Category Archives: BASEBALL CARDS

WHAT ARE TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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Topps baseball cards are a iconic collectible product produced by The Topps Company, Inc. that features images of Major League Baseball players on a rectangular cardboard stock. Topps has had the exclusive license to produce baseball cards in the United States since 1954 and they are widely considered the official and standard baseball card of the MLB.

The origins of modern baseball cards can be traced back to the late 1880s when cigarette and tobacco companies began including illustrated cards featuring baseball players in their products as a promotional marketing strategy. It wasn’t until the 1950s that the baseball card boom really took off. In 1952, Topps secured the license to produce cards for the entire MLB, making them the first modern brand to do so across the league. Their now famous 1954 Topps baseball card set was the first to feature every team in a single release since 1915 and helped reignite baseball card collecting as a mainstream hobby.

Since that pivotal first Topps set in 1954, they have released new annual card sets every year covering that season’s MLB teams, players, managers, coaches, and other personnel. Traditional Topps baseball cards are typically mass produced cardboard stock cards measuring approximately 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches that feature a color photo or illustration of a ballplayer on the front. The back of the card traditionally contains important statistical and biographical information about that player. Some key details and variations about Topps baseball cards over the years include:

Design/layout evolutions – Early 50s designs were simple with team logo/name across top and bottom. Modern designs are cleaner with player photo/graphic bigger. Color photos became standard in the 60s.

Parallels/inserts – In the 90s, Topps began including rare parallel and insert card variations like refractors, autographs within standard sets to increase hobby interest.

Rookie cards – First Topps card issued of a player in their MLB debut season is considered their most valuable “true” rookie card.

Special/licensed sets – Topps has released several premium higher end sets beyond the main annual releases like Topps Chrome, Allen & Ginter, Bowman, Topps Tribute.

Non-player items – Managers, coaches, umpires, stadiums, events have all been featured on Topps cards occasionally.

Multi-year contracts – Topps had competition from Fleer and Donruss in 80s-90s before re-securing exclusive MLB deal in 1995.

International expansion – Topps branched out with similar global soccer, football, basketball, and other sport card licenses over the decades.

Variations within sets – Printing plates, negative reprints, rare photo variations add to chase of completed common/parallel/insert card sets.

Heritage/flashback designs – Topps has periodically paid homage to classic card designs of the past within modern annual sets.

Apart from the traditional cardboard stock, Topps has also released specialized high-end baseball card inserts and sets using alternate materials. Examples include luxury technology like Leaf Metal, Titanium, Luminance; premium paper stock like Finest, Museum Collection; and oddball one-offs like wood bat cards. They’ve also experimented with other non-traditional card shapes like square ‘Squared’ cards or business card sized ‘Mini’ cards.

As the official MLB license holder, Topps cards are intrinsically woven into the history and heritage of the game and collecting community. Topps rookie cards and key vintage sets from the early days of the company when the modern baseball card was established are among the most coveted and valuable trading cards in existence for serious collectors. Even amidst the current boom popularity of independent non-sport trading cards, Topps remains the unrivaled industry leader in American baseball cards. Their cards continue to be prized by collectors both as worthwhile physical investments and nostalgic connections to favorite players from across baseball history thanks to nearly seven decades of documenting the sport. Whether completing a complete annual base set or chasing rare parallels and coveted rookie cards, Topps will likely remain synonymous with baseball cards for generations of both casual and die-hard collectors to come.

Topps baseball cards are the long-reigning classic and standard bearer of the baseball card collecting hobby. Their iconic cards continue chronicling MLB’s best players each year while preserving the sport’s storied past for nostalgic fans everywhere. Topps’ cards allow collectors of all levels to enjoy, complete, and collect tangible pieces of baseball memories for decades to come.

WHAT IS THE BEST BASEBALL CARDS TO COLLECT

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When it comes to collecting baseball cards, there are countless options to consider in terms of specific players, sets, eras, and more. Some cards generally stand out as particularly good investments or collectibles due to their historical significance, association with legendary players, or certain valuable attributes they possess.

One great category to focus on is rookie cards, which are a player’s first officially licensed baseball card. Rookie cards tend to increase dramatically in value if that player goes on to have a successful career. Some of the most iconic and valuable baseball rookie cards that should be top priorities for any collector include the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle, the 1957 Topps Hank Aaron, the 1969 Topps Reggie Jackson, the 1979 Topps Cal Ripken Jr., the 1987 Topps Barry Bonds, the 1992 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr., the 2003 Upper Deck Miguel Cabrera, and the 2007 Bowman Draft Chrome Update Mike Trout. These players all went on to have Hall of Fame careers, making their rookie cards some of the most sought after on the market.

