Author Archives: Kevin Brexit

HOW DO I FIND OUT WHAT BASEBALL CARDS ARE WORTH

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There are several key factors that determine the value of a baseball card. One of the most important is the player featured on the card and their notability and impact on the game. Cards featuring legendary players like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, or rare rookie cards of modern superstars like Mike Trout will generally be the most valuable. The condition and quality of the card is also extremely important. Baseball cards lose value very quickly with even small defects, creases, or worn edges. For accurate valuation, the card needs to be in near mint or perfect mint condition.

The year the card was printed is also highly influential to its value. Vintage cards from the 1950s and prior are almost always going to be worth more than modern issues. This is due to rarity, as many older cards did not survive in collectible condition over several decades. Certain years also featured iconic designs or included prominent players that had breakout rookie seasons. For example, cards from 1952, 1954, and 1956 Topps sets are very desirable. Within a given year, specific serial numbers or variations can make a card much scarcer and sought after by collectors.

When trying to determine a card’s value, the first step is to carefully examine it under bright lighting and compare its condition to established grading scales. The two industry leaders for objectively grading cards are Beckett Grading Services and Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA). They use a numerical scale of 1-10 with labels like “Poor”, “Good”, “Near Mint”, etc. Getting the card professionally graded helps buyers and sellers agree on its condition in a verifiable way.

Once you know the exact details of the card like player, year, set, grade, and any notable markings – it’s time to conduct online research. The best resources for recent sales data and prices are websites like eBay, COMC, Beckett Price Guides, PWCC Marketplace, and 130point.com. Checking the recently sold filter on eBay is very helpful to see what identical or comparable cards have actually been selling for to realistic buyers. Beckett and PSA also publish quarterly market reports summarizing demand trends. Card show talk with experienced dealers can also provide knowledgeable estimations.

Using multiple sources prevents any single anomaly from misrepresenting a card’s true market value. Be prepared for values to fluctuate based on current player performance or popularity as well. Extremely rare vintage cards may require an expert appraisal or being shopped to major auction houses. But with diligent research online, you can learn enough to accurately understand what a baseball card is truly worth in the current collectibles marketplace. Proper authentication, secure handling, and accurately promoting all key details when selling helps achieve the best possible price.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN OLD BASEBALL CARDS

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One of the most important things to evaluate when looking at old baseball cards is the overall condition and state of preservation. This includes examining the card stock itself as well as any images or text on the card. The best condition for a card would be mint, meaning it looks like it just came out of the pack. There should be no creases, folds, or other visible defects to the card stock. Faint printing flaws or centering issues on extremely old cards may be more acceptable depending on the age, but otherwise cards should be crisp and clear. Examine under bright light for any signs of wear and confirm edges are still sharp without chips or folds. Older paper is more susceptible to damage from exposure over time like yellowing, so brighter white card stock that is still flexible indicates better preservation.

In addition to condition of the card stock, you’ll want to closely examine any images on the card. For older 1930s-1950s tobacco era cards and those without photos, carefully inspect text for cleanness and any flaws. On cards with player portraits, ensure the photo image is still clear and crisp without darkening, fade lines from exposure to light/air, orprint defects that deteriorate the image over decades. Creases through or near photo areas significantly impact a card’s grade. Also look for original gum, if intact, which adds substantial value – it should still be thick and adhered smoothly to the back of the card. Check edges under bright light for any pickings or residue that may have rubbed smooth the gum over the years of handling.

Another factor to evaluate is the centering of elements on the card. For early 20th century cards, off-center images, borders or text were fairly common given mass production techniques of the time. The closer to perfectly centered everything aligns, the more desirable the card is to collectors. Use a ruler or straightedge along edges to check for even margins and symmetry front to back. Significant off-centering may still allow for a respectable grade on very old issues but will impact premium mint condition demands. Examine under bright light at different angles to catch any warped/wavy edges which developed over storage years ago as well.

