Author Archives: Kevin Brexit

WHAT BASEBALL CARDS TO LOOK FOR IN 2023

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One of the most exciting rookies to collect in 2023 will be Tampa Bay Rays shortstop and top prospect Xavier Edwards. Edwards has all the tools to be a future star and his Bowman Chrome prospects cards from 2022 could really take off in value next year if he has a strong debut season in the majors. Keep an eye out for any of his first Rays cards to hit the market in sets like Topps Series 1.

Another highly coveted rookie class is headlined by Druw Jones, the son of 5-time All-Star Andruw Jones. Druw was selected second overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2022 draft and is considered one of the top prospects in baseball. Collectors will be hunting for any Jones rookie cards available in 2023 Bowman offerings and Topps series sets. His autographed and memorabilia cards will be very scarce and could rapidly gain value over time if he fulfills his potential in the pros.

For collectors chasing iconic veterans, guys like Albert Pujols, Miguel Cabrera, and Justin Verlander may be suiting up for their final Major League seasons in 2023. While not worth as much as rookies usually, their last year cards could acquire sentimental value in the future. Pujols in particular will draw plenty of attention as he closes in on 700 career home runs. Notable parallels, memorabilia cards, and autographs from their potential “swan song” campaigns could become must-have pieces in collector portfolios.

Mike Trout fans will want to watch out for any special issues featuring the nearly unanimously recognized best player in baseball. Trout has still not won a World Series title yet in his career so a championship season in 2023 could really send values of his cards from that year skyrocketing, especially if he has an epic playoff run. Any 1/1 parallels, autographs cards, or unique memorabilia pieces printed of Trout next season may prove to be incredible long term investments.

Rookies like Druw Jones will get plenty of the spotlight but breakout years from younger players could make some under-the-radar names very desirable collectibles as well. Any player who has a surprise All-Star caliber season at age 25 or younger may start to see early career cards start to get more recognition in the hobby. Players like Bobby Witt Jr. in Kansas City, Gavin Lux in LA, and Oneil Cruz in Pittsburgh are some names whose cards could spike if they establish themselves as rising stars next season.

In the pitching department, two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani will always attract plenty of collector attention regardless of how his numbers look. But a true CY Young caliber season from someone like MacKenzie Gore, George Kirby, or Dylan Cease could turn their affordable prospects cards from years past into valuable long term keepsakes from before their breakouts occurred. The same logic applies to young positional players like Nico Hoerner, Christian Pache or Jonathan India who are primed for statistical leap years.

You can never go wrong stocking up on top prospects set for their MLB debuts like Jackson Holliday, Druw’s Diamondbacks teammate and 2022’s #1 overall pick. Top international 16-year-olds like switching-hitting shortstop Mauro Jimenez and Dominican outfielder Geraldin Del Rosario will begin to appear in sets as well. Rookie cards, especially autographs, of the next wave of rising stars are usually reasonably priced in their first release years.

The 2023 season offers collectors opportunities to obtain rookie cards of future phenoms like Xavier Edwards and Druw Jones. It also provides a chance to acquire potentially valuable “swan song” cards from all-time great veterans. Autographed and rare parallels of superstars like Mike Trout could also pay off big if he brings playoff success. And breakouts from emerging young talent may create some unexpected gems from prior years as well. With so many storylines to follow, 2023 looks to be a fun year to discover the next household names in the hobby.

WHAT 1989 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS ARE WORTH MONEY

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One of the most valuable and desired 1989 Fleer baseball cards is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey’s rookie card is widely considered one of the top rookie cards of all time due to his great career and is the most valuable card from the 1989 Fleer set. In gem mint condition, Griffey’s rookie fetches prices upwards of $800-$1,000 raw and can sell for over $2,000 if graded and encapsulated by a reputable service like PSA or Beckett. Even well-worn copies in poor condition sell for $50-100 due to the popularity of Griffey and nostalgia for his rookie.

