Is Your Grail Card Worth Buying? The Answer Isn't As Simple As You Think!!
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- Опубліковано 13 вер 2024
- Whether you want to call it a grail card, a goal card, or a dream card, we all have some incredible sports cards that we dream of owning. But, just because there are cards that we like, doesn't necessarily mean we should buy it. Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of buying our goal cars and when and where we should consider buying them. We take a look at some of the grail cards that many of you submitted as the cards you'd most like to add to you collections, and there were some absolutely wonderful choices. Jackie Robinson, Joe Jackson, Babe Ruth, Mikey Mantle, and many others are mentioned in this discussion, and for good reason!!
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All statements and opinions shared in this video (and all of my videos) are for entertainment purposes only, and are not investment advice. I consider Sports Cards to be a hobby, and not an investment. If you're interested in investment advice, I recommend connecting with a certified financial planner.
If I were you I would pick up the 1954 Ernie Banks rookie card. That way each time you look at it the rest of your life you will remember that you picked it up at the national in Cleveland. If you pick up a bunch of cheaper cards you're going to forget where you got them at. As far as saving money at the national I just got through picking up a Roberto Clemente rookie for just under $3,000. It is my 8th rookie Clemente. It is a lot cheaper to spend a few hundred dollars of sales tax than it is to pay for hotel rooms and airline flights. That's just my few thoughts.
That's really good advice. It's on my short list, for sure.
Anybody that loves the hobby and cards should buy at least one grail card in their lifetime. Just like relationships, its okay to visually admire as many cards as you want, but being married to just one makes your life complete.
It's hard to be an avid collector and not eventually splurge on a grail.
I feel like grail cards are not only highly subjective, but they also create a big rabbit hole that I personally wouldn't want to find myself in. Collectors often have more than just one grail card. It's a downward spiral of events that can be seemingly endless & extremely expensive.
There's certainly a lot of truth to that.
What a great episode! The going to a big show internal struggle is real!!! It is one I’m going through right now. So tough to decide
The struggle is so real, and few people feel our pain. LOL.
Graig, I agree that choosing between good choices can be very challenging indeed! I think the deciding factor for me is that I will have more bucks at the National than I typically have to spend, so I want to get a card that is typically out of my price range. Plus, it will be one epic reminder of the National for that year! Personally, I very much prefer to have some money left over after my big purchase, so that I can still enjoy picking up some less expensive cards at the National, that fit my collection! Whatever you decide, I hope it works out wonderfully and can't wait to meet you in person, my collecting brother! 😊👊
Great points. Like your beautiful 38 Dimaggio and your gorgeous 52 Willie Mays!!
My definition of a grail card is different than most guys on UA-cam. I can't afford the cards people show on UA-cam and call "cheap." So, I'm probably never getting an Al Kaline rookie, which would be mine as a Tigers team set collector. But I did recently pick up a 1967 high number Norm Cash. Cash was my favorite player and this is his toughest card to get. On Father's Day, my wife told me to buy an expensive card I wouldn't normally get. I won a Greg Morris auction for $70 for an EXNMT version of the '67 Cash. I'm thrilled to get one that isn't a beater, which is what I feared I'd have to settle for. $70 is the most I've ever spent on a card.
I totally respect having a solid budget and making sure other items are the priority.
My answer is A) $2000 get that grail card. You have great points about being able to hold the card and truly inspect it to make sure it is exactly what you want plus other good points you save a little cash on tax and shipping. Funny $2000 is right around my National budget and I am going for my Grail card a 79 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky rookie. I thought I would never spend this much money for one card but feel a lot better about being able to hold and really inspect the card that I have always dreamed of having in my collection. That gives me way more piece of mind putting big money (for me) into one card rather than buying in an online auction, where's the fun in that for my biggest card purchace ever. If I don't find a copy of this card within my budget or liking (eye appeal) I'm going with Billy Ballgames suggestion of looking for 4 of my 2nd tier cards. What a dilemma, I can't wait for the happy hunting at my 1st National.
