If you have a collection of old baseball cards taking up space in your home, you may be wondering what the best way is to get rid of them. Baseball cards can accumulate over the years, especially if you or a family member used to collect them actively. While they may hold nostalgic value, boxes of cards you no longer look at are just clutter at a certain point. Here are some of the top options for what to do with old baseball cards you want to get rid of.
One option is to donate your baseball card collection to a local library, school, nursing home, or boys and girls club. Many of these organizations will accept card donations to use for educational purposes or activities for kids and seniors. Sort through your collection first and pull out any valuable, rare, or mint condition cards to sell individually. The rest can be donated as a lot. Be sure to get a receipt for your tax records showing the quantity and general description of cards donated.
If your cards are in average to poor condition and you have a large bulk quantity, you may be able to sell them online in bulk lots on platforms like eBay. Take clear, well-lit photos showing the overall condition and types of players/teams represented. Price the lot affordably based on the condition. Be upfront about any flaws, damage or incomplete sets. You likely won’t get top dollar, but it’s an easy way to clear out cards. Shipping larger bulk lots can be expensive though, so calculate total costs.
For common cards in poor shape, one option is to sell them by the pound on sites like Collector’s Universe Marketplace. Sellers offer cards by the pound, often $5-$10/pound depending on condition. Buyers use these bulk lots for things like craft projects rather than collecting. It’s a simple way to liquidate large quantities of low-value cards. Again, shipping costs need to be considered for larger amounts.
If you have valuable vintage cards from the 1950s-1980s in mint/near mint condition, your best bet is to have them professionally graded and authenticated. This adds resale value. Research recent sold prices on platforms like eBay for comparable graded cards to get a sense of potential values. Consider selling higher value individual cards or short prints yourself online or through a local/national card shop. You can also consign valuable cards to an auction house.
For cards in average to nice shape from the late 1980s onward, a local card/comic book shop is a good option. They buy collections outright by the pound or will take cards on consignment. As consignment sellers, they take a cut (often 50%) but handle the work of displaying, pricing and selling the cards. This allows you to potentially get more money than bulk selling while not having to deal with individual online sales.
If you have a large quantity but don’t want to deal with the hassle and uncertainty of selling, another option is to have an estate sale company sell them for you. Estate sales professionals advertise and manage a 1-3 day sale of your items at your home or a commercial space. They take a percentage (often 40-50%) of sales but handle the entire process. This is convenient if you want cash quickly versus piecemealing sales over time.
As a last resort if you just want the cards gone, consider recycling them. Shred or tear the cards so personal information is not visible before placing them in your regular recycling bin. Check with your local recycling center first to confirm baseball cards can be recycled in your area’s program. This ensures the cards are properly disposed of versus ending up in a landfill.
For old baseball cards you want to get rid of, donating, selling in bulk lots online, selling by the pound, or consigning higher value cards are typically the best options to potentially get some money back. Local card shops are also a convenient resource. Only recycle cards as a last choice if you want them gone immediately versus trying to sell or donate first. With some sorting and research, you can find the right solution to clear out those cluttering baseball card collections.
