BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1970 TOPPS

Leave a reply

The 1970 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues in the entire hobby. With 792 total cards issued, the 1970 set featured many of the game’s biggest stars from that era including Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Roberto Clemente, and more. Even 50 years later, 1970 Topps cards remain highly collectible and command strong prices in the vintage baseball card market. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout cards from the 1970 Topps set and explore their estimated values based on condition.

The 1970 Topps set is led by superstar Hank Aaron, who is featured on the very first card in the set. Aaron was in the midst of chasing Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record in 1970. In excellent mint condition, Aaron’s 1970 Topps card typically sells for around $150-200. A pristine near-mint copy could fetch $300-400 or more given his iconic status. Aaron would go on to break Ruth’s record in 1974. Another Braves legend, Hank Aaron’s teammate from the 1960s dynasty Eddie Mathews, has the #2 card in the set. High grade Mathews cards sell in the $75-100 range.

Willie Mays, who was playing for the New York Mets in 1970, has one of the most iconic cards at #12. “The Say Hey Kid” is shown in a Mets uniform, swinging his signature black bat. Pristine Mays rookies can sell for over $1,000 but more common well-centered near-mint copies trade hands for $300-500. Roberto Clemente’s #18 card is also highly sought after by collectors. Clemente tragically passed away in a plane crash on New Year’s Eve 1972. Mint Clemente 1970s can reach $500-700 depending on demand. His Pirates teammate Willie Stargell has a strong card as well at #40, with mint examples selling for $150-250.

Pitching legends are well represented too. Tom Seaver’s dominant season with the New York Mets in 1969 made him one of the biggest stars in the game for 1970. His card is #44 and a pristine near-mint Seaver can sell for $400-600. Nolan Ryan’s early career with the Mets is captured on his #119 card. High grade Ryan rookies sell in the $150-250 range. Dodgers ace Don Drysdale is featured prominently on card #158. Excellent Drysdale cards trade hands for $75-125. Hall of Famer Bob Gibson’s dominant 1968 season carried over to 1970. His #201 card typically sells for $50-100 in top condition.

Rookies and prospects were also a big part of the 1970 Topps set. One of the most significant is Oakland A’s catcher Gene Tenace on card #598. Tenace would go on to win World Series MVP honors in 1972 and 1973. Near-mint Tenace rookies sell for $150-250. Another notable rookie is Atlanta Braves pitcher Andy Messersmith on card #652. Messersmith helped spark free agency after the 1975 season. His rookie in top shape fetches $75-150. One of the most iconic and valuable rookie cards ever is Reggie Jackson’s 1970 Topps debut on card #689. Pristine “Mr. October” rookies have sold for over $10,000. Most gradeable examples trade hands for $1,000-3,000.

In terms of chase cards for complete 1970 Topps set collectors, high numbers cards tend to be the most elusive. The final card in the set is #792 featuring Dodgers pitcher Jack Aker. Mint Aker cards are rare and can sell for well over $1,000. Other tough-to-find high numbers include #780 Mets pitcher Nolan Ryan (not a true rookie card), #781 Angels pitcher Clyde Wright, and #785 Reds second baseman Pete Rose. Complete near-mint 1970 Topps sets with all the tough cards can sell for upwards of $10,000.

The 1970 Topps baseball card set remains a hugely popular vintage issue over 50 years later. Featuring legendary stars and valuable rookies, 1970s have proven to stand the test of time. While common cards can be acquired for $5-10 each, the true star rookies and prospects along with complete near-mint sets command thousands based on condition. For vintage baseball card investors and collectors, 1970 Topps is always a solid long-term hold.

BASEBALL TRADING CARDS BOOK

Leave a reply

The baseball trading card book has evolved significantly since the early beginnings of collecting baseball cards as a hobby in the late 19th century. Some of the earliest rudimentary baseball card books emerged in the early 20th century as collectors sought ways to properly store, organize, display, and protect their growing card collections. It was not until the post-World War II era that dedicated baseball card books started to take shape in earnest.

