The first step to find out the value of old baseball cards is to determine the player, year, team, and brand/set that the card is from. These key details will provide important context to understand the card’s historical significance and scarcity. Things like whether it’s a rookie card, if the player went on to have a Hall of Fame career, popular brand/set, etc. can all affect value. Taking the time to research the specifics of each card is important before moving forward.

Once you have the key details identified, the next step is to check multiple authoritative sources online to research recent sales values for comparable cards. The two main sources for checking baseball card values are eBay and PSA/Beckett. On eBay, you can search “sold listings” for that specific player, year, team, and brand/set to see what identical or very similar condition cards have actually sold for, not just what people are listing them for. This will give you a real sense of the market value. PSA/Beckett publish population reports showing how many examples exist in various graded conditions, which provides valuable context on rarity, and also list recent average sales prices for thousands of cards in different grades. Comparing information across multiple sources is important for getting an accurate value assessment.

If the card is in top/gem mint condition, the next logical step would be to consider submitting it to a professional grading service like PSA or Beckett to authenticate and grade the card. Getting a professional grade often adds significantly to a card’s value, especially for high-grade examples of important vintage cards. Services like PSA and Beckett are the authorities on condition and considered the “gold standard” by serious collectors and investors. A 9 or 10 grade holder can increase a card’s value several times over compared to an raw/ungraded example. The cost of grading needs to be considered – usually $20-30 per card plus shipping costs, and there is risk of potential grade reductions during the process if issues are found. Grading only makes financial sense for truly high-end cards where even a modest grade could unlock substantial added value.

After researching recently sold comps and considering potential professional grading, the next steps involve physically examining the card closely under good lighting conditions. Inspect for any flaws, soft corners, bends, stains or damage that could negatively impact condition and value. Vintage cards can often have flaws not always evident at first glance that a potential buyer would notice. Getting an accurate assessment ofCondition is crucial for establishing an appropriate asking/resale price. You’ll also want to store the card properly in a sleeve and toploader at minimum to preserve it until any potential sale.

When it comes to selling, there are multiple potential avenues. Sites like eBay provide enormous exposure but come with fees. Consignment to reputable auction houses like Heritage Auctions ensures expert handling and promotion but they will also take a cut of any sale. Local card shops may pay less than market value but offer convenience. Networking through online collector forums and groups can help find serious/high-end buyers also. The approach really depends on factors like the card’s value, desired timelines, and comfort level with various selling options. Authenticating paperwork like a letter of provenance may add value for important historic cards as well.

In summary – do thorough research on comps, consider professional grading if high-end, inspect carefully, store properly, then explore multiple selling options to maximize value for valuable old baseball cards. Taking the time to learn about each individual card’s history and market will ensure you recoup the highest price and potentially uncover hidden gems worth significant sums to serious collectors. I hope this detailed guide on assessing worth of vintage baseball cards was helpful! Let me know if any part of the process needs more explanation.