How Do I Get Started in Vintage??

[LaundryRoomTradingCo.]

Hello fellow HI collectors,

I need some help! I am not sure how to get started in Vintage collecting. It's not like I can drive down to my card shop and jump on a few boxes of 1951 Parkhurst (although that would be pretty fun haha). There arent many solid lots on eBay that would help me get cards from more than just 1 or 2 vintage years. So I need you to let me know the QUICKEST (faster than roadrunner on skates) way to get the best and most amount of vintage for a reasonable price! Also if you would be willing to trade current cards for vintage I'd be all for it!

QOTD: Beckett or PSA, or does it even matter?
(Question of the Day)

Thanks for all your help,

Cory

 

[terry1hockeyfan]

Probably PSA for resale value, but Beckett has better holders and is tougher on their grading. Personally, I would take the same grade in a BVG holder over PSA any day if it was for my pc. I have quite a few cards from different companies in my bucket if you care to check them out for comparison purposes.

 

[AdamCormier]

depends what your plans are..build an entire set..or pickup select players here and there..I agree with terry1hockeyfan..that anything pre 1980 seems to hold better resale with PSA..I would start small with a player or two and go for more recent cards and work your way backwards…that way if you make mistakes they won't be too costly as newer cards should be less expensive as a general rule.

 

[Billwinkle]

If you want vintage first you need to define that. My definition is anything pre 1980. Next you need to decide are you a set collector or player collector. If you are looking for lowest possible cost avoid graded cards. First of all send notes to vintage collectors and ask what to watch out for don't enter this uneducated as there are vultures looking to prey on the uneducated. The number one thing is to contact people such as me who are collectors only. It is way cheaper to trade than to buy. Most collectors will not trade vintage for new because new is a money pit with no chance of return.

 

[newfiecomicguy1]

Unless investment purposes buy what you like. I love older rookies, stars, cool pictures oddball stuff esp food issues and certain set designs. I collect mostly players from 1970-89, these are the players I grew up catching so I have an added interest in them.

I recommend you going to LCS and card shows and look at old cards and ask questions. Most sellers are very knowledgable and a great source of info. PSA and BGS (bvg) are a good way to buy cards if you aren't familiar with counterfeits and other vintage pitfalls. There is also lots of info online and in books. The biggest key is have fun with it, vintage is a great part of the hobby.

 

[bto3105]

PSA is the code for the major players in vintage world. I'm not a vintage guy at all but have hung around the scene with a buddy who was in heavy and he would say the same thing.What I had graded has been PSA and not a thought of any other company

 

[GoalieFan89]

Hello fellow HI collectors,

I need some help! I am not sure how to get started in Vintage collecting. It's not like I can drive down to my card shop and jump on a few boxes of 1951 Parkhurst (although that would be pretty fun haha). There arent many solid lots on eBay that would help me get cards from more than just 1 or 2 vintage years. So I need you to let me know the QUICKEST (faster than roadrunner on skates) way to get the best and most amount of vintage for a reasonable price! Also if you would be willing to trade current cards for vintage I'd be all for it!

QOTD: Beckett or PSA, or does it even matter?
(Question of the Day)

Thanks for all your help,

Cory

The quickest way would be VERY expensive.....

With Vintage it truly takes time to accumulate a nice collection, especially if you care about condition. If condition is not an issue then I suggest going to a local card show and picking up in bulk. You also need to find some people you can trust as some cards have been heavily re-printed or are counterfeit. If you are spending good $$ go with a graded version of the card. I personally like PSA.

 

[gomaz]

If you want to assemble a collection of hockey's history, go through a list of the top point getters in NHL history (or goal scorers or games played or goalie wins etc....whatever strikes your fancy) and make a list of those players whose cards you want. I recommend going for their rookie cards. Then post your wants on HI, search ebay, go to card shops and shows and start accumulating.

If you want graded, which I recommend especially when you are buying remotely, stick with PSA. Terry mentioned that BGS is harder on grades but this actually changed about a year ago and their standards are tougher than ever before.

If you don't care about having graded cards you will save a bunch of money but will likely end up with cards is lesser condition and if you are okay with that then all is good!

However you decide to approach it, have fun and take your time so you can savor the journey! If you are in a rush, and I understand that as hockey's history in cards goes back to 1910, then have at'er and keep us posted on your progress.

 

[Stadium Sports]

We deal in vintage and over the past couple years, we have seen a HUGE shift away from PSA. Now as full disclosure, we rarely take in graded cards as they do not retirieve the "added value" in the resale market as most believe they are entitled to. We sell more raw cards and our customers will decide if they want to grade or not.

We are seeing a great deal making their way to Beckett and SCG with great fan fair.

But one thing I can advise you of is this - whatever company you start with - stay with. There is nothing worse looking at a set graded by different companies as the slabs are all different.

The best thing to remember is this... vintage Rules!