Shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic hit America, something strange happens in the collectibles industry. Spurred on in part by the Last Dance documentary created by Netflix and general boredom, many people became interested in collecting cards. Some of these people were looking to buy up players from their youth while others were looking to collect with their kids. As a result, the prices of many cards went through the roof. Over the last year or so, the price on many of these has come down. Here are some issues you might want to take a close look at.

1993 SP Derek Jeter 

Image via PSA

This is by far the legendary shortstop's most popular card. Thanks to the foil front side, it is very hard to find in top condition with only 619 PSA 9's in the census. In addition, Jeter was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020 which only made sales of the card more robust.

Just a year ago, this card in a PSA 9 was regularly selling for over $20,000. Prices have fallen substantially since then and PSA 9's are now selling for under $5,000. Still, considering the popularity of the legendary player, the popularity of the issue, and the low supply, this could be a strong investment if the card is in your budget.

2011 Topps Update Mike Trout 

Image via PSA

When he has been able to stay healthy, Mike Trout has been able to make good on his prodigious talent. The Anaheim Angel, who is often compared to Mickey Mantle, has made 10 All-Star games and won 3 American League MVP Awards. Trout managed to hit 40 home runs in only 119 2022 games.

There are many rookie cards available for the Angels' star, but the 2011 Topps Update has long been a favorite of collectors. The card regularly sold in a PSA 9 for around $1,200 over the last few years. Today, collectors can pick up the very same card for a little under $700.

1980 Topps Rickey Henderson 

Image via PSA

Rickey Henderson is known mostly for his blazing speed and his unbreakable MLB steals record. But there were many more things that made the left fielder the greatest leadoff man of all time, including power and a career .401 on base percentage.

Henderson's rookie boomed in the 1990s after he broke the steals record and many nostalgic collectors looked to pick one up during the Last Dance/COVID-19 boom. As a result, prices surged with some PSA 9s selling for more than $5,000. Today, an enterprising collector can pick up a 9-rated card for around $1,800.

1982 Topps Traded Cal Ripken Jr. 

Cal Ripken Jr. is considered to be a living legend today. Although he only retired a little more than 20 years ago, a division of little league is already named for him. And his impact on the game is clear, as he opened the path for tall and strong players to remain at shortstop.

Ripken Jr. has multiple first-year cards, but his 1982 Topps Traded issue has remained the most popular. The featured poor stock, making it prone to chipping and harder to find in top-notch condition. While a PSA 9 copy of this card regularly sold for more than $800 in 2021, the same card can be purchased now for under $400.

2001 Topps Chrome Traded Albert Pujols/Ichiro Suzuki 

Image via PWCC

The 2001 MLB season saw the debut of two dynamic players; Ichiro Suzuki and Albert Pujols. The pair would have magnificent seasons on their way to Hall of Fame careers.

The 2001 Topps Chrome traded set featured a card commemorating Ichiro and Pujols winning their respective rookie of the year awards. The card is likely to rise in value once both players enter the Hall of Fame. While a PSA 9 card has sold for higher prices in the past, it now sells for around $450.

*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.