinson cards. Obviously not expecting anything high grade, trying to stay around $300-$500 or less per card. Just love the look of those old vintage cards and hoping to slowly add a few to the collection.

A couple questions, first, is it worth paying the premium for PSA over SGC when it comes to vintage? For modern stuff, I only go PSA for liquidity reasons in case I ever need to sell. I’m wondering if the same rule applies here.

Also curious if anyone has any tips or recommendations. I’m eyeing some low-grade versions of:
• 1955 or 1956 Jackie Robinson
• 1956 or 1958 Mickey Mantle
• 1958 or1963 Willie May

Just wondering if there are any other iconic cards from that era I should be on the lookout for. Stuff that holds historical value even in low grades.

Lastly, I jumped the gun a bit and bought my first vintage card the other day. A 1964 Topps Giants Mickey Mantle. Love the look of it, but kind of feel like I could’ve used that money toward one of the other cards I’m chasing now.

Appreciate any thoughts, suggestions, or feedback. I pretty much priced myself out of any other Kobe cards for now so I’m excited to shift focus into vintage.

[discodanman45]

Buy the best card you can get for the price! Sometimes paying the PSA premium is worth it if you find an amazing card in a new cert # PSA slab. Some PSA 4 to 5's graded this year, look like 6 to 7's from only a few years ago. In vintage it is all about eye appeal. My advice is don't just concentrate on centering. Yes, centering is important. However, if you have a centered card that looks like crap with out of focus images, creases through the face, bad snowing, or a horrific print mark it is not what collectors are looking for.

Looks at cards in SGC/PSA holders and don't let the slab tell you if the card is awesome, that is up to you!

Everyone chases Topps cards. They are very plentiful and hold value based on demand. A lot of collectors are now branching out other types of cards. For the price, early Bowman cards can be had at a great discount over Topps. A 1950 Bowman Yogi Berra could be purchased for $350 in a PSA/SGC 3 if you look around. There are other great cards like Red Man's, Berk Ross, Red Heart, Dan-dee, Lake to Lake, Wilson Franks, etc... Cards with much lower populations and gaining a lot of popularity with vintage collectors.

My advice is to explore and not just jump into vintage Topps cards like everyone else. I started that way as well, but now I don't even look at those cards. I am buying 1933 Tattoo Orbit, 1938 Goudey's, 1934-36 Diamond Stars, and anything else that I find cool.

[Donkaylove]

well- all the players you have in mind have premiums and are always showcase cards. Collectors now have to have it NOW, so they can take a pic/post.

I suggest patience and patience.

[Greekboy]

Thanks for taking the time to reply gentlemen. Appreciate the tips. Would you recommend saving up and going for the big cards first or taking my time and grabbing some of the cheaper cards (probably the Willie Mays cards) as they become available? Also, is there any platforms outside of eBay that I should be watching?

[discodanman45]

Originally Posted by Greekboy

Thanks for taking the time to reply gentlemen. Appreciate the tips. Would you recommend saving up and going for the big cards first or taking my time and grabbing some of the cheaper cards (probably the Willie Mays cards) as they become available? Also, is there any platforms outside of eBay that I should be watching?

It doesn't matter, I don't think any of those cards you are targeting will go up in price. They are everywhere and have been stable for a long time. I would check out card shows and also net54 forums for these cards. Also watch cards on eBay, you don't know what type of offers you will get. Be patient, these cards are plentiful and you will eventually get a great deal on one.

[Sluggerrr]

Originally Posted by Greekboy

Lastly, I jumped the gun a bit and bought my first vintage card the other day. A 1964 Topps Giants Mickey Mantle. Love the look of it, but kind of feel like I could’ve used that money toward one of the other cards I’m chasing now.

You're not alone in making that mistake.

[pawpawdiv9]

At least you’re into post-war 50s stuff.
Don’t get into the pre-war stuff like T206;
You’ll get sucked in and can’t get out;lol

[Giuls21]

I have enjoyed collecting 1953 and 1954 Topps. I recommend the Jackie from either year.

[48LeafHonus]

Excellent players to collect. As to whether to save up for the higher grade or popular year cards, that's a "you" call. The big cards of Mantle, Jackie and others, hold their value and generally go up. There's a finite number of these cards so scarcity is real but they do seem readily available. I would chase the cards that really do it for you. Buyer's remorse is a real thing. I have it 5 times a week until that card comes in the mail. Them I'm good again! �� Happy collecting!

Ps. Check out auctions for some great deals. I've picked up several Yankee Captain T206 cards for less than $80 bucks!