I just received the second of two Mahomes redemptions from Panini. I PC the Chiefs and am keeping both forever, so resale value isn’t a first priority here, but I can’t help but feel a little disappointed because both are sticker autos from expensive hobby products. 

The first, numbered 3/7, I pulled from six boxes of Photogenic FOTL (+/- $3000) I bought directly from Panini in their Dutch auction. The second (48/75) I pulled from a case of Select (+/- $7500) I bought on release day from my LCS. 

I’m totally grateful that I got these cards, and were from two of the last licensed products Panini manufactured. They are both strikingly beautiful in person, and they make me smile every time I see them in my office. 

A pertinent topic of discussion is what is Panini going to do post licensing? It seems to me that the only viable path for them is to offer products which provide true value to customers. In other words, some people will buy unlicensed cards if the patches and autos and whatever are so sick, and at a lower price point than Topps. I’ve bought quite a bit of Panini Three & Two over the years, even though unlicensed, because the cards are at a National Treasues quality and memorabilia quality, but it’s a lot less expensive than Five Star or Definitive. The resale price will always be less than licensed products but it gives collectors an opportunity to get really cool cards of players they like which they might otherwise not be able to afford. 

Sticker autos on high value, rare, grail cards certainly isn’t a value proposition that makes me want to buy anything new from Panini. Their customer service always was inferior to Topps but they could get away with it because they had the licenses.  Not so much anymore. 

It just seems like any autographed card from a top-tier player pulled from an expensive hobby product numbered to, let’s say 25 or less, should be on card. And, a redemption card you have to wait months or longer to receive should be the same. 

What do you think about:  
1) What would Panini have to offer that would make you willing to buy unlicensed cards?  
2) Do you agree with me on sticker autos?

Let’s have a glass of whine