Category Archives: BASEBALL CARDS

WHERE TO BUY 2022 BASEBALL CARDS

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One of the most popular and reliable places to buy new baseball cards is through dedicated card shops and hobby stores. These brick and mortar locations are run by collectors and experts who know the card industry well. They get direct shipments of newly released card products so you can find the latest 2022 sets, boxes, and packs on or near their release dates. Browsing the store is also a fun experience for discovering new items. Many card shops also sell graded singles and hold events like group breaks that are a social way to build a collection. Two recommended national chains are Comic Book Guys and Dave & Adam’s Card World, with multiple store locations across the U.S.

Online retail giant Walmart also carries baseball cards, both in their physical stores and on their website at Walmart.com. While their selection may not be as extensive as a dedicated card shop, it’s very convenient for finding some of the most popular and accessible options from 2022 releases. Some pros of shopping at Walmart include their everyday low prices and the ability to have cards shipped directly to your home. The sports card assortment online can sell out quickly for hot new products.

For the largest variety and the ability to find almost any specific card or product you want, checking online marketplaces is highly recommended. Two that are particularly good for 2022 baseball cards are Amazon Marketplace and eBay. On Amazon, you’ll find cards and boxes sold directly by Amazon alongside offerings from hundreds of other sellers. With eBay, browsing recently sold listings is useful for gauging current market values of individual cards as well as monitoring active auctions. When using these sites, be sure to thoroughly check seller ratings to avoid any potential scams or unsatisfactory transactions.

Subscribing to a monthly membership with a trading card distributor is another great option that offers convenience with automatic shipments. Some of the biggest names in this space include Blowout Cards, Steel City Collectibles, and DA Card World. Memberships often cost around $20-30 per month and provide exclusive early access to the newest releases as well as store credit and perks. This is ideal for dedicated collectors who want a steady flow of fresh cards coming to their doorstep throughout the 2022 season and beyond.

For collectors on a strict budget or just casually building a set, discount retail chains Dollar General and Dollar Tree do carry loose baseball card products but pickings may be slim. Target also stocks a limited selection of very accessible price-point packs and boxes in their trading card aisles. Another low-cost choice is buying 2022 items in discounted lots or bundles from online resellers after the initial hype has died down later in the year or into 2023.

Whether shopping online or locally, connecting with your community of fellow sports card traders can also turn up leads on where to source the latest cardboard releases. Swap meets are an especially great way to possibly get your hands on out-of-print treasures or complete your 2022 set wants through trading. Team forums on sites like Sports Card Forum are useful for posting ISO (“In Search Of”) requests and staying informed about regional shows, releases, and potential deals.

From large retail chains to your local hobby store, online marketplaces like eBay, dedicated card subscription services, and your own network of enthusiastic collectors – exploring these many reliable avenues will help any baseball fan steadily build their 2022 collection with confidence. Careful shopping, comparing prices, and checking reviews will optimize finding the cards you want while supporting the thriving sports memorabilia industry. Happy hunting!

WHAT TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS ARE WORTH MONEY FROM THE 80s

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One of the most valuable baseball cards from the 1980s is the 1986 Fleer Barry Bonds rookie card. Bonds went on to have one of the greatest careers in MLB history and is considered one of the top players of all time. His rookie card was only produced by Fleer that year as Topps had exclusive rights to produce baseball cards at the time. Due to the limited printing and Bonds’ success, the card has increased drastically in value. In near-mint condition, the 1986 Fleer Barry Bonds rookie card can sell for over $30,000 and gem mint examples have sold for close to $100,000.

Another extremely valuable rookie card from the decade is the 1988 Score Ken Griffey Jr. Griffey was incredibly hyped coming into the league and became one of the biggest stars of the 1990s. The Score brand was rather short-lived in producing baseball cards and the Griffey rookie was one of their best known issues. High-grade versions of this card in near-mint or better condition can sell for $15,000 or more. Pristine gem mint 10 examples have even realized prices up to $50,000 at auction.

