Albert Pujols Bowman Chromes - How's the market?

[naysayer]

Ever since I sold a beautiful one for $260 9 years ago, I've regretted that. More than any other card I've ever sold.

Well I'm wondering where they market places them at now, graded mint. $3K? $4K? More?

I'd also like everyone's opinion on how these cards will be selling when Pujols retires and/or gets into the HOF. It's clearly the rookie card of this generation...so where is the ceiling at for this card?

thanks!
Brian

 

[bodiaz]

I think it is a terrible investment right now. As soon as he is busted for HGH or steroids, the bottom will drop out. Then it will be time to buy. Eventually people will realize that the drugs do not make that big of a difference anyway. Once that time finally comes, the cards will go back up.

 

[Topnotchsy]

The card has remained in the $3000 range +/- for a few years now and as you mention, is iconic. It is hard to say what it might sell for down the line. A lot will depend on the economy as well as where he ends up. Depending on how long he maintains his level of play, we are talking about a player who could wind up in the discussion for best player of all time. At this time, his popularity has not really transcended the sport, but if he passes 3000 hits and 500 homers (especially if he hits 3500-4000 hits and 600-700 homers) I imagine he will get global attention, and if that happens, the demand could increase to a whole new market. On the other hand, he may slow does sooner than that and the $3000 may be where it remains (or it may soften a little.)

It would not shock me if it became a $5000 card or so down the line, but I don't see it moving any time too soon.

 

[Topnotchsy]

I think it is a terrible investment right now. As soon as he is busted for HGH or steroids, the bottom will drop out. Then it will be time to buy. Eventually people will realize that the drugs do not make that big of a difference anyway. Once that time finally comes, the cards will go back up.

Would love to understand the circular reasoning here. You imply he must be on steroids, presumably because his performance, then state that over time people will come around because "drugs do not make that big of a difference anyway." If so, why would you assume he is using them?

 

[craiger122003]

Why you always hating? I bet if he were on your team you would be on your knees no?

I think it is a terrible investment right now. As soon as he is busted for HGH or steroids, the bottom will drop out. Then it will be time to buy. Eventually people will realize that the drugs do not make that big of a difference anyway. Once that time finally comes, the cards will go back up.

 

[Krom]

Ever since I sold a beautiful one for $260 9 years ago, I've regretted that. More than any other card I've ever sold.

Well I'm wondering where they market places them at now, graded mint. $3K? $4K? More?

I'd also like everyone's opinion on how these cards will be selling when Pujols retires and/or gets into the HOF. It's clearly the rookie card of this generation...so where is the ceiling at for this card?

thanks!
Brian

Thats rough. I hope you find a nice one for a good price. I sold a 2001 Ultimate Ichiro way too early in 02 so i know partially how you feel, but they are pricey cards. It will only go away when you buy another.

 

[naysayer]

Which card would everyone rather have?

BGS 9 Pujols Bowman Chrome auto

or

BGS 9.5 Jordan Fleer RC

Jordan's sells for maybe a grand more than the Pujols....but maybe Pujols has higher long term potential? Maybe more risk?

thought I'd throw this out there....thoughts?

 

[Codasco07]

From a purely investment standpoint, I think there are other RC AUs that would offer a much higher ROI. If you want an on-card auto, Elite TOCs can be had for just over 1K. Those are gorgeous and limited to 100. Donruss Signature Series (stickers) in good condition are still underpriced IMO. I'm not sure why the chrome is so desired- the autograph space is tiny and there are 500 of them. I realize Bowman Chrome is the top brand, but there are at least 5 more desirable RC AUs IMO. If I had to sell cards, the chrome would be one of the first to go.

 

[beefycheddar]

I'd take a Jordan over Pujols. Jordan is in Babe Ruth status, Albert is not.

 

[Topnotchsy]

From a purely investment standpoint, I think there are other RC AUs that would offer a much higher ROI. If you want an on-card auto, Elite TOCs can be had for just over 1K. Those are gorgeous and limited to 100. Donruss Signature Series (stickers) in good condition are still underpriced IMO. I'm not sure why the chrome is so desired- the autograph space is tiny and there are 500 of them. I realize Bowman Chrome is the top brand, but there are at least 5 more desirable RC AUs IMO. If I had to sell cards, the chrome would be one of the first to go.

IMO the Chrome has become iconic, and therefore plays by a different set of rules than the rest of his cards. When people outside the hobby (with loads of money) want to pick up a Pujols, this is where they'll go (in the way that when I was considering buying into Tiger, the only card I really looked at was his 2001 SP Authentic.)

 

[piggy1918]

Odd Pujols listing I just saw...
http://cgi.ebay.com/2001-ALBERT-PUJOLS- ... 114wt_1139

He says, "this is a beautiful rare pujols bowman rc auto. bid now or forever miss out on this card. free shipping to whoever wins" then at the very bottom in TINY print puts "or 5 rc jersey/auto's". The picture was of a BGS 9.5 Pujols Chrome auto, absolutely stunning card that could probably fetch $5k. Now I know why it only went for $1500... there's gonna be one unhappy Ebayer when he gets the package in the mail.