As the popularity of collecting baseball cards grew exponentially in the 1950s, several publishers began producing dedicated books specifically designed for housing and displaying baseball card collections. Some of the earliest examples included the “Official Baseball Card Album” published annually from the late 1940s through the 1960s. These books contained perforated pages that allowed collectors to insert their cards behind protective plastic sleeves.

In the late 1950s, another pioneering book called the “Complete Baseball Card Book” was published. Unlike previous albums that focused solely on storage, this book took a more comprehensive approach with sections dedicated to baseball history, player biographies, statistics, and even checklists of sets to help collectors track their progress. This set the stage for more expansive multi-purpose baseball card books in the ensuing decades.

The 1960s saw a boom in specialized annual baseball card books as the hobby reached new heights of popularity. Titles like “Baseball Card Album,” “Official Baseball Card Album,” and “Baseball Card Collector’s Annual” became mainstream staples, incorporating new features like team-by-team rosters and card value guides. Publishers also started experimenting with innovative formats beyond the traditional page-sleeve layout, including spiral bindings and accordion folds.

In the 1970s, as the vintage card market emerged, books shifted their focus to accommodating higher-value older cards. Titles like “The Classic Baseball Card Book” and “Vintage Baseball Card Album” used acid-free paper and Mylar sleeves to preserve cards in pristine condition. References sections grew to encompass detailed histories of early tobacco and candy brands. Checklists also expanded retroactively as researchers uncovered obscure older sets.

The late 1970s/early 1980s saw the introduction of landmark multi-volume baseball card books that broke new ground in terms of their exhaustive historical scope. Published sets like “The Complete Book of Baseball Card Albums” (a 10-volume behemoth) and “The Encyclopedia of Baseball Card Companies and Sets” became go-to references for even the most advanced collectors.

In the modern era, as the internet has enabled far greater access to baseball card data and community, published books have evolved once more. While annual storage albums still have their place, most recent titles focus on specific niches within the hobby. Examples include extensive studies of individual card manufacturers, deep dives into the earliest tobacco era issues, regional oddball set compendiums, and even books examining non-sports related themes like cartoons on cards.

Publishers have also experimented with lavish coffee table style tomes featuring high-quality color photography of rare specimens. Arguably the most impressive modern baseball card book is the multi-volume “Magnus Card Catalog” which profiles every trading card set ever made in exquisite visual detail. Digital publishing has further expanded the scope of online card references and checklists.

Over the past century the baseball card book has transformed from a simple storage aid into a vehicle for comprehensive historical documentation and niche research within the rich tapestry of card collecting. Modern publications leverage both print and digital formats to maximize accessibility and presentation of arcane hobby knowledge. As the collecting community continues to evolve, so too will the content and form of dedicated baseball card books to optimally serve card fans.

TOPPS 2020 BIG LEAGUE BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The year 2020 presented many unprecedented challenges around the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For baseball card collectors and hobbyists, 2020 also marked the 75th anniversary of Topps and their iconic baseball cards. Despite restrictions on sports leagues and the postponement of baseball during parts of the season, Topps forged ahead with producing its 2020 baseball card set which collected many achievements and accolades within the collecting community.

Topps has had the exclusive license to produce major league baseball cards since 1952 and the 2020 set continued their tradition of commemorating the biggest stars and moments from each season. Due to changes in the MLB schedule brought on by the pandemic, Topps had to adapt their production timeline and card design. The final master set would total 344 cards after revisions were made to remove players who opted out of the season or were released from teams during roster cutdowns.

Some notable rookie cards in the 2020 Topps set included prospects such as Gavin Lux, Luis Robert, and Cristian Pache who all made their MLB debuts during the shortened season. Veterans like Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Ronald Acuña Jr continued garnering attention from collectors as emerging superstars in the game. Topps also paid tribute to retiring legends with a special “Final Card” designation for players like Felix Hernandez, Francisco Liriano, and Edwin Encarnacion.

