Cardboard Millionaires

[1dayshow]

With the recent jump in prices, I think there is a rather substantial group of collectors and investors that became overnight millionaires. I think it is really cool how some started from very little to life changing money. I personally never thought that sports cards would ever grow to this big.

I'd like to share my story of how I got started. Back in 1998, my best friend and I shared a box of Topps Chrome Football when we found a box at a local Walmart. My friend still has the original receipt with the total of $77.76. We opened the box together and split the box. He kept a Peyton Manning RC and I kept a Randy Moss RC (which I still have in my collection today). The rest we sold and traded for cards we wanted. The $38.88 investment kept rolling over and over. I kept grinding and kept putting back in the money I had profited, never having to lose the original $38.88.

By 2009, I had used my profits to make a down payment on a house. At the time, the house market was at its worst. I kept flipping cards (part time because I was starting a family) as a way to pay for my mortgage along with a full time job as a school teacher. Within 5 years, I was able to pay off the rest of the house. My wife and I were able to purchase other properties for rental.

During my 23 year journey, I was able to acquire cards that will most likely never leave my collection, including a Steph NT RPA #/99 that I spent $370 in 2011. I have made awful decisions as well, like selling my LeBron Exquisite True RPA #/99 (granted it had a surface crease) for $15k, which I can assume is about $300-$400k in today's market. But overall, I can honestly say that I will not be where I am at today without sports cards. Even though cards brought an opportunity of wealth for my family and I, when I look back at the original $38.88 I spent, I appreciate the journey it has taken me. I have learned so much about business, establishing good relationships with other people, and persistence.

What stories can you share about where you began and how investing and collecting sports cards has impacted your life?

I remember there was a thread a few years ago where the OP asked members to make a Christmas tree of their most valuable cards. One member made a tree using Lebron and MJ exquisite Auto Patches. At the time, it was roughly $1 million in value. I can only imagine it's worth $4-5 million, if not more. I wonder how that member got started and how his collection has effected his life.

I know a certain BO member that has a rather substantial Luka collection that is currently worth well over $1 million. If you can share your story as well that would be awesome.

I hope those who are not there yet or just started to keep at it. Your hustle and grind will lead to a better life, even if it may not be for financial gain.

[clipperboy24]

I definitely don’t have a $1mm (I should based on what I have owned, lol), but congrats on your success. Very cool story and glad it worked out really well for you. It’s crazy the money that is being pumped in the industry, can be easy to forget how much money it is. Many people have made more in cards grab they would in a few years earnings at work, hope people are able to lock it in and put the money to good use

[TimBuckTwo]

Did they cash out? Paper gains mean nothing till the $$$s are in the bank.

[biggieruth]

I sold about 60k in cards on here and various places. I upgraded a rental property and using some of the funds to buy another property. I have about another 15-20k in raw cards and graded left.

Sent from my LG-M255 using Tapatalk

[asujbl]

I said it in the other thread

Mark Price and Bernie Kosar made me a cardboard millionaire. It’s wild.

[biggieruth]

Originally Posted by biggieruth

I sold about 60k in cards on here and various places. I upgraded a rental property and using some of the funds to buy another property. I have about another 15-20k in raw cards and graded left.

Sent from my LG-M255 using Tapatalk

Like previous poster said if you don't cash out its means nothing.

Sent from my LG-M255 using Tapatalk

[asujbl]

Back, probably about 2015 (can’t recall), I was collecting everything. Contenders Football, Bowman Chrome Baseball, NT Basketball etc... Raw, PSA, and BGS

It was simply too much

I decided I wanted to own a Mark Price and Bernie Kosar RC (2 favorite players ever)

Owning raw seemed dumb. Those were $1.00 cards

So I found a Price for like $50 in PSA 10. Finally found a Kosar for like $400.

Once I bought those 2? I was hooked

Found a Larry Johnson Upper Deck. Found an Albert Belle Leaf. Found an Eric Metcalf Score.

And that transitioned into all the cards I own today.

