1993 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS SERIES 1 AND 2

Leave a reply

The 1993 Topps baseball card sets marked the 32nd year Topps had produced baseball cards. Similar to previous years, Series 1 was released in early spring while Series 2 was released later in the summer. Both sets featured special parallel subsets highlighting major milestones and events from the previous season.

1992 had been one of the most memorable years in baseball history, which provided Topps with no shortage of compelling subjects to feature. Barry Bonds slugged his way to MVP honors by hitting .311 with 34 home runs and 103 RBIs. Bonds’ emergence as one of the game’s premier stars was highlighted in Topps’ “1992 Highlights” parallel subset in both Series 1 and 2.

Another dominant force making headlines in 1992 was Dennis Eckersley. As the longtime Athletics closer, Eckersley enjoyed one of his finest seasons by converting 48 of 50 save opportunities with a minuscule 1.91 ERA. Topps paid tribute to Eck’s remarkable consistency by including him in the “1992 Leaders” subset in both series.

The Blue Jays also had a season for the ages, winning the World Series after compiling a stunning 95-67 regular season record. Standouts like Roberto Alomar, Dave Winfield, and Pat Borders were just some of the Toronto stars who received shiny silver parallel cards in 1993 Topps to commemorate their championship run.

Besides individual accomplishments, perhaps no other moment in 1992 was bigger than Barry Bonds homering off Dennis Eckersley in the NLCS to send the Pirates to the World Series. Topps aptly featured this dramatic pennant-clinching home run in a “1992 Postseason Highlights” die-cut parallel card available in both series.

Series 1 and 2 also paid tribute to career milestones with subsets highlighting players who achieved prestigious plateaus in 1992. The “3000 Hits Club” subset honored Rickey Henderson and Eddie Murray for joining the exclusive club. Meanwhile, the “300 Winners Club” recognized Dennis Martinez for notching his 300th career victory.

Aside from parallel subsets, the base card designs remained fairly traditional for Series 1 and 2. Most cards depicted the player in action poses, with occasional headshots mixed in. Vital stats, career highlights, andfun facts were incorporated on the back of each card. Rarest cards to find included error variations, missing signatures, off-center prints, and shiny silver parallel parallels pulled from regular packs.

The flagship rookies in 1993 Topps included future Hall of Famers like John Smoltz, Craig Biggio, and Mo Vaughn. Smoltz in particular had a dazzling debut season as he went 15-12 with a 2.94 ERA and 165 strikeouts for the Atlanta Braves. His impressive rookie card from Series 1 is among the most coveted from the entire set.

Series 2 was also loaded with noteworthy first-year pros like Frank Thomas, Jeff Bagwell, and David Wells. “The Big Hurt” Thomas looked like a budding superstar after hitting .317 with 43 doubles and 51 RBIs in only 113 games for the White Sox. Meanwhile, the productive rookie efforts of Bagwell and Wells made their Series 2 cards instant standouts.

When compiling the final checklist for Series 2, Topps opted to feature a memorable photo of Roberto Clemente from the 1972 All-Star Game as a touching tribute on the year marking the 10th anniversary of his tragic death. This poignant 1,000-count insert card served as a fitting way to honor Clemente’s enduring legacy within the game.

The 1993 Topps baseball card sets showcase a pivotal year in the sport with excellence on both the individual and team levels. Through parallel subsets, rookie selections, and special inserts, Topps captured all the drama and icons that made 1992 such an unforgettable season. For collectors and fans alike, Series 1 and 2 stand as a memorable keepsake from that historic campaign.

RARE 1987 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1987 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 1980s trading card boom. While it lacked the flashy multi-photo cards and inserts of some other sets from that era, the 1987 Donruss roster featured a whole host of young stars and future Hall of Famers in their ascent. Among the expansive 700+ card checklist are several uncommon and rare gems that continue to excite collectors decades later. Let’s take a closer look at some of the toughest cards to find in well-centered, high-grade condition from the 1987 Donruss baseball release.

One of the true crown jewels from the ’87 Donruss set is the Nolan Ryan rookie card #157. While it was Ryan’s 15th season in the big leagues, this was the first card issued of him during his tenure with the Houston Astros, making it a desirable rookie regardless of the definition. Only about 10 high-grade PSA/BGS 9 or 10 examples are known to exist, and one recently sold for over $30,000. Equally rare is the #310 Ivan Calderon rookie card, with the speedy outfielder having only played 3 MLB seasons. Finding a Calderon rookie in excess of a PSA 8 is extremely difficult.

