Post Cereal Baseball Card History and Value
Post Cereal baseball cards were inserted in cereal boxes from 1961 to 1981 as a fun, free prize for kids enjoying their breakfast. Over the years, these cards featured popular MLB players from the time period and helped grow interest in baseball among younger generations. While the cards themselves held little value when first obtained, some have become quite valuable collectors’ items today thanks to their nostalgic appeal and limited production runs. Let’s take a closer look at the history of Post Cereal baseball cards and explore what various cards from different years and featuring different players can be worth in today’s market.
Post first included baseball cards in their cereal boxes in 1961 as licensing deals between cereal companies and MLB teams became more popular ways to market to kids. The 1961 Post cards featured 89 players from across the American and National Leagues on standard size cards without gum. These inaugural Post issues had larger print runs and thus lower scarcity than future years. Today in worn condition a full 1961 set might fetch $50-100 while a well-preserved full set could reach $200-250 depending on demand. Individual high-graded rookie cards from 1961 like Sandy Koufax have sold for over $1000.
In 1962 Post changed to smaller 3″ x 4 3/4″ card size that became their standard going forward. Print runs were reduced for sustainability which started increasing scarcity and secondary market value. Still lacking gum inserts, complete 1962 Post sets in average condition sell for $125-175 while a pristine Near Mint set could bring over $500. Superstars like Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle and Roberto Clemente from 1962 are routinely valued over $100 individually. 1963 saw Post’s first inclusion of gum with cards. Although print runs remained similar to 1962, the added nostalgia of chewing gum with cards has elevated 1963 Post cards in value. Complete sets sell for $200-300 with exceptionally nice specimens reaching $750-1000 range.
From 1964 through the late 1960s, Post cereal box inserts continued dwindling print runs making cards from this period highly sought after by collectors. 1964 Post sets in average condition change hands for $250-400 depending on centering and condition of stars. Near Mint or better 1964 sets can realize multiples of that price tag. Top rookie cards from this year like Dick Allen are valued $150-250+. 1965 Post cards saw the introduction of color photo fronts, increasing appeal. Complete 1965 sets usually sell from $300-500 with best condition examples reaching upwards of $1000-1500. Individual stars like Sandy Koufax and Harmon Killebrew routinely garner $100-200 each.
Print runs shrank further still for the 1966-1967 issues. As a result, finding any complete Post cereal box baseball card sets from these years in decent condition is a challenge. When they surface on the market, a typical 1966 set will sell for $500-800 while a pristine 1967 set could demand $1000-1500. High-grade individual cards like Roberto Clemente and Carl Yastrzemski from 1966-1967 regularly sell for $150-300 depending on the player’s career achievements and collecting demand. The late 1960s Post issues represent some of the most valuable series for dedicated vintage cereal box card collectors.
Into the 1970s, Post cereal continued reducing production of included baseball cards and included fewer cards per issue, further concentrating sets’ rarity. 1970-1971 Post cereal box baseball card sets are considered among the most valuable of the entire Post run with complete 1970 sets selling for upwards of $1000-1500 in average condition. Grading a perfect 1970 Post cereal box baseball card set could potentially realize $3000-5000+ pending auction market conditions. Even individual 1970 rookie cards like Reggie Jackson and Thurman Munson in high grades can exceed $300+ each. 1971 Post sets usually change hands from $1200-2000 for average quality specimens but a flawless 1971 set could pull $3000+.
The Post cereal baseball card inserts of the mid-1970s saw further decreases in included card quantities and distribution. As such, finding complete 1972-1974 Post sets is an especially challenging rarity. When they surface, a typical 1972 set might garner $1500-2500 depending on condition assessment and centering issues. 1973 sets often demand $2000-3500 while the rarest 1974 Post issues usually sell for $2500-5000. Individually, graded 1970s rookie cards like George Brett, Nolan Ryan, Dave Winfield range $150-500+ in high grades.
By 1976, Post had slimmed down baseball card inclusion to roughly 6-8 cards per box. With such limited distribution, 1976 Post cereal box baseball card sets are considered among the most coveted and valuable of the entire vintage cereal box card era. 1976 rookies like Mark Fidrych also hold perennial collector interest. Complete 1976 Post sets routinely sell for $3500-5500 today. Single Hall of Fame caliber stars from 1976 like Pete Rose and George Brett can exceed $300+ individually depending on condition.
The brief 1977-1978 Post issues marked the twilight of their long-running baseball card insert program. Complete 1977 sets trade hands for $4000-6000 today while 1978 Post sets push the $5000-8000 range when they surface, underscoring their rarity. High-graded rookie cards from these shortened final runs like Don Sutton and Dave Parker maintain value over $200-300 each when available.
Post discontinued baseball cards in cereal boxes after 1981, but their earlier 1960s-1970s issues remain highly sought after centerpieces of vintage baseball card collections. Strict print run control throughout the years concentrated sets’ scarcity and nostalgia keeps demand high. While conditions vary today’s secondary market values demonstrate how valuable completing a Post cereal box baseball card set from any year 1960s-1970s can be as a piece of pop culture history and investment. With care and research, set building or investment in key Post rookie cards offers collectibles enthusiasts an avenue to appreciate the memorabilia associated with America’s pastime.
