Category Archives: BASEBALL CARDS

HOW TO DISPLAY BASEBALL CARDS

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There are several effective ways to display a baseball card collection. The method you choose will depend on the size of your collection and your preferred style of display. Some good options to consider include:

Baseball card books: For smaller collections, placing cards in protective plastic sleeves and binding them into custom baseball card books is a great compact option. Quality baseball card books allow you to safely store and easily flip through your favorite cards. Many book binders even offer autograph-friendly pages.

Screw-down baseball card pages: For larger collections, multi-pocket screw-down pages are very popular. These heavyweight plastic pages have individual slots to securely hold cards in place using included screw-down corners. 9-pocket and 12-pocket pages allow you to neatly organize cards by team, player, year or any other category of your choosing. When full, multiple screw-down pages can be placed into special 3-ring binders for easy viewing.

Baseball card pages with magnetic strips: Some collectors prefer pages that use magnetic strips rather than screws to securely hold cards. These pages are sleeker than screw-down styles and allow quick removal of cards for closer examination. Like screw-down pages, magnetic pages come in various pocket counts and fit inside 3-ring binders. They are best for medium to large-sized collections.

Stand-up baseball card holders: Creative collectors enjoy displaying individual cards standing upright for better visibility of the front/back. Acrylic baseball card holders that slot into a weighted easel-style base let you strategically showcase favorite rookie cards, autographed ones, or entire sets in a stylish fashion. The holders protect edges while spotlighting each card.

Baseball card displays: For prized collections, impressive multi-level curio or glass-front displays provide secure storage with a true showcase presentation. Various styles accommodate a few hundred cards up to thousands. Internal shelves, drawers and cases hold pre-organized cards which are beautifully visible from the outside. Locking acrylic doors provide protection from dust/damage.

Shadowbox baseball card displays: Another presentation option is to creatively arrange cards in shadowboxes for memorable mounted displays. Shadowboxes with acid-free backing boards and small nails/tapecan artistically position groups of cards by subject or year in a visually appealing design. Clear acrylic overlays protect cards from fading over time on walls or tabletops.

Plastic baseball card top loaders: Simple plastic top loaders with sliding covers are a must for storing the most rare/valuable individual cards. The rectangular top loaders protect autographed cards, 1-of-1 parallels, first-year cards, etc. from nicks/dents. They usually nestle inside specialty storage boxes or 5-row trading card sheets for compact portability and security.

For the baseball card collector with larger quantities, well-organized binders, display cases or custom wall units provide the best permanent solutions. No matter the display style, acid-free supplies, toploaders and protective plastic sleeves are key to preserving cards long-term. Displaying cards attractively makes revisiting collections more enjoyable while showcasing prized pieces. With the right setup, collectors can safely yet stylishly share their baseball card passion for many years to come.

WHAT BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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There are many baseball cards from years past that can be extremely valuable depending on the player, the year, the card condition, and other factors. One of the most important things that determines a card’s value is its condition and grade. The condition of a card is assessed on things like centering, corners, edges and surfaces using independent grading services like PSA or BGS. The higher the grade, the rarer the card is in that condition and the more valuable it becomes. Generally, only mint condition cards from the very best years are worth significant money. Here are some of the most valuable baseball cards to look out for:

1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner – This is widely considered the holy grail of baseball cards as it’s the rarest card ever printed. In gem mint condition it has sold for over $3 million. Even well-worn low graded examples can bring $100K+.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – Mantle rookie cards are some of the most iconic and sought after in the hobby. High graded ’52 Mantle rookies have sold for well over $1 million. This was Topps’ first full color design and set the standard for the modern baseball card era.

1933 Goudey Babe Ruth – Ruth rookie and early career cards hold elite status. A pristine ’33 Goudey in a PSA 9 could sell for $500K+. They are exceptionally rare to find in high grades 70+ years later.