Moving beyond rookies, several star players have incredibly scarce ’87 Donruss cards in pristine condition. The #83 Ozzie Smith “Wizard of Oz” is a tough pull at a PSA 9 or above, and one recently broke $10,000 at auction. Other ultra-tough hall of famers to find high include #89 Wade Boggs, #135 Dennis Eckersley, #138 Andre Dawson, and #155 Eddie Murray. Dawson’s iconic Expos photo and Murray’s classic Orioles uniform shot are must-owns for vintage collectors but will cost thousands to acquire top-graded examples. Rookie talent like #142 Tim Belcher, #206 Wally Joyner, and #286 Jon Garland also have very limited supplies in high-end archives.

Rarity is amplified for certain variations and parallel cards inserted at low ratios in ’87 Donruss packs. The elusive “Factory Set” parallel cards like #157 Nolan Ryan hold a special allure for completionists. Printed on silver foil stock and numbering under 100 copies each, these parallel rookies can reach five-figure prices.Similarly scarce are the white whiting parallel cards, featuring washed-out photos on a white backdrop. Finding key white whiting parallels of stars like #89 Boggs, #138 Dawson, or #210 Barry Bonds in top condition presents a true challenge.

Beyond the ultra-premium cards, there are also many undervalued mid-level hits still obtainable for vintage collectors. Rookie talents like #302 Mark McGwire, #472 Randy Johnson, and #578 Bobby Thigpen have decent supplies in PSA 8-9 but remain affordable for most enthusiast’s budgets compared to the highest-end keys. Solid regular base cards of stars like #33 Mike Scott, #50 Dale Murphy, #99 Rickey Henderson, and #163 Roger Clemens can usually be had in the $100-500 range when graded 8 or above.

For players who only had brief cups of coffee in the show, their 1987 Donruss cards attain mythic status among set builders striving for true completeness. Examples include #103 Mookie Wilson’s partial season with the Reds, #189 Steve Lake’s 16 games for the Padres, or the #590 Brian Holton rookie which was his only MLB action. In the ultra-high grades, examples sell for $1000’s due to their scarcity. But for those willing to land proven examples in the PSA 6-7 range, true oddball rookie gems can still be found in the $100-200 range.

The 1987 Donruss baseball card set endures as one of the crown jewels of the 1980s trading card boom. While the entire set presents a daunting challenge to complete in high grades, savvy collectors can still find affordable opportunities among solid examples of stars or obscure rookies. But for the true keys, examples of Ryan, Smith, Dawson, and other top names will command premium prices commensurate with their rarity over 30 years after initial production. The ’87 Donruss release is a set that continues captivating collectors with its history, photography, and tales of extraordinary scarcity amongst its most desirable issues.

DONRUSS 1991 BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

Leave a reply

The 1991 Donruss baseball card set is considered one of the classic and iconic issues from the late 1980s and early 1990s era. The set features 752 total cards including base cards, rookie cards, stars, and subsets. While not the most valuable set from the junk wax era that saw an overproduction of cards in the 1980s and early 90s, the 1991 Donruss cards still hold nostalgia and value for collectors today. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top rookies, stars, and other notables from the 1991 Donruss set and their potential monetary value.

One of the biggest rookie cards in the 1991 Donruss set is Cincinnati Reds shortstop Barry Larkin. Larkin would go on to have a Hall of Fame career that included an MVP award and multiple All-Star and Gold Glove selections. In top graded mint condition of PSA 10, Larkin’s rookie card has sold for over $1,000. In more common well-centered near mint to mint condition of PSA 8 or BGS 9, Larkin rookies commonly sell in the $50-150 range. Another star rookie is Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Joe Carter. Carter’s rookie is much more common but still holds value for Jays fans and collectors. Expect PSA 8 and 9 Carter rookies to sell for $10-30.

Two other notable rookies from 1991 Donruss are Atlanta Braves pitcher Tom Glavine and Cincinnati Reds pitcher Doug Drabek. Both went on to have strong careers and even win Cy Young awards. Glavine rookies in PSA 8-9 grade sell in the $30-80 range while Drabek rookies have similar $20-50 values depending on grade. Another Braves rookie to watch is catcher Javy Lopez who had a power-hitting career. Lopez rookies can be found for $5-15. Two rookie pitchers that never panned out but are still sought after are Brien Taylor of the New York Yankees and Todd Van Poppel of the Oakland A’s. Even in low grades, these rookies still attract $10-30 due to their hype and potential at the time.

In terms of star veterans, the 1991 Donruss set featured the likes of Nolan Ryan, Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Kirby Puckett, and Ozzie Smith among many others. All of these star cards have strong collector demand and hold value even in the overproduced early 90s. A PSA 10 Nolan Ryan would command $300-500 while a PSA 9 is $75-150. Clemens and Boggs PSA 9s sell in the $30-75 range. Puckett and Smith PSA 9s are $20-50. Other stars like Frank Thomas, Ken Griffey Jr., and Roberto Alomar had early career cards in 1991 Donruss that are valued in the $10-30 range depending on player, team, and grade.

