HOW MUCH TO HAVE BASEBALL CARDS GRADED

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There are a few main professional grading services for baseball cards that people use to have their cards authenticated and assigned a numerical grade representing their condition – PSA, BGS (Beckett Grading Services), and SGC (Sportscard Guarantee Company). The costs to use each service can vary depending on the turnaround time and level of service chosen.

One of the largest and most popular grading companies is PSA. Their standard submission cost to grade a single baseball card is $15 per card. There are also various expedited submission options available for higher fees if you want your cards returned sooner. For example, their 10-day turnaround service is $40 per card and their 3-day rush service is $70 per card. They also offer economy bulk submission options starting at $12 per card if you are submitting 50 or more cards at once. In addition to the per card submission fee, PSA also charges shipping fees to send your cards to them and back once graded. Usually shipping and insurance is around $20-40 depending on the quantity and value of the cards submitted.

Another popular option is Beckett Grading Services, also known as BGS. Their basic submission cost is $15 per card for a 30-60 day standard turnaround. For a faster 10-day service it is $30 per card, and 3-5 day express grading is $40 per card. Like PSA, BGS charges additional shipping fees of usually $15-30 depending on the package contents. BGS also offers economical bulk submission discounts if grading 50 or more cards together, with rates starting at $10 per card.

The third main company, Sportscard Guarantee Company (SGC), tends to offer the most affordable grading costs. Their standard 30-day service is only $10 per card. The ultra-fast 5-day option is $20 per card. And for true rush submissions, their same-day “flash grading” service costs $40 per card but gets them back to you that same business day. Like the others, SGC charges separate shipping fees.

In addition to the different grading service fees, there are also several extra “value-added” services available for additional costs depending on your goals. For example, if you want a special autograph authentication done, that ranges from $15-25 extra per card usually. Getting a custom label or insert with your name or registry number added runs $5-10 extra as well. And getting special slabs for high-end vintage cards can be $20-50 more than basic plastic holders.

For cards expected to grade especially high like gem mint 9s or 10s, some experts recommend using PSA or BGS over SGC since those companies’ labels may carry slightly more prestige and value recognition among serious collectors. For most regular vintage or modern baseball cards, all three companies provide trusted and credible authentication and grading that is accepted marketplace. The cost difference is usually the biggest deciding factor for most hobbyists.

To conservatively budget for having your baseball card collection professionally graded, expect to pay:

$10-15 per card for standard 30-60 day turnaround grading fees

$15-40 per card for expedited 5-10 day return options

$15-30 extra for separate shipping costs each way

Potential $5-25 per card extra for value-added services

When submitting large bulk orders, look for economy package deals for savings versus paying individual card rates. And consider turnaround needs versus label distinction and trying to balance cost versus preferred grading service. With preparation and planning, getting a collection authenticated and assigned grades can add value while staying within budget.

WHAT IS A HOT BOX IN BASEBALL CARDS

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A true hot box in baseball cards is quite rare. For a box or pack to be considered a hot box, it generally needs to contain premium rookie cards, autographed cards, rare parallels, or numbered cards of legendary players. Most of the time, hot boxes occur by chance as there is no guarantee of hitting big cards even in the costliest boxes. On very rare occasions unscrupulous members of the printing and packaging plants that produce cards have been known to carefully curate packs or boxes to create guaranteed hot boxes. This is generally considered unacceptable by the trading card community.

For a retail pack bought off the shelf to qualify as a hot box, it would need to contain something incredibly valuable like a rare 1 of 1 printing plate autograph card. More commonly though, hot boxes occur in team sets, hobby boxes, or premium products where there is a larger assortment of cards per box. A box might be dubbed a hot box if it happened to include two or more exceedingly rare rookie cards of players who went on to the Hall of Fame, or multiple autographed cards from star players.

Some examples of box scores that would earn the designation of hot box include: A 2021 Topps Series 2 hobby box containing a Tom Brady printing plate card, a Joe Burrow rookie refractor, and a Mike Trout autograph. Or a 2013 Bowman Chrome hobby box with multiple prospects who panned out like a Manny Machado rookie auto, Kris Bryant superfractor and a Carlos Correa rainbow foil. Opening value packs worth $5-10 each and finding a 1985 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie would also classify as a scorching hot box.

