Author Archives: Kevin Brexit

DOES TOPPS STILL MAKE BASEBALL CARDS

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Topps was founded in 1938 and began producing gum and candy in Brooklyn, New York. They began making baseball cards in 1951, using the relatively new format of the modern cardboard sticker card. Their iconic baseball card designs from the 1950s and 1960s helped fuel America’s baseball card collecting craze during that era. Some of their most famous early series included 1955 Topps, 1968 Topps, and the iconic 1973 Topps set featuring the design known as the “Amos Otis photo variation”. Topps maintained their leadership position as the maker of the “official” MLB baseball card throughout the mid-late 20th century.

Today, Topps is still headquartered in New York City and remains a family-owned business, now led by fourth-generation Topps executive Michael Eisner. While the gum and candy side of the business was spun off in the 1980s, Topps’ core focus now lies with their sports and entertainment collectibles division. They hold licensing contracts with MLB, NFL, UFC, Star Wars, Disney, Pokemon and many others to produce multi-million unit sets each year. Topps baseball cards specifically account for a significant portion of the company’s ongoing annual revenues.

Topps employs state-of-the-art printing technology at their factory in Dover, Kentucky which handles design, production, quality control and worldwide distribution. For baseball cards, Topps works closely each offseason with every MLB team and player agents to secure photo shoots, stats and biography blurbs to fully stock each new seasonal release. Their extensive MLBPA license allows them to use virtually any active player’s name and likeness across card variations, autographs and memorabilia products. They regularly produce around 700+ card baseball rookies in each year’s opening day set alone.

In addition to traditional trading cards and inserts, Topps offers in-depth subsets highlighting All-Stars, award winners, rookie sensations and milestone performers each year. They also market many parallel and premium versions signed by stars. Perhaps most notably, Topps is responsible for the iconic Topps Project 70 project that in 2021-2022 will feature cards depicting each living Hall of Famer in honor of Cooperstown’s platinum anniversary. Beyond physical cards, Topps has also pioneered digital expansions like Topps BUNT and other apps allowing fans to collect and build teams virtually. Their branded memorabilia division likewise sells signed baseballs, jerseys and more featuring current players.

Despite competition from Upper Deck, Panini and others in collectibles, Topps has remained the steady industry leader through the decades thanks to their exclusive MLB connection, massive distribution platform and tradition of innovative new products. With legions of collectors still seeking out their classic designs and an expected wave of new fans entering the hobby, Topps figures to remain a dominant force as they head toward their centennial producing America’s pastime on cardboard for future generations to enjoy. Their dedication to quality, exclusive licensed content and evolution with trends ensures Topps baseball cards will likely be collected and cherished for many years to come.

ARE ANY 80s BASEBALL CARDS WORTH ANYTHING

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Many baseball cards from the 1980s can be worth substantial money, depending on the player, the year, and the condition of the specific card. The 1980s saw huge growth in the popularity of collecting sports cards, driven by both adults becoming enthusiasts as well as children collecting at an unprecedented rate. This surge in interest led card companies like Topps, Fleer, and Donruss to mass produce cards, with some 1985 Topps packs containing over 700 cards. While such large print runs mean common cards hold little value today, stars and rare inserts from the era can still command large prices.

One of the most valuable 1980s baseball card players is Roberto Clemente. His 1957 Topps rookie card is considered the crown jewel of the decade and is worth over $10,000 in near-mint condition. Other valuable Clemente cards include his 1969 Topps, which can fetch $3,000-$5,000 depending on condition. His 1964 and 1973 Topps are also quite valuable in high grades. Another valuable 1980s player is Nolan Ryan. His 1968 Topps rookie card regularly sells for $4,000-$6,000 and reached as high as $12,000 in a recent auction. Other Ryan rookie and early career cards like his 1969, 1970, and 1971 Topps are also thick cards sought by collectors.

Mickey Mantle rookie cards from 1952 are legendary, but high grade versions of his cards from the late 1950s and 1960s can also be quite pricey. Graded PSA/BGS 9 examples of his 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, and 1961 Topps can range from $1,000 up to $5,000 each. Mantle remained hugely popular through the 1980s as well, so mint condition copies of his later 1970s and early 1980s cards have collector value too. One of the most awe-inspiring rookie cards is the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner. Highly refined specimens can sell for millions, making it the crown jewel of all sports memorabilia.

