eBay prices vs. book prices: the market for baseball cards.(Anthology)

The market for individual baseball cards is unique, being completely a secondary market. Although there are several companies selling baseball cards, they are sold in packs. Cards of particular value are inserted randomly into these packs. The value of individual baseball cards was difficult to determine until the 1980s, when a guide, Becketts, began to be published. Traditionally, individual baseball cards were sold in hobby shops or at conventions. On eBay, there is also a lively trade. This research aims to see how closely eBay prices track with the prices in Beckett Baseball Card Plus.

Data were collected from eBay auctions during the last part of 2003. All the …