In terms of subsets, the 1991 Donruss set featured Traded cards showing players on their new teams. These traded subsets included stars like Bobby Bonilla (Mets), Danny Tartabull (Yankees), and Bip Roberts (Reds). While common, these traded cards hold $3-10 values. Another fun subset was Donruss Futures which featured prospects like Derek Jeter, Jason Giambi, and Nomar Garciaparra. These futures cards are quite collectible and a PSA 9 Jeter would sell for $75-150 while the others are $20-50. The Diamond Kings parallel subset featured refractors of stars and have gained popularity. A PSA 9 Kirby Puckett Diamond King sold for $120.

While production numbers make individual 1991 Donruss cards very attainable and affordable, there is still nostalgia and collector demand that creates value – especially for the star rookies and veterans. Factors like player, team, grade, and parallels all impact pricing. The 1991 Donruss set remains a fun and iconic release from the junk wax era that any collector can enjoy finding cards and building sets from within reasonable budget. Top rookies like Larkin and stars like Ryan and Clemens lead the way value-wise but there are bargains to be found across the entire 752 card checklist if one is willing to hunt the bargain bins.

1991 LEAF BASEBALL CARDS SERIES 2

Leave a reply

The 1991 Leaf Baseball Card Series 2 was released by Leaf Brands Inc. in the summer of 1991 as the follow up to their original card set from earlier that year. The Series 2 release was part of Leaf’s aggressive expansion into the major sports card market that was growing rapidly in popularity during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Some key details and background about the 1991 Leaf Baseball Card Series 2:

The set contained 324 total cards and was packaged in wax packs with 3 cards per pack and 1 card per pack on average.

Design wise, the 1991 Leaf Series 2 cards featured predominantly player photos without any borders around the image. Statistics and biography info were printed directly on the photo.

Rosters in the set featured all 30 MLB teams from 1991 with a strong focus on starring players from that season. Rookies and young stars from 1990 were also included.

Notable rookies in the set included Doug Drabek (P, PIT), Chuck Knoblauch (2B, MIN), Kirk Rueter (P, MON), and Bobby Bonilla (OF, PIT) in his first Leaf card appearance.

High value veterans like Nolan Ryan, Kirby Puckett, Cal Ripken Jr., Wade Boggs and Ozzie Smith all had commons and premium cards in the Series 2 release.

Parallel insert sets within Series 2 included Gold Signature parallel cards /50, Diamond Kings parallels /100, and Diamond King Masterpieces parallel cards/10.

The Gold Signature parallel cards in particular hold significant collector value today due to the extremely low print runs of only 50 copies for each player. Examples have sold for thousands.

Checklists, managers/coaches, turn back the clock vintage reprints, and team logo/mascot cards rounded out the non-player content in the base Series 2 set.

Upon its initial release in 1991, the Leaf Series 2 base set received mixed reviews from the collector community. While the clean photo-centered design was praised, the lack of any logos, uniforms or bordering disappointed some. Checklist and manager cards also took slots that could have been used for additional players.

The bargain retail price of a wax rack (around $1-2) ensured the Leaf Series 2 had strong initial sales and distribution across hobby shops and general retailers. This helped Leaf continue its push to compete directly with industry leaders Topps and Donruss during baseball’s early 90s boom period.

Key factors that have led the 1991 Leaf Series 2 cards to hold collector appeal over the past 30 years include:

Iconic rookie cards of players who went on to stardom like Drabek, Knoblauch and Bonilla remain popular chase cards.

The lack of logos/borders on uniform photos gives the cards a raw, nostalgic feel that resonates with collectors.

Inclusion of future Hall of Famers and all-time greats like Ryan, Ripken, Puckett and Boggs in the base set provides mainstream appeal.

The extremely low print parallel inserts, especially Gold Signatures, give high-end collectors desirable chase cards within the set.

Nostalgia for the early 90s baseball card boom era keeps interest high in sets released during that time period like the 1991 Leaf Series 2.

On the modern secondary market, complete base sets in Near Mint to Mint condition typically sell in the $30-50 range. But certain key rookie cards and the Gold Signature insert parallel cards continue climbing in value on a yearly basis. The 1991 Leaf Series 2 is considered a successful early release by the brand that helped establish them as a serious competitor within the sports card industry. Its clean design and historical significance continue to attract collectors three decades after its original packaging.

Despite some initial criticisms, the 1991 Topps Stadium Club Baseball Series 2 has endured to become a noteworthy set from the early 1990s sports card boom. Led by its iconic rookie selections and parallels inserted at extremely low print runs, the set balances affordability and nostalgia in a way that ensures its legacy among collectors for years to come.

