1962 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PSA

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The 1962 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues in the hobby. It is highly sought after by collectors and seen as a transition year between the classic T206 era and the modern age of baseball cards that was just beginning. The 1962 set is also highly desirable for getting graded and encapsulated by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA). Here is an in-depth look at what collectors should know about 1962 Topps cards and the grading process through PSA.

1962 was Topps’ 5th year as the sole baseball card licensing holder after pulling ahead of their main competition, the Bowman Gum Company. The 1962 set contained 660 total cards and featured all current major and minor league players. Some of the rookie cards included in the set that would go on to have Hall of Fame careers were Tom Seaver, Don Drysdale, Willie Stargell, and Reggie Jackson. The iconic design featured a vertical format with the player’s photo on the left and stats/career highlights on the right. The cards had a glossy finish and were printed on thin cardboard stock.

As the first “modern” era set, the 1962 Topps are highly coveted by collectors both for investment potential raw or graded. In top PSA 10 gem mint condition, high-end Hall of Fame rookie and star cards can fetch thousands or even tens of thousands at auction. Simply put, a PSA 10 1962 Topps card in a popular graded holder is the holy grail for collectors of this classic set. Earning that coveted PSA 10 grade is no simple task.

When submitting cards to PSA for grading, the first step is to carefully inspect each card to ensure it qualifies. The 1962 Topps set had flaws even when newly packed that disqualify modern gem mint status. A single printing error, crease, or ding can knock a card out of the PSA 10 category. The thin cardboard stock also wears easily over decades. Senders must select only their sharpest, mostperfectly centered examples for Submission to have any chance at that perfect score.

Once received, PSA grading is a multi-step, meticulous process. Senior graders first thoroughly examine each card under bright lighting from the front and back for any defects. They check centering with precision measurement tools. The surface is closely analyzed for whitening, scratches, or other blemishes under high magnification. Only then does the grader assign a numerical grade based on their expert opinion and standards. For a 1962 Topps card, this means it truly needs to present like it just came fresh out of its original wax pack.

Each card receiving a PSA 10 grade must meet such strict condition requirements that employees rarely agree on an exact percentage but estimates are often 1% or less of all examples submitted achieve the top score. Even marginal flaws can knock a card down to a 9 or lower depending on severity. This scarcity and exacting standards make earning that special black PSA 10 holder tremendously difficult but highly desirable for collectors.

The 1962 Topps set is still widely collected today despite its age. The combination of classic design, transition era, and storied rookie cards resonates with hobbyists. Add in the pure challenge and prestige associated with earning the PSA 10 grade, and it’s easy to see why these cards continuing climbing in popularity and value long-term when encapsulated in the strictest third-party authentication available. For enthusiasts of the set and mid-century baseball memorabilia in general, having Top 1962 rookies and stars encased in the black 10 label is the ultimate display and investment piece.

The 1962 Topps baseball card set holds a special place in the history and development of the modern collecting hobby. While the thin cardboard and decades of aging make true gem mint examples exceedingly rare, earning a PSA 10 holder takes these classic cards to the highest echelon that much more difficult but rewarding. For discerning collectors, nothing signifies quality, condition, and value quite like seeing that perfect 10 grade from the industry leader PSA.

TOPPS MINI BASEBALL CARDS

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Topps mini baseball cards were a unique and collectible product line produced by Topps from 1987 through 1995. Standing at only around 1.5 inches tall and just under an inch wide, these pint-sized cardboard collectibles provided a fun entry point for younger collectors into the hobby while still appealing to adults nostalgic for the simplicity of cards from decades past.

At just over 1/3 the size of a standard baseball card, Topps mini cards packed the essence of their full-sized counterparts into a miniaturized format. Each card featured a color photo of a baseball player on the front along with their team, position, and statistics on the back. Topps mini cards depicted current major leaguers from 1987 through the 1990s, with each series typically focusing on that particular season’s rookie class and top players. Beyond featuring new content each year, Topps also produced mini card sets highlighting MLB all-stars, hall of famers, and popular old-time “Deadball Era” players of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Part of the charm and appeal of Topps mini cards stemmed from their nostalgic nod to the early 1910s and 1920s era when baseball cards were actually smaller in size. Topps mini cards measured in at around 33mm x 26mm, similar to the original size of many early tobacco era cards before the standard late 1950s dimensions of 63mm x 88mm were adopted industry-wide. The tiny size was eye-catching on store shelves and allowed for affordable and compact full team sets to be assembled. At only a $1-2 cost per pack of 10-12 mini cards, they were also affordable entertainment for kids with a limited allowance.

