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Collector Nation: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Collector Nation
Collector Nation is where trading cards and collectibles evolve from a hobby into culture, media, and a modern asset class. Hosted by Ryan Alford and Bella Shafer, the show goes beyond box rips and price charts to explore why the hobby is exploding, who is shaping it, and where it’s headed next. From vintage grails to modern heat, grading, market cycles, storytelling, and fandom—Collector Nation sits at the intersection of collectibles, entertainment, and business. If you believe trading cards are more than cardboard—and collectibles are becoming media, community, and opportunity—this is your home. Welcome to Collector Nation. United in the chase.
Latest Episodes
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- Yesterday46 min
Fake Cards Are About to Be Impossible to Spot – Heritage VP Erik Myers
Ryan Alford sits down with Erik Myers, VP of Modern Sports at Heritage Auctions and former head of innovation and anti-counterfeiting at Topps, to talk about how AI is changing counterfeit cards, how resealed boxes are being sold, and why you should only buy sealed product from card shops or manufacturers. Download the Collector Nation app and visit thecollectornation.com for more. Erik shares how the hobby gave him a second chance, why he once owned 22 of the 26 Flawless Kobe PSA 10s, a $4–5 million card that just came into Heritage, and why he thinks Pokémon is bigger than most collectors realize. Plus, the National moment we captured when Erik was surprised with a painting. Topics Covered: Erik Myers’ path: PWCC, Alt, Topps and now VP of Modern Sports at Heritage Auctions Why the card industry ignored counterfeiting for so long How AI will make counterfeit cards nearly undetectable in 18–36 months Resealed boxes: how case hits get pulled and boxes resold Why you should only buy sealed product from card shops or the manufacturer How the hobby gave Erik a second chance Erik’s surprise painting gift at the National Heritage Auctions’ cash advances for consignors Modern vs. vintage: where the 1984 cutoff comes from Michael Rubin’s impact on the hobby Cooper Flagg’s $8M card vs. a $12M Jordan Finals jersey Owning 22 of 26 Flawless Kobe patch auto PSA 10s When to sell: Flawless, Exquisite and buying low A $4–5 million 1997 basketball card pulled from a pack Why Pokémon may be bigger than sports cards Heritage’s 3 million bidders and 58 collecting categories Basketball pack rip: autos and numbered cards Raised vs. printed numbering: how to spot the difference 🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode Collector Nation Website: https://thecollectornation.com Download the App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/collector-nation/id6795562084 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecollectornation_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecollectornation YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecollectornation Erik Myers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haole_hustle Secure Authentication LLC: https://www.secureauthenticationllc.com/ Heritage Auctions Website: https://www.ha.com Sports Auctions: https://sports.ha.com Collector Station Website: https://thecollectorstation.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecollectorstation Ryan Alford Website: https://www.ryanalford.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford ⭐ Would you still buy sealed boxes online after hearing this? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe for more interviews with the biggest names in the hobby, and download the Collector Nation app (iOS and Android) for real-time card alerts and market data. #sportscards #counterfeitcards #collectornation
- 5 days ago47 min
PSA Value Tier Is BACK at $39.99… Is It Worth It?
PSA just reopened its value tier at $39.99 per card. On this Halloween episode, Ryan Alford and Bella (dressed as Ryan) break down the 90–120 day turnaround, the $500 insurance cap, the 7.2 million card backlog, and whether value bulk is coming back. Download the Collector Nation app and track every grading company’s prices at thecollectornation.com/grading. They also look at the 1/1s and the Bronco Nagurski rookie stolen from a FedEx truck, sealed product rising while modern singles dip, NFL card market movers, and a Ryan vs. Ryan Donruss Football pack battle. They close with upcoming releases, including Topps Flagship Basketball and Bo Jackson Battle Arena. Topics Covered: • PSA reopens its $39.99 value tier: turnaround, $500 insurance cap and the 7.2M backlog • Will PSA bring back value bulk? (next update November 3) • Track grading prices at thecollectornation.com/grading • PSA FedEx theft: the stolen 1/1s and the 1935 Bronco Nagurski rookie • Why the $1M stolen-card estimate is questionable • Nick Jarman (CTCA) on theft, counterfeits and card registries • Sealed sports and Pokémon product up, modern singles down • Why this NFL rookie class is cooling the market • Josh Allen on the Topps Chrome Football cover • Topps Holiday and Heritage Football Easter eggs • NFL card market movers: Joe Burrow, Bo Nix, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Tetairoa McMillan • Ryan vs. Ryan pack battle: Donruss Football blaster • Upcoming releases: Topps Flagship Basketball, Bowman Sapphire, Bowman U Best, Topps Five Star, Bo Jackson Battle Arena 🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode Collector Nation Website: https://thecollectornation.com Grading Price Tracker: https://thecollectornation.com/grading Download the App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/collector-nation/id6795562084 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecollectornation TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecollectornation YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecollectornation Collector Station Website: https://thecollectorstation.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecollectorstation Ryan Alford Website: https://www.ryanalford.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford Nick Jarman / CTCA (Certified Trading Card Association) Website: https://www.thectca.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thectca TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thectca YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ctcachannel X: https://x.com/thectca ⭐ Would you send cards in at $39.99 with a $500 insurance cap? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe for weekly hobby news, grading updates and pack battles, and download the Collector Nation app (iOS and Android) for real-time card alerts. #sportscards #psagrading #collectornation