The specifics of the player, team, and card issue date are also hugely important to determining a card’s rarity and collector value. For example, rookie cards from the earliest years of the 1900s featuring legendary players that broke records would be at the top of the demand scale. Meanwhile, a common later reprint of a career stats card for a mid-tier player may have very little value regardless of condition. It’s important to research issue dates, photograph usage rights if relevant, known printing quantities, and any notable autographs/signatures that could exponentially increase a rare card’s worth. Condition is still king, but knowing idiosyncrasies of the individual card helps provide proper collectible context.

When grading cards for your collection’s registry or possible sale, always handle with extreme care using clean cotton gloves. Don’t touch surfaces, and store in acid-free archival holders/sheets in climate-controlled locations away from direct light. Proper long-term preservation is key to maintaining or potentially increasing a card’s value over generations. With dedication to meticulous examination and care factors discussed here, you can identify idle gems worth reinvesting back into your favorite childhood pastime. The allure of uncovering vintage baseball history is a pursuit many collectors enjoy for a lifetime.

When assessing old baseball cards for value and condition, thoroughly examine the card stock, images, centering, specifics of the player and issue, and any other unique identifying attributes. Care taken in preservation protects a collectible over decades and directly impacts its future worth. With diligent inspection of all condition and provenance factors discussed above, collectors can make educated assessments to curate and cherish their personal pieces of the game’s storytelling past.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO BUY BASEBALL CARDS

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There are several good options available when looking to purchase baseball cards. The best approach will depend on factors like what types of cards you are searching for, your budget, and how much time you have available. Here are some of the most common and effective ways to buy baseball cards:

Retail Stores – Box stores like Target and Walmart will have a card section with newly released packs, boxes, and supplies. While the card selection may be limited, retail stores allow you to purchase unsearched products right away. If looking for the thrill of the search, retail packs provide that experience. Card quality is unpredictable and specific rare finds are unlikely at large retail outlets.

Online Retailers – Websites like DaCardWorld, BlowoutCards, and Steel City Collectibles are major online baseball card retailers. They offer a huge selection of new and vintage packs, boxes, and singles available to ship directly. Pricing is generally better than local shops and the selection is far more vast online. Shipping times and costs need to be considered. Online retailers are best if you know exactly what cards or products you want to purchase.

Local Card Shops – Independent collectible stores provide the advantage of physically browsing inventory and potentially negotiating prices on high-end items. Knowledgeable staff can also offer guidance on collecting trends. Local shops may get new products sooner than online since there’s no shipping. Selection and prices can vary dramatically between shops. Be sure to call ahead and check inventory before visiting.

Card Shows – Regional and national baseball card shows gather hundreds of vendors under one roof, allowing collectors to compare prices on singles, boxes, and entire collections. It’s the best place to find older or rare game-used memorabilia cards. Haggling is common at shows. Be prepared for long admission lines on weekends. Research upcoming show dates and vendor lists in advance.

Auction Sites – eBay remains the biggest online auction marketplace for vintage and modern baseball cards. With patience and diligent searches, valuable finds are possible on auction sites. Buyers need to consider taxes, shipping costs, and risk of item not matching description. Always check seller feedback before bidding. Government/bankruptcy auctions also sell entire card collections acquired as secured assets.

Private Sellers – Craigslist, Facebook groups, collectors forums provide access to individuals selling personal collections. Motivated sellers may offer better per-card pricing than stores on collections they want to liquidate quickly. More risk of scam exists, so buyers need to carefully evaluate reputation and arrange secured payment/delivery methods for larger transactions with strangers. Meeting in-person for local deals mitigates some risk.

When beginning a new collection, opening hobby boxes and retail packs provide excitement of the search while learning more about players and teams. As the collection grows, focus shifts toward targeted acquisition of key vintage and star singles. Monitor upcoming national sports conventions for annual release of new hobby box product in fall/winter as well. No matter the buying method, research and patience will lead to building a collection through balanced combinations of openings, online purchases, and bargain hunting wherever cards are sold. Always inspect condition and authenticity carefully whether spending $1 or $1,000+ per card. With discipline and strategy, any budget can be stretched further in this rewarding but challenging hobby.

