Author Archives: Kevin Brexit

HOW TO KNOW WHICH BASEBALL CARDS ARE WORTH MONEY

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One of the main factors that determines a baseball card’s value is its condition and preservation. Baseball cards that are in near-mint or mint condition are almost always going to be worth more than cards that are worn, bent, or damaged. Ideally, you want to find cards that look like they were just pulled from a fresh pack. To determine a card’s condition, look closely at the corners, edges, surface, and centering. Any imperfections can significantly reduce its value.

The year of the card also greatly impacts its potential worth. Generally speaking, older cards from the early years of modern baseball card production in the late 1880s up until the 1980s tend to be more valuable, simply due to their age and the lower print runs from back then. That said, certain outliers and star players from modern sets can still carry high values too. It’s worth doing research to see what particular years and sets command top dollar.

The individual player featured on the card matters tremendously as well. Rookie cards, hall of fame players, and career milestone cards featuring legendary players like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Honus Wagner and more will almost always sell for the most. It’s also good to check if the player went on to have a very successful career, as that retroactively increases interest in their early cards. Similarly, popular modern stars can make their rookie cards quite valuable as well.

Beyond the individual attributes of a card that impact its value, you’ll also want to consider where it falls within the larger context of the set it comes from. For example, whether it’s a common mid-range card or a rare serially numbered parallel version can make a big difference. Short print cards, autographed cards, and alternative versions like refractors are more desirable to collectors. It’s good to understand the specific makeup and parallel offerings within a certain set.

When it comes to actually determining what a particular baseball card is worth, the best method is to conduct recent sell price research on platforms like eBay to see similar conditioned examples of that same card recently sold for. You’ll want to check sold listings, not just current asking prices, to get an accurate value assessment. It’s also recommended double checking price data on websites run by reputable card grading companies like PSA and Beckett. Selling your cards through an expert dealer can also help maximize their return price potential.

While all of the above factors contribute greatly to a card’s sale price, value is ultimately subjective and demand driven by what collectors are willing to pay on the open market. Rarer, higher graded cards can often far exceed even the most optimistic guidelines. But by understanding the key elements collectors covet – age, condition, player, serial rarity and more – you’ll be in a much stronger position to identify cards in your collection with meaningful monetary worth versus ones better suited to keep for enjoyment or affordable collecting budgets. With thorough research focused on these prudent value drivers, you can better anticipate which of your baseball cards are truly worth money.

ARE BASEBALL OR BASKETBALL CARDS WORTH MORE

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When comparing the value of baseball cards to basketball cards, there are a few key factors that determine which sport’s cards tend to be worth more in the collecting marketplace. Both sports have produced many valuable vintage and modern rookie cards over the decades that enthusiasts love to collect and trade. Baseball generally has a longer history and larger overall card production volume that impacts values.

Baseball been around since the late 1800s, giving it over 125 years of card production history compared to just over 70 years for basketball. This massive head start means baseball has issued far more total trading card sets over a much longer period of time. The earliest baseball cards date back to the late 1880s while the first widely distributed basketball cards didn’t emerge until the late 1940s/early 1950s. This extensive legacy and larger pool of collectible baseball cards contributes greatly to the overall value and popularity of the hobby.

Not only were baseball cards produced for decades before basketball debuted on the scene, but annual production numbers were also consistently higher for most of the 20th century. Many of the most iconic and valuable vintage basketball sets such as those from the 1950s and 1960s had fairly modest print runs often in the 100,000-500,000 range. Meanwhile, even common baseball sets from the same era often saw annual production numbers 10-20 times higher, which is significant for the long-term value and supply/demand dynamics.

Higher production quantities of older baseball cards available on the secondary market have helped keep values lower than similarly aged basketball sets of comparable scarcity in raw card count terms. At the same time, it’s also created a much larger enthusiastic collector base for the baseball card category which drives up demand and prices for the truly elite, condition sensitive vintage pieces at the top of the hobby.

Surpassing production outputs of basketball brands like Topps and Fleer, baseball titans like Topps, Fleer, and Donruss each saw annual distribution numbers in the multi-millions in the 1980s-1990s boom period. This significant production disparity means even common basketball inserts, parallels, and prospects of that era retain greater value today due limited supply versus same-year baseball equivalents of which many millions more examples exist.