Aside from the base cards, Topps incorporated various parallels, numbered inserts, and autograph/memorabilia cards to excite avid collectors. Some of the more coveted parallel sets included the “Gold Label” parallels limited to 50 copies each. Numerous “Rainbow Foil” serial numbered cards spotlighted star players. Exciting autograph cards featured signed swatches or signatures from superstars like Mike Trout, Christian Yelich, and Cody Bellinger. Topps even produced special “Photo Variation” parallel cards that highlighted unique action shots.

The insert sets within the 2020 flagship Topps offering also provided opportunities to chase rare and valuable cards. Some highly sought after inserts included the “Top Prospects” cards on the cusp of stardom like Jazz Chisholm and Gavin Sheets. The “Tribute” inserts paid homage to retired greats with cards of Derek Jeter, Chipper Jones, and Mariano Rivera. Baseball fans delighted in the playful “Stadium Club” mini cards recreating iconic ballpark sights. The retro styled “Heritage” parallel inserts also captivated collectors.

The pandemic didn’t stop Topps from producing all their annual baseball traditions. Their popular Allen & Ginter set featured players on unique woodcuts combined with highlights from arts, sciences and history. Their “Update” series filled roster and stat changes midseason. Even their “1984” and “Artifact” subsets bringing Topps card designs full circle with modern parallels. An especially poignant “We Stand Together” insert supported causes for social justice and equality.

Amid the difficulties of 2020, Topps still found ways to deliver collector favorites from decades past. The retro “Throwback Thursday” inserts recreated styles from the 60s-80s. Items surfaced on breaks and group breaks of “Unopened Wax” packs with unclaimed wooden nickel cards from the 50s and 60s. Topps Tribute, a commemorative baseball card product line launched in 2019, continued honoring legendary players, teams and seasons of yesteryear.

When all was said and done, the Topps 2020 flagship baseball set celebrated familiar annual traditions while also responding to an unprecedented season. The final product paid tribute to the perseverance of America’s pastime and provided collectors a reassuring connection to sports normalcy. Widely considered one of Topps’ strongest modern issues ever amid the pandemic, the 2020 baseball release by the venerable trading card company still holds considerable nostalgic appeal and long term financial value for future generations of fans and collectors. Even in a challenging year, Topps managed to maintain their crown as the undisputed “King of Baseball Cards” as they had for 75 years prior.

BEST WAY TO GET BASEBALL CARDS APPRAISED

Leave a reply

If you have a collection of baseball cards you’ve accumulated over the years, you may be curious about their value. Properly appraising vintage baseball cards can help you understand what you have and determine if any rare or valuable cards are mixed in. It’s important to take the right steps to get an accurate appraisal. Here are some of the best ways to get your baseball card collection professionally appraised.

Hire a Certified Appraiser – One of the most reliable methods is to hire a certified expert appraiser who specializes in sports memorabilia like baseball cards. Look for someone who has credentials from organizations like the International Society of Appraisers or the American Society of Appraisers. A professional appraiser will carefully examine each card, verify authenticity, check for any defects, and research recent sales prices for comparable cards to determine fair market value. They can provide a formal written appraisal you can use for tax or insurance purposes. This option provides the most authoritative valuation, but appraisal fees start around $50 per hour so larger collections may be costly.

Use Online Card Pricing Guides – Websites like Beckett, PSA/DNA, and COMC offer searchable card price guides that allow you to look up estimated values for most vintage baseball cards based on the card’s description, year, condition, and any notable variations or autographs. The estimates are compiled from recent auction sales and market trends. This method is free and convenient for getting a ballpark value on common cards in your collection. Without physically examining the cards, the estimates may not be as accurate as an in-person appraisal for rare or higher-end cards that can vary more in price based on subtle condition differences.

Attend Card Shows – Major card and memorabilia shows are a good opportunity to have your cards informally appraised by experienced dealers. Bring a representative sample of your best and most valuable looking cards with you organized in protective sleeves. At the show, approach different dealers who specialize in the players, sets, and eras your cards cover. They can quickly look through and point out any particularly valuable cards worth getting professionally graded and authenticated. Dealers are also a good resource for ballpark estimated values on common cards to help you understand what you have. Just keep in mind dealers may lowball appraisals if they want to purchase cards from you.

