How I Prioritize My Vintage Card Purchases & How I'd Spend 100K On Cards!! MidLife Midweek Q&A!!

[@southern7002x]

I always enjoy your show Graig! It has to be awesome being able to positively impact your students’ lives through teaching personal finance. You are able to convey your thoughts in a very clear and concise manner - I’m sure you’re a wonderful teacher - would’ve never guessed you’re shy! I got back into collecting baseball cards in May this year after being away from the hobby since 1990. I’ve had some success thus far cracking slabs and resubmitting to SGC. I love the way most vintage cards look in SGC holders. In June I bought a 1967 Topps Hank Aaron 250 and 1971 Hank Aaron 400 (both well-centered clean PSA 6), cracked them out, submitted both to SGC, and they both came back as SGC 7.5. I also bought a 1974 Hank Aaron 1 in a BVG 8.5, cracked it, submitted to SGC, and it came back as a SGC 8.5. In my opinion PSA is undergrading a lot of cards right now. I look for really nice PSA 5 or 6 cards to possibly crack and resubmit if I can’t find a card that fits my eye already in a SGC holder (for example). Keep up the great work!

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks so much, that means a lot. Buying undergraded cards is a good way to go. My dad does that sometimes, too.

[@Baseballcardstuff]

Great episode. Especially all the stuff about your family and job. I’ve heard you as a guest on other peoples’ shows since I got back into cards (after 30+ years away) last year. But now becoming a regular viewer of yours. I appreciate your attitude about everything.

[@MidLifeCards]

That really means a lot. Thanks so much. This is a great community of people, whom just happen to also share a love of collecting cards!!

[@dls.theoculusgroup]

I’ve been collecting vintage for 30 years and still learn something from every Midlife video. Never miss an episode. Thanks Graig!

[@MidLifeCards]

That's super kind of you. I appreciate that.

[@robertflatow676]

Great video and really appreciate your super forthright and candid answers. Have also loved following your Banks journey because -- that's a very special card to me too! The Banks rookie (in a PSA 4) was the first high-dollar card I ever bought, maybe about six years ago now, and because of that it will always be special to me. It signifies when I really took the plunge into collecting. So I've bought cards since then of guys I have more of a personal connection to, I've bought more expensive cards (especially since I bought the Banks pre-price-boom), but...to this day Banks remains in the most important spot in my most important case. Totally agree that it's about the story.

[@MidLifeCards]

Wow. Awesome that we share the love of the Banks card. Such a beautiful image.

[@mclanetime7269]

Great episode Graig, very interesting questions as well. I personally would take 800K and put it towards my retirement, investing etc. I would take another 100K and help out my family, and friends that could really use the funds. Finally, the last 100K I would buy a couple high grade Jackie Robinson early year cards, and a couple Mickey Mantle high grade cards! You can never go wrong with the GOATS! I agree with getting Robinson cards, he in my opinion is still under-appreciated for what he did! Those cards will continue to gain value! Keep collecting

[@MidLifeCards]

Can't go wrong with Jackie or Mickey.

[@JayAverageVintageCollector]

Another great Q&A day. Thank you for answering questions. How about this one? It’s very difficult to have two hobbies that you equally love and have the time (and money) to satisfy both. For me, my other hobby is fishing. I don’t get out as much as I want to these days, but it’s still very fun and important to me. Do you have a second hobby that you love almost as much as card collecting? And if you do, what is your strategy for balancing both? Fishing and cards may sound different, but they do clash. Money and time are needed for both.

[@MidLifeCards]

Great question. I'll share my thoughts on this soon.

[@larrygitlin6017]

Graig great questions but better answers. I would never believe you were shy, but boy have you conquered that especially the ability to teach. Very impressive and quite an incredible accomplishment. Obviously when you get into something you give it one hundred percent. I always look forward to all you do and the community should be forever thankful that collecting cards is your love and passion.

[@MidLifeCards]

That's super kind of you. Thank you so much for those meaningful words.

[@brianbaker3776]

Graig, thanks for answering my question and for the others who made comments. After buying an expensive bottle of champagne to toast my uncle who left me the money, I would invest 900k into the stock market via several index funds. With the other 100k I would invest in a 33 Ruth, 33 Gehrig, 53 Mantle, 58 Jim Brown and 65 Joe Namath.