- 1 weeks ago22 min
Why Did EVERY Grading Company Shut Down Value Tiers?! Beckett and MBA
Why can’t you get cards graded at value prices anymore? In this Surface Issues episode, Ryan Alford talks with Colin Hudson, GM of Beckett Grading, and Nick Dolezal, Director of Grading at MBA, about why value tiers shut down across the hobby, how demand outpaced grading capacity, and what each company is doing about it. Download the Collector Nation app and visit thecollectornation.com for the latest on grading. Colin explains Beckett’s website outage, when he hopes its services will be back, and in-person submissions at select shows. Nick breaks down the grader shortage, MBA’s approach to consistent grades and its $15 standard tier. Both answer the big one: are grading prices going up? Topics Covered: • Why PSA, Beckett and SGC paused value tier grading • Grading demand vs. capacity: the backlog explained • Beckett’s $18 base tier and Black Label chase • Why Beckett’s website and services went offline • Beckett’s timeline for restoring its price guide, autograph authentication and marketplace • In-person Beckett submissions at select card shows • MBA’s raw card grading and Diamond stickers • The card grader shortage, hiring and training • Grading consistency: why the same card can get different grades • MBA’s $15 standard tier and value-based upcharge • Will grading prices go up? • The future of the Beckett magazine Links: Collector Nation Website: https://thecollectornation.com Download the App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/collector-nation/id6795562084 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecollectornation_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecollectornation YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecollectornation Beckett Grading Website: https://www.beckett.com MBA (Mike Baker Authenticated) Website: https://grading.mba/ Collector Station Website: https://thecollectorstation.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecollectorstation Ryan Alford Website: https://www.ryanalford.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford ⭐ Enjoying the show? Follow Collector Nation and leave a 5-star rating. It helps us grow. Download the Collector Nation app for real-time card alerts and market data, and read more at thecollectornation.com.
- 1 weeks ago47 min
Topps Is Shipping Boxes UNSEALED… Here’s the Problem 😬
Topps is shipping Chrome mega boxes without cellophane to fight scalpers. Ryan Alford, Brian Ludden and Bella debate whether that protects collectors or just shifts the risk to local card shops. Download the Collector Nation app and visit thecollectornation.com for more. The crew also breaks down three record-setting Shohei Ohtani sales, PrizePicks putting top rookie 1/1s into $2,500 repacks, LeBron’s 24 jersey-patch 1/1s and the PSA cards stolen from a FedEx truck. They close with Five Up, Five Down for NFL Week 6 and this week’s Topps Heritage Football, Holiday and Vault Disney releases. Topics Covered: Topps shipping Chrome mega boxes unsealed: what it means for collectors and card shops Searched and X-rayed boxes: Ryan’s suspicious rip Ohtani 2025 Tokyo Series game-worn jersey sells for $2M+ Ohtani 2026 Topps Chrome Ultraviolet Superfractor 1/1 sells for $329K Ohtani 2018 Bowman Chrome PSA 9 rookie drops $26K Cards vs. game-worn memorabilia: which holds value long term? PrizePicks puts Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper and Kon Knueppel 1/1 Logomen into $2,500 repacks Gambling sites and repacks: what it means for the hobby Topps turns LeBron’s “24” jersey patches into 1/1 cards PSA cards stolen from a FedEx truck, and why you should insure your shipments Five Up, Five Down: NFL Week 6 card market movers Topps Heritage Football: Walter Payton PSA 10 chase Topps Holiday Baseball and Topps Vault Disney release Donruss Football returns unlicensed Topps vs. Panini: why brand matters without a license 🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode Collector Nation Website: https://thecollectornation.com Download the App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/collector-nation/id6795562084 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecollectornation_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecollectornation YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecollectornation Collector Station Website: https://thecollectorstation.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecollectorstation Ryan Alford Website: https://www.ryanalford.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford Brian Ludden / Ludex Website: https://www.ludex.com Download Ludex: https://www.ludex.com/download Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ludexapp ⭐ Would you buy an unsealed box? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe for weekly hobby news and card market breakdowns. Download the Collector Nation app (iOS and Android) for real-time card alerts. Creators, apply at thecollectornation.com to become a verified creator and start earning.
