✅ Experts in Every Investment: The Trading Card Legend
Our trading card expert, Dingyu also known as “Spinotron” is a legend in the scene and has decades of experience in the field. We encourage you to check out his Instagram account, where he shares his collection featuring exceptionally rare trading cards.
Sneak peek of Dingyus Instagram Account
Dingyu has been deeply entrenched in the trading card industry since the late 1990s, initially starting as a passionate collector in 2009 before transitioning into a more active role on both sides of the supply-demand dynamics in recent years. His journey began with a love for competitive sports, which naturally evolved into collecting sports cards, particularly influenced by his admiration for basketball and the manga "Slam Dunk."
Market Expertise and Significant Achievements
Dingyu's expertise in the market is well-established, with significant achievements including the sale of several cards in the quarter million range and turning down multiple seven-figure offers, indicating the high value and potential of his collection. He emphasizes the rapid growth of the trading card space, noting the increasing number of platforms and innovative approaches that cater to various needs within the hobby. This growth has led to a healthy market with strong support and consistent high demand for top cards.
Evolution of the Trading Card Market
Dingyu believes the market has undergone extraordinary growth, particularly since the second half of year 2020, with a peak of many commodity cards in 2021 and 2022. He notes a softening of such cards in 2023, but observes a resilient and vibrant market of key collectors' cards with records sales and signs of a robust hobby. The evolution of the market is also marked by the introduction of "coffin cards," which he describes as super rare cards that collectors are likely to keep long-term due to their historical significance, design and desirability.
Valuing Rare Trading Cards
When it comes to valuing rare trading cards, Dingyu considers several factors, including scarcity, desirability, historical significance, and unique attributes such as high-grade conditions or special serial numbers. He mentions the importance of identifying "coffin cards" that tend to perform well and remain uncorrelated with overall market trends.
Ensuring Authenticity and Quality
To ensure authenticity and quality, Dingyu relies on thorough research, including forums, master checklists, and image analytics. His extensive knowledge and connections in the industry allow him to trace the provenance of top cards, often knowing the entire chain of ownership. Grading companies play a crucial role in providing authentication and transparency in card conditions.
Career Highlights and Recognition
Among his career highlights, Dingyu is most proud of completing the 1997 E-X2001 Essential Credentials NBA sets, a significant achievement in the hobby. He also boasts an impressive Kobe Bryant collection, featuring some of the rarest and most valuable cards in the market. His contributions to the industry have earned him recognition, including being one of only two collectors featured by Panini America since 2009.
Staying Connected and Current Market TrendFor those looking to stay connected with major grading companies and card producers, Dingyu recommends following them on Instagram, highlighting accounts such as PaniniAmerica, Topps, Upper Deck, PSAcard, and Beckettcollect.
Rare Kobe Bryant Trading Cards from Dingyus Collection
Currently, the most popular trading cards include those of Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James, as well as late 90s parallels and inserts, top Exquisite and Ultimate cards, Prizm golds, and Kabooms. The market also sees a strong interest in upcoming or young athletes like Jayson Tatum, Victor Wembanyama, Luka Dončić, and Anthony Edwards in the NBA, Patrick Mahomes and C.J. Stroud in the NFL, and Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge in MLB. Cards in the $5k to $30k range remain highly liquid and popular among hobbyists.
As Dingyu puts it, "The chase for top cards never stops for me," reflecting his relentless passion and dedication to the hobby.
