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matfanofold
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- Aug 10, 2008
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In an attempt to offer something a bit out of the ordinary, I present to you for consideration the inaugural edition of what I am going to call the “Five for Five” list. The premise is simple, you are looking to start a new player collection, have $500 to throw down, and want 5 nice cards to start with. What should you get? Hopefully this, and all subsequent ‘Five for Five’ player lists will offer a bit of direction, and at the very least, something to discuss…
1. 1989 Upper Deck RC
This is somewhat of a no brainer, every Griffey Jr collection/collector should have one but with untold millions of them out there I would consider separating the wheat from the chaff and getting a BGS 9.5. Not only to add a bit of respective rarity but also to ensure you are getting a quality copy. This should run you no more than $150 with a bit of looking
2. 1997 Upper Deck Game Jersey Ken Griffey Jr
This particular card (and set) is a landmark in our hobby. It is one of the most sought after ‘Game Used’ sets and the Griffey is the key card to own. As such it is heavily collected and carries a steep value with respect to traditional jersey cards. This card is a foundation to build a nice Griffey PC around. A nice copy can be found in the $225 range if you keep an eye out.
3. 2005 Upper Deck Origins Autograph
No Griffey Jr Collection could, or would, be complete without at least one nice autograph and the 2005 Upper Deck Origins on card offering is as good as it gets. The design is clean and the vintage feel really makes the Griffey on card auto stand out as something a bit different than the slew of other pack pulled offerings to date. You will not break the bank here either as you can expect to find a clean copy for about 40 bucks!
4. 1997 Pinnacle Certified Mirror Red
Hardly any part of our hobby is in more demand than the rarer 1990’s inserts and no Griffey Jr personal collection starter kit would be worth its weight in salt without one. The Pinnacle Certified Mirror Red offers a good balance of demand for a reasonable value. A clean copy could run you upwards of $40 and instantly adds a bit of credibility to the collection out of the gate!
5. 2008 UD Sweet Spot Bat Barrel Auto /230
Last we have a super nice 2008 UD Sweet Spot Bat Barrel Auto to round off the Five for Five list. Sweet Spot autographs are/were a staple of our hobby for years and some of the finest examples were autographed by the Kid himself. At the current price it is a injustice for any Griffey collector not to have one for the collection. A bit of shopping can land you this beauty for under $50!
So there we have it, a legitimate start to a formidable Ken Griffey Jr PC. Five cards and $500 down, and we have already checked off a few must haves as well as covered a lot of bases with regards to era(s). I hope you all enjoyed the inaugural installment and keep an eye out for more ‘Five for Five’ list’s in the near future!
*Disclaimer: No cards listed above are actually for sale by me, refrenced for entertainment purpose only.
'Five for Five' – Ken Griffey Jr
1. 1989 Upper Deck RC
2. 1997 Upper Deck Game Jersey Ken Griffey Jr
3. 2005 Upper Deck Origins Autograph
4. 1997 Pinnacle Certified Mirror Red
5. 2008 UD Sweet Spot Bat Barrel Auto /230
So there we have it, a legitimate start to a formidable Ken Griffey Jr PC. Five cards and $500 down, and we have already checked off a few must haves as well as covered a lot of bases with regards to era(s). I hope you all enjoyed the inaugural installment and keep an eye out for more ‘Five for Five’ list’s in the near future!
*Disclaimer: No cards listed above are actually for sale by me, refrenced for entertainment purpose only.
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