Another strong area for collectors is vintage cards from the early years of the sport in the late 19th/early 20th century. These pioneer era and tobacco cards from the 1880s-1910s that feature stars like Honus Wagner, Cy Young, and Babe Ruth are exceedingly rare today in high grade. While they command astronomical prices, just owning a lower grade example of a vintage card from the earliest decades of the MLB would be a true highlight for any collection. From the post-WWII golden age of cards from the 1950s and early 1960s, the iconic 1952 Topps set and 1960 Topps are must-haves due to their historical importance and star power, headlined by Mantle, Aaron, Willie Mays, and more.

When it comes to specific modern era sets from the past few decades, some that stand out as having strong long term collectibility include the iconic 1987 Topps set which celebrated the brand’s silver anniversary and launched the careers of young stars like Barry Bonds; the ultra-premium 1992 Bowman Superstar Specials Supers that featured prospects like Griffey Jr.; the highly coveted 1997 Bowman’s Best Refractors including a rare Ken Griffey Jr. Refractor; any early 2000s era rookie cards from sets like Topps Chrome as that decade featured stars like Trout; and any autograph or memorabilia card releases as those tend to hold value the best.

Lower print run parallel and short print inserts have also proven to be smart pickups over time. These include special parallels found in sets like Topps Finest, Topps Chrome, and Topps Heritage; coveted 1/1 printing plate autographs; and hit precious metal cards featuring parallels on gold, silver, and black bordered stock. Numbered parallel card runs under 100 copies usually gain significant cache over decades of collecting.

Condition is also crucial to consider, as higher graded vintage pieces especially will command exponentially more money. While lower grade copies are still worthy of a collection for their historic significance, only pristine Mint or Near Mint condition cards will retain blue-chip status in the long run. Certification services like PSA and BGS provide an objective standard for grading to give collectors confidence.

The best approach is to target Hall of Fame player rookie cards, especially from the post-WWII vintage era and 1980s/90s; valuable parallel parallels and hit inserts from key modern sets; and always ensure condition is as high as reasonably possible. Building a core foundation with historically relevant cards tied to legendary careers is a strategy that almost ensures long term growth and collectibility for any baseball card collection. With patience, a discerning eye, and a focus on quality over quantity, assembling a truly prestigious lot of classics is certainly within reach for dedicated collectors.

HOW CAN I SELL MY OLD BASEBALL CARDS

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The first step in selling your old baseball card collection is to take inventory of what cards you have. Carefully go through your entire collection and make a list of every notable card. For each card, record details like the player name, year, team, and condition. Taking a photo of each rare or valuable card is also a good idea. Having a thorough inventory will make listing and selling your cards much easier down the road.

Once you have your full inventory compiled, it’s time to do some research to determine which cards might be worth something. The top online sources for checking card values are websites like Beckett, eBay, and PWCC Marketplace. Look up recently sold listings of comparable cards to your collection. Pay close attention to details like the grade or condition. A card in near mint to mint condition can often be worth 10 times as much as one that is well-worn.

With value estimates in hand for your best cards, you’ll need to decide how you want to sell them. Your main options are through online auction sites like eBay, using a third-party grading service, or selling to a local card shop or collector. For common/bulk cards, a local shop may offer the simplest sale. But for high-end cards, the auction route or third-party grading provides more buyer trust and potential for top dollar.

If auctioning on eBay, you’ll need to take professional photos of each high-value card front and back. Describe the condition accurately using industry standard terms. Set a multi-day auction with a start price close to the recently sold comps. Mention any flaws openly in the description. Respond promptly to any questions from prospective buyers. Proper photography, description and customer service will give buyers confidence to bid up the price.

A third-party grading service like PSA or Beckett will physically examine each card you submit and assign it a numerical grade. This adds credibility that what you describe matches the consensus grading. The grades of 1-10 provide a universal condition standard recognized worldwide. The grading process has submission fees per card and often a wait of months before return. Weighed against potential price boost for top-graded vintage cards, this investment can be worthwhile.

