Something happened after my last birthday. I started looking at cards and other items in my vintage collection and asking myself some hard questions. “Do I love this, or just like it?” “Will I take this with me to my empty nester condo some day?” Granted, I plan on collecting for at least another decade–but at the same time, I’ll admit that I’m starting to . . . downsize. Sigh. If you are “of a certain age” that downsizing your vintage collection has crossed your mind, read on for some tips and considerations.

Why Downsize?

I’m a minimalist at heart–I just don’t want boxes and boxes of cards that I don’t care about. I moved on from tens of thousands of junk wax cards during COVID with absolutely no regrets! After downsizing, I have more space, less stuff, and the purge gave me some spending cash I used to upgrade other cards. And if I ever miss my 1985 Topps McGwire Olympic cards (I won’t), I’m just one click away from owning one in the condition or grade of my choice.

Criteria for Keepers

My most basic downsizing test was a 2-part question: first, do I love it? And second, is it hard to replace? If I answered no to either question, it’s likely something I will part with. While reflecting on this topic for this article, I realize I employed several criteria when deciding on my downsizing plan.

1. Assess Market Value
Use recent sales data from eBay, auction houses, and price guides to determine current market value. High-value items may be better sold while the market is strong, unless you see further upside.

2. Identify Long-Term Investment Potential
Consider keeping items with strong historical significance, iconic status, or scarce availability.

3. Evaluate Sentimental Attachment
Keep items that have deep personal meaning—childhood memories, autographs obtained in person, or gifts. Value isn’t just monetary; emotional significance matters. Isn’t what why we collect?

4. Check Condition and Grading
High-grade items obviously hold more value and appreciation potential.

5. Follow Player and Sport Trends
Players currently in the spotlight (Hall of Fame inductions, retirements, media presence) may experience price spikes–at least temporarily. If parting with parts of your collection, try to strike when the iron is hot.

6. Understand Rarity and Scarcity
Limited print runs, short prints, or regionally-issued items (like 1950s food or tobacco issues) are often worth keeping. Common or mass-produced items from overprinted eras (e.g., early 1990s) may be good candidates to sell or bulk out.

7. Factor in Display and Storage
Keep collectibles you enjoy displaying or showcasing. If storage is a constraint or the item is collecting dust, consider selling. Personally, I just never end up keeping oversized cards, however nice they are.

8. Consider Future Generational Value
Ask yourself: Would a future generation find meaning or value in this item? If not, and there’s no emotional or financial reason to keep it, it may be worth selling. My kids were into Pokemon for a bit, but never baseball. Will they want any of my cards for sentimental reasons? This is a conversation we need to have someday soon.

9. Think About Collection Focus
Focus your collection on themes: a favorite player, team, era, or type (e.g., autographs, rookie cards, game-used gear). Sell pieces that don’t fit your long-term vision. I’ve really homed in on Cuban cards of Negro League players, period. Anything else can go.

10. Use the “If I Lost It Tomorrow…” Test
Ask yourself: “If this item were lost or stolen, would I replace it?” Or in my case, the question is more like “could I replace it?” If the answer is no, it’s a hold!

So, What Are My Keepers?

Don’t worry–I still have plenty of cards around! But I have for sure identified the few collectibles I won’t part with until it’s time for the retirement condo (god willing, etc.). All are complete sets:

1926-27 Aguilitas 

This set isn’t a monster–no HOF to contend with. But I have not seen another complete, and it was not especially easy to finish. Here’s a peek at some cards coming back from grading at SGC. It’s loaded with Negro League players, is small (and thus doesn’t take up a lot of space), and I really love the portraits. It could not practically be replaced. Keeper.

1945-46 Caramelo Deportivo

This set was my pet project for several years–hunting for albums, upgrading the keepers. It features several HOF (Minoso, Dandridge, Ray Brown, Dihigo), and to my knowledge this is the highest graded set anywhere. Keeper!

Read more about this set here.

1952-53 Colleciones Victoria

This set is a bit obscure even by Cuban card standards. I wrote a feature article on this set here. It’s a fairly large set, and again, it’s the only complete I have ever seen. I live that they are in color, unlike most other Cuban issues. Keeper.

What Are Your Keepers?

OK, let’s play! Thinking through the criteria above, what cards are you keeping even after the eventual downsizing mission? Let’s see your list–and hear your thought process–in the comments!