 

[hofautos]

It really depends on how his career goes.
Will it be cut short due to injury(s).
How long before he "poops out".
If he can stick around long enough to break major records, it could go up still.

I personally believe, due to his build and questionable age, that he may not break any major records and that he will go down in history as one of the greatest but longevity will be an issue. I suspect 15 years, hof numbers, but will start slowing down, and his cards will follow. Then after he retires they will go down even more. I suspect you will be able to pick one up for under $2k when few will care anymore, and he won't hold any monumental records.

IMHO- bash if you may.

I plan on picking one up a year or more after he retires, but before he goes into the HOF.

 

[Krom]

It really depends on how his career goes.
Will it be cut short due to injury(s).
How long before he "poops out".
If he can stick around long enough to break major records, it could go up still.

I personally believe, due to his build and questionable age, that he may not break any major records and that he will go down in history as one of the greatest but longevity will be an issue. I suspect 15 years, hof numbers, but will start slowing down, and his cards will follow. Then after he retires they will go down even more. I suspect you will be able to pick one up for under $2k when few will care anymore, and he won't hold any monumental records.

IMHO- bash if you may.

I plan on picking one up a year or more after he retires, but before he goes into the HOF.

I would not bet they go down unless he is proved to have juiced or starts playing like crap.

 

[hofautos]

It really depends on how his career goes.
Will it be cut short due to injury(s).
How long before he "poops out".
If he can stick around long enough to break major records, it could go up still.

I personally believe, due to his build and questionable age, that he may not break any major records and that he will go down in history as one of the greatest but longevity will be an issue. I suspect 15 years, hof numbers, but will start slowing down, and his cards will follow. Then after he retires they will go down even more. I suspect you will be able to pick one up for under $2k when few will care anymore, and he won't hold any monumental records.

IMHO- bash if you may.

I plan on picking one up a year or more after he retires, but before he goes into the HOF.

I would not bet they go down unless he is proved to have juiced or starts playing like crap.

Why? Tell me one recent player who's cards did not go down after they retire?
People lose interest, especially when his numbers start slumping. But you are entitled to your opinion, i just disagree.

Every card will have a peak and valleys. The thing that make peaks and valleys go up and down is NEWS.
Steroids, Injuries, slumping, MVP, GG, records....
I just suspect his better years are behind him, even if he may remain consistent for 5 more years, i don't see his cards going up until re reaches record numbers...more likely future news will be injuries, slumping, retirement...I give him 5 more good years max, and his cards haven't done much while he has been consistent.

 

[George_Calfas]

Odd Pujols listing I just saw...
http://cgi.ebay.com/2001-ALBERT-PUJOLS- ... 114wt_1139

He says, "this is a beautiful rare pujols bowman rc auto. bid now or forever miss out on this card. free shipping to whoever wins" then at the very bottom in TINY print puts "or 5 rc jersey/auto's". The picture was of a BGS 9.5 Pujols Chrome auto, absolutely stunning card that could probably fetch $5k. Now I know why it only went for $1500... there's gonna be one unhappy Ebayer when he gets the package in the mail.

http://feedback.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.d ... ckAsSeller

 

[Krom]

It really depends on how his career goes.
Will it be cut short due to injury(s).
How long before he "poops out".
If he can stick around long enough to break major records, it could go up still.

I personally believe, due to his build and questionable age, that he may not break any major records and that he will go down in history as one of the greatest but longevity will be an issue. I suspect 15 years, hof numbers, but will start slowing down, and his cards will follow. Then after he retires they will go down even more. I suspect you will be able to pick one up for under $2k when few will care anymore, and he won't hold any monumental records.

IMHO- bash if you may.

I plan on picking one up a year or more after he retires, but before he goes into the HOF.

I would not bet they go down unless he is proved to have juiced or starts playing like crap.

Why? Tell me one recent player who's cards did not go down after they retire?
People lose interest, especially when his numbers start slumping. But you are entitled to your opinion, i just disagree.

Every card will have a peak and valleys. The thing that make peaks and valleys go up and down is NEWS.
Steroids, Injuries, slumping, MVP, GG, records....
I just suspect his better years are behind him, even if he may remain consistent for 5 more years, i don't see his cards going up until re reaches record numbers...more likely future news will be injuries, slumping, retirement...I give him 5 more good years max, and his cards haven't done much while he has been consistent.

Why? its easy, there is HUGE demand and limited supply. If he isnt accused of roiding i would love to pick one up in the future. I am quite sure i am not alone. You reasoning isn't valid here because noone has been a huge star and retired with a limited auto rc. It hasn't happened yet. Of course there have been tons of rcs that might have seen a drop after retiring but they were all produced in quantity. Cards that have had 100,000s made surely will drop easily. Cards like the BC Pujols auto - i doubt it. You can't compare it with 1980 Topps Henderson rcs for example.