In the 1980s, Donruss released one of the rarest and most popular modern parallels – the 1986 Donruss Diamond Kings parallel card set. This special 49-card limited parallel set featured super-thick stock and diamond studded edges. In high grades a full base set can sell for over $25,000. Individual star cards like the Roger Clemens or Barry Bonds Diamond Kings are worth $1,000+ each. The 1986 Topps Traded set also featured a popular Derek Jeter rookie card that has escalated greatly in value, with high grade PSA/BGS 10 copies worth over $20,000 today.

Many stars of the 1970s transitioned to the 1980s as well. Reggie Jackson rookie and early Topps cards in high condition like his 1967, 1969, and 1971 issues can be $500-$2,000 each. His 1983 Topps Traded, the year after hitting his 500th home run, is also notable since it marked the end of his career. The massive popularity of Ozzie Smith in the 1980s has made his high grade 1970s rookie cards quite valuable. His 1973 Topps in a PSA/BGS 9 can sell for over $1,000 today.

Another major factor is the condition and grade of a card. For most 1980s stars, their rookie or most valuable cards would need to grade PSA/BGS 8 or higher to truly retain significant value today. Anything graded a 5, 6, or 7 will sell for just a few dollars or less in most cases. Extremely highcondition 9’s and pristine 10’s can generate 5-10x more than an 8 graded copy. For rare inserts like the 1986 Donruss Diamond Kings or certain stars’ rookie cards, a Mint 9 or Gem Mint 10 graded copy is extremely desirable and can sell for thousands or even tens of thousands more than a lower graded version.

While rookie cards and early career issues for the biggest stars grab headlines, other valuable 1980s cards exist beyond just the fledgling years. Error cards, short prints, oddball parallels and special serial numbered issues for certain player can also hold value depending on the circumstances. For example, the 1981 Red Lobster Dave Parker giveaway card is highly desirable in top shape given its crossover collectibility. Any card showing a significant moment or event like a World Series win can also gain collector interest years later too. In the end, research and careful assessment of all relevant attributes like player, year, scarcity and condition are key to determining if any given 1980s baseball card holds financial worth today or is just a common souvenir from childhood.

With over 30 years passed the 1980s baseball card market remains remarkably active. While production quantities limit the value of many common cards from that decade today, condition-sensitive examples portraying the sport’s biggest stars and rarest inserts with mint grades regularly sell for thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars each. With new generations discovering the era’s stars and intriguing specialty issues, 1980s cards remain a vibrant collecting segment where the right specimens still harbor significant long term value potential for both nostalgic fans and serious investors alike.

WHERE DO THEY BUY BASEBALL CARDS NEAR ME

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Local card shops are often the best place to start your search for baseball cards. These are smaller, independently owned stores that specialize in trading cards of all kinds. They’ll have large inventories of new packs, boxes, and singles from the latest baseball card releases. You can also often find older vintage cards for sale or trade at local card shops. The owners and other customers tend to be knowledgeable about the hobby and can give you advice on building a collection. You may need to do some searching online to find a card shop located conveniently close to your home.

If you live in or near a major city, there is a good chance there will be dedicated sports card shops you can visit. For example, in New York you could check out Times Square Cards, Hollywood Sports Cards in Los Angeles, or Chicago Sportscards in Illinois. These types of large card shops will have an extensive selection from virtually every baseball card company and year. You may find rare vintage cards available individually or as part of group lots at urban sports card stores.

In addition to local shops, many large hobby stores and chain retailers have baseball card sections. Places like Hobby Town, Michael’s, and Barnes & Noble will carry the latest packs, boxes, and supplies from Topps, Panini, Leaf, and other big brands. While their baseball card inventory won’t be as extensive as a specialized card shop, these stores provide convenient access to new sealed product if one is nearby. Product may be more limited at hobby stores compared to card shops, though.

Online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon are where you’ll find the largest selection of individual baseball cards available for purchase. Virtually any card from any set is attainable with a few clicks. Condition can vary widely, so read item descriptions carefully and check seller reviews. Be aware of shipping costs that can eat into savings on low cost cards ordered individually online. Reputable online card shops include Steel City Collectibles, BlowoutCards.com, Dave & Adam’s Card World and Cardboard Connection.