Which is a pretty legit PSA 10 collection if I do say so myself

[rainmaker]

I had a nice basketball card collection from my youth that included most of the big pre 90s rc and 80s fleer sets. Around 2012 I found inspiration through golden age comic books which in turn caused me to look at my old card collection and think I started lurking blowout in 2015.
As I graded, traded and sold some of my old cards and my new focus on golden age comics I learned the tricks and the collectibles bank account (both realized and unrealized collectibles gains) had grown pretty fat. I can thank mike trout, Tom Brady, Aaron judge... I had invested in a fabulous start up. Bought myself a green Rolex submariner (Hulk). And was debt free...

My initial intention was to have some fun over the years and build up a base that would ultimately go to my boy for school or to travel the world or a house down payment. But another long term goal was a family business. As 2018 went on I was sitting on something to the tune of $200,000 in collection value. Through travels we found an amazing place that we wanted to live and raise a family. Getting the #@#@#@#@ out of California leaving my finance job! I sold over $150,000 of it and put a down payment initial funding into a winery purchase.

Fast forward today and COVID #@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@ aside which has been painful to say the least we are now a full running winery with tasting room, opening a second wine bar and tasting room and have created a distribution label.

The collecting itch never left and for shits and giggles last year I focused on buying Kobe Bryant cards. Picked up a few other low key cards and comics too. Traded one big card I held onto through the first two years in business. A few things popped obviously Kobe and my modest collection in 2020 that was worth maybe $25,000 most all of which was one card by early 2021 my collection is back up into 6 figures in value. The gift that keeps on giving I tell you!

Today I have some great Kobe’s a couple mj and one incredible Lebron card. I have captured profits in the form of trades acquiring rare ultra high end old comics. Still picking up a Kobe here and Kobe there. I have in the past couple weeks snagged a handful of Muhammad Ali auto cards and early career cards from the 60s all at very reasonable prices, pretty confident the sky is the limit on those in the near future.

Along the way I’ve met some cool folks, engaged in trades at values that are hard to comprehend, gone through graduate level education on collectibles... had I not sold off I’d be well over 500k in value right now with the way things have accelerated the past 4 weeks. But it’s cool I’m my own boss with three businesses, employees, unlimited great wine and I still have an amazing collection.

Collectibles can always be acquired again but life opportunities come about that are always important to remain open minded and opportunistic. Needless to say my endeavors in the collectibles markets have been completely life changing.

[1dayshow]

Originally Posted by rainmaker

I had a nice basketball card collection from my youth that included most of the big pre 90s rc and 80s fleer sets. Around 2012 I found inspiration through golden age comic books which in turn caused me to look at my old card collection and think I started lurking blowout in 2015.
As I graded, traded and sold some of my old cards and my new focus on golden age comics I learned the tricks and the collectibles bank account (both realized and unrealized collectibles gains) had grown pretty fat. I can thank mike trout, Tom Brady, Aaron judge... I had invested in a fabulous start up. Bought myself a green Rolex submariner (Hulk). And was debt free...

My initial intention was to have some fun over the years and build up a base that would ultimately go to my boy for school or to travel the world or a house down payment. But another long term goal was a family business. As 2018 went on I was sitting on something to the tune of $200,000 in collection value. Through travels we found an amazing place that we wanted to live and raise a family. Getting the #@#@#@#@ out of California leaving my finance job! I sold over $150,000 of it and put a down payment initial funding into a winery purchase.

Fast forward today and COVID #@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@ aside which has been painful to say the least we are now a full running winery with tasting room, opening a second wine bar and tasting room and have created a distribution label.

The collecting itch never left and for shits and giggles last year I focused on buying Kobe Bryant cards. Picked up a few other low key cards and comics too. Traded one big card I held onto through the first two years in business. A few things popped obviously Kobe and my modest collection in 2020 that was worth maybe $25,000 most all of which was one card by early 2021 my collection is back up into 6 figures in value. The gift that keeps on giving I tell you!

