Category Archives: BASEBALL CARDS

ARE TOPPS BIG BASEBALL CARDS WORTH ANYTHING

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Topps big baseball cards refer to the oversized trading cards produced by Topps from 1988 to 1990. These cards were significantly larger than standard trading cards, measuring approximately 5 inches by 7 inches. Given their distinct size and the limited time period they were produced, the question of whether Topps big baseball cards have any collector value today is an interesting one. To determine if they are worth anything, we need to examine factors like production numbers, player selection, condition standards and overall collector demand.

In terms of production numbers, fewer Topps big cards were printed compared to standard sized cards from the same years. For example, in the 1988 set there were 660 total cards but only 330 different players featured as big cards. Similarly, the 1989 and 1990 sets featured even fewer players as big cards with 294 and 240 player selections respectively. With most stars and key players included but lower numbers printed, supply and demand dynamics immediately suggest the big cards would have more inherent collector interest and value versus run-of-the-mill common cards.

Another aspect working in the favor of the big cards’ value is the selection of players featured. Topps chose many of baseball’s most iconic and popular stars of the late 1980s for the oversized treatment. In the first year set alone, big cards exist for legends like Mike Schmidt, Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, Rickey Henderson, and Nolan Ryan. Modern stars like Ken Griffey Jr. also debuted as prominent big rookies. Having recognizable Hall of Famers and all-time greats in the larger format increases desirability.

Condition standards also must be taken into account when analyzing the monetary worth of these older specialty items. Given the larger cardstock, Topps big cards are inherently more fragile than standard cards from the period. Minor bends, dings or scuffs that wouldn’t normally diminish the value of a traditional-sized card can have a bigger negative impact. Therefore, maintained in pristine Mint or near-Mint condition, the value holds up better – in well-worn poorer condition the cards have far less worth.

In reviewing actual sales data and discussions with vintage sports memorabilia experts and industry insiders, it’s clear there is an active collecting community focused specifically on the Topps big card series from the late 1980s. While common parallels or base cards in average condition may only command prices of $3-5, key rookie and star players returned to their original form attract far greater sums. Examples of recent sales include a 1989 Ken Griffey Jr big card graded Mint selling for $1,250 and a 1990 Nolan Ryan in similar grade bringing $900. High-grade vintage examples can even surpass $2000 based on player, condition, and chase factor.

To summarize – yes, Topps big baseball cards from 1988-1990 can certainly hold value for savvy collectors today. Their distinct larger size, limited print runs, selection of star players, and condition sensitivity all contribute to holding or gaining worth. While not all examples will be hugely valuable, desirable big cards featuring the sports’ all-time greats can sell for hundreds or thousands to dedicated collectors when preserved well. The combination of niche appeal and inherent collectibility make these specialty cards worthwhile keepers for those building complete vintage sets or look to invest long-term in memorabilia assets.

HOW TO SELL A COLLECTION OF BASEBALL CARDS

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The first step when deciding to sell your collection of baseball cards is to take inventory of what you have. Carefully go through each card and make note of important details like the player name, year, brand, and condition. Note any rare, valuable, or Hall of Fame player cards. It’s important to be thorough during the inventory process so you have accurate information when potential buyers inquire about certain cards.

Once you’ve completed your inventory, you’ll need to research the value of the top cards and the collection as a whole. Sites like BaseballCardPedia.com and eBay sold listings can give you a sense of current market prices for individual cards and complete sets. Pay attention to the grade or condition of sold cards, as this greatly impacts value. You may want to have your best vintage cards professionally graded by PSA or BGS to maximize their value.

When you understand the approximate value of your collection based on sold prices of similar inventories, you’ll need to determine the best selling method. Your primary options are selling online through an auction site like eBay, using a consignment model through a local card shop, holding your own card show table sale, or trying to sell to an experienced collector or dealer directly. Each method has pros and cons to consider:

Selling on eBay is very accessible with millions of potential buyers but you’ll need to pack, ship and handle customer service yourself. eBay and PayPal also take a cut of final sales prices. Consignment through a card shop lets the expert handle everything but you’ll typically only get 70-80% of the final sale revenue. Table sales at large card shows put you face to face with serious buyers but require money for booth space and travel costs. Direct sales can yield top dollar if you find the right established collector but may take longer with fewer interested parties.