1968 Topps Nolan Ryan – Ryan’s rookie was a late addition to the ’68 Topps set which makes high graded copies even rarer. Pristine PSA 10 cards have sold for $80K+. This was Ryan’s first Topps issue before his Hall of Fame career took off.

1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. – Considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing rookie cards of all time. Iconic photo and design. PSA 10 examples have surpassed $10K with one even achieving $22K in a recent sale.

1957 Topps Hank Aaron – Aaron’s sophomore Topps issue is far scarcer than his 1954 Bowman rookie. High graded copies in PSA 8-10 condition sell for $20K+. He was already a star at this point embarking on a historic career.

1963 Topps Sandy Koufax – Koufax’s lone regular season MVP year immortalized on this classic card. In PSA 9-10 condition it consistently sells in the $15K+ range. One of the most visually appealing 60s Topps designs.

1997 Bowman Chrome Derek Jeter – Ultra desirable rookie card debuting Jeter’s iconic stance. Pristine PSA 10 examples sell for $5-10K each. Considered the pinnacle card for completion of full Jeter rainbow sets.

1952 Bowman Mickey Mantle – The Holy Grail of Mantle rookie cards. Only a small numbers were pulled from packs in the early 50s making it exponentially rarer than the ’52 Topps issue. One PSA 8.5 specimen sold at auction for $2.88 million in 2018.

1909-11 White Border Nap Lajoie – One of the top pre-WW1 tobacco era cards alongside the Wagner. High grade specimens frequently trade in the 6 figure range. Legendary player on an equally storied cardboard issue.

1954 Topps Mickey Mantle – Iconic photo catching Mantle in stride. Near perfect PSA 10 copies consistently achieve $50K+ at auction. Considered the apex Mantle card for condition and aesthetics from the golden era of 1950s Topps.

The rarest and most valuable baseball cards are typically early 20th century tobacco cards like the famed T206 Honus Wagner, legendary player rookie cards from the 1930s-1950s in the highest possible grades, and specific star rookie cards from the late 1980s-1990s era in pristine mint condition. Beyond raw value, the best cards also boast strong historical and sentimental significance within the hobby. With care and research, it’s possible to uncover valuable baseball card sleepers in attics or hidden away collections.

WHAT DOES DP MEAN IN BASEBALL CARDS

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When it comes to the world of baseball cards, there are a variety of abbreviations and terms of art that collectors use to describe different attributes and characteristics of cards. One such abbreviation is “dp”, which stands for “damaged plastic”. This refers to any damage, flaws, or imperfections that are present in the protective plastic coating on the front of a card.

Most modern baseball cards produced since the 1980s have a thin layer of clear plastic film applied over the printed card surface to protect the graphics and prevent damage from handling. This clear plastic coating, often called the “wrapper” or “shell”, keeps the card crisp and preserves its condition over time when properly stored. The hard plastic material can sometimes sustain scratches, nicks, clouding or other blemishes that impact the overall appeal and grade of the card.

When cataloging and grading the condition of a card, any flaws detected in the protective plastic wrap are denoted as “dp” by experts and vendors. The severity of the damage is then typically described using additional notation. For example, a card may be listed as “dp slight” if it has a minuscule scratch, or “dp moderate” if there are multiple marks covering a wider area. In the most extreme cases of heavy wrapper damage, a card condition could be recorded simply as “dp heavy”.

Plastic wrap damage is a very common condition issue seen in vintage baseball cards produced prior to the 1990s. The hard shells used were more brittle and prone to acquiring superficial scuffs and abrasions just from ordinary handling and storage over several decades. Dp can also potentially affect any card depending on its treatment and circumstances over time.

Cards graded by professional authentication and grading services like PSA, BGS or SGC will receive a specific numerical grade deduction for problems with the wrapper. Anything from very light surface marks to extensive bubbling, discoloration or cracking will lower the overall condition grade. In some cases of severe dp, the authenticity of the card itself may come into question as well.

