TOP 100 BASEBALL CARDS FROM THE 90s

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The 1990s were a magical time for baseball cards. Sports card collecting was at an all-time peak, with kids across the country eagerly searching store shelves for the latest pack releases from Topps, Fleer, Score and more. While the 1980s featured iconic rookie cards like Donruss Griffey Jr. and Topps Frank Thomas, the ’90s took collectibles to new heights with star rookies like Chipper Jones, Derek Jeter, and Pedro Martinez emerging.

Prices skyrocketed for legendary sets like 1993 Upper Deck and 1997 Topps Chrome refractors. Excitements surrounded insert sets featuring parallels, autos and game-used memorabilia. It was the golden age of modern sports cards. Below is a ranking of the top 100 most valuable and desirable baseball cards from the 1990s decade:

1996 Topps Chrome Refractor #1 Ken Griffey Jr. – Widely considered the “Mona Lisa” of baseball cards due to its breathtaking refractors, this Griffey Jr. rookie launched the insert set craze of the late ‘90s. Pristine copies fetch $2,000+.

1998 Topps Chrome Refractor #1 Mark McGwire – One of the rarest McGwire cards due to its limited print run, demand exploded during the 1998 home run chase. Near-mint copies sell for $2,500.

1992 Stadium Club Derek Jeter #347 – Jeter’s rookie debuted in an underrated but high-end set. With a simpler, cleaner design than Topps, it remains a fan favorite over 25 years later. Good condition copies sell for $2,500-3,000.

1998 Ultra #1 Sammy Sosa – Capturing Sosa during his epic 64-home run season in crisp hologram style, this is one of the most iconic Ultra cards ever made. Near-mint copies trade hands for $2,500-3,000.

1998 Topps #150 Ken Griffey Jr. – Griffey’s outstanding 1998 campaign resulted in some of his most desirable cards, including this sharp action shot parallel released halfway through the season. Near-mint copies sell for around $2,800.

1992 Bowman’s Best Refractor #107 Chipper Jones – Considered one of Jones’ true rookie cards due to its earlier release date than Topps, this insert showcases his massive upside. Pristine copies worth $3,000+.

1991 Topps Traded Jeff Bagwell – Bagwell’s first card in a major MLB set, this is one of the more iconic and affordable rookie cards from the decade. Near-mint copies sell in the $3,000 range.

1992 Bowman Derek Jeter #158 – While not quite a true rookie due to later release date, Jeter’s first major card shows why he was such a can’t-miss prospect. Near-mint copies sell for $3,000-3,500.

1995 SP Authentic Gold Medallion #208 Pedro Martinez – Capturing Martinez during his dominant Montreal years before he took Boston by storm, this luxurious refractor sold packs on its beauty alone. Pristine copies worth $3,500.

1990 Bowman Ken Griffey Jr. #130 – Introducing “The Kid” in his first MLB season, this iconic card sparked the Griffey Jr. craze of the 1990s. Near-mint copies sell for around $3,500.

1996 Pacific Online Exclusives #48 Mike Piazza – One of the rarest Piazza cards due to its limited Pacific exclusive print run. Near mint copies exchange hands for $3,500+.

1993 Upper Deck SP #1 Jordan – Considered the pinnacle of all basketball cards, this infamous Michael Jordan refractor crashed the sports memorabilia world. Pristine RCs sell for upwards of $5,000.

1992 Bowman’s Best Derek Jeter #221 – Few cards better capture Jeter’s limitless potential as a prospect. Near-mint copies in this condition fetch $5,000.

1997 Topps Chrome Refractor #1 Nomar Garciaparra – Capturing Nomar during his breakout AL Rookie of the Year season, this remains one of the most iconic rookie refractors ever made. Near-mint copies sell for $5,000+.

1990 Topps Traded Griffey Jr. #T529 – Griffey’s first Topps card showcases why he would become a future Hall of Famer. Near-mint copies are worth $5,000-6,000.

1997 Bowman’s Best Refractor #66 Nomar Garciaparra – Highly acclaimed as the top non-base set Nomar card of the decade. Pristine copies sell for over $6,000.

1999 SP Authentic Gold Label #54 Chipper Jones – Jones delivers in this regal parallel focused on his pure hitting ability. Near-mint copies sell between $6,000-8,000.

1998 SPx Authentic #71 Sammy Sosa – Capturing Sosa during his massive home run chase in a premium refracting parallel. Near-mint copies worth $6,000-8,000.

1995 Pinnacle #211 Pedro Martinez – One of Martinez’s most iconic Montreal Expos cards before he became a Red Sox ace. Near mint copies sell for $6,500-8,000.

1991 Stadium Club #155 Chipper Jones – Highly regarded as Jones’ truest rookie due to an earlier issue date than Topps. Extremely tough to find in pristine condition, recent NM sales hit $8,000.

1995 Score #1 Mike Piazza – Introducing Piazza during his massive power breakthrough campaign with the Dodgers. Near-mint copies sell for $8,000-10,000.

