I Picked Up Another Grail Sports Card At An Insanely Low Price! What Now?

Use code JWH for 10% off at www.thepennysleever.com/
Today's sports cards mail day included some TTM autograph returns, a suspect Hall of Fame rookie autograph, and a grail card. What will I do now with the grail card?
Sign up for my FREE weekly sports card recap newsletter! junkwaxhero.beehiiv.com/subsc...
If you want to support my channel, you can sign up for a $2/month membership:
/ @junkwaxhero
Follow me on Instagram: / junk.wax.hero
And Twitter: / junkwaxhero79
My eBay store:
www.ebay.com/usr/mikejwh
My COMC store:
www.comc.com/Users/thejunkwax...
#sportscards​ #tradingcards​ #baseballcards

[@JunkWaxHero]

What would you do with the Ryan?

[@brentdesroches7580]

I would do the exact same thing you are doing. $75 bucks for the Nolan auto is still a good price. I’m actually heading down somewhat near you tomorrow - spending an evening in Augusta. Any card shops around there?

[@jonyrodz]

I'd crack it get it autographed through his foundation then send it to PSA but I would only want the autograph and card authenticated,I wouldn't ask for a PSA Grade because it may come back with a (MC) Miscut qualifier which I personally don't like!

[@JunkWaxHero]

@@brentdesroches7580 not really that I know of. I’ve heard that there’s a coin shop that might have some cards but it sounds sketchy. Big card show in Augusta Saturday. Have fun in Maine!

[@brentdesroches7580]

@@JunkWaxHero thanks. Only there for one night then driving to Massachusetts. However I’ll be back in Augusta later on Saturday for the trip home so I may check out the card show - thanks for the tip!

[@captainj1336]

I would take it out of the case and then ask Nolan Ryan and Jerry Koosman to sign it. Then I would send the card to PSA to get the card and autos graded together on the same slab. If you have never cracked a card out of a case before and are nervous about doing it, maybe you can have somebody else do it that has done it many times before.

[@user-zd7ps7do8k]

Nice grail. Those CSG slabs just look amazing.

[@LastOfTheRockStars]

I've never attempted cracking a slab, but in all the videos I've watched, it looks like a violent process. I was thinking the best thing to do is run it through a band saw around the perimeter. Granted, not everyone has a band saw, but I think it would go through the plastic like butter. I wonder if anyone has tried this. Also, would PSA allow you to send it in the current slab, or do they insist on cards being raw?

[@JunkWaxHero]

I can’t get it autographed if I don’t remove it from the slab

[@mozzie22]

I've sent to Ryan's foundation and it was quick and professional. That being said, once you get it back, resubmit it to Cgc/JSA. Those Cgc slabs are fantastic and look so much better than PSA.

[@JunkWaxHero]

I am definitely going to test them out with something…

[@jpacrylicstudio145]

I don't understand why Wade Boggs signed over the best part of the cards. The Sanberg looks fantastic! The Ryan Rookie was a great deal! I have no issues with case break to get the autograph, but I wouldn't send it to PSA. I would send it to SGC. Ryan would look better in a "Tuxedo!" I trust SGC more than PSA to give it a proper grade/evaluation.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Thanks. Unfortunately SGC doesn’t authenticate autographs.

[@basementcardcollector]

Great cards, Mike! Love the Sandberg diamond King! Dogs are cool too! Sweet deal on the Nolan rookie!! Jerry Kuzman also signs TTM I believe…. It would be super cool to get it autographed, and then slabbed! Good luck man.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Thanks!

[@pauloadams6330]

Not that it would add huge value, but Jerry Koosman was also a respectable pitcher. It would be cool to get it double autographed.

[@jchcollins]

Fantastic card in the Ryan, and sounds like an even more fantastic deal. This card is probably my #2 card all time - we are roughly the same age, I think (I was born in '77) and as a kid growing up in the late 80's and early 90's there was NOTHING more desirable in the cardboard world than a Nolan Ryan rookie card. I've had other copies of it here and there in my collecting career, but my current copy is one I found raw at my LCS a tad more than 5 years ago. Paid a fair price I thought (at the time) of $420. Sent it off to SGC, where it got a 5. That one needless to say is in my forever keep pile. Congrats! I would have no qualms about sending that off to his foundation. They are fairly reputable. I'm not an auto guy, so did not feel the need to do that with mine.