Besides rookie cards, autograph cards grew significantly in popularity and demand over the past 30 years. Some that can be worth a substantial return from the 1980s include the 1986 Topps Tiffany Mark McGwire autographed rookie card, 1986 Fleer Update Ben McDonald autograph card, and 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr autograph card. All three of these autographed insert cards featuring major stars from the decade have reached prices between $5,000-$10,000 in top condition with the Griffey being at the higher end.

Another Topps product that holds strong value potential from the 1980s is the 1987 Design Variations subset. This insert set featured creative artwork variations of 36 players with parallel issues like gold signatures, gold backgrounds, and die-cuts. Of the 36 variations cards issued, the Nolan Ryan fire variation has become one of the most coveted and valuable at over $10,000 in pristine condition. Other sought-after but more affordable variations include the Roger Clemens and Mike Schmidt at $3,000-5,000 each.

Moving further into the decade, the rookies of Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and Frank Thomas from the late 1980s also possess stellar value. Maddux and Glavine went on to have Hall of Fame careers while Thomas was one of the premier sluggers of the 1990s. The 1987 Topps Traded Greg Maddux rookie in near-mint can command $2,000-3,000 while PSA 10 examples have reached $12,000 at auction. The 1988 Fleer Update Tom Glavine rookie fetches $1,000-2,000 NM-MT and up to $8,000 in pristine grade. Frank Thomas’ rookie debut in 1989 Bowman sells for $500-1,000 in good condition and $4,000-5,000 in near-mint or better.

Aside from star players and rookie cards, complete sets from the 1980s Topps and Fleer issues remain quite popular with collectors. The flagship 1984 and 1987 Topps complete base sets with all commons and short prints included in near-mint to mint condition sell in the $2,500 range when professionally graded. The very rare and collectible 1984 Fleer set in similar grades has sold privately for over $15,000 when finding a full set is an achievement in itself.

There are several 1980s baseball cards that have increased tremendously in value over the past 30+ years. Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., along with stars like Mark McGwire and Frank Thomas frequently top the price charts. Autograph and insert cards from the decade involving star athletes are also highly sought after. Complete flagship sets too in pristine condition hold collector value as vintage complete sets become more elusive to assemble over time. With the immense talent levels in baseball during the 1980s, cards from that era will likely retain and increase their value for dedicated collectors going forward.

ARE BASEBALL CARDS STILL POPULAR

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Baseball cards continue to be a popular collectible item, especially among fans of America’s pastime. While the culture around collecting cards has evolved over the decades, many still enjoy assembling sets and chasing rare players. The market has experienced ups and downs in popularity over the years.

Baseball cards first became widely popular in the late 19th century when cigarette and tobacco companies began including cards with stats and images of players in their products. Throughout the early 20th century, collecting cards took off as both a fun hobby for kids and speculative venture for adults. Production and demand was huge through the 1950s-1970s as kids would swap, trade, and assemble complete sets in their bicycles spokes. The era is considered the golden age of baseball cards.

Cycling concerns and health issues led cigarette companies like Topps to pull out of the baseball card market in the 1980s. This caused a decline in availability that shrunk the culture for a few years. But collectors remained loyal to vintage cardboard and independent companies like Upper Deck emerged to fill the void. The 1990s saw renewed mainstream interest that peaked with the premium sets and rookie cards of stars like Ken Griffey Jr. and Derek Jeter breaking records.

Demand was so high in the late 90s bubble that unscrupulous dealers created wildly inflated prices and rumors of rarities that “crashed” the speculative market when the fad faded. This led to an overall reduced interest in collecting for much of the 2000s as the glut of supply depressed values of all but the most iconic vintage pieces. With less availability in stores as well, it became seen more as an investment niche than widespread pastime.

Over the past decade, baseball cards have experienced something of a renaissance, especially among millennials nostalgic for their childhood hobby. Companies like Topps have found success again by targeting this new older fanbase with high end, artist-designed sets focused more on aesthetic appeal than player stats or gambling on value. There has been pent up demand who still love assembling sets for enjoyment rather than resale value.