HOW TO FIND BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The first step in finding the value of a baseball card is to identify the player, team, year, and condition of the card. This basic information will help determine the card’s rarity and demand in the collecting marketplace. Things like the player, year, brand of card (Topps, Fleer, etc.), and any special markings can all impact the value.

Once you have the key details, the next step is to do some research online. These days, researching card values is easy thanks to online databases and auction sites that provide sales history and price guide information. A good place to start is PSA’s online Card Price Guide database. You can search by player name, year, set, and card number to find active market values for professionally graded cards in various grades of condition.

Beckett Baseball Price Guides and eBay’s “Sold Listings” are also excellent resources to check recent sales of similar cards to yours. Looking up at least 20 recent sales of comparable cards will give you a good sense of the average prices being paid in the current market. Things like serial numbered parallels, autographed or rookie cards may be more valuable than the standard base card as well.

When assessing condition, it’s important to carefully examine the card front and back for any flaws, bends, edge wear or other damage that could impact grade and value. More pristine, higher graded cards tend to demand big premiums. The golden standard is to have high-end cards professionally graded and encapsulated by a reputable third-party grader like PSA, BGS or SGC. This adds credibility and transparency for buyers.

Once you’ve gathered all the relevant data points on your card from guides and recent auction comps, you’ll have a much better idea of where it likely fits in from a price perspective. But remember, true value is whatever someone is willing to pay. The last step is typically listing your card for sale online through an auction or fixed-price sale on platforms like eBay, COMC, or through a local collectibles shop or show.

With baseball cards being so individual in nature, small variations can have large impacts on value. Factors like a refractors, autographed/memorabilia parallels, special numberings, and especially rookie cards of future Hall of Famers could increase baseline prices many times over. Doing thorough research upfront is key to properly assessing worth. With some digging, you’ll be able to pinpoint estimates to set fair asking prices or know a good deal when buying. Overall condition, demand and recent sales of comparables are the best indicators for baseball card values.

To accurately determine the value of a baseball card you need to identify its key details like player, year, set and brand; research recent sales of similar or identical cards online through sources like PSA, Beckett, eBay sold listings and price guides; carefully examine its condition; consider special variations that could impact rarity and demand; and look at current market trends and prices being paid for comparable cards to gauge an estimated value range. With diligent research factored by condition and demand, you’ll have reliable information to determine a baseball card’s worth in the current marketplace.

ARE BASEBALL CARDS GOOD INVESTMENTS

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The question of whether baseball cards make for a good investment is a complex one with reasonable arguments on both sides. There are many factors to consider in evaluating the investment potential of baseball cards including the market forces that impact their value, the costs associated with buying, selling, and storing cards long-term, as well as the inherent unpredictability in the future success and popularity of any given player. While baseball cards can offer high returns under the right circumstances, they also carry significant risks and are not a suitable investment for everyone.

To understand the investment case for baseball cards, it’s important to recognize that their value is largely determined by supply and demand in the collectibles marketplace. Certain rare, vintage cards depicting MLB legends like Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, and Mickey Mantle have sold for millions due to their extreme scarcity and historical significance. For more common cards printed in larger numbers, appreciating value depends on collectors continuing to drive demand. While the popularity of card collecting has led to generally steady or rising values for vintage cards in recent decades, there is no guarantee such interest or rates of return will continue indefinitely. Collectibles are also far less liquid investments than stocks or bonds, as finding interested buyers takes time and effort.

For newer cards, predicting which players will have lasting appeal and value is quite challenging. Even star rookies often lose value quickly if their careers don’t pan out as expected. And with the sheer number of new cards released each year, most common prints will likely retain only a small fraction of their original pennies-on-the-dollar retail price if sold later. The top rookie cards from legendary players like Mickey Mantle that sell for hundreds of thousands today represented huge long-shot bets at the time of issue that paid off exponentially due to those players’ eventual Hall of Fame success. Such career-defining, market-moving accomplishments cannot be forecasted reliably for current players.

While hits pay off big, most recent cards either lose value or gain little. Some analysts argue the sports card market may also face headwinds in coming decades from long-term declines in many younger people’s interest in traditional paper cards relative to digital collecting through apps and websites. On the other hand, population aging could concentrate remaining disposable income among older generations with nostalgia for paper cards from their childhoods, balancing that effect to some degree. Overall the future is hard to predict.