1998 Topps Gold Label Memorabilia #138 Mark McGwire – One of the premier McGwire high-end parallels featuring a swatch of his jersey. Near-mint copies worth $8,000-12,000.

1994 SP #216 Pedro Martinez – Capturing Martinez during his breakout 1994 NL Rookie of the Year season for Montreal. Near-mint copies sell between $8,000-12,000.

1998 Bowman’s Best Refractor #147 Sammy Sosa – Highly acclaimed as arguably Sosa’s finest card from his epic 1998 season. Extremely rare in pristine condition and worth over $10,000.

1998 SP Authentic Gold Label Memorabilia #65 Sammy Sosa – A true premium parallel featuring a jersey swatch plus Sosa’s powerful swing. Extremely rare pristine copies sell for $12,000+.

1991 Bowman #1 Ken Griffey Jr. – One of the earliest cards to capture the immense hype surrounding “The Kid.” Near-mint copies sell for $12,000-15,000 range.

1996 Leaf Limited Memorabilia #127 Mike Piazza – Considered one of the rarest Piazza cards with jersey swatch parallels less than 12 in existence. Worth over $15k for pristine specimens.

1991 Stadium Club #341 Cecil Fielder – Capturing Fielder during his 51 home run season for Detroit in one of the most iconic designs of the decade. Extremely tough to find pristine and worth $12,000-18,000.

1998 Stadium Club Chrome #58 Sammy Sosa – Widely regarded as Sosa’s best card from his epic 1998 season in a breathtaking Chrome parallel. Near-mint copies sell for $15,000-18,000.

1998 Ultimate Collection Memorabilia #20 Mark McGwire – A true 1/1 parallel featuring a jersey swatch and bat piece from McGwire’s record-setting 1998 season. Worth over $20k in pristine condition.

1997 Collector’s Choice Gold Signature #47 Ken Griffey Jr. – Capturing Griffey during his steady ascent towards the Hall of Fame in a luxurious parallel featuring his luxurious autograph. Near mint copies sell for $18,000-25,000.

1998 Finest Refractor #66 Sammy Sosa – A true Hollywood finish parallel encapsulating Sosa’s larger-than-life chase against McGwire. Near mint copies sell for $20,000-30,000.

1993 Upper Deck #1 Ken Griffey Jr. – Introduced “The Kid” to the national scene during a massive breakout season. Ranks amongst the highest grossing baseball cards ever. Extremely rare pristine copies sell for over $30,000.

1997 Fleer Flair Showcase #8 Ken Griffey Jr. – Widely regarded as one of Griffey’s finest parallels from the decade featuring intricate foil embossed lettering. Near mint copies sell north of $35,000.

1991 Upper Deck #1 Jimmy Key – While not a traditional “rookie,” this marks Key’s first card in the coveted Upper Deck set that revolutionized the industry. Pristine copies sell for $35,000-45,000.

1990 Score #1 Ken Griffey Jr. – Introducing the teenage superstar

98 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1998 Donruss baseball card set was released at the height of the baseball card boom of the 1990s. Produced by Donruss Playoff, which had acquired the Donruss brand in 1991, the 1998 set showcased players and teams from that Major League Baseball season. With collectors still enthused about the hobby and card companies pumping out new products, the 1998 Donruss set found an eager audience.

The base set featured 264 cards and had the standard assortment of rookie cards, stars, and team cards collectors had come to expect from Donruss. Rosters included both American and National League teams from that season. Notable rookies in the set included Pat Burrell, Mark Mulder, and Carlos Peña, who all made their MLB debuts in 1998. Veteran stars like Ken Griffey Jr., Cal Ripken Jr., Greg Maddux, and Barry Bonds highlighted the collection as well.

In addition to team and player cards, the 1998 Donruss set included several insert sets to add to the excitement. One popular subset was called “Diamond Kings” and featured foil embossed versions of star players on diamond-shaped cards. Other inserts included “Donruss Originals” recreating iconic cards from the original 1987 Donruss set and “Donruss Futures” focusing on top prospects. A “Diamond Anniversary” subset commemorated Donruss’ 10-year anniversary in the baseball card industry.

For collectors of star rookies and prospects, the 1998 Donruss set delivered with several young talents who went on to have excellent MLB careers. Dante Bichette Jr. and Lance Berkman were among the top prospects showcased. Bichette never panned out but Berkman became a six-time All-Star. Other notable rookies included Mark Prior, who won rookie of the year honors in 2002 for the Cubs before injuries derailed his career.

In terms of design and production quality, the 1998 Donruss set maintained the clean and straightforward look the company had established over the prior decade. On the front was a large color photo of each player against a white or team-colored border. Statistics and a short bio appeared on the back along with career highlights. The cards had a high gloss coating and were of generally thicker stock compared to some other brands at the time.

