Beginners question' Hockey card long term value.

[Nick175]

hopefully, I dont get flamed for this topic, but I have a question ive been meaning to ask as im generally curious. I love collecting as a passion and always have, hwoever as time goes on, I find myself moving towards higher end product. Im not a set collector, but rather a favorite player collector and Ive always been torn on how to spend my money best, not just on the hobby, but to make sure that it still holds value in the future, in case of emergency.

what do you guys think, future watch autos from sp auth ( 999 ) or to save up and just go for the cup rookies ?

[RGM81]

Yours is a path common to a lot of people. Building sets can be enjoyable as you get a wide range of players from across the NHL. Ultimately, many of us gravitate towards a handful of players--sure it's cool to have that full set but would you rather the Jiri Sekac SP Authentic RC or another Carey Price jersey, right?

Both of those options are great for any PC. The Cup RC's, especially the /99, will cost you a lot more than the SP Authentic RCs, but it all depends on your budget and your preferences for designs as to which way to go.

[cardscardscards]

Welcome to SCF!

You won't get flamed over this, it's an interesting topic. Heck of a difference between FWA /999 and Cup /249 /99 rookie cards, though. Just to give you an idea, a FWA of a star player will set you back anywhere from $100-200, but the Cup equivalent can go up to a few thousands if it's a short print /99. If you collect a non-star player, then you shouldn't have to shell out a ton of money to acquire either one of those cards, but don't expect value to increase unless that player develops into something amazing or even to hold once he retires and never becomes a Hall of Fame'er.

As a whole, I would also discourage you from counting on your card collection as an insurance policy in cases of emergencies. They can help, but if you player is just one among all the others, you might either be stuck with your cards or have to sell them for next to nothing.

[Zorro]

With the way cards are made these days as opposed to pre-1990...you're best way to 'ensure value' is to go for the most limited brand (Cup/Dominion) and RC year.

[Nick175]

thanks for the replies, im definatly not looking to it as an emergency policy, but more a less a long term investment, thankfully, i tend to collect for some of the more popular players, seguin , price, kane, and have most of these cards already, im just wondering if the value of a /999 willl still at the very least maintain or gain. even though its on such a larger number,

id always rather be gaining or maintaining funds, then spending XXX amount on a /999 just to watch it drop, how have the held up in the past ?

Welcome to SCF!

You won't get flamed over this, it's an interesting topic. Heck of a difference between FWA /999 and Cup /249 /99 rookie cards, though. Just to give you an idea, a FWA of a star player will set you back anywhere from $100-200, but the Cup equivalent can go up to a few thousands if it's a short print /99. If you collect a non-star player, then you shouldn't have to shell out a ton of money to acquire either one of those cards, but don't expect value to increase unless that player develops into something amazing or even to hold once he retires and never becomes a Hall of Fame'er.

As a whole, I would also discourage you from counting on your card collection as an insurance policy in cases of emergencies. They can help, but if you player is just one among all the others, you might either be stuck with your cards or have to sell them for next to nothing.

[subban7677]

If you buy right around release date, it's almost certain prices will fall. There will be a few exceptions (The Draisitl YG I sold last year for example, would fetch me a few more dollars now) but those are few and far between. My goal has always been to wait for the cost to fall first, and then buy at a price where if I was ever forced to sell, I could recoup most of my money. I've overpaid for some, underpaid for others. If you're thinking of possible investment...almost a guaranteed losing proposition.

[cardscardscards]

thanks for the replies, im definatly not looking to it as an emergency policy, but more a less a long term investment, thankfully, i tend to collect for some of the more popular players, seguin , price, kane, and have most of these cards already, im just wondering if the value of a /999 willl still at the very least maintain or gain. even though its on such a larger number,

id always rather be gaining or maintaining funds, then spending XXX amount on a /999 just to watch it drop, how have the held up in the past ?

Value holding depends on how well the prospect develops.. The RC cards for say Erik Johnson and Nazem Kadri fetched a pretty penny when they came out because of all the hype around them, but today you can grab those cards for almost nothing.

Can't say much about gaining value in the long run, FWA's and Cup RC's just haven't existed for long enough. Chances are they won't change much because most of those cards are probably in the hands of serious collectors, unlike older cards that were used as bicycle spokes.