The articles that make up Issue #013 of the FootyStars “Collectors Edition” newsletter can be found in this newsletter archive by following these links.

Editorial
http://newsletter.footystars.com.au/2008/08/afl-classic-and-nrl-centenary-wows-collectors/

Footy Card Collectors Tips
http://newsletter.footystars.com.au/2008/08/what-are-insert-cards/

Footy Card Spotlight
http://newsletter.footystars.com.au/2008/08/low-numbered-cards-does-it-make-a-difference/

Protecting Your Investment
http://newsletter.footystars.com.au/2008/08/footy-card-albums-in-2008/

Sign up to receive your own free subscription to the Footy Stars “Collectors Edition” newsletter delivered directly to your in box as soon as it’s published — a $47 value — yours FREE! Just click here to subscribe.

Hi there,

The Series 2 footy cards were released a month ago and WOW what an impact they have had on collectors in both AFL and NRL codes.

The AFL Classic Series SOLD OUT of Sealed Cases in less than two weeks catching us by surprise!

It’s a very collectible series and has proven hugely popular already.  We will discuss some of the most popular cards from this series in just a moment.

The NRL Centenary Series has been just as popular with both new and old collectors.  The mix of historical cards and the modern day cards has added a whole new element to our hobby… there’s something for everyone.

With Father’s Day just around the corner it’s not too late to get Dad some footy cards… take a look around our store by clicking here:  https://www.FootyStars.com.au/store

Okay, lets take a closer look at some of the most popular AFL cards in the Classic Series so far:

2007 Draft Pick Signature Platinum

The second of the Draft Pick Signature sub-set is known as Draft Pick Signature Platinum and is the more scarce of the two DPS sets.

Limited to just 100 individually numbered cards for each of the 17 players from the 2007 Draft, these are inserted into packets at the ratio of one card per 144 packs (one per four boxes).

Rather than gold foiling (as depicted on the Draft Pick Signature Gold sub-set), these cards are highlighted in Platinum coloured foil and have a slightly different graphical design than the Draft Pick Signature Gold sub-set.

They are as scarce as the Major Signature Redemption Cards with only 100 of each card released justifying their prices of between $100 and $300 per card.

They have proved popular because many different types of collectors are keen to add them to their collection.

Whether you’re a “Team” collector, a “Signature” collector, or a “Complete Set” collector, you will want these cards in YOUR collection!

Take a look at the few remaining Draft Pick Platinum cards that we have left.  Click here…

In the NRL Centenary Series Footy Cards some of the most popular cards have been the Past Heroes cards.

This sub-set features 32 players from the past 30 years with two players appearing for each of the current clubs.

Some of the biggest names of the modern era are featured in this set and it’s a nice throw back to the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s.

The sub-set features club greats who were not lucky enough to make the 100 Greatest of all time.  They’ve represented their country, or won premiership and many have represented their State… they have all made an impact over the past 3 decades.

At less than $9 a card — these represent great value for all collectors, especially if you just collect your team!

Check them out.  Click here…

The other insert set that is popular in the NRL Centenary Series is the Team of the Century sub-set.

This 18 card sub-set is made up of the 17 players and Coach of the “Team of the Century.”

The cards are a beautiful design that celebrates the history of the game.  The card is designed to look like it’s an aged card itself — adding that extra piece of nostalgia.

These are another affordable insert at less than $10 per card.  See them for yourself by clicking here…

Another of the most popular items in the NRL Centenary Series is the magnificent official folder… but more on that shortly.

What do you think of the Classic and Centenary Series?

Add you thoughts in the comment section by clicking here…

Since I’ve been talking about some of the more popular insert sets… it’s probably worthwhile that I describe what I mean in more detail.  Take a look in the next article for more.

Enjoy the rest of this issue.

Ian

A lot of new footy card collectors start out by collecting the base set of cards.  It’s a great way to get into the hobby (this is exactly how I started too).

Then one day, you realise there is more to collecting footy cards than just the common cards.  There are these other cards known as “Insert Cards”.

Collecting insert cards is a great way to expand your collection and to increase the value of your collection.

But not everyone knows what an insert card is.

