Category Archives: BASEBALL CARDS

ARE MONTREAL EXPOS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH ANYTHING

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The Montreal Expos were a Canadian Major League Baseball team that existed from 1969 to 2004, playing their home games at Jarry Park Stadium and later Olympic Stadium in Montreal, Quebec. The franchise relocated and became the Washington Nationals in 2005. As such, Montreal Expos baseball cards make up a unique subset of cards for collectors to pursue. Whether Expos cards are worth anything to collectors today depends on several factors regarding the specific players, years, conditions, and card sets involved.

Many vintage 1970s-era Expos rookie cards and stars from their early years hold some value for collectors today, often $5-20 or more depending on condition for common cards. Keys stars from that era like Andre Dawson, Gary Carter, Tim Raines, and Bill Lee tend to pull in $20-50 or more for graded rookies or star cards in good condition from flagship sets like Topps and Donruss. Their 1979 cards in particular hold appeal as that was their best season to date, finishing second in the National League East.

Condition is extremely important when evaluating the value of any vintage card, and low-graded or poor condition Expos cards may have little worth outside an Montreal Expos PC collector. Mint condition or higher graded vintage Expos stars can pull several times their raw price, while their commons are generally only desired graded. The rarer the player, the more crucial grade is to the value.

As the Expos success waned in later years, so too did interest in their cards outside Expos collectors. 1980s stars like Tim Raines, Andre Dawson after leaving Montreal, and future stars like Pedro Martinez have maintained some value, but most commons from the 1980s and beyond have very little value outside an Expos PC. A few exceptions include Randy Johnson and Vladimir Guerrero rookies, which can pull $20-50+ in good condition despite being Expos cards.

Modern Expos cards from the 1990s-2004 have some niche collector interest and value to Montreal and Expos PC collectors. Stars like Vladimir Guerrero and Pedro Martinez rookies and inserts hold the most value in the $10-30 range typically in good condition for their rare Expos cards. Commons and stars from the late struggling Expos teams have very little monetary value otherwise. But even low-value modern Expos cards can be sentimentally meaningful keepsakes for fans of the former franchise.

Autographs and memorabilia have become one area where Montreal Expos cards and related items have shown renewed collector interest and higher values in recent years. Signed Expos star rookie cards can pull $50-100+ even in just good condition. Relics, autographs on cards, specialty inserts, and signed memorabilia have attracted Expos collectors intrigued by the overlooked franchise history and seeking unique niche pieces for their collections. These specialized autographed Expos collectibles often sell in the $50-250 range depending on the player and relic/auto.

With the Montreal Expos now defunct for almost two decades, their cards also hold more nostalgia appeal for collectors intrigued by the city’s “old” MLB team and wanting a piece of baseball history. Many modern card manufacturers in recent years have also issued popular Montreal Expos retro sets featuring design styles and players from their 1970s/1980s heyday. These high-end insert and parallel card varieties naturally hold higher collector value given their nostalgic subject matter despite being modern productions, often $10-50+ each.

Whether Montreal Expos baseball cards hold any collector value today depends much on the specific cards, players, years, and especially conditions involved. While commons from their later struggling years remain relatively low value, select rookie cards and stars from the 1970s-80s vintages have maintained collector interest levels allowing values of $5-50+ depending on desired players and conditions. Modern insert cards and autographed/relic cards related to the Expos also attract niche collectors, at times earning higher prices than their raw cardboard would suggest based purely on player merit alone. With the Expos now a defunct franchise, their cards retain an extra layer of nostalgia for collectors that leads to maintaining and renewing interest levels beyond what a similarly performing ongoing franchise might expect.

WHO MAKES BOWMAN BASEBALL CARDS

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Bowman is a brand of baseball cards created by Topps Company, Inc. that focuses on featuring prospects, rookies, and young Major League talent. Bowman baseball cards have been produced annually since 1949 and are the official Minor League Baseball licensee, giving them unique access to photograph and provide information on prospects yet to reach the Majors.