An important factor that has propelled some modern basketball cards ahead in terms of valuations is the comparative scarcity of true “rookie cards” between the two industries. In baseball, flagships like Topps and Bowman typically issue rookies cards for all major debuting players each season with print runs in the millions. But many top NBA draft picks have no true rookie in their first year cards and others appeared in quite limited regional or parallel inserts.

This scarcity principle is exemplified by perhaps the most valuable basketball card of all – the rare mint condition 1957 Topps Mikan that has surpassed $5 million in private sales. For baseball’s sake, the iconic 1952 Topps Mantle rookie sold for over $5.2 million as well. But on average, high-end vintage basketball cards from the pre-1970s have established higher public auction records and sell through rates due to their extreme rarity against the many large production baseball sets of the era.

When taking modern cards into account from the 1980s onward, certain highly coveted rookie year cards of NBA stars like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Zion Williamson and others now command premiums due to their relative scarcity and immense popularity compared to typical MLB rookies. This is partially because hoops labels often didn’t feature top picks prominently until their second season while baseball always highlights rookies right away.

On the other hand, because of the much larger scale of baseball’s trading card industry spanning many decades of sets at huge volumes, there remains far greater collector demand and interest in acquiring vintage items from the sport. Pre-war tobacco cards and early 20th century sets hold immense appeal among advanced accumulators seeking condition rarities and anomalies due to how few high-quality survivors remain from baseball’s early history compared to basketball’s nascent beginnings.

While certain modern transcendent basketball rookies have eclipsed their baseball card counterparts in value – particularly if they lack a true “rookie card” – on the whole the larger history, production scales, and collector enthusiasm for vintage material still gives baseball cards an edge when evaluating the total high-end marketplace. Both sports produce memorable cards that enthral enthusiasts, but over a century of history and way more total production still provides an advantage to the value potential for cards chronicling America’s favorite pastime of baseball.

HOW TO FIND WORTH OF BASEBALL CARDS

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There are several factors that determine the value of a baseball card. The most important things to consider when evaluating a card are the player, the year it was printed, the card’s condition or grade, and any special variations.

The player is usually the biggest determinant of value. Cards featuring star players from the sport’s early eras through the 1990s tend to be the most valuable, especially those of Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Ty Cobb, and other legends. Rookie cards for modern stars like Mike Trout can also hold significant value. Less prominent players may only be worth a few dollars even in mint condition.

The year the card was printed is also very important. Generally, the older the card the more valuable it is due to rarity. Certain rookie cards or versions from particular sets in later years can spike in value too. Cards from the 1950s, 60s and early 70s are usually the most valuable since far fewer survived in good condition compared to modern mass produced cards.

Next, you must assess the card’s condition or grade. Value drops significantly depending on even minor flaws, wrinkles, corners, or edges. Top grade is “Mint” (MT) or “Gem Mint” (GM) with no defects visible. Near Mint (NM) can have some minor flaws. Anything lower like Very Good or Good finds the value plummeting versus a Mint copy. Professional grading from services like PSA or BGS adds clarity and protects valuable cards.

Beyond player, year, and condition, there can be valuable variations. Short prints, serial numbers, autographs, memorabilia cards, and especially rare errors can increase a standard card’s value tremendously. An autograph on a fresh rookie card in good condition may be worth hundreds. Errors featuring the wrong photo or stat are prized by collectors.

Once you’ve evaluated these factors, there are a few main ways to research a card’s estimated current market value:

Check online auction sites like eBay to see what identical or comparable copies in similar condition have recently sold for. Look at “completed” or “sold” listings only, not just current asking prices. This will give you a real-time indication of demand and going rate.

Search online price guides from sources like Beckett, PSA, or COMC which compile value data from auction sales. Remember, these are average estimates – top grades or special cards may sell above, while lower grades below the published figure. Still, it provides a general ballpark.

Consult with experienced local card shop owners or veteran collectors. Bring or send photos of the front and back to get their professional appraisal of all factors impacting price. Beware of unqualified opinions online.

Also factor in today’s overall baseball card market trends. Prices fluctuate with player performance news, milestone achievements, industry hype around certain sets/years, and overall investor demand trends in collectibles. Values spike temporarily and settle again. Patience is key for top dollar.