[@MidLifeCards]

I forgot the bottle of champagne.

[@returntocollecting]

Great Q&A Graig! If I had $100k today, I'd pick up a 33 Goudey Ruth 144 in a 3, 1915 Cracker Jack Cobb in a 3, 1909 Ramly Johnson in a 2, 33 Delong Gehrig in a 3, and a T206 Cobb (off shoulder) in a 4. That may change, but for now, those are my $100k inheritance purchases.

[@MidLifeCards]

Great choices. Thanks for sharing, Darren. Can't go wrong with ANY of those.

[@robertnolan5628]

Graig, always great content. Regarding your question, I would purchase every pre 1900 legend in sports and non sports and watch my investment grow.

[@MidLifeCards]

Can't go wrong with pre 1900.

[@DoubleDvintagebaseballcards]

Great and wise words at the end Graig ❤

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks Dylan. I appreciate you, bud.

[@shoeboxlegends]

Enjoyed your thoughts as always buddy. I can relate to the work to live vs live to work, used to be a little too far on the work side of that scale but have changed for the better in recent years.

[@MidLifeCards]

Good!! That's great!!

[@jaymarble5282]

Regarding the question on purchasing BGS to have crossed-over to PSA/SCG. If I understand correctly, PSA will take a BGS card in it’s holder if submitted for a cross-over grade. You pay the PSA fee, and you have to submit your lowest grade acceptable. If PSA thinks it matches that grade, then they crack it and put it in their slab. If not, they re-send it back. Yes, you lose the fee, but it is still in the BGS holder. I have thought about doing this to be able to purchase a card I want because BGS cards are definitely going for cheaper today in comparison to PSA. And I like the idea of having my cards in PSA holders for long-term.

[@MidLifeCards]

That's my understanding.

[@rayfromphilly6969]

great video graig, i agree i would not just buy one card. i'd invest it into multiple vintage great cards.

[@MidLifeCards]

So much goodness out there,....I'd need several.

[@chrisolivo6591]

If modern PSA 9’s are = to raw, then it’s even more a reason for raw collectors to buy them. Think about it this way, would you want in your PC (for the same price) a card in a card saver or a PSA 9 slab? That’s why i like modern PSA 9 cards because you are essentially paying raw prices like we did back in the day, but the card is authenticated and encapsulated.

[@MidLifeCards]

I agree.

[@Politano1955]

Question: Have you ever considered taking a break from collecting for awhile? I did that recently for about three months. No card shows. No e-bay. Nothing. I was starting to get a bit overwhelmed because I was so into the joy of the hobby it was taking over other priorities in my life. I went back totally refreshed and I was like a kid in a candy store again.

[@ACD1994]

That's a good question.

[@MidLifeCards]

Great question. I'll put this on my list and share my thoughts on it soon!!

[@HighPopProfessor]

Hi Graig! Longtime watcher, first time question-asker here! Iconic Al and I were having a discussion in one of our “Brothers’ Duo” episodes the other day and we would like to pose this 2-part question to you: - As a percentage, how complete is your collection in terms of volume? - As a percentage, how complete is your collection in terms of value? We look forward to hearing you wax eloquent about this one! Thanks!

[@MidLifeCards]

I look forward to sharing my thoughts on this. And, I texted your bro this morning. Your episode this weekend is an absolutely masterpiece of brainstorming and curation.

[@HighPopProfessor]

@@MidLifeCards Awesome! Glad you enjoyed the conversation!

[@ACD1994]

I have a question I wanted to ask. Since you answered 2 of my questions in this Q&A. I don't mind waiting. One of my dad's hobbies he had, in addition to collecting baseball cards was, however coin collecting, Mainly vintage silver, since it's affordable, and much less expensive than buying gold. He has periodically given to me some of those coins, and has tried to convince me that coin collecting, is a fun hobby too. I'm wondering, if you and your dad, or maybe like, a grandparent or uncle ever collected coins in your family whether that be gold and/or silver? How would you compare and contrast the gold and silver versus the sport card market, and if you think collecting precious metals (not the PMG's), are a safer ''investment'' than sport cards? Thanks, Graig.

[@MidLifeCards]

Interesting question, and my answer my surprise you. I'll share my thoughts on it soon.