Topps has owned the Bowman brand since 1956 when they acquired Bowman Gum Inc., the original creator of Bowman cards. However, Topps did not start regularly producing new Bowman sets each year until the early 1990s. Prior to that, Bowman sets would come out sporadically, usually featuring a specific theme rather than being a true “annual” release. In 1992, Topps revived Bowman as a yearly brand focused on prospects to help fill the period between their flagship Series 1 and 2 releases each season.

Today, Topps produces several different Bowman Baseball card products each year under the Bowman brand and logo. The flagship is considered the annual Bowman Draft set, which comes out in late spring/early summer and features the recently drafted amateur players from MLB’s First-Year Player Draft in May/June. These sets photograph and provide stats and bios on the top prospects just starting their professional careers. Additional major Bowman releases include Bowman Chrome in the summer, which focuses on glossy refractors and parallels of top prospects, and Bowman’s Best in the fall, a high-end set featuring prospects and young stars.

Topps also produces international Bowman sets targeting collectors outside of the United States. These include Bowman Draft International, Bowman Scouts Edition (international amateur players), Bowman Sterling (high-end international prospects), and Bowman’s Best international variants. Many international Bowman products are exclusive to certain European, Asian, and Latin American distributors and markets.

In order to photograph, acquirestats and information, and sign licensing agreements for each year’s Bowman releases, Topps works directly with all 30 Major League teams as well as many Minor League affiliates. As the exclusive MLB/MiLB licensee for prospect cards, Topps has scouts and representatives attending practices, games, and signing events throughout each season to gather fresh content for their Bowman sets featuring tomorrow’s baseball stars.

All Bowman cards are designed, approved, and manufactured by Topps at their main production facility in East Rutherford, New Jersey. While the company does not publicly disclose exact print runs, Bowman sets are considered “mainstream” releases by Topps standards and have print runs and distribution comparable to flagship Topps Series 1 and 2 but generally below specialty high-end sets like Topps Chrome. Cards are primarily distributed to retailers like Walmart, Target, hobby shops, and online sportscard marketplaces.

As the exclusive owner of Bowman branding and photography rights, Topps carefully protects the Bowman brand and guards against unauthorized use of their prospect content. While Topps produces the official Bowman releases each season under the MLB/MiLB license, other unlicensed third-party companies may on rare occasion attempt to create their own “unofficial” sets featuring available prospect photographs from the public domain internet. But Topps remains the sole authorized creator, producer, and distributor of licensed annual Bowman baseball card products focusing on prospects and young talent.

In summary, Bowman baseball cards have been produced since 1949, but it was not until Topps revived the brand in the early 1990s that they became the annual staple focused on prospects they are today. Topps exclusively owns the Bowman brand and through their MLB/MiLB licenses has unique access and relationships that allow them to photograph, design, approve, manufacture, and distribute the array of Bowman sets each season that provide baseball card collectors with the earliest looks at tomorrow’s future MLB stars still making their way through the minors.

HOW TO STORE BASEBALL CARDS

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One of the most important things to consider when storing baseball cards is using acid-free materials. Baseball cards, especially older cards, are printed on acidic paper that can easily become damaged and deteriorate over time if not properly stored. Plastic bags, rubber bands, and ordinary cardboard are not acid-free and should be avoided.

Some good acid-free storage options for baseball cards include acidic cardboard holders, plastic holders, and wooden card cases. Acidic cardboard holders are cardboard sheets that have been specially treated to be acid-free. They have slots cut out specifically for individual baseball cards to be inserted and stored safely. Plastic holders are clear plastic toploaders or sheets that can contain individual cards or pages of cards for protection. Wooden card cases are more premium storage containers made of acid-free wood that hold large collections of cards in divided wooden compartments.

Once you have appropriate acid-free storage materials, the next step is organizing your baseball card collection. For larger collections with hundreds or thousands of cards, it is best to sort them by sport, team, player, year, or some other categorization system. This makes it much easier to find specific cards when wanting to view them. Within each category, cards should be arranged alphabetically by player last name or chronologically by year.

Storing cards grouped by sets is another easy organizational method. Many cards come in factory sealed wax packs or boxes which can simply be kept intact for storage. For loose cards or mixed sets, consider getting trading card pages that have sleeves to hold multiple cards in the correct numerical order based on the card set checklist. Storing by sets keeps related cards together and in the intended collector order.

