Sleepers of the Week #1

Here’s the first installment of “Sleepers of the Week” where I pick some cards with hidden value.

1. 2007 Just Minors #JA-11 Johnny Cueto (Ungraded/Autographed Rookie Card)
   Johnny Cueto seems like a smart investment. As a rookie for the Reds, Cueto is second in the Majors in strikeouts with 29. In addition, over his 29.1 innings pitched, he has only 3 walks and 16 hits. Cueto throws in the high 90’s all game with devastating off speed stuff as well. Buying this autographed card ungraded will save you some money.
2. 1997 Sports ILL. #158 Alex Rodriguez (Promotional Sample) PSA GEM MT 10
   Only 7 of 51 submitted to PSA are GEM MT 10’s. Only 4 people have even looked at this card (that includes me) so you can probably get this card for not that much over the opening $11.00 bid. Everybody clamors over ARod rookie cards and neglects his other cards.
3. 1986 Topps Tiffany #741 Pete Rose PSA GEM MT 10
   There’s one rule of thumb with Pete Rose cards: they’re all worth money! In the PSA Sports Market Report (SMR) Price Guide, the prices of modern (post 1970) Pete Rose cards are displayed for every year that he played/managed because they are very popular. In most cases, the SMR only displays prices for rookie cards or extremely significant cards in the modern era. This card has an SMR value of $110, and I have a feeling that this card will sell well under that because Pete Rose really hasn’t been in the news.
4. 1990 Topps #3 Barry Sanders (1000 Yard Club) PSA GEM MT 10
   Second year card of the legendary Barry Sanders. Only 4 of 48 submitted to PSA are GEM MT 10. I see this card going for $20, which is an excellent buy.
5. 1991 Topps Micro #790 Ken Griffey Jr. PSA GEM MT 10
   Oddball cards like these can be valuable to people collecting sets. 4 PSA GEM MT 10’s out of 23 submitted. The $20 Buy It Now price is very fair and there doesn’t seem to be that many people looking at the card, so it is possible to get it for the opening bid of $15. Another great buy right there.

Happy Collecting

Joe (joe@joeknowscards.com)