So hard to pass up on a grail if you have the money!! So true.
If I could buy my grail card (T206 Wagner), then I would as soon as one became available.
Just buy it if you can
That would be epic.
OK, Graig, I plan to buy several grail cards -- maybe 20 --- this month and next --- as I feel they are at low price points (just speculation) and I just want to complete my to-get list and focus on showcasing them, rather than checking out auctions and eBay .... I love my cards, as I know you do ...when I look at them, I see history, super athletes and persons, stories, not dollar signs (even if some indeed are liquid -- the graded and rare) ...it's such a fun hobby and special for me as my family and I have been sports players and coaches and scouts for decades -- we love sports !
Great comment. Go get those big cards!!
Buy the best Ernie Banks rookie card in a 4 or 5 you can find.
It's on the list, for sure.
Answer is actually pretty simple.....You buy your grail card if.....THE PRICE IS RIGHT!
At your age you should pick up the ONE high value card you can afford at the BEST PRICE!
And if the example is right.
The price being right is what I'm most worried about.
@@MidLifeCards This was apparent with your PSA vs SGC and price tracking video. The overthinking gave ME a headache. If you are worried that much about the price, then the card is probably out of your price range. If the "grail card" is one of the 100 card you plan to die with, you should not be concerned about overpaying 10% or 20%.
I would do c or d. I like looking at lots of cards as opposed to just one. Thanks Graig have fun at the national
I love all the options!!
Hi Graig. I'm going to the National with a list of 4 big cards, which are all over the price range of (A). Now in saying that, it depends on the price point / eye appeal, that will dictate whether I point up only one card or multiple cards. It will be a lot of fun hunting and sharing with ALL my card community friends. Talk soon pal.
Atta boy!! Go get a big one!!
Hello Craig, I like the question (a, b, c and d). My top ten cards I’m hunting prices range between $200 and $2k. C and D are out. It comes down to A or B. But again that would depend on the quality of the card I’m looking for and the best deal I can get. Please keep up with those great videos!!!
You sound like me. All price points are good options!! LOL.
Great question here and went through this thought process prior to attending Strongsville this spring. My answer would be 10 cards @ $200. To have a variety of very nice cards makes my collecting hobby fun! I came home from Strongsville w ... my first T206.. a '66 Mantle.. a '69 Joe Namath... and a Mays decal insert in great condition = fun!! But . .. my strategy may be different in the future. Never know!
Sounds like an awesome group of Strongsville pickups.
I am not going to the National, but if i were, I would buy the one $2000 card as that purchase will be something to remember for the rest of my life. Every time I saw that card in my collection, it would remind me of the great time I had at the National and how I picked it out of so many thousands of cards that I could have had. A truly memorable experience. That is priceless.
One big card is a really good option!!
Heck yes. As long as you aren’t use retirement & important money, go buy the cards that make you happy. I always stay w/in budget. If I go over budget, then I remove that amount from my planned budget for the following quarter, year, etc…
That’s why I’m going to this national w/ less money than my 15 year old. 😂. In hindsight, this will be a far better experience because the focus is on what my son wants to do.
I also stopped calling cards “grails”. 😲. Rather be “ like Gollum & refer to these as “my precious”
"my precious" is awesome. I've paid off my house and my retirement is well funded.
Great video Graig! I always thought of my grail card as a big one that I am trying to work towards (currently the 59 Gibby rookie). Maybe grail is really the card that if you had unlimited funds you would buy. I would do consider doing this. If I had $2000 to spend, I would try to get the Gibby rookie for around $500, then go for 5, $200 cards. That leaves me with $500. With that I could purchase 10 more $50 cards, and have a nice take home. I would have 16 cards to add to my collection including my current “big card”. I would definitely have a hard time buying one card.
Great choice for that Gibson RC. Such a great card.
Your reasoning for buying the big card at the show is very hard to argue with. If I see the big card that meets my eye , I may buy it.
I hope Graig saved my questions. Looking forward to your responses.
Get the 53 Mantle, Pops.