[@JunkWaxHero]

$420 is a good buy for that!

[@Whaler87]

Congrats on the Ryan Rookie! It was a childhood gift for me over 40 years ago. I think you should crack it. Would you consider cracking it on camera?

[@JunkWaxHero]

Haaa probably not. My one time cracking a slab was on camera and it’s pretty hilarious

[@BigRedOne1978]

Any advice on how to submit to Ryans foundation? Like card prep, packaging, suppling my own pen/sharpie? I've never done a TTM card auto. Maybe you could do a video on how you submit your cards. Just a thought

[@JunkWaxHero]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWPdmqWfhshonaM

[@lesliesmith5661]

I would crack it and send it to his foundation for him to sign and then send it in to be graded. Nice pick up.

[@madcitybrew]

Great Nolan R. card and best of luck but I would never crack a graded card. I hope the card isn't damage when returned and you get the same grade or better.

[@4tuneagent]

Got the Seaver rookie, but never got the '68 Ryan, when buying cards as a kid in the late 60's, early 70's. I was fortunate that my Mom never threw them out later on. I have the '69,'70, and '71 Ryan's. Do you think I should send one to the foundation? I've always been reluctant to send cards through the mail, so none of my originals are graded. It's amazing that they've survived all these years in pretty decent condition, and I know they need to be protected. Great score on the rookie Ryan, by the way!.

[@JunkWaxHero]

If I had the ‘69 I’d get it signed. But I don’t mind mailing my cards.

[@4tuneagent]

Thanks. I think it's worth the risk, considering how great of a pitcher he was..

[@joeschmoe2011]

Great deal on the card. It's hard to tell how much border you have on the Koosman side edge. I'm not sure how much (if any) PSA would knock off for a MC or OC, if they apply in this instance. Also would need to consider the back as well. If PSA comes back as a 3 (MC) then that may be closer to value of a PSA 2 or 1. You may also want to consider just an auto grade. Just my 2 cents worth.

[@mcarp2271]

I had the same thought. That card is OC and may even get an MC from PSA. Careful on the resubmit to PSA. Good luck!!!

[@natthomson6339]

The CGC cat is out of the bag! Their grading is just as good as the other guys, better slab and no PSA brand perception premium. What is not to like?

[@karlcicitto3095]

Great pickup! Great plan going forward w it, too. R U hitting the card shops in Cooperstown this July?

[@JunkWaxHero]

Not going to Cooperstown. Just New England area.

[@mikeschaffer6023]

Nick pickup on the "Ryan Express" RC. If it were me I would leave it in the slab. What is the next card you are looking to get off your grail list?

[@JunkWaxHero]

Ernie Banks rookie!

[@jeffkoll4002]

I would keep it in the CGC slab. I like their slabs much better than most of the others. Only exception for me is TAG slabs, which are crystal clear just like CGC but with a clear, clean labels. However, I am not you. I don’t collect autos, so two big differences we have as collectors. You bought Federer and I got Nadal. You should do what makes you happy!!! Thanks for your videos!!!

[@JunkWaxHero]

Fair enough! But I love Nadal too.

[@jeffkoll4002]

@@JunkWaxHero I also like Federer. I think they were both great players and great people. Even though I don’t collect like you, I really enjoy your channel. Your channel name is a little off, but great content. Thanks!

[@JunkWaxHero]

@@jeffkoll4002 lol thanks Jeff. The channel name is a nod to the hit Foreigner song

[@robbisson1]

Keep the Koosman rookie. I purchased one in the early 80's for $7.00. Also, a '68 Topps Tom Terrific for $12.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Great buys!

[@ronserpico4376]

Hope you will show us the finished Nolan. I would do that too. But I would insure it

[@goldglove23]

Mike, I’m not sure if you know this or not, but when you get a ttm auto from Ryan he puts a sticker of authenticity on it. Don’t know if you mind that or not, but I kind of cringe up when I think about a sticker on the back of an iconic vintage card.

