Outline · [ Standard ] · Linear+ High/Low Prices and Inserts.

[Rabs]

I have a couple of questions. First of all, what is the difference in low and high prices based on how Beckett lists each card? ALso, is this based on a certain grading? Like is the high list a perfect 10 and the low only an 8? Not sure how it all works. Also, what exactly are insert cards? Thanks a lot!

[bob_TCC]

I have a couple of questions. First of all, what is the difference in low and high prices based on how Beckett lists each card? ALso, is this based on a certain grading? Like is the high list a perfect 10 and the low only an 8? Not sure how it all works. Also, what exactly are insert cards? Thanks a lot!

Welcome!

The low and high columns in the Beckett guides represent the current selling range for a card. The high value is the most you should expect to see the card priced at while the low value is the best price you should expect to find for the card if you look around.

Often, we all like to use the high value when thinking how much our card is worth, but want to look at the low value when wanting to buy it from someone. So, the column of interest changes depending on whether you're the buyer or seller.

Insert cards are basically any of the limited subsets within a set. That is, anything other than the base or regular cards. Some collectors treat game-used or autograph cards as something even different than inserts. In general though, you can view inserts as the cards that are included in the list of ones that have insertion odds printed on the pack wrapper.

-Bob

[Rabs]

Welcome!

The low and high columns in the Beckett guides represent the current selling range for a card.  The high value is the most you should expect to see the card priced at while the low value is the best price you should expect to find for the card if you look around.

Often, we all like to use the high value when thinking how much our card is worth, but want to look at the low value when wanting to buy it from someone.  So, the column of interest changes depending on whether you're the buyer or seller.  

Insert cards are basically any of the limited subsets within a set.  That is, anything other than the base or regular cards.  Some collectors treat game-used or autograph cards as something even different than inserts.  In general though, you can view inserts as the cards that are included in the list of ones that have insertion odds printed on the pack wrapper.

-Bob

Great, thanks for the info. Just curious as to why we should look at the low value when buying cards. And is the Beckett price range based on a rating of 8, 9, or 10 of a card?

[19th Century Indiana Jones]

Great, thanks for the info.  Just curious as to why we should look at the low value when buying cards.  And is the Beckett price range based on a rating of 8, 9, or 10 of a card?

There is a special section near the back of each Beckett issue explaining and listing graded card prices. It will tell you the separate hi/lo prices of Gem, Mint, MnMt, and NM cards. It has a table of each of the major grading card companies' equivalent grade.

[meuandthelot]

I'll add to the 2 great replies...

In theory the Prices post 1980 are for nm/mt(which would be 8's) before 1980 a premium is given for nm/mt cards %'s vary(best to consult the book)

**Mint 9 is a very strong card, and should command a bit of a premium, but most don't in the modern cards due to the high quality stock,printing,etc..Fine line between 9 & 10 lighted 10x magnification is needed.

**Gem Mt. PSA 10's & BGS 9.5's however due command a premium..The SMR published by PSA, and ebay are 2 good sources.

**BGS 10 "Pristine"(no such grade in PSA) are whatever the market will pay, and I'll say ALWAYS command a very high price.

I'll try to post some links..hope this helps.

[Rabs]

Thanks for the help! I also have a question about sleeves and top loaders and all that stuff. I don't really know the difference and what they all are so can someone explain that to me? Thanks.

[bob_TCC]

Thanks for the help!  I also have a question about sleeves and top loaders and all that stuff.  I don't really know the difference and what they all are so can someone explain that to me?  Thanks.

Glad we can help.

Sleeves or "penny" sleeves are thin, pocketed sleeves (yes, it's bad to explain something by mentioning that something... ) that are basically the same size as a standard card. You simply slide the card into the opening at one end in order to provide some basic protection for the card surfaces.

Toploaders are also pocketed sleeves, but made of a harder plastic. You'll get more overall protection for the cards using toploaders. Often though, collectors will use both a penny sleeve and a toploader. In that case, you put the card in a penny sleeve and then slide the sleeve into a toploader. This way, the card is more secure within the toploader.

Both are available through the site's affiliate - BCW Supplies. If you check out their site, you'll find any of these items along with pictures which might make my explanation clearer.

Hope this helps.

-Bob