Another highly sought after card is the Nolan Ryan Express card, which features an action shot of Ryan winding up to throw one of his blazing fastballs. This rare card has an odd-looking silver swatch on the front that adds mystery and allure. In top grades this card can sell for $300-500 but even well-loved copies sell for $50-100. The condition sensitivity and lower pop reports make this one a true key card for advanced collectors looking to complete the 1989 Fleer set.

The Barry Bonds rookie card from 1989 Fleer is also a valuable find worth pursuing. Though not his true rookie season, Bonds’ raw power and talent were evident even in his early Pirates days. High-grade copies in PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 have sold for $600-800 at action. More played copies still demand $100-250 due to Bonds’ legendary home run chasing career. The rarity and excitement over his rookie makes this a must-have for collectors.

Key rookies for the 1989 season also include the cards of Gregg Olson, Gary Sheffield, and Tim Belcher. Olson’s rookie as an Orioles closer is priced $50-150 for raw copies depending on condition. Sheffield, an eventual power-hitting outfielder, has a $75-200 raw card price range. And setup man Tim Belcher’s rookie holds $40-100 values based on his copy’s condition. While not in the same stratosphere as Griffey or Bonds, these cards are solid finds for completists seeking 1980s rookie stars.

Veteran star cards can also hold good value in the 1989 Fleer set. An impressive Tom Seaver career appreciation card, where he is honored by the Reds and Mets, earns $50-150 prices raw. The Nolan Ryan career card showing his 3000th strikeout also fetches $75-200. And the rare Rod Carew final career stats tally card has sold for over $300 in gem condition to celebrate one of the purest hitters of all time.

Condition is king when evaluating the monetary worth of any vintage baseball card. But certain 1989 Fleer standouts will always retain interest and demand due to the all-time great players featured. With the 35th anniversary of the set’s release this year, interest and prices for stars like Griffey, Bonds, Ryan and more should stay hot among collectors. With patience and a watchful eye at card shows and auction sites, finding affordable valued copies to worthwhile for any vintage or set collection.

WHERE TO GO TO SELL OLD BASEBALL CARDS

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Online Marketplaces – Some good online marketplaces for individual baseball card sales are eBay, Mercari, and OfferUp. eBay has the largest user base so you’re more likely to find buyers there. Take high quality photos of the front and back of each card and describe the condition accurately using standard grading terms. Be prepared to ship cards safely in rigid toploaders or larger cardboard. You’ll want to check each site’s fees but selling individually gives you the most control over pricing.

Sports Card Shops – Search “sports cards” near your location to find local shops that buy collections. They may offer less than the individual sale price but the convenience is worthwhile for large collections. Shops are experienced evaluating condition and knowing fair market value. Have cards organized by team, year, etc before visiting. Let the shop owner make an offer for the entire lot and be prepared to negotiate a bit. Get any agreement in writing.

Card Shows – Check sportscardshows.com for upcoming local or regional shows where many dealers set up tables. Browsing can give you a sense of current prices for your cards. Consider getting an online price guide app to research values of notable cards in your collection first. At the show, dealers are happy to make offers on full collections and may pay a bit more than a shop since they can resell quickly. Bring well organized cards in boxes and be prepared to negotiate.

Consignment Stores – High end collectibles stores sometimes offer baseball card consignment where they sell the cards for you and split the profit. This option gets your cards in front of collectors browsing the store but consigners take a higher commission, around 30-50%. Cards must meet the stores condition/value standards. Research potential stores first to choose one with experience selling cards.

Peer-to-Peer Sales – Sites like Facebook Marketplace let you post photos and descriptions of your cards for sale locally. Potential buyers can then view the actual cards in person before purchasing, which some prefer over online sales. You’ll likely get a better price selling individually versus a bulk lot. Meet buyers in a public place for safety and handle payments through secure methods like PayPal or cash.