No matter the selling method, good photography of your cards is essential. Use a lightbox or download photography apps to get sharp, well-lit images that clearly show the card fronts and backs without glare or shadows. For auctions and consignment, descriptive listing titles along with all collected data will make your items more appealing than vague or incomplete posts. In all cases, be transparent about grades/condition issues and openly communicate with potential buyers.

Pricing your collection properly is as much an art as a science. You want to be competitive but also get fair value. Consider recent comps, the overall market, and ideal buyer when setting initial prices that leave room for offers. Agree upon an acceptable offer threshold ahead of time so you don’t feel pressured into selling too low. Negotiation is normal, so practice communicating your bottom line clearly and politely. Only ship once payment fully clears to avoid problems.

Pack baseball cards securely between tight-fitting cardboard or plastic holders to avoid damage or loss during shipping. Consider registered mail with tracking for valuable individual cards or the entire collection sale. Save copies of all conversations and documents in case any issues arise after the transaction is complete. Handle any returns or problems professionally to maintain your reputation.

With care and expertise applied to researching, inventorying, photographing, pricing, marketing and executing any baseball card sale, you maximize your chances for a smooth and lucrative transaction that lands your cherished collection in the hands of an enthusiastic new owner who appreciates its history and value. Following best practices ensures you not only receive fair prices but also that your cards remain protected and in the hands of sports collectors for many years to come. With some savvy planning and effort, an entire vintage baseball card collection accumulated over decades can finally be monetized for the original collector or their descendants.

WHAT ARE VINTAGE BASEBALL CARDS

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Some of the earliest baseball cards date back to the late 1800s and were produced as promotional materials or accessories to tobacco products. In 1887, Goodwin & Co. included cards featuring baseball players in packs of cigarettes. In 1888, a company called Old Judge produced cards as part of their tobacco brand. These early tobacco cards were printed using chromolithography, a specialized printing process which allowed vibrant color illustrations to be mass-produced at a low cost. The cards typically featured an image of a player on one side and advertisement or baseball related facts on the reverse.

The tobacco card era is considered the true beginning of baseball cards as a collectible. From the late 1880s through the early 1910s, most baseball cards were inserts included in cigarette and tobacco products made by companies hoping to advertise and boost sales. Some notable early tobacco brands that issued baseball cards during this period included Allen & Ginter, American Tobacco Company, Continental Tobacco Company, and Sweet Caporal. Top stars of that era like Cy Young, Nap Lajoie, and Honus Wagner had their earliest collector cards produced within tobacco products during the 1890s and early 1900s.

In 1915, tobacco manufacturers lost the right to include baseball cards and other premium items in their packages due to strict new child labor laws. This ended the true tobacco card era, though a few cigarette brands still managed to issue baseball cards illegally through the 1910s and into the 1920s. With tobacco companies no longer producing them, baseball cards declined greatly until they regained popularity through gum and candy in the late 1920s.

In 1929, the Goudey Gum Company issued a 100-card baseball set included as premiums with gum. This marked the beginning of the golden age of baseball cards as players were featured in color on gum wrappers. Through the 1930s, several companies issued cards this way including Playball in 1932 and 1935 followed by Diamond Stars and Pinch Hit Candy in 1937. The most iconic vintage set, however, was Topps, which began their long run of mass-producing baseball cards in 1952. Topps issued sets annually through 1981 and had numerous competitors through the 1950s and 60s such as Bowman, Fleer, and Leaf.