In terms of monetary value, most hot boxes end up containing cards amounting to hundreds if not thousands of dollars more than the MSRP of the unopened box or pack. Truly legendary hot boxes could feature six or seven figure cards that spike the box value exponentially. Even a more modest box that hits a few key rookies and parallels totalling a few hundred dollars over retail would excite most collectors. Anytime the cards inside radically outpace the outside price, it allows for a great feeling of surprise and excitement for those fortunate enough to open such a box.

While hot boxes are always a thrilling surprise, the larger reality is they remain extremely uncommon events. Most boxes will contain decent but not high-end cards that add up to around the market price. But the chance, however slim, of lightning striking and creating a true treasure chest full of valuable cards keeps the excitement and allure of the card collecting hobby alive. Even veteran collectors who have opened thousands of packs over decades may only experience one notable hot box over their collecting lifetimes. So the legends and tall tales of unbelievable boxes keep collectors chasing that next hot box lottery ticket.

A hot box in the baseball card world refers to an unopened pack or box that happens to contain a hugely disproportionate value of rare and valuable cards inside. To qualify, the box would need to hit multiple premier rookies, autographs, parallels, or one of one cards vastly exceeding the typical expected returns. Though hot boxes occur mainly by fortuitous chance, the excitement of their possibility is part of what draws collectors to continue opening products year after year in search of their own lucky strike. Even with ultra rare odds, the dream of discovering a true treasure chest box lives on as an integral part of the collecting experience.

WHERE TO GET OLD BASEBALL CARDS APPRAISED

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One of the best places to get old baseball cards appraised is at a local card shop that specializes in trading cards. Local card shops will typically have experienced staff that have extensive knowledge about the values and conditions of vintage baseball cards going back decades. They likely deal with appraisals on a regular basis and can give you an expert assessment of your cards. When taking cards to a local shop, it’s a good idea to call ahead to make sure they have someone available who can take the time to properly appraise your collection. Be prepared to leave your cards with them for a day or two if they need more time to research values. Most reputable local card shops will provide either a free verbal appraisal or a small fee-based written appraisal that you can take with you.

If there aren’t any local card shops convenient for an in-person appraisal, you can contact reputable card grading companies to get an appraisal for a fee. Two of the largest and most respected third-party card grading services that also offer appraisal services are Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and Beckett Grading Services (BGS). Both have extensive online databases of sold card prices they can reference to determine estimated values based on similar graded cards. They can appraise individual cards or entire collections. PSA and BGS generally charge around $15-25 per card for their appraisal service, which provides you with a written letter detailing estimated values. Some key advantages of using a professional grading service is their appraisals will reflect current active market values and you can be confident in their expertise level. It does require sending your cards through the mail.

For particularly rare and valuable vintage baseball cards, especially those in top condition that could be worth thousands or even tens of thousands, you’ll want to consult with expert authenticators and auction specialists. Companies like Heritage Auctions and SCP Auctions employ staff third-party authenticators who can thoroughly inspect and authenticate cards. They also stay on top of results from their own auctions and industry sales to provide the most accurate assessment of estimated values. Auction houses will charge more for their specialist appraisal services, often a percentage of the appraised value, but it gives you a professional expert opinion you can rely on for very valuable cards. They may also be able to better inform you on whether sending a card to PSA or BGS for grading makes financial sense before a potential sale.

Another reputable option is to contact professional sports memorabilia and collectibles appraisers. There are individuals and companies that specialize specifically in appraising all types of historical sports cards, autographs, uniforms, and other related items. They’ll typically charge hourly fees for their time spent researching values and writing a formal, detailed appraisal letter you can use for insurance purposes. Some to consider are Joel Buchanan Appraisals, Barry Halper Collections, and James Spence Authentication. For truly exceptional pieces, an appraisal by a recognized expert in the field carries significant weight should you ever consider selling at auction down the line.

No matter who you use, it’s important to properly protect and insure valuable cards after getting an appraisal. Most reputable appraisers recommend placing appraised cards in acid-free holders or albums, and keeping them in a cool, dry place away from direct light which can accelerate aging. You’ll also want to have documentation of the appraisal should you need to file an insurance claim. With some research to find the right professional, getting old baseball cards appraised can give you a very accurate assessment of their current value and best options for preservation or sale.