Auctions provide another way to buy baseball cards, especially higher priced rarities, memorabilia cards, and complete sets. Major auction houses with sports memorabilia sales include Heritage Auctions, Lelands, and Goldin Auctions. You can browse current and past auctions online before placing absentee bids or attending an event. Just factor an auction’s buyer’s premium fee into your estimated cost. Consignment shops may also sell cards they acquire through auctions.

Baseball card shows serve as another marketplace full of variety. Admission usually ranges between $3-$10 and allows access to hundreds of vendors selling all types of cards spread out across rooms of a hotel, convention center or similar event space. You never know what you might find at a reasonable price with some dedicated card show browsing. Schedules for regional shows are often available on hobby websites.

Walmart, Target and big box stores carry introductory card products but won’t compare to the selection available at specialty shops. Still, their prices on packets and boxes can be lower than anywhere else. Department stores are mainly meant for casual fans or gifting cards rather than serious collecting. Major retailers allow impulse purchases of new product without travelling far.

With diligent searching online and asking employees at any local hobby or collectibles shops, you should be able to find reliable sources for baseball cards in your local area. Factor in convenient locations versus variety of inventory available when choosing where to shop. Building relationships with knowledgeable sellers also helps unlock better deals, especially for older and rarer cards furthering your collection over time.

IS THERE AN APP TO SCAN BASEBALL CARDS FOR WORTH

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Hero Collector Baseball Cards – This is one of the most full-featured and accurate scanning apps for baseball cards. After downloading the app, you can scan any card by holding it up to the camera on your phone. The app will then search its extensive database and try to autofind the card. It looks at things like the player photo, team logo/colors, year, card design elements and more to attempt a match. If it finds the card, it will display all relevant details like the brand, set name, rarity, player stats and most importantly – the estimated current market value.

The value is based on recent sales data from major auction sites like eBay. It tracks thousands of auction results daily to derive a reasonable average of what that particular card in similar condition has been selling for. You can then click through for more history and stats. If it doesn’t find an autmatch, you can manually search by player name, year, set etc. to hopefully find it. The database contains millions of vintage and modern cards going back decades.

Collector’s App Baseball Card Price Guide – Similar to the Hero Collector app, this allows you to scan a card and it will attempt to automatically identify it in its integrated database. If a match is found, you’ll see relevant details and an estimated dollar value range based on the observed conditions and recent sales. Where it differs is the price guide isn’t quite as robust or up-to-date since it only checks eBay once per month. But the interface is very easy to use and still works well for ballparking common card values.

CardMavin – With CardMavin, you don’t actually scan cards with your phone’s camera. Instead, this acts more as an online price guide and collection organizer. You can manually search for cards by name/set and add them to a digital collection. It then shows a dollar value range based on analyzing recent eBay, COMC and auction data. What’s unique about CardMavin is you can also physically scan the barcode on many modern cards and it will populate all the details, saving data entry time. And later, if values change, it updates automatically without you having to rescan.

While these apps provide convenient on-the-go estimates, it’s important to note card values can vary widely based on exact sub-grade condition factors they can’t assess. For a more accurate appraisal if you have valuable vintage cards to sell, you may want to consult with an expert grader at a reputable company like PSA, BGS or SGC who can physically examine the card. But These apps are excellent free tools for ballpark estimates on virtually any baseball card to help determine collection worth and identify diamonds in the rough. Just factor in a margin of error since condition isn’t 100% accounted for.

Some other factors that can impact the accuracy of these apps include unusual variances, inserts, parallel, memorabilia or autograph cards which may not exist in the database. Also, newly discovered or extremely rare vintage pieces could potentially be missed. But for common modern sports cards and most vintage commons/uncommons, the autofind and search functions tend to work very reliably. And as their databases continue growing, the identification and pricing becomes more refined over time too. So in summary – yes there are absolutely effective baseball card scanning apps available that can give a solid baseline valuation for any card quickly and easily right from your phone. Just don’t consider their quotes definitive if you have truly high-value vintage rarities to sell.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HAVE BASEBALL CARDS GRADED

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There are a few different companies that offer the service of grading baseball cards to determine their condition and authenticity. The three largest and most well-known grading companies for baseball cards are PSA, BGS (Beckett Grading Services), and SGC (Sports Card Guaranty). The costs to have cards graded will vary depending on which company you use and which turnaround service level you select.