Beyond just their recognizable size and style akin to vintage sports cards, Topps mini baseball cards gained popularity due to their high quality reproductions and collector-friendly features. Unlike some other mini collectibles of the time period which used low quality dot matrix printing and lacked team logos/colors, Topps mini cards reproduced the full color photography and graphics seen on standard cards at a miniature scale. Each mini card stock was thick cardboard suitable for long-term storage and repeated handling without damage. Sets were also tightly quality controlled by Topps to avoid printing variations that could confuse collectors.

Organization and collecting of Topps mini baseball cards was part of their appeal. Full team and league mini card sets readily fit into penny sleeves, toploaders, or specially designed mini card books, binders, and albums without taking up excessive storage space. This allowed for neat and organized year-by-year team and player collections to be assembled. The smaller size was also ideal for carrying favorite players or team rosters in wallets, pockets, or school notebooks as an entry point to the hobby. The mini formats lent themselves well for displaying in coin/card albums, wall displays, or neatly arranged in team/year collector boxes.

While production of Topps mini baseball cards ended in the mid-1990s coinciding with waning hobby interest among young people, their uniquely nostalgic miniature format remains endeared to collectors today. Mini card sets from the late 80s and early 90s can still be found at affordable prices and are enjoying renewed interest from collectors appreciating their historically-inspired, simplified style. When possible, collector guides recommend sourcing complete factory-sealed sets over loose mini cards to maximize condition and completeness. The tiny size and compelling glimpse into vintage baseball card history makes Topps mini cards a fun niche collecting category still appreciated by fans new and old. Their miniature stature in no way diminishes the charm they delivered for legions of hobbyists during their heyday.

1975 MINI BASEBALL CARDS

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In 1975, Topps released their first ever mini baseball card set as part of their regular baseball card production that year. These mini cards were sized at approximately half the width and height of a standard baseball card from the time period. The mini cards featured the same player photos and basic stats information as the regular 1975 Topps baseball cards but shrunk down significantly to fit in the smaller format.

The 1975 mini baseball card set contained 330 cards and was released as a complete factory set in cardboard holder boxes. Like regular cards from the 1970s, the minis featured the 1970s classic Topps design with a team logo at the top, player photo and stats below, and advertising on the back. Everything was squeezed onto smaller cardstock to make the miniature size work.

At the time, Topps was experimenting with new card formats and sizes to capture more of the growing baseball card collector market. Penny packs of oddball sized cards had become popular and Topps wanted a share of that market as the baseball card behemoth. The 1975 minis were an attempt to create a more novelty-like product while still tying it to their core full-size set that year.

The 1975 mini card set was not issued as factory sets at first. Instead, the 330 cards were initially distributed randomly inserted in wax packs alongside the regular size 1975 cards. This created a scavenger hunt element for collectors trying to track down all the mini versions of the players. Although factory sets were later made available, the random pack insertion created early scarcity and demand for the minis.

Some key stars featured on 1975 mini cards include Hank Aaron, Carl Yastrzemski, Johnny Bench, Catfish Hunter, and Nolan Ryan. Rookies included future Hall of Famers Gary Carter and Eddie Murray. The checklist accurately captured all the major league teams and players from that season. The smaller size meant less room for stats and information compared to regular cards.

With a 1:7 pack odds ratio, the 1975 mini cards proved quite popular. Younger collectors enjoyed the novelty of the tiny cards while completionists were drawn to chase the 330 mini parallels like they did the standard set. Condition was much harder to maintain with the flimsier minis that fit 12-14 to a standard penny sleeve. PSA has still graded tens of thousands of the surviving 1975 minis over the decades.