For collectors and investors, the presence and degree of dp is an important consideration that can significantly impact the value of a given card. Condition is a major determinant of rarity and price in the competitive baseball card market. Minor plastic issues may cost a few dollars less in value while heavy damage could see a card bottom out at little more than its paper/printing component worth alone.

Scratches or other flaws detracting from that desired “gem mint” first impression are always going to be less than ideal when looking to maximize resale potential down the line. Dp alone does not necessarily “ruin” a card and many collectors are willing to accept light wrapper issues, especially on older vintage pieces. The card contents and visual appeal underneath are still the priority for most.

In the detailed notes that accompany professional card grades, dp provides a succinct way for graders to flag any protective shell imperfections spotted under high magnification evaluation. The accompanying descriptors then clarify the extent and location. This helps buyers and sellers properly scope the precise condition when valuable trading cards worth hundreds or thousands of dollars change hands.

Whether browsing online marketplaces or through the listings of local card shows, being able to quickly interpret common condition shorthand like “dp” is important for informed collecting. With an understanding of its meaning and impact, buyers can make wiser purchase decisions aligned with their personal condition standards and budget. For serious investors and consignors, properly conveying flaws is also critical for transparency and building trust with customers.

The simple initialism “dp” packs a lot of contextual information value for baseball card collectors, graders, dealers and enthusiasts everywhere. By signifying damage to the all-important clear plastic wrapper protecting treasured cardboard, it plays a role in accurately documenting condition – the most essential factor for collectors assessing nostalgic pieces of sports history preserved in miniature form. Being able to confidently recognize this key abbreviation removes uncertainty and helps people engage more knowledgeably in the fascinating hobby.

ARE BASEBALL CARDS STILL AROUND

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Baseball cards have been around since the late 19th century when companies first started producing cards as a way to promote their candy and tobacco products. The cards would feature images of professional baseball players of the day on front with statistics and biographical information on the back. This format set the standard that baseball card companies still follow today.

While baseball cards saw their peak popularity in the late 1980s and early 90s during the famous “junk wax era” where billions of cards were produced, the hobby has remained steady. Each year, the major sports card companies – Topps, Panini, Leaf, Upper Deck – continue to release new baseball card sets featuring the current season’s players and rookies. Some of the most popular and sought after annual releases include Topps Series 1, Topps Chrome, Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects, Topps Pro Debut, and Bowman Sterling. These mainstream releases can be purchased as packs at major retail outlets like Walmart or Target or as loose singles online.

For the most avid collectors, the companies also produce higher-end, limited print run sets each year that may feature rarer parallels, autographed or memorabilia cards. Examples include Topps Finest, Bowman Platinum, Topps Tribute, and Topps Chrome Red Refractor. These products are more expensive and the individual cards can command higher values given their scarcity. The companies also release sets themed around certain players, teams or events like All-Star uniforms, World Series matchups, or retiring player “final tribute” sets.

While digital media has decreased the demand for physical cards compared to past eras, millions of packs are still sold annually and new collections released every few months keeps the marketplace active. Baseball cards provide a fun, affordable way for fans of all ages to connect to the sport through collecting players and building sets. According to industry analysts, between $400-600 million is still spent on baseball cards each year in the United States alone.

On the resale market, mint condition vintage cards from the pre-war 1910s-1950s golden era or rookie cards of stars from the late 80s boom can sell for tens of thousands of dollars. For most collectors, assembling modern sets or acquiring singles of current stars are very reasonably priced. Sites like eBay provide a huge online marketplace where anyone can buy and sell cards 24/7. There are also large national and regional card shows each year that are popular destinations for traders, collectors and autograph seekers to meet in person.

While the direct commercial value and massive printing numbers will never return to their peak, baseball cards remain an integral part of the culture and fandom around America’s pastime. For casual collectors, it’s an affordable way to connect to both history and today’s game. More seriously, savvy investors still view gems from the past as worthwhile long term investments given the scarcity of truly pristine vintage Trouts, Mantles or Clementes. New tech like smartphone apps have also made organizing collections, virtual trading and identifying cards more accessible.