For PSA, their basic bulk submission service has a flat fee structure based on the number of cards submitted. The lowest tier is $10 per card for submissions of 50 cards or more. For submissions under 50 cards, the cost per card is $12. You also have to pay shipping costs to send your cards to PSA and shipping costs to have the graded cards returned. Expedited turnaround options are available for higher per card fees. For example, their 10-day service is $35 per card for orders of 10 cards or fewer and $30 per card for orders of 11 cards or more. Their highest level “PSA DNA” authentication service starts at $100 per card.

BGS has a similar tiered fee structure. Their basic bulk submission service charges $15 per card for orders of 25 cards or more. For orders under 25 cards, it is $20 per card. Like PSA, you pay separate shipping costs each way as well. BGS also offers various express options. For example, their 5-day turnaround is $50 per card and 2-day is $100 per card. They also have authentication services that start at $59 per card.

SGC’s basic service fee is $12 per card with no minimum order size required. Shipping costs are separate. They have several express options as well such as 5-day at $30 per card and 24-hour at $150 per card. One advantage of SGC is they often have coupon codes available to save a few dollars per card on bulk submissions.

In addition to the per card grading fees, you need to factor in the costs of shipping your cards to the grading company and back. For a basic shipment of 50 cards or more in a rigid plastic holder or team bag, expect to pay around $20-$30 for shipping each way via tracked and insured USPS or UPS. Larger shipments or valuable cards should use more secure shipping like registered mail which can double those costs. International shipping rates are higher as well.

Another consideration is the encapsulation costs charged by PSA, BGS, and SGC. All graded cards come sealed in a protective plastic holder. Basic plastic holders are included in the grade fee, but some prefer the more protective and display worthy magnetic or black label holders which carry an additional $2-$5 per card charge. Reholdering an already graded card for a different label also costs $2-$5 per card.

For a typical order of 50 common baseball cards submitted for basic grading to one of the major companies, total costs would break down roughly as:
$500-750 in grading fees
$40-60 in shipping costs
$100-250 in optional encapsulation upgrade costs

So a bulk order of common cards could easily total $650-1000 after fees, shipping and holders. Submitting higher end or valuable vintage cards costs significantly more due to express grading fees, insurance for shipping, and premium holders. For truly rare Hall of Fame caliber cards, grading costs may exceed $1000-2000 per card depending on services used.

Having baseball cards professionally graded is an important process for determining authenticity and condition, but can involve substantial fees depending on the grading company, turnaround needs, number of cards, and value of the cards. Planning the budget for costs is crucial before getting cards authenticated and encapsulated. With some research on deals and timing of submissions, collectors can find ways to save a few dollars per card when possible. But for valuable collections, grading remains a worthwhile investment to ensure quality.

WHERE DO YOU GET BASEBALL CARDS GRADED

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The major companies that provide third-party grading of sports cards like baseball cards are Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), Beckett Grading Services (BGS), Sportscard Guaranty Corporation (SGC) and Hobby Enterprises Authentication (HEA). Each company has different submission methods and turnaround times.

PSA is currently the largest and most established card grading service. They have graded billions of cards over the past 30+ years and set the standard for modern card grading. With PSA, cards can either be submitted by mail directly to their headquarters in California or through authorized PSA dealers around the country. For direct mail submissions, PSA has various submission tiers with different turnaround times and costs. The most basic tier is called Economy, which has a turnaround goal of around 45 business days and costs around $10-15 per card depending on volume. Higher tiers like Express and Expedited have faster turnarounds of 20 days or less but cost more at $20-30 per card. Authorized PSA dealers can also submit bulk orders of cards on consignment for lower per card pricing.

BGS is another large card grading service especially popular for higher end and vintage cards. They offer similar submission tiers to PSA but also have some unique slab designs and semi-numeric grades that some collectors prefer over PSA’s classic 1-10 numeric system. BGS submissions are only accepted through authorized BGS dealers worldwide. The dealers send in bulk orders on consignment for lower per card fees. Turnaround times are shorter than direct-to-consumer at PSA.