The oversized manager and league leader cards from 1975 were not issued in mini form. Annual league leaders like Rod Carew and Reggie Jackson were represented on the proper sized cards only. This maintained some separation between the miniature set and the true Topps flagship product that year. No true variations or error cards have been reported among the 330 minis, either.

The 1975 Topps mini cards enjoyed a multi-year run as a fan favorite insert set in the hobby. Their small size made them portable and easy to carry in quantity, appealing to young collectors on the go. This helped drive demand even after the basic set was easily obtainable. The mini cards were not produced every subsequent year by Topps like the regular cards but returned intermittently through the 1970s and early 1980s in wax packs.

In the decades since, the 1975 Topps mini baseball card set has developed a cult following of its own. That early foray into miniature cards retained nostalgic appeal for those who collected them as kids. The complete 330 card factory sets still fetch over $100 in mid-grade today. But finding individual stars or rookie cards in top condition can cost a collector many multiples of that price. After nearly 50 years, the 1975 minis remain a unique bridge between the early 1970s baseball card boom and the specialty insert era that followed.

BASEBALL CARDS IN A CAN

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Baseball cards have been collected by fans for over 130 years, starting with the very first series of cigarette cards produced in the late 1880s. While the traditional cardboard baseball cards are still prized by collectors today, one innovative packaging idea from the early 1950s brought baseball cards to a whole new generation – cards sealed inside of metal cans.

Known as “baseball cards in a can,” these novel products first emerged on the collectibles scene in 1951 when Leaf Gum and Bubble Gum Company began inserting packs of 5 cards inside small, round metal containers that were then sealed shut. The concept was ingenious – kids could shake the can like a maraca, guessing which players’ cards might be inside, without being able to see them. This created an air of mystery and surprise that heightened the excitement of the purchase.

Inside each can, Leaf included 5 standard size cardboard baseball cards along with a stick of gum. The cans themselves were made of tin and measured about 3 inches tall with a diameter of 1.5 inches. They featured colorful graphics showing baseball players and stadium scenes. Each can had a paper label wrapped around the outside that advertised the brand and contents.

Leaf’s baseball card in a can sets were an immediate success. They cleverly combined the allure of the new format with appealing vintage and modern baseball stars from teams like the Yankees, Dodgers, Giants and more. Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Roy Campanella – any kid of the 1950s would have loved to pull these heroes from inside the mystifying metal containers.

The protected packaging also helped preserve the fragile cardboard cards much better than loose packs. This ensured kids received cards in mint condition, ready for their collections or trades. The novelty of the baseball cards in a can also made them a hot gift item – perfect for birthdays, holidays or ballgames. Production continued steadily through the mid-1950s as demand remained strong.

While Leaf held the initial patent on the baseball cards in a can concept, other gum and candy manufacturers soon followed suit with their own similar products. In 1954, Topps, the dominant baseball card maker, entered the canned cards arena. Their Dubble Bubble Gum brand issued sets inside thin metal containers that resembled small soup cans. Like Leaf, Topps featured the biggest names in baseball and included a stick of bubble gum.

The protective packaging helped ensure kids received their cards in pristine condition, ready for their collections or trades. The novelty of the baseball cards in a can also made them a hot gift item, perfect for birthdays, holidays or baseball games. Production continued steadily through the mid-1950s as demand remained strong.

The baseball cards in a can craze was relatively short-lived. By the late 1950s, collectors’ preferences began shifting back toward traditional cardboard packs again. The metal containers added unnecessary cost and bulk compared to lightweight paper packs. They also didn’t display or stack as neatly on the shelves. Nevertheless, those original canned card issues from the early 1950s remain some of the most iconic collectibles for fans and historians of the vintage baseball card era.

Today, over 60 years later, vintage baseball cards in a can sets in their original packaging are among the most sought-after items by serious collectors and investors. A sealed 1951 Leaf Gum set in excellent condition can fetch thousands of dollars. Even partial sets or single cards still inside dented or battered cans bring premium prices due to their scarcity and nostalgic appeal. The ephemeral yet innovative concept of surprise baseball cards sealed inside metal containers still captivates collectors with its novelty, mystery and protection of the cards within. Though short-lived as a mainstream product, baseball cards in a can remain an iconic symbol of the golden age of baseball memorabilia collecting in the 1950s.