Innovations like Topps Now digital cards created shortly after events allow fans to collect meaningful moments they witnessed. Sites like eBay also make trading more accessible remotely. Collectors clubs and convention attendance is up as the social aspect has been reinvigorated online. Streaming and fantasy sports have brought fresh eyes to the pastime as well. While kids today have many more options than cards, some still enjoy them and drive interest cycles.

While the culture is not what it was at its 1950s-90s peak, baseball cards remain firmly entrenched Americana and a popular niche collectible. According to industry insiders, annual sales are estimated at around $400-600 million currently compared to over $1 billion in the late 90s bubble. But interest appears steadier without wild speculative swings which sustain long term collectors. Modern superstars like Mike Trout also drive interest that keeps the tradition alive for new generations. So while evolved, baseball cards still resonate strongly with both new and old fans alike.

Baseball cards may no longer have the ubiquitous cultural presence as in decades past. But they retain dedicated followers, have found new life among nostalgic collectors, and keep the tradition going through new sets focused more on fandom than speculative investment. So despite ups and downs, baseball cards seem they will remain a popular American pastime and collectible for the foreseeable future.

CAN YOU RESTORE BASEBALL CARDS

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Restoring baseball cards is a process that takes time, care, and the right materials, but can help revitalize old cards and preserve them for years to come. The first step is to assess the condition of the card and identify what areas need attention. Things like creases, folds, stains or dirt need to be addressed to restore the card to its best possible condition.

For creases or folds, the safest way to attempt straightening is by placing the card between two thin boards, such as poster board or cardboard. Make sure the boards are larger than the card to avoid any damage at the edges. Stack heavy books on top of the boards to apply gentle, even pressure for 1-3 days. Check periodically but don’t be in a rush, as too much hast can cause damage. Additional alternatives for creases include placing the card in a humidity-controlled box or plastic sleeves to relax the cardboard over time.

Stains and dirt must be handled delicately to avoid further damage. Test any cleaning products on a less valuable card first. Gently rub the spot with a soft eraser or use a product specifically made for cleaning cards. Coffee, ink or other tough stains can be spot treated with hydrogen peroxide applied via a cotton swab and left to sit for an hour before wiping away. Just be careful of bleaching on vivid colors. Surface dirt can often be effectively removed with a soft brush or compressed air.

Once basic restoration is complete, there are options to protect the card and further improve its appearance. Plastic holders like penny sleeves, screwdowns or magnetic sheets can shield the card from fingerprints and residue. Higher-end cases even filter UV light rays which cause cards to fade over decades. The sleeves or cases should fit snugly but not squeeze the card, allowing it to still lay flat.

Grading the card’s condition accurately is an important part of restoration for collectors. Companies like PSA, BGS or SGC provide official grading of factors like centering, corners, edges and surface to assign the card a numerical grade from 1-10, plus or minus qualifiers. This gives collectors a benchmark to understand the card’s quality. Consider submitting valuable reprinted rookie cards or serially numbered parallels to preserve their condition history and allow resale tracking.

While it’s impossible to fully undo the ageing process, restoring damaged or worn baseball cards can renew their appearance and slow further degradation. Taking one’s time with light cleaning and flexible straightening techniques helps preserve fragile cardboard. Protecting restored cards in high-quality holders also extends their lifespan as important pieces of sports collectibles history. With care and the right restoration approach, treasured cards can continue to be enjoyed by collectors for generations to come.

ARE TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS FROM THE 80s WORTH ANYTHING

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Topps baseball cards from the 1980s can potentially be worth a decent amount of money, but whether any individual card from that era holds significant value depends on several factors. The 1980s was a very popular time for collecting baseball cards, as the hobby was booming. Many kids growing up in the 80s have fond memories of collecting and trading cards, fueling today’s strong nostalgia market.

One of the biggest determinants of a card’s value from the 1980s is the player featured on the card and their career accomplishments. Cards depicting legendary players who had huge careers and sustained success over many seasons tend to command the highest prices. For example, cards showing players like Mike Schmidt, Kirby Puckett, Wade Boggs, or Ozzie Smith in their prime rookie or early career seasons can be quite valuable, especially if the condition is near mint. These were future Hall of Famers who were just starting to emerge as stars in the early 80s.