SGC is a bit smaller than PSA and BGS but has grown rapidly in recent years by offering budget-friendly prices. They have become very popular for modern sports cards. SGC only accepts submissions through authorized SGC dealers but turnaround is usually 2-4 weeks even on economy tier orders. Per card costs are as low as $3-5. SGC slabs have a smaller profile than PSA or BGS but still offer quality assurance and authentication.

HEA is the newest player, having launched in 2022. They aim to directly compete with PSA on service and turnaround times but at lower costs. HEA accepts direct individual submissions by mail and also works with select dealers. While still small, HEA has received praise so far for quick service and communication at very reasonable $5-10 per card pricing. Only time will tell if they can gain large scale acceptance, but they show promise as a competitive alternative.

In summary, PSA remains the preferred grading service of the big three for high end and vintage cards due to name recognition and experience grading billions of cards over decades. But budget-minded collectors can get modern cards certified affordably through SGC, or potentially through the new upstart HEA depending on service levels. BGS is highly respected for unique slabbing but requires use of authorized dealers for submissions. Whichever service collectors choose, third party certification adds assurance that cards are authentic and protectable investments. With a bit of research into pricing structures and turnaround options, collectors have choices depending on needs when it comes to sending cards out to be professionally graded.

ARE 1991 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH ANYTHING

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The 1991 Donruss baseball card set marked an important transition year for the popular brand. After enjoying several years as one of the premier brands in the late 1980s sports card boom, Donruss found themselves facing increased competition in 1991 from brands like Upper Deck who were launching innovative new designs.

While the 1991 Donruss set does not have the same cachet as some of their sets from the late 1980s heyday, there are still several factors that give the cards potential value for collectors today. The set totals 792 cards and features all the biggest stars from both the American and National Leagues at the time. Notable rookies in the set include Jeff Bagwell, Moises Alou, and Kenny Lofton. The set also features Hall of Fame players like Wade Boggs, Rickey Henderson, Ozzie Smith, and Nolan Ryan who were still active players in 1991.

When it comes to individual card prices, the true superstar rookie cards from the 1991 Donruss set can still fetch respectable sums. A Jeff Bagwell rookie PSA 10 gem mint condition could sell for $500-800. A PSA 9 example might sell in the $150-250 range. The Moises Alou rookie in top grades could reach $100-150. Autograph cards for major stars like Cal Ripken Jr., Barry Bonds, or Roger Clemens in top condition have sold for $50-100. Beyond the true star cards, common base cards for the biggest names will usually only sell for $1-5 each even in topgraded condition. But they still hold more value than a Frank Thomas base from a few years later.

In terms of overall set completion, a 1991 Donruss set in pristine mint condition could theoretically sell for $1,000-$1,500. But finding a true full complete gem mint set would be exceptionally difficult. More realistically, a very nice complete set with a few flaws may sell in the $300-500 range. An incomplete set with many star cards could still fetch $100-200 depending on exactly what is included. A common incomplete set may only get $50. As with any vintage set, the more complete and pristine the condition, the more desirable and valuable it becomes to dedicated collectors.

When considering long term investment potential, the 1991 Donruss set faces some challenges compared to the most coveted 1980s Donruss issues. The sheer numbers printed combined with the influx of new competition from brands like Upper Deck mean these cards may never achieve the same sky high prices as the true star rookie cards from 1987 or 1988 Fleer and Topps sets. For dedicated baseball card collectors who appreciate the early 1990s players and designs, the 1991 Donruss set still has intrinsic value. If taken care of in top condition, individual star cards could appreciate modestly over decades as those players move closer to Cooperstown.

While the 1991 Donruss set lacks the investment cachet of the most iconic 1980s cardboard, dedicated collectors are still willing to pay respectable sums for true star cards in top Condition. Prices for complete sets in nice shape provide an affordable entry point compared to the hugely expensive elite 1980s offerings. With Hall of Fame talents like Bagwell, Raines, Smith and others featured, the 1991 Donruss cards represent an important but underappreciated vintage snapshot of the early 1990s MLB seasons. With patience and care, a collector’s 1991 Donruss collection could grow in value modestly for decades to come.