BEST BASEBALL CARDS 1990

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The 1990 baseball card season featured some of the most iconic and valuable cards from the junk wax era. While many see the late 1980s and early 1990s as a low point for baseball cards due to overproduction, there were still some highly sought after rookie cards and stars of the era featured in the 1990 sets. The junk wax era may have flooded the market, but it also gave collectors their first chance to own rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Frank Thomas, Gregg Maddux, and Ken Griffey Jr.

One of the most prominent sets from 1990 was Donruss’s flagship product. The 1990 Donruss baseball card set featured a classic design with black borders and team logo designs. Some notable rookie cards included in the set were Frank Thomas’ rookie card, which has become one of the most valuable from the junk wax era. Despite the massive print run, Thomas’ dominance as one of the best hitters of the 1990s has kept his rookie in high demand. Other top rookies in the 1990 Donruss set were Kenny Lofton, Moises Alou, and David Justice. Star cards of Ken Griffey Jr., Nolan Ryan, and Ozzie Smith were also popular pulls from the packs. While resell values are lower than older issues, complete sets are still fun for collectors on a budget.

Another major 1990 release was the Score brand. Score was known for innovative parallel and insert sets within its larger base issues. The 1990 Score set had a clean white border design. Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Greg Maddux and Ken Griffey Jr. were the big draws, with Griffey’s being one of the most iconic cards of the era. The set is also known for short printed parallel cards like the “Diamond Kings” parallel which featured borderless photos on a diamond background. Complete 1990 Score sets can often be acquired for under $100 in graded condition.

Upper Deck broke into the baseball card market in 1989 and quickly became the premier brand of the junk wax era. Their 1990 offering built on the success of the previous year. The design featured team action photos with a blue colored trademark border. The biggest rookie cards were Frank Thomas and Sandy Alomar Jr. Chipper Jones also had his first card in the set as a minor leaguer. The 1990 Upper Deck Griffey Jr. is one of the most iconic modern baseball cards ever made due to its stunning photo and the start of Griffey mania. PSA 10 copies of this card routinely sell for over $1000.

In 1990, Fleer opted for a borderless design with a white background. The set is best known for Ken Griffey Jr.’s impressive rookie card, which rivals his Upper Deck issue for the best card of his early career. Other notable rookies included Derek Jeter, Jeff Bagwell, and Larry Walker. While Jeter and Bagwell went on to Hall of Fame careers, Walker fell just short. The 1990 Fleer Griffey rookie in PSA 10 condition can reach over $500. For Jeter collectors, it remains one of the more affordable ways to add a true rookie to a collection.

Leaf was a smaller brand that offered innovative parallel and insert sets within its releases. Their 1990 offering featured a classic black border design with team logos. Randy Johnson, Jeff Kent, and David Cone were among the star players featured. The set is best known for short printed parallel subsets like “Diamond Kings”, which have gained a strong cult following. While the base Leaf cards hold little value today, complete parallel subsets can attract serious bids from the brand’s niche collectors.

While production numbers were massive overall in the junk wax era, some 1990 issues stand out for their classic designs, rookie selection, and inclusion of some of the biggest stars of the 1990s. Sets from Donruss, Score, Upper Deck, and Fleer gave collectors their first chance at future Hall of Famers like Frank Thomas, Ken Griffey Jr., and Greg Maddux. While resell values on individual cards may not reach the heights of vintage issues, completing 1990 sets is still an affordable way to enjoy the hobby or start an investment collection. The era may have flooded the market, but for fans of the players and designs, these sets remain very collectible today.

SHIPPING BASEBALL CARDS SOLD ON EBAY

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Selling baseball cards on eBay is a popular way for collectors to buy and sell cards. Whether you have a large collection you want to liquidate individually or you’re looking to bolster your collection by buying singles, shipping cards properly is essential to ensuring they arrive safely in the hands of your buyer or you as the buyer receive the cards as described by the seller. With the right packaging and shipping method, you can give both yourself and your transaction partner peace of mind.

