Welcome to Sports Cards Insider – FREE Version.
We’re trying out a new format this week. Fewer words, fewer emails, more actionable info, other ways to invest in the athletes, and a weekly trading update to compliment this rundown of IPOs.
This week, we’re covering investment opportunities for three iconic baseball players. Read on for coverage of their IPO drops on Collectable as well as a few self-directed investment opportunities for each:
- Roberto Clemente 1955 Topps PSA 8
- Mickey Mantle 1951 Bowman PSA 8
- Jackie Robinson 1948 Leaf PSA 7
Insiders get one dedicated email for each asset with more analysis, comps, and full valuations. We also give the AA Verdict for each card: a straight up Yes or No.
Table of Contents
Roberto Clemente 1955 Topps PSA 8
About the asset
This is Roberto Clemente’s rookie card from the 1955 Topps set. Graded PSA 8, it’s one of just 123. Very difficult to find in good nick, there are only twelve higher-graded versions of the card. The 1955 Topps is his most popular and sought-after rookie card.
This card has appreciated nearly 100% over the last twelve months.
About the drop
This asset will drop on Collectable on 18th May at 8pm. From then, there will be around two months lockup before trading begins on a daily basis.
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About the athlete
Originally from Puerto Rico, Roberto Clemente is widely considered the best latin american player of all time. He posted a lifetime .317 batting average, .973 fielding percentage, and had a record 254 assists from right field. He didn’t really hit his stride until 1960, which perhaps explains the relative scarcity of high-quality Clemente rookie cards.
The fifteen-time All Star won 12 golden gloves and two world series rings over his eighteen-year career.
He was tragically killed in a plane crash while delivering humanitarian aid to Nicaragua in 1972. He was elected to the Hall of Fame posthumously in 1973.
Recent sales history and Valuation
Inferred value is $50k to $100k
It’s currently at auction with Goldin set to end 22 May 2021.
Other ways to invest
Roberto Clemente cards are up an average of 30% over the last six months. Here are a few investment opportunities for his cards at different price points:
- 1958 Topps Roberto Clemente PSA 8: $345
- 2020 Topps Project 2020 Roberto Clemente by Mister Cartoon: $310
- 1966 Topps Roberto Clemente PSA 8: $1,950
Mickey Mantle 1951 Bowman PSA 8
About the asset
This is the only recognised rookie card for Mickey Mantle. Mantle is, in turn, the most widely collected sportsman in the hobby. There are 53 reported PSA 8s with only ten graded higher.
The card itself features Mantle with fluffy clouds in the distance. It’s iconic and really quite beautiful.
This card has increased more than 3x over the last twelve months.
About the drop
This asset will drop on Collectable on 19th May at 8pm. From then, there will be around two months lockup before trading begins on a daily basis.
Add IPO to calendar
About the athlete
Mantle, while not actually a top-ten baseball player, is the most widely collected figure in the hobby. You can read more about him here.
Recent sales history and Valuation
Inferred value is $500k to $650k.
It’s currently at auction with Goldin set to end 22 May 2021.
Other ways to invest
Mickey Mantle cards are up an average of 54% over the last year. Here are a few investment opportunities for Mickey Mantle at different price points:
- 1964 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA 4: $500
- 1958 Topps Mickey Mantle & Hank Aaron WS Batting Foes: $239
- 1967 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA 3: $349
- 1953 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA 2: $3,500
- 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle SGC 7: $1.5m
Jackie Robinson 1948 Leaf PSA 7
About the asset
This is Jackie Robinson’s “one true rookie card,” and it’s a beauty. There are 74 PSA 7 cards available with 49 graded higher.
The 1948 Leaf set was the first to appear in colour after the war, and the card pays the price for this a bit. The Robinson rookie typically suffers from poor print quality and colour.
A PSA 8 version of this card IPO’ed on Rally early February for $375k.
This card has more than 5x over the last twelve months.
About the drop
This asset will drop on Collectable on 21st May at 8pm. From then, there will be around two months lockup before trading begins on a daily basis.
Add IPO to calendar
About the athlete
Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play in the MLB, paving the way for everyone who came after him. You can read more about him here.
Recent sales history and Valuation
Inferred value is $250k to $350k
It’s currently at auction with Goldin set to end 22 May 2021.
Other ways to invest
Jackie Robinson cards are up an average of 54% over the last year. Here are a few investment opportunities at different price points:
