Memorabilia market is "as bad as a whole generation of people can remember"

"In a struggling economy, ... rare coin collection increases in value and demand because coins and precious metals are a better hedge against inflation than sports collectibles."

Professional athletes may seem exempt from the nation's economic woes, but the value of their signatures, helmets and jerseys are not.

As the economy continues to leave more people facing the tough decision of paying the mortgage or buying groceries, sports memorabilia dealers are feeling the hit.

With few exceptions, national and local dealers alike say sales slumped in 2008 - some by as much as 75 percent - and there's no immediate turnaround in sight.
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In Roselle, Glen Soustek, owner of Westlake Cards, Comics and Coins, said the memorabilia market is "as bad as a whole generation of people can remember."

In the past year, Soustek said, many dealers shuttered their doors, leaving those still in business to liquidate their inventory for a percentage of its worth.

"Another 30 percent to 50 percent of us won't be here next year at this time either," he said. "But I will be because I planned for it."

In a struggling economy, Soustek said, his rare coin selection increases in value and demand because coins and precious metals are a better hedge against inflation than sports collectibles.

"I'm a coin dealer that got into (sports) cards when they were hot, but it's my coins that carry me through times like this," he said. "I've been telling guys for 30 years that cardboard is only good for wiping your (posterior) when you run out of the Charmin."

There are dealers that still sell individual packs of baseball cards to teens and younger children, but those sales are dwindling with some specialty packs going for about $20.

"I try to be . . .

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