The most important aspect of shipping cards is using the proper protective packaging materials. Never send cards in a plain envelope even for a simple PWE (plain white envelope) shipment. Cards should always be enclosed in a semi-rigid sleeve or toploader to prevent bending or other damage. For larger shipments, additional layers of protection like cardboard and bubble wrap are necessary. Toploaders on their own do not provide enough structure and rigidity to protect cards during transit if more than a few are being shipped together.

When packaging cards for shipping, carefully slide each one into its own toploader for protection. For bulk shipments, you can group toploaded cards together in cardboard boxes or rigid photo storage sheets with layers of comics bags or paper between each layer for separation. Surround enclosed cards with at least an inch of bubble wrap or packing peanuts/air pillows on all sides before closing and sealing the shipping box. Proper packaging adds a layer of security for the cards so they don’t shift or rub against each other during the journey.

Opt for a sturdier box appropriate for the value and quantity of cards being shipped. Do not reuse flimsy retail shipping boxes which are not made to withstand transport. New corrugated cardboard boxes suit shipping needs well and are often free from a moving supply store or shipping center. Seal all boxes securely with clear packing tape around all seams to prevent curious fingers from opening during transit.

When it comes to shipping methods, the Postal Service offers affordable options that are generally the best choice for baseball cards due to insurance coverage and tracking capabilities included. For a simple PWE, First Class Mail envelope or package service suffices for 1-3 cards valued under $20 total with tracking. For riskier shipments without tracking or higher value cards, upgrade to a box shipped via Priority Mail which has $50-$100 of free insurance included depending on postage paid.

Packing slips are handy for both you and the buyer to have enclosed detailing the contents, value and your return addresses clearly written. Be sure to purchase shipping with delivery confirmation tracking numbers. Tracking not only lets the sender know when the package arrived but also provides proof of delivery in the event of any issues later on. Insuring shipments protects the card value up to the insured amount if the package is lost or damaged in transit.

When selling on eBay, be aware of the platform’s policies which specify card quantities and values able to ship via different methods. List shipping cost accurately based on your chosen carrier and package the cards professionally before dropping off at the Post Office. Communicate with buyers regarding the shipment process and include your tracking number once it’s on its way. Prompt shipping after payment clears and good customer service will help establish you as a reputable trading partner on eBay and create a positive buying or selling experience for everyone.

In today’s marketplace where many card deals are done remotely without inspecting goods in person, trust in shipping is crucial. Building that trust starts with packaging cards securely and chooses shipping options that safely transport the hobby items from one collector to another as described. Taking the time and initiative to pack cards correctly and communicate transparently engenders goodwill and reassures all transaction participants their cards and money are protected throughout transit.

1998 PACIFIC AURORA BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1998 Pacific Aurora baseball card set was highly anticipated upon its release in early 1998 due to the innovative designs and increased size of the cards compared to previous years. Measuring a generous 2 5/8 by 3 5/8 inches, the 1998 Pacific Aurora cards were significantly larger than the standard 2 1/2 by 3 1/2 size and allowed for more detailed photos and statistics to be included on each card.

Containing 330 total cards in the base set, the 1998 Pacific Aurora set featured all current major league players and managers as well as retired legends of the game. A unique aspect of the design was the inclusion of two smaller “stats” boxes on each card containing abbreviated stats from the previous and current seasons along with career highlights. This allowed for a lot of useful information to be squeezed onto the enlarged canvas without crowding or cluttering the front of the card.

Some of the biggest stars featured in the 1998 Pacific Aurora set included Ken Griffey Jr., Mark McGwire, Cal Ripken Jr., Tony Gwynn, Greg Maddux, and Chipper Jones. Highlights amongst the retired legends in the set were cards for Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Ted Williams, and Stan Musial. Rookies who debuted in 1997 like Nomar Garciaparra, Todd Helton, and Scott Rolen also had their first professional baseball cards in the 1998 Pacific Aurora set.