SCORE 1991 BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

Leave a reply

The 1991 baseball card season saw the introduction of exciting new rookie cards as well as the proliferation of insert sets that featured popular players. While most 1991 cards hold relatively modest value today, there are a select few that have grown tremendously valuable due to factors like the player’s performance, rarity, and interest from collectors. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most expensive 1991 baseball cards on the secondary market today.

Arguably the most iconic and valuable 1991 baseball card is the Ken Griffey Jr. Upper Deck rookie card. Widely considered one of the best rookie cards of all-time, Griffey lived up to the immense hype as “The Kid” and went on to have a Hall of Fame career. His smooth left-handed swing and elite defensive skills in center field made him a fan favorite. The Griffey rookie is one of the most recognizable and sought-after cards ever produced by Upper Deck. In top graded gem mint condition, examples have sold for over $100,000. Even well-centered RAW copies in excellent shape can fetch thousands.

Another legendary rookie from 1991 is the Chipper Jones Fleer card. As the #1 overall pick in the MLB draft by the Atlanta Braves that year, Jones went on to have a 19-year career solely with the Braves that will likely land him in Cooperstown. He was an 8-time All-Star and won the 1999 NL MVP award. High-grade versions of his shiny Fleer rookie have sold for over $10,000, with most RAW copies in great shape still selling for hundreds due to his iconic status on one of baseball’s most storied franchises.

1991 Upper Deck also featured the rookie cards of Eddie Murray, Randy Johnson, and Charles Johnson among others. While most copies are only worth a few dollars, the true gem mint PSA 10 graded variants have started to climb into the thousands due to their rarity and importance as the earliest cards capturing these future Hall of Famers. The Johnson in particular holds intrigue since “The Big Unit” dominated in the 1990s with his blazing fastball.

Among the valuable 1991 insert sets, the Ultra Franchise subset from Studio stands out. Featuring superstars like Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripken Jr., and Ozzie Smith, high-grade versions of these dramatic action pose cards in PSA 10 slabs have started trading hands in the $500-2000 range each depending on the player featured. Of note, the Cal Ripken Jr. Ultra Franchise has exceeded $3000 at auction given his ironman status and popularity.

Also coveted by collectors are inserts from the 1991 Stadium Club set. Considered some of the most visually stunning baseball cards ever produced, the black bordered design lent itself well tosubjects like All-Time Fan Favorites, Career Stats Leaders, and Career Milestone Moment reflections. Top graded examples have reached $500-1000 each for legends like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Brooks Robinson respectively due to their rarity combined with showcasing these players’ incredible careers and achievements.

Beyond the rookie and insert cards, several key veteran star cards from 1991 Topps, Donruss, and Score have achieved substantial increases in value as well. This includes stars entering their prime like Barry Bonds, whose dominance and home run records in the 1990s have his 1991 Topps traded in the $200-500 raw range depending on condition. Fellow stars like Rickey Henderson, Roger Clemens, and Wade Boggs from the late 1980s/early 1990s Golden Era hold values from $50-200 each raw. And perennial All-Stars like Roberto Alomar, Frank Thomas, and Gregg Maddux range from $20-100.

While most 1991 baseball cards have increased modestly in the ensuing 30 years, the top rookies, stars, and sought-after inserts from sets like Upper Deck, Studio, and Stadium Club have truly exploded in value. Cards featuring legendary players who went on to have Hall of Fame careers like Ken Griffey Jr., Cal Ripken Jr., Barry Bonds, and Randy Johnson headline the most expensive 1991s on the market today. For savvy sports card investors and aficionados, targeting high-grade examples of these elite pieces from the early 1990s player development boom can be a sound long-term collectible asset.

SWELL BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE

Leave a reply

Introduction
Swell Baseball Cards is a relatively new baseball card company that was founded in 2019 by two friends that saw an untapped market for higher-end baseball cards. While they have only been in business for a short time, Swell has quickly gained popularity with collectors due to their innovative card designs, limited print runs, and exclusive content. As with any collectible, understanding how to assess Swell card values is important. This guide will provide collectors with a comprehensive overview of Swell Baseball Cards and insights into how to determine the price of various Swell cards on the current market.

What are Swell Baseball Cards?
Swell Baseball Cards differentiates itself from other card companies in several key ways. First, Swell only features current Major League Baseball players. No retired players are included in Sets. This helps Swell cards feel modern and stay relevant compared to vintage offerings from Topps, Bowman, etc. that cover past eras of the game.

Additionally, Swell cards focus solely on the photography, stats and stories surrounding each player rather than unnecessary derivatives like autographs or memorabilia. The minimalist designs allow the high quality photos to shine. Each Swell card includes multiple high resolution images of the player as well as insightful bios that go beyond basic stats to reveal personality notes, influences, skills and more.