Some card shops will also pay cash upfront based on a quick estimate of your collection’s value. While the immediate payout is convenient, selling wholesale often means just 60-70% of individual eBay or auction values. Consider breaking bulk cards into themed lots instead of one bulk sale to capture more value. Regardless of your selling method, always ship mail-in purchases safely between rigid cardboard with tracking.

Promoting your online auctions or listings across trading card communities on Facebook and specialty forums can introduce your cards to dedicated collectors beyond just eBay search results. A dedicated Instagram account showing your collection’s highlights leading up to a multi-day online sale event might spark bids. With patience and by following proper storing, pricing, describing and shipping techniques – whether selling a few key cards or your whole trove – you can maximize the return on your nostalgic baseball memorabilia collection.

DOES BIG 5 HAVE BASEBALL CARDS

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Yes, many Big 5 Sporting Goods stores do carry a selection of baseball cards for customers to browse and purchase. Big 5 is a large chain of sporting goods stores with over 450 locations spread across the Western United States. While their main product focus is on sporting equipment, apparel, and footwear, they have expanded their offerings in recent years to include some trading cards, memorabilia, and other collectibles targeted towards sports fans.

Their baseball card selection tends to vary somewhat between stores, depending on factors like local demand and available shelf space. Most Big 5s will typically stock a mix of modern and vintage baseball cards from the major manufacturers like Topps, Upper Deck, Panini, and Leaf. For current year releases, they usually have plenty of packs, boxes, and repack assortments available from the latest Topps series, Stadium Club, Gypsy Queen, etc. This gives collectors a convenient local option for casual ripping as well as the chance to find short printed parallels and rookie stars.

In terms of older vintage cardboard, their offerings are a bit more limited compared to a dedicated card shop but provide a sampling of iconic sets. Flagship releases from the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s and ’80s like Topps, Fleer, and Donruss are commonly represented with some full wax boxes, factory sets, and loose packs. Key rookies and stars from those early years can sometimes be unearthed in the bargain bins as well. For premium vintage products, Big 5 stocks a few specialty sets such as the iconic ’52 Topps, Goudey, and Play Ball issues but not in the depth of inventory seen elsewhere.

Similar to other general retailers moving into the collectibles area, Big 5 aims to have a diverse stock that appeals to both casual fans browsing along with more avid collectors. For the former, they offer pre-put together lots of assorted vintage commons and stars to get acquainted with the hobby. For collectors, their selection provides the opportunity to add affordable vintage singles, fill needs in series checklists, or take a chance on unsearched wax packs at fair prices. Some stores may even have special promotions running on baseball cards at various points in the year.

It’s important to note that while Big 5 carries trading cards, their knowledge and ability to evaluate rare gems is limited compared to a dedicated LCS. Cards with true high-end condition or extraordinary vintage RCs will need to be sourced elsewhere. For general baseball card supplies, casual rip packs, and affordable vintage lots, Big 5 provides a cost-effective local option that many collectors appreciate. Ultimately, it varies by location, but most Big 5 Sporting Goods stores do stock at least a introductory assortment of baseball cards new and old for sports fans and collectors alike. Stopping by the trading card aisle is worth a look during your next shopping trip.

In summary, Big 5 Sporting Goods has expanded their merchandise selection in recent years to include some baseball card offerings at their stores. While their inventory and product range is more limited compared to an LCS, most locations provide a solid mix of modern and vintage cardboard accessible to both casual collectors as well as those looking to add affordable singles, boxes, or lots to their collections. For a one-stop browsing experience combined with their sporting goods focus, Big 5 provides a viable local option for some baseball card shopping needs.

HOW MUCH DO SIGNED BASEBALL CARDS GO FOR

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The value of a signed baseball card largely depends on several factors, such as the player who signed it, the card company and year it was printed, the quality and condition of the card, and the significance of the autograph to collectors. The more famous and accomplished the player, the older and rarer the card is, and the higher grade it receives, the more valuable it will be. There is quite a wide range in potential prices for signed baseball cards.

On the low end, a common modern signed card from a current average MLB player might fetch around $20-50. This would be for a very obtainable and low-valued signature on a common, mass-produced card in lower grades. A signed rookie card or early career card of a star player even from the past 20-30 years could range from $100-500, depending on demand, condition, and the player’s career accomplishments and stats.