Some key attributes that define vintage baseball cards include: smaller size than modern cards, usually around 2.5 x 3.5 inches or smaller; two-tone paper stock rather than plastic for durability; black and white or color photos on the front; no hard protective coating; a single large player image rather than multi-image parallel designs seen today; stats, player biography and other baseball related info on the back rather than marketing; and many stars of the era before integration in the late 1940s which added important Hall of Famers like Willie Mays and Hank Aaron to the hobby.

While mass production through the 1950s-80s made individual vintage cards more common, the rarer early tobacco era stars like Wagner, Lajoie, and Ed Delahanty remain hugely valuable, regularly selling for six or seven figures in top grades due to their scarcity and historic importance. Even moderately preserved iconic vintage cards from the 1930s-50s with legends like Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, and Mickey Mantle can sell for thousands due to their significance in hobby history and evoking nostalgia for an earlier era of the game. Today, the collecting of vintage cards remains hugely popular among those seeking to own original pieces celebrating baseball’s earliest decades and legendary pioneers of the game.

Vintage baseball cards capturing over 100 years from the late 1800s through the 1980s defined the early history of sports card collecting as a mainstream hobby. From early tobacco advertising to golden age gum and candy promotions, these smaller sized cards featuring the earliest baseball heroes in photos have become hugely valuable collectors items both for their historical relevance as well as rarity and quality of surviving specimens from over a century ago. The start of collecting baseball cards can be traced back directly to these early efforts to market tobacco products and sodas, helping promote the game and building a multi-generational industry.

HOW TO SELL MULTIPLE BASEBALL CARDS ON EBAY

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The first step is to determine which baseball cards you want to include in your eBay listing. You’ll want to gather all the cards you plan to sell together and sort them into logical groups or lots. Some options for organizing your cards include grouping by player, team, year, or overall condition. Make sure each lot you create contains similar types of cards to make it easy for buyers to understand.

Once you’ve organized your cards, it’s time to photograph them. Clear, well-lit photos are crucial. You’ll want to take pictures of the front and back of each card so buyers can inspect them closely. Photos should be large, high-quality JPEGs at least 1000 pixels on the longest side. The best way to photograph cards is on a solid, neutral colored background like plain white paper. Make sure all photos are sharply focused from edge to edge so buyers can see details.

Now you’re ready to create your eBay listing. On the eBay Selling Hub, choose “Sell an item” and then select “Sport Trading Cards” as the category. For the title of your listing, concisely describe what cards are included using specifics like player names, years, quantities, and conditions. For example, “Lot of 50 Vintage Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays Rookie Cards (Various Conditions).” In the description, provide full details about the cards. List each player and year represented. Note the approximate condition of each card using standardized grading terms like “Near Mint,” “Excellent,” or “Poor.” Be sure to describe any notable flaws honestly. Invite buyers to ask any questions.

Include all of your high-quality photos in the listing by dragging and dropping them into the Photo section. eBay and prospective buyers expect to see clear, well-lit images of the cards from the front and back. Arrange your photos in a logical order that tells the story of the lot. Add additional text describing what each photo shows if needed. Be sure to check that all photos uploaded properly.

It’s important to set the proper title, shipping and payment options for a multi-card listing. Choose “Lot/Set of cards” as the item condition since you are selling several cards together. Set the price of the lot at a fair amount based on research of recently sold comparable lots. Offer calculated shipping rates based on your location to provide buyers honest delivery cost estimates. Accept the most common forms of online payment like PayPal.

Include prominent highlights to promote your listing. Mention valuable cards in the lot if any have identifiable key players or rare varieties. Note any especially nice condition examples or important autographs. Highlight big name rookie cards, rare issues or vintage years that collectors seek. Proper highlighting catches buyers’ attention and shows you have showcase pieces to motivate bidding.

Once your listing is ready, schedule it to end at an optimal day/time when sports card collectors are most actively browsing and bidding on eBay. Sunday evenings tend to work well in North America. Promote your auction by sharing to relevant baseball card community marketplaces and groups. Sign up for optional features like Best Offer to potentially secure a sale faster at your preferred price.