Hopefully this detailed overview provides you with reliable strategies and considerations for accurately assessing the monetary worth of your baseball cards. Always handle valuable specimens carefully and keep them safely stored and preserved to maintain or potentially increase their future value as investments. With diligent research, you can truly uncover hidden gems in your collection.

ARE TOPPS CHROME BASEBALL CARDS WORTH ANYTHING

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Topps Chrome baseball cards have developed a strong following among collectors over the years and many of these cards can hold significant value, depending on the player, year, condition and other factors. Topps Chrome was first released in 1999 as an elite product aimed at the high-end collector market. The cards feature a unique “chrome” design where the image on the front of the card has a shiny, almost metallic look compared to standard cardboard. This attracted many collectors looking for something different compared to traditional card designs.

Some of the main factors that determine the value of Topps Chrome cards include the player, the year the card was produced, the card’s condition or grade, and special parallels or serially numbered cards. Superstar players from recent years will generally hold the most value, as they are modern and likely still active players collectors want. Older retired stars can also be valuable for the right players, but recent years tend to command higher prices. The production year also matters – the earliest Topps Chrome releases from 1999-2000 are highly sought after by collectors given their vintage status now. More recent years within the last 5-10 years will also carry higher values than the middle years.

Card condition is critical, as with any collectible. Higher grades of Near Mint to Mint can make a substantial difference in a card’s price compared to one that is well-worn or damaged. Topps Chrome lends itself better to receiving high grades too, since the protective coating helps prevent surface scratches or dings over time in many cases. Collectors also prize parallel and serially numbered insert cards found in hobby boxes. Rarer parallels like Gold, Black, Refractors or 1/1 serialized patches can be extremely valuable for the right players. These special inserts created limited editions that heighten desirability.

Taking some examples, vintage 1999 Topps Chrome rookie cards for superstars like Chipper Jones, Derek Jeter or Todd Helton in high grades can fetch thousands of dollars today. A PSA 10 Gem Mint grade 2001 Derek Jeter refractor sold for over $30,000. More recent examples include a 2018 Topps Chrome Superfractor Mike Trout 1/1 that sold for over $400,000. Even base rookie cards for current young stars like Fernando Tatis Jr. or Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in high grades can sell in the hundreds. Serialized parallels and autographs of top players regularly sell in the thousands.

On the lower end of the value spectrum, common base cards from the middle years for average players will hold little intrinsic value raw – only a few dollars at most. Even these can gain value if they receive high expert grades due to the rarity of pristine Chrome cards. Things like rare serial numbers, autographs or unique parallels also play a big role in value. The card stock and protective coating does tend to hold up better than traditional cardboard over long periods too.

While not all Topps Chrome cards intrinsically hold value on their own, the right combinations of year, player, condition factors and special features can make many modern and vintage examples very desirable and valuable to the right collectors. Savvy collectors know to focus on star players, especially rookies, from the earliest and most recent years, and high quality graded examples to have the best chances of holding long term collectible and resale value.

HOW TO ORGANIZE AND SELL BASEBALL CARDS

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The first step in organizing and selling your baseball card collection is to take inventory of what cards you have. Go through your entire collection and make a list of every player and year of each card. This can be done on a spreadsheet on your computer. The spreadsheet should include the player’s name, year, team, and condition of the card. Properly taking inventory will ensure you know exactly what you have to sell.

Once your inventory is complete, it’s time to start organizing. The best way is by year, then by team within each year. Put all cards from 1952 together, all from 1953 together, and so on. Within each year, group cards by team alphabetically. For example, all 1952 Brooklyn Dodgers cards together, then 1952 Chicago Cubs cards, and so on. Store the organized cards in baseball card pages, sleeves, or boxes. Organizing them in this manner makes it easy to find specific cards when someone asks about a player.

The next step is grading the condition of each card. Use a standard 1-10 grading scale where 1 is poor condition and 10 is mint. Inspect each card closely under good lighting and consider factors like centering, corners, edges and surface to determine the grade. Write the grade on the inventory sheet next to each card listing. Accurately grading condition is crucial for determining value.

Once organized and graded, it’s time to research values. The best way is to search recently sold listings on eBay for comparable graded cards from the same year, team and player. Note the prices those similar cards sold for to get a sense of estimated value. You can also check price guides from companies like Beckett, but eBay “sold” prices will give you the most accurate recent market values.