Auction Houses – Consider consigning valuable vintage or autographed cards through national auction houses like Heritage Auctions. They bring high-end collectors and will promote the sale, though again you’ll pay a commission. Do extensive research on any rare cards to set reasonable reserve prices. The process takes more time than a local sale but can yield top dollar for very valuable memorabilia-grade cards.

When selling, make sure to securely package cards to prevent any damage in transit. For payments, platforms like PayPal offer protection for buyers and sellers. Be upfront about a card’s condition issues using industry-standard descriptions. With patience and following best practices, you should be able to sell your baseball cards for competitive prices through one of these reliable marketplace options. Let me know if you need any other tips for finding the best method for your particular collection.

DOES WALMART STILL SELL BASEBALL CARDS

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Walmart continues to carry baseball cards both in their retail stores and online at walmart.com. In most stores, baseball cards can still be found in the toy aisle alongside other trading cards from sports like football and basketball. Some smaller Walmart locations may have a more limited selection or none at all depending on store size and customer demand in that area.

For those interested in browsing a wider assortment of recent and vintage baseball cards all in one place, shopping online at Walmart gives customers the most options. Both loose packs as well as sealed boxes of various baseball card products from manufacturers like Topps, Panini, Leaf, and Upper Deck can be found on Walmart.com. This includes both current year releases and retro cards from past decades going all the way back to the early 1900s.

Some of the most popular individual baseball cards and sets available include flagship brands like Topps Series 1 and 2, Topps Chrome, Stadium Club, Allen & Ginter, Topps Heritage, Topps Archives, and Topps Project 70. Higher end products like Topps T206 cigarettes cards reprints from the early 1900s are also routinely stocked online. For investors, sealed cases of first-year player cards and rookie cards of famous baseball legends from the past can satisfy niche collecting demands.

In addition to mainstream trading card companies, Walmart also carries exclusive baseball card collections released through their own Great Value house brand. These more affordable Great Value sets are perfect for young collectors just starting out or those on a budget. Through both in-store and online channels, Walmart satisfies baseball card enthusiasts of all ages and collecting interests.

The supply of new baseball cards on Walmart shelves and their website is continually replenished upon the release of each new season, typically beginning in late winter/early spring. This includes the yearly March/April launches of the flagship Topps Series 1 and Topps Heritage sets that signify the start of a new year of collecting. Around major sports card conventions like the National in July and regional shows, Walmart also receives “hobby box” level products beyond just retail blaster and hanger packs.

While the brick and mortar retail presence of baseball cards at Walmart is subject to each individual store’s preference, their commitment to stocking a wide assortment online ensures the big box retailer remains a viable destination for collectors for the foreseeable future. With competitive prices and the convenience of shopping from home, Walmart is poised to maintain its role as a leading provider of new baseball cards and a slice of nostalgic sports memorabilia nostalgia for years to come.

WHAT ARE THE BEST 2022 BASEBALL CARDS TO COLLECT

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There are many exciting baseball card options to consider collecting in 2022. The vintage rookie cards of players who are establishing themselves as stars are always in high demand. Some of the top rookies from recent years who have cards worth pursuing include Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr., and Ronald Acuña Jr. Their rookie cards hold tremendous value and will likely continue increasing in the coming years if they live up to their potential.

Soto’s 2018 Topps Chrome RC and Tatis Jr.’s 2019 Topps Series 1 RC are alreadyfetching thousands of dollars in mint condition as they are establishing themselves as two of the faces of baseball. Guerrero Jr.’s 2019 Topps Series 1 RC and Acuña Jr.’s 2018 Topps Series 1 RC should also be on collectors’ radars. While these 2019-2021 rookie cards may be pricey, they are solid investments in the long run for players with superstar upside still ahead of them in their careers.