When inserting individual cards into holders like toploaders, cardboard sheets, or trading card pages, take care not to bend or fold the edges. Gently slide cards in straight rather than forcing them in at an angle. Over time, small bends or creases can worsen and potentially damage corner edges. Toploaders are preferred as they fully encase cards with no risk of edge contact or bending. for especially valuable vintage cards.

After organizing your collection, find an appropriate storage location away from direct sources of heat, light, or moisture damage. Basement storage may seem ideal due to cool temperatures, but high humidity levels are actually detrimental to paper-based memorabilia like cards. Attics should also generally be avoided due to excessive heat.

A temperature-controlled environment between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit with a relative humidity between 50-55% is recommended for long-term storage. Closets, cabinets, and shelves in a spare bedroom are suitable alternatives. Organize collections vertically in binders, cases, or boxes rather than stacking which risks bendable pressure on bottom cards. For valuable vintage cards, fireproof safes provide an extra layer of security against damage from home hazards like fires or floods.

Proper storage encasement, organization, environmental conditions, and location are key aspects to preserving baseball cards long-term. Investing in acid-free materials, taking care handling cards, and providing an optimal storage situation will help collections retain their condition for generations of fans to enjoy well into the future. Maintaining baseball card collections requires initial work upfront but pays off to protect valuable memorabilia acquired throughout the years. With the right storage techniques, your cards will stay looking their best and retain maximum monetary and sentimental value.

Use acid-free holders and cases, carefully organize collections by set, year, player or other logical method, avoid direct light, heat or humidity, and store vertically in a temperature controlled area. Properly stored, your baseball cards can maintain their quality and be enjoyed by you and others for many years to come. Following these best practices ensures baseball card collections are preserved and accessible for future appreciation as cherished sports artifacts and nostalgic pieces of history.

CAN BASEBALL CARDS BE SHIPPED MEDIA MAIL

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The United States Postal Service offers discounted media mail rates for mailing certain materials. Media mail was created to encourage the dissemination of educational materials by allowing books, recordings, films, manuscripts, documents, and other media to be shipped at lower rates. When people wonder if baseball cards can be shipped using media mail, the answer is not entirely straightforward. There are some factors to consider in determining if baseball cards qualify for media mail rates.

To qualify for media mail rates, items being shipped must meet specific content requirements outlined by the USPS. Eligible items must relate directly to the core purpose of media mail, which is the transmission of educational information. Items like textbooks, works of fiction or nonfiction, documents, films, audio recordings, and similar educational media generally qualify. Items must have “intrinsic informational value” that imparts knowledge to the recipient.

On the surface, it may not seem like baseball cards meet this definition, as they are essentially collectibles rather than educational materials. Some arguments have been made that baseball cards could potentially impart historical or statistical information about players, teams, or the sport in general. The cards often include facts, stats, bios, and images that convey information to collectors.

While that argument expands the definition of “educational information”, the USPS has made it clear that consumable collectibles and other traded, collected, or circulated items do not meet the intent of the media mail program. Baseball cards are certainly consumable collectibles that are actively collected and traded among enthusiasts. Their main purpose is entertainment and collecting value rather than directly imparting educational knowledge.

The Postal Operations Manual of the USPS states media mail is not to be used for “sets whose informational value is superseded or exceeded by their desirability for their artistic, antique, or collector value.” This rule was seemingly designed with trading cards and collectibles directly in mind. Even if baseball cards contain some educational facts, their primary role is clearly as collected items rather than informational media.

While baseball cards include some statistics and facts, their main function is as collectibles. The USPS has consistently maintained media mail rates are not intended for items that are primarily circulated, collected, or traded for their intrinsic value or artistry. This places baseball cards and other trading cards squarely outside the scope of what qualifies. Sending baseball cards in the mail via media rates would constitute mail fraud.

The only potential argument baseball cards may have falls under the concept of “pedagogical value”, which in rare cases could allow collectibles with some direct educational purpose. The threshold is very high – items must have near-exclusive educational use with little value outside imparting knowledge. As baseball cards are avidly collected and traded primarily for collectible purposes rather than widespread education, they would not meet this narrow standard either.