Use Online Auction Prices – Websites like eBay allow you to search “sold” listings of specific baseball cards to see what comparable recently sold for at auction. This can provide a useful data point for estimated values. Auction prices can vary widely based on many factors like number of bidders, so a single recent sale doesn’t necessarily indicate a card’s true market value. Use recent sales of cards graded in similar conditions from the same year and set as a general guideline rather than an absolute appraisal. Also remember auction prices include a buyer’s premium not reflected in straight appraisals.

Consider Getting Cards Graded – For your most valuable vintage cards in top condition, professional third-party grading may be worthwhile to authenticate condition and enhance resale value. Services like PSA, BGS, SGC assign numerical grades reflecting a card’s state of preservation on a scale like Mint, Near Mint etc. This grading adds certainty for buyers and helps standardized pricing. Grading is an additional cost on top of any appraisal fees. It only makes financial sense for truly high-end cards likely to get a high grade where condition is key to value. Lower-grade common cards may not see as much financial benefit from the grading process.

In the end, for the most accurate appraisal of a large baseball card collection, hiring a certified expert is usually the best approach. But online price guides, card shows, auction sites and potentially grading can also help you understand estimated values and identify any hidden gems mixed in that may warrant further professional review. Proper research and the right appraisal method will help you determine the true worth of your baseball card treasure.

1995 UPPER DECK BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

1995 marked an important year in the baseball card collecting hobby as it was the year that Upper Deck released their highly anticipated baseball card set after purchasing the exclusive MLB player licensing agreement from Topps. The 1995 Upper Deck baseball card set would go on to be one of the most popular and valuable issues in the modern era.

Upper Deck had made a huge splash when they entered the baseball card market in 1989 by offering intricately designed cards with superb image quality and added extras like autograph and memorabilia cards that collectors had never seen before. They instantly carved out a large portion of the market that was previously dominated solely by Topps. They did not hold the exclusive MLB license at that time.

When Upper Deck acquired the exclusive license prior to the 1995 season, it meant that Topps would be unable to produce baseball cards that year featuring current MLB players wearing their uniforms. Topps scrambled to create a set with retired players but it lacked the mainstream appeal of an active player set. Meanwhile, collectors were eagerly awaiting what Upper Deck had in store as the sole maker of officially licensed baseball cards for 1995.

The design of the 1995 Upper Deck baseball cards paid homage to the original 1911 T206 baseball card set with a rectangular shape and black border around each image. There were 792 total cards in the base set featuring every MLB player at the time as well as managers and coaches. The photography and image quality was sharp and vivid, as Upper Deck was known for. Some additional key aspects of the 1995 Upper Deck design included:

Team logo depicted at the top left of each card along with the player’s position at the bottom
Player’s name printed vertically along the right side with statistics on the left
Grey colored borders and backgrounds provided contrast
Gold embossing added texture and visual appeal

In addition to the base card set, Upper Deck also offered several inserts and parallels that added to the excitement upon release. Some of the most noteworthy included:

Red Parallel /199 – Red tinted version of the base card
Black Parallel /50 – Black tinted parallels that were extremely scarce
Refractors /100 – Players shown through a refracting prism-like coating
MVP Materials swatches /99 – Patch of game-used fabric from MVPs
Franchise Greats /84 – Tribute cards to franchise legends
Mini Leaders /100 – Shrinked down stats leaders cards

The 1995 Upper Deck set was an instant hit with collectors due to the exclusive player license, photography quality, and abundance of inserts. It established Upper Deck as the clear top dog in the baseball card industry going forward. Values rose steadily in the ensuing years and popular parallels like the Refractors or MVP Materials have reached astronomical prices for key players at major card shows and auctions.

Perhaps most impressively, the 1995 Upper Deck baseball issue is one of only a handful of modern sets to achieve true investment grade status. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples of stars like Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, and Derek Jeter regularly sell for well over $1,000 each today. Even middle-tier stars can fetch hundreds. Its popularity endures because it captured the sport at its peak of interest during the 1990s home run boom.