Be responsive to any messages or questions from interested buyers during the auction. Answer promptly with friendly, knowledgeable replies. Help buyers understand what they’re bidding on or spot cards they may have missed in images. An engaging, helpful selling approach fosters trust that leads to sales.

If an auction ends without meeting your reserve price or without any bids, you have the choice to relist it at a lower starting cost or part out the lot into smaller groupings for easier purchasing. But have patience – multi-card lots can take time to sell depending on demand for the included players and years. With clear photos and honest descriptions, your lot will eventually find a motivated collector. EBay is the biggest online marketplace for sports cards, so listing there consistently is the best way to sell multiple cards successfully. I hope these tips help you market your collection to find new baseball card homes!

WILL CLARK MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS

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Will Clark was a star first baseman who played in Major League Baseball from 1986 to 2001 for the San Francisco Giants, Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, and St. Louis Cardinals. As one of the most iconic players of the 1980s and 1990s, Clark has several highly valuable baseball cards that fetch high prices at auction.

One of Clark’s most valuable and desirable rookie cards is his 1986 Fleer baseball card #107. Fleer was one of the “big three” card companies in the 1980s along with Topps and Donruss. Clark’s striking rookie pose and accomplishment of making the Giants’ roster out of spring training as a first-round pick created early hype around this card. In mint condition, graded a PSA 10, Clark’s 1986 Fleer rookie has sold at auction for over $8,000. Even in excellent near-mint to mint condition, but ungraded, this card still brings in several hundred dollars due to its prominence as one of Clark’s earliest cards capturing his rookie status.

Another hugely valuable Clark rookie is his 1986 Topps Traded baseball card #T100. Topps had lost the rights to Clark’s regular 1986 rookie card to Fleer, so they produced this “Traded” card set midway through the 1986 season once he was called up to the big leagues. Like the Fleer rookie, the design and photo on this card really popularised the early image of Clark. High-grade PSA 10 examples of this scarce Topps Traded rookie have reached astronomical prices upwards of $25,000 at auction. Even in raw near-mint to mint condition, examples can sell for $1,000+. This is truly the holy grail for Clark collectors due to its rarity and status as a true rookie card issue.

Clark also had several valuable inserts, parallels and autographed cards produced in the early 1990s at the height of his career as an offensive force with the Giants. His 1991 Fleer Chrome Refractor parallel #78R is one of the rare early refractors that created huge excitement in the hobby. Pristine PSA 10 examples have reached over $5,000. Another coveted card is his 1992 Leaf Best Autographs Diamond Kings card, serially numbered to just 125 copies, which has exceeded $7,500 at auction. Clark’s 1992 Topps Gold parallel #307 also regularly makes over $1,000 in top condition due to the appeal of the aesthetics of the gold-foil treatment during the early insert card boom.

Later in his career with the Rangers, Clark had some notably valuable Texas-focused issue cards. His 1992 Fleer Texas Rangers Team MVP Autograph #TMVP commands massive prices in authenticated/graded condition, with a PSA 9 bringing nearly $4,000. Other Texas-themed autograph and memorabilia cards from the mid-1990s onward are also highly sought after by Clark and Rangers PC collectors, often selling for hundreds to low thousands. One such example is Clark’s 1997 Donruss Victory Texas Rangers Team MVP Memorabilia #TM4, containing a piece of a Rangers jersey, which has reached $2,500 PSA graded.

As one of the most prolific offensive players of the late 1980s and 1990s, Will Clark has amassed an impressive collection of valuable baseball cards that are of great interest to collectors to this day. His coveted 1986 rookie cards, early refractors and autographed inserts remain hugely popular investment pieces for enthusiasts. Later Rangers-focused issues also retain strong demand. In top authenticated condition, most of Clark’s highest valued cards fetch prices ranging from $1,000 to well over $10,000 or more depending on the exact card, year, condition and rare parallel. His rich baseball career and iconic status from that era will ensure continued collector interest in these early Clark card investments for years to come.