In light of the clear USPS guidelines on media mail eligibility, sending baseball cards through media mail rates is prohibited and could result in postal penalties if detected during transit or delivery. The dedicated baseball card collector hoping to keep costs down may be disappointed, but using proper first class or priority mail rates is the only legitimate option. While the definitions are nuanced, once all the factors are considered thoroughly it becomes evident that baseball cards and other trading cards were never intended to fall under the auspices of discounted media mail postage.

To summarize this lengthy analysis: Baseball cards feature some informational elements but are fundamentally collectible commodities circulated primarily for their artistic, antique, and collector value rather than direct educational use. They do not meet the clear content guidelines established by the United States Postal Service for eligibility for discounted media mail rates. Sending baseball cards through media mail would constitute mail fraud. Collectors must utilize regular first class or priority mail postage for shipping cards through the mail legally.

IS IT HARD TO SELL BASEBALL CARDS

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Selling baseball cards can vary in difficulty depending on several factors. While it may seem easy to simply list cards for sale online, there are some challenges involved in getting top dollar and finding buyers in a marketplace with millions of cards potentially available. Ultimately, how hard it is to sell baseball cards depends on how much effort and expertise you put into the process.

The baseball card industry is huge, with legendary companies like Topps, Upper Deck, and Donruss producing billions of cards over the decades. With such massive output, it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd and attract buyers’ attention. Simply posting pictures of your collection online may not be enough, as buyers have countless options to choose from with a quick search. You need to properly research card values, take high-quality photos, provide thorough descriptions, and market your listings effectively if you want to compete against the many professional sellers also utilizing platforms like eBay.

Pricing cards accurately is another challenge. While guidebooks and online databases can give you a ballpark value for common cards, the true market value depends heavily on condition and demand at any given time. Pricing cards too high means they may not sell, while pricing too low means leaving money on the table. It takes experience to assess subtle condition differences that dramatically impact value, such as the sharpness of corners or presence of creases. For rarer, high-dollar cards it’s often best to have them graded and encapsulated by a reputable service to remove uncertainty about condition from the transaction.

Knowing which cards are in demand and worth listing individually versus bulk lots also requires research and up-to-date knowledge of the hobby. Trends change quickly as new players emerge while veterans retire. Iconic rookie cards from past eras still hold value, but buyers may not be interested in common base cards from the late 1990s or 2000s without stars or legends. Organizing, photographing, describing and properly packing/shipping individual lower-value cards can be tedious work with minimal profit potential. Sellers must decide where to draw the line.

Even with meticulous preparation and a well-organized online storefront, actually finding buyers and consummating sales takes time and effort. Baseball cards are a niche market heavily dependent on collectors’ disposable income and enthusiasm, which fluctuates substantially with the ups and downs of the real-life sport. Selling more valuable vintage cards requires building trust with serious buyers who will pay high prices, which means cultivating relationships and a positive reputation over many transactions. This barrier to entry protects the market’s top professional full-time dealers but poses a challenge for casual sellers.

Another issue is competition from sites where buyers congregate, especially the sports card forums and Facebook groups that attract the largest collector audiences. While platforms like eBay reach the broadest possible buyer base, your listings may get lost among hundreds posted daily. Building credibility within smaller specialty communities allows you to directly market your items to active collectors already browsing and networking within that group. Gaining acceptance and followers within tight-knit insular circles is its own challenge that requires knowledge, helpful participation over time, and relationship building.

Shipping and managing transactions multiplies the workload. Properly packaging cards for mail reliably is an art, as even minor damage in transport can reduce value dramatically. Losing a package means losing money and/or reviews. Transactions require carefully documenting condition, values, and agreed terms to avoid “item not as described” disputes. Insuring high-value items adds to costs. Regulations also apply regarding sales tax and business licensing depending on scale.

In summary – while simply listing baseball cards for sale online seems easy, getting good results requires dedication to researching values, marketing effectively within the collector community, building a reputation, and managing the transaction process smoothly. For casual sellers, the demands may outweigh the potential profits on common cards, so focusing on valuable vintage material makes more sense. Those willing to invest real effort can succeed, but the baseball card market presents significant challenges that discourage less committed part-time participants. Patience, expertise, and efficient operations are keys to earning consistent income through card sales.