[@RL3sports]

Fun stuff Graig. Thank you. I have a question for you, if you dont mind my getting personal. What are the chances Lucy spares your wallet and gets a soccer scholarship? Are we gonna see her play with Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson?

[@MidLifeCards]

LOL. Lucy is VERY good, but she's not THAT good. She has several colleges that she has been in contact with . The hard part is she wants to make sure she's going to the right college, and not just one that wants her. The local Junior Colleges also really want her, so there's a chance she may stay home for two years and play there first.

[@Brad-mj3tg]

I would get the two iconic ‘51 Bowman rookies with my $100K settling for a lower Mantle to get a higher Mays. Great takes as always.

[@MidLifeCards]

Two great choices!!

[@SplendidSports]

This is my favorite episode you’ve done.

[@ACD1994]

2 of the 5 questions were my own. Can I take 40 percent the credit?

[@MidLifeCards]

LOL.

[@MidLifeCards]

Adam- If you were running for President of the United States, I would vote for you. True story.

[@bretiverson4698]

Free and clear Graig and wife approved:100,000 grand: Babe Ruth 33, Lou Gehrig 33, Mantle 51 Bowman, Ted Williams, 68 Ryan, 54 Aaron: Graded 3 to 8 if lower graded cards I might get a PeeWee 53 Bowman and rookie Banks, Clemente.

[@MidLifeCards]

Really great choices there!!

[@cineM4RL]

Hey Graig, I think you maybe missed the last questioner’s point… (or maybe I did) I think they were asking would you buy a double of it… not, “would you replace it” necessarily. This happens to me, once you have a honed sense of something’s value, you notice when the deal is really too good to pass up, even if you have one. I bought a second curt flood rookie last month because the price was just too good. I already have one in the same grade, but I felt like I had to rescue the other one when it looks so good and brings my dollar cost average down by $150. 😅

[@ACD1994]

Hey, that was one of my questions. Yeah. But I think Graig, understood the question. He said that he will never buy a second Ernie Banks rookie card. I believe it. Not everyone needs 18 Robin Yount rookie cards. Dylan, might have more than that. Not quite sure.

[@MidLifeCards]

It's possible....but I think he was mostly asking if I'd ever replace it or want a double. Ultimately, I'm not interested in either.

[@DaveEveringham-fq2hw]

Very impressive, sensible, impressive takes on you're collecting strategy! I always enjoy seeing you and your dad at the local card shows! My parents were both educators. A huge responsibility! Your takes and videos are very responsible as well! See you at the September 14th show. Dave.

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks so much. I'm planning on attending on September 14.

[@ACD1994]

Hi Graig, it was great seeing your dad appear on your KZbin channel, and am glad that's he's going to be a semi-regular guest. However, you have mentioned before you, you have a brother that has been in, but sounds like, mostly out of the hobby. Though he had went to, a card show along with your dad and yourself. I was wondering, if your MidLife in real life, bro. Will ever make an appearance on the channel. Is he a living in the California (sun), son. What are his thoughts on KZbin if he's a a viewer too, and, what are his thoughts on the current state of the hobby? Would he also rather have a Goudey Babe Ruth over $10,000 dollars? Will we be seeing any other of your family members pop up on the channel as well? Megan, made a brief appearance a long time ago. How many sofas do you have ready and available for the Miller family therapy sessions? Great video. Thanks, Graig.

[@MidLifeCards]

He does live in California. I certainly could have him on sometime. Definitely something to think about.

[@DonOlszewski-th1ir]

Graig, I really enjoy watching the Q&A videos you put out. Your listeners should know, you always give a level headed fair answer. Your Chanel is very good at sharing information to new collectors and seasoned collectors alike. Keep going, it’s really fun to watch and read the comments and opinions of your followers. Incredible diversity in this hobby.

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks my friend. That means a lot.

[@jasonconte2674]

Spending $100k? Mid-grade of 8 cards: 33 Goudey Full Body Ruth($15k), 33 Goudey Gehrig($10k), 49 Leaf Jackie($15k), 52 Topps Jackie($10k), 52 Topps Mays($5k), 51 Bowman Mantle($20k), 54 Topps Aaron($5k), 84 Star Jordan($20k)

[@MidLifeCards]

Great choices!!