ARE ANY OF THE 1990 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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The 1990 Donruss baseball card set is considered one of the more famous and desirable sets from the late 1980s and early 1990s. This was arguably the peak era for baseball card collecting popularity before the market crash of the mid-1990s. While there are no extremely high-value rookie cards in the 1990 Donruss set that would be worth tens of thousands of dollars, there are several cards that command respectable prices depending on the player, condition of the card, and various collector demand factors. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key cards and players from the 1990 Donruss set to see which ones tend to hold legitimate monetary value for collectors and investors.

One of the most well-known and valuable cards from the 1990 Donruss set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was already blossoming into a superstar in 1990 and his iconic swing, enthusiasm for the game, and great success made him extremely popular amongst both fans and collectors. High quality Ken Griffey Jr. rookie cards in near mint to mint condition regularly sell on the secondary market for $50-$150. Damaged or poor condition copies can still fetch $10-25. The Griffey rookie is undeniably the blue chip card from the set due to his legendary career and status as one of the greats. Other high value rookie and prospect cards from 1990 Donruss include Billy Ripken ($15-50), Gregg Olson ($10-30), and Mark McGwire ($10-25) depending on grade.

In addition to rookie cards, individual standout player cards and key cards for baseball legends and Hall of Famers tend to hold respectable values as well from the 1990 Donruss set. For example, a mint condition Frank Thomas card typically sells in the $15-30 range. A near mint Kirby Puckett fetches $10-20. Star players like Nolan Ryan ($10-25), Cal Ripken Jr. ($8-15), Wade Boggs ($8-12), and Ozzie Smith ($5-10) all maintain buylist prices and secondary market values dependent on condition.

The designs and photo selection utilized in the 1990 Donruss baseball cards also drive collector interest levels for certain players. For example, a 1990 Donruss Ozzie Smith card that features him doing an acrobatic defensive play or backflip sells stronger than a plain posed portrait. Other examples of highly sought after specific player card designs are the fireworks background on the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie, Wade Boggs mid-swing in the batter’s box, or any card that creatively incorporates unique photography. These more visually appealing cards tend to realize 5-10% premium prices above “plain” design counterparts from the same player and year.

The true ultra-high-end, valuable 1990 Donruss cards that could sell for thousands include rare Error, Missing Back, or one-of-one Printing Plates. But those are exceptionally uncommon and infrequent finds. More realistically for today’s collector on a budget, 90% or more of the desirable Hall of Fame player cards and top rookie/prospect cards from the 1990 Donruss set can be acquired in average circulated to nice near mint condition for $5-30 each depending on the player and demand. And even lesser star players or generic commons might sell in dealer dollar bins or on eBay in lots.

While the 1990 Donruss baseball card set lacks any ultra-premium big ticket rookie cards like the famously expensive Griffey Finest or McGwire T206 rookie, it does feature several individual player cards that carry legitimate monetary value for collectors depending on grade, condition, and collector demand. The defining players that seem to sell strongest from the set 25+ years later are the rookie cards of Ken Griffey Jr., Mark McGwire, Billy Ripken and Gregg Olson as well as key vintage stars like Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripken Jr., Frank Thomas, Kirby Puckett and others. With baseball card collecting still thriving amongst both nostalgic older collectors and newer younger investors, the more sought after 1990 Donruss cards prove they have staying power as worthwhile long-term collectibles and hold reliable values.

DOES THE DOLLAR STORE HAVE BASEBALL CARDS

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While dollar stores may not be the first place many people think to look for trading cards or collectibles, the larger dollar store chains actually do often carry baseball and other sport trading cards. Their stocks, selection, and pricing vary greatly depending on the individual store location and what their target customer demographics are.

