link
THEY came with a packet of chewing gum in the early 60s, now they can be worth $1000 each.
Heated trading of vintage footy cards has seen asking prices for collections from the 60s top $16,000 on eBay as traders and memory hunters ramp up interest.
Now is the time to get out to the garage and dig out the old cards. Even if they’re not worth much, the trip down memory lane is often worth it.
$1000 FOR A SINGLE CARD
Elliot Dean of footy card listing site
www.aflfootycards.com said the original Scanlens set of 1963 is the hottest property with cards worth $1000 each or more.
“That was the first ever Scanlens set and it had only 18 cards,” Mr Dean said.
“Now they sell for up to $1000 for a single card. For a complete set, you’re looking at $10,000 or more.”
The cards, which sometimes pop up on eBay or appear at trade shows, are deemed the most valuable, but other cards from later decades can also fetch a pretty penny.
“The 1975 Scanlens card of Ron Barassi, which was his rookie card, is also very sought after,” Mr Dean said.
“So is the 1985 Gary Ablett card, which was Ablett’s first card.
“I get people emailing me with cards from the late 60s wondering how much they’re worth, and in some instances they can be worth a fair bit.”
WHAT TO COLLECT NOW
Footy cards can grow in value with time, and picking the right ones now could be a blessing for you, or your grandchildren.
Cards from footy legends’ first seasons are popular, selling for up to $100 per card from decades past.
Picking cards for strong draft picks is a good idea.
Also picking up rookie cards for the likes of Lance Franklin and Luke Hodge while they’re not too expensive is a wise move.
“If they’re a good footballer and they’re popular, those cards will do well,” Mr Dean said.
“But just follow your gut. If you love them as a footy player, chances are that person will become more valuable over time.
In general full collections in good condition are worth more money over time than single cards that have been knocked around a bit.”
Cartons of unopened cards are also worth more, but you’re hardly able to enjoy them now.
IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT THE MONEY
While collecting cards can be insanely lucrative for some, the most precious part is often not the money, Mr Dean said.
Cards are high in value because of the memories they hold and often due to family connections.
“Often people contact me looking for a very specific card because their grandfather or relative played for a team,” he said.
“Often it’s all about the memories the card has and that’s why people are drawn to them.”