Modern players still engage with the card industry as well. Each season, the major manufacturers invite top rookies and stars to special autograph and photo shoots where they personalize rare memorabilia cards. These exclusive autographed cards are some of the most prized possessions for collectors. Often, active players will also participate in national or regional card shows/signings to stay engaged with their fanbase. Plus, organizations like the National Baseball Hall of Fame, team museums and some ballplayers keep parts of their collections or most prized vintage cards on public display.

While the wider popularity and commercial heights of the 1980s are behind it, baseball cards remain a vibrant and evolving part of both the business of baseball as well as its passionate fandom. New generations of collectors are discovering the hobby through social media, apps and online while vintage classics still excite the nostalgia of older fans. As long as baseball is played, cards will continue chronicling its history for current and future generations to enjoy. Whether casually putting together sets or more seriously pursuing the rarest of the rare, baseball cards maintain their status as a truly American tradition and collector’s passion.

WHERE CAN I SELL MY BASEBALL AND FOOTBALL CARDS

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Online Auction Sites:

Ebay is likely the most well known option for selling sports cards online through auctions. There is immense traffic on eBay with millions of active buyers bidding on cards every day. As the world’s largest online auction site, you can list individual cards, sets, or your entire collection and let the market determine the price. eBay takes a final value fee that is typically 10% of the sale price. Some benefits are immense buyer reach and ability to set reserve prices. Downsides include fees and risk of issues with shipping or payments.

Another popular auction site is Heritage Auctions. They specialize more in high-end, valuable cards but also accept normal cards. Expect lower overall traffic but possibly higher prices with established professional seller to assist. Advantages are specialist site focused on collectibles and authentication of truly valuable cards. Disadvantages are higher listing fees and smaller buyer base.

Sports Card and Memorabilia Sites:

Two of the most well-established sports card sites perfect for direct sales not auctions are Blowoutcards.com and Sportscardforum.com. Both have large active communities and allow you to list individual cards or lots for a fixed price. Benefits are no listing/selling fees, targeted sports card collector audience, and ability to include photos and details. Downsides are lower overall traffic versus auction sites. You have to set competitive fixed prices.

Local Card Shops:

Taking your cards into local independent card shops allows you to potentially sell to other collectors in person. Upsides are immediate cash payment and assessment of condition. Most shops will just buy collections outright with an offer after assessing condition and value. Disadvantages are shops need profit margin so you won’t get true market value, limited buyer reach, and shops may not want common cards.

Online Consignment Stores:

Services like consignment stores allow you sell your cards through their online storefronts for a commission, typically 20-30% of sale price. Major ones are DaCardWorld, SportsCardSellers.com, and PWCC Marketplace. Advantages are ability to tap their expertise, reach of established online store, and cards get prominent visibility. Drawbacks are the large commission percentage charged and cards may take time to sell through their inventory.

In-Person Shows and Events:

Attending major national or regional card shows gives access to thousands of collectors gathered in once place on a given weekend. You can rent a table and bring your cards to sell yourself or simply walk the aisles and try to make deals with other dealers. Upside is instant offers and interaction but you have to invest in travel and table space. Tougher to reach scale with one-off weekend shows.

Facebook Groups and forums:

Active Facebook groups dedicated to trading/selling specific sport franchises are a decent alternative way to move cards locally or nationally. Make a post with details and photos, and let potential buyers reach out to ask questions and negotiate a sale. Free exposure but smaller targeted audience versus mainstream sites. Can be hassle arranging payments and shipping with unknown online buyers.

When choosing where to sell, consider factors like your collection size, target price points, desired time effort, and whether you aim for single high-value cards or want full buy offers on entire lots. With diligence, research, and playing to the strengths of each platforms, you can maximize profits reselling your sports cards collection. Just be sure to only do business with trusted established sellers or platforms to avoid scams.

