Kmart was once one of the largest retailers in the United States and operated stores across the country from the 1960s through the early 2000s. During their peak popularity in the late 20th century, Kmart sold a variety of trading cards including sports cards featuring players from Major League Baseball. While Kmart cards were never as highly regarded as issues from companies such as Topps, certain Kmart baseball card sets and individual cards can hold value for collectors today.
One of the most famous and desirable Kmart card sets is the 1975 Kmart Variations set. This set featured unusual parallel variations of cards from the standard 1975 Topps set. For example, while the standard 1975 Topps #1 card featured Dodgers pitcher Andy Messersmith, the parallel Kmart Variations #1 card showed Messersmith in a different photo wearing a Dodgers batting helmet. Only about 100 of each variations card were produced, making them extremely rare today. Complete sets in near mint condition have sold for over $10,000 at auction. Individual high-numbered variations cards from the set in top condition can sell for $500 or more as well.
Beyond the variations set, Kmart issued reprint sets of several classic Topps issues in the 1970s and 80s under licensing agreements. These include the 1979 Kmart Reprint set duplicating the 1960 Topps design and 1966 Topps set, as well as the 1980 Kmart Reprint set mimicking the 1965 Topps issue. While these reprint cards aren’t as rare as original vintage issues, they still hold value for collectors seeking affordable versions of these classic designs. Complete near mint 1979 and 1980 Kmart Reprint sets typically sell in the $150-$250 range. Individual high-numbered stars or rookie cards from the sets can be worth $10-$30 each depending on condition and player featured.
In the 1990s, Kmart released several new original baseball card sets under the sportscard division Upper Deck. The most notable of these is the 1992 Kmart Upper Deck Denny’s Grand Slam Baseball card set. Featuring 372 total cards including traded/update subsets, this marked the first ever Denny’s/Upper Deck co-branded baseball card issue. Rated among the sharpest and most coveted Kmart sets by collectors. A complete near mint 1992 Kmart Denny’s Grand Slam Baseball set can sell for $350-$450 today. Rookie cards of future stars like Derek Jeter, Nomar Garciaparra and Todd Helton from the set are valued in the $5-15 range depending on condition and player popularity.
While lesser known than competitors like Topps, Fleer and Donruss, Kmart did produce some other original baseball card sets throughout the 1990s as well. Sets like the 1993 Kmart Upper Deck Baseball, 1994 Kmart Upper Deck Special Edition and 1995 Kmart Upper Deck Diamond Anniversary each contained base rookie cards, serially numbered parallels and autograph/memorabilia chase cards. Complete near mint sets of these issues typically sell for $80-$150 on the secondary market depending on specifics. Top rookie cards or serially numbered/memorabilia cards from the sets can reach values of $10-30 as well.
One of the final original Kmart baseball card sets issued was the 1996 Kmart Collector’s Choice Upper Deck set. Featuring 396 cards covering the 1995 MLB season plus rookie, subset and insert cards, this set maintained the traditional Kmart/Upper Deck partnership. Complete near mint 1996 Kmart Collector’s Choice Baseball sets can reach $75-125 in current hobby marketplace pricing. Standout rookie cards include Derek Jeter (#77), Todd Helton (#110), Carlos Beltran (#309) and Roy Halladay (#372) which are valued between $3-8 depending on grade.
While not considered premier issues by hardcore collectors, certain vintage and modern Kmart baseball card sets and individual high-end cards retain value today. Attributes like extremely low print runs, classic reprint designs, coveted rookie cards or special insert/parallel variants drive interest. Complete or near complete sets in top condition realize the best resale prices, with key rookie gems still holding strong valuations as well given the player. Kmart issues offer budget-minded collectors an affordable way to acquire classic designs or add roster and stars to their collections that might be otherwise cost-prohibitive from the original Topps, Fleer or Donruss brands.