Now that your cards are organized, graded and valued, it’s time to decide how you want to sell them. Your best options are individually on eBay, via a local card shop consignment, or through an online group/forum marketplace. Selling individually on eBay gives you the highest potential profit but requires more work listing each item. Consignment through a local shop is easier but they will take a sizeable cut (usually 35-50%.) Online forums like Collectors Universe Marketplace allow batch selling to other serious collectors.

If selling individually, take quality photos of each card, clearly show the front and back and grade. Write detailed listing descriptions mentioning the player, year, team, set, grade and recently sold comparables. List similar to other recently sold items to attract buyers. For consignment, work with your local shop on sorting cards by predicted sale price to maximize your percentage earned. Bundle common/lower value cards to move them.

Proper organizing, grading, researching values and selective listing/selling tactics are key to maximizing profits from your baseball card collection. With some work upfront you can sell cards strategically for the best pricing and realize the most value possible compared to just selling the full collection in bulk. Taking the time to do it right will lead to higher overall returns in the long run.

In the end, organizing and selling baseball cards takes effort but can be very rewarding. Not only can you earn money from cards sitting in boxes, you may uncover valuable gems that could fund new hobbies or investments. More importantly, the process allows you to relive memories from your collection while also introducing a new generation of fans to the players and teams of yesterday. With the proper approach, card collecting can be both a nostalgic experience and a worthwhile side business.

ARE 1990 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS VALUABLE

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The 1990 Fleer baseball card set is generally not considered one of the most valuable issues from the junk wax era of the late 1980s and early 1990s. There are still some notable cards and rookies from the set that can hold value for collectors. Let’s take a deeper look at the 1990 Fleer set and discuss which cards may have retained or grown in value over the past 30+ years.

The 1990 Fleer set contains 792 total cards issued in wax packs. It was the first Fleer flagship set since 1983 and marked Fleer’s return to the baseball card market after a several year hiatus. Production numbers on the base cards were high, with collectors estimating well over a billion copies of each common card were produced. This massive overproduction, combined with lack of interest in the sport during that era, led to a decline in the overall card market.

Because of the enormous printing quantities, most of the common base cards from the 1990 Fleer set hold very little intrinsic value, only being worth a quarter to a dollar even in near-mint condition. Even stars of the day like Ryne Sandberg, Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs and Ozzie Smith can easily be acquired for $1-2 per card. The true value in the set lies in the scarce serially numbered and autograph parallel sets, important rookie cards, and specific star cards of hall of fame players.

One of the most notable aspects of the 1990 Fleer issue are the rookie cards it produced, as it featured the first Fleer cards for players who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers. The headlining rookie is obviously Ken Griffey Jr, who had one of the most iconic swings and attitudes in the game. Griffey’s rookie card may only be worth $10-15 in low-grade condition, but gem mint 10s have sold for over $1000. Another star rookie is Sandy Alomar Jr, and his card has appreciated up to $20-30 for top-grades due to his stellar career mostly as a Cleveland Indian.

Other notable rookies include additions like Jeff Bagwell, who slugged over 400 homers in his career. Bags’ rookie sits around $15-20. Tom Glavine, a 300-game winning lefty for the Braves, also has a $10-15 rookie card. Interestingly, the rookie of Jason Kendall, a lifetime .288 hitter mostly with the Pirates, can also reach $10-15 despite not being a true superstar. This shows how even role player rookies from sets like 1990 Fleer can find a stable price point years later once they’ve left an MLB legacy.

Moving beyond the rookies, there are also specific star cards that command a premium. For example, the Nolan Ryan card has increased in popularity since his retirement and 7 no-hitters were later revealed. A pristine Ryan now sells for $30-50 compared to just a few dollars a decade ago. Also, the Ken Griffey Sr. card has gained some collector interest since it’s one of the few cards showing his major league career statistics before he became known as “Junior’s” dad. These outliers aside, almost no common player cards crack more than a $5 price tag.