While the 1990s boom was starting to fade by 1998, Donruss Playoff still went all out with inserts, parallels, and premium card products to appeal to collectors. The “Diamond Kings” subset was also available in parallel versions on gold foil or with a special hologram effect. Premium “Diamond Cut” parallels featured intricate die-cuts in the shape of diamonds. Boxes often included autographed or memorabilia cards of star players.

The 1998 Donruss set also had several factory sets available at the time beyond the standard wax pack/hanger box retail release. A deluxe “Diamond Edition” box set contained all 264 base cards as well as the inserts and parallels in a fancy display case. For higher-end collectors, an autographed “Diamond Collection” box guaranteed an autograph card of a star player per box. These premium factory sets command higher prices today from vintage collectors.

In the secondary market for vintage cards nearly 25 years later, the 1998 Donruss set remains a popular and affordable vintage release for collectors. With stars of that era like Griffey, Bonds, and Maddux as well as promising young rookies, the set captures an exciting time in the sport. Base rookie cards for players like Mulder, Peña, and Prior can still be acquired in mint condition for under $10. Stars of the era command higher values in the $20-50 range. Insert parallel cards have increased the most, with “Diamond Kings” gold parallels of stars selling for $100-200 each.

For collectors just getting started in the vintage hobby or fans of late 90s/early 2000s baseball, the 1998 Donruss set provides exciting players, designs, and inserts from that era at reasonable prices. While the bubble of the 90s collector boom had burst, Donruss Playoff still went all out with this release. Today it stands as one of the most accessible vintage sets for collectors to acquire stars and prospects from an exciting time in baseball card history.

MOST EXPENSIVE 1997 BOWMAN BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1997 Bowman baseball card set showcased some of baseball’s brightest young stars and future Hall of Famers. While not the flashiest or most valuable set from the 1990s at the time of release, certain rookie cards from the 1997 Bowman set have exploded in value since and now command prices in the tens of thousands. Let’s take a look at some of the most expensive 1997 Bowman baseball cards on the market today according to recent sales and ask prices.

Coming in at the top of the list is the Mickey Mantle True Rookie card. This ultra-rare variation of the famous 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card was only distributed through the 1997 Bowman set and Bourbon Kings insert sets. The Mantle True Rookie features the same photo as the 1952 Topps issue but with revised text under the image calling it Mantle’s true rookie card. Only a handful are known to exist, making this one of the most coveted cards in the entire hobby. In March 2021, a PSA Gem Mint 10 example sold for an astounding $5.2 million through Heritage Auctions, setting records for the highest price ever paid for a trading card. Even well-centered PSA 8 and 9 copies trade hands for six figures.

The second priciest 1997 Bowman card is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Like Mantle before him, Griffey’s iconic smiling face made him one of the most popular players of the 1990s. His rookie is the definitive collector’s item chronicling the start of his legendary career. High-graded PSA/BGS 10 Griffey rookies have sold for as much as $410,000, with most beautifully preserved copies in the $100,000+ range. Even worn-looking PSA 6s can pull in over $10,000. The Griffey rookie is tremendously scarce in pristine condition due to the fragility of the original issue and massive print run which saw countless examples go through thousands of young hands in the card’s early years.

Coming in third is one of the biggest “what if” cards in the hobby – the Carlos Beltrán rookie. Had Beltrán not gone on to win a World Series in his later career or battled injuries, this card may have achieved stratospheric prices on hype alone as one of the best young players of his generation. However, Beltrán did fulfill his potential and then some while twice signing the largest contracts in baseball history. As a result, his 1997 Bowman RC is still a considerable seven-figure gem in the hands of savvy collectors. A PSA 10 recently sold for a staggering $245,600. Even lower graded copies in PSA 8 or 9 easily command five-figures.

The chipper 1997 Bowman rookies of Nomar Garciaparra and Derek Jeter round out the top 5 most valuable cards from the set. Garciaparra burst onto the scene as a batting champion and one of the best hitting shortstops ever. His rookies have maintained strong demand due to his outstanding career cut short by injuries. A PSA 10 sold for $187,936 in January 2022. Meanwhile the baby-faced Jeter rookie captures the beginnings of a career that destined him for Cooperstown as the Yankees shortstop and captain. BGS/PSA 10 Jeter rookies now sell north of $100,000 with most examples well into five figures even in lower grades.

Other notables from the 1997 Bowman set crossing the $10,000 threshold include Scott Rolen, Andruw Jones, and Francisco Rodríguez rookie cards in topcondition. For the hall of famers in the set, there is also high demand for rookie cards of Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, and Mike Piazza though prices are lower than the star rookie cards mentioned above.

While not initially one of the iconic rookie sets of the 1990s, time has shown the 1997 Bowman baseball card release houses some true investment-grade gems chronicling the beginnings of future stars’ brilliant MLB tenures. Cards like the Mantle True Rookie, Griffey, Beltrán, and Jeter rookies have achieved 7-figure valuations for good reason as must-have pieces of cardboard collectibles representing the who’s who of the sport during that era. For savvy collectors, certain 1997 Bowman cards may still hold promise as long-term stores of value if carefully selected and preserved.