[@JunkWaxHero]

You can request that they leave it off

[@mwmartin04]

Great acquisition with the Ryan Rookie Card. That makes no sense on the eBay Authentication. Every card I’ve received via the eBay Authentication program has been delivered to me via the post office.

[@JunkWaxHero]

I dunno, man

[@mwmartin04]

@@JunkWaxHero Just another oddity/inconsistency with the program.

[@gregwilliams855]

Good luck to you on the card coming back in the same shape. That would be awesome.

[@hamm_bone_hobbies1302]

I love CSG slabs. Ive bewn buying more and more of them.

[@Bostnfn]

I myself would just keep it in the slab. If I were to crack it, I'd send it to SGC - my preferred grader. I just sent his 74 Topps to the foundation. Ryan is def. on my list for next year.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Right on

[@TJ_Is_Online]

What would I do? Def get it signed by Ryan as you mentioned. I just had a 69 Reggie signed card graded by PSA. It came back 3.5 /10. Wasn’t worth the PSA fee ; not cost-effective. If I had a do over, would have 100% waited for CGC w/ JSA.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Interesting!

[@alcoholica1986]

Nolan Ryan Foundation puts a little hologram sticker on the back of the card in case you didn't know or if that makes psa change the process in any way

[@JunkWaxHero]

You can ask them to leave the sticker off. And PSA doesn’t downgrade it if it’s on.

[@danielbernier6095]

Nice 3.5 at a great price. Personally, I would keep it slabbed. But this is Mikes card and Mikes collection. He likes autographed rookie cards for his registry so my mind is made up, go have it autographed.😁

[@JunkWaxHero]

Good call! Thanks Dan 😊

[@djmoonchild01]

When I was in elementary school my Filipino friend Ron had the Ryan Rookie in one of those old hard screw downs looked high grade, said he got it from his grandpa, was crazy cause it was just on the floor like a regular toy😂 I was blown away😂

[@The_Cincinnati_Kid]

Crack it, and when you get it back from the Ryan foundation send it to Koosman if he TTM autographs too.

[@johnmabie5266]

I would get it signed by both Koosman and Ryan!

[@JunkWaxHero]

👀

[@DansVintageBaseballPC]

There’s also a risk with TTM that you get back a different card. That has happened to me twice.

[@JunkWaxHero]

😮

[@jdicke1017]

I sent a card into the Ryan Foundation a few months ago, but I still have not got it back. I can imagine they have a lot of requests haha. That rookie is on my list too! Good grab.

[@JunkWaxHero]

I read on their website that they have a 10-14 week turnaround

[@MasterShake300]

I like to imagine that the "Nolan Ryan Foundation" is just a fancy name for Nolan chained to a desk forever signing memorabilia. I'm pretty sure his voice mail message is just, "I'll sign it!". Lol

[@JunkWaxHero]

lol yup for $75 I would too

[@MasterShake300]

@@JunkWaxHero For sure, that's gotta add up to crazy cash per hour.

[@davidthecardcollector]

Glad to hear that about Nolan Ryan. I have a card I might look at sending him.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Nice! Good luck!

[@dopeatcod7]

Wow great pick up, i would crack the nolan ryan and send it to PSA for sure

[@beansballcardblog]

Congrats on the addition. Always great to add a key card to one's collection. It's been awhile since I've been able to do that.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Thanks Kin! Hopefully soon for you

[@TalkingBallCards]

I love the CGC slabs, BUT, love your plan to get it signed. I have a few things to send Nolan as well. Awesome card man! Congrats!

[@JunkWaxHero]

Thanks!

[@jwwj30]

I agree with your plan Mike, to send the Ryan rookie off to get autographed & then slabbed up by PSA, the value should at least double from your initial investment. I just finished watching all 8 episodes (season 2) of “The King of Collectibles” on Netflix. Thanks again for your recommendation for this very entertaining & educational series. For me, this style of storytelling is what I enjoy most on TV. Now I’ll go back & catch up on season 1.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Nice!