WHO BUYS BASEBALL CARDS ON LONG ISLAND

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There are several different types of buyers who purchase baseball cards on Long Island. Here are some of the major groups:

Sport card shops – The largest buyers of baseball cards on Long Island are the numerous sports card and memorabilia shops located throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. Some of the major shops include Beckett’s at Green Acres Mall in Valley Stream, Jim’s Sportscards in West Islip, and Baseball Card Exchange in Franklin Square. These shops buy collections directly from individuals and also sell individual cards, boxes, and cases of packs to customers. They deal in all levels of cards from common to rare and vintage cards. Most shops pay 30-50% of a card’s Beckett value when purchasing collections to have room to make a profit when reselling.

Private collectors – Many serious collectors live on Long Island and actively seek to buy cards to fill gaps in their collections or obtain cards of their favorite players and teams. These collectors may frequent card shows and shop at stores. Some place “want lists” with shops of specific cards they are looking to obtain. Others research recently sold eBay listings to get a sense of current market values when making offers to buy other collections. Major factors private collectors consider include the condition or grade of a card, its scarcity or serial number if applicable, and if it features players/teams they specialize in.

Online buyers – With the rise of eBay, there are also many individual buyers across the country and world who will purchase collections or individual high-value cards listed on Long Island. While shipping costs tend to reduce final sale prices versus local sales, online platforms allow exposure to a much larger potential customer base. Savvy Long Island sellers researching recently sold listings can often get top dollar or close to it by listing items with accurate descriptions and grading on sites like eBay, Amazon Marketplace, and specialty trading card forums.

Auction houses – Periodically, significant vintage baseball card collections from Long Island owners will be sold in local auctions handled by companies like Nate D. Sanders Auctions, Heritage Auctions, or smaller regional auction firms. These give owners an opportunity to potentially obtain the highest prices, though commission fees usually take a larger cut versus private sales. Serious card investors may bid at these auctions looking to obtain significant rarities that they can later hold or resell.

Resellers – Operators of booths at regional card shows that take place in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania may come to Long Island to buy collections to break up and resell cards individually. The profits come from finding desirable common and star cards to sell to active collectors for a slight markup. Larger resellers may buy entire collections sight unseen online based on a seller’s photos and inventory lists, hoping to turn a profit through their established buyer/seller networks.

There is no shortage of potential buyers for baseball card collections located on Long Island. Serious sellers just need to do their homework to determine what asking prices local shops and private collectors will pay, monitoring recent eBay sales to set online reserve prices, or investigating when the next local or regional card show or auction will take place. With some marketing and patience, collections can usually find new homes and motivate further appreciation of the hobby.

WHERE TO PURCHASE BASEBALL CARDS

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One of the most common places to purchase baseball cards is at local card shops. Local card shops can be found in many cities and towns across the United States and Canada. These small, independently owned businesses specialize in trading cards of all types, including sports cards like baseball cards. Shopping at local card shops has some key advantages. First, the shops are owned and operated by people who are truly passionate about cards and can offer expert advice on the latest hot players, sets to collect, and market trends. They likely have a deep inventory of recent and vintage cards so you have a great selection to choose from. You can also often trade cards with the shop owner or other customers who frequent the store. Many shops even host weekly events like card shows, release parties for new sets, and tournaments to meet others in the card community.

While the selection at any single local shop may not be as large as the giant online retailers, shopping in-person allows you to carefully inspect cards before purchasing. Local shops also let you build a relationship with the owner over time so if there is a specific vintage card you’re looking for, they may be able to track it down for you. The biggest downside is local shops have much smaller inventories than national sellers, so certain hard-to-find older or rare cards may not be available through your local shop. Prices can also occasionally be higher since the shops have smaller order volumes and higher overhead with a physical storefront.