[@ACD1994]

Graig, thanks for answering 2 of my questions! I have had my KZbin channel for over 14 years. I probably was, on KZbin before that. However, when I first created this channel I was not quite 21 years of age. Now, I'm 35. Life goes fast. So yeah. Part of it is, concern (well) my concern for burnout, but also missing out on the 'real' life part. Though it sounds like you, have your priorities straight. For the most part; which is great. You've had a successful 23 months. Though I've been here for a very long time, and could speak on the ways that, KZbin has impacted me. The good and the bad. But it's not really the technology part, right? It's me. I'm the problem.

[@MidLifeCards]

LOL. I totally respect that you don't want to produce videos. Seriously. I get it.

[@ACD1994]

@@MidLifeCards I've produced videos before. Deleted them all. And they say everything on the Internet lasts forever. Haha. This was really just meant to be a burner account.

[@Brian-pf7qq]

Right now I am targeting Red Man tobacco cards, and 59 fleer Ted Williams within my budget. But if i see cards of HOF that i don't have in good shape within my budget i will grab it.

[@MidLifeCards]

I love Red Man cards. They're gorgeous.

[@3gslabs483]

Here is one of the oddest questions you may have gotten in some time....its a mind blower!! This question is for the investor/seller side of the hobby rather than the collector side. As most of us know by now Greg Morris items being sold on eBay sell for a huge premium. The items being sold by them with the condition "nm-mt or better" go for a ridiculous premium. Here is my crazy question. I have some graded cards from the 1960s that are in PSA 8 holders. Would I be absolutely crazy to crack them and consign them with Greg Morris? I have been watching some raw cards and with the title stated earlier go for double the value of an 8! I cant believe I am even asking this because I know it sounds absolutely insane but it actually makes money sense. If you dare tackle this one...thanks!

[@MidLifeCards]

I think this is a super interesting question. I certain have opinions and will share them in a Q and A video soon!!

[@mrmjmiller]

Solid choices for your $100,000 investment.

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks. I like them too...but there are so many great choices, I could easily change my answer and still be happy. LOL.

[@RatedRookie]

Great stuff. Graig’s sage advice: tie down that unicorn in your living room!

[@MidLifeCards]

LOL. I can promise you...if I ever have a unicorn in my living room. I'm tying it up.

[@RatedRookie]

@@MidLifeCards 😂

[@Jimmycardcollector]

On the $100k exercise- surprised you didn’t mention a try for a Honus Wagner playing days card?

[@MidLifeCards]

That would be a great choice, too!!

[@jasonnorm]

Agree on the who’s who. I’m focusing on Ruth, Aaron, Mays, Jackie, and Teddy

[@MidLifeCards]

GREAT choices.

[@BringingTheHeat-VBC]

very nice core burrito, tier 1. Can't go wrong.

[@SportsCardJungle]

These Q&A's are great and important for the hobby with your openness and rational train of thought. I would also diversify my $100K, but between vintage and modern, acquiring cards for long term value as well as cards of players that I love who were or at the top of their game. I would go after of Babe Ruth, Jim Brown, Frank Thomas (1990 Topps No Name On Front), Tom Brady, Michael Jordan, and Shohei Ohtani (generational talent in hitting and pitching).

[@MidLifeCards]

Appreciate that a log. I totally get your choices. Ruth and Jim Brown are legends. As are Brady and Jordan.

[@SammyThunder]

The $100,000 distribution, you mentioned, was answered with investing as the focal point. The cards you selected were good selections, but are these the first cards you'd want as a collector if you were buying $100,000 of cards? I know deep down anything in our PC is an investment for the future. Some might hand their collections down to their kids and some might sell it in the future. However, given that there's no guarantee of a promising ROI, I'd have to invest $100,000 in other proven avenues. Not to say that you can't have a little fun with some of that money on some cards. I know this was all hypothetical, so I just thought I'd share some thoughts.

[@MidLifeCards]

No doubt. And it’s a super intriguing question. Personally, I’d love to have 100k for cards, but if I were to do it strictly for an investment, I’d probably invest my money in the market. But for cards, I think these are some of the better options…at least off the top of my head.

[@ACollectorsDream]

Another great video, thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences.

[@MidLifeCards]

Thanks, Orlando. I always appreciate you and all you do for the community.

