When it comes to investing in baseball cards, the year 2018 offers collectors many promising vintage and modern options. With the rising popularity of the hobby and increased demand for iconic cards from the past, certain baseball cards from across different eras stand out as strong potential investments. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best baseball cards to consider adding to your portfolio this year.
Rookie Cards of Emerging Stars: One of the safest long-term investments you can make in the baseball card market are the rookie cards of young stars who are just beginning to make a name for themselves in the big leagues. Players like Cody Bellinger, Aaron Judge, and Francisco Lindor had breakout rookie seasons in 2017 that dramatically increased the value of their rookie cards. While these cards may not spike in value immediately, holding them for 5-10 years as these players hit their primes could result in substantial appreciation. Bellinger’s 2017 Topps Update rookie card has already doubled in price since last season.
Vintage Mickey Mantle Cards: You can’t go wrong putting money into any vintage Mickey Mantle cards in your price range. As one of the most iconic and beloved players of all time, Mantle’s rookie cards and other 1950s/1960s issues will always be in high demand. His 1952 Topps, 1953 Topps, and 1956 Topps are considered the holy grails, but even his commoner cards command thousands. The supply remains very low while interest keeps growing. Mantle is truly a can’t-miss investment for the long haul.
Rookie Cards of Future Hall of Famers: Investing in the rookie cards of sure-fire future Hall of Famers like Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, and Manny Machado is a virtually risk-free strategy. While you’ll have to pay a premium now for their earliest certified cards, holding them 10-20 years from now as these superstars cement their legacies will provide impressive returns. Trout’s 2009 Bowman Chrome and Harper’s 2010 Bowman Chrome rookie cards have 5x’d in the last 2 years alone.
Vintage Stars of the 1960s/1970s: Iconic players like Hank Aaron, Roberto Clemente, and Tom Seaver dominated in the 1960s and 1970s and their vintage cards from that era remain some of the hobby’s most sought after investments. High-grade examples of their rookie cards and other key early issues can double or triple in value over the next 5 years as the collector base expands. Even stars of that time with large print runs like Nolan Ryan and Reggie Jackson command big money for their best cards.
Modern RCs of Franchise Cornerstones: The rookie cards of established franchise cornerstones and perennial All-Stars who are still in their primes are a lower risk way to profit from the modern game. Cards like Mike Trout’s 2009 Bowman Chrome, Bryce Harper’s 2010 Bowman Chrome, Manny Machado’s 2012 Bowman Chrome, and Kris Bryant’s 2015 Topps Update RC have all doubled or more in the last 2 years alone. As long as these superstars stay healthy and productive, their earliest certified cards should continue appreciating significantly.
Vintage Stars of the 1950s: The 1950s produced some of the hobby’s most iconic stars and their earliest cardboard issues remain among the most sought after vintage investments. Honus Wagner’s legendary T206 is out of reach for most, but high-grade examples of Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Sandy Koufax rookie cards offer compelling upside. Even the more affordable commons and minor stars from the 1950s golden era hold value extremely well long-term as interest grows. Condition is critical, but top-graded examples can easily double every 5 years.
Modern RCs of Up-and-Coming Stars: While they carry more risk, the rookie cards of today’s emerging young talents like Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, Francisco Lindor, and Corey Seager offer huge profit potential if the players live up to expectations long-term. Their cards have already started appreciating significantly based on early success. Judge’s 2017 Topps Update RC jumped from $20 to over $100 after his record rookie season. If these players become perennial All-Stars, their earliest certified rookies could become $1000+ cards in the coming years.
Vintage Stars of the 1980s: Players like Rickey Henderson, Wade Boggs, and Roger Clemens dominated the 1980s and their vintage rookie cards and commons from that decade are starting to heat up. With the collector market expanding to include more fans of that era, cards from the 1980s are gaining renewed interest and appreciation. High-grade rookies and key cards of Hall of Famers and franchise icons from that time remain very affordable compared to their 1950s/1960s/1970s counterparts. They offer a more budget-friendly vintage investment.
The baseball card market presents many opportunities for profit in 2018 if you invest wisely in the rookie cards of today’s emerging stars, established franchise cornerstones still in their primes, and the vintage cards of legendary players from the 1950s/1960s/1970s/1980s eras who are icons of the game. Focusing on high-grade examples, especially for the vintage issues, is important to maximize returns long-term as values climb. Patience is also key, as it can take years for significant appreciation to be realized on certain investments. By diversifying among these categories, collectors are well positioned to build a portfolio with upside potential for years to come.