An insert card is a card that is “inserted” in to packs randomly at a pre-set ratio at the time of production.

For example, a standard pack of AFL Classic footy cards has 10 cards in it — 9 cards plus 1 holofoil card.

The holofoil is the most basic of the inserts in this release… but there are a few more too.

The Hall of Fame Tribute Match cards are inserted 1 card in every 6 packets.

Then there’s the Draft Pick Signature Gold cards which are inserted 1 card in every 36 packets.  Making them harder to find than the Hall of Fame Tribute Match cards.

But the cream of the crop are the Signature Redemption cards which are inserted 1 card in every 360 packets. These are very hard to find.

Because these cards are hard to find in packets, they are relatively scarce.  As I’ve said on many previous occasions Scarcity is one of the main factors that drives the value of a footy card.

The other factor is Demand.  Demand relates to how many people want a particular card.  A popular card that lots of people want would have high demand… but a common card that is widely available would have low demand.

When the two factors of scarcity and demand combine… values really start to increase!

This is exactly what happens with the Signature Redemption cards.  They are relatively scarce (only 100 of each card produced) and because a lot of collectors like to chase these cards the demand is relatively high.

But hey… not everyone can afford to spend $500+ on a card… so if your budget is more modest how can you get involved in collecting Insert Cards?

First of all… you can chance your hand opening packets! You MIGHT get lucky… and you might not — they are scarce remember!

I think the easiest way is to take a look on our site.

We’ve opened all the packets for you, so you can pick and choose ONLY the cards you want without wasting any of your money on unwanted cards.

You could get started by collecting your team only. For instance you can get the Holofoil Team Set for your team if you’re an AFL collector.

You can get the Past Heroes inserts if you’re an NRL collector (there’s just two cards per club).

Start small and dip your toe in slowly with the cheaper cards until you become more comfortable.

Once you’re comfortable collecting the lower value insert cards you can move on to some of the other footy cards such as the:

• Draft Pick Signature cards,
• Top Prospect Signature cards,
• Case cards, and also the
• High End Signature Redemption cards.

If you would like some advice on where to start please feel free to email me.  My email address is: ian[AT]footystars.com.au

We’re always happy to provide free advice.

Click here to tell us what insert sets you’re collecting in the comment section below:

In the last issue of the “Collectors Edition” newsletter we wrote an article titled “Individually Numbered Cards - Is It Important?“

In that article I mentioned that Individual Numbering tells us just how Scarce the card is… and the popularity and skill of the player drives Demand.

Well there is often MORE to it… and this month is the perfect time for me to outline exactly what it is.

Ask yourself this question.

Would you like to have a Signature card numbered #066 of 100, OR the same card numbered #007 of 100?

If you answered the card numbered #007 of 100… you’re in the majority of collectors.

As collectors, we’re fascinated with the prospect of having a low number!

The lower the number the more valuable the card in the eyes of most collectors.

Okay, ask yourself another question…

Would you prefer to have a Signature Card numbered #002 of 100, OR the same card numbered #007 of 100?

MOST collectors would take #002 every day of the week.

Why?

Because it has the lower number… and the fact that we know there is only one other card with a lower number available.

This is the element of Scarcity MAGNIFIED!

It’s simple… Low numbers are more scarce than high numbers. Typically cards from #001 to #010 are more valuable than all the others in the release.

In fact, I estimate that cards numbered #001, #002, #003, #004 and #005 are the most valuable of the release.

My personal rule of thumb is that any card numbered #001 attracts a premium of 100% of the cards NORMAL value.

That means… if most cards in the limited release are worth $200, then the card numbered #001 should be worth $400 purely because of the low number.

It follows that:

• #002 attracts a premium of approximately 50%.
• #003 attracts a premium of approximately 35%.
• #004 attracts a premium of approximately 25%.
• #005 attracts a premium of approximately 15%.

But… what if I told you that Select (the manufacturers of footy cards) NEVER release card #001.

It’s true!

Select NEVER release card #001

They keep it in their own private corporate collection.

So for Select products, #002 is actually the lowest card you will ever find.

I’ve been fortunate with the AFL Classic and NRL Centenary Series.  We’ve opened a lot of boxes and found a number of Signature Redemption cards.