[@RipFan8]

Hi Graig. Great stuff as always. Great pick of cards on the how to spend 100K question. Those were the first 2 guys that came to my mind also, even though there are many more guys that could be chosen. Thanks for sharing my friend, talk soon pal.

[@MidLifeCards]

You're putting together a pretty amazing collection of Jackies!!

[@360stockflips]

If I didn't end up with 1 or both of Joe jackson, and Ty Cobb Cracker Jack cards after buying 100k worth of cards I don't think I could look at myself in the mirror.

[@MidLifeCards]

That's a fair point. I may need to rethink this.

[@peterb4871]

Great you pointed out that some cards you have very nice memories and emotions attached to them and would never upgrade/downgrade. That is the way I feel. Some you know exactly when and where you were when you bought them.

[@MidLifeCards]

100% Those are the most special cards.

[@cryptonite8495]

(Hand raised) Hey Mr. Miller! Isn't hemisphere more appropriate than stratosphere in that context? There's only one stratosphere, unless you're taking about two planets.

[@MidLifeCards]

I thought stratosphere was how high vs low and hemisphere was left vs right.

[@cryptonite8495]

@@MidLifeCards Hemisphere can be left vs. right, and it can also be above the equator vs. below. Half of the Earth, however you want to slice it. Stratosphere is a layer of the Earth's atmosphere, between the troposphere and mesosphere.

[@timothyniesen4879]

Graig, I noticed on a FB card sale site that a Mr. Mann is offering a grade one Jack Robinson 52 Topps for $5,000. Would you purchase this card?

[@MidLifeCards]

I appreciate you thinking about me....but after the national and a couple of recent purchases, my budget is close to zero.

[@billyballgamesportscards]

Another awesome QnO Graig, thanks for answering my question! I have the same problem you do. I want so many cards I don't know what to buy! I think a lot of time, the right cards just find you. I think that's why I also collect by year and not player also. Collecting by year takes the thought process out of it for me. I don't have to decide who do I want to do the player run on? Whitey Ford or Din Drysdale? Thanks as always, my friend!

[@MidLifeCards]

As a Yankee fan, I say Whitey. :-)

[@billyballgamesportscards]

@@MidLifeCards That's why I go by year! I don't have to decide! Thinking is not my strong suit!

[@BringingTheHeat-VBC]

@@billyballgamesportscards"Thinking is not my strong suit!". Join the club.

[@billyballgamesportscards]

@@BringingTheHeat-VBC 🤣 I'm happy to know I have company Mike!

[@cryptonite8495]

I think I would get a couple fewer Ruths and add some early Mantles, such as 52 Bowman and 53 Topps, and have some left over for an early Mays or decent Aaron rookie. But your interest has shifted from the Golden Era to Pre-War, so I understand your choices.

[@MidLifeCards]

Can't go wrong with any of those guys.

[@BringingTheHeat-VBC]

I mostly would diversify....10 for 10, is where I like to live,🤣

[@BringingTheHeat-VBC]

glad the 110K question wasn't for me, 🤣🤣😂Great advice as usual. Regarding BVG/BGS, I'm a strong pass these days for FREE. I'm not trying to get something for nothing these days. That's just me. Too many bad experiences with BVG. Chances are the card won't "grade" AT ALL with either company, even if you break it out. AND the old slabs are mostly horrendous and crack easily. I('m out on the bargains. Have lost way too many times trying to be a hero. You generally get what you pay for in life and cards are no exception, IMHO.

[@MidLifeCards]

LOL. Your comments ALWAYS make me laugh and smile.

[@jdgjhn1]

Does this mean my Flawless, Downtown, Kaboom Panini sandwich isn’t valuable anymore? When this ridiculous bubble bursts on modern a lot of people are going to be left holding the bag.

[@MidLifeCards]

Feels like a lot of money is being passed back and forth for the new flavor of the month.

[@timothyniesen4879]

Graig, this was part of your question, not in reality.

[@MidLifeCards]

I'm not sure I understand.

[@timothyniesen4879]

In reference to your question in your column, would you buy the $5,000 Robinson? Perhaps you would want a better one.

[@jerrelbean]

I would go with some of the prewar hof pitchers like Johnson Mathewson ect

[@MidLifeCards]

Those are some great choices. Can't go wrong with either.