Today I have some great Kobe’s a couple mj and one incredible Lebron card. I have captured profits in the form of trades acquiring rare ultra high end old comics. Still picking up a Kobe here and Kobe there. I have in the past couple weeks snagged a handful of Muhammad Ali auto cards and early career cards from the 60s all at very reasonable prices, pretty confident the sky is the limit on those in the near future.

Along the way I’ve met some cool folks, engaged in trades at values that are hard to comprehend, gone through graduate level education on collectibles... had I not sold off I’d be well over 500k in value right now with the way things have accelerated the past 4 weeks. But it’s cool I’m my own boss with three businesses, employees, unlimited great wine and I still have an amazing collection.

Collectibles can always be acquired again but life opportunities come about that are always important to remain open minded and opportunistic. Needless to say my endeavors in the collectibles markets have been completely life changing.

Thank you for sharing your story. I find it fascinating that our collections can someday be huge inheritances for the next generation. I also think that your story is very inspirational to live life the way you want it and your ability to pivot your finances is admirable.

[agsstructures]

Originally Posted by 1dayshow

With the recent jump in prices, I think there is a rather substantial group of collectors and investors that became overnight millionaires. I think it is really cool how some started from very little to life changing money. I personally never thought that sports cards would ever grow to this big.

I'd like to share my story of how I got started. Back in 1998, my best friend and I shared a box of Topps Chrome Football when we found a box at a local Walmart. My friend still has the original receipt with the total of $77.76. We opened the box together and split the box. He kept a Peyton Manning RC and I kept a Randy Moss RC (which I still have in my collection today). The rest we sold and traded for cards we wanted. The $38.88 investment kept rolling over and over. I kept grinding and kept putting back in the money I had profited, never having to lose the original $38.88.

By 2009, I had used my profits to make a down payment on a house. At the time, the house market was at its worst. I kept flipping cards (part time because I was starting a family) as a way to pay for my mortgage along with a full time job as a school teacher. Within 5 years, I was able to pay off the rest of the house. My wife and I were able to purchase other properties for rental.

During my 23 year journey, I was able to acquire cards that will most likely never leave my collection, including a Steph NT RPA #/99 that I spent $370 in 2011. I have made awful decisions as well, like selling my LeBron Exquisite True RPA #/99 (granted it had a surface crease) for $15k, which I can assume is about $300-$400k in today's market. But overall, I can honestly say that I will not be where I am at today without sports cards. Even though cards brought an opportunity of wealth for my family and I, when I look back at the original $38.88 I spent, I appreciate the journey it has taken me. I have learned so much about business, establishing good relationships with other people, and persistence.

What stories can you share about where you began and how investing and collecting sports cards has impacted your life?

I remember there was a thread a few years ago where the OP asked members to make a Christmas tree of their most valuable cards. One member made a tree using Lebron and MJ exquisite Auto Patches. At the time, it was roughly $1 million in value. I can only imagine it's worth $4-5 million, if not more. I wonder how that member got started and how his collection has effected his life.

I know a certain BO member that has a rather substantial Luka collection that is currently worth well over $1 million. If you can share your story as well that would be awesome.

I hope those who are not there yet or just started to keep at it. Your hustle and grind will lead to a better life, even if it may not be for financial gain.

Awesome story man!

[rainmaker]

Originally Posted by 1dayshow

Thank you for sharing your story. I find it fascinating that our collections can someday be huge inheritances for the next generation. I also think that your story is very inspirational to live life the way you want it and your ability to pivot your finances is admirable.

Thanks, likewise I feel the same about your story. As impressive as it is acquiring cards and sitting on them I feel using them as a tool to financial freedom, greater wealth, life changes is even more impressive. Cheers

[PokeyAndG]

Originally Posted by asujbl

I said it in the other thread

Mark Price and Bernie Kosar made me a cardboard millionaire. It’s wild.

Did I miss a joke somewhere? Mark Price really? How is this so, I don't see anything of Mark Price coming close to a million.