ED-U-CARDS BASEBALL CARD GAME 1957

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In 1957, Milton Bradley Company released a unique baseball card game called ed-u-cards. The game was designed to not only entertain children with baseball cards but also educate them on various baseball statistics and facts. What made ed-u-cards stand out from traditional baseball card collecting was its educational elements and competitive gameplay.

Each ed-u-cards set contained over 150 traditional sized baseball cards featuring photos of players from the American and National Leagues along with their career stats and accomplishments. Unlike typical baseball cards of the time that were mainly collected, ed-u-cards included question cards to test the knowledge of the players. These question cards covered various baseball trivia related to stats, records, positions, rules, and more.

The gameplay of ed-u-cards involved two or more players taking turns drawing question cards. Whoever drew the card would then have to answer the question by referring to the player cards. If answered correctly, the player would keep the question card as a point. But if answered incorrectly, the card would be passed to the next player for a chance to answer. The first player to collect a certain number of question cards would be declared the winner.

Some sample question cards from 1957 ed-u-cards sets included:

Who holds the single season record for home runs?

What is the position of the player who throws to bases to put runners out?

How many outs are there in an inning?

Name three National League teams.

What is the term for the area where the pitcher stands on the mound?

By combining traditional baseball cards that young fans enjoyed collecting with a quiz element, ed-u-cards created an engaging way for children to not only have fun but also learn about America’s pastime. The gameplay encouraged critical thinking skills as players had to quickly search through the player cards for answers. It also exposed kids to basic baseball terminology and important statistical records in major league history.

The 1957 ed-u-cards set featured over 150 player cards of stars from the 1956 MLB season like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, Sandy Koufax and more. Along with photos and stats, many cards also included fun facts about the players. For example, Hank Aaron’s card noted he was the youngest player in the National League that year at age 23. Sandy Koufax’s card mentioned he threw a no-hitter as a rookie.

In addition to American and National League player cards, the 1957 ed-u-cards included “Career Record” cards highlighting top career stats. There were also “All-Time Record” cards detailing hallowed MLB benchmarks. For instance, one card listed Babe Ruth’s single season record of 60 home runs. Another provided Ty Cobb’s career batting average of .366. These special cards helped teach young fans about baseball’s rich history and iconic records.

The educational elements and competitive gameplay made ed-u-cards very popular among children in the late 1950s. It satisfied their interest in collecting traditional baseball cards while also improving their knowledge of the national pastime. For Milton Bradley, the unique combination of entertainment and education proved to be a very lucrative formula. They continued producing new ed-u-cards sets annually featuring the latest MLB stars and updated stats.

As the 1960s arrived, the traditional baseball card craze among kids was in full swing with no-frills sets from Topps dominating the marketplace. While ed-u-cards remained popular for several years due to its educational aspects, it struggled to compete with the allure of plain baseball cards that could simply be collected and traded. By the mid-1960s, Milton Bradley decided to discontinue producing their ed-u-cards line to focus on other game properties. But for a period in the late 1950s, ed-u-cards brilliantly blended baseball cards with learning to spark children’s interest in America’s favorite pastime. Its innovative formula made it one of the most memorable baseball card releases from that era.

1991 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE LIST

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The 1991 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the more valuable modern issues from the late 1980s and early 1990s. It was the 70th year Topps produced baseball cards and featured all teams from both leagues. The design featured a photo of the player in the foreground with their team logo and colors patterned behind them.

Perhaps the most valuable card from the 1991 Topps set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Considered one of the best player cards of the modern era, Griffey’s rookie is among the most iconic and recognizable in the hobby. In pristine mint condition, Griffey Jr.’s rookie will fetch north of $10,000. Even well-worn, played examples can still garner $150-300 depending on the state of the card.

Another hugely valuable rookie is Fernando Valenzuela’s card. The Dodger lefty exploded onto the scene in 1981 winning the NL Rookie of the Year and Cy Young awards. His 1991 Topps featured stats from 1990 when he was still an effective starter. Mint condition examples often sell for $1,000 while more common well-worn copies can bring $75-150.

Other significant cards that often crack the $500 price point include Nolan Ryan’s record-breaking baseball cards. One depicts him setting the all-time strikeout record while another shows him reaching the 5,000 career strikeout plateau. Chipper Jones’ rookie card has also ascended in value due to his Hall of Fame career and the success of the Braves in the 1990s.

Moving into the $200-400 range, collectors will find the rookie cards of Jeff Bagwell, Frank Thomas, and Moises Alou. These three sluggers went on to have outstanding MLB careers and their rookie cards remain hot commodities. The rookie of Juan González also falls in this zone. “The Unit” won back-to-back AL MVP awards in 1996-97 and remains a star of the early 90s.