Graded gem mint condition 10 rookies or flagship cards of superstar players could potentially sell for thousands of dollars at auction. Values fluctuate based on the specific year, specific player performance stats, and overall condition and quality of the individual card. Less heralded players may only fetch a few hundred dollars at most for a true mint gem card.

Another important factor is whether the player featured went on to have career milestones that spark renewed collector interest years later. For example, if they hit career milestones like 500 home runs or 3,000 hits, their rookie cards from the 80s would see renewed interest and demand. This was the case when Cal Ripken Jr. broke Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played record in the late 90s – suddenly his early 80s cards spiked in value.

The specific card series and year also impacts value. The flagship Topps set from each season tends to hold the most value. Especially desirable is the flagship Topps set from the player’s true rookie season. Special subsets and variations can also carry a premium. The more scarce and unique a specific 80s Topps cardvariation is, the higher demand and prices there may be.

Card condition is absolutely critical to value from the 1980s, just as with any era. Because they have had decades to potentially get damaged or played with, 80s cards need to grade very well to maintain good value. Anything graded less than Near Mint – say a straight Very Good condition – may only be worth a dollar or two even for a decent star player. Meanwhile, a true mint Gem Mint 10 could earn a good four-figure auction price.

The overall baseball card market also greatly impacts values. Prices tend to rise when interest and demand is strong – such as during the height of the financial boom in the late 1980s and 1990s. This created renewed demand for vintage 80s material as investors and collectors looked for growth opportunities. More recently, values dipped during economic downturns like 2008-2009 but have since rebounded strongly.

Whether you have cards tucked away in your parents’ attic or come across a collection at a yard sale, 1980s Topps rookies or stars in pristine condition do maintain significance in today’s vintage trading card marketplace. Take the time to have valuable cards professionally graded to maximize their worth. Keep in mind that common players or poorer conditioned cards may only have nominal worth today. But the right superstar rookie or early career gem could yield an unexpectedly high return with the sustained collecting passion for 1980s cardboard. Proper research pays off for anyone hoping to potentially cash in on their childhood Topps baseball card collection.

While many 1980s Topps baseball cards hold little monetary value, the right players, years, and extraordinary states of preservation can result in cards worth hundreds or even thousands to enthusiastic collectors three decades later. Condition, career accomplishments and scarcity help determine an 80s card’s potential today. With some diligence, vintage 1980s cardboard still offers a chance to strike nostalgic gold for those holding pieces of baseball’s past in their collections.

HOW TO KNOW IF BASEBALL CARDS ARE REPRINTS

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One of the best ways to tell if a baseball card is a reprint is to check the texture of the card stock. Authentic vintage cards from the 1950s-1980s were printed on a thin, slick cardstock called wheaties cardstock. It has a very distinctive feel – it is much thinner and fleeter than modern card cardstock. Reprint cards will often try to mimic this texture but usually fail and feel thicker, flimsier, or just “off” compared to a real vintage card. Examining the card stock under bright light or with a magnifying glass can help reveal flaws in reproduced textures.

Closely examine the printing quality and look for signs of dot gain, smudging, or inconsistencies that wouldn’t be seen on professionally printed cards from the original era. Reprints are often printed in lower quality without the crisp sharpness you’d expect from a real vintage issue. Colors may appear duller or less vibrant as well. Again, bright light and magnification can help spot flaws not visible to the naked eye.

Check for defects, errors, or inconsistencies in the printing that wouldn’t have made it through quality control in the original production run but could slip through on reprints. Misaligned color layers, stray dots of ink, sections with the wrong color tint – these sorts of flaws point to a reproduction rather than a true vintage card.

Inspect the cornersunder high power magnification for signs of wear, rounding, or damage consistent with the age claimed. Authentic vintage cards from being decades old will inevitably show at least some minor wear at the edges that reprints will lack because they are brand new productions, not the original printing.

Examine holograms, logos, or emblems that reprints may attempt to mimic but get subtly wrong due to imperfect reproduction technology. For example, old-style team logos, sport league logos, or manufacturers marks like Topps or Fleer that a modern printer could not faithfully recreate entirely correctly.