Another excellent option for buying baseball cards is directly from the manufacturers and licensed producers of new card sets and packs through their websites. Companies like Topps, Panini, Leaf, and Upper Deck sell unopened boxes, cases, and even single packs or loose cards from their latest releases online. This is ideal for collectors looking to add the newest releases to their collections. Ordering directly lets you lock in the manufacturer’s suggested retail price before scalpers jack up the prices on the secondary market. Purchasing sealed product also ensures the integrity and condition of the items.

There are some downsides as well. Shipping costs can eat into the savings versus buying locally. You also don’t have the ability to personally examine cards for centering, edges, or flaws before purchasing individual loose cards online like you can at a local shop. Inventory also sells out quickly for extremely popular new releases, so timing is important. And while prices start at MSRP, orders over a certain volume may receive less favorable pricing versus going through a larger online retailer.

Speaking of larger online retailers, websites like StarStock, BlowoutCards.com, SteelCityCollectibles and eBay are also huge sources for purchasing baseball cards both new and vintage. These giant online marketplaces offer immense selection with millions of individual cards and sealed products spanning over a century of the hobby listed at any given time. While prices may be a bit above manufacturers on newly released sealed items due to their business model, older and rarer singles can often be found for below what a local shop or shows might price them.

The sheer depth and breadth of inventory means with patience you may be able to find even the most obscure and coveted vintage gems with a little searching. Massive volume also makes these sites excellent for completing or starting whole, team, or player collections all in one shopping trip. Shipping individual loose cards carries risks of damage during transit versus buying locally. Return policies also aren’t as buyer friendly as large boxes or cases from the manufacturers. Grading standards and authenticity are also uncertainties when buying vintage cards not guaranteed by the manufacturers or prominent third-party authenticators either. But for choice and overall value, these large online sellers are tough to beat.

You can also consider local or regional card shows if you have the ability to travel a bit further afield on weekends. Unlike the smaller local shops which host periodic instore events, these larger weekend shows gather dozens of individual dealers under one roof each bringing boxes upon boxes of inventory spanning the entire history of the hobby. This massive in-person selection makes these multi-table shows excellent research trips to see cards in-hand before purchasing and gauge relative marketplace values face-to-face before committing to an online buying decision. You can also potentially work deals doing trades plus or minus cash between dealers forcards to finish priority sets or collections.

While admission fees may apply, overall costs are very reasonable to gainthis level ofaccess to concentrated card marketexpertisein one location.But traveling to shows requires more planning, and selections at any given show may not be as vast as the online supersites. And like vending machines, prices tend towards the higher end to cover dealer costs of renting space and transporting stock great distances to the events. Overall though, shows provide a truly unique card browsing and acquisitions experience worth experiencing for serious collectors seeking specific missions.

Estate sales, garage sales, thrift stores and online auctions can also potentially turn up overlooked baseball card gems, though success tends to involve elementsof luck and persistence versus the more focused options above. But who hasn’t dreamed of discovering a long forgotten shoebox collection in someone’s attic containing a mint Trout rookie or sealed unsearched vintage packs? For those hoping for nostalgia and thrills of the hunt without bankingon financialscore, these more unpredictable avenues can add another engaging way to build a collection on a budget while supporting local communities. Just be sure to carefully inspect any significant potential finds for signs of tampering or counterfeits before exchanging money based on hope alone.

Whether a dedicated local shop, large online marketplace, manufacturer direct, regional card shows, or thrills of the undiscovered, finding the right balance of selection, prices,buying experience and ability to examine product closely are allimportant factors to weigh in choosing where to purchase baseball cards. With savvy shoppingbetween these options, any collector can grow their collection through methodsthat suit their budget, tastes and dedication to the hobby.

HOW TO GRADE BASEBALL CARDS

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Grading baseball cards is an important part of determining their value and condition. Over the years, several companies have developed major grading scales to assess key factors like centering, corners, edges and surfaces that comprise the visual appeal and integrity of each card.

The two most widely used and respected grading services are Beckett Grading Services (BGS) and Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA). Both companies use a numerical scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being a perfect “gem mint” card that looks uncirculated right out of the original pack.