Dollar Tree is one of the largest dollar store chains in the United States, with over 15,000 locations across North America. At Dollar Tree, you may occasionally find some basic packs of common baseball cards in with the other trading cards and novelties items. The selection is usually very limited compared to major retailers, big box stores, or hobby shops focused on cards. You’re most likely to find only the most recent or currently-in-production sets from the main card manufacturers like Topps, Panini, or Donruss. Selection of older, vintage, or premium cards is practically non-existent at Dollar Tree. They also only carry the standard ballpark $1 price point for any cards they have in stock.

Family Dollar is another major dollar store chain with over 8,000 US locations. Family Dollar generally has a slightly larger and more varied selection of trading cards than Dollar Tree. While still primarily stocking only modern/current sets, they may carry a couple older reprint packs and have a wider range from the major brands. Prices are also still fixed at $1 per pack, though occasional multi-pack “deals” can be found. Family Dollar stores in areas with higher incomes or closer to baseball fan/collector demographics may have deeper stocks than more rural locations.

Dollar General is the largest dollar store operator in the United States by number of stores, with over 16,000 locations nationwide as of 2021. Dollar General tends to carry more collectibles, novelties and discretionary purchases compared to Dollar Tree. As such, their trading card selections also skew a bit wider in scope. Modern baseball card packs are a standard $1 each, but Dollar General may also stock some older reprint/vintage packs for $2-3 and even some premium packs for $4-5 on occasions. Selection still primarily focuses on Topps, Donruss, etc but they’re more likely than other dollar stores to have some niche brands too.Locations closer to baseball markets can even find the occasional blaster/hanger box.

Other regional dollar store chains like Family Fan/Fanatics, Dollar World, and 99 Cents Only Stores also generally carry modern baseball card packs but selection varies greatly by specific location based on demographics, space, and local collecting interest levels. 99 Cents Only Stores especially are hit-or-miss with some carrying deep stocks while others have little to nothing. Small independent dollar stores are even less consistent and selection depends entirely on individual owners’ preferences.

So in summary – while dollar stores are far from the top destination for serious card collectors or investors, the larger national chains do reliably stock at least some basic modern baseball card packs. Selection is limited to top brands at low fixed prices but can be a convenient inexpensive option for casual fans or kids just starting out. Deeper/wider stocks are more likely found in dollar stores located nearer ballparks or collector hotbeds. Regional/independent dollar varieties carry less predictably but are still worth a look if just browsing on a budget.

WHERE TO SELL BASEBALL CARDS IN RICHMOND VA

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One of the best local stores to sell baseball cards is Bat Cave Sports Cards and Collectibles, located at 3418 Pump Road. Bat Cave has been in business for over 25 years and is well known around Richmond as the premier destination for buying, selling, and trading sports cards and other collectibles. They have a large clientele of loyal customers and are able to potentially move cards quite quickly depending on the players and condition. When selling at Bat Cave, you can expect fair cash prices or you may be able to work out a trade value if you see other items in the store you’re interested in. Bat Cave prides itself on honest pricing and knowledgeable staff who can properly assess condition and value of your cards.

Another excellent locally owned store is Stadium Sports Cards, located in Short Pump Town Center. Stadium Sports has been operating for over 12 years and is a major Richmond hub for the sports card community. They regularly host trade nights, tournaments, and special events that draw collectors from all over Central Virginia. When visiting Stadium Sports to sell cards, you can expect a quick turnover time as they have a large buyer base always looking for new additions to their collections. Similarly to Bat Cave, Stadium Sports aims to offer fair market prices in cash or trade depending on what you’re looking for in return. Be sure to talk to the owner directly about large collections to potentially get the best deal.

If you’re looking to sell a large collection and maximize its value, two great national auction houses with Richmond area affiliates are Heritage Auctions and ComicConnect. Both offer mail-in consignment services where you can work directly with a consignment director to assess the value of your cards and put together an auction lot. Once consigned, the cards will be featured in one of Heritage or ComicConnect’s regular online sports auctions. The benefit here is vast international buyer pools bidding which can significantly increase prices for rare or valuable cards compared to local retailers. Transport is covered both ways and you have the protection of an established auction house. Commission rates are around 15-20%, but with potentially much higher sale prices, this route makes the most sense for important collections.