Beyond the base 330 card set, Pacific also issued parallels and inserts with several different variations. “Stars of the Game” parallels featured foil stamping and were limited to one per wax pack box. A “Hall of Famers” insert set showcased 25 legends of the sport in vivid color portraits. Serial numbered “Chase” refractors were very scarce pulls at one per every three cases of packs produced. Promotional “Hit Cards” were randomly inserted featuring current players that could be redeemed for autographed memorabilia.

The highlight rookie cards in the 1998 Pacific Aurora set were those of Patterson, Rolen, Helton, and Garciaparra – who all went on to have stellar MLB careers. Of those four, Garciaparra’s rookie card from 1998 Pacific Aurora is considered the most valuable today in top graded condition. After winning the AL Rookie of the Year award in 1997 and becoming a perennial All-Star, Nomar established himself as the top young shortstop in baseball – greatly increasing demand for his rookie card.

Graded gem mint (GM) 10 examples of Garciaparra’s 1998 Pacific Aurora rookie have sold at auction for over $2,000 apiece. Other key rookies like Rolen and Helton also perform well in high grades with Rolen’s card reaching the $500-800 range and Helton around $300-500 depending on subgrade. Most collectors are still able to acquire decent examples of these impact rookies for under $50-100 raw/ungraded. The Chase parallel rookies carry a sizable premium over the base cards due to their extreme rarity in the population.

Beyond the rookie chase, popular veteran star cards from 1998 Pacific Aurora that hold value today include Griffey, McGwire, Ripken, Gwynn, Maddux, and Bobby Bonds. Foil Star parallels for these players routinely sell for 3-5X the price of a common base card. Griffey and McGwire also benefited from the peak of the late 1990s home run hype, greatly sustaining collector interest in their cards from that era in the two decades since.

The 1998 Pacific Aurora baseball card set was a trendsetter in the late 1990s due to its larger card size and state-of-the-art design. Key rookie cards like Nomar Garciaparra’s continue to be highly valued by investors and enthusiasts alike. When found in pristine graded condition, these impact rookies can return many times the original cost of a pack of 1998 Pacific Aurora cards. Overall it was an innovative and memorable release that captured the excitement of the sport at that moment in time.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 1987 COMPLETE SET WORTH

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The 1987 Topps complete baseball card set is one of the more iconic and valuable complete sets from the vintage era of the 1980s. Packed with 660 total cards featuring all teams and players from the 1986 MLB season, the ’87 Topps set holds nostalgia and appeal for collectors even decades later. For those fortunate enough to have maintained a full ’87 Topps collection in mint condition, it can be a very worthwhile asset.

In the mid-1980s, Topps was still the dominant brand in the baseball card market as the exclusive license holder with MLB. Their sets from this period are some of the most chase and remembered. The ’87 Topps design had a classic illustration style with team logo borders and photos filling most of the card front. On the back was stats and basic career info. Gum was still included in wax packs along with the five cards.

For a complete ’87 Topps set in pristine near-mint to mint condition, a collector can reasonably expect to get $500-$800 today. This assumes all cards are carefully stored and preserved without creases, scratches or other flaws to dramatically hurt grade. Top graded gems could perhaps get up to $1,000-1,500 for the set. While not an enormous amount of money relatively, it’s a healthy return on investment for a complete vintage collection.

Certain factors influence the value, such as the general condition across the board. Even one or two heavily worn cards could negatively impact potential resale price. Also, the more popular the players included that year, generally the better. The ’87 Topps set has multiple stars and future Hall of Famers that add appeal like Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs and more.

Another positive is that the ’87 Topps design has maintained popularity over the decades. The simple yet iconic team logo borders remain a classic aesthetic that collectors still admire today. This nostalgia factor ensures ongoing demand even for older sets compared to newer issues. As long as the hobby remains robust, vintage like ’87 Topps will retain collectible status.

Highest individual card values from the ’87 Topps set are unsurprisingly the true superstar rookies and young players shining brightly that season. The flagship rookie card for the set is Hall of Famer Barry Bonds, which can fetch $75-150 in top condition. Another strong hitter rookie like Mark McGwire brings $30-60. Starting pitcher sensation Roger Clemens in a Red Sox uniform is $40-80.