To grade cards, the first step is to thoroughly examine the front and back under good lighting without touching the surface. Properly assess centering by comparing amounts of border area on all sides – the closer to equal it is, the better. Check corners for bends, nicks or whitening which detract from sharpness. Inspect edges for dings, dents or roughness around the perimeter. Scrutinize the surface for any scratches, marks, stains orprinting defects.

After closely analyzing all aspects of the card’s condition, you can consider a preliminary numerical grade. Keep in mind even subtle flaws may drop a grade compared to true mint specimens. For centering, more than 60% border area on all sides earns 9-10, while 55-60% is 7-8 and less than 55% gets 5-6. Corners receive 9-10 if perfectly sharp, 7-8 with slight nicking, and 5-6 showing definite wear. Edges merit 9-10 if clean and smooth, 7-8 with minor defects and 5-6 when clearly worn down. Surfaces are 9-10 for totally clean looks, 7-8 allowing up to 5 light print lines, and 5-6 with extensive markings.

By combining your analysis of all four key factors, you can arrive at an estimated overall grade. For example, a card with 60% centering, near perfect corners, light edge wear and 5 print lines may warrant something like an 8. True experts send specimens to professional graders for final certification to guarantee impartial and standardized evaluation. Both BGS and PSA utilize multi-angled lighting and advanced magnification to identify even very subtle flaws invisible to naked eye inspection.

After examining tens of thousands of cards over decades, the experts at PSA and BGS have established an extensive population data report showing historical grade percentages for every notable set and year. Comparing an individual card’s estimated grade to these population reports gives collectors a strong sense of relative rarity and helps substantiate or refute an amateur assessment. The reports also reveal cards achieving the highest attainable PSA 10 or BGS 9.5/10 grades are often worth 100x raw counterparts due to sheer scarcity in pristine condition.

It’s important to properly store and transport graded cards. The hardest plastic holders like magnetic or screw-down cases provide optimal protection compared to soft sleeves. When taking valuable cards to a grading company, double box with ample padding to prevent even minimal jostling or defects in transit. Proper care and securing precious vintage specimens in their highest certified grades can optimize long-term preservation and investment potential over decades.

Carefully examining all condition factors through a trained eye or professional service provides collectors the tools to properly assess and value their baseball cards. A standardized grading scale also allows for apples-to-apples condition comparisons nationwide. Taking the time for accurate evaluation is essential for knowledgeable trading, collecting and long-term safekeeping of these cherished sporting memorabilia treasures.

HOW MANY CARDS ARE IN THE 1972 TOPPS BASEBALL SET

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The 1972 Topps set included cards for all 26 Major League Baseball teams that were active during the 1971 season. Each team’s section contained cards numbering from 1 to 23, showing individual players along with team cards and manager cards. Some of the notable rookies featured in the set included Bob Horner, Greg Luzinski, Dave Cash, Carlton Fisk, and Larry Hisle. In addition to cards of current major leaguers, the set also included “traded” cards to indicate players who had been traded to new teams since the previous season.

The standard issue cards in the 1972 Topps baseball set were issued in wax paper packs, with each pack containing 11 cards. Of the 660 total cards, 648 featured individual players while the remaining 12 cards spotlighted managers, league leaders, and World Series highlights. The card design featured a blue strip along the bottom portion of each card with the team logo and player name printed on it. On the front of each card was a large color photo of the featured player in action, while statistics and career highlights were printed on the back.

Some notable subsets and special cards included in the massive 660 card checklist were honorary veteran cards for retired players, an All-Star team subset, World Series cards highlighting the 1971 match-up between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Baltimore Orioles, and special cards acknowledging the careers of recently-retired legends like Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle. The 1972 set was also among the earliest to feature the relatively new design element of having a different colored border to distinguish rookie cards from established veterans.

Beyond just documenting stats and photos from the prior season, Topps sets from this era provided a detailed historical record of the evolution of Major League Baseball’s franchises, uniforms, and stadiums over time. For example, the 1972 set included cards showing the newer uniforms and logos for franchises like the Texas Rangers (who had moved from Washington D.C. after the 1971 season), as well as commemorating the final season for venues like Tiger Stadium in Detroit before they were replaced.