The true gems in the 1990 Fleer set that can net four-figure returns are the scarce parallel and serially numbered cards. This includes the rare black border variants (1 in 3600 packs), gold foil cards (1 in 9000 packs), and especially the coveted “Flashbacks” history parallel sets featuring stars like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb and Ted Williams. Only 100 of each of these were produced, making them among the most challenging Fleer cards to obtain. Similarly, special autographed card sets signed by players command thousands. The supply of extras like these has basically been exhausted through the years.

While 1990 Fleer lacks the cachet of some earlier Fleer designs or competitors like Topps, savvy collectors know there are still hidden value plays to be found. The rookie class is one that saw immense MLB success and Griffey/Bagwell tier rookies command respectable premiums as a result decades later. Parallel subsets that truly tested pack odds also persist as dramatic rarities. But for most common Billy Ripken or Vince Coleman cards, they’ll remain in the quarters bin. With some research, astute collectors can still make worthwhile investments by targeting specific stars and coveted serially numbered pieces from the 1990 Fleer baseball release.

ARE PANINI MOSAIC BASEBALL CARDS WORTH ANYTHING

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Panini Mosaic baseball cards are relatively new to the trading card scene, as the set was first released in 2019 by Italian trading card manufacturer Panini. Given its newness, the value of individual Mosaic cards can vary quite a bit depending on the player, year, parallels/variants, condition, and several other factors. In general Panini Mosaic baseball cards do hold value and there is a strong collector base interested in these modern cards.

To understand the value of Mosaic cards, it’s helpful to know more about the set itself. The Mosaic baseball card design features vibrant colors and player photos broken up into geometric mosaic-style pieces. Each card also includes an embedded “hit piece” that contains a swatch of game-used memorabilia. This gives collectors a unique physical relic alongside the player photography. Panini secures licenses from MLB, MLBPA, and individual teams/players to produce official trading cards like Mosaic.

In the first year of release in 2019, Mosaic had several popular parallel and autograph/relic card inserts that held decent value right out of the pack. Rarer parallels like the Green Foil /99 and Orange Foil /25 moved quite quickly on the secondary market. Of course, star rookies and performers like Pete Alonso, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Ronald Acuña Jr. featured highly in demand as well. Even base rookies of future stars like these three traded upwards of $10-20 each in mint condition early on.

As the collector base and interest in the modern card market has continued growing, Panini Mosaic cards have remained steadily collectible and hold value better than many other modern sets. The 2020 and 2021 series featured expanded inserts, parallels, and highly sought after autographed and memorabilia cards of today’s hottest players. RCs and parallels of young stars like Lucas Giolito, Christian Yelich, Cody Bellinger, and others hover around $5-15+ each still today in top shape.

Perhaps most importantly for maintaining long term value, Panini does a great job with its exclusive serial-numbered parallel inserts. Rare parallels like the Optic Pink Sparkle /10 and Optic Vivid Purple /5 inserts feature some of the most exciting modern card chase parallel designs out there. Single-signed cards or dual-signed patch cards in these parallels consistently fetch hundreds to even thousands of dollars on the open market for stars and top prospects. The scarcity and spectacular designs make these true treasures for mosaic collectors.

Many young stars in their initial Mosaic seasons have already forged Hall of Fame careers that will buoy long term interest. Cards of players like Juan Soto, Shohei Ootani, Wander Franco and more are ticking investments even at their current affordable price points, with value all but assured to increase over the decades as their legends grow. Many 90s and 2000s rookies traded hands for under $20 and are now $100+ cards.

Condition is crucial, as with any vintage or modern set, but Mosaic cards clearly hold value even in well-loved EX/NM specimens compared to lesser modern issues. As Panini signs new licensing deals with other leagues beyond just MLB in the future, cross-sport Mosaic cards will add to this set’s allure. Despite its newness, Panini Mosaic has built a rock-solid foundation to remain of great interest to both active collectors and investors for many years ahead. The combination of memorable designs, historic rookie cards, and limited numbering make Mosaic baseball a sure-fire way to maintain collecting value long term.

In closing, while individual Mosaic card prices fluctuate daily, overall this analysis shows Panini Mosaic baseball cards do have meaningfully collectible value in today’s market and going forward for enthusiasts of the modern era. The successful recipe of scarcity, artistic designs, star rookies, and stable licensing gives Mosaic cards a strong backbone compared to other recent new sets. Savvy collectors who add quality Mosaic RCs and hits to their portfolios stand to see returns as this set and its featured players grow in stature for decades to come.