Vintage cards of current stars still in their primes are also wise targets, like Mike Trout’s 2009 Bowman Chrome RC, which has mint PSA 10 copies going for over $10,000. Trout remains the best player in baseball and should continue producing at an elite level through at least the rest of the decade. Other coveted modern star cards include cards from Mookie Betts’ 2014 Bowman Chrome rookie year, cards from Shohei Ohtani’s 2018 Topps Series 1 rookie set in his true MLB debut year with the Angels, and cards from 2019 rookies like Pete Alonso, who smashed an MLB rookie home run record in his debut season.

While veteran stars carry greater risk if they start declining, guys like Bryce Harper, Manny Machado, Aaron Judge, and Yordan Alvarez are still young enough that flagship RCs of them are worthwhile long-term collectors’ items. For example, Harper’s 2010 Bowman Chrome Superfractor RC in a PSA 10 grade recently sold for over $350,000, showing the incredible return potential of top cards of active superstars. Harper is signed long-term with the Phillies and still producing at a superstar level in his late 20s.

Speaking of rookies to watch this season, the highest profile prospects expected to debut in 2022 include Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., Spencer Torkelson, CJ Abrams, Marcelo Mayer and Jack Leiter. Their flagship Topps RCs are sure to attract significant attention and demand from collectors. While risky as prospects sometimes don’t pan out, superstar potentials like Rodriguez, Witt and Torkelson in particular have cards that could appreciate tremendously if they reach their ceilings. Even cards from prospects that don’t stick as regulars can retain value as rare modern rookie issues.

For investors focused more on short-term gains, the top-selling rookie cards of call-ups from 2021 who exceeded expectations may cool off after their introductory seasons but could still hold value for a few years, like Jonathan India, Jeremy Peña, Bobby Dalbec, Shane Baz and Patrick Sandoval. In particular, India had such a strong debut that his 2021 Topps Series 1 RC remained one of the most coveted rookie cards throughout the year. His cards appear poised to hold value in 2022 barring major sophomore struggles.

Along with rookies and young stars, certain parallels and refractors of big name veterans have potential to command high prices years down the line. The most popular include Rainbow Foil parallels, which utilize different colors on the foil backdrop for each card in the parallel subset. Ultra-premium parallels like gold sparkle, gold wave, or 1/1 black parallels could hold long-term blue chip status as the rarest modern issues of legends like Albert Pujols, Clayton Kershaw or Justin Verlander.

Similarly, highly-refracted parallels like Topps Chrome, Bowman Chrome, and Topps Finest are sought after across a player’s career due to their flashy look on-card. Refractors of stars who’ve retired but hold Hall of Fame status could appreciate sharply in the years following their retirement, as recent examples have shown with Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and Chipper Jones cards.

When it comes to full sets, the most coveted in 2022 will likely be the Topps Flagship products like Topps Series 1 & 2, which feature the biggest stars, rookies and parallels in the base set. High-end products like Bowman, Topps Chrome and Allen & Ginter that provide the best rookie cards, autographs and patch options across multiple sports also have collector interest growing year after year. For low-risk/high-upside modern sets, heritage releases like Topps Heritage and Archives reproduce the vintage look on new cards and checklists and bring strong long-term demand.

On the vintage front, high-grade and iconic cards from the pre-war Tobaccos, early Bowmans, 1933 Goudeys, 1953/68 Topps sets, and vintage rookie cards remain blue-chip collectors’ items. Mantle, Mays, Clemente, Robinson and other legends have key vintage cards in these sets worth pursuing across varying price points. But beware of forgeries and condition issues from handling cards several decades old. Authenticated vintage rookie cards from Honus Wagner to Ted Williams can sell for hundreds of thousands depending on condition.

I hope this detailed overview has provided insight into some of the top baseball card options collectors may wish to pursue in 2022 across multiple categories from rookies to stars, modern inserts to vintage relics. The ever-growing collector market has made baseball cards a smart long-term investment for patience speculators, but it also remains an affordable hobby to enjoy through building sets or focusing collections. Proper storage and researching values online together with the wise chasing of the best young talents ensures collectors have accessible targets that stand to rise significantly with the players’ future successes.