DOES DOLLAR TREE HAVE BASEBALL CARDS

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Dollar Tree is a large chain of discount variety stores found throughout the United States and Canada that sells a wide assortment of items generally priced at $1.25 or less. Due to their value pricing model and large product selection, Dollar Tree has become a popular shopping destination for many bargain hunters and families. When it comes to sports cards and memorabilia however, Dollar Tree tends to have a more limited selection compared to dedicated hobby shops or big box retailers.

While Dollar Tree does occasionally stock baseball cards and other trading cards, availability can vary significantly between individual store locations and tends to be more sporadic than consistent. Baseball card sections, if available at all, are usually very small with only a handful of different products scattered about. Options are likely to include basic wax pack assortments from the current or previous season from manufacturers like Topps, Leaf, or Upper Deck. Standalone loose packs or fat packs containing multiple packs together may be found as well.

Rarely will Dollar Tree have exclusive or high-end card products, boxes, or sets from the major brands. Finding anything older than a year or two is also unlikely. Space constraints within Dollar Tree stores make carrying extensive back catalogs or individual graded/rookie cards unfeasible. Their inexpensive price points also mean products skew towards more common cards rather than chase hits. Seasonal or branded tie-in cards centered around movies, TV shows, or video games make up a larger portion of their non-sports cards assortment relative to baseball specifically.

Factors like shipment dates, local demand, and availability from distributors influence what each Dollar Tree location physically stocks on their shelves at a given time. It’s not uncommon for inventory to sell out quickly, especially for hot products, and not always be promptly replenished. Checking multiple locations or calling ahead may be needed if traveling specifically to find baseball cards. Liquidation of dated or slow-moving stock is also possible. Seasonal periods around the start of the MLB season in April tend see the freshest shipments arrive.

While the variety and selection will always be limited compared to hobby shops, Dollar Tree can still offer a convenient and inexpensive way for casual collectors or kids to randomly rip packs. It removes some of the anxiety of spending more than $1 on an impulse purchase of cards just for fun. Any particularly sought-after hits pulled would provide a great thrill for the money invested. As long as realistic expectations are set for what types of products to find there, it’s worth a quick look whenever in a Dollar Tree just in case anything baseball related is stocked.

The low risk/low reward gamble approach makes Dollar Tree a decent option to supplement shopping at LCS’s (local card shops) or big box stores for those not trying to build master sets or track down keys. Being able to kill some time browsing packs on a budget has value too. While selection varies greatly, with some persistence most Dollar Tree locations likely turn over at least some basic baseball cards during the season which provides an affordable entry point back into the hobby or for kids just starting out. Very rarely will anything found there hold significant long term monetary value however.

While Dollar Tree stores do carry an assortment of trading cards and sport cards on occasion, their baseball card selection tends to be very limited in scope and availability compared to dedicated hobby shops. Options are usually confined to just a few current or previous year wax pack products from major brands priced around $1. Inventory fluctuates based on many factors and high-end boxes or sets are practically unheard of. Still, it can be worth a quick look for impulse pack ripping any time in a Dollar Tree for fun on a budget even with the understanding picks will likely be very common. Just be aware of the caveats around their sporadic and basic baseball card offerings before making a special trip solely for sports cards.

CAN BASEBALL CARDS BE RESTORED

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Baseball cards can often be restored to improve their appearance and condition. While some heavily damaged cards may be beyond saving, many cards that are worn, faded, creased or dirty can usually be restored to a nicer state. The level of restoration possible depends on the specific issues affecting the individual card. Minor restoration work can often make cards look much better, while major repairs may be limited or impossible depending on the card’s condition.