Moving into the past few decades, signed cards from the 1980s-1990s of known Hall of Famers or all-time great players start increasing substantially in value. In the $500-1,000 range would be attainable signed rookie or star cards from that era of players like Cal Ripken Jr., Wade Boggs, Tony Gwynn, Greg Maddux, etc. Clean signed rookies or iconic cards from this time period of true legends like Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, or Barry Bonds could bring $1,000-3,000 depending on all factors.

The further you go back historically, the higher prices exponentially increase, especially for the oldest and most coveted signed vintage cards. Signed rookie cards or important early career cards from the 1960s-1970s of all-time position players like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, or pitchers like Sandy Koufax regularly sell for $5,000-$15,000 when higher graded and condition is excellent. Extremely desirable vintage signature cards can surpass even those prices.

A properly graded and authenticated signed rookie card of Babe Ruth from the 1910s-1920s would now be worth well over $100,000. Perhaps the highest valued vintage signed card is a T206 Honus Wagner, considered the most iconic and valuable trading card of all time. In pristine conditioned and bearing his true autograph, one of these ultra-rare early 1900s cards would easily sell at auction for over $1 million, potentially reaching the multi-million dollar range.

Certain modern career accomplishment or milestone cards signed also garner big prices if the player is a legend. A signed copy of Barry Bond’s 756th career home run ball card could hit $25,000 due to the historical significance of the record-breaking event. Rare 1-of-1 serial numbered patch cards featuring swatches of jerseys worn during a World Series win by legends like Derek Jeter have gone for over $50,000 with signatures.

Of course, there are always unpredictable outliers. A signed rookie card of relatively unknown or unsuccessful players essentially has little added value over an unsigned copy. Conversely, a card bearing the perfect storm of an indispensable signature, impeccable condition and uniquely important historical context could blow past even expectations. Ultimately, the collectibles market is driven by passion and demand rather than precise science. Condition, provenance research and second opinions from trusted graders remain crucial in determining investment worth for high-end signed cards.

While the price range is enormous, most common signed modern baseball cards will sell for under $100. Attainable vintage and star player autos can reach the hundreds to low thousands. Iconic Hall of Famer rookie cards rise into the $5,000+ range. And the most coveted one-of-a-kind vintage cards bearing names like Wagner, Cobb or Ruth have the potential to shatter auction records over $1 million. Between those bookends, the value is determined mainly by era, player significance, and card quality – but the memorabilia market remains unpredictable. Hope this lengthy overview provided useful context on pricing dynamics for signed baseball cards!

WHAT DO RELIC BASEBALL CARDS LOOK LIKE

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Relic baseball cards feature actual pieces of material from game-used jerseys, hats, bats, or other memorabilia embedded within the card itself. They offer a unique piece of authentic memorabilia incorporated directly onto the trading card. The main purpose of relic cards is to provide fans with an up-close look at and connection to pieces of baseball history.

Relic cards come in a variety of styles depending on the manufacturer, but they all feature the enclosed memorabilia fragment as a key visual element. A typical modern relic baseball card is produced on a standard trading card stock measuring approximately 3.5 inches by 2.5 inches. The front of the card contains the photo and stats of the player while prominently displaying the relic within a specially designed enclosure or window. Relics are usually small pieces of fabric around 1/4 to 1 inch in size, enclosed protectively under a clear plastic layer. Many cards also feature additional graphics, images, or text describing the relic and its authenticity.

The back of a relic card contains the standard card production information and player bio but may also expand on details of the game-worn item the relic was taken from. For example, descriptions of the game, season, or notable achievement during which the jersey was used are often included. Authenticators like Major League Baseball or its players union may certify or number the relic to vouch for its legitimacy. Serial numbers etched onto the cards help prevent forgeries as well. Finer relic cards may come packaged in protective plastic cases or holders.

While fabric swatches from jerseys and caps are by far the most common relic types, innovative manufacturers have experimented with additional unique relic varieties. Examples include embellishments made from bases, cleats, catcher’s masks, or individual stitching pulled from uniforms. Rare “chunk” relics cut larger bits of material an inch or bigger in size. Precious metal cards feature jumbo game-used bat shaving relics encased inside special metaltrading cards.

Relic quality differs depending on the source of the memorabilia and manufacturer. Top brands strive for “prime” specimens cut from authentic game-worn flannel Jersey material or special event uniforms whenever possible. Manufacturers must also work with more common practice or replica jersey swatches that lack true on-field lineage as the collectibles market has grown exponentially. As with any memorabilia, the condition, fame of the player, and significance of the source object determine a relic card’s desirability and value to collectors.