WHAT ARE THE MOST VALUABLE 1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is highly coveted by collectors due to the excellent rookie class it featured. Several rookies from the 1987 set have gone on to have Hall of Fame careers and their rookie cards are now extremely valuable. While there are many valuable and desirable cards from the 1987 Topps set, here are some of the most prominent ones that usually fetch the highest prices when in top condition:

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (card #151): Widely considered the most valuable card from the 1987 Topps set, Griffey’s rookie is the undisputed crown jewel. Griffey went on to have a legendary career and be elected to the Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 2016. His graceful style of play and incredible talent made him a fan favorite. In pristine mint condition, Griffey’s rookie routinely sells for over $10,000 and occasionally has reached above $25,000 for true gem mint 10 graded copies. Even in more moderately played condition, this card still commands over $1,000 due to Griffey’s popularity and status as one of the all-time greats.

Mark McGwire Rookie Card (card #526): McGwire blasted onto the scene in 1987 with 49 home runs for the Athletics as a rookie, foreshadowing the power surge to come in the late 1990s. His rookie card from 1987 Topps is the second most valuable in the set, often topping $1,000 for mint copies and $500+ in played condition. McGwire’s record-breaking home run chase against Sammy Sosa in 1998 has cemented him as one of baseball’s all-time top sluggers and increased value in his rookie card.

Tom Glavine Rookie Card (card #290): Glavine quietly became one of the greatest pitchers of his generation, winning 305 games and 2 Cy Young Awards over a Hall of Fame career. His rookie card shows promise of what was to come and has appreciated steadily in value, with pristine copies reaching $700-900. Even well-loved copies in the $200-300 range highlight Glavine’s lasting popularity and relevance today as a broadcasting analyst.

Greg Maddux Rookie Card (card #160): Along with Glavine, Maddux formed perhaps the best starting pitcher duo of all-time during their run with the Braves in the 1990s. He won four Cy Young Awards and 355 games in a pitchers’ clinic of a career. Maddux’s dominance and longevity are reflected in his 1987 Topps RC, with gem mint copies commanding $500-700 and more played versions around $150-250 based on condition.

Frank Thomas Rookie Card (card #640): “The Big Hurt” burst on the scene by winning the 1990 AL Rookie of the Year award. He followed that up with two MVPs during an excellent career that will likely land him in Cooperstown. In pristine condition, his rookie has now reached the $400-600 range. Even well-loved copies can still pull in $100 due to Thomas’ legendary power and consistency at the plate.

Doug Drabek Rookie Card (Card #582): Drabek had a solid career including a 1990 Cy Young Award, but his real value to collectors lies in another famous rookie that was featured directly behind him in the 1987 Topps set. In gem mint condition approaching $400, this card remains highly coveted as the infamous “ken griffey jr. rookie card error” which featured the star’s photo misprinted on the back of Drabek’s card, making it a key piece of vintage card lore.

Ozzie Smith Rookie Card (Card #181): As a key member of the 1982 World Series champion Cardinals, “The Wizard’s” slick fielding was already well known by 1987. He went on to bust the mold for what a shortstop could do defensively and rack up 13 Gold Gloves on his way to Cooperstown. Highly recognizable and respected for his skills, Ozzie’s Topps RC delivers $200-300 for pristine copies and $75-150 for played versions.

These represent the true heavy hitters and most in-demand cards from the 1987 Topps baseball set when found in top condition. Due to starring careers of players like Griffey, McGwire, Glavine, Maddux, Thomas and Smith, there remains enormous collector interest in their rookie cards and pricing stays strong decades later. additional stars like Will Clark, Mark Langston, and Barry Larkin from the 1987 rookie class add extra depth and collectability to this classic vintage release that remains a cornerstone in the hobby. When a true mint Griffey RC surfaces, it can still bring a six figure price tag as one of the strongest individual cards from the 1980s.