[kyle1707]

I have a buddy whose about 35

No wife no kids. Starting collecting with his dad years ago. We went to same card shop

Since 2003 he has been collecting basketball mainly jordan and exquisite

He has the complete 2003 exquisite limited logo set

Jordan lebron dual auto. Kobe jordan dual auto

The limited logo jordan and lebron are both 9.5/10

[kyle1707]

https://www.flickr.com/photos/151400...57695606935145

[PokeyAndG]

Originally Posted by kyle1707

https://www.flickr.com/photos/151400...57695606935145

Yeah he's a millionaire. but wonder if he isn't already one to begin with. How much did he spend on that collection?

[rainmaker]

Originally Posted by kyle1707

https://www.flickr.com/photos/151400...57695606935145

Such incredibly attractive cards. That collection is no small feat.

[asujbl]

Originally Posted by PokeyAndG

Did I miss a joke somewhere? Mark Price really? How is this so, I don't see anything of Mark Price coming close to a million.

Rookie.

[alphaomegas]

its only paper money as you haven't sold it yet just like stock market. It can easily crash hard. I'm seeing modern cards crashing hard. Sell now...

[kyle1707]

He works a average job. Rents a home

Drives older car.

Loves cards. Would never sell

It’s refreshing

[rainmaker]

Originally Posted by kyle1707

He works a average job. Rents a home

Drives older car.

Loves cards. Would never sell

It’s refreshing

Curious, not challenging, but how is not selling at a peak to capture life changing $ and potentially making the rest of ones life more secure and comfortable ‘refreshing’

[Justin7]

Originally Posted by alphaomegas

its only paper money as you haven't sold it yet just like stock market. It can easily crash hard. I'm seeing modern cards crashing hard. Sell now...

As someone who has taken most of his profits already, this is a dumb statement. Modern cards go through this every season at exactly this moment and almost always rebound. Good luck with that as if you're the only one who noticed this trend, following trends is a great idea to go broke. I sold high. Advising people to sell low is hilarious.

[1dayshow]

Originally Posted by kyle1707

He works a average job. Rents a home

Drives older car.

Loves cards. Would never sell

It’s refreshing

It's cool to hear every day people who have the passion for hobby and have become cardboard millionaires.

Has he ever thought to sell his collection and contemplate early retirement at all? He must really love his job. His cards even more.

[GeechQuest]

Originally Posted by rainmaker

Curious, not challenging, but how is not selling at a peak to capture life changing $ and potentially making the rest of ones life more secure and comfortable ‘refreshing’

A 55 year old man retires in Austin and moves to Mexico to relax the rest of his life. When he moves down there he becomes neighbors with a 21 year old named Juan. He watches Juan everday wake up in the morning to go fish for food, come home and take a nap in the afternoon with his girlfriend, and go out to get drinks with his friends at night.

One day this man goes to Juan and says "Juan, you know if you didn't take a nap everyday and stayed out fishing you could catch twice as many fish. You could bring those fish into the market at night and make a profit selling them. After a while you could buy 2 boats and catch twice as many fish and after a while get a whole fleet of boats. Then you could start taking these fish and distributing them in America and become a millionaire."

Juan asks the man how long would this take and the man replies only 20-30 years. Juan then asks what do I do after that? The man says "you can come back to Mexico and fish in the morning, take a nap with your wife in the afternoon, and go out for drinks with your friend at night."

[kyle1707]

Originally Posted by PokeyAndG

Yeah he's a millionaire. but wonder if he isn't already one to begin with. How much did he spend on that collection?

No. He bought the jordan and lebron for like 5 k each. He bought Kobe for 3500

Talking 10-12 years ago

[1dayshow]

Originally Posted by kyle1707

No. He bought the jordan and lebron for like 5 k each. He bought Kobe for 3500

Talking 10-12 years ago

So I'm guessing around $30k-$40k spent on his collection if he bought those cards around the same time?

I don't know how many people would not have cashed out by now. He is wealthy in other ways.