Check registration marks, usually found in the image border area, where printing plates would line up between layers on the printing press. Authentic vintage cards will have properly aligned, focused registration marks while reprints are prone to misaligned, blurred, or otherwise flawed registration guides from the reproduction process.

Research dates, teams, players, and other specifics to ensure they are consistent with what could have genuinely existed during the claimed original printing year. For example, a card purporting to be from 1956 featuring a player on a team they did not join until 1962 is automatically suspect. Reprints sometimes contain anachronistic details they failed to fact check properly.

Inspect any autographs present for signs of aging, fading, or the correct vintage autograph style, weight, and flow that come only with time and practice. A reprint’s autograph could too perfectly mimic the right look without the subtleties only the passage of decades brings to an authentic autographed area.

Check the back of the card for inconsistencies in wording, stats, or other details compared to references of true original issues. Reprint companies occasionally paraphrase or get minor facts wrong versus original precisely worded back descriptions. Compare under magnification if possible.

Consider the source and history of the individual card. Reprints are more likely to have a single unsold example crop up out of nowhere while authentic vintage cards tend to exist within collections that can establish their legitimate decades-long pedigree. Provenance documentation adds confidence of authenticity.

Pay close attention to price, which tends to be substantially inflated for reprints versus authentic vintage cards in comparable condition from the same era. Reprints are usually much cheaper to produce new than actual surviving copies of decades-old original issues.

Have cards graded and authenticated by a reputable third-party authority like PSA or BGS if authenticity is in serious question. While grading is not foolproof, professional authenticators have extensive expertise spotting telltale signs of reproductions versus true vintage cardboard. Their certification carries substantial weight in the collecting community.

No single one of these signs on its own proves authenticity or counterfeiting. But taking a thorough multi-point approach considering card characteristics, details, history and documentation can give collectors strong confidence either way about the genuineness and origins of a potential vintage baseball card find. With diligent inspection and research, savvy hobbyists can avoid being misled by skillfully produced reprint counterfeits.

HOW MUCH IS A COMPLETE SET OF 1991 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH

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The value of a complete set of 1991 Donruss baseball cards can vary significantly depending on the condition and grade of the individual cards in the set. The 1991 Donruss set contains 792 total cards including base cards, insert cards, and rookie cards. Some key things that affect the value of the complete set include:

Card condition – The condition of each card is extremely important when determining the value of a complete set. Donruss cards from the early 1990s are prone to wear, creasing, fraying, and other flaws that can reduce a card’s condition grade over time. Sets in near mint to mint condition will command significantly higher prices than sets containing many well-worn or damaged cards.

Grading – Having the complete set professionally graded by a reputable service like PSA or BGS can help maximize its value. Graded sets help validate the condition of each card and give potential buyers more confidence in the overall quality. The cost of grading an entire 792 card set can be thousands of dollars which is factored into its final price.

Rookie cards – The 1991 Donruss set contains valuable rookie cards for players like Jeff Bagwell, Moises Alou, Jermaine Dye, and Terry Mulholland that can significantly impact the valuation of the complete set. If these high-profile rookie cards are in especially good condition, it raises the worth of the entire collection. Damage or flaws on the rookies will devalue the set considerably.

Base card condition – While rookie cards draw the most attention, the condition of all the base cards from #1 to #792 factors into the price a collector will pay. Strong base sets in high grades tend to demand a premium over sets containing many cards in lower grades. The average condition level across the entire checklist is evaluated.

Recent sales records – Checking recent sales of graded 1991 Donruss sets on eBay, through distributors like PWCC, or at major card shows and conventions provides some of the best market data points for realistic pricing. Seeing what complete certified sets in similar condition have actually been selling for helps determine a fair estimated value.

Supply and demand – The limited availability of the set, especially in top grades, influences its value. The more rare and desirable a specific condition a 1991 Donruss set is in, the higher the price collectors are typically willing to pay. Basic sets in lower grades face less competition and interest from the hobby community.