Perhaps most notably, Swell keeps print runs extremely limited, often numbering cards in the hundreds rather than thousands like most mainstream baseball cards. This scarcity has fueled strong demand and collector interest from the start. While accessibility has improved over the years, early Swell releases retain cache among investors.

Swell Price Guide Overview
Assessing Swell card values requires an understanding of the various factors that drive demand and rarity:

Year/Series – Early Swell releases from 2019-2020 will generally carry a premium over more recent 2021-2022 issues due to their status as pioneering products in the Swell lineup.

Parallel/Variation – In addition to the base cards, Swell often releases parallel or “hit” variations with different number/color schemes that are even more limited. These include gold foils, 1/1 artist proofs, and more. The rarest parallels command top dollar.

Player Prominence – Superstar players on premiere franchises like Mike Trout, Juan Soto or Vladimir Guerrero Jr. tend to attract greater interest which can make their base cards more expensive than comparable rookies or role players. Highly sought prospects see early hype premiums too.

On-card Autographs – Although autographs are not Swell’s focus, they do occasionally release on-card signed parallel cards which bring substantial authentication and increase in value. Numbered versions are the most in-demand.

Card Condition – As with any collectible, near-mint or mint condition cards in dynamic plastic sleeves will retain values best. Heavily played or damaged cards sell at steep discounts. Always carefully consider condition factors.

Using platforms like eBay to research recently sold Swell listings is the best way to understand appropriate price ranges for different levels of parallel/variations, players and condition grades. Below are some general value estimates to use as guidelines:

Base Rookie/Prospect Cards: $5-15
Base Stars/Veteran Cards: $10-25
Parallel/Hit Variations: $25-200+
Lower Numbered Parallels: $50-500+
Autograph Parallels: $100-1000+
1/1 Autograph Cards: $500+
Early Series/Rookie Year Cards: 20-100% Premium
Prominent Star Cards: 20-50% Premium

The Swell Baseball card market is still developing, so values can be volatile as new factors emerge. Staying knowledgeable about new releases and sales trends over time will help serious collectors accurately gauge the worth of their growing Swell collections. With attentive collection management focused on condition, strategic purchases of in-demand parallel cards represent a smart investment opportunity in this growing hobby niche.

Assessing Condition
Perhaps the most important aspect of determining a Swell card’s value lies in properly assessing its condition grade. Unlike with vintage cards where play wear adds character, near-mint modern collectibles tend to retain value best. Swell’s premium focus on photography makes even light surface scuffing or print defects particularly noticeable. Here are the key condition grades to be aware of when pricing Swell cards:

Mint (MT): Flawless card surface and sharp crisp corners. A true mint card will be worth substantially more than a lower graded copy.

Near Mint-Mint (NM-MT): Very minimal edge wear or other signs of handling. Photos remain crystal clear with no print lines or flaws visible.

Near Mint (NM): Light handling marks may be found around edges or corners. Photos still look pristine from a few inches away.

Excellent (EX): Noticeable wear signs along with possible minor scratches or dents that don’t break the surface. Photos remain intact.

Very Good (VG): More substantial wear and dulling present. Light surface marking may be starting to show in photos.

Good (G): Heavy play wear with edge nicks and dings evident. Photos showing light print lines or clouding.

Poor: Severely worn and damaged card not worth more than a few dollars at best depending on the player.

Always inspect Swell cards closely under bright light before purchasing to avoid overpaying for cards with hidden flaws. Top grades like NM-MT can increase values by 20-50% compared to merely NM or EX quality counterparts of the same parallel/player. Condition is true king in the world of Swell collecting.

The Future of Swell Prices
While still establishing themselves in the industry, Swell Baseball Cards have already made a major positive impression on collectors and investors alike. Their innovative minimalist designs focused solely on stunning photography has captured the imagination of serious hobbyists. With each new exciting player-centric release, demand grows higher and editions sell out faster.

As longtime fans gain collections and the company’s brand recognition spreads, expect core early Swell cards to remain strongly desirable for years to come. Prominent star rookies could see considerable appreciation over the long haul if those players live up to expectations on the field as well. The limited nature of Swell also means supplies will not replenish, ensuring scarcity contributes ongoing strength to secondary market pricing.

Swell Baseball Cards unquestionably shows the potential to develop cult cache akin to the most coveted vintage subsets of decades past. So for motivated collectors, adding prime Swell rookies and parallels to a portfolio represents a sound collectibles investment. Just be sure to carefully curate keeping condition concerns front of mind. By judiciously selecting desirable cards now, savvy investors can lock in pricing before Swell values truly start to take off.