High-number cards, those with serial numbers 500-700 often feature significant players early in their careers. Two examples would be the Robin Ventura card #642 showing his 1992 20-home run season or the Pat Hentgen #657 depicting him during a breakout year for the Blue Jays. Both consistently sell for $150-250 in top-graded status.

All-Star and award winner cards typically hold value as well. Roberto Alomar’s Gold Glove Award-winning card from 1990 will fetch $75-150. The same price range applies to the Ken Griffey Sr. All-Star card where he’s pictured tipping his cap. Both Griffeys commemorate their 1990 season together on the Mariners. Additionally, Dean Palmer’s rookie card, numbering #479, has grown in demand as one of the scarcer early issues for the slugging third baseman.

Heading under $100, one will encounter cards of burgeoning stars and franchise cornerstones like Bernie Williams, Edgar Martinez, Frank Thomas, and Terry Pendleton. Hall of Famer Craig Biggio’s rookie resides in the $40-75 range while fellow Cooperstown inductee Randy Johnson has a handful of cards between $30-50 highlighting his early dominance as a fireballing lefty for the Mariners.

Depth cards of consistent all-stars and franchise stalwarts make up the bulk of the set. Names like Jeff Reardon, Bret Saberhagen, Ruben Sierra, and Denny Neagle fill out the checklist. Most of these mid-range veterans will trade hands for $10-30 depending on condition and player recognition.

Rookies of future impact players like Trevor Hoffman, Luis Gonzalez, and David Wells make for solid long-term investments at $5-15 a card. Even backups, role players and short-timers have their place for team and collector subsets. A decade after retirement, the 1991 Topps set remains an affordable way to engage with the talented stars of the early 1990s. For the committed collector, discovery of overlooked gems can still be unearthed from the racks.

While the 1991 Topps issue doesn’t contain the game’s all-time elite talent at their absolute pitching primes, it succeeds as a comprehensive snapshot capturing a transitional period. Markets blossomed abroad while young phenoms like Griffey and Bagwell took the mantle. For those hunting memorable moments frozen in cardboard, the ’91 checklist delivers bountiful baseball at reasonable costs. Three decades later its enduring legacy endures through unforgettable rookie debuts and milestone achievements.

BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY MARK MCGWIRE

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Baseball cards have been a beloved hobby for over a century, with collectors seeking out rare and valuable cards that can fetch huge sums at auction. One of the modern players whose rookie cards have skyrocketed in value is Mark McGwire, largely due to his record-breaking home run chase with Sammy Sosa in 1998 that captivated the nation.

McGwire debuted as an Oakland A’s rookie in 1987. His rookie card from that year’s Topps set had been relatively inexpensive for years, settling in the $10-20 range in the late 1980s and 1990s. Once McGwire started mashing home runs in the late 90s, collectors began snatching up his rookie card in anticipation of its rising value. By 1998, as McGwire and Sosa dueled for Roger Maris’ single season home run record, McGwire’s ’87 rookie was selling for $50-100.

When Big Mac finally broke the record on September 8, 1998 by hitting #62, the sports world stopped to celebrate. His iconic home run trot where he pointed to the sky as he rounded the bases is still replayed today. In the aftermath of the record-setting season, McGwire mania gripped the country. Anything related to the home run king suddenly became highly sought after by collectors. His 1987 Topps rookie card skyrocketed in value, selling in the $300-500 range throughout 1999 and 2000. The combination of a beloved player, an iconic record-breaking season, and the first major home run chase in decades all contributed to McGwire’s rookie becoming one of the most valuable cards from the late 80s.

Just a few years later McGwire’s reputation and the value of his cards would take a major hit. In 2005, he admitted to using steroids during his career, including in 1998. The admission was a bombshell that tainted the view of the home run record year. Suddenly one of the most cherished seasons in baseball history was viewed through a lens of performance enhancing drug use. While McGwire claimed he used steroids to stay healthy and not to enhance performance, the damage was done. His 1987 rookie card plummeted in value, settling in the $50-100 range in the late 2000s.

While the steroids scandal diminished McGwire’s legacy and the value of his cards at the time, collectors have begun to appreciate them once again in recent years. Some see the cards as an important part of baseball history from the steroid era, flaws and all. There is also a school of thought that McGwire’s home run chase with Sosa helped revive interest in baseball nationwide. Either way, demand and prices for McGwire’s rare rookie cards have been on the upswing. In the hot trading card market of 2021, a PSA 10 Gem Mint grade 1987 Topps McGwire rookie sold at auction for over $23,000. Even lower graded copies in NM-MT 8 condition have sold for $4,000-6,000.

The resurgence of interest in McGwire’s rookie is part of a broader trend. Many cards from the late 80s/early 90s “junk wax” era that were once nearly worthless have gained newfound value as a generation of children from that time have become adult collectors with disposable income. McGwire’s record-setting fame places his 1987 among the most desirable from that period. The recent boom in sports card investing has attracted many new collectors not concerned with the steroid era. They simply see the cards as an appreciating asset.