Get the grail if you can.
I think you're right, Orlando.
Go for the Cobb. You won’t regret it. Cobb prices are down a bit and this is definitely the time to go for it. Snag it on Day 1, and spend the rest of the show relaxed and having fun with friends. Go big AND go home!
What if goes down further?
@@ACD1994If you buy at the very bottom, you don't have to stress about how much it might drop. Just my two cents. The ship has sailed on alot of cards, and I would consider it very risky.
Good advice. No doubt.
I never went to the National with pre conceived ideas what I was going to buy unless I was putting a set together. My desire to put a 1955 set which I still own only came together because I happened to pick up Hall of Famer rookie cards at different Nationals that allowed me to complete it. If I was going to this National I would probably pick up four $500 cards rather than blow it on one card. I have never had one grail card in mind and love to shop and find something that grabs me. A $500 card would easily satisfy me and add some great cards to my collection.
Four $500 cards is about what I did at Strongsville. I had a blast.
Craig, great question because my budget is $2500 and I am going for one day. I have done a combination so far- I took $650 and bought 3 RCs on eBay (F Robinson, C Yasz, and E Banks). Now the rest I am going to first get an autograph of Archie Griffin on a photo of him and I from my very first Ohio State football game. Then I plan on getting a couple more RCs (maybe Killebrew, Stargell, and Kaline). The rest of the money I plan on buying topps base cards of Aaron, Banks, Koufax, Clemente, and Mays. No matter what I get I can’t wait to enjoy my first National. Thanks as always Greg from Ohio!
That sounds like a great plan!!
Hi Graig great show. Go w the best price point. Don't go in w a set mind, bc u may pass up something that u could get at an awesome price, whether that b 1 card or 5. If u don't buy anything not the worst thing either like u said. It will b a great vacation w awesome friends
Best price point is a good plan for sure!!
I would go with (a) or (b) most likely, but personally I would want to be open to any scenario. Maybe you find a rare $200ish card that you've been looking at for a while but have not found the right copy, until you were at the National. Or maybe those cards you are looking at buying in the $2k range aren't at the National (at least in the condition and price point that you were looking for). To me, going into the National with a large list of wants makes sense. There will be a National next year and the year after that and so on, so you can be opportunistic in picking off cards from your want list this year.
Good point. Sometimes the card that has been eluding you should be the priority.
The GRAIL cards are the elite of the elite (i know many would say these should be the GOAT cards). The grail cards to me are 33 Goudey Ruth, 86 Fleer Jordan, 79 O-Pee-Chee or Topps Gretzky, 86 Topps Rice. .
Those are the Mt Rushmore of the 4 sports. Now there is an argument that the 00 Bowman Chrome Brady should be the representative on the Football part of Mt Rushmore.
For the record, i have the 86 Jordan, 86 Rice and 79 Gretzky. Someday i’ll get the 33 Goudey Ruth, someday……
And i would rather have a 33 Goudey Ruth over a 52 Topps Mantle. The love for him in the hobby from people my age for Mantle (because the boomers loved him) is nauseating when his values should not be worth more than Aaron or Mays.
Some absolutely iconic cards. The only one I may change is the Jim Brown rc vs the Jerry Rice.
I feel your pain! I'm having the same struggle for National. Great analogy with fantasy sports! I used to be all-in too, and now don't play. We did an auction draft, which has even more similarities to this budget dilemma. I would agonize for weeks on whether to go all in on Adrian Peterson and fill the team with $2 players, or take a more balanced approach. This feels very similar.
For grails, I'm with your dad. I'm looking for a '53 Mantle. The question is, how high of a grade? Likely a 1, so I can afford some other things, but prices escalate quickly after that. I'm also targeting the '63 Rose RC, maybe in a 3 or so. But my want list is long, including the Banks RC. If I don't see a '53 Mantle I like, that frees up money for more cards. We have 10 days to strategize.
So many similarities to fantasy sports.