In addition to market risks, investing in baseball cards requires costs for storage, supplies, grading if desired, and paid membership or fees for tracking prices and selling on major online platforms. Caring for large collections properly to maximize long-term value also takes ongoing time and diligence. Cards need to be kept safely in protective plastic sleeves and holders to maintain high grades, then stored in a cool, dry place away from direct light or other conditions that cause damage over decades. The hidden long-term costs for durable supplies and professional-grade storage can eat into profits, especially for average cards without huge profit margins.

On the upside, buying ungraded cardboard directly from sellers often allows acquiring complete sets or individual high-potential rookie cards at costs far below current Beckett book values if later sent in to be professionally graded by PSA or BGS. Receiving top “gem mint” or pristine grades greatly increase resale values and makes capturing short and medium-term price jumps much more feasible. Carefully selecting discount purchase opportunities on unloved but high-quality cards from the past can yield good returns with relatively minimal risk compared to buying new packs or boxes chasing hits at retail prices today.

While certain rare early baseball cards from the T206 era to the 1950s offer world-class investment potential due to rarity and historical significance appreciated by serious collectors worldwide, most ordinary baseball cards do not make a reliably profitable long-term investment on their own merits. The risks of market fluctuations, long-term shifts in popularity, and costs of maintaining a collection properly often outweigh prospective rewards – especially for common modern issues. For budget-conscious investors with due diligence, a small baseball card portfolio purchased smartly for the long-term can potentially outpace inflation or even yield six-figure returns under the right circumstances. Overall it remains a speculative venture more dependent on passion than dispassionate financial criteria.

With discipline and an understanding of the risks involved, buying select discounted vintage cards to hold for decades remains one of the few potentially lucrative hobbies that also provide enjoyment through connection to sports history. For serious collectors, assembling sets from favorite childhood years or targeting affordable prospects poised to break out can produce life-changing scores. Baseball cards should not serve as anyone’s primary retirement vehicle or source of wide diversification. Their future remains unpredictable, and investments are best contained to a small fraction of total assets. With proper collector mindset and long time horizon in place of get-rich-quick hopes, cards offer a unique way for financially savvy sports fans to potentially benefit from following their passions.

HOW MUCH ARE AARON JUDGE BASEBALL CARDS WORTH

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The value of Aaron Judge baseball cards can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, but given his status as one of the game’s biggest stars, many of his rookie cards and notable rookie season cards command high prices on the secondary market.

Judge burst onto the MLB scene in 2017 with a historic rookie season for the New York Yankees. He set the rookie home run record with 52 home runs that season while finishing second in AL MVP voting. That rookie season catapulted him to stardom and high demand from collectors seeking his rookie cards.

Some of Judge’s most valuable rookie cards from 2017 include:

2017 Topps Chrome Refractor #156 – In pristine gem mint condition, this refractor parallel has sold for around $6,000. In raw near-mint to mint condition, prices range from $2,000-4,000 typically.

2017 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto Green Refractor #BJP51a – An ultra-rare green parallel autographed version of his top Bowman rookie card. Only 5 of these were produced. One in flawless condition fetched over $40,000 at auction.

2017 Bowman’s Best Chrome Auto Green Refractor #BBA32a – Another scarce green auto parallel. Copies in mint condition have brought in $10,000+.

2017 Topps Series 1 #156 – His main flagship rookie that opened the floodgates. Even well-centered near-mint copies sell for $500-800. Gems can go for $1,000-2,000.

Aside from those standout rookie cards, other notable ones from Judge’s breakout season hold value too:

2017 Topps Stadium Club #77 – A popular insert set. Near-mint exemplars have sold for $300-500.

2017 Topps Update #US256 – His base update card. Near-mint copies trade hands for $150-250.

2017 Topps Factory Set Orange Refractor # /299 – Scarce pulled orange parallel from the high-end factory set. Copies have sold for $1,000 in mint condition.