Upon its release in April of 1972, the massive 660 card set sold briskly as it allowed young collectors to accumulate photos and information on their favorite teams and players during the peak years of baseball card popularity in the post-World War II era. Even today, complete sets in excellent conditioned can fetch thousands of dollars on the collector’s market given the set’s massive size and its role in documenting a transitionary period for the league in the early 1970s. For historians and lifelong baseball fans, the 1972 Topps set remains one of the most iconic and coveted releases that captured a season in the long history of America’s pastime. It marked another example of Topps’ model of producing comprehensive, high-quality sets that still hold value and memories decades after first being assembled by children and teenagers with a few quarters to spend at the local convenience store.

The sprawling 660 card flagship set issued by Topps in 1972 to document the 1971 MLB season remains one of the largest and most historically significant baseball card releases of all-time. Through its exhaustive checklist that included every major league team and player, special cards highlighting notable achievements and retirements, and its capturing of the evolution of franchises and stadiums, the 1972 Topps set provides an incredible snapshot of America’s favorite sport during a distinct period amid the rapid growth and changing eras of Major League Baseball in the latter 20th century.

DOES FIVE BELOW HAVE BASEBALL CARDS

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Five Below is a popular discount retail store that is known for offering a wide variety of products that are all priced at $5 or less. While their merchandise features items from many different categories including toys, games, electronics, candy, home décor and more, they do also carry some trading cards and collectibles, including baseball cards.

Baseball cards have been a beloved hobby and collecting pastime for generations. Produced by major card manufacturers like Topps, Panini, Leaf, and others, new baseball card releases come out each year to commemorate the newest MLB seasons and showcase the top players. As baseball fandom continues to grow, so does the demand for these affordable trading cards. This is why many discount and variety stores have started stocking baseball and other sport cards on their shelves.

Five Below recognizes that baseball cards are a fun product that fits within their business model of only offering items priced at $5 or lower. They carry an assortment of reasonably priced cardboard packs, boxes, and other products featuring the latest MLB stars. Shoppers will typically find multiple current-year series represented, like Topps Series 1, Topps Series 2, Topps Chrome, Stadium Club, Topps Heritage, and Topps Gallery. Five Below receives regular shipments to keep their baseball card selection fresh and up-to-date with the current season.

Some of the standard baseball card items carried by Five Below include:

Topps Series 1 Hanger Packs – Contains 16-18 random Series 1 cards in a colorful plastic hanger. Prices around $3-4.

Stadium Club Fat Packs – Includes 10-12 cards along with extras like a static cling sticker sheet. Around $4.

Topps Chrome Hobby Boxes – Box contains 10-12 packs with 4 cards per pack featuring Topps Chrome parallels and refractors. Priced at $5.

Topps Heritage Mini Boxes – Comes with 5 packs of the Heritage design-inspired set. Approx. $5.

Team Bag Packs – Smaller resealable bags holding 10-12 assorted cards of a specific MLB team. About $2-3.

Value Boxes – Bigger boxes combining 50-100 random cards plus extras. Usually $5.

While the selection may not be as extensive as a dedicated card shop or hobby store, Five Below aims to offer a wide cross-section of current releases to attract casual collectors and those just starting out. Shoppers will appreciate the affordable prices and convenient one-stop shopping for other items along with some baseball cards.

As an ever-growing retail chain now boasting over 1,000 store locations across the United States, Five Below strives to offer products suitable for people of all ages. Their merchandising strategy incorporates trading cards, collectibles and other popular items that customer demographics have shown an interest in. By including some baseball cards among their offerings, Five Below fulfills the demand from both MLB fans and people seeking impulse buys or stocking stuffer gifts under $5. Their low price point makes collecting cards highly accessible and encourages discovery of new enjoying hobbies.

Therefore, in summary – yes, Five Below does stock baseball cards among their product mix. While the selection may be limited compared to specialty shops, visitors can expect to find an revolving assortment of reasonably priced current-year packs, boxes and assortments from manufacturers such as Topps, Panini and more. Five Below’s significant store presence and $5 and under business approach help make collecting baseball cards simple and affordable for many budget-conscious customers. Their combination of cards, candy, gadgets and other items provides a unique one-stop shopping experience appropriate for all ages.