It sounds like you DO know what your strategy for the national should be, it sounds like maybe you're just a little hesitant to pull the trigger on such a big purchase. I've had the same fears, but once I did it I never regretted it. Good luck at the national regardless of what you decide!
Good point and I think you're right.
As cheap as everything is getting I'm waiting on any big money purchases. Starting to feel like if I'm patient enough I'll be able to get some high roller cards at regular roller prices!
Could be a good strategy. Timing any market is difficult though. Good luck, Don Mossi.
Good strategy.
Graig! Man, this is the same conversation we had a month ago because I was torn on what to do! This is the first time I've ever had 2,000ish dollars to spend on cards, so I chose to go big or go home. If I'm ever going to own the "bigger" cards, now is the time. I have the budget at the National, the biggest one I've ever had, and my monthly budget allows me to save up and buy big (for me) cards. So I'm going to start deliberately picking them off one at a time. The cheaper ones will come, but the bigger ones won't unless I make it happen.
Nicely done, good luck Billy BG
@@BringingTheHeat-VBC Thank you!
Best wishes to you, Billy
@@ACD1994 Thanks, same to you!
@@billyballgamesportscardsLike we say in Vegas, LFG!!!!! I love your channel!!
A good question, Graig. Believe or not, but I actually haven't ever been to a National. However, that is true for others who go as well. Whenever it's their first time going to a massive show such as, this one. I am not really the biggest fan of these type of events..... because you can still have great experience at mid-sized card shows like you had at Strongsville. I don't really know what I would do though in this situation, but will look forward to see which strategy people who are attending the National end up doing. As for myself, it's difficult to say how much I would spend. Maybe not nearly as much as $2,000. A downside (depending, on how you look at it) of spending less than that, is the amount of money and time and other expenses like food, travel, hotel, before the National even begins?
I don't think any of your scenarios are bad though, as long as they don't surpass their budget where they end up having consequences that are dire. There's an addiction or can be addiction, however when it comes to the buying part to the hobby. And quite frankly, it's not just with modern. We would love to hope (well, for those of us who playing the long game) that in 10 years are cards will be worth more than what they are or at least what we paid for. But, I suppose we won't find out what the hobby looks like, until we get there. Anyway, have an amazing time at the National. Hope both of your marriages (real one) and with cards will continue to thrive and prosper!.!
Question for you: How common are PSA cert deactivations? I bought and returned some inexpensive vintage cards because the certs were not in PSA’s database for one reason or another (unknown to me.) The seller is an instantly recognizable seller, who tells me it happens all the time, but isn’t necessarily on purpose? I’m waiting to see if they just relist them again and to learn more about the subject before deciding if I should say more. Is this common with old certs? Is this “no big deal?” Or should I be saying something given this store is maybe one of the top 5 sellers of vintage cards on ebay?
It's pretty rare for a card to get decertified, but it does happen. The bigger the card, I always check it before buying.
Graig, thanks for this video! I’ve been having this exact debate with myself as I prepare for the National. I somewhat unexpectedly have funds to go after a larger “grail” type card. An added complexity I’ve been pondering is the size of the National show floor. At Strongsville I went in targeting a decent sized card, couldn’t find one at the right price/eye appeal so switched to a few smaller cards. This was made possible by the show floor being relatively condensed. With how long it takes to cover the national floor I’m wondering if that multi phased approach will even be possible…..
That's a great point about the size of the show changing what is and isn't possible.
Graig i feel let the deals fall in place just wing it because last year i didn’t expect to come home with the Jim Brown rookie card but got a great deal on it while I was in search for the Clemente rookie but no deals for that card.
I think that's a really good strategy. When the deal appears, I'll know it.
Hi Graig. I agree with you that buying at the National is smart. I want to hold the card in my hand and take a close look at it. Great video, thanks for sharing.
Seeing it in person is important on a big card.
I like to go into a show with a list of cards from multiple price points. I Include the values, trends and most recent comps. When I see a card on my list that meets the price and condition standards I have for that card negotiate the best price possible and buy it. It might be the grail card, it might be something else. It’s always a good time a great card and a fair price. That’s a win.