HOW TO DONATE BASEBALL CARDS

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If you have a collection of baseball cards and would like to donate them to help others, there are several great options to consider. First, determine your motivation for donating. Are you hoping to get a tax deduction? Help a specific cause? See your cards bring enjoyment to others? Knowing your goals will help guide which organizations would be the best fit.

Two excellent options are the Red Cross and Salvation Army. Both are highly-rated national non-profits that accept baseball card donations to sell and raise funds to support their humanitarian missions. To donate to the Red Cross, find your local chapter contact info online or by phone and inquire about their process. They typically provide donation receipts for tax purposes. The Salvation Army also accepts cards at many local donation centers across the US, so searching online for your nearest location is a good start.

If helping children is a priority, consider donating to a children’s hospital. Most have child life programs to provide distraction and enjoyment for young patients. Cards can be a welcome activity or prize. Contact the child life director at a hospital near you to find out acceptable donation procedures, what types/conditions of cards they can accept, and how to arrange delivery or pickup. Speaking with the director first allows them to properly plan use of your donation.

Local libraries, boys & girls clubs, YMCAs and community centers often run sports and recreation programs for youth that would appreciate card donations. Your local branches can advise on suitability and logistics. Having programs in place to utilize the cards right away helps ensure they go to good use benefiting children and the community.

If you recall a beloved coach, team or player from your past, sports museums may welcome a donation in their honor or to their permanent collection. The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown is always accepting, as are many regional and city-based baseball museums across the US. Most have criteria on submission requirements, so check websites first before sending anything valuable or irreplaceable. Digital photos may suffice for potential display items.

Schools are another great donation option, especially elementary schools where baseball card collecting is still a popular lunchbox activity. Public and private K-5 schools near you would likely find creative uses, such as prizes for reading challenges or as math trade/currency. Start by contacting the principal’s office to find out appropriate next steps.

When donating, properly package cards to avoid damage in transit. Secure them snugly between stiff cardboard or thick plastic using tape around all edges. Include your contact info clearly printed on the outside along with the name/address of the recipient organization. For valuable collections, consider working through a local auction house. They can appraise fair market value, issue donation receipts, and sell items with an agreed-upon commission percentage going to your chosen charity.

Whether donating valuable vintage stars or common duplicates, take pride that your baseball cards will once again bring enjoyment through education, recreation, or fundraising efforts benefiting worthwhile causes. With a little planning on your part, a beloved pastime can become part of new memorable experiences for others thanks to your generous donation.

ARE MY 1990s BASEBALL CARDS WORTH ANYTHING

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The value of baseball cards from the 1990s can vary widely depending on several factors, but there is a good chance that some of your cards from this era could hold significant monetary value, especially if they feature star players or rare variations. The 1990s saw huge increases in the popularity of collecting sports cards, fueled by the rise of on-demand printing and a booming collector’s market. Billions of cards were printed during this decade by companies like Topps, Fleer, Score, and Upper Deck, so there is no shortage of supply. Certain key cards have maintained or increased in worth over the past 30 years.

One of the most important factors determining a card’s value is the player featured on the front. Superstar players who had long, successful careers like Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, Cal Ripken Jr., Greg Maddux, and Frank Thomas routinely command the highest prices from collectors. Having a “rookie card” from the player’s first season is even more desirable, as these are widely considered the most valuable. In the case of legendary talents who broke out in the 90s like Griffey or Bonds, their rookie cards from back in the late 80s are among the holy grails of the hobby. Another huge influence on value is of course the condition or state of preservation of the specific card. Near-mint or mint condition examples in professional protective cases can be worth 10-100 times more than worn, damaged cards.

Beyond condition and player, rarity also plays a huge role. Uncommon parallel or “refractor” card variations that were printed in limited quantities have gained cult followings. For example, Ultra Refractors that were 1-in-a-case pulls or Serial Numbered parallels signed by the player himself can easily sell for thousands. Error cards like missing trademarks, color variations, or card design mistakes also spark collector interest since they were never intended for release. Promotional rookie cards given away at live events are similarly scarce. Autographs, game-used memorabilia relic cards, and especially 1-of-1 custom commission pieces also break the bank due to their true uniqueness.