HOW TO STORE VINTAGE BASEBALL CARDS

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Vintage baseball cards require special care and storage methods to preserve them in the best condition possible. The key things to focus on are avoiding bends, creases, moisture, and heat exposure which can all damage cards over time.

The best way to store vintage cards is in plastic sheets inserted into cardboard card storage boxes. Look for acid-free and PVC-free sheets and boards. Acidic materials can cause deterioration of the paper and ink over decades. Opt for polypropylene sheets which are very durable and will not damage the cards. 9-pocket pages are ideal for common cards, while higher end cards can be stored individually in plastic sleeves cut to size.

Make sure to use sturdy corrugated cardboard boxes for storage. Do not use flimsy cardboard that can bend and crush under uneven weight distribution. The boxes should fit the pages/sleeves tightly but not so tight that removing cards is difficult. Leave a small amount of slack for expansion/contraction with temperature changes. Boxes stored upright on their ends are less prone to crushing from weight.

control of temperature and humidity is very important long term. Fluctuations can cause warping, sticking and faded colors. A cool, dark and dry location away from direct sunlight, heat sources and leaks/pipes is ideal. Target a consistent 65-70 degrees F and 45-55% relative humidity if possible. Warmer and more humid areas are to be avoided. If temperatures will exceed 80 degrees or drop below 50, additional measures may be needed.

To maintain humidity control, include a humidity indicator card in the box to monitor levels. Do not use silica gel packs as they can leave a powder residue on the cards over decades. For short term fluctuations, some collectors will include wrapped (taped) cotton balls in storage boxes, which can absorb/release small amounts of moisture as needed.

When handling cards, always wash hands thoroughly to remove oils before touching them. Oils from fingers can permeate the paper and cause damage apparent years later. Wear clean cotton gloves if needed for added protection. Admire cards by sliding them out of pockets/sleeves rather than grasping them directly with fingers.

Inspect cards periodically for signs of damage from improper storage conditions – warped/creased edges, sticky surfaces, faded/weakened colors are all signs changes may be needed. Loosen tight plastic if creasing occurs. Also check for signs of mold or insect infestation which requires cleaning/treatment or disposal of infected cards.

For long term preservation, consider having valuable vintage cards stored in climate controlled safety deposit boxes. Banks maintain steady temperature and humidity levels year round. Some collectors also place cards in climate controlled closets or plastic archival storage boxes. Proper materials and monitoring are still required in any long term storage solution.

With the proper protective plastic page/sheet inserts, sturdy storage boxes, environmental control and careful handling, vintage baseball cards can maintain their condition for decades of enjoyment. Taking proactive steps to avoid threats like temperature fluctuations, moisture problems and physical damage helps preserve these treasured collectibles for future generations of fans. Frequent inspection allows for quick response to any emerging preservation issues as well.

WHERE TO SEND BASEBALL CARDS TO GET GRADED

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The major third-party grading companies for baseball cards include PSA, BGS (Beckett Grading Services), SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation), and HGA (HG Sports). Each company has their own specialization and reputation within the hobby.

PSA is generally considered the most stringent grader and the gold standard, as they have been grading cards the longest since the mid-1980s. They also tend to have the longest wait times, sometimes over a year for regular service levels. BGS is also well respected and was the first major competitor to PSA. SGC has grown in popularity in recent years for their somewhat faster turnaround times compared to PSA/BGS. HGA is the newest major grader but aims to be the fastest option.

In terms of the grading process, it usually begins by selecting the cards you wish to grade and researching the set and print run to understand how rare different grades might be. This will help manage expectations for the final grades. The cards should then be placed in hard plastic holders to send for protection.

Most grading companies recommend at a minimum using toploaders, which are thin hard plastic sleeves that cards can be securely placed in to avoid potential damage from being touched or rubbed during shipping and processing. Many people use laminated holders that are much more durable and secure than regular toploaders. Laminated holders usually cost $1-2 each but provide extra protection that may be worth it for valuable cards.

After selecting cards and putting them in holders, you will need to register an account on the grading company’s website. Most major graders offer different submission service levels ranging from economy bulk submissions up to higher tiers with express turnaround times and other bonuses. Make sure to research the various service level options and prices so you select the best fit.