I'm working on something similar.
Bought my grail 55 Clemente SGC4 at last years national. Totally agree best place to buy the big card!
Awesome!! Congrats. That's a fantastic card!!
Great question and I’ve thought about it. And I still don’t know. I’m going Friday and am a vintage football collector. I have a tier of big cards but I go back and forth with buying more smaller really cool cards instead. It’s good to know that other people feel the same
I think a lot of us are in the same boat.
Youve come up with a more reasonable amount of money this time. While i have a lot of star cards that are pre super bowl, im missing most of the big ones. With 2k I'd hunt for cards like a Sayers, Butkus, Ditka or Tarkenton RC. Maybe a couple Baugh cards like you got in strongsville. Instead of a Namath or Jim Brown Id hope for 4 or more key cards. Id like a Biletnikoff rookie. Just depends on what i found first. Just play it by ear. One big one or 4 $500 cards. Maybe 10 $200 cards.
What I find first may make the decision for me, too.
For me this question is pretty topical as my top (obtainable) grail card (a mahomes red&yellow parallel rated rookie) fits in a $2000 budget. As a result I'd go in looking at the 1 for $2k option since that card is in the 1500-2000 range. I'd also be open to getting the raw one then going with a 1 for x+grading fees (as it would be taken over to SGC's booth for submission along with anything else I bought with the intention of grading it) and use the rest I'd see fit.
Knowing what you like is a key. Sounds like you're on that for sure!!
Yes.
Truth.
Gimme the ten smaller cards for now over the one big one. I like quantity over quality until I can afford the big grail card I want...if that ever happens
I totally get it. At strongsville I got several smaller cards instead of one massive one.
2 $1000 cards is also a valid option. The choice would come down to what I could find that I want, then go from there once I found the first "I can't pass on this one" card.
Great points. Great options, for sure!!
Hi Graig, I buy one card for the $2,000. I have been selling off the lower costing cards to be able to buy the one.
Good luck. I hope you land the one you want.
But you didn’t factor in hotel price, flight costs, rental car and gas, and cost of attendance for the National into your price….
You're right. To me, the National is an event to hang out with friends. It's like a vacation at a beach house with college pals. If I don't buy a single card, I still got my money's worth.
I would choose A as I am targeting some M116 hall of famers and Mathewson is high on the list in the blue background
Wow!! Good luck!! What an awesome goal!!
@@MidLifeCards thanks! Going after the 11 card blue/green background subset
Got the Collins a few months ago and they are some of my absolute favorites!
I’d buy the right card for $2k, if I saw it, but would likely end up in between the 5-10 card range. Identify the few cards that’d be worth your entire trip, and if you see em, pounce. Don’t forget that sales tax pales in comparison to flights, hotels, and show admission. Haggle. 🤓
I'd pay that flight and hotel to visit my friends. That makes the trip to see cards, free.
I get most of my cards online, but if I was to purchase more expensive cards ($500 plus) it would have to be in person at a show, so A and B would be what I'd do at a big show.
Good points. I agree.
B because of Yogi early years. Mid grade ones
I love Yogi cards.
Hey Graig, Nice video as usual. Just wondering, how much money is in your card budget for the National? This is always tough for me...Last year I went to the big Burbank Card show in Anaheim and took $3000. I also brought some cards to trade to get more money to spend. I ended up buying a grail card in Lou Gehrig (low grade) and a couple of smaller cards. Its always tough to decide what to buy and what not to.
I'm still working on some sales and stuff, so I'm not 100% sure at the moment.
“Take the cash, bite the bullet, buy the card”❤
I like that.
Gave a video like. Always enjoy, thanks for sharing
Thanks so much.
I think it's easy Graig. When you see the card, you'll know. Buy the card/cards that make you the happiest to have.
Great advice.