Stars in their prime like Wade Boggs get $15-30. Even backups or role players on playoff teams like Mookie Wilson of the ’86 World Champion Mets can reach $10-20. The rest of the set cards stay around $1-5 generally. So while there may not be extreme high-end cards, the ’87 Topps set has proven to be very collectible as a whole package over many price guides and auctions.

Just to exemplify potential returns further, consider a documented 1992 Sports Collector’s Digest auction. A complete ’87 Topps baseball card set, graded by SCD as average with some flaws, sold then for $275. Adjusted for inflation to today’s dollars, that same average condition collection would be worth about $550 in 2022. So even if flaws lower the grade a bit, a full set still retains hundreds in value decades later as a vintage investment.

Of course, a pristine ’87 Topps specimen could net well over $1,000 as one of the more prized vintage sets from the 1980s. The combination of iconic design, mid-80s MLB stars and overall rarity of a complete run in top shape makes it a Blue Chip holding for any collection. For those who may inherit or rediscover an intact ’87 set from childhood, it’s well worth having professionally graded and marketed to serious vintage baseball card investors and collectors.

The 1987 Topps baseball card complete set maintains its place as one of the most historically significant and financially beneficial vintage collections for those lucky enough to own one fully preserved. While individual cards can occasionally achieve over $100 in rare cases, the strength is in retaining the full 660 card checklist which strengthens resale potential to $500-$800 minimum on today’s market. With sustained interest in nostalgic 1980s designs and players, the ’87 Topps complete set will remain a sound long term collectible investment prized by vintage enthusiasts.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS MEIJER

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Meijer Stores Offer Great Selection of Topps Baseball Cards

Meijer is a regional supermarket chain located primarily in the Midwest region of the United States. Shoppers will find Meijer stores in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and Kentucky. While known primarily for groceries and general merchandise, Meijer is also an excellent destination for collectors of sports cards, especially those looking for Topps baseball cards. Let’s take a closer look at what Meijer offers baseball card enthusiasts.

History of Topps Baseball Cards at Meijer

Meijer began carrying Topps baseball cards in stores starting in the 1990s. They quickly realized there was strong customer demand and baseball card collecting was a popular hobby, especially in the Midwest where Meijer is based. Topps baseball had been the dominant manufacturer since the 1950s so it made sense to focus on this brand which many collectors already knew and loved from their childhoods. Over the years, Meijer expanded their baseball card selection within the larger Trading Cards & Collectibles section located near the front of each store.

Today, Meijer commits significant retail space and ensures regular restocks of the latest Topps baseball releases. Shoppers will find an extensive selection including both vintage reprint sets from past decades along with the current year’s flagship products. Some of the Topps series typically stocked include Series 1, Series 2, Update Series, Stadium Club, Heritage, Allen & Ginter, and Topps Project 70. Around holiday periods, special gift sets are also made available.

Advantages of Shopping at Meijer for Baseball Cards

There are several advantages for collectors choosing Meijer as their baseball card source:

Competitive Pricing – Meijer matches or beats online marketplaces in terms of box, pack and blaster pricing on new releases. Their long-standing partnerships with Topps ensure fair pricing.

Wide Availability – As a major retailer, Meijer receives large shipments directly from Topps. Cards sell well and restocking is consistent, unlike some local shops. Inventory doesn’t disappear fast.

Immediate Gratification – Customers get the thrill of ripping packs immediately rather than waiting days for online orders. Meijer is also open late for last minute gift needs.

Full Selection – In addition to packs/boxes, Meijer sells complete sets, individual cards and supplies like toploaders all in one convenient location.

Reward Points – Those with a Meijer fuel saver card can earn Meijer Rewards on every baseball card purchase. These points add up for savings on future trips.

Accessibility – Meijer has stores situated throughout the Midwest within driving distance of many communities. Free parking makes shopping quick and hassle-free.

Community Support & Events

Meijer prides itself on supporting local baseball card clubs and collectors. Store employees keep clubs informed about new inventory drops and promotional events. Throughout the year, Meijer hosts card show evenings with guest signings by former players and autograph opportunities. Charity softball tournaments involving employees are another fun community engagement activity. Meijer gladly donates prizes for raffles and youth baseball programs as well. These efforts foster goodwill and further cement Meijer as the “hometown” destination for all things baseball cards.