- 2 weeks ago33 min
What Really Happens Behind the Scenes at a Card Show?! 😱
Ryan Alford sits down with Steve “Greenie” of Greenie Sports Cards and Jeremy Levine of the Big Play Collectibles Network, two lifelong friends who went from flipping baseball cards as kids to running dozens of card shows across multiple states every year. Jeremy, who has been part of 16 Nationals and produced five, shares how the show changed after COVID and why the hobby’s growth hasn’t slowed. Greenie explains why there’s still something at every price point for every collector, and both make the case for why face-to-face card shows and local shops will keep growing alongside live selling. They also break down the story behind the Great Lakes Collectors Convention and Greenie Sports Cards Live, the launch of the Big Play Collectibles Network as a home for hobby shows and creators, and what it meant to open and close the Mike Berkus Stage at the National. Topics Covered • The state of the hobby from the show floor • How the National has evolved since 2000 • Something for every collector at every price point • Why in-person shows still matter • Collecting across generations • Building the Great Lakes Collectors Convention • Greenie Sports Cards Live • The Big Play Collectibles Network • The Mike Berkus Stage at the National • What’s ahead for Greenie shows in 2027 SPONSORS – DraftKings Download the DraftKings Sports app and use code COLLECTORNATION. New DraftKings customers can spend five and get two hundred in total bonuses paid within 21 days – includes all markets. That's code COLLECTORNATION. In Partnership with DraftKings. The Crown Is Yours. 🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode Collector Nation Website: https://thecollectornation.com App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/collector-nation/id6795562084 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecollectornation_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecollectornation YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecollectornation Greenie Sports Cards Website: https://greeniesportscards.com Big Play Collectibles Network Website: https://www.bigplay.com/pages/collectibles Collector Station Website: https://thecollectorstation.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecollectorstation Ryan Alford Website: https://www.ryanalford.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford ⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, follow Collector Nation, leave a 5-star review, download the free Collector Nation app, and share it with another collector.
- 2 weeks ago37 min
This Kobe Card Went From $156K to $1.1M… Here’s What It Means for the Hobby
A Kobe Bryant gold /10 BGS 9.5 went from $156K in 2022 to $1.1M in 2026. Ryan Alford and Bella explain why rising Hall of Famer prices signal a healthy, more stable card market, and how that’s different from chasing rookie 1/1s. Download the Collector Nation app and visit thecollectornation.com for more. Ryan and Bella also break down the second MJ 1998 Finals jersey to sell for $14M (this one privately), Goldin’s Babe Ruth card vs. Ty Cobb photo result, and where things stand with grading and the PSA backlog. They close with Five Up, Five Down for NFL Week 5 and the latest Topps price hikes on Flagship Basketball and Cosmic Chrome. Topics Covered: Kobe Bryant gold /10 BGS 9.5: $156K (2022) → $1.1M (2026) Why rising Hall of Famer prices mean market stability, not gambling Second MJ 1998 Finals jersey sells privately for $14M Private sales vs. open auctions: why “the last comp lies” Goldin Fall Vintage Elite: Babe Ruth card vs. Ty Cobb Type 1 photo Grading: the PSA backlog, the value tier, and cost per card Five Up, Five Down: NFL Week 5 card market movers Fernando Mendoza’s debut patch going into a Topps 1/1 Topps Update Series markups over MSRP 2026 Topps Flagship Basketball (169.99)andCosmicChrome(489) price hikes Halloween special preview SPONSORS NordVPN: To get the best discount off your NordVPN plan - go to nordvpn.com/COLLECTORNATION- our link will also give you 4 extra months on the 2-year plan. There's no risk with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee! 🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode Collector Nation Website: https://thecollectornation.com Download the App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/collector-nation/id6795562084 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecollectornation_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecollectornation YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecollectornation Collector Station Website: https://thecollectorstation.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecollectorstation Ryan Alford Website: https://www.ryanalford.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford ⭐ Would you have held that Kobe card from 2022 to now? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe for weekly hobby news and market breakdowns. Download the Collector Nation app (iOS and Android) for real-time card alerts, and if you’re a verified creator, you can start earning. #sportscards #thehobby #collectornation
- 3 weeks ago34 min
Forget Downtowns… THESE Are the Coolest Cards in the Hobby | Murray Henderson and Creator Collective
