Alternative trading card collecting and investing

Investing is an important ability for everyone to have, but some are not quite sure about where to start. With the uncertainty of the economy, one could argue that traditional investments may not be as secure. This is why younger generations are turning to alternative investments such as bitcoin, NFT collectables, or trading cards. With figureheads such as Gary Vee, Elon Musk and Mark Cuban outwardly expressing their love of alt investments and collectables, they are HOT HOT HOT indeed (🔥🔥🔥).

The market for these alternative investments is quickly growing with many investors interested in the potential of these new means of investing in markets that they were previously excluded from. One reason being that they do not involve a middleman – this makes it easier to invest which can make it a great option for those who may not have access to more traditional investment options. Another reason is simple – it’s a hobby. It’s fun. Investing in collectables, inherently, means you are investing in things you love. This makes it more fun, even addicting (so be careful!). Even if a collectable investment falls flat, you still end up with a collectable that (assumedly) you still enjoy owning.

Alternative trading card collecting is a growing trend with many collectors and investors. Unlicensed cards, custom cards and sports cards are all contributing to this growth.

This is why we will see alternative investments grow more and more every year with young investors looking for ways to get ahead and be successful in the future economy, while storing value in collectable items.

Much of the future – and the present! – of trading cards is in the alternative and bootleg trading card market. The trading card hobby has been around for a long time and is still popular, but it’s getting more and more expensive, and – at least with sports – there is a great unknown in the upheaval caused by Fanatics securing exclusive licenses with MLB, NBA and NFL, effectively monopolizing the sports card industry.

The rise of unlicensed cards and custom cards have become increasingly popular for collectors that are looking to save money on their hobby, or to get into an alternative niche.

The Top Alternative Trading Card Companies to Keep an Eye On (and start collecting NOW):

G.A.S. Trading Cards “Radical & Relevant”
G.A.S. Trading Cards was created in 2021 and feature weekly (sometimes multiple times a week) card drops on NTWRK (live streaming shopping app). G.A.S. cards include “Radical & Relevant” people and things, often in the crypto and tech sectors. Featuring “Rookie cards” of Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Satoshi Nakamoto, and more. G.A.S. has also created the first licensed trading cards of popular NFTs such as Apes (Bored Ape Yacht Club, Mutant Ape Yacht Club, etc.) and more, with permission from the individual NFT owners. G.A.S. is helping evolve the trading card hobby and stay relevant for the future. See my G.A.S. Trading Cards wantlist.

Heavy Trading Cards
Full disclaimer. Heavy Trading Cards is MY (Brian) company. I started Heavy in 2022, much like G.A.S., in order to design and print my own custom alternative trading cards. Cards that make you say “whoa…this is heavy,” Heavy cards are made to inspire and create curiosity. Pablo Escobar rookie card? Check. Bigfoot trading card? Double check. Flying octopus? We got that too. Every card is very limited, with varying print runs, variations, short prints, and all hand numbered. Heavy Trading Cards are cards you never knew you needed. At the time of this writing, Heavy has dropped 5 cards total over on Instagram, with all 5 selling out in short order. Heavy Trading Cards are $19.85 each, but usually sell for discounted prices soon after the card drops. We’ve already seen quick flips on ebay, with multiple cards selling for $500-$600 each. Heavy features an active and enthusiastic community on Discord.

Ray Gun Trading Cards
Ray Gun cards are custom made, bootleg trading cards for various movies and TV shows. With a flare for vintage design and stock, Ray Gun is unique in that they include cards in 9-card sets, individually wrapped in a custom designed wax pack wrapper. Every set is very limited – often in print runs of 50 or 25.