Taking all of these factors into account, here are some general value ranges a complete 1991 Donruss baseball card set in different condition levels could realistically sell for in today’s market:

PSA/BGS Graded 8+ (mint) – $7,000-$9,000

Raw (near mint-mint) – $4,000-$6,000

Raw (very good-near mint) – $2,500-$4,000

Raw (good-very good) – $1,500-$2,500

Raw (fair-good) – $1,000-$1,500

Damaged/incomplete sets – $500-$1,000

Naturally, individual card grades, the inclusion of well-centered and high-grade rookie cards, demand levels, and auction bids could occasionally see complete 1991 Donruss sets sell for significantly more than these estimates or much less if in poorer overall condition. But for a detailed overview, these price ranges should provide a useful guideline on the typical current value collectors may pay depending on factors like centering, surfaces, and freshness. Let me know if you need any additional details!

HOW TO DRAW YOUR OWN BASEBALL CARDS

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Decide on the player(s) you want to draw baseball cards for. This could be yourself, friends, family members, or actual professional baseball players. Think about stats, accomplishments, and other things you may want to include on the card.

Once you’ve selected the player(s), it’s time to start sketching the design. Most real baseball cards have the player’s face picture on the front with their name and team logo. You’ll want to draw the player’s portrait or find a good quality photo to use. Make sure to leave enough blank space around the edges to add other elements.

With the central portrait or photo done, start adding borders, shapes, colors and graphics. Baseball cards typically have thick borders around the edges in team colors. You can also add shapes behind the portrait, like diamonds for baseball fields. Experiment with color combinations until you find a design you like. Don’t forget any logos, mascots or signatures if including those.

On the back of the card is where you’ll list key player stats and biographical information. Things like their full name, position played, batting average, home runs, RBIs, number of seasons played etc. You can also add fun facts, career highlights or personal accomplishments depending on the type of player. Make sure to leave plenty of space to write legibly in paragraphs or bulleted lists.

Once the card design template is complete, start adding realistic graphics and touches. Little things like stitches or fading around the edges of the photo make hand-drawn cards look more genuine. Creative touches like speech bubbles coming from the player with cheeky comments add personality too. You can also experiment with embossing team logos, signatures or numbers onto the card surface.

When finished with the card design, test printing on different types of cardstock paper before settling on the material. Thicker paper holds details better but thinner stock may be easier for a child to draw on. Look for paper with a glossy or semi-gloss finish to most closely imitate real cards too. Card dimensions should range from about 2.5 x 3.5 inches to 3.5 x 5 inches depending on the desired size.

Start drawing! Use colored pencils, markers or digital art programs depending on your preferred media. Take your time shading, blending colors and adding fine details to bring the drawings to life. Leave blank spaces on the front for info to be added later with a pen or typewriter. Date each card on the back corner as well.

Type or write in any remaining stats, facts or biographical details on the fronts and backs neatly when artwork is complete. Make sure ink is dry before stacking or storing cards. Consider putting player names on the card backs as identifiers too if drawn as a set.

You can optionally protective the cards further by sliding them into protective plastic sleeves or putting them in a custom baseball card photo album or binder. Consider trading your hand-drawn cards with others as a fun creative project and memento too! With practice, your drawing skills will improve to make highly realistic and fun homemade baseball cards.

IS SELLING BASEBALL CARDS TAXABLE

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The question of whether selling baseball cards is a taxable activity or not depends on several factors related to how the individual is acquiring and selling the cards. If an individual is simply selling cards from their personal collection on a limited, casual basis, then the proceeds are likely not taxable. If someone is running an active business of buying and selling cards with the goal of making a profit, then the profits would be considered taxable self-employment or business income.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers several factors to determine if card sales represent a hobby or a business for tax purposes. Some of the key factors include:

Profit motive: Was the primary goal or intent to make a profit from buying and reselling cards? Consistent losses could point to it being a hobby versus a business aimed at generating income.

Frequency of sales: Occasional, casual sales of personally-owned cards are less likely to be viewed as a business compared to ongoing, frequent sales throughout the year.

Materials purchased for resale: If large sums are being spent to acquire inventory specifically for resale to generate income, that looks more like a business than an occasional resale from a personal collection.