Ryan Alford sits down with Canadian artist Murray Henderson and Collector Creative founder Zach Nigut to explore one of the most overlooked corners of the hobby: real, hand-made sports art. Murray shares how an accidental paint spill turned a photorealism painter into the creator of "exact abstract," and what it means to be named the 2026 Sport Artist of the Year, with his work going on display in a museum for a full year. Zach explains how he and Murray met at the 2024 National and built a partnership turning Murray's large original paintings into small-run collectible art cards, each a 1-of-1 variation with its own holographic verification number. The two discuss why real art carries more meaning than AI-generated designs, the hidden details layered into every piece, and how they decide which players and pop-culture moments to bring to life. Ryan also recounts the emotional Ted Williams painting reveal at the National, makes the case for Topps working with real artists again, and announces an exclusive Murray Henderson original and art card series coming to Collector Station. Topics Covered Murray Henderson's 2026 Sport Artist of the Year honor From photorealism to "exact abstract" Why great art has to be seen in person The Collector Creative partnership Turning paintings into collectible art cards Real art vs. AI Verification and premium packaging The Ted Williams surprise Artists and the future of card design Exclusive art coming to Collector Station 🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode Collector Nation Website: https://thecollectornation.com App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/collector-nation/id6795562084 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecollectornation_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecollectornation YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecollectornation Murray Henderson Website: https://www.murrayhendersonart.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/murray_henderson Zach Nigut / Collector Creative Website: https://www.collectorcreative.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collector_creative Collector Station Website: https://thecollectorstation.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecollectorstation Ryan Alford Website: https://www.ryanalford.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford ⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, follow Collector Nation, leave a 5-star review, download the free Collector Nation app, and share it with another collector.
- 3 weeks ago51 min
Why This ISN'T 2021: Our Honest Take on the Card Market Right Now
Ryan Alford, Brian Ludden and Bella are back as Coinbase joins the growing list of major companies moving into the collectibles space with Pokémon packs backed by real cards. The crew discusses what that much new money means for sourcing, regulation and the future of digital pack ripping. From there, they take on the bubble question head-on, explaining why today's market looks very different from the 2021 surge and why long-term demand is being driven by families, multiple generations and mainstream media attention. They also cover Topps moving EQL drops to a random draw and the nonstop demand for Pokémon at Collector Station and overseas. The back half of the episode turns to the card market itself: vintage football rookies from Jim Brown, Jerry Rice and Walter Payton gaining ground, Tom Brady's market cooling, and hold-or-buy takes on Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy and Cam Ward. Ryan revisits his 2026 Bowman Football review after opening value boxes, and he and Bella close with a 2026 Allen & Ginter pack battle on release day. Sponsors Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily eSIM data plans! Download the Saily app and use the code COLLECTORNATION at checkout. Topics Covered Coinbase's Pokémon pack launch Big money entering the hobby Is the card market a bubble? 2021 vs. today Topps EQL random draws Pokémon demand at home and abroad How media coverage moves card values Vintage football rookies on the rise Tom Brady's cooling market Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy and Cam Ward 2026 Bowman Football value boxes 2026 Allen & Ginter pack battle 🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode Collector Nation Website: https://thecollectornation.com App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/collector-nation/id6795562084 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecollectornation_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecollectornation YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecollectornation Collector Station Website: https://thecollectorstation.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecollectorstation Ryan Alford Website: https://www.ryanalford.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford Brian Ludden / Ludex Website: https://www.ludex.com App: https://www.ludex.com/download 🎁 Download the free Collector Nation app through any release page at thecollectornation.com to be entered to win a free hobby box or Pokémon Elite Trainer Box. ⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, follow Collector Nation, leave a 5-star review, and share it with another collector.
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About Collector Nation
Collector Nation is where trading cards and collectibles evolve from a hobby into culture, media, and a modern asset class. Hosted by Ryan Alford and Bella Shafer, the show goes beyond box rips and price charts to explore why the hobby is exploding, who is shaping it, and where it’s headed next. From vintage grails to modern heat, grading, market cycles, storytelling, and fandom—Collector Nation sits at the intersection of collectibles, entertainment, and business. If you believe trading cards are more than cardboard—and collectibles are becoming media, community, and opportunity—this is your home. Welcome to Collector Nation. United in the chase.
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