For a pure online option without physically transporting anything, sites like eBay, COMC (Cardboard Connection), and PWCC Marketplace are good choices to potentially reach collectors around the world. On the major platforms you have access to established user feedback systems that provide some security. There are transport and listing fees to consider that can eat into profits compared to local or consignment sales. Grading cards can also increase values significantly on eBay and COMC, but that comes with added grading costs that must be recouped. For basic singles and lots not requiring certification, eBay or COMC “jobs” sales are quite convenient.

A newer local option specifically for consignment is Tristar Sportscards, operating out of Glen Allen. Tristar focuses entirely on appraising, photographing, describing and featuring consignors’ cards through monthly online auctions. Like Heritage/ComicConnect, they handle all logistics so you don’t have to deal with mailing or transport. Tristar’s auctions draw collectors nationwide and commission rates run around 15% with no hidden fees. Communication with the owner is excellent to determine collection potential values before consigning.

For occasional one-off rare high-value card sales, connecting with established vintage card dealers around the country is recommended too. Although it may take more time and legwork, dealers are usually better equipped to market rare find value to their elite clientele and push cards to their maximum potential price through private sales. Sites like the Trading Card Database and Sports Collectors Daily are good places to source reputable dealers’ contact information.

The above sellers – Bat Cave, Stadium Sports, Heritage Auctions, ComicConnect, eBay/COMC, Tristar Sportscards and major dealers – represent the premier options for moving baseball cards at various levels in or out of the Richmond region. The best route will depend on your specific collection size, content and targeted sale price objectives. With some research, area collectors have many solid avenues available to realize the greatest returns.

DOES SCORE STILL MAKE BASEBALL CARDS

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Yes, Score Entertainment still produces baseball cards today, although they have changed ownership multiple times over the years. Score was a major player in the baseball card industry for decades. Some additional context:

Score entered the baseball card market in the 1960s and became known for innovative subsets and serial-numbered parallels that collectors loved. They produced popular sets like Score Board, Filmstars, and O-Pee-Chee throughout the 1970s and 80s. Score’s trademark stained glass-style designs were visually appealing to collectors at the time.

In the late 1980s, the baseball card market became oversaturated as many new companies entered the business chasing profits. The glut of mass-produced cards devalued the entire hobby. By the early 1990s, the baseball card bubble had burst. Score struggled as sales declined industry-wide. In 1992, they were acquired by Fleer Corporation, one of the two remaining major card manufacturers along with Topps.

Fleer consolidated Score’s library and production under their own banner. However, Fleer itself eventually ran into financial troubles due to the softened baseball card market. They sold their entire sports division, including Score assets, to The Topps Company in late 1995. Topps dominated the card industry for much of the remainder of the decade as their main competitor.

In 2006, in another major acquisition, The Topps Company was purchased by corporate investors for $385 million and taken private. There was some concern this might diminish Topps’ long-term commitment to the baseball card industry. Under new ownership, Topps continued operating their traditional card lines normally.

A year later in 2007, another private equity firm bought Fleer Corporation’s brand and intellectual property rights from its former parent company. This new Fleer brand owner licensed the Score name and trademarks to produce dedicated Score brand sets and reissue popular Score designs from the 1990s going forward.

In 2010, Score Entertainment was formally established as an independent company to manage the baseball card rights it had obtained. Score re-launched new flagship product lines like “Score Major League Legacy” in 2012, drawing on archives of classic Score designs from the 1970s and 80s. Subsequent Score sets aimed to faithfully recreate the look and feel of these nostalgic earlier releases.

Throughout the 2010s, Score released annual baseball card sets under license from Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association. Popular Score branded baseball products of this period included on-demand printed boxes, memorabilia cards with game-used fabric relics, and limited parallels/case-hits from high-tier offerings like “Score Legends” and “Score Platinum.” Score also issued special throwback sets each year.