Graig. I’ve done all of the above at one time or another. Here’s what I can tell you. If your at a show like the National- 1st- go pre war, use a cross reference of Dream card and rarity. Get the rarest card on your list in your price range. You go to other shows. Why buy what you always see or have a reasonable chance of seeing ? If it’s anything but baseball, you may be able to go bigger than you thought. Possibly you may have money left after the big buy in that case. But keep an open mind, and rather than a player or specific sport, look for rare low pop stuff. Some of these are surprisingly reasonable. Most collectors I know and trust are never disappointed with what they bought. Only disappointed with the ones they didn’t when they had the chance. As a set builder, it may not even be a star card. Maybe a short print or unmarked checklist. You never know. Good hunting and hope to see you at the National.
Good points I think. Never been to a National. But if there are deals there to be had. It could be with some of the vintage basketball, vintage football and other alternate sports to baseball. Maybe even some cool Pirate cards that would be amazing to Graig and for his collection.
Don.... This is such great advice. I look forward to seeing you there!!
1971 o pee chee Marcel Dionne, Ken Dryden and Guy Lafleur rookie cards. Still need the Lafleur....
Wow. Some big hockey cards there!!
Geez, what a big problem.
LOL.
Got a call yest of a young kid enlisted in the marines, Boot camp in 3 weeks, they asked me to come talk to him
Wow.
1952 redman Ted williams
Good choice.
Sounds like your trying to convince yourself to jump in the deep end of the pool. Go for it. Get the big one!
This must be what Yankees fans are saying to Brian Cashman. Either that. Or fire him. Lol. Next 15 games for NY after the all-star break: 4 against Rays (AL East opponent), 2 against Mets (New York rivalry) 3 against Red Sox (Boston is coming) 3 against Phillies (best team in the NL) then 3 against Toronto (another AL East team that is desperate for wins). That's a tough stretch. Good luck!
@@ACD1994 I shouldnt complain about the second most wins in baseball at the break but I do. Are we turning Graigs comments into a chat convo here? I think we did.
@@LonelyBasementBaseballCards The Yankees indeed are, in a very good standing. At least for now. Though a good chunk of that is because of the historic start they got off to
@@ACD1994 a season is a series of highs and lows to steal from the great New York songwriter Billy Joel.
@@LonelyBasementBaseballCards Indeed. Looking forward to the last O's vs. Yankees series. Last week of the season. If the division hasn't been won by then. Yanks will have to sweep. Since Baltimore will have had the tie-breaker. Alex Verdugo's demon possession could be a fatal blow. We shall see my friend.
Hey Graig. My dad is in the hospital. I try to keep the personal stuff away from the Internet, for so long now, but he's not doing well. I hope you can keep my family in your thoughts. Thank you.
Absolutely. I'm really sorry to hear this. I'll be praying for your family.
@@MidLifeCards Thanks Graig. I will be in suspense which card you end up purchasing. I hope it's the Banks or the Yogi. But if it's the Cobb-Red Portrait. I would say go for that too, if you find the right one. You will know in that moment. This won't be the last of me. Just is, for now. Take care.
Do you have any t206mid life cards left
I do!!
😮Buy the banks rookie.. Come back excited.. We know you.. Get... It.. As for me... Instead of paying for flights , rooms, food... My money will easily pay the ebay tax and get more.
Graig, has moved on to bigger and better things.....like the Ty Cobb Portrait-Red
@ACD1994 Well being around all those high roller types... You know a earnie banks rookie is a little.. you know.. Average Jones collector..
@@royakard8536 Yeah, I mean that is definitely more up my alley than the T-206's
@@ACD1994 It might be low class of me lol.. But I like the 50s to the 80s stuff
I totally get that.
Your going to save 10% buying at the national??? Dream on.
•You’re• 😉
Dream on, Dream on, dream until your dreams come true! 😆Taxes are 10% here in CA.
what else you going to do with the money? Buy a used Dodge Challenger?? Yikes
LOL.
1952 redman Ted williams
I do have an extra I'd be willing to trade or sell sometime in person to a youtuber. It's so nice I had to have 2. Kinda like Ernie Banks wanting to PLAY 2 AND It would be from the famed "Mike Petty collection"😜😋