All those prices are for single cards, though premium graded gems through services like PSA or BGS will demand even loftier price tags. A PSA 10 copy of his 2017 Topps Chrome Base is worth thousands more than a raw example.

As Judge has cemented himself as one of MLB’s biggest stars beyond that initial season, cards from 2018, 2019, 2020 and beyond hold value as well to a collector base always hungry for new Judge cards:

2018 Topps Chrome Superfractor # /10 – The ultra-rare 1-of-10 parallel from that year’s Topps Chrome set. One recently sold for $23,000 in PSA 10 condition.

2018 Topps Allen & Ginter Mini #169 – A popular miniature card subset. Near-mint copies reach $150-250.

2019 Topps Archives Signature Edition Auto #/50 – Premium on-card auto from Archives set limited to 50 copies. Estimated worth around $4,000 in mint condition.

2020 Topps Chrome Update Blue Back Refractor Auto #/2021 – Commemorating Judge hitting #62. Copies have sold in the $2,000 range.

2021 Topps Allen & Ginter Mini Auto Green #/99 – Scarce auto parallelMINIature card from ’21. Gems could fetch $800-1000.

So in summary – as one of baseball’s true modern icons, Aaron Judge holds tremendous value for collectors across his entire career but especially for his premier rookie cards from his record-setting 2017 MLB debut season. Top prizes can sell for thousands, with his rarest parallels commanding five figures or more for mint gems. His rising career success and Yankee stardom also continue to fuel interest in new Judge cards on an annual basis.

DOES KROGER SELL BASEBALL CARDS

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Kroger is a large nationwide grocer that operates over 2,700 stores across 35 states. While their main product focus is grocery items like food and household supplies, many Kroger locations also have general merchandise sections that include a variety of products beyond just food. When it comes to whether or not Kroger sells baseball cards, the answer varies depending on the specific store location.

Larger Kroger stores that have more expansive general merchandise departments are most likely to carry baseball cards. flagship metro locations and Kroger Marketplace locations, which are bigger format stores that emphasize non-food departments much more, will sometimes devote shelf space to trading cards, memorabilia, and other sport and entertainment collectibles – and this is where baseball cards can most commonly be found at Kroger. Even at these types of stores it is not guaranteed that they will stock baseball cards, as retailers are always adjusting product assortments based on sales performance and customer demand.

Regular sized grocery store format Krogers will less consistently have baseball cards available. Many smaller stores do not have the extra retail space needed for non-grocery categories beyond a few essentials. So baseball cards may not make the cut in terms of prioritizing what niche products to carry when space is tight. Some community Kroger locations will cater to very local interests, so being in an area with strong youth baseball could increase chances of finding cards. But at smaller stores, card availability becomes highly dependent on manager discretion and periodic review of selling trends.

An additional factor is whether the Kroger has a licensed merchandise section near checkout aisles featuring prominently local teams’ apparel and souvenirs. These sections in Krogers situated near MLB franchise home cities occasionally dedicate a small shelf segment to things like current year baseball card packs tied to the local club. So a Cincinnati area Kroger for example may have recent Reds cards for sale during the season. But more nationally diverse multi-sport/entertainment merchandise is the norm for such checkout lane fixtures if carried.

When baseball cards can be found at Kroger, the selection tends to be limited versus a dedicated card shop. Most stores would have at most a 6-foot shelving portion of an aisle featuring current year retail box sets and blind packs from the major manufacturers like Topps, Panini, Upper Deck. Vintage or higher end specialty items usually are not part of the assortment. The focus is on serving casual collector families or kids doing opening day card ripping together as more of an incidental purchase during regular shopping.

But even with limitations, Kroger trying to carry some cards can still provide value for local shoppers. Their prices often undercut specialized hobby stores and card sections act as exposure for the pastime, potentially gaining new young fans. Product is also conveniently acquired alongside weekly groceries rather than requiring an extra trip. And some appreciation item liquidation value exists no matter the scale of selection or rarity of contents.