The display of actual memorabilia has helped elevate relic cards to some of the most exciting new collectibles in the hobby. They combine the traditional appeal of collecting players on cards with an authentic “relic” to history that can be held, seen, and treasured. With innovative variations and growing collectors, memorabilia-infused baseball cards appear poised to stay in the studio long-term as one of the leading specialtier products that marries collectibles with cherished pieces of sports artifacts. As a unique way of preserving history, relic cards provide a tangible link betweenmodern fans and the legendswhose memorabilia they preserve for future generations to enjoy.

WHAT BASEBALL CARDS FROM 1993 ARE WORTH MONEY

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One of the most valuable baseball card sets from 1993 is the Upper Deck SP set. This was a limited print run set containing only 50 cards and featured close-up action shots of players. Some of the highly valuable cards from this set include a Ken Griffey Jr. card that has sold for over $10,000 and a Frank Thomas rookie card that has gone for around $8,000 in near mint condition.

Another top set is the Fleer Ultra series. This set had outstanding photography and featured various inserted parallel sets with different photo variations. One of the most valuable cards is the Frank Thomas rookie “action photo” parallel card that has sold for upwards of $5,000 in mint condition. Other valuable 1993 Fleer Ultra cards include rookie cards of Derek Jeter, Mark McGwire, and Larry Walker that can fetch $1,000-2,000 each in top shape.

Two other notable sets from ’93 are the Score trading card series and the Topps Finest collection. Within Score, the Derek Jeter rookie card stands out as very valuable in mint condition at around $3,000. The Topps Finest set was highly sought after for its superb on-card photography. Key valuable cards include rookie versions of Jeter, Griffey, and Nomar Garciaparra that have sold in the $1,500 range when graded gem mint.

As far as regular base set rookies, two of the most significant are the Ken Griffey Jr. and Frank Thomas cards from the Topps and Bowman sets. A Griffey Topps rookie in mint condition can sell for $500-$750, while a PSA 10 graded example has reached over $3,000 at auction. Thomas’ Bowman rookie PSA 9/10 examples have hit $1,000-1,500 at sale. Other notable 1993 rookie cards worth good money include Juan Gonzalez, Fred McGriff, and Paul Molitor in their base Topps or Bowman editions.

Besides rookies, signed cards can gain high value depending on the player autograph and strength of signature. For instance, a signed Ken Griffey Jr. card from ’93 Upper Deck could net $500-1,000+. Similarly, autographed cards of superstars like Barry Bonds, Cal Ripken Jr., and Dennis Eckersley from ’93 sets command $200-400 when the auto is sharp and well-centered.

Error cards from 1993 also represent opportunities for collectors. One example is the “Scrub Pitcher” card from Bowman that has appeared in PSA 10 condition for around $1,000. Another cool error is the miscut Mark McGwire card from Topps that shows portions of 3-4 cards and has sold in the $500 range. Rare parallel sets, oddball variations, and short-printed insert cards from sets like SP Authentic and Upper Deck also hold promise for profit depending on the player featured.

The 1993 season saw future Hall of Famers like Frank Thomas, Ken Griffey Jr., Derek Jeter, and Barry Bonds make their rookie card debuts. Their base cards as well as short-printed parallels from sets like Upper Deck, SP, and Fleer Ultra are likely to maintain and increase in value as the years pass. Add in the allure of autographed memorabilia from star players of that era, and 1993 baseball cards remain a solid long-term investment for savvy collectors even decades later. With some patience and luck hunting the right pieces, there is profits to be made by those willing to hold cards from this exciting vintage year.

WHERE DO YOU SELL NOLAN RYAN BASEBALL CARDS

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Online Marketplaces – Some of the most popular and reliable places to sell online are eBay, COMC (Cardboard Connection), and Amazon Marketplace. eBay is the largest online marketplace and will have the most traffic/potential buyers. You’ll need to price cards competitively and deal with fees. COMC focuses solely on sports cards and handles photography, grading verification, and shipping for a flat consignment fee. This takes more work off the seller. Amazon Marketplace is another large platform but sports cards don’t sell as well there generally.

Sports Card Shops/Local Card Stores – Search websites like Sportscardforum.com to find reputable local card shops near you. Going in person allows the shop owner to inspect cards closely and likely offer a fairer price than solely online estimates since condition is so important. Shops also have regular customers browsing and potential to sell cards quickly. Shops need to make a profit so payouts may be lower than dealing with individual buyers online.

