10K Card Journey

  • Why I Just Made the Most Expensive Purchases of My Life ($6,000 for 5 Copies of the Same Card!!!)

    Fueled by my belief in Carlos Alcaraz’s generational talent and the rarity of his first autograph cards, I made my most expensive sports card purchases yet—multiple 2022 Netpro Premium Rainbow Autos. With tennis cards still in their infancy, I see immense long-term upside as the hobby gains momentum worldwide.

  • Why Selling on Veriswap is Worth It for Collectors

    Selling my Francisco Alvarez/Mike Piazza dual auto /5 on Veriswap was a surprisingly positive experience. I received a full-price offer quickly, enjoyed low fees compared to other platforms, and found the process smooth despite a minor mobile hiccup. Veriswap’s community-focused trading and selling options make it a great choice for raw card sellers.

  • Understanding PSA’s Minimum Grade Submission

    PSA’s reintroduced “Minimum Grade Submission” lets collectors set the lowest grade they’ll accept for a card, returning it ungraded if it falls short-but you still pay the full fee. While useful for crossovers, I find the value limited for raw cards, especially since no feedback is provided if the minimum isn’t met.

  • Card Grading Factors: What Collectors Need to Know

    When it comes to grading cards, four main factors-centering, corners, edges, and surface-determine both the grade and market value. Centering and corners are especially critical for vintage cards, as they drive eye appeal and collector demand. While all four factors matter, collectors often pay a premium for cards with strong centering and sharp corners, even…

  • Arena Club Auctions: My Experience Selling Cards

    I tested Arena Club’s auction feature by selling three graded cards. The process was simple, payment was fast, and no shipping was required—ownership transfers on the blockchain. While fees are still 10%, Arena Club is especially useful for selling Arena Club graded cards, which can be tough to move elsewhere.

  • The Full History: 1929 Churchman Babe Ruth

    The 1929 Churchman Babe Ruth card is one of baseball’s most intriguing oddities—a British tobacco issue featuring the Sultan of Swat in action, unnamed but unmistakable. With only ~700 copies graded and rare variations like the Spanish-back discovery, this affordable alternative to Goudey cards offers collectors a tangible piece of Ruth’s global legacy.

  • Top Sports Card Grading Services Compared: PSA, BGS, SGC & More

    Grading your sports cards can enhance their value, but not all grading companies are the same. PSA, BGS, SGC, CSG, and Arena Club each offer different pricing, turnaround times, and resale value potential. This article breaks down their reputations and how much it costs to grade cards at different price points—so you can choose the…

  • Quick Guide to PSA Cert Verification Tool

    PSA’s Cert Verification tool is a quick and easy way to verify the authenticity of a PSA-graded card before making a purchase. By entering the certification number, collectors can confirm the card’s details, check for red flags, and review the population report to see how rare their card is. While not a foolproof method, it’s…