We sent them in to Select as QUICKLY as we could, in an effort to get low numbered cards in return… and this is what we’ve got so far…

James Hird Tribute Signature #003 of 100

Jonathan Brown Tribute Match Captain Signature #003 of 100

John Raper Immortal Signature #003 of 125

Reg Gasnier Immortal Signature #002 of 125

We’re pretty proud of this collection… but like most things in life they are available to buy. 

They are all magnificent cards in their own right, but having a low number makes them EVEN MORE collectible and therefore more valuable.

There’s no secret to getting such low numbered redemption cards.  You need to get them to Select as quickly as you can!

We sent all ours the day each Series was released, so they arrived at Select the day after… and we were lucky enough to beat MOST other collectors to do it.

But that’s a whole different story… let’s get back to the low numbered cards themselves.

My rule of thumb for valuing low numbered cards is NOT fool proof.  There are a few other variations that can help the card value skyrocket.

Take this for an example.

Every AFL fan knows that James Hird’s Guernsey number is #5.

If you were lucky enough to get a James Hird Tribute Signature #005 of 100 I reckon it’s worth just as much as the #002.

It is still a low number in itself plus it matches his Guernsey number!

Same goes for any Wally Lewis Signature Card numbered #006 as #6 was always his Jersey number.

Here is another variation on the theme…

Any of the individually numbered NRL Centenary cards that is #100 would be more valuable than the same card numbered #099 or #101. We’re celebrating 100 years of Rugby League… so it makes sense that the number #100 would be more valuable!  Don’t you agree?

It’s a shame the AFL Tribute Match Signature cards aren’t numbered to 150 for Brown and McLeod.  It would have been fantastic to have card #150 of 150. It would have been one of a kind… literally!!!

I’ve even seen cards who’s numbers correspond with a time in history attract significant price premiums.

Cards like the Dual Provan Summons Legend Signature card from the 2003 Select XL Series numbered #063 which corresponded with the iconic 1963 Grand Final.

This card is worth approximately 60% - 70% more than others in the series in my opinion.

Other examples might be the year of the players’ birth or the year of their debut.

What other examples have you seen?

Let us know and share your thoughts with our other subscribers.  Leave a comment in the comments section. Click here…

So as you can see, the individual numbering of cards can have an enormous effect on their value.  Take a look in your collection and see what you’ve got.

===========================
Next month…

Each month we shine the spotlight on one of the most popular cards of the moment… and take a look a what it is that makes it so popular.

If there’s a card that you would like us to put the spotlight on please write to me at ian[AT]FootyStars.com.au with details of the card and why you feel it should be put “in the spotlight”.

What card will it be next issue? You’ll have to wait and see.

The perfect way to complete your collection is to get your hands on the Official Album.

Both the AFL Classic and NRL Centenary releases have their own albums that match the footy card design.

The AFL folder is similar to previous years, but the NRL folder is something VERY different to any of the previous folders… but more on that shortly.

Regardless of whether you have an AFL or NRL album, you should combine it with Ultra Pro 9 Pocket Pages.  This is the best way to not only protect your collection from dirt, dust and damage, but they also provide you with an attractive way to show your cards off to friends and other collectors.

If you protect your cards properly using quality accessories and they will provide you with a lifetime of enjoyment.

Click here for the AFL Classic Folder for 2008.

The NRL Centenary of Rugby League Card Album is something SPECIAL.

This beautifully designed, high quality album is emblazoned with the Centenary of Rugby League logo on the front cover and it comes with a bonus album card.

The bonus album card depicts the Gladiators; Norm Provan and Arthur Summons as seen below.

This album is strictly limited to only 5000 units and has proved very popular already.

Take a look at the NRL Centenary Folder by clicking here:

If you still need a folder from one of the previous releases We have a limited supply of folders from 2005, 2006 and 2007.  Check them out by clicking here:

—————

Ultra Pro Accessories are the best way to protect your collection and they are available at great prices on our website at: Ultra Pro Accessories

Each month we highlight a different Ultra Pro item, taking a look at who uses it and why, and discussing if it will suit your requirements.