The most common restoration techniques involve cleaning, pressing and protecting the surface of the card. Dirty cards can usually be cleaned by gently wiping them down with a microfiber cloth dampened with distilled water. This removes superficial dirt and grime without damaging the card. For heavier stains or discoloration, specialized cleaning solutions made for antique collectibles may work better. Card presses can be used to flatten slight creases and wrinkles from the cardboard surface. Presses apply focused heat and pressure evenly to relax the card stock and remove minor imperfections over time. Heatless pressing methods like dry ice sublimation are also available.

More advanced restoration techniques require careful handling to avoid damaging original card elements. Professional restoration often involves specialized techniques and durable archival materials. Staple holes may be mended using archival tissue and adhesive designed for paper restoration. Small tears can sometimes be rejoined carefully with conservators’ adhesive tape. Patching is done by integrating replacement material only where necessary for structural support. Rebacking involves adhering the original front of a card to a new unaffected backStock. This allows salvaging just the graphic front when the original back is damaged or missing sections.

Extensive restoration of heavily worn areas is difficult and imperfect replacements may be noticeable upon close inspection next to a mint quality example. Complete replacements of graphic elements are generally discouraged as it removes original material and affects the card’s integrity and collectibility. Small color touch-ups aimed only at filling obvious defects may be acceptable if minimally invasive and reversible. Any restoration work should be fully disclosed to future buyers or collection appraisers.

The condition and history of an individual card will determine the limits of effective restoration and whether some imperfections are best left as-is. Mint and near mint quality cards usually only require light cleaning or pressing. Heavily played cards may show lingering signs of use even after restoration. Very damaged cards with missing areas or advanced deterioration beyond stabilization could lose original material value. A qualified paper conservator can properly evaluate restoration options and avoid damage when structural support or graphic element repair may not be feasible. With care, most vintage baseball cards can benefit in appearance and preservation through restoration practices that respect the original material. Card collectors strive to balance improved condition with retaining a card’s historical integrity through ethical conservation methods.

Baseball cards are collectibles that may benefit greatly from restoration efforts depending on the nature and extent of wear, damage or flaws affecting the individual item. Minor issues commonly encountered can often be successfully addressed through cleaning, pressing and protective surface treatments to significantly enhance a card’s appearance and extend its lifespan. More complex restoration involving graphic repairs or replacement material requires expert handling and may have inherent limitations. An evaluation of a card’s specific condition factors is necessary to determine the best approach and what level of restoration, if any, is appropriate without compromising original authenticity or material value over time. With the right techniques applied carefully, restoration provides an effective way to preserve and enhance many classic baseball cards for future generations to enjoy.

WHAT 1990 BASEBALL CARDS ARE WORTH THE MOST

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The 1990 baseball card season featured several highly valuable rookie cards that are big money items for collectors today. One of the most expensive 1990 cards is the Frank Thomas rookie card from Score. Frank Thomas went on to have a Hall of Fame career mostly with the Chicago White Sox and was an incredibly dominant hitter. His 1990 Score rookie card is one of the more iconic and desirable rookie cards from the junk wax era of the late 80s and early 90s. In gem mint condition, a PSA 10 graded Frank Thomas 1990 Score rookie card recently sold for over $20,000, showing just how much demand there is for this card in top condition despite the large print run from Score in 1990. Even in a PSA 9 graded condition, Thomas’ rookie still sells for thousands.

Another exceptionally valuable 1990 rookie is the Ken Griffey Jr. upper deck card. Known as “The Kid,” Griffey was one of the most exciting and talented young players to enter the league in decades. His smooth left-handed swing and effortless athleticism in centerfield captivated fans. The 1990 upper deck Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card became one of the most iconic and sought after rookie cards ever released. Even with the huge production numbers from upper deck in the early 90s, a PSA 10 graded Griffey Jr. rookie recently broke records by selling for over $326,000. That broke the previous record sale price for any Griffey card. But even in lower grades, a PSA 9 Ken Griffey Jr. 1990 upper deck rookie still sells for $10,000+. The popularity and sustained demand for this card is incredible considering it was printed in the millions.