While card companies have come and gone since, and the hobby has weathered ups and downs, the 1995 Upper Deck baseball set still holds a revered place in the collecting world. Its beautiful design, image quality, and assortment of rare bonus cards created the high water mark that rivals try to reach with each new offering. Over a quarter century later, 1995 Upper Deck remains the gold standard that baseball card collectors remember with sheer nostalgia and appreciate as a truly valuable long-term investment in the history of the pastime.

MOST VALUABLE 1994 LEAF BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1994 Leaf baseball card set was one of the most highly anticipated releases of the year. While not quite as iconic as sets from Topps or Fleer at the time, Leaf cards offered collector’s unique designs and parallel insert sets that made certain cards extremely coveted. With the benefits of hindsight and three decades of market fluctuations since, we can now look back at the top performers from the 1994 Leaf set in terms of monetary value.

Heading the list is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card, readily identifiable by its striking image of “The Kid” taking a mighty cut. Griffey was already an established star by 1994 in his fifth major league season, but his rookie card remained eagerly sought after. PSA 10 Gem Mint copies in near flawless condition now command prices up to $15,000 due to Griffey’s status as a fan favorite and his huge success which coined the term “Griffeyism.” More common well-centered PSA 9s still pull $2,000. No other 1994 Leaf RC comes close to Griffey’s value.

Another star with a highly valued card is Frank Thomas, listed as #118 in the base set. “The Big Hurt” was coming off back-to-back AL MVP awards and would go on to have a hall of fame career. Near perfect PSA 10 copies of his Leaf card sell for $800-1,000. Even heavily played PSA 5 examples in rough shape still sell around $50 due to Thomas’ accomplishments. His equally rated 1993 Topps rookie card historically outperforms this issue but the Leaf version still retains impressive value.

One of the more visually striking photographic inserts was the 1994 Leaf Studio “S” parallel set highlighting player headshots. The #S1 Mike Piazza stands out not just for its alluring photography, but because Piazza would go on to have a monster career as arguably the greatest offensive catcher of all time. PSA 10 pristine examples sell for around $400 today. Even heavily played low-grade copies still move for $20-30 owing to Piazza’s stature.

Clemente was already a legend by 1994 with a career cut short by tragedy, giving his #140 Leaf Emerald parallel insert added appeal. This distinctive green parallel depicts Clemente in classic Pirates cap and holds steady value at $200-250 PSA 10. Other Hall of Famers like #155 Nolan Ryan and #187 Tom Seaver also command $100-150 in top grades thanks to name recognition maintained through the years.

Short prints were a special collector’s challenge in 1994 Leaf, with randomly inserted low numbered parallel sets that drove demand. The #SP1 Jeter short print rookie is legendary in its Scarcity, with an estimated print run under 100 copies. A mid-grade PSA 8 sold at auction in 2020 for an incredible $12,500. Even common players gain value being short printed, like #SP11 Mike Lieberthal at $100 PSA 10.

Perhaps the biggest surprise rarity and value jump was seen in the 1994 Leaf Special Extended Set inserts. Featuring player closeups in horizontal format, the #E7 Carlos Delgado has surged past $450 PSA 10 due to Delgado’s excellent career and the insert’s extraordinary low print rate. Even backups like #E24 Glenallen Hill in PSA 10 command $175 based purely on set collector demand rather than player merit.

While not attaining the same iconic heights as the greats from Topps and Fleer, the 1994 Leaf baseball set has developed a cult following and proven bright spots of monetary value among collectors. Cards like Griffey, Thomas, and Piazza still reflect their real-life success through Leaf investments retaining thousands today. Scarce short prints and inserts add surprise value beyond just top stars. For those who collected it as kids or chase the challenges it presented, 1994 Leaf remains a highly regarded piece of the larger baseball card puzzle.

60’s BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1960s were a transformative decade for baseball cards. Following a lull in the late 1950s, the baseball card hobby experienced a resurgence in the 1960s driven by baby boomers coming of age. This renewed interest from collectors led card companies to experiment with innovative designs and inclusion of more statistics and information on the cards.