[@jimbobrobertson3285]

I would attach the Nolan to a huge gold chain and wear it around my neck as my Bling Bling chain!

[@JunkWaxHero]

lol

[@danpina2125]

Nice Nolan RC!! And as a fellow breaking bad super fan I love the Vamonos Pest shirt 👊

[@JunkWaxHero]

lol thanks Dan! I’m glad a couple of people recognized it

[@DoubleDvintagebaseballcards]

Awesome Ryan RC one of my all time favorite cards. Congrats Mike. 👊🤙🤙

[@JunkWaxHero]

Thanks Dylan!

[@paulmouradjian6045]

You mentioned the prices have gone up. How much does Biggs charge?

[@JunkWaxHero]

$25 rookie / $20 otherwise

[@DumpsterDivin_Ty]

I'm jealous of that Ryan! Smart choice going the route you did. I'm looking forward to seeing it after it's autographed

[@JunkWaxHero]

Thanks Ty!

[@ASMRPeople]

I think I'd send it to koosman first if he signs & is reliable.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Yeah this is a good idea. He does sign for $10 and he’s pretty reliable.

[@NuthinFancyCollectibles]

Super nice autos. Good luck with the Ryan card.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Thanks!

[@ChasingMajors]

Congrats on the Ryan. It's a big risky move sending it in for an auto. Hope it works out.

[@JunkWaxHero]

You and me both!

[@LetsStormTheTeaCupRide]

That's a classic card, great buy. I would keep it "as is", but if you are sending it in, get a couple of inscriptions. That Helton looks way off to me.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Thanks. Yeah I’m not convinced but it was worth the risk.

[@TJ_Is_Online]

Look at Mike throwing smoke!

[@JunkWaxHero]

Throwing smoke would be getting Koosman’s auto too 👀

[@scottvaughn9]

Congrats on the pickup, Mike! Dig the plan.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Thanks Scott!

[@jimbobrobertson3285]

That’s hilarious Mike! LMAO I’m a Dallas fan too, but congrats to the Druids! Glad you called Mike out, would love to hear his response.

[@davelachey8118]

Nice Ryan RC pickup. I agree with cracking to get the auto. I also have his RC auto. And personally I think his RC looks much better with the auto, it takes your eyes away from what I think is his worst picture on any of his cards.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Yeah good call

[@jimfalkler9361]

Hi Mike. I would crack it and send it off to SGC. I would not get it autographed. Congrats on the purchase, you got a great deal.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Thanks Jim!

[@debragiovine9797]

I would just keep the card in the slab. Only because I’m a card purist,,, not so much into autograph baseball cards.

[@salr2875]

Great score on the Ryan . People likely nervous due to seller low feedback . Sure is risky to mail it out. I’d be nervous and just crack & send to PSA . GL

[@JunkWaxHero]

Thank you!

[@TommyC713]

That Ryan card is a beaut, as is the slab. Personally, I'd cherish it just the way it is. Full disclosure though, I'm not an auto guy unless I'm actually getting to meet the athlete. I never understood paying for scribbles on a card/comic and not getting to physically meet the person, but, different strokes for different folks and all that 😅

[@JunkWaxHero]

See, I have no interest in meeting them! Different strokes is right 😊

[@TommyC713]

@JunkWaxHero For sure man! Congrats again on the card. It'll be amazing whichever way you decide.

[@BaseballCollector]

I am here Mike. Congrats to the Celtics.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Thanks Mike! Fun series. I still love Luka. What an amazing player.

[@jd66cards]

Great deal!

[@bobo44donemilking51]

Great buy

[@samhill93]

Congrats on the Celtics title! 🎉 awesome pickups- the HOF RC Auto category is a pretty cool one. Glad to see you add the Helton and hopefully the Koosman too 🤞🏼 I would do the same thing as you. Good luck, Mike!

[@JunkWaxHero]

Thanks Sam!

[@in2rock275]

If a TTM card comes back and you send it in for authentication and it's not, how does that affect the grade of the card...or do they even grade it? I would think sending it to Ryan's Foundation you would get a legit auto because if it comes back as non-legit, you'd have a lot of unhappy customers.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Yeah Ryan’s are always authenticated. But if the auto is not authenticated, the card won’t get graded.