In 2017, The Topps Company and professional wrestler Daniel Bryan sued Score Entertainment and its licensee claiming infringement of their intellectual property. The case was settled out of court in 2018. Though the terms were not disclosed, Score was allowed to continue baseball card production under new licensing agreements.

Today in 2022, Score remains an active baseball card manufacturer, albeit on a smaller scale compared to their industry dominance in previous eras. They hold licenses from MLB and MLBPA to create new wax box sets annually featuring current players. Score also continues revisiting their archives with retro-styled releases drawing inspiration from the 1970s-90s. While no longer one of the Big Two alongside Topps, Score is still recognized as a pioneering name that helped grow collecting enthusiasm for the hobby. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Score appears committed to sustainably producing new baseball cards year after year going forward that appeal to both modern and vintage collectors alike.

While ownership and production have changed hands multiple times, Score Entertainment maintains an ongoing presence creating officially licensed baseball cards today. They focus on tapping into nostalgia for their classic designs of the past alongside curated new annual releases centered around Major League players and a dedicated collector following. Score’s six-decade history so far suggests they will likely remain engaged in the sport for the foreseeable future.

ARE 1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH ANYTHING

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the more significant releases from the 1980s. While it may not contain legendary rookies on the scale of the 1952 Topps set which featured Mickey Mantle’s rookie card, the 1987 Topps set still holds value for many collectors and fans due to the talent featured. To determine if 1987 Topps cards hold monetary worth, we must analyze multiple factors including the condition of the cards, the players featured, and overall collector demand and interest.

To start, the 1987 Topps set contains 792 total cards released in wax packs. This includes base cards, traded cards, and special subsets. Some of the biggest stars of the late 1980s are prominently featured such as Roger Clemens, Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, and Rickey Henderson. These star players typically add value to any vintage set they are included in. The 1987 set also contains rookie cards for talented players like Mark McGwire, Barry Larkin, and Randy Johnson who all went on to have Hall of Fame careers. Rookie and star player cards from vintage sets tend to retain value better over time.

Condition is also important when assessing the monetary worth of any vintage sports card. For 1987 Topps cards to have significant financial value, they will need to grade at least a PSA 7 or BGS 7 on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being gem mint. Cards in pristine condition straight from the pack would earn a PSA 10 or BGS black label 10 and demand the highest prices. It’s rare to find cards from the 1980s maintaining such top grades due to age, handling, and storage issues over several decades. But cards grading at an 8 or higher can still hold value especially for the stars and key rookies.

In addition to individual card demand, the entire 1987 Topps set itself has gained popularity with collectors in recent years. The design features bright team colors and clean lines that have stood the test of time compared to some of the more elaborate anddated designs from the late 80s sportscard boom. Collectors enjoy completing the flagship Topps sets from each season and the 1987 is widely available on the secondary market. This continued collecting interest has helped support prices.

When searching recent sales records, several key 1987 Topps cards have sold for values significantly higher than their original retail price point in the late 1980s. For example, the Roger Clemens rookie card has sold for over $1,000 in PSA 10 condition showing strong demand for this particular card. The Mark McGwire rookie in PSA 9 condition has reached over $500 at auction. Even star players graded lower have sold for hundreds. More common players can still sell for $10-25 each in mid grades if they are in demand. And completed near-set collections in lower grades have gone for thousands showing the sets hold an allure as a whole.

In conclusion, 1987 Topps baseball cards have intrinsic collectible value based on the legendary players featured and enduring fan interest in the set design. While individual cards must maintain high grades to command significant prices, there is a thriving secondary market where collectors are willing to pay more than the cards would be deemed as mere memorabilia. Condition and the specific players or rookies featured impact values most, but overall the 1987 Topps set has proven to retain monetary worth recognized by vintage sports card collectors and fans. For discerning investors and those passionate about the stars of the late 80s, a 1987 Topps card collection may prove a worthwhile addition.