Topps dominated the baseball card market in the 1960s, as they had since returning to the baseball card business in the 1950s. They faced new competition from Fleer, who re-entered the baseball card market in 1961 after a long absence. Fleer’s return helped spark new creativity and evolution in baseball card design during the 1960s.

Some key characteristics of 1960s baseball cards include colorful photo borders and backgrounds on many sets. Close-up headshots of players were still commonly used but full body action shots became more prevalent. Card stock quality also improved noticeably compared to the 1950s. Statistics featured on cards expanded to include more career stats in addition to the previous year’s numbers.

A major change in 1960s baseball cards was the inclusion of information on the back of cards for the first time. Topps led the way by adding player biographies on the backs of cards starting in 1961. This was a major innovation that collectors appreciated, as it provided more context and stats for players. Soon other manufacturers followed suit by adding back content as well.

Rookie cards remained an important and popular subset for collectors seeking to obtain stars early in their careers. Notable 1960s rookie cards included Sandy Koufax (1955 Bowman), Roberto Clemente (1955 Bowman), and Hank Aaron (1952 Topps). The sheer number of future Hall of Famers who broke into the majors during the 1960s created a golden era for collecting rookie cards of superstar players.

Some of the most iconic and valuable 1960s rookie cards include Tom Seaver (1967 Topps), Johnny Bench (1967 Topps), and Nolan Ryan (1968 Topps). Other coveted rookies from the decade are Reggie Jackson (1967 Topps), Carl Yastrzemski (1961 Fleer), and Rod Carew (1967 Topps). The large number of future legends who debuted in the 1960s made it a peak period for obtaining early career cards of all-time greats.

In addition to Topps and Fleer, other manufacturers released baseball sets during the 1960s like Kellogg’s, Post, and Leaf. They struggled to gain much market share against the dominance of Topps. A notable exception was the Sporting News brand, which was acquired by Topps in 1965 and produced high quality gum-less cards through the late 1960s.

The late 1960s saw the introduction of multi-player cards featuring several stars on a single card. These helped collectors obtain more popular players while allowing manufacturers to include more total players per box or pack. Insert cards also began appearing with topics like league leaders or All-Star players. Glossy finishes and embossed logos or borders were other emerging trends.

Perhaps the most iconic baseball card set of the 1960s was the 1967 Topps set. Featuring colorful action photos and player stats on the back, it has become one of the most popular designs ever. The 1969 Topps set is also highly regarded for its photo quality and inclusion of the 1969 World Series matchup between the Mets and Orioles on the final card.

The 1960s represented the golden age of growth for the baseball card hobby. Increased interest from baby boomer collectors and innovations like photo-centric designs, back-of-card content, and an epic run of future Hall of Famer rookie cards made it a peak decade. This helped cement baseball cards as an integral part of American popular culture for generations to come.

MARKET MOVERS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The baseball card collecting hobby has evolved significantly over the decades. When the industry first started in the late 19th century, cards were simply inserted in tobacco products as a marketing tool. By the middle of the 20th century, cards grew into a serious collecting pastime. Certain cards from the earliest years that depicted star players from the 1800s and early 1900s became extremely desirable and valuable.

In the 1980s, there was renewed mainstream interest in collecting driven in part by the rise of sports on television. Young fans wanted to collect cards of their favorite newly emerging stars like Donruss issued rookie cards of Ryne Sandberg in 1984 and Mark McGwire in 1986. The junk wax era of the late 80s through the 90s led to an overproduction of cards that diluted their value. Some key rookie cards retained significance as indicators of future Hall of Fame talents.

Two of the biggest market movers from the late 80s/early 90s era were Ken Griffey Jr.’s upper deck rookie from 1989 and the Topps rookie card of Frank Thomas from 1991. Griffey ascended to become one of the most exciting and marketable players of his generation. His Upper Deck RC, with its stunning photo and brand popularity, took off in value. Thomas’ rookie also gained esteem as he smashed home runs as the most feared slugger of the 90s/00s. Both cards can sell in high grades for thousands today.

