Getting Your Baseball Cards Appraised
Whether you have a collection of baseball cards from your childhood or you recently purchased a collection at an estate sale, it’s a good idea to have your cards professionally appraised. An appraisal will give you an accurate assessment of the value of your cards so you know what you have. It will also provide documentation should you ever need to make an insurance claim. There are several factors that determine the value of any given baseball card, so it’s important to leave the appraisal to the experts.
Condition is King
The single biggest factor that impacts a card’s value is its condition or state of preservation. Mint condition cards are worth exponentially more than worn or damaged cards. When appraising cards, experts will look very closely at the corners, edges, surface and centering to determine the grade. Corners and edges that are sharp and not worn down earn higher grades. Lightly played cards may have minor wear but no creasing or rounding. Heavily played cards show more wear and surface scuffs while damaged cards have creases, stains or tears that significantly impact value.
Centering refers to how evenly the image is positioned within the borders of the card front. Off-center cards grade lower and are worth less. Grading is done on a 1-10 scale with 10 being mint/gem mint. Even a small difference in grade can mean a big difference in dollar value, so take care handling your cards. Plastic sleeves and toploaders are great for protecting cards during storage and transport for an appraisal.
Rarity and Player Prominence
The scarcity of a given card on the secondary market is a major factor in determining value. Rookie cards, especially for star players, are usually the most valuable since they were produced in lower numbers. Iconic players like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Mike Trout and more will always demand a premium. Parallel issues like refractors, autographed parallels and 1/1 serial numbered cards can be extremely valuable for the right players.
Set and Year of Issue
The specific baseball card set and year a card was printed also impacts value. Flagship sets from the 1950s like Topps and Bowman are highly collectible since they were produced at the sport’s peak of popularity. Rookie cards from the late 1980s boom period like Griffey Jr., Pujols and Jeter are highly sought after. Modern sets from the past 20 years have much larger print runs so individual cards are usually worth less, though stars still carry a premium. Understanding the context of when and where a card was issued aids in proper valuation.
Autographs and Memorabilia Cards
Cards that feature autographs or memorabilia pieces attached directly to the front of the card are usually the most valuable of all. Getting an autograph or relic card signed and certified by reputable authentication companies like PSA/DNA, Beckett Authentication or JSA adds tremendously to the value. 1/1 serial numbered versions fetch the highest prices since they are the only ones in existence. Lower serial numbered cards like /10, /25 or /50 are still quite valuable depending on the player.
Getting Cards Graded
For truly valuable vintage cards, it’s highly recommended to submit them to a professional third-party grading service like PSA, BGS or SGC. Receiving an official grade award and slab significantly increases value and makes resale easier down the line. The high end auction market demands graded cards. The grading process does involve fees that need to be weighed against potential return. Ungraded commons and less valuable cards usually don’t merit professional grading.
Where to Get Cards Appraised
The best places for a professional baseball card appraisal are local card shops, larger card shows and national auction houses. Reputable local card shops employ experienced graders and researchers who can give you a free verbal appraisal. Larger national or regional card shows usually have “appraisal days” where experts will inspect cards for a small fee. National auction houses like PWCC and Heritage Auctions have expert staff that can provide detailed written appraisals for a percentage of estimated value. Some will even handle consignment if the cards are valuable enough. An appraisal provides a baseline market value to know what you have in your collection.
In the end, getting your baseball cards professionally appraised is the best way to understand their true worth in today’s market. Condition, scarcity, the players involved and other factors all play a role in valuation. With a proper appraisal in hand, you’ll know if you have $5 or $50,000 worth of cards and how best to care for them long term. The appraisal can also serve as documentation should insurance needs ever arise down the road. Leave the expertise to the grading pros for the most accurate baseball card values.