Auction Houses – For extremely high-end, valuable Nolan Ryan rookie cards or autograph cards, auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Lelands may offer auction services. But there are significant upfront costs to utilize an auction house versus individual sales. Auction houses aim for maximum price but take larger commissions of 15-20% typically.

Peer-to-Peer Marketplaces – Websites like SportsCardForum.com or Facebook groups focused on specific players/sports allow connecting directly with individual collectors as buyers or traders. You avoid marketplace/dealer fees but still need to negotiate prices, handle shipping/payments yourself if selling. Finding the right interested buyer can take more time versus established platforms.

Sports Card Shows/Conventions – Browse event listings on websites like Beckett.com to find local or national sports card shows happening on weekends. This lets you meet collectors face-to-face, showcase cards outside protective sleeves, and possibly make fast cash sales more easily than shipping online. Competition from other sellers can be high on show floors though.

Direct to Collector – For exceptionally rare cards, your best option may be directly contacting serious Nolan Ryan collectors online to see if they have interest. Search Collector forums/message boards to find the biggest Ryan PC builders. Finding a buyer is less guaranteed this route versus established marketplaces. You also need to fully trust/verify the buyer.

When deciding where to sell Nolan Ryan cards, weigh ease of the platform, expected return/payout, your price goals, and comfort level shipping/handling transactions. Popular platforms like eBay provide the most potential traffic but take a cut of sales. Local card shops may provide a quicker sale with less fees but less potential profit. Research recent comparables to appropriately price cards wherever you end up selling so they move quickly to the right buyer!

Hope this detailed overview provides helpful context on reliable, popular options for where to sell your Nolan Ryan baseball card collection. Let me know if any part of the answer needs additional information or clarification. Finding the right marketplace requires evaluating your priorities as a seller.

WHAT 1993 UPPER DECK BASEBALL CARDS ARE WORTH MONEY

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One of the most valuable rookies from the 1993 Upper Deck set is the Ken Griffey Jr. card. Griffey was already emerging as a young star for the Mariners at this point and his rookie card has solidified itself as one of the iconic cards from the 1990s. In mint condition, Griffey’s 1993 Upper Deck rookie card can fetch thousands of dollars, with a PSA 10 gem mint copy recently selling for over $25,000. Even well-worn copies in played condition sell for hundreds, showing the strong fan appeal and collectibility of this card.

Another hugely valuable rookie is the Derek Jeter card from 1993 Upper Deck. As one of the greatest shortstops ever and a longtime Yankees captain, Jeter’s star power has kept interest in his rookie high. A PSA 10 mint Jeter can sell for well over $10,000, with most graded PSA 9 excellent copies selling in the $3,000 to $5,000 range. Slightly played near-mint copies still bring in over $1,000, so this is definitely a card to watch out for in pack searches.

For pitcher cards, the Tom Glavine rookie from 1993 Upper Deck stands out. Glavine went on to have a hall of fame career mostly with the Atlanta Braves, winning multiple Cy Young awards. High grade Glavine rookies in PSA 9-10 condition can reach $2,000-$4,000 at auction. His card maintained significance as he continued having success, keeping it a sought-after piece for Braves and baseball card collections.

Another pitching star with a valuable rookie is Greg Maddux. Like Glavine, Maddux put together a phenomenal career winning multiple Cy Youngs mostly with the Braves in the 1990s. His 1993 Upper Deck rookie has value mirroring Glavine’s card, with PSA 9-10 copies selling around $2,000-$3,000. Maddux built up quite a following as arguably one of the best control pitchers ever, fueling interest in relics from his early career like this rookie card.

For position players beyond Griffey and Jeter, the Chipper Jones rookie stands out considerably. As the longtime star third baseman for the Braves franchise, Jones’ legend has kept collectors searching for his rookie. Near-mint to gem mint PSA 9-10 graded versions regularly sell for $800-$1,200 each. Even well-worn copies still bring $100-$300 based on his iconic status in Atlanta.

Another very notable rookie from 1993 Upper Deck is Craig Biggio of the Astros. As a 7-time All Star and 3,000 hit member, Biggio has created quite a legacy that collectors appreciate. His rookie card still commands $400-$700 for PSA 9s and $150-$300 for clean used copies. Biggio’s consistency and records at second base made him wildly popular in Houston.