Various key rookie and star player cards from the early-to-mid 90s have stood the test of time remarkably well. Some examples that could be worth a lot today include Ken Griffey Jr. Upper Deck (1989), Kirby Puckett Upper Deck (1990), Cal Ripken Jr. Fleer Update (1991), Barry Bonds Upper Deck (1990), Frank Thomas Score (1991), Alex Rodriguez Pacific (1994), and Derek Jeter Select (1992). Condition is critical – well cared for mint examples of the above could conservatively sell for $100-500 each, and up to the thousands in pristine status. Less heralded stars like Juan Gonzalez, Fred McGriff, and Moises Alou could still fetch $20-50 graded mint. It’s also notable that 90s baseball card prices actually increased significantly over the past couple years during the pandemic.

In assessing the value of your personal 1990s baseball cards, there are a few things you can do:

Carefully examine each card front and back for player, year, brand, and any rare markings. Cross-check recently sold listings online for exact matches to get a price idea.

Consider sending valuable cards to a reputable grading service like PSA or BGS, who will authenticate, encase, and assign a precise condition grade of 1-10. This adds value and trust for buyers.

Have the whole collection professionally appraised in-person for an expert comprehensive valuation. They can identify diamonds in the rough.

Consign high-value cards to reputable auction houses if you wish to liquidate. Individually selling in person or online takes more effort but may fetch a higher final sale price.

Contact your local card shop to check recent trade values on common players as they vary weekly based on market demands.

With some digging, there is a good chance your 1990s baseball cards hold hidden gems that could prove quite valuable with time and care. Let me know if you have any other questions! A collection from this era has real potential.

WHERE CAN I SELL MY BASEBALL CARDS ONLINE

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eBay – eBay is likely the largest online marketplace for selling baseball cards. Some key things to know about selling on eBay:

Listing items is free but eBay charges an insertion fee anytime an item sells, usually around 10% of the final selling price. For higher priced cards, insertion fees can add up.

eBay has a large, active userbase of collectors searching for cards. If you price cards competitively, they can sell quickly on eBay. Be sure to thoroughly describe the card condition, year, player, etc.

For valuable, rare cards over $100-200, eBay might not get the highest price possible since fees eat into profit. For common/uncommon cards, eBay provides good exposure and the potential for a quick sale.

When listing, take excellent photos showing all card surfaces clearly. Ship cards safely in semi-rigid toploaders or sleeves within a thicker envelope or box. Provide good buyer communication.

Consider offering returns for less than $50 sales to build buyer confidence but require returns on more expensive cards to deter speculative bids.

Sportlots – Sportlots is a marketplace specifically for sports memorabilia like cards. Selling on Sportlots:

Insertion/final value fees are lower than eBay at 8% with a monthly fee if items don’t sell. Buyer/seller protection is provided on transactions.

Traffic and number of users is lower than eBay so selling times may be longer unless you price cards very competitively to grab attention.

They do specialize in sports memorabilia so buyers should be more serious collectors than on eBay. Photos and descriptions are very important.

Consider using their consignment program – Sportlots handles the sale and takes a higher commission (20-25%) but you avoid fees and can get advice on pricing rare items.

Payments are processed through the site for protection on both sides of the transaction. Shipping remains the seller’s responsibility.

Twitter – Many collectors and buyers actively seek out cards on Twitter using hashtags like #sportscardsales. To sell on Twitter:

Create inventory posts with high quality photos showing cards clearly. Provide your asking price and ways to contact you (email, phone).

Engage with others in sports card conversations and build your followers. Respond to any questions about your posts.

Potential buyers will direct message you to discuss negotiations, payment methods and shipping. Only ship once payment is received through a secure method like PayPal.