ARE 1982 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH ANYTHING

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The 1982 Topps baseball card set is considered by many collectors to be one of the most iconic and desirable sets from the 1980s. While individual card values can vary greatly depending on the player, condition of the card, and other factors, on the whole the 1982 Topps set remains quite collectible and cards from this year still hold value for investors and enthusiasts almost 40 years later.

Some key details on the 1982 Topps set and whether these cards are worth owning or investing in include:

Design and nostalgia: The 1982 design has a very retro and nostalgic look that collectors appreciate. It features simple black borders and player photos with no foil, embossing or other embellishments. This cleaner look has endured well over time. The set triggers nostalgia for the early 1980s and players from that era.

Roster: Some true icons of the era featured include Robin Yount, Eddie Murray, Mike Schmidt, Fernando Valenzuela, Nolan Ryan, Reggie Jackson and Ron Guidry. Having stars and Hall of Famers always adds interest and value potential long-term.

High-grade gems: Top-graded PSA/BGS 10 examples of chase cards like the Robin Yount, Valenzuela rookie, or Nolan Ryan can fetch thousands. Even PSA 9 examples of certain stars sell for hundreds. Condition is critical but high grades of the right players hold serious value.

Popularity and supply: The 1982 set has proven to be one of the most collected issues over the long run. Combined with natural losses over four decades, supply is diminished but steady demand has kept values robust. PSA/BGS population reports show clearly that high end population numbers remain reasonable.

Average joe cards: For most everyday or bench players, even moderately played near-complete sets in average condition still trade hands for $100-300 depending on completeness. Just having a set from this year earns some worth despite lack of true high-dollar “hits.”

Emerging stars: Younger talent breaking in like Wade Boggs, Cal Ripken Jr, Tony Gwynn and Kirby Puckett appeared in their rookie seasons in 1982 as well. Their cards have appreciation potential long-term as their careers developed and legacies grew over time.

Hobby strength: Card collecting and investing interest has remained remarkably durable, entering new generations. Sports card values actually improved during the pandemic as more people get involved. An established set like 1982 benefits greatly from this dynamic, multi-decade hobby.

Condition matters most: As with any vintage issue, the bottom line is truly “condition sensitive.” Very played or damaged examples may have little value, despite the star power, whereas high grade copies of any normal player can still sell for $10-20 due to their relative scarcity in top shape.

While 1982 Topps cards are not as elite as the true highest-end vintage issues, they retain interest and value potential because of design, roster attributes, lengthy history of collector fascination, and reasonable overall availability compared to earlier decades. For the average complete or near-complete circulated set, these cards are very much worth hanging onto long-term and potentially worth a few hundred dollars today. High grades of star players stay notably valuable too. The longevity of the sports card market bodes very well for sustained interest in products like the 1982 Topps baseball offering.

WHAT 1970s BASEBALL CARDS ARE WORTH MONEY

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One of the most valuable 1970s baseball cards that collectors seek is the 1975 Francisco Cabrera rookie card. Only 500 of these cards were printed and graded mint condition examples have sold for over $50,000. Francisco Cabrera was a talented but ultimately injury-prone player who showed promise early in his career with the Indians and Mets. His short career and the small original print run of his rookie card have made it one of the rarest and most expensive cards from the 1970s.

Another very valuable 1970s rookie card is the 1977 Earl Weaver Baltimore Orioles manager card. Earl Weaver was a highly successful and influential Orioles manager throughout the 1960s and 1970s, known for his feisty personality. In 1977 Topps made the unusual choice to issue Weaver as a “playable player” card instead of as a manager card. Only about 100 of these peculiar Earl Weaver cards are known to exist in mint condition today. In auctions, rare mint copies have sold for upwards of $20,000.

Aside from rare rookie and error cards, the most valuable common 1970s players are often those associated with historic accomplishments and All-Star caliber careers. Perhaps the most sought-after example would be a mint condition 1974 Hank Aaron Atlanta Braves card, featuring his last season before breaking Babe Ruth’s career home run record. High-grade examples have exceeded $10,000 at auction. Another hugely popular 1970s slugger card is the 1975 Reggie Jackson Oakland A’s card, capturing “Mr. October” in his MVP season when he led the A’s to another World Series title. Near-mint T206s have brought more than $7,500.

