Breaking Down Value Into More Realistic Terms

Rob from VOTC posted a quiz from mentalfloss.com where you had to guess the value of the card they show you. I went and did some of my own research and found out some intriguing figures for all you BV lovers out there. See, its pretty much established that BV means ABSOLUTELY SQUAT, and this is proof. 

Before moving on, please take the quiz and let us know how you did. Then come back and read.

For this, I basically looked over completed auctions and took a price that looked to be consistent. If the card was under 5 bucks, I didnt bother because I knew Beckett would be destroyed. The numbers arent even close to exact, but even with my error and favoritism, these cards are so off, its still makes my point.

Quiz:

1. Bo Jackson, 1988 Topps

Actual Value: Around a dollar

Beckett Book Value: $5

Percent Change: 500% Over value

This is pretty crazy because I would think that cards from that time period are about as worthless as they can get. The cards were ridiculously over produced, and Bo was good, but not THAT good. Some interesting info there.

2. Brett Favre, 1991 Upper Deck

Actual Value: About $5.00 (and that is surprising)

Beckett Book Value: $10

Percent Change: 200%

I think this is crazier than the Jackson because this card should not be worth $5. I personally think that recent favre news has added to the value, but regardless, we are still on triple digits in percent off.

3. Barry Sanders, 1989 Score

Actual Value: About $20

Beckett Book Value: $40

Percent Change: 200%

Barry is one of the best valued players of all time, and I am still surprised that this card sells for $20 bucks, even in perfect condition. 1989 was in the throws of over production again, but it helps that this is one of the most popular cards of all time. I would be interested to see the other cards from this set. We may be in quadruple digits in change for those, although with dollar amounts that small, who cares?

4. Lawrence Taylor, 1979 Topps

Actual Value: 7 bucks (and this one looks pretty good).

Beckett Book Value: $20 dollars

Percent change: Around 285%

Although this card is before the production boom (sort of) its ridiculously obvious that this is a hat drawn price. How did they come up with $20? Its so arbitrary!

5. Warren Moon, 1985 Topps

Actual Value: About a Buck

Beckett Book Value: $15

Percent Change: 1500%

Our first quadruple digit card, absolutely amazing that people can still use this guide with a straight face. 

6. Steve Young 1984 Topps USFL

Actual Value: 40-50 bucks

Beckett Book Value: $80

Percent Change: 60-100%

Topps USFL was not as widely produced as the normal Topps set, but that still doesnt excuse the price that its set at.

8. Jim McMahon, 1983 Topps

Actual Value: About 2-3 bucks

Beckett Value: $8

Percent Change: 266-400%

I skipped the 7 because the value was so low that the numbers would have been ridiculous.

9. O.J. Simpson, 1970 Topps

Actual Value: About $27 depending on condition 

Beckett Book Value: $80

Percent change: 296%

10. Troy Aikman, 1989 Score

Actual Value: About 8 bucks

Beckett Value: $30!!

Percent Change: 375%

11.Jim Kelly, 1984 Topps USFL

Actual Value: 46 Bucks, if it looks perfect

Beckett Book Value: $80

Percent Change: 174%

12. Emmitt Smith, 1990 Topps Traded

Actual Value: 2 Bucks

Beckett Book Value: $12

Percent Change: 600%

13. Joe Montana, 1981 Topps

Actual Value: 49 bucks

Beckett Book Value: $150 (could be 225 now?)

Percent Change: 306%

14. John Elway, 1984 Topps

Actual Value: 30-35 bucks depending on condition

Beckett Book Value: $80

Percent Change: 228-266%

16. Jerry Rice, 1986 Topps

Actual Value: 35 bucks

Beckett Book Value: $80

Percent Change: 228%

17. Phil Simms, 1980 Topps

Actual Value: 1-10 bucks?

Beckett Book Value: $12

Percent change: ??

This card was probably the most volatile card of the bunch, but honestly is 10 bucks going to make or break you? I think that Beckett may have just gotten lucky as you see the other cards here, I mean, the pricing has to be right once in a while... I guess.

18. Doug Flutie, 1987 Topps

Actual Value: Less than a dollar

Beckett Book Value: $8

Percent Change: 800%

According to Beckett, this guy who won this auction made out like a bandit.

20. Mike Ditka

Actual Value: About 118 bucks (PSA 6)?

Beckett Book Value: $300

Percent Change: 254%?

This card was tough because it is the oldest card in the quiz. Considering how much this guy probably paid for the grading, he probably didnt do very well on this one. According to the guide, this should be probably about where they consider high book to be in terms of a vintage card's condition, but I really dont know. Maybe someone can shed some light. 

See, ladies and gentlemen, there is nothing about BV that makes sense. Cards are only worth as much as someone is willing to pay.