 

[J_Hamilton_32]

i may be wrong but I thought i saw one sell for 9k last winter...but for such a rare card you see about 10 to 20 on a year.... an I highly doubt that all 500 were redemmed..my guess is there like 300-325 available.

 

[uniquebaseballcards]

Why? Tell me one recent player who's cards did not go down after they retire?
People lose interest, especially when his numbers start slumping. But you are entitled to your opinion, i just disagree.

Every card will have a peak and valleys. The thing that make peaks and valleys go up and down is NEWS.
Steroids, Injuries, slumping, MVP, GG, records....
I just suspect his better years are behind him, even if he may remain consistent for 5 more years, i don't see his cards going up until re reaches record numbers...more likely future news will be injuries, slumping, retirement...I give him 5 more good years max, and his cards haven't done much while he has been consistent.

This makes a lot of sense. Its also interesting to consider the 2001 Pujols as the most 'iconic' Bowman Chrome card. It doesn't seem to have a lot of room for growth - which is typical for cards of the Bowman brand a couple years after release. I'm sure most, if not all, would agree it will never reach the heights of, or compare to, many vintage non-rookie cards - - and this with a much smaller print run of 500 and an auto on top to boot. I still think iconic cards appeal to player, team, set *and* wealthy casual collectors all of which cause the card to grow in popularity and price, I don't know if the Pujols has this total appeal, particularly since so many other options are available.

The other interesting thing is that Pujols was a real MLB rookie and not a MiLB FY/rookie when the card was issued, this stands in contrast to what Bowman is known for. Its entirely possible that Bowman/Bowman Chrome may lose its popularity to Elite, USA, or Debut which may affect the 2001 BC Pujols value, although possibly not by much...but who knows?

 

[Krom]

Its entirely possible that Bowman/Bowman Chrome may lose its popularity to Elite, USA, or Debut

Thats not likely, people thought tha same about Razor. You have to keep in mind not all people are turned off by fys. I like Hanley as an example. He was never a Red Sox but they are much nicer cards than his mlb rcs. The 06? Sp auto rc is more limited than the refractor rc but never sells for close to the BC.

 

[hofautos]

It really depends on how his career goes.
Will it be cut short due to injury(s).
How long before he "poops out".
If he can stick around long enough to break major records, it could go up still.

I personally believe, due to his build and questionable age, that he may not break any major records and that he will go down in history as one of the greatest but longevity will be an issue. I suspect 15 years, hof numbers, but will start slowing down, and his cards will follow. Then after he retires they will go down even more. I suspect you will be able to pick one up for under $2k when few will care anymore, and he won't hold any monumental records.

IMHO- bash if you may.

I plan on picking one up a year or more after he retires, but before he goes into the HOF.

I would not bet they go down unless he is proved to have juiced or starts playing like crap.

Why? Tell me one recent player who's cards did not go down after they retire?
People lose interest, especially when his numbers start slumping. But you are entitled to your opinion, i just disagree.

Every card will have a peak and valleys. The thing that make peaks and valleys go up and down is NEWS.
Steroids, Injuries, slumping, MVP, GG, records....
I just suspect his better years are behind him, even if he may remain consistent for 5 more years, i don't see his cards going up until re reaches record numbers...more likely future news will be injuries, slumping, retirement...I give him 5 more good years max, and his cards haven't done much while he has been consistent.

Why? its easy, there is HUGE demand and limited supply. If he isnt accused of roiding i would love to pick one up in the future. I am quite sure i am not alone. You reasoning isn't valid here because noone has been a huge star and retired with a limited auto rc. It hasn't happened yet. Of course there have been tons of rcs that might have seen a drop after retiring but they were all produced in quantity. Cards that have had 100,000s made surely will drop easily. Cards like the BC Pujols auto - i doubt it. You can't compare it with 1980 Topps Henderson rcs for example.

I don't think demand is that high. Most of the ones you see on ebay are fixed price and no one touches them. Those that do go to auction have been remaining in the same relative price range, with none driving them up...likely shilled by buddy, or kept high by other owners who don't want to see them depreciate from the "norm". People aren't willing to pay more than a few thousand today, what will make them be willing to pay more in the future...unless he does break records or BIG NEWS. MVP isn't doing anything for his value. How are his other rookies doing? It's easy to control the price of something where there aren't that many of them, but if you want a more true indication of his cards, look at his other rookies and cards. The demand will be even LOWER if he doesn't reach expected milestones. If he starts slumping. Consider he fizzled this year. I don't suspect that will happen, but I do suspect in 5 years....

Curious though, do you think it will go up from here if he doesn't put up record numbers or doesn't have BIG NEWS surrounding him?