Stacks of binders, sealed boxes, complete sets, and the stench of old cardboard overwhelm the room. You are now stuck with a sports card inheritance you know very little about, with no idea where to begin.
This guide is targeted towards newcomers to trading cards and will cover the basic steps of researching, managing, and selling your inherited sports card collection.
Key Steps To Managing Your Inherited Sports Card Collection
- How to Identify Your Cards
- How to Find Completed Sports Card Sales
- How to Sell Your Cards
- Where to Sell Your Cards
- Hold or Grade?
Step 1: How to Identify Your Cards
Sports cards are generally broken down into 4 eras. Pre-War (1941 and older), Vintage (1942 – 1979), Modern (1980 – 2010), and Ultra Modern (2011 – Present).
On the back of most trading cards, you can find the manufacturer’s name, card number, and year of production, as highlighted in the example below.
This information is the foundation of how to research and value your cards.
Check out our in-depth article on How to identify your sports cards.
Step 2: How Much is My Collection Worth?
Once you can accurately identify what cards you’ve inherited, it’s time to assess how much your collection is worth. One of the most common ways collectors research the value of recent sports card sales is through marketplace databases such as eBay or 130 point.
Another option is going to a local card store or trade show, where you can ask for consultation from a trusted dealer or shop owner.
Step 3: How to Sell Your Cards
The next step in this process is to figure out how to sell your inherited collection and the path most convenient for you.
Posting single cards for sale online can be one of the best routes for maximizing your profit. Selling cards in groups or “lots” can also be an efficient way to move the bulk of your collection. If your time is extremely limited and you are not overly concerned about value, selling the entire collection to someone in person can be the ideal option for novices.
Step 4: Where to Sell Your Cards
Online marketplaces have become the go-to place to buy and sell sports cards. Although it can be time-consuming and most marketplaces charge a seller’s fee, selling cards online provides the largest audience of potential buyers.
On the other hand, If you’d prefer not to sell online, bring your inheritance to a local card store or trade show where you can negotiate with someone who actively participates in the hobby.
If you want more information on established online marketplaces to sell, here’s a more in-depth look at where you can sell your cards online.
Step 5: Hold or Grade Cards
Now, It’s possible that you may not want to sell your inheritance for sentimental reasons, and would rather keep or grade the cards.
Depending on the condition, submitting your cards to be graded by a reputable company can add value and provides proof of authenticity. Submitting cards for grading on your own can be a daunting task for beginners, but most local card shops and reputable dealers offer grading services for collectors.
If you’re interested in submitting your cards for grading, check out our article on how to grade sports cards.
Conclusion
Managing the inheritance of a loved one can be an emotional and frustrating time, with so many questions about what you have, its value, and the best course of action.
After reading this guide, I hope to have given you the direction to manage your inherited sports card collection confidently. And who knows, your inheritance could be what introduces or welcomes you back into the world of sports cards and collectibles.