Staying in the high echelon of Hall of Famers, the 1975 Nolan Ryan Angels card catches one of the greatest pitchers of all time early in his career with the California Angels. Ryan was just starting to find his dominance on the mound, and his card from this breakthrough season now changes hands for $4,000+ in pristine condition. Two other legendary pitchers with very valuable 1970s cards include the 1974 Mike Schmidt Philadelphia Phillies and 1971 Tom Seaver New York Mets cards, with mint examples reaching the $3,000-5,000 range.

In addition to individual star players, complete team sets from the 1970s can possess value far greater than the sum of their parts. For experienced collectors, a fully intact 1970 or 1971 Topps set with all 660 cards in high grade could command $10,000-15,000. The 1973 Topps set has grown greatly in popularity and prestige in recent memory – a near-complete run of this aesthetically beautiful 792 card series might sell for $8,000-12,000 when in top condition. Rarer and less popular teams like the Seattle Pilots also attract premium dollars when their scarce rookie stars can be found.

Continuing down the rungs of value, common All-Star level 1970s players in great shape such as Joe Morgan, Mike Schmidt, Dave Parker, andothers from flagship sets like Topps, Kellogg’s, and Donruss can each sell for $100-300. Even role players from championship teams hold value – a 1977 World Series Reds outfielder like Ken Griffey Sr. might sell for $50-100 in mint shape. For building complete sets, strong condition examples of standard commons are available relatively cheaply too.

In conclusion, 1970s baseball cards remain a vibrant collecting category thanks to the all-time career marks and championship teams of the period being represented on the cardboard. Condition is absolutely critical to realizing any significant monetary value. With a little research, patience and browse through annual checklists, collectors can find many affordable entry points to appreciate the storied players and teams that enthralled the sports world in the 1970s.

WHERE CAN I GET MY BASEBALL CARDS GRADED

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The major companies that offer third-party grading services for sports cards are Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), Beckett Grading Services (BGS), Sportscard Guaranty LLC (SGC), and Certified Authentic (CA). These companies employ expert graders who will thoroughly inspect each card and assign a numeric grade based on its condition and appearance.

To submit cards to one of these grading companies, you will need to set up an account on their website if you don’t already have one. Then you can log in and start an order. Each company has specific submission guidelines you need to follow regarding packaging, payment methods, bulk versus single card orders, and membership tiers. For a standard single card order you will need to secure the card in a plastic sleeve and then place it inside a standard business-sized envelope.

When putting together your order, you’ll need to create a submission form listing details for each card like the sport, year, set/issue, and any other relevant identifiers. You’ll also need to specify which grading service you want, as options range from a basic authentication and grade to more extensive examination and encapsulation of the card in a protective plastic slab. Grading services usually cost $10-20 per card depending on turnaround time and level of analysis needed.

Once your order is processed and payment clears, the grading company will remove each card from its protective holder and inspect it under high intensity lighting and magnification tools. Graders look at factors like centering, corners, edges, and surface quality to determine the grade based on a numerical scale. For example, PSA uses a 1-10 scale where a 1 is poor condition and a 10 is flawless gem mint.

After the physical examination, your cards will be assigned grades and encapsulated if you chose that option. Encapsulation protects cards in plastic slabs for long-term preservation while also preventing future alterations. These slabs also clearly display the assigned grade for future buyers or collectors to easily verify authenticity and condition.

Within the estimated turnaround period, which can vary from a few weeks to months depending on volume, your now graded cards will be returned to you. Standard submissions are sent back in sortable boxes for you to review the new certified grades and inspect encapsulation quality. High-value card orders may merit special security packaging and tracking as well during shipment.

The certification, grading, and authentication provided by companies like PSA, BGS, SGC, and CA adds tremendous value by providing impartial verification that enhances your cards’ worth to discerning collectors. While there is an upfront cost to the service, properly graded vintage cards in high demand often command significantly higher sales prices compared to raw ungraded equivalents. Whether you plan to sell your collection or display your cards as valuable assets, third party grading is a worthwhile investment for important finds in your collection.

With the proper planning and by following submission guidelines closely, you can feel confident trusting your beloved sports cards to the top authorities in the industry. With care taken in selecting the right grading service and options and by packing securely for transit, your collectibles are in capable hands. With some patience through the analysis process, you’ll soon receive your officially certified cards that hold exponentially more significance and value thanks to the trusted stamp of approval provided by the major graders.