Show Notes
On this episode of Card Talk, Tyler Schmitt sits down with Max Norris of Putnam Cards for a deep dive into one of the most fascinating areas of the hobby right now: non-sports and vintage cards. Max breaks down how his collecting journey expanded from basketball into Larry David, Stranger Things, Disney, Pokémon, historical figures, artists, and much more. The conversation explores why these markets are gaining attention, how collectors can discover overlooked cards, and the importance of doing your own research when there isn't a centralized source of information. The two also discuss the difference between collecting and investing, how to stay disciplined when the hobby offers endless opportunities, and whether collectors should be looking ahead to upcoming movies, characters, and cultural moments. They dive into examples ranging from Doctor Doom and Spider-Man to Van Gogh, Einstein, Martin Luther King Jr., and the 1966 Batman card. One of the biggest themes of the episode is why the actual card matters. Photography, artwork, scarcity, historical significance, and utility can all play a role in creating a truly great collectible. Tyler and Max question whether the hobby can continue to thrive if everything is simply about the latest chase card, and why older cards with a story or purpose may ultimately have lasting power. Plus, Tyler talks about his recent travels, the London Card Show, the upcoming Card Talk NYC event, and the return of Play of the Week
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Card Talk #023 - Mat Sposta on AI Grading, the Future of Collectibles & Building TroveOn this episode of Card Talk, we sit down with Mat Sposta to discuss his journey from Wall Street and entrepreneurship to the collectibles industry. Mat shares the story behind Trove, how AI and computer vision are changing the way collectors evaluate cards, and what the future of grading could look like. We also dive into the growing role of institutional capital in collectibles, the sustainability of repacks, and why data and distribution are becoming major competitive advantages in the hobby. From vintage treasures and Pokémon to the importance of nostalgia and community, this conversation explores where the collectibles market is headed and what it means for collectors, investors, and entrepreneurs. Tune in for an insightful conversation about the intersection of technology, business, and the hobby we love.
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Card Talk #021 - Gareb Shamus & ArtPics plus Play of the Week is back!!! Gareb shares his journey creating artpicsCards and his perspective on what makes a card valuable, not only as a collectible, but as a piece of art. The conversation explores how the combination of art and trading cards can create a unique collecting experience and attract collectors from different backgrounds. Plus, Play of the Week is back! We’re bringing back a segment where collectors can share their best recent plays, flips, purchases, and deals. If you have a play you want featured on a future episode, send it our way along with your thought process, purchase price, and sale price.
On this episode of Card Talk, Tyler sits down with Chuck from Cult of Wax West to dive deep into the rapidly growing world of entertainment cards. Chuck shares his journey from collecting coins, Pokémon, Funko Pops, and sneakers to becoming heavily involved in Marvel and Star Wars cards. The two discuss what makes entertainment cards different from sports cards, how collectors balance the hobby with the business side, and why character-driven collecting can be so powerful. They also break down the current Marvel and Star Wars card landscape, including Topps’ Marvel releases, Star Wars Chrome, first-year products, sketches, inserts, and the potential opportunity in DC cards. Plus, they discuss the impact of major entertainment releases, why Spider-Man is helping drive the broader entertainment card market, the future of Marvel, and what could be the next big area of growth in the hobby. And of course, they finish with a fun Marvel character “This or That” battle and we see the return of Play of the Week! Topics include: • The rise of entertainment cards • Marvel & Star Wars collecting • Sports cards vs. entertainment cards • Balancing collecting and business • Why first-year products matter • Marvel Chrome & Sapphire • The future of DC cards • Spider-Man and the entertainment market • What could be NEXT for the hobby? • Marvel character “This or That” • Play of the Week Thanks for listening to Card Talk! Like, comment, subscribe, and let us know what you think is next for the hobby.
Card Talk #019 - The world of Harry Potter with potterrarebooks THE WORLD OF HARRY POTTER COLLECTING Harry Potter collecting is a world of its own, and in this episode of Card Talk, we dive deep into it with Mike from Potter Rare Books. From the legendary first-edition UK Philosopher’s Stone to incredibly rare proof books, signed copies, print variations, condition, errors, and the differences between the UK and US markets, we break down what actually makes a Harry Potter book valuable. We also talk about the rapid growth of the Harry Potter market, why these books may have been undervalued for years, and what could drive the hobby over the next decade. What makes a book a true grail? How much can the rarest copies be worth? What should collectors look for? How much does a J.K. Rowling signature add? Is Harry Potter the next major collectibles market? If you're a sports card, Pokémon, comic book, or collectibles fan, this is an episode you don't want to miss.