The submission process usually involves logging into your account, creating a new order, and entering details for each individual card like the year, sport, player name, and any other relevant identifiers. You can also include notes to request special autograph authentication or other specialty services. Most companies charge a flat fee per card graded, usually $10-20 depending on factors like turnaround time and value of the cards.

Once all the card details are entered and you have selected a service level, you generate shipping labels and pack the cards securely in a ship-ready order. Most important is using a durable box, thick bubble wrap layers, and avoiding excess movement inside. The graded cards will be returned in the same box. You pay and ship off the order to the grading company.

From there, the cards will undergo the rigorous multi-point examination process where trained graders assess factors like centering, corners, edges, and surface for any flaws under high-powered lighting. They will also verify authenticity and assign numerical grades on the widely used 1-10 scale. Once graded, the cards are then encapsulated in protective slabs with the grades clearly labeled.

The biggest thing to monitor during the grading process is tracking your order status online. Most companies provide estimated turnaround dates upfront and updates as your order progresses through receipt, grading, and shipping back out. When complete, you will receive an email notification that your graded cards have been returned. Carefully open and inspect for any potential shipping damage issues before accepting the order.

Thoroughly photograph and document the graded cards for your records, as this helps if any issues arise down the road. From there, you can proudly display your new encapsulated vintage or modern baseball cards, or potentially consider reselling through online auction sites like eBay. Taking the time for the detailed grading process helps preserve card conditions and brings authentic third-party verification that is highly valued by serious collectors.

WHAT ARE THE BEST 2023 BASEBALL CARDS TO BUY

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One of the most highly anticipated rookie cards set to release in 2023 is that of Los Angeles Angels pitcher and presumed American League Rookie of the Year winner, Shohei Ohtani. As one of the modern game’s greatest talents, Ohtani’s rookie cards from his first few seasons in MLB have risen dramatically in value in recent years. His 2021 Topps Chrome Update Blue Refractor Parallel rookie card in particular has become a highly coveted card among investors. Ohtani’s 2023 cards will most likely be in high demand given another excellent season he is expected to have.

Another rookie pitcher who had a breakout year in 2022 and will have interesting cards to follow is Miami Marlins righty Sandy Alcantara. His changeup made him one of the most dominant starters in baseball and he is poised to become the future ace of that team. Alcantara’s 2023 cards, especially Topps and Bowman Chrome rookie parallels, could take off in price if he continues putting up Cy Young caliber numbers. His collection from 2022 would also be a solid investment.

Top MLB prospects who should make their big league debuts in 2023 and have promising rookie cards include Detroit Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler, Boston Red Sox shortstop Marcelo Mayer, Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong and Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Taj Bradley. Many consider Dingler and Mayer to be future All-Stars and their Topps Chrome rookie autos could appreciate nicely with strong MLB performances.

Veteran superstar cards are usually safer bets than rookies in terms of retaining value. Players like Mike Trout, Fernando Tatis Jr., Ronald Acuña Jr., Mookie Betts and Juan Soto will always be in demand. While their base rookies or recent flagship releases may be pricey, parallels, relic cards and autographs from their past couple seasons could see jumps in value if 2023 is another MVP caliber year. Any rare Trout or Tatis rookie finds would be truly impressive centerpieces to a collection.

There will be plenty of new sets to search for stars like Aaron Judge, who captured the single season American League home run record in 2022. Products like Topps Opening Day, Topps Chrome, Bowman and Topps Finest feature aesthetically pleasing designs and offer the potential for hitting lucrative short prints and serially numbered cards. Judge’s 2023 edition cards of any type will likely be hotly pursued.

Historic baseball anniversaries in 2023 also provide investing opportunities. Sets commemorating the 150th anniversary of the first fully professional team (Cincinnati Red Stockings in 1869) and 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking MLB’s color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers could feature valuable retrospective or “throwback” style cards and inserts focusing on those eras.

When considering what types of 2023 baseball cards to buy for investment purposes, it’s wise to focus on rookies of future star players, elite veterans still in their primes, cards from anniversary sets and products from the major brands like Topps, Bowman and Panini that have proven track records. Diversifying among different levels of rarity, including parallels and autographs along with base rookies, also hedges risk. With patience and some luck researching the prospects, 2023 could be a great year to build a collection with long-term potential