The modern card investment craze began in the late 2000s amid the financial crisis. Hobby experts argued cards were a safer store of value than volatile markets. Two emerging phenoms helped drive interest – Bryce Harper and Mike Trout. Trout’s 2010 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Superfractor RC #175/175 became the hobby’s first true “million dollar card.” Meanwhile, Harper mania from his elite prospect status through Rookie of the Year honors in 2012 made his cards some of the most expensive from the 2010s.

Another 2010s darling was cards from the 2009 Topps set that featured rookie cards of future stars like Stephen Strasburg, Giancarlo Stanton, and Mike Trout. As these players blossomed, the demand and prices for their freshman fliers skyrocketed. Trout mania reached new heights in 2021 when a rare 2012 Topps Update Series Trout auto patch card sold for $3.93 million, setting records. Other modern RC market movers include cards like the 2012 Bowman Chrome Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

In the late 2010s, the rise of YouTube breaking and social media greatly expanded the collecting community. Influencers discovered breaking cases of unopened wax boxes online provided viral entertainment. Hits of rising prospects and star rookies generated six-figure prices. Star quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes also saw NFL cards emerge as popular cross-sport investments.

Looking ahead, investing experts argue rookie cards of budding superstars like Ronald Acuña Jr., Juan Soto, and Fernando Tatis Jr. appear well positioned to move markets if they fulfill their potential. Newer digital and non-fungible token (NFT) card platforms may also spawn a new generation of speculative favorites. As the hobby’s history shows, the cards most likely to rise top the ranks of stars whose on-field play transforms them into elite household names for decades.

As baseball card collecting and the larger trading card industry evolves, certain rookies, prospects and young stars who go on to achieve elite status seem to be the most consistent market movers. Their freshman cards gain in esteem and price as their careers blossom. Overproductions and fleeting fads come and go, but cards tied to the enduring legacies and iconic careers of all-time greats have proven to retain value and move markets over the long-term in the hobby.

DISCOUNT BASEBALL CARDS COLLECTORS

Leave a reply

Discount Baseball Card Collecting: A Thriving Community

Baseball card collecting is a beloved hobby for many, but the rising prices of vintage and premium cards in recent years have made it increasingly difficult for collectors on a budget to participate. A thriving community of discount baseball card collectors has emerged who find creative ways to enjoy the hobby without breaking the bank. These collectors focus on obtaining cards at rock-bottom prices from various discount sources.

While premium cards from the 1950s and 1960s can sell for thousands of dollars each, discount collectors look for deals in less sought-after areas of the hobby. One popular strategy is to collect teams or players that are not traditionally highly valued. Examples include focusing on the many defunct early 20th century franchises or modern stars whose careers ended prematurely due to injury. Cards from these sets are often overlooked and can be obtained very affordably.

Another discount approach is to collect particular card brands, sets, or production years that are not in high demand from investors and speculators. For instance, many mass-produced 1970s and 1980s cards from brands like Donruss, Fleer, and Topps can be found in penny sleeves at card shows and thrift stores. These cards hold little value to investors but provide affordable collecting options. Some discount collectors even seek out damaged or worn cards to complete sets as inexpensively as possible.

Trading and group submissions are important aspects of the discount collecting scene. Trading allows collectors to creatively acquire needed cards from others without spending money. Group submissions, where collectors pool their duplicate cards to be graded together, make the costly grading process more affordable per card. Online trading forums and club memberships provide opportunities to participate in these activities on a budget.

Discounted boxes, lots and team/player collections are another avenue. Sites like eBay allow collectors to frequently find partial or complete common sets for just pennies per card. Entire shoeboxes of duplicates may sell for just a few dollars, offering a chance to build collections rapidly without breaking the bank. Similarly, local buy/sell/trade groups on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist provide opportunities to obtain collections from departing collectors.

