The Hobby Just Hit $1 BILLION in a Month… So Why Are New Cards DOWN?

The hobby just hit $1 billion in reported sales in a single month, up 65% from last October, and grading set a record with 3.87 million cards graded. So why are new-release cards down? On this episode of Collector Nation, Ryan Alford and Bella launch the Collector Nation Hobby Index, which tracks vintage, modern, new-release and Pokémon prices against a May baseline, and break down what the market is telling collectors. Download the Collector Nation app and see the full Hobby Index at thecollectornation.com under Analysis.
We also cover the Dylan Harper 1/1 Logoman pulled from a $25 PrizePicks pack just eight days after launch, Kapture’s free stolen-card alert system after the PSA FedEx theft, and Nick Jarman on the CTCA’s card registry and certified shop program. Collector Nation is now an official CTCA member. Plus: Dick’s getting Topps Flagship Basketball a day early, what that means for local card shops, and celebrities like Emma Roberts jumping into live breaking.
Then it’s Five Up, Five Down with Anthony Edwards, Bucky Irving, Colston Loveland, Joe Burrow, Kirk Cousins, Justin Herbert, CeeDee Lamb and Victor Wembanyama. And a big announcement: Collector Station partnered with Murray Henderson Art on an original Cooper Flagg painting and 1/1 art cards, available only at Collector Station.
Topics Covered:
* The hobby hits $1 billion in reported October sales (up 65% year over year)
* Record grading month: 3.87 million cards graded
* PSA’s $39.99 value tier: when grading makes sense (raw vs. PSA 9 vs. PSA 10 after fees)
* Collector Nation Hobby Index launch: older Pokémon 117, vintage sports 106, newer sets 77.9, new releases 62.1
* Why the weak NFL rookie class is dragging down modern singles
* Celebrities in the hobby: Emma Roberts, the Jonas Brothers and Mckenna Grace
* Capture’s free stolen-card alert system and two recovered cards
* Nick Jarman on CTCA’s card registry and certified shop program
* Dylan Harper 1/1 Logoman pulled from a $25 PrizePicks pack
* Topps Flagship Basketball releases a day early at Dick’s: what it means for local card shops
* Five Up, Five Down: Anthony Edwards, Bucky Irving, Colston Loveland, Joe Burrow, Kirk Cousins, Justin Herbert, CeeDee Lamb, Victor Wembanyama
* Collector Station x Murray Henderson Art: original Cooper Flagg painting and 1/1 art cards
* Download the app and enter to win a hobby box or Pokémon ETB
🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode
Collector Nation
Website: https://thecollectornation.com
Hobby Index and Analysis: https://thecollectornation.com/analysis
Download the App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/collector-nation/id6795562084
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecollectornation_
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecollectornation
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecollectornation
Collector Station
Website: https://thecollectorstation.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecollectorstation
CTCA (Certified Trading Card Association)
Website: https://www.thectca.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thectca
Ryan Alford
Website: https://www.ryanalford.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford
⭐ Is the hobby getting healthier, or are new releases a warning sign? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe for weekly hobby news and market data. Download the Collector Nation app (iOS and Android) and register through the website for a chance to win a hobby box or Pokémon ETB.
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