[@Xstatic26x]

That Helton is legit and boy it is a beauty.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Thank you!!

[@commentingcollector]

Great plan/ strategy for your big boy Ryan. I'm looking forward to following the journey. Good Collecting! ps. What's the status of your All/time top ten lists across different card categories project, Did I miss it ?

[@JunkWaxHero]

Coming soon!

[@randyworden5232]

Beautiful Ryan...a 3.5????? Much better unless I can't see something. I would have Ryan autograph an 80s card to build some value. P.S. as a Milwaukee fan I'm conceding the East to Boston for five years until they do a total rebuild around Giannis. He may run out of patience there. He needs a Jalen Brown type to run with.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Yeah Boston has a shot to win a few.

[@cryptonite8495]

I'm not a fan of getting grail cards autographed. Reholdering, yes, as that will significantly boost the value. I'm very envious of your $350 deal.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Thanks!

[@ACollectorsDream]

Awesome Ryan rookie card, congrats.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Thanks Orlando!

[@franciscoortiz818]

I guess you know some Spanish? Would’ve like to see the rest of your shirt. Or does it just say vamonos. That’s a beautiful slab but personally I prefer psa.

[@JunkWaxHero]

It’s a Breaking Bad shirt that says “Vamonos Pest.” And yes, I took 6 years of Spanish as a teenager so I know quite a bit but it’s very rusty 25 years later.

[@joeschmoe2011]

question - is there a website somewhere that lists all the retired MLB players (former stars and semi-stars/regional players) where a card can be sent to be autographed?

[@JunkWaxHero]

Sports collectors dot net

[@JunkWaxHero]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWPdmqWfhshonaM

[@raouldelacruz9677]

What are those sleeves that your mailed cards are in?

[@JunkWaxHero]

Go to Amazon and search for 120 Cardboard Sleeves Folded Flat Vending 3" x 4.5" Sports Card Folders Mail Shipping Stiffeners Insert

[@raouldelacruz9677]

@@JunkWaxHero do you add the little corner holders yourself?

[@JunkWaxHero]

@@raouldelacruz9677 yes but those are photo corners also purchased on Amazon

[@michaelthibault4326]

It’s going to come back as altered from PSA.

[@oarancards4443]

Keep it in the slab period

[@paulmouradjian6045]

Is the card actually graded by CGC? Did you check the control #?

[@JunkWaxHero]

I did

[@DarinsCards]

Fun video, nice pickups

[@JunkWaxHero]

Thanks!

[@homeroscollection]

Nice nolan. Congrats.

[@JunkWaxHero]

Thanks!

[@homeroscollection]

@@JunkWaxHero you are welcome, you got a great value (not cheap) for your money on that card. Also, thanks for the information on Nolan singing cards. That was very good information.

[@tothetop-omaid]

I’d put it in an SGC slab after it gets signed.

[@JunkWaxHero]

They don’t authenticate autographs

[@tothetop-omaid]

@@JunkWaxHero ahh good to know, thank you

[@mickeyshea8013]

CELTICS !!

[@JunkWaxHero]

☘️☘️☘️

[@brentdesroches7580]

Love the shirt!

[@JunkWaxHero]

Thanks Brent! IYKYK

[@carlmohr9941]

You're moving up with the heavy hitters! My only question is, are you going to get the 51 Bowman or the 52 Topps Mantle autographed card? Still the smoothest sponsorship on the platform!

[@JunkWaxHero]

Haha thanks Carl! I’m much more likely to get the 1953 Topps Mantle since it’s far more affordable.

[@paulmouradjian6045]

The transaction sounds a bit to good to be true. Not doubting you but the seller seemed way to quick....almost wonder if that card is stolen. Just saying. That quick taking the first offer is a red flag.

[@TheBiggestHurt35]

Sorry if this sounds petty, but if you pay for an autograph, shouldn’t they know not to sign right over their own face?! They really don’t appeal to me, just my 2 cents. Also, please please don’t send that Ryan to PSA. They’ll butcher it.

[@mellegacy6507]

R😅