Whether you agree with McGwire’s actions or not, there is no denying the historical significance of his career. His rookie card captures the beginning of a career that would see him smash many home run records before the steroid admission. The card’s value rise and fall directly correlates to perceptions of McGwire and that era. But even after scandals, strong demand has returned and made his ’87 Topps one of the most valuable baseball cards from the late 80s pack era once again. For dedicated collectors, a high grade McGwire rookie in their collection has become a noteworthy trophy piece and sound investment over three decades after it was first pulled from a pack as a kid.

2022 TOPPS ARCHIVES BASEBALL CARDS HOBBY BOX

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The 2022 Topps Archives baseball card set is a highly anticipated release each year for collectors and fans of vintage-style cards. Topps Archives pays homage to some of the most iconic designs from Topps’ historic archives, recreating cards from the 1960s, 70s and 80s with modern players. The 2022 release continues this tradition, bringing back a classic design and feel that transports collectors back to the golden era of the cardboard.

Inside each 2022 Topps Archives hobby box are 30 packs with 5 cards per pack, for a total of 150 cards. The checklist includes a mix of current stars, prospects and veterans. Serial numbered parallels and autograph and relic cards can also be pulled to add to the excitement of ripping packs. With its retro designs and modern rosters, Archives is a unique blend that appeals to both vintage collectors and those who enjoy the modern game.

This year’s design is based on the 1972 Topps set, one of the most visually striking issues from the brand’s early days. The bold color scheme, with solid color borders and team logo panels, really pops on card stock. Players are shown in action shots surrounded by vibrant hues. Standouts like Hank Aaron, Nolan Ryan and Johnny Bench were featured in the ’72 set, and the modern Archives version brings that same nostalgic aesthetic to current superstars.

Inside each 2022 Topps Archives pack, collectors can find parallels like Gold Foil (#/50), Silver Foil (#/75), Rainbow Foil (#/25) and Black Foil (#/10). These parallel cards have foil textures on the borders and logos that shimmer under light. Serial numbered parallels add significant value and excitement to the base cards. Autograph and memorabilia cards can be pulled randomly in packs or boxes.

Topps Archives has become known for its premium autograph selection over the years. In 2022, some of the top stars who can be pulled as on-card autographs include Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr. and Ronald Acuña Jr. These are some of the biggest names in the game today and their autographs command high prices on the secondary market. Relic cards may contain pieces of jerseys, bats or other memorabilia from the players’ careers.

While the base cards are the main focus, collectors love the thrill of the chase for the hits. Each hobby box has decent odds of containing several serial numbered parallels and a good chance at an autograph or relic card as well. The value and excitement increase significantly with rare pulls. Of course, there is also the chance to pull a super short print parallel or rare memorabilia card that could be worth thousands.

The vintage designs and modern rosters make Topps Archives a unique intersection of nostalgia and the current game. For collectors who enjoy the aesthetic of the 1960s-80s card designs, it’s a fun way to build sets featuring today’s biggest stars. And for fans who follow MLB closely, Archives offers a retro-style collecting opportunity. Whether aiming to complete the base set or hunt for valuable autograph cards, the product delivers excitement in each pack.

As a licensed MLB product, Topps Archives also carries legitimacy that some other retro-style brands lack. Knowing the designs are official recreations of Topps issues from the past adds authenticity for many collectors. The quality control is also typically strong with well-cut cards and vivid printing that does justice to the classic templates. Each year seems to gain more popularity as the Archives brand has become synonymous with nostalgic baseball card collecting.

The 2022 Topps Archives release continues building on this momentum. With its 1972 design template, this year’s edition is sure to be a very popular set among the collecting community. Each hobby box offers a fun vintage rip experience with a solid chance at valuable serial numbered parallels and hits. And of course, there’s always the potential to land a true gem card worth far more than MSRP. Whether aiming to complete sets or hunt big hits, Topps Archives delivers for both nostalgia seekers and those who love the modern game.

1996 UPPER DECK BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE

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The 1996 Upper Deck baseball card series kicked off an exciting new era for the popular hobby. After acquiring the MLB license in 1989, Upper Deck had risen to become the premier brand in the industry thanks to innovative designs and higher quality materials compared to competitors like Topps and Fleer.

By 1996, Upper Deck was hitting its stride creatively and had solidified itself as the brand to collect. The 1996 set showcased current stars and future Hall of Famers, with rookie cards that would go on to become hugely valuable in subsequent years. With 525 total cards in the base set plus inserts and parallels, collectors had plenty to chase after.

Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key cards, memorabilia pieces, and parallels from the 1996 Upper Deck baseball set and discuss what prices they tend to fetch according to PSA’s annually-updated Baseball Card Price Guide. We’ll focus mainly on gem mint 10 graded cards, as those in top condition command the highest prices.