Discount collectors also benefit from the large volume of cards produced during the boom years of the late 1980s and 1990s. While individual cards from these sets hold little value, the glut has caused prices to remain extremely low. Entire factory sets can often be obtained for just a few dollars. Some collectors focus exclusively on these affordable sets, allowing them to build massive collections.

Charity and fundraiser auctions provide another discount avenue. Local charities, churches and schools will occasionally sell off donated collections with cards starting at pennies each. These auctions allow collectors to feel good about supporting a good cause while feeding their hobby. Yard sales, flea markets and antique stores also occasionally turn up dusty long boxes of commons that can be had for just a few dollars.

While true investment-grade cards may remain out of reach for most discount collectors, creative strategies allow the community to still build sizable collections and participate in the hobby they love. Trading, group submissions, bargain team/player lots, discounted mass-produced sets and opportunistic sourcing keep the spirit of the hobby alive for collectors who enjoy the hunt without worrying about resale value. With patience and persistence, discount collectors prove you don’t need a big budget to take part in and enjoy the world of baseball cards.

1990 SCORE BASEBALL CARDS OF VALUE

Leave a reply

By the late 1980s, score baseball cards were well established as an affordable and accessible alternative to the higher priced wax packs and boxes produced by the sports card industry giants Topps and Donruss. The 1990 Score set in particular contained several rookie cards and other cards that have proven to have lasting value in the collecting marketplace. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the notable 1990 Score cards that hold significance and command premium prices among collectors today.

One of the true legendary rookies from the set is the Ken Griffey Jr. card. Griffey was already generating huge buzz in his first full season with the Seattle Mariners in 1990 and his superb athletic talents were on full display. The Griffey rookie has remained one of the most iconic and valuable cards in the entire hobby. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples in top graded condition routinely sell for well over $1000. Even lower grade copies still demand $50-100 due to Griffey’s status as a true icon of the sport.

Another major star whose rookie appeared in 1990 Score was Barry Larkin. As the shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds, Larkin went on to win the 1995 NL MVP award and is considered one of the finest defensive players ever at his position. High grade Larkin rookies can sell for $300-500 still today. Fellow future Hall of Famer Frank Thomas also had his rookie card in 1990 Score as he began what would become a legendary career crushing home runs for the Chicago White Sox. A PSA 10 Thomas rookie brings $200-300 on the market.

In addition to star rookies, 1990 Score had update (later career) cards of established players that have gained value over the years. For example, Nolan Ryan’s card where he is pictured as a Texas Ranger tends to sell for $40-60 depending on condition. The set also featured Dallas Green in his first season managing the Phillies after winning a World Series as their GM in 1980. Green’s manager card has become surprisingly collectible, with PSA 10 copies selling near $100. Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley’s card from his dominant season closing for the Oakland A’s regularly sells for $30-50 as well.

Beyond star players, 1990 Score contained some inserts and parallels that have become fairly scarce and thus hold substantial value. One is the “Team Cards” insert set featuring all 26 MLB franchises from that season. High grade complete Team Card sets in a team bag or protective case have been known to sell for over $1000. There was also an “Emboss” parallel subset where certain cards like the Griffey and Larkin rookies were embossed for a textured feel. Pristine copies of these unique parallel versions can sometimes sell for $200-300 alone due to their rarity.

Finally, 1990 Score had an autograph promotion where select hobby boxes were inserted with autographed cards of various players. These signed additions are among the most valuable vintage cards period. A Frank Thomas autographed card from the promotion in top grade sold at auction in 2020 for over $10,000. Other star signatures like Griffey, Larkin and Ripken that surface also sell for thousands. Even lesser known autographed cards from the promo hold value perhaps into the hundred dollar range.

The 1990 Score set remains a cornerstone of the vintage card era not just for star rookie cards but also memorable parallels, inserts and autographed promotional versions. Cards from this issue involving Hall of Famers like Griffey, Larkin, Thomas, Ripken and Eckersley will likely hold value for decades as interests in their careers persist among collectors. With iconic rookies, parallels and autographed cards, 1990 Score provides many enduring collecting opportunities for investors even after 30 years.