Hey guys, Bryan here from Cajun Cardboard, coming to you from Louisiana. In this episode of "Five Hobby Questions," I had the pleasure of chatting with our frequent guest and sports card expert, Josh Dawson, from Northeast Sports Cards on Instagram. Josh is incredibly knowledgeable, particularly about high-end sports card collecting. Let's dive into some key takeaways from our discussion.

eBay vs. Instagram: The Collector's Choice

I kicked things off by asking Josh if he'd rather delete eBay or Instagram from his collecting toolbox. Without much hesitation, Josh opted to part with eBay. He values Instagram’s social aspect, which allows him to connect with fellow collectors and stay updated on industry news. Instagram has been a game changer for collectors like us, fostering a sense of community and learning.

The Crown Jewel: LeBron James Exquisite RPA

Josh shared insights about his decision to move one of his most prized possessions, the 2003 LeBron James Exquisite RPA. This card is incredibly significant, and letting it go was not an easy choice. However, the financial benefits of selling it will help Josh meet personal goals and potentially acquire other grail cards. For collectors, sometimes it’s necessary to make these tough calls to enhance the overall collection.

The Role of Grading Companies

We explored the role of grading companies and Josh’s preference for PSA, BGS, and SGC. Josh uses PSA primarily because of their set registry, which helps him organize and track his collection efficiently. While new grading companies have emerged, Josh and I both trust the reliability and established presence of these top-tier companies. This consistency is crucial, especially when dealing with high-value collections.

Beyond Basketball: Ken Griffey Jr. and More

For those of you who didn’t know, besides Jordan and LeBron, Josh collects Ken Griffey Jr., Shaq, and Vince Carter. His Griffey collection is quite extensive, while he focuses on acquiring rookie cards for Shaq and Vince in PSA 10. It’s fascinating to see how varied Josh’s interests are and how they extend beyond basketball, highlighting his passion for collecting across different sports.

Hopes for Fanatics' Future Releases

With Fanatics poised to take over basketball card production, I asked Josh which products he'd love to see revived. Josh hopes for the return of iconic sets like Finest, Chrome, and Sterling. These sets carry significant nostalgia and could ignite excitement within the collecting community if reintroduced thoughtfully.

Josh’s insights continually offer fresh perspectives for collectors. His expertise and dedication to building a unique collection is truly inspiring. Following in the footsteps of seasoned collectors like Josh can provide great lessons and inspiration for your own collecting journey.

For those interested in delving even further into Josh’s insights and experiences, the full discussion is based on the following video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlqb1fX59BA&list=PLFObvO_pSo4p7Exqy-vb_hxEXYzicw8PL&index=50