While not a guaranteed offering everywhere due to store size and manager decision making, larger format Kroger locations stand the best chances of having at least a basic assortment of mainstream annual baseball card packs and boxes. Local interests, proximity to MLB clubs, and certain endcap retail fixtures may additionally provide cards at some other stores. So it’s worth a quick look even if a dedicated shop is not nearby, as Kroger tries when feasible to fill this niche demand from both collectors and casual customers. Going forward, e-commerce could complement brick and mortar if interest and suitable profit margins justify further product category expansion.

HOW TO DETERMINE VALUE OF BASEBALL CARDS

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There are several factors that go into determining the value of a baseball card. The most important things to consider are the player, the condition or grade of the card, rarity, and year/set of the card. Understanding these key elements and doing your research is necessary to properly appraise a baseball card’s worth.

The player is obviously very significant. Cards featuring legendary players that had historic careers will be much more valuable. Players like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Ty Cobb, and more modern stars like Mike Trout are always in high demand. Even role players can have value if they are rare inserts or rookie cards. Condition the card is in is also huge – the better conditioned/graded a card is, the higher its value. Near mint to mint condition cards can be worth 10x or more than a well-worn card.

It’s important to consider the card’s rarity and number printed as well. Promotional cards, error cards, serially numbered parallels, and uncommon variations add value. Lower print run sets have rarer base cards too. The year and particular card set also affect price. Rookie cards hold premium value as do vintage cards from the early 20th century tobacco era. Examine the production year, manufacturer, and specific brand to uncover outliers.

Once you’ve analyzed those primary characteristics, it’s time to do some research. Check recent sales of similar condition/player/rarity comps on online marketplaces like eBay. Look at “sold” listings, not just active auctions, for an accurate gauge. Also investigate price guides from industry leaders like Beckett, PSA/DNA, and Diamond to see established market value ranges in different grades. Card shop owners and knowledgeable collectors can provide expertise too.

Grading and encapsulating valuable finds is recommended. Third party authentication from the leading services, PSA/DNA and BGS, adds legitimacy and allows direct comps. But it’s an added cost so only pursue grading premium rare cards. For common cardboard in great shape, raw is usually fine. Speaking of condition, take care handling unprotected cards to avoid further wear and tear that degrades value.

Once you’ve gone through the identification process, feel confident listing your card for auction or sale. Pricing it competitively but not too low is key. Accept reasonable offers when possible. Consider trading duplicates for needs too. Join online communities and visit local shops/shows to connect with enthusiasts and keep learning about the dynamic hobby market. With diligence, anyone can become skilled at properly evaluating baseball cards’ worth.

Accurately determining a baseball card’s value requires methodically analyzing multiple attributes about the player, production details, condition, and rarity. Comparing recently sold similar examples and consulting authoritative price guides provides baselines. Grading premium vintage and rookie cards preserves condition and makes comps easier. With study and experience, hobbyists can gain a specialist’s eye for properly appraising any baseball card that crosses their path. Always handle items carefully and connect with other collectors to continuously refine evaluation techniques in this evolving marketplace.

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ARE THERE ANY VALUABLE 1989 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1989 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable issues from the late 1980s. While it does not have any true “superstars” on par with rookie cards of Mickey Mantle or Ken Griffey Jr., there are several cards that can fetch handsome prices for collectors and investors. One of the most notable is the Derek Jeter rookie card. As arguably the greatest shortstop of all time and a longtime Yankee, Jeter’s rookie card from the 1989 Topps set is extremely popular. In mint condition, it can sell for thousands of dollars. With him now being inducted into the Hall of Fame, interest and prices for his rookie are likely to remain strong for years to come.

Another pitcher who had a legendary career andwhose 1989 Topps rookie has held immense value is Greg Maddux. As one of the greatest control artists of all time and a dominant starter for two decades, Maddux rookie is cherished by collectors. High-grade versions can reach five figures. Not far behind is Ken Griffey Jr.’s rookie, perhaps the most iconic card of the modern era due to his immense popularity and talent. While not quite as coveted or expensive as early Griffey rookies, his 1989 issue still has value stretching into the thousands for top condition copies. Rounding out the ‘big three’ for this set is Barry Bonds. His rookie comes at a time before the home run records but controversy, making it a significant part of baseball history.

