The Ultimate Collector Dilemma + Favorites, Value, or Both? + Why No One Agrees

Jeremy Lee is joined by Joe Poirot, Chris McGill, and Josh Adams as the final segment brings the conversation full circle, digging into one of the most deceptively difficult exercises in the hobby: ranking your own cards. What starts as a simple question quickly unravels into a deeper discussion around whether “top cards” should be defined by market value, personal preference, nostalgia, or some combination of all three. The panel explores different approaches collectors are using, from value-based rankings to fully subjective lists, and the risks that come with each, including perception, bias, and even accusations of “pumping.” Joe introduces a structured framework with multiple categories including personal, value, nostalgic, and hybrid, while others question whether ranking is even possible when collections span multiple lanes, eras, and emotional connections. The conversation also touches on how comps are formed, why market value can sometimes be shaped by just a couple of transactions, and what it really means to “own” your own opinions in a hobby that leans so heavily on external validation. The episode closes with a mix of insight, humor, and live chat interaction, leaving listeners with a question that doesn’t have a clean answer… and that’s exactly the point. Subscribe to Sports Cards Live on YouTube and your favorite podcast platform, and if you enjoy the content, please leave a rating and review. Pick up a copy of POPs & COMPs: Truths, Insights & Psychology into the Numbers that Drive the Sports Card Market on Amazon. Explore the Hobby Spectrum and discover your collector profile at thehobbyspectrum.com. And as always, thank you for being part of the community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices