I was doing one of my daily eBay searches the other day and came across a card that I'm still looking to add to my Jimmy Howard collection. It's one of the biggies, an ARP (Auto Rookie Patch) from 2005-06 The Cup. It's a beautiful card, depending on the swatch, and is definitely his most desirable rookie card.
The only problem I have is trying to get one for a decent price. This one here just sold for more than $350. I know that's nowhere near the insane numbers the Crosby's and Ovechkin's go for, but it's quite a bit for a recent college grad that's just getting started in life. I don't have the ability to just throw money at this hobby without being conscious of what I'm actually spending. I mean so far the most I've spent on a single card has been $50.
That said, this card still tops my want list and probably will for a while, unless I come across a deal that I can't pass up. While I could go for a cheaper plain white swatch, that just wouldn't cut it, so I'll hold out for a decent one like this.
Now I'm curious, what is that one card you just have to have for your collection, and more importantly why? Is it a high-end rookie like this, a hard to find vintage card, or just something to complete a set you've been working on?
Matt Kemp-Clayton Kershaw dual auto/relic from 2009 Topps Ticket To Stardom. Those are the two main parts of my collection, and my two favorite players. I've also been fortunate to meet both in person on multiple occasions.
ReplyDeleteThe main Getzlaf I still have my eyes on is this beauty:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2005-06-Spx-Ryan-Getzlaf-Auto-Autograph-Jersey-Rookie-Rc-2-Color-1288-1499-/110792948418?pt=US_Hockey_Trading_Cards&hash=item19cbc63ac2
I'm also in the market for a triple auto with Getzlaf, Bobby Ryan, and Corey Perry.
Those SPX rookie auto jerseys are pretty sweet. I've got one for Howard, but it's a plain white swatch. Still a nice card though.
DeleteVery nice Howard, although at that price I don't blame you for holding out. Considering the season he's having you'd be buying high at this point. Maybe you can find one a bit cheaper over the summer when not as many bidders are focused on hockey cards.
ReplyDeleteFor me, the card on my want list that seems unattainable is a '53 Topps Mantle. I've got about 1/3 of the '53 Topps set but Mickey is going to cost me over $1,000 in the condition I'd be looking for. Fun to dream though I guess...
I hope you're right about the summer, I'd really love to get an amazing swatch like this one. Maybe around the $200 range, hopefully...
DeleteThere are a couple of high priority wants on my list at the moment, namely the Sid Abel, Harry Watson, and Chuck Rayner autos from one of the Ultimate Mem. sets. Eventually they will be mine.
ReplyDeleteThere are a couple of Axelsson and Marty Barrett 1/1s that I wouldn't mind owning, but they are mostly a pipe dream.
Good luck with those autos! And as far as 1/1's go, you're right about them mostly being a pipe dream. I have one for my Howard PC and that's enough, but I won't avoid one for the right price either.
DeleteGretzky Rookie.....OPC or Topps. Been collecting for long enough now, I think I need to go and tackle this one before the year is out!
ReplyDeleteGreat choice. Were you looking at graded or ungraded?
DeleteI am not sure Paul....most likely ungraded unless I am dropping more than 300 on it...then I would likely go graded to avoid being scammed...
Delete1952-53 Parkhurst Rocket Richard. It's the first card in the set and a real bear to find in good condition. That and the Sawchuk are the two cards that keep me from taking an actual run at that set.
ReplyDeleteIt's tough sometimes seeing cards on your want list that have either slipped through your grasp in the past or is just too expensive to tackle. I've had both happen to me.
ReplyDeleteThere have been times where I've built up a 'war chest' for certain product releases or cards. Maybe start building a Jimmy Howard ARP fund. It might take a year or two.... or more, but it can be had.
I have a pair of cards on the list that I still shake my head over. The 00-01 Titanium Ice Blue which is numbered to the players jersey number (14 in this instance.... he was with Montreal). And the 05-06 MVP Prosign (Crosby and Ovechkin rookie year.... that product never goes on sale).
Ugh.
I like the idea of building up a fund for the ARP. Instead of buying 20 $10 cards I could make a big splash for the PC and go for the ARP when the price is right.
DeleteAnd I can relate to the 05-06 MVP Crosby/Ovechkin issue, as that's Jimmy's rookie year, so it makes no sense for me to buy any of the overpriced unopened product hoping to hit a Howard. Oh well, that's what the secondary market is for, right?
I agree. Sadly, I haven't seen a Linden Prosign from that year on the secondary market in 5 years.
DeleteThe ones that are out there are all gobbled up....and nobody busts any of the product anymore.
OOOOOOOOOOHHHHH NEMESIS!!!
ps. I'll see if I have an MVP Howard.