1996 UPPER DECK BASE SET – The base rookie cards and stars of the ’96 Upper Deck set continue to be strong sellers in the secondary market decades later. Hall of Famers like Ken Griffey Jr., Chipper Jones, Greg Maddux, and John Smoltz anchor the set. Griffey’s base rookie in a PSA 10 can fetch $600-800. Jones’ rookie around $300-400. Maddux and Smoltz in the $150-250 range. 1990s stars like Frank Thomas regularly sell for $100-150.

ROOKIE PARALLELS – Upper Deck introduced parallel cards in ’96 that became highly coveted by collectors. The prized parallels from the rookie class include Chipper Jones Stars (#150) at $600-800 PSA 10, Scott Rolen (#430) $300-500, and Todd Helton (#480) $200-300. Derek Jeter’s Alternate Finishes Red parallel (#160) sells for upwards of $1,000 in top condition due to his superstar status.

MEMORABILIA CARDS – Upper Deck revolutionized the memorabilia card category in the ’90s. The marquee ’96 insert is the Griffey Patchworks card, which features six game-used patches. A PSA 10 would break $5,000 at auction today. Other top memorabilia cards are the Monumental Moments bat cards, headlined by a Frank Thomas model that reaches $1,000-1500 graded gem mint.

ROOKIE DEBUT – This special 54-card insert set given unique serial numbers featured the first Topps/Upper Deck cards of future stars like Jeter, Javy López, and José Cruuuuuuuuuz. Jeter’s Rookie Debut in a PSA 10 currently stands around $3,000-4,000, while López and Cruz fetch $500-800 in top condition.

SP AUTHOGRAPH SERIES – Ultra-rare autograph parallels made debuts many star players’ first pro signed cards. A mint PSA 10 autograph of Derek Jeter’s SP Autograph card #40 would sell for north of $15,000 today. Other big names like Cal Ripken Jr. and Frank Thomas have $5,000+ valuations in pristine condition. Less heralded players may still sell for $500-1000 graded a perfect 10.

DIAMOND KINGS – Considered one of the cooler and more creative inserts of the era, Diamond Kings featured super-imposed headshots on illustrated diamond backgrounds. Hall of Famer Greg Maddux’s #DK9 card in a PSA 10 gem is around $400-600 today. Chipper Jones’ rookie Diamond King #DK18 fetches $200-300 in top shape.

COATED CARDS – As an experiment, Upper Deck gave select cards special “coated” treatments in varying colors. The prized parallel is Chipper Jones’ teal parallel which consistently breaks $1,000 at auction in pristine condition. Other stars like Jeter, Jones, and Ripken in various “coated” colors reach $300-500 value in a PSA 10.

While massive rarities from the 1996 Upper Deck set continue rising each year, a wide range of cards remain attainable investments for today’s collectors. From base rookie gems, to parallel pulls, to coveted inserts – there are collecting and investing opportunities across the entire ’96 checklist. Two decades later, it remains one of the most beloved flagship releases in the modern era of the hobby.

2017 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET VALUE

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The 2017 Topps Baseball Card set was the flagship baseball card release for the 2017 MLB season by Topps. As with every year, Topps released multiple parallel and insert sets in addition to the base set. Collecting a complete set of the 2017 Topps cards, including all the parallels and inserts, is no small feat. For the serious collector, owning a true complete set provides immense satisfaction and value.

The 2017 Topps base set included cards numbered 1-534 featuring all 30 MLB teams. Some of the top rookie cards included in the base set were Dansby Swanson, Andrew Benintendi, and Alex Bregman. The photographic quality and card stock were on par for what collectors have come to expect from modern Topps releases. While individual base cards hold little value, the true worth is in owning a fully completed set.

In addition to the base cards, Topps released several parallel and insert sets that added numerous chase cards that increased the overall set value. Some of the most notable parallel and insert sets included:

Topps Chrome (1-150): This popular refracted parallel featured a shiny chrome-like finish. The rarer serial numbered parallels added significant value.

Topps Heritage (1-99): Paying homage to the classic design of the original 1954 Topps set. The retro styling was popular with collectors.

Topps Opening Day (1-99): Highlighting each team’s starting lineup on Opening Day. A favorite for team collectors.

Topps Gallery of Heroes (1-50): Honoring baseball legends with regal artwork treatments. Highly sought after by collectors.

Topps Now (Unnumbered): Topps’ on-demand print-on-demand cards allowed them to produce cards for late-breaking events. Created excitement and collecting opportunities.

Topps Archives (1-50): Vintage-style cards recreating designs from the past in low print runs. Nostalgic and visually appealing.

Topps Allen & Ginter (Unnumbered): Including inserts featuring athletes from other sports, entertainers and more in the traditional A&G style. Wide appeal.

Topps Stickers (Unnumbered): Always a fun subset for collectors of all ages featuring peel-and-stick versions of stars.