Beyond star rookies, there are also several valuable veteran and traded cards to be on the lookout for from the 1993 Upper Deck set. The Ken Griffey Jr refractor parallel is extremely scarce and can reach $5,000-$10,000 in high grades. The Barry Bonds card has value upwards of $300 in mint condition as he was ascending into superstardom. The Nolan Ryan Express retro subset cards also maintain popularity and premium prices.

While pack searching or collecting vintage 1990s sets, the 1993 Upper Deck release contains many historically significant and valuable rookie cards that remain highly sought after by collectors. Stars like Ken Griffey Jr, Derek Jeter, Chipper Jones, and Greg Maddux established the beginnings of their legendary careers that year and their rookie cards command top dollar to this day. Keeping an eye out for stars, parallels, and short prints can make 1993 Upper Deck breaks and collection building highly rewarding from a monetary standpoint as well as commemorating iconic players.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO WITH OLD BASEBALL CARDS

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If you have a collection of old baseball cards stored away in your attic, basement, or tucked away in an old shoebox, you may be wondering what to do with them. Baseball cards can be a nostalgic window to the past, but they also may have accumulated value over the years depending on the players, year, condition and other factors. There are a few main options to consider when it comes to old baseball cards:

The first option is to simply keep them. If the cards hold sentimental value to you as a connection to your childhood or memories of collecting them, there is certainly no harm in continuing to store them safely and passing them down to future generations in your family. Properly storing cards in plastic sleeves or cardboard sheets in dry, temperature controlled areas like a basement can help preserve them. Over time, cards belonging to star players from past eras that are in good condition may increase in value as rarer and rarer specimens remain. So holding onto a collection purely as a keepsake is a viable choice.

If space is an issue or you’re more interested in potentially gaining some value from the cards, there are sale and appraisal options to explore. One approach is to have the collection professionally appraised. A reputable sportscard appraiser can evaluate each card, identify valuable and rare pieces, check conditions, and provide an estimated current market value for insurance or estate purposes. Many local comic book and collectible shops offer such services for a fee. An appraisal will give you a better sense of whether you have any true “gems” worth substantial money in the bunch.

If interested in selling, either individual cards or the full collection, there are also multiple potential avenues. Online marketplace platforms like eBay allow you to list cards yourself and potentially reach a wide buyer base. With the vast number of listings and variability in value estimates, actually getting top dollar this way requires time, effort in photography, descriptions and negotiations with bidders. For a easier sale option with less work, local collectors and hobby shops will often buy entire collections outright for a consolidated price, though it likely won’t be as high as selling pieces separately over time.

Another choice when looking to sell is to work with a respected auction house. National companies like Heritage Auctions, Robert Edward Auctions and others regularly facilitate sports memorabilia sales, providing authentication services, pre-sale estimated values, and promotion to reach serious card buyers both domestically and internationally. Putting a collection up for auction lets the market set the prices and can result in higher prices than a flat shop buyout deal if any true “keys” are present. Consignment auction options are available where the auction house only takes a small cut of final prices.

Before pursuing any sale, it’s important to have realistic expectations based on several key factors that determine a card’s worth:

Player/Year – Cards from the early 20th century along with legendary players from any era most likely hold higher values. More recent players need a high level of fame.

Condition – Near mint or mint condition cards that show little to no wear will be far more valuable than ones that are worn, faded, creased or damaged. Professional grading helps buyers verify condition.

Rarity – Especially for older decades, the scarcer a particular card the more coveted it will be by collectors. Very low print run promotions are quite valuable.

Completeness – Make sure cards still have intact fronts and backs, and are not cut, trimmed or missing parts as that damages value.

Current Player Interest – Cards depicting players still generating fans and social media buzz are hot right now. Cards need to appeal to contemporary collectors.

Getting cards professionally appraised is also a good idea before sending them off for online auction to avoid accidental fraud. Reputable auction houses will screen submissions to prevent inflated consignments. Always disclose cards’ true conditions up front.

Old baseball cards provide the chance to potentially gain value from nostalgia, make a profitable sale, or pass a piece of history to new generations. With reasonable expectations set by professional guidance, collectors have multiple smart options for what to ultimately do with their stored cards from the past. Taking the time for accurate appraisals or testing auction waters allows owners to make informed choices for how best to manage their baseball memorabilia possessions over time.