TOPPS HERITAGE 2023 BASEBALL CARDS CHECKLIST

Leave a reply

The Topps Heritage brand has become a beloved staple for baseball card enthusiasts looking to get a blast of nostalgia from designs harkening back to the early years of the hobby. For 2023, Topps is continuing that tradition with another retro-inspired checklist packed with current stars and exciting rookies presented in a vintage aesthetic.

This year’s Heritage set will feature 285 base cards with designs mirroring 1955 and 1975 Topps issues. The checklist is led by cover athletes Juan Soto, Jose Ramirez, and Shane McClanahan. Also expected to be widely chased rookie cards include Bobby Witt Jr., Adley Rutschman, Spencer Strider, and Oneil Cruz. Top trade candidates will no doubt include stars like Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and franchise cornerstones Mike Trout and Albert Pujols.

Parallels will include the always popular ’52, ’57, and ’62 variations numbered to 52, 57 and 62 copies respectively. A rare 1/1 card from each box adds another layer of excitement for collectors. Retro style photo variations are back as well in blue and red. Topps also continues their Stadium Club parallels found in Heritage hobby boxes with designs matching 1972 and 1977 Topps designs.

Topps Heritage also sets itself apart with the inclusion of a Red parallel exclusive to Hobby Jumbo Boxes and Mini Boxes. These short print red parallels feature new 1953 designs on the backs and are serially numbered to 50 copies or less, making them highly coveted chase cards. Mini Boxes get an additional blue parallel with 1953-style backs numbered to just 5 copies to scratch that true 1-of-1 itch.

The base checklist spans the entire current MLB landscape with all 30 teams represented. Roster fluctuations mean the final accounting of exactly which players make the cut won’t be known until release day, but fans can expect core stars and breakout performers from this past season to dominate. International players are also featured throughout. Heritage is known to be a vehicle to highlight iconic old-time greats as well so legendary stars from MLB’s earlier eras can pop up too.

Insert sets in 2023 Heritage include the “Stars of the Game” showcase cards highlighting current top performers like Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and Ronald Acuña Jr. Another insert focusses on classic ballparks with images from Tiger Stadium, Forbes Field and more evoking memories of baseball past. Additional mini-parallels for the 52 and 57 card subsets also give collectors more limited edition chase cards paying tribute to vintage design styles.

Like all Topps flagship releases, special autographed and memorabilia inserts are scattered throughout packs and boxes as randomized hits. Rated Rookie Autos of Witt Jr., Rutschman and other top prospects are sure to excite. Authenticated patches and unusual game-used pieces also show the care Topps takes to include special one-of-a-kind cards. Serialized printing plates inserted at super shortprints epitomize the ultimate rare and coveted vintage-style collector’s items.

Packaging of 2023 Topps Heritage captures the nostalgic aesthetic fans expect, with a vintage-styled box under the classic Topps banner boldly declaring “BASEBALL CARDS.” Jumbo Boxes hold 24 packs while value Hobby Boxes come with 18 packs containing 11 cards each. Mini Boxes are smaller 7-pack configurations ideal for convenient sampling or chasing parallels. Loose packs, blasters and holiday tins rounded out the full product lineup.

Pricing remains accessible across the different formats, making Heritage an annually anticipated release where fans of any budget level can participate. The retro designs, focusing roster of stars and rookies, and parallel chase aspect give collectors multiple angles to pursue their hobby passions. For over 60 years Topps Heritage has celebrated baseball’s history while spotlighting its present, and 2023 looks to continue upholding that tradition with another fantastic fully-fledged flagship retro checklist.

PRICE OF 1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1987 Topps Baseball Card set is a highly sought after and valuable set by collectors and investors. With stars like Roberto Alomar, Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds, and Greg Maddux among the rookies featured, the ’87 Topps set contains some of the biggest names in baseball history in their early careers. Let’s take a deeper look at the individual card prices and trends for this iconic release.

The 1987 Topps set consists of 792 total cards issued in wax packs. The design features a color photo of each player with their team logo and stats on the front and career stats/accolades on the back. After being released over 30 years ago, these cardboard treasures have increased greatly in value for several key reasons. First, many of the players featured went on to have Hall of Fame careers, making their rookie cards extremely desirable. Secondly, the large set size ensured plenty of stars and prospects were included which increased collector interest over decades. And finally, the 1980s boom in baseball card collecting means far fewer ’87 Topps cards remain in pristine condition compared to modern sets.

At the top of the price chart towers the legendary Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of if not the most iconic rookie card of all-time, a PSA 10 Gem Mint Griffey Jr. recently brought in over $100,000 at auction. Other mint condition examples can fetch $50,000-$75,000 still. The next most valuable rookies are Barry Bonds ($5,000-10,000 PSA 10), Greg Maddux ($4,000-7,000 PSA 10), and Walt Weiss ($1,500-3,000 PSA 10).