In addition to those headliners, there are several other singles and short prints that bring in substantial returns. For example, the Frank Thomas rookie card has historically commanded over $500 in top condition despite not being quite as heralded as the aforementioned names. The Mark McGwire rookie, from before the home run chase but after a solid debut season, also enters the four-digit range in gem mint. Among short prints, the Andy Benes SP records over $1,000 for its elusiveness. Perhaps surprisingly, cards of pitchers like Orel Hershiser and Dwight Gooden have lost none of their original luster despite ups and downs later in their careers.

Condition, of course, is paramount when evaluating investment potential and price tags for any of these valuable 1989 Topps singles. Even a quarter point downgrade in centering or corners can decimate a card’s worth. For collectors more concerned with admiration of the players than flipping assets, there remain significant cardboard from this set available at reasonable costs across all condition spectra. The nostalgic designs also remain a favorite of the era. Whether chasing Whiffs, Home Runs, or time capsules of baseball’s greats, 1989 Topps ensures there are enduring Targets for enthusiasts of the pastime and paper to pursue.

While it may lack true “10s” other than perhaps Jeter’s rookie, there is depth of valuable content within the 1989 Topps baseball card set. Stars, short prints, and even solid veterans can deliver returns stretching well into five figures for collectors and investors alike depending on exact name and grade. Its classic designs also give the issue staying power for casual fans and historians of the game for generations to come.

HOW TO GRADE TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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Grading the condition and quality of vintage baseball cards is both an art and a science. With Topps being the most prolific trading card issuer, properly grading their iconic baseball cards is a crucial task for collectors. Whether you are looking to buy or sell, it is important to understand how professional grading services examine and assign numericgrades to Topps cards.

The main professional third-party grading service used is Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA). They have established the most widely recognized and standardized scale in the industry ranging from 1 to 10. A PSA 10 is the highest achievable grade of “Gem Mint” condition, while a PSA 1 would be badly damaged. Most other services also use a comparable 10-point scale.

When grading a card, there are several key factors that are analyzed under a strong light with magnification:

Centering – How perfectly centered the photo or illustration is within the established card borders. Slight off-centering of up to 20% in either direction is still considered “very well centered” for higher grades. Anything more is dinged.

Corners – Are the corners nicely rounded and intact or are there signs of wear like chips or stressing? Heavily rounded corners detract from condition.

Edges – Is the edge smooth and properly cut or are there nicks, dings or flaws? Poorly cut or damaged edges lower grades dramatically.

Surface – Is the surface clean and smooth with no flaws? Even light printing flaws, scratches or gloss issues can negatively affect grades. Heavier wear brings grades down significantly.

One tricky part of grading Topps cards accurately is accounting for the wide variance in quality control and construction methods used over the almost 70 years of production. Early 1950s issues often had poorer cutting and centering right from the pack. Gum stains, discoloration and other issues were also not uncommon given the relatively crude production technologies of the time compared to today. This must be considered contextually.

Later 1960s issues started featuring sharper photos andprinting, but quality could still vary noticeably between different series and years. The 1970s saw slight improvements before Topps really hit their stride in the 1980s with ultra-clean surfaces and precise centering/cutting becoming the norm on many of their flagship sets right out of the wrapper.

Even flagship sets from the 1990s on can exhibit occasional quality control problems from the factory that may prevent earning the elusive PSA 10 Gem Mint and instead cap out at a PSA 9 or so. So date, set details, production methods and inherent flaws that don’t detract must all be taken into account.

Another nuance is considering any touch-ups, modifications or encasement the card may have received over the years. Rebacking, ink/edge touch-ups, and heavy grading case glare can mask or alter original details and prevent a true condition assessment. Removing a card from its thick plastic holder is usually required for proper grading under strong magnification.

As you can see, properly assessing the condition and quality of Topps baseball cards is more of an art than a precise science. But understanding the key grading factors and knowing production/quality context can equip collectors to better understand reported grades, buy/sell confidently, and appreciate the condition rarities that make vintage cardboard collecting so rewarding. With experience, the eye for accurately discerning condition certainly gets sharper over time.