I hauled out a big plastic tote full of sports stuff last weekend and started digging into the contents for the first time in a really long time. Sadly, I already knew there wouldn’t be any T206s, Mickey Mantle cards or even the stack of 1983 Topps grocery rack packs with stars on top that mysteriously disappeared after my move from Northern California to the Midwest back … [Read more...] about Editor’s Blog: Collecting Today is a Comparative Breeze
technology
Collection Management Source Cardbase Gets Funding Round
A card collecting management software startup has received a new round of funding to accelerate the development of its platform. Noted venture capitalist Peter Thiel is behind the effort to boost Cardbase, a website and app that enables users to track and manage their sports card collections. Also participating in the round is Investacard, backed by millionaire investor and … [Read more...] about Collection Management Source Cardbase Gets Funding Round
PSA Buys Software Company to Bring AI to Grading Process
When collector Nat Turner and a group of other investors acquired PSA and the other Collectors Universe properties earlier this year in an $853 million, he promised artificial intelligence would soon become part of the grading process. On Wednesday, PSA’s grading operation acquired Genamint, Inc., a Long Island, NY-based software company that does just that. It also made … [Read more...] about PSA Buys Software Company to Bring AI to Grading Process
Loupe Secures $3 Million in Funding
Loupe Tech Inc., a new sports card breaking app, has closed $3 million in funding since its October launch, with a first round led by Upfront Ventures. The company says entrepreneur and collector Nat Turner has also contributed capital aimed at growing the business. Loupe is a live e-commerce streaming platform built for sports card collectors. It offers a … [Read more...] about Loupe Secures $3 Million in Funding
Recent Hobby Innovations Have Been Fast, Numerous
The concept that gave us the internet turned 30 earlier this month. As with any new invention, there have been moments of greatness associated with this watershed change in communication and moments when we wish it had never been invented at all. It's changed how many of us live, how we shop, how we communicate and really changed how we learn. It's also … [Read more...] about Recent Hobby Innovations Have Been Fast, Numerous
Baseball Card Sorting Robot Could Be Wave of the Future
Fifteen years after giving up baseball card collecting, Jim Parker caught the Topps Heritage baseball card bug in the early 2000s when he saw Kerry Wood, a pitcher for his beloved Chicago Cubs, pictured on a 1953-style card. He has since amassed about a quarter million Heritage cards through buying collections and direct purchase of cases. Over the last decade, he has dealt … [Read more...] about Baseball Card Sorting Robot Could Be Wave of the Future
Heritage Auctions Launches Mobile App
Heritage Auctions has launched a new mobile app, enabling collectors to browse and bid as well as access more than four million prices realized from a mobile device. The free smartphone application offers Face ID and Touch ID sign-in, free appraisals using your device’s camera, instant lot tracking and one-touch mobile bidding. The app is now available for both Android … [Read more...] about Heritage Auctions Launches Mobile App
Notes: Shows in Toronto, Chicago; Tech Changes in the Hobby; Illegible Autographs
A couple of shows brought out autograph signers and collectors over the weekend. Some social media activity from the Sports Card Expo in Toronto and the Fanatics Authentic event in Chicago... Having a blast at the Sport Card Expo in the International Centre. #sports as far as the eye can see! We're representing #Barrie folks! #FanCave @sportcardexpo A post shared … [Read more...] about Notes: Shows in Toronto, Chicago; Tech Changes in the Hobby; Illegible Autographs
New App Aims to Help Collectors Navigate Auction Marketplace
Collectors who bid in sports memorabilia catalog auctions and use Apple products can now access a free app that helps them see everything in one place. Co-founded by long-time collector David Yoken, the free Collectable app for iPhone and iPad provides users the ability to view, search, and track auctions from 22 different companies from their phone or tablet. Users can … [Read more...] about New App Aims to Help Collectors Navigate Auction Marketplace
Real Time, Mobile Friendly Sports Card Price Guide Launches
Sports card collectors, dealers and investors have a new way to keep track of up-to-the-minute price trends, even when their primary way to access the internet is via a smartphone. Technology industry veteran and avid collector Ryan Hoge and a team of developers have launched Elite Cards (www.elite-cards.com), a mobile-friendly online service with real-time pricing for over … [Read more...] about Real Time, Mobile Friendly Sports Card Price Guide Launches