Rookie cards are just the beginning when it comes to expensive ’87 Topps cards. The biggest star of the 1980s, Mike Schmidt, consistently brings top dollar as well with a PSA 10 topping $3,000. The charismatic Rickey Henderson routinely sells for $2,000-4,000 in top grade due to his base stealing prowess and personality. Two future Hall of Famers and noted sluggers, Mark McGwire and Frank Thomas, can each earn $1,500-2,500 in PSA 10. Powerhouses like Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, and Ozzie Smith round out cards valued around $1,000-2,000.

While stars command top dollar, there are quite a few noteworthy mid-range priced ’87 Topps cards as well. Future 300 game winner David Cone owns a $500-1,000 PSA 10 tag. Astros legend Jeff Bagwell and Expo/Jay Gary Carter settle in the $400-800 range. The power/speed combination of Will Clark attracts $300-600. And Mets World Series hero Keith Hernandez can pull $200-400. But some more budget friendly vintage cardboard still exists too. Rookie cards of Edgar Martinez, Dennis Eckersley, and Tim Raines can often be found graded for under $150.

Of course, condition is absolutely critical when determining the value of any vintage sports card. For the most iconic ’87 Topps rookie cards, a PSA 9 can mean the difference of thousands compared to a PSA 10 grade. And for affordable stars, a sharp PSA 8 may run just $20-50 while a well-worn PSA 5 could fall to $5-10. So patience and careful examination is advised when shopping the 1987 Topps baseball set.

In terms of long-term investment potential, the 1987 Topps baseball cards look very strong as well. With the steady retirements of players from the 1980s and increasing nostalgia, demand is unlikely to slow down anytime soon. And as the original generation of collectors ages, many valuable examples will be crossing over into the collectibles market potentially causing short-term price bumps. For serious long-term holdings, consider acquiring gem mint rookies of Hall of Famers like Bonds, Maddux, and Griffey Jr. Or high-grade autos/memorabilia cards of the same could prove brilliant investments over decades.

The 1987 Topps baseball set holds a hallowed place in the hearts of collectors and historians. Featuring legendary rookies and superstars of the past, it serves as a portal to revisit the magic of 1980s baseball. For those willing to spend top dollar, mint rookie cards of future Hall of Famers await. But the set also offers many satisfying affordable options too. The ’87 Topps cards constitute required holding for any serious vintage baseball card collection.

1991 UPPER DECK BASEBALL CARDS TO LOOK FOR

Leave a reply

The 1991 Upper Deck baseball card set was the third installment of what was becoming the hottest brand in the trading card industry. Following up on their success in 1989 and 1990, Upper Deck delivered another impressive 362 card base set along with inserts and parallel subsets that captured the attention of collectors both young and old. While there are no ultra-rare serial numbered cards like in ’89 or massive insert sets found in later years, the ’91 Upper Deck set contains many all-time great rookie cards and short printed cards that hold significant value to this day. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key cards collectors should be on the lookout for from the 1991 Upper Deck baseball card series.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#1): Widely considered one of, if not the most iconic rookie card of all-time, Griffey’s debut Upper Deck issue is the undisputed crown jewel of the ’91 set. Often featured on “Top 10 Rookie Card” lists, this card established Griffey as a superstar from day one and years of dominance only added to its investment grade appeal. PSA 10 examples recently sold for over $100,000, showing no signs of slowing down. Even well-kept raw copies trade hands for thousands.

Larry Walker Rookie Card (#169): The Canadian outfielder didn’t achieve mainstream household name status until later in his career, but ’91 Upper Deck gave Walker the finest rookie card of his collection. Though not nearly as coveted as Junior’s, Walker had a superb career that makes this an valuable card found in far fewer sets than Griffey’s. Lower population numbers increase its desirability for Expos and Rockies PC collectors.

Tom Glavine RC (#183): The Atlanta Braves lefty went on to have a Hall of Fame career and his rookie is one of the more iconic pitcher cards from the early ’90s Upper Deck runs. As a 20-game winner and two-time Cy Young Award winner, Glavine deliverd on the promise shown by this card. It remains quite collectible and recognizable by baseball fans of all generations.

Derek Jeter RC (#245): Seen by many as a symbol of the 1990s Yankee Dynasty, Jeter’s issued rookie from ’91 Upper Deck is iconic in its own right. As captain of five World Series championship teams, collecting legend status, and surefire Hall of Famer, this card established Jeter as a superstar from the very beginning. High grade versions command big bucks, usually trailing only Griffey Jr. as the set’s most covetable rookie.

Chipper Jones RC (#312): Another all-time great named who had his first cardboard appearance in ’91 Upper Deck was Hall of Fame third baseman Chipper Jones. As the longtime anchor of the Atlanta Braves lineup, his rookie remains one of the more recognizable and sought after from the set among serious Braves PC collectors looking to track the HOF career from the start.