In summary, Meijer supercenters have emerged as premier brick-and-mortar retailers for Topps baseball cards and the entire baseball card collecting community in the Midwest region. Shoppers have come to rely on Meijer for not only the latest products but also competitive pricing, community support and a fun shopping experience immersed in the nation’s pastime. Between their store presence and commitment to the hobby, Meijer ensures the tradition of collecting baseball cards stays alive for future generations.

1991 UPPER DECK BASEBALL CARDS ERRORS

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The 1991 Upper Deck baseball card set is one of the most iconic and well-known issues in the modern era of the hobby. It was the company’s third release and helped propel Upper Deck to becoming the sport’s premier card manufacturer. Like with any large scale production, the 1991 Upper Deck set had its share of errors that have been sought after by collectors for decades. Some of the more notable printing mistakes and variations from that year include:

Jose Uribe Chip Error – One of the more famous errors from the set is the card of infielder Jose Uribe, who played for the Chicago Cubs at the time. On his regular issue card, there is a small white chip missing from the white portion of the baseball near the bottom right side of the photo. This subtle anomaly has proven to be very popular with collectors hunting errors. Estimates indicate only a small percentage of Uribe cards contain this chip variation, making it quite scarce and valuable among error collectors.

Roberto Alomar Spelling Error – Second baseman Roberto Alomar had one of the standout rookie seasons in 1990 while playing for the San Diego Padres. On a small number of his 1991 Upper Deck rookie card, there is a mistake in the spelling of his first name. Instead of “Roberto,” the front of the card reads “Roberto.” This is viewed as one of the premier statistical errors from the entire set due to the high-profile nature of the player involved. Only a tiny portion of Alomar’s cards contain this spelling mistake.

Ken Griffey Jr. Brown Line – Perhaps the most significant statistical error from the 1991 Upper Deck set involves future Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. On some copies of his iconic rookie card, there is a thin brown line that runs vertically along the right side of the photo, separating a portion of Griffey Jr.’s image. It is believed this was likely caused by an ink smudge that occurred during the printing process. The brown line variation is extremely scarce and holds tremendous value due to the player’s popularity and stature.

Rickey Henderson Name Spacing – Hall of Fame outfielder Rickey Henderson had already put together legendary speed and base-running prowess by 1991 as a member of the Oakland A’s. On a small percentage of his Upper Deck issue cards, the spacing is off between the first and last names on the front. The last “d” of “Rickey” overlaps the start of “Henderson”, constituting a popular statistical error in the set that is particularly hard to visually catch.

Errors on Score Cards – Along with individual baseball player cards, the 1991 Upper Deck release also included “Score” brand cards within the set numbering. Two notable mistakes have been spotted amongst those in particular. On one version of the Score “All-Star MVPs” card, the position player shown is misidentified. Another uncorrected error appears on the “Manager of the Year” Score card where the text is typo’d.

Off-Center Cards – Miscuts and off-center issues were inevitable for such a large production like 1991 Upper Deck. While not true statistical errors, significantly off-center cards of big names like Barry Bonds, Cal Ripken Jr., and Nolan Ryan are very collectors. Some examples veer so extremely off that portions of the front photo are chopped off.

Back Printing Problems – In addition to fronts, anomalies have also shown up on the backs of 1991 Upper Deck cards. Griffey Jr., Bonds, and Roger Clemens are some players who have variations where segments of their career stats and summaries on the back are either partially missing or cutoff. Other cards had problems with ink smearing or rub-offs impacting text.

As one of the most popular releases ever, the 1991 Upper Deck set saw enormous hype and demand upon arrival. That type of pressure no doubt led to some quality control issues along the way. While imperfect, the errors have only enhanced collector interest over the long-term. For those hunting key statistical mistakes and variations from the year, items like the Uribe chip, Alomar name spelling, or Griffey Jr. brown line are truly one-of-a-kind within the world of sports cards. They represent unique physical properties that tell the story and add chapters to the rich history of the immortal 1991 Upper Deck baseballs cards set.