Another extremely valuable 1990 rookie is the Chipper Jones rookie card from fleer. As the number 1 overall draft pick in 1990, Jones went on to have a hall of fame career primarily with the Atlanta Braves. His smooth left-handed swing and solid defense at third base made him a fan favorite for almost two decades in Atlanta. His 1990 fleer rookie card is one of the most iconic cards from that set and year. In a PSA 10 mint condition, a Chipper Jones 1990 fleer rookie has sold for over $15,000 in recent years. Even in lower PSA 9 condition, it still fetches thousands. The combination of Jones’ legendary playing career primarily with one team and the more scarce printing numbers of fleer in 1990 compared to brands like upper deck or score have made his rookie a true blue chip gem for investors and collectors.

Another huge value card from 1990 is the Bryce Harper rookie card from bowman chrome. Seen as a can’t miss superstar from a young age, Harper lived up to the hype by winning NL rookie of the year and MVP honors early in his career. His 2012 bowman chrome rookie remains a tremendously scarce and popular card. In PSA 10 condition, examples have sold for over $50,000 in recent auction results, showing the incredible demand for Harper’s premier rookie card graded mint. Even lower graded PSA 9 copies still sell for $10,000+. What makes the Harper card so fascinating is that it was released in 2012 but is technically considered one of the best rookies from the 1990 season since bowman chrome cards feature players in their draft year.

Aside from the superstar rookie cards, 1990 also featured valuable trading cards of established veteran players. For example, the Nolan Ryan upper deck card featuring his record 7th no-hitter sells for thousands in high grade. Ryan was achieving miraculous feats as a 40+ year old pitcher in Texas which captivated the sports world in 1990. The card beautifully captures one of the most unbelievable accomplishments in baseball history. Likewise, the rare Frank Thomas traded/update card from upper deck highlighting his rookie stats fetches over $1000 PSA 10. This card was only available as an insert in factory sets/boxes and had much lower print runs than the base set.

In terms of team sets, the scarce 1990 flair showcase Atlanta Braves set has individual cards worth thousands. Tom Glavine, Dave Justice, and other stars of their dominant early 90’s run have individual cards worth $500+ in high grades. Likewise, the 1990 upper deck Cleveland Indians team set highlight starring players like Sandy Alomar Jr. and Cory Snyder have individual collectibles worth $200+ in mint condition due to the world series run.

While 1990 was undoubtedly part of the infamous “junk wax” era notorious for extremely high print runs, certain rookies and star players from that season have cards that hold tremendous value for investors and collectors. The combination of a player’s career achievements paired with the rarity of their specific card issues has created modern day blue chips like Frank Thomas, Ken Griffey Jr., Chipper Jones, and Bryce Harper that can sell for tens of thousands.

HOW TO SELL BASEBALL CARDS ON EBAY WITHOUT GETTING SCAMMED

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When listing your baseball cards on eBay, include detailed descriptions and high-quality photos. Take photos of both the front and back of each card so buyers can clearly see the condition. List any flaws, damage, or wear visible on the card. This sets the right expectations and prevents disagreement later about the card’s condition.

Make sure to list the card’s year, brand, set and any notable players featured on the card. Provide measurements of the card dimensions. Research recently sold listings of similar cards to appropriately price your item. Overpricing or underpricing could lead to unhappy buyers or unsold listings.

Use eBay’s return policy options carefully. The money-back option exposes you to increased risk of fraudulent returns. Consider an option where the buyer pays return shipping if the item is not as described. You can also opt out of certain high-risk countries to reduce scams.

Clearly state in your listing policies that sales are final for open, damaged or well-worn cards. This prevents buyers demanding a full refund for cards flaw they already knew about. Ensure your handling time states when you will ship by so there are no disputes over late delivery.

When listing multiple cards together, photograph and describe each individually. Do not just provide overall condition statements that may lead to after-sale disputes. List rare and valuable cards separately to avoid claims the top cards were switched out after payment.