Short Prints: With no serialized inserts, ’91 Upper Deck had several short printed base cards that create a fun chase. Most notable are (#21) Ken Caminiti, (#130) David Cone, (#242) Bobby Bonilla, and (#319) Jeff Bagwell. In top grades, especially for the Astros’ MVP, these can carry substantial premiums over basic copies due to their scarcity in sets.

Stars of the ’90s: The ’91 Upper Deck checklist captured some of the true icons of the decade to come like (#122) Frank Thomas, (#122) Juan Gonzalez, (#130) David Cone, (#147) John Smoltz, (#199) Jeff Bagwell, and (#245) Derek Jeter as rookies. All developed into some of the most dominant players at their positions for extended periods. Their cards hold significant nostalgia and collector value.

As you can see, 1991 Upper Deck is absolutely loaded with all-time great rookie cards, HOFers, and stars of the era. While it may lack some flashy extras compared to later sets, the rookie class and short prints alone give ’91 UD one of the strongest longterm investment profiles around. For collectors looking to build complete flagship sets from the early 1990s or track specific player collections, savvy buying and holding of stars from this set is almost certain to be rewarded down the road. Even after 30 years, 1991 Upper Deck remains one of the true heavyweight series in the modern era of the trading card boom.

LLOYD ALLEN BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Lloyd Allen was a pioneering African American player in the Negro Leagues during the early 20th century. Although overlooked for much of baseball history due to the color barrier that excluded black players from the major leagues, Allen had a fascinating career and left behind a collection of vintage baseball cards that help tell his story.

Allen was born in 1882 in Columbus, Ohio and began playing semi-pro baseball around the start of the 20th century. In 1910, he joined the renowned Chicago Leland Giants, one of the top professional black baseball clubs of the time that competed against other black teams from across the country. Allen played primarily as a catcher and first baseman for the Leland Giants through 1913, thriving as part of their star-studded lineup.

It was during his tenure with the Leland Giants that Allen first appeared on baseball cards. In 1911, Allen was featured in the Sweet Caporal cigarette baseball card set issued by the American Tobacco Company. This 88-card series highlighted both black and white players from multiple leagues of the era. Allen’s card shows him dressed in the Leland Giants uniform, marking one of the earliest known baseball cards focused on an African American ballplayer.

Allen’s 1911 Sweet Caporal card is remarkably rare today, with experts estimating perhaps only a couple dozen might still exist in collectible condition. Its scarcity is partly due to the fact that black baseball cards were often discarded or destroyed both during and after the segregation era due to their subjects’ race. However, Allen’s barrier-breaking inclusion in the set as the first prominent Negro Leagues star represented marked progress for the representation of Blackball.

In 1914, Allen began playing for the Chicago American Giants, widely considered the top black team of the period. He would remain with the American Giants through 1920, continuing to showcase his talent and leadership on the field while also further exposing black baseball to broader audiences. Allen was part of American Giants clubs that toured nationally and even played exhibition games against white semipro and minor league teams across the country. Such high-profile matchups helped gain respect for players like Allen and assert blackball’s legitimacy outside the insular Negro Leagues.

It was also during Allen’s years with the American Giants that he appeared in another coveted early baseball card release. In1915, Allen was featured in the Hassan Triple Fold tobacco card set alongside stars from several black clubs of the time like the Leland Giants and Kansas City Monarchs. Like his 1911 Sweet Caporal issue, Allen’s Hassan Triple Fold card today ranks as one of the most significant and scarce pieces of baseball memorabilia highlighting the Negro Leagues era. Its survival speaks not only to Allen’s importance as a trailblazing player but also as one of the first Blackball stars ever pictured for mass collecting.

After retiring from his playing career in 1920, Allen remained involved in Chicago’s black baseball scene for several more decades as a supervisor, coach and recruiter. He helped several future Negro League standouts like Ted “Double Duty” Radcliffe get their start. Even in his post-playing years, Allen continued advocating for equal treatment and respect of black ballplayers. His pioneering efforts on and off the field as the subject of some of the earliest Negro Leagues cards helped preserve an important part of history that might otherwise have been lost. Today, Allen’s rare 1911 and 1915 issues sell for tens of thousands of dollars when they surface and are highly valued by serious baseball memorabilia collectors.

In the decades since Jackie Robinson shattered the big league color barrier in 1947, researchers have worked to unearth lost details on figures like Lloyd Allen who were crucial members of the Negro Leagues in its heyday. Though overshadowed for much of the 20th century, Allen has rightfully earned new recognition as a trailblazer both as an elite player and in increasing exposure for black baseball at the time. His important featuring in two of the earliest example of baseball cards showcasing African Americans helps significantly to better represent those pioneers and understand the rich history they created.