When valuing a complete 2017 Topps Baseball set, several key factors must be considered:

Population report data shows only a small fraction of the estimated prints have been registered as completed sets on tracking sites. This rarity drives up demand.

The inclusion of so many highly sought after parallel and insert sets makes a true full set nearly impossible without deep pockets or years of trading.

The rise of online selling platforms like eBay have created a much more efficient marketplace for collectors to value their collections monetarily.

The current strong financial state and growing popularity of MLB and baseball card collecting in general has increased interest and prices across the board.

Based on recent sales data of completed 2017 Topps Baseball sets (including all reported parallels and inserts) on eBay, a reasonable estimated current market value would be:

PSA/BGS Graded Gem Mint Set – $4,000-$6,000
Raw/Ungraded Complete Set – $2,500-3,500
Incomplete Set (Missing Keys) – $1,000-2,000

While individual card values will fluctuate based on player performance and the ever-changing collector market, a complete 2017 Topps Baseball set offers collectors a stable, long-term hold that is a sound investment. For those with the dedication, patience and financial means to check off every single card on their want lists, the sense of accomplishment and store of value of a true complete set cannot be overstated.

Owning a 100% fully registered complete 2017 Topps Baseball Card set, including all reported inserts and parallels, provides collectors with a rare achievement worth $2,500-$6,000 based on today’s market. For serious set builders and investors, it serves as a prized cornerstone of any collection with strong long-term appreciation potential.

1989 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS THAT ARE WORTH MONEY

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The 1989 Topps baseball card set is one of the most popular vintage sets from the late 1980s that continues to hold value for serious collectors and investors. While it may lack the star power of some earlier decades, the ’89 Topps issue featured several young stars and key rookie cards that have increased drastically in value over the past 30+ years. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top 1989 Topps baseball cards that are worth segregating from your collection in order to potentially make a good profit.

Ken Griffey Jr. (card #126) – Widely considered one of the best player investments from the ’80s and ’90s, Griffey’s rookie card remains the undisputed heavyweight champion of the ’89 set in terms of value. Near mint copies in pristine condition have eclipsed $1000-$1500 in recent years. Even well-centered lightly played examples can fetch $500+ due to Griffey’s status as a true icon of the game. His rookie is arguably the greatest baseball card of the modern era and will likely continue its steady rise for years to come.

Barry Bonds (card #610) – Arguably the second most desirable rookie after Griffey, Bonds’ future Hall of Fame career has lifted his ’89 issue high above the rest. Near mint copies trade hands for $350-$500 regularly. It’s a true shame that PED controversies have tarnished Bonds’ legacy to some extent, as otherwise this card might be worth several grand by now given his immense on-field talents and records. Still, it remains a worthwhile investment piece.

Greg Maddux (card #200) – Maddux is one of the greatest pitchers who ever lived and his stellar rookie campaign is brilliantly captured in ’89 Topps form. His card has gained over 200% in value since 2016. Pristine near mint examples hit $150-200 today, with most well-centered copies in the $75-125 range. Maddux’s legend and four Cy Young Awards ensure this beauty stays relevant for years ahead.

Tom Glavine (card #356) – Another Hall of Fame hurler and 300-game winner, Glavine debuted with the Braves in ’87 but his true rookie card popped up in the ’89 set two years later. It’s priced just below the Maddux, with near mint copies commanding $100-150. Even heavily played versions can net $40-50 due to Glavine’s terrific success and longevity of 20 Big League seasons.

Barry Larkin (card #280) – Larkin’s distinguished career was highlighted by an MVP season in 1995, but his true rookie card belongs to Topps ’89. It’s gained over 100% since mid-2020. Pristine specimens reach $80 now, with most well-centered copies in the $40-60 range. Larkin was an elite defender and sparkplug for over 19 years – his RC will hold long-term appeal.

Dave Justice (card #219) – The former Atlanta Brave bopped 22 home runs in his second MLB campaign of ’89 to emerge as a rising star. As a result, his ’89 Topps issue has gained around 150% in 18 months. Near mint copies sell between $60-80 as Justice develops into a sought-after player card from the set. His power burst and two World Series rings keep interest strong.

Other notable ’89 Topps RCs worth owning for the future include Sandy Alomar Jr. (#193), Eric Davis (#193), and Dennis Martinez (#245 – the first Dominican-born 300-game winner). Prominent stars like Wade Boggs (#1), Ozzie Smith (#80), and Nolan Ryan (#179) are also steady blue-chip investments. And who could forget Bo Jackson’s iconic baseball/football dual threat depiction on card #574?

The 1989 Topps baseball card set still holds immense value for collectors due to strong rookie class headlined by soon-to-be all-time greats like Griffey and Bonds. Select high-grade copies of their RCs along with glittering careers of Maddux, Glavine, Larkin and others will surely retain and grow their worth for a long time to come. For investors, several keys from the set deserve a strong look for appreciation potential. Three decades later, ’89 Topps endures as one of the vintage issues where smart picking can yield high long-term returns.