Require immediate payment on all auctions and “Buy It Now” listings to reduce non-payers. Only ship to the confirmed address on the buyer’s eBay account after payment clears. Never ship to a different address or until funds are marked as received in your account.

Use tracking on all shipments and save copies of shipping labels with the tracking number. This provides proof of postage in case a buyer claims an item was not received. Consider shipping signature confirmation for valuable cards to prove delivery.

Respond to all messages from buyers politely and promptly. Address any questions or concerns respectfully without accusations. Escalating disputes will only damage your credibility on eBay.

If a dispute does occur despite your best preventative measures, remain calm and cooperative. Work with eBay and the postal service to resolve issues using evidence like photos, messages, and shipping records. Consider partial refunds for valid claims rather than full returns to avoid losses.

Following these tips when photographing, listing, pricing, handling payment and shipping baseball card orders on eBay can go a long way in avoiding disputes and scams. Careful documentation at every step protects sellers while fair policies keep buyers happy. With the right procedures in place, you can successfully make sales on eBay with minimal risk of problems down the road. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!

WHAT IS A COMPLETE SET OF 1990 UPPER DECK BASEBALL CARDS WORTH?

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The value of a complete set of 1990 Upper Deck baseball cards can vary quite a bit depending on the exact condition and grading of the individual cards that make up the set. The 1990 Upper Deck set was the debut release from the Upper Deck company and really revolutionized the sports card industry, so complete sets hold significant collector value even today over 30 years later. There are 792 total cards in the 1990 Upper Deck base set including 50 bonus cards that were inserted in many of the wax packs. Some key details that determine the value of a complete 1990 Upper Deck set include:

Card Condition – Just like any collectible card set, the better the condition and centering/corners of each individual card, the more valuable the set will be overall. Near mint to gem mint conditioned cards will obviously hold far greater value than ones that are worn, bent, or damaged in any way. Common issues that lower condition for these older cards include rounding of corners, whitening on the edges, and scratches or scuffs on the surface of the card.

Grading – Professionally graded cards through services like PSA or BGS that receive high numerical grades like 9s or 10s command much higher prices than raw or lower graded cards. Obtaining every card in the set at the PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 level would make it an extremely valuable and desirable collection. But raw or lower graded cards still hold value as well for most enthusiastic collectors.

Key RCs and Rookies – The 1990 Upper Deck set featured the rookie cards of players like Chipper Jones, Jim Thome, Larry Walker, and Derek Jeter. Getting high grades on these especially desirable rookie cards lifts the value considerably. Other stars like Barry Bonds, Cal Ripken Jr., Greg Maddux also featured prominently in the set in their primer years.

Complete Set Bonus – Having a fully complete set with all regular issues and variants in high grades is more valuable than having gaps or missing cards. The thrill of acquisition and rarity of obtaining every single card makes a true complete superset much more desirable to the most avid collectors.

Based on sales data and market trends over the past few years, here are some value estimates that a complete 1990 Upper Deck Baseball card set in different condition levels may have:

Raw/Poor Condition: $2,000-$4,000
Very Good-Near Mint Condition: $4,000-$7,000
Near Mint/Excellent Condition: $7,000-$12,000
Highly Graded Near Gem Mint: $12,000-$20,000
PSA/BGS 10 Gem Mint Complete Superset: $20,000-$40,000

As you can see, condition and grading have a huge effect on the worth. And the cream of the crop PSA/BGS 10 complete supersets with the biggest name young stars in top condition could conceivably be worth over $40,000 for a true condition census piece. Condition is truly king for these early and desirable flagship sports card sets from the 1980s and 1990s. And with the continued rise of nostalgia and collector interest, the valuation for premium examples will likely only continue growing over time for patient investors. A complete 1990 Upper Deck Baseball card set can range in value anywhere from $2,000 to well over $40,000 depending on the various factors discussed here such as condition level, grading, and completeness of the set.