Dedication of time/space: Setting aside dedicated space, working regularly to find desirable cards to buy and sell, spending significant time on the activity also tilts it toward being a legitimate business.

Type of advertising/marketing: Casual word-of-mouth sales differ from ongoing ads and listings to attract buyers that treat it more like an active business.

Financial records: Keeping detailed purchase/resale records like an official business points toward a taxable activity versus casual hobby sales without records.

So if an individual meets sufficient factors to be considered an active trading business by the IRS, then any net profits would require reporting as self-employment income on IRS Schedule C. Profits are calculated as total annual sales revenue less the cost basis of the items sold and normal business expenses.

Taxable income would then either be subject to self-employment taxes or counted as business income on an individual tax return if a separate business entity like an LLC hasn’t been formed. Note that loss years can offset profits but must meet hobby loss rules to avoid being deemed a “not for profit” activity by the IRS.

Some key tax deadlines also apply if baseball card sales constitute a business. Quarterly estimated tax payments may be required to prepay taxes on net profits throughout the year. An annual profit or loss statement also needs filing along with the individual or business tax return each April. Failure to properly report could result in fines or penalties from the IRS.

While it’s possible to run baseball cards as a tax-effective side business, the rules around expenses, inventory tracking, and periodic payments add complexity versus casual resales treated as a hobby. Consultation with a tax pro can help determine the proper treatment and ensure everything is reported correctly if audited. Ultimately, the specific situation and ability to document a true profit motive govern whether card sales become a taxable revenue stream. Let me know if any part of this lengthy explanation needs further clarification!

WHAT BASEBALL CARDS ARE WORTH KEEPING

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When considering which baseball cards to keep from your collection, there are a few key factors that determine a card’s potential value. The most important things to consider are the player, the year the card was printed, the card’s condition or grade, and any special traits the card may have.

In terms of the player, you’ll want to focus on keeping cards of all-time greats and modern superstars. Legendary players like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and more from the early decades of baseball are almost always worth holding onto no matter the other details. More recent player cards that commonly retain or increase in value include stars like Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw, Jacob deGrom, Shohei Ohtani, and other contemporary elites. You’ll also want to save notable rookie cards, as those can significantly appreciate if the player lives up to expectations.

The year the card was printed also hugely impacts its potential worth. Vintage cards from the earliest years of the sport in the 1800s through the 1960s almost always command the highest prices due to their extreme rarity. Within modern issues, the best years tend to be those that were the player’s rookie season or an early year in their career before widespread production. Flagship sets in the 1980s like Topps, Fleer, and Donruss also tend to retain value well.

Just as important as the player and year is the card’s condition or grade. Heavily played cards in worn or damaged condition will be nearly worthless compared to higher graded copies. When appraising value, focus on cards that are well-centered and have sharp corners and edges without bends, creases or markings. Have valuable cards professionally graded by services like PSA or BGS to establish an official condition metric. Grades of Mint 9 or Gem Mint 10 can make or break a card’s profit potential. Keep cards in protective sleeves, sheets, and boxes.

Beyond the basics, there are specialty traits that can make certain cards especially valuable. Parallel prints like refractor, negative, or jersey patch autograph cards appeal to high-end collectors. Numbered parallels out of specific print runs gain exclusivity. Autograph or memorabilia cards with signatures and relics from popular players command premiums. Older error cards missing statistics, with reversed names and more are prized by niche collectors. Promotional, award and special set cards can flourish too with scarcity.

Informed collectors also watch certain campaigns and releases, stocking cards that stand to spike from player milestones or cultural moments. Prospective rookie class value also rises as the draft approaches. Remaining educated on trends through online resources lets you speculate and anticipate future demand spikes. Lastly, consider keeping annual sets complete to sell as a lot rather than broken apart over time.

By focusing collections on the player attributes, print years, high-grades, and specialty versions outlined above, savvy collectors can curate a stash with longterm appreciation potential. Of course, personal player attachment also matters – favorites from childhood will always carry nostalgic worth regardless of objective analysis. But treating cards as investments requires discerning which to safeguard for decades, in the hope they fund future dreams. With passion and patience, the right baseball cards can become highly lucrative keepsakes.