Selling on Twitter is best for moving mid-range cards $20-1000 quickly as collectors browse feeds daily. Use it to supplement listings on marketplace sites.

Collectors store/forums – Consider contacting local collectibles shops, card stores or joining forums/groups related to your sport. Some stores will:

Take cards on consignment and display/promote them in their physical store or website to reach customers in their area. Rates may be 15-30%.

Card forums allow you to create a “FS” (for sale) post with photos and details, pricing and your contact info. Interact with others to keep your listings visible.

Selling to a shop or individual collectors through forums/groups ensures the cards go to serious buyers. The overall reach may be less than sites like eBay.

EBay provides the largest auction marketplace but also fees that eat into profit margins. For rare cards especially, using seller tools on Sportlots, networking on Twitter or forums, and consignment through local shops can help maximize prices. Photographs and description quality are equally important across all sites to get buyers’ attention and closed sales.

HOW TO CHECK BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The most accurate way to check the value of a baseball card is by submitting it to a professional grading and authentication service. The two most reputable third-party grading companies for sports cards are Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and Beckett Grading Services (BGS).

These companies will inspect the card closely, assign it a numeric grade based on its condition from 1-10 (with 10 being flawless gem mint condition), then slab the card in a hard plastic holder with the grade clearly labeled. Getting a card professionally graded increases its value by providing a transparent and impartial assessment of condition.

Graded cards can then be easily valued by checking recent sold prices for comparable graded cards on online marketplace sites like eBay, as well as auction prices tracked by industry price guides like the Beckett Baseball Card Price Guide. most accurate prices will be for cards that have the exact same grade from the same grading service.

For example, if you have a Michael Jordan rookie card graded PSA 10, you can look up recent auction or eBay sold prices for other PSA 10 Jordan rookies. Major price guides like Beckett also provide quarterly and annual market reports with estimated values for graded sports cards based on sales data.

If a card is not professionally graded, its condition is much harder to objectively assess. In this case, you have a few options to try and determine a ballpark value:

Check general sold price ranges for the same ungraded card on eBay. Be aware prices will vary widely based on the card’s exact condition which can’t be verified without professional grading.

Search for similar condition examples that have recently sold in online group/marketplace discussions on Facebook. Again condition is subjective without a grade.

Use free online card catalogues to find a high and low estimated value range based on the card’s year, player, and your subjective assessment of its relative mint/played condition based on guidelines.

Consult the “book” or “guide” value listed in print annual price guides like Beckett. These guide prices are static and often conservative compared to real auction prices. Condition is also not specifically accounted for.

As a very rough estimate, a higher-end ungraded card in near-mint to mint condition could potentially realize 60-80% of the value of an equivalent professional graded/authenticated gem mint PSA 10 or BGS 9.5+ version. But there are no guarantees.

It’s also worth noting that certain rare, highly collectible vintage cards or modern rookie cards of star players can easily exceed even guide values for a PSA 10 version depending on market demand. Whereas a common/less desirable ungraded card in poorer condition may have negligible value.

When determining a baseball card’s true collectible worth, it’s important not to rely on any single resource and instead triangulate values from multiple recent auction/sale comps of similar grades/conditions. Professional authentication and grading is the most definitive way to establish value for high-end cards worth $100 or more due their objective assessment of condition.

The steps to accurately check the value of a baseball card are:

Get it professionally graded if high-value to establish an impartial condition rating.

Research recent sold prices of identical graded cards on eBay and auction records.

Consult guide values in print guides while understanding limitations.

Estimate value range for raw cards based on similar condition eBay/forum sales and subjective condition analysis.

Consider all factors including player/card rarity, year and market demand to determine true collectible worth. Multiple sources are ideal.

Taking the time to thoroughly research recent market sales gives collectors the most accurate picture of a card’s potential resale value if they decide to contemplate selling at some point in the future. The value of any collectible ultimately depends on someone being willing to pay the price you ask based on comparable examples.