WHAT 1993 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS ARE WORTH MONEY

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One of the most valuable and sought after rookie cards from the 1993 Fleer baseball set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was one of the most talented and exciting players of his generation. Even as a rookie in 1993, he was already proving himself as one of the game’s rising stars. His graceful left-handed swing and effortless play in center field captivated fans. The Griffey rookie from 1993 Fleer is one of the most iconic baseball cards ever produced. In top near mint to mint condition, ungraded examples have sold for over $400. Graded mint condition examples in PSA 10 or BGS 9.5+ slabs have reached upwards of $2,000 to $4,000 each. The Griffey rookie remains one of the best long term investments in the entire baseball card marketplace.

Another highly valuable rookie card from 1993 Fleer is the Derek Jeter rookie. As the shortstop for the dynastic New York Yankees teams of the late 1990s-2000s, Jeter became one of the most recognizable stars in all of sports. Like Griffey, Jeter had “it”- the rare combination of talent, good looks, clutch hitting, and championship pedigree that made him a fan favorite. His 1993 Fleer rookie card has risen steadily in value over the years. Ungraded near mint to mint copies today sell for $100-200 each. PSA/BGS graded gems in 9s and 10s have sold at auction for $500-1000 each. With Jeter now a first ballot Hall of Famer and Yankee icon, his rookie card remains one of the key vintage Yankees cards to own.

Additional star rookies from 1993 Fleer worth mentioning include Jeff Bagwell, Shawn Green, and Jim Thome. As one of the game’s most complete hitters of the 1990s-2000s, Bagwell was a perennial All-Star, MVP, and someday Hall of Famer. His rookie card remains one of the top pulls from 1993 Fleer, with ungraded copies selling in the $50-100 range and 9+ graded gems reaching $150-300 each. Rookie cards are often best indicators of future talent, and none shined quite like Shawn Green in 1993. Though injuries hindered his career peak, Green put up huge power numbers for several years. His rookie has increased in value, with ungraded sells around $40-60 and top grades pushing $75-150. Likewise, Jim Thome smashed 612 career home runs but began hislegend in 1993. Near mint Thome rookies now trade hands for $30-50, while PSA 10 examples command $75-150.

Beyond star rookies, 1993 Fleer also featured valuable cards of veteran stars like Barry Bonds, Frank Thomas, Randy Johnson, and Greg Maddux. As one of the greatest hitters in MLB history, virtually anything featuring Bonds peaks collector interest. Though not a true “rookie” in 1993, his Fleer update card sells for $10-25 in average condition but crests over $40 graded gem mint. Likewise, 1993 saw Frank Thomas win his first of multiple MVP awards. His Fleer update card remains a Chicago staple, ungraded examples selling for $10-20 with 9+ gradings reaching $30-50 range. Randy Johnson was already a dominant starter in 1993, and his card reflecting his move from Montreal to Seattle remains popular amongst Mariners fans for $5-15 each. Finally, Greg Maddux had already won three straight Cy Young awards starting in 1992. His 1993 Fleer card is hugely popular with Braves collectors, with ungraded copies selling around $5-10 and pristine 9.5/10 grades vaulting upwards of $30 each.

Some lesser key veterans from 1993 Fleer that have increased in value include Ken Caminiti, Moises Alou, Andy Benes, and Frank Seminara. Caminiti’s card jumped after his 1995 MVP season, with ungraded now $5-10 and near mint to mint copies reaching $15-25 range. likewise, Moises Alou put up huge power numbers for Montreal in 1993, and his Fleer card is popular for Expos fans at $3-8 each. Not a household name, but starter Andy Benes experienced early career success pitching for expansion Rockies. His card sells in $2-5 range today. Shortstop Frank Seminara is not a big name, but was a rookie phenom for the Giants in 1993. His card increased after subsequent strong seasons, with ungraded now $2-4 each.

Beyond stars and veterans, 1993 Fleer also held value in prospect and rookie cards that never fully panned out. Pitchers like Jason Bere, Jerome Walton, and Jeff Reboulet had initial success or promise as rookies in 1993 but career fizzles soon after. Still, their rookie cards from Fleer gained collector interest while careers were still fresh. Bere sells around $2-4, Walton $1-3, and Reboulet 75 cents to $2 each on the current market. Prospect cards gained notoriety too for players like Russ Davis, Jason Kendall, and Travis Fryman who had strong early minor league careers. Though not rookies in 1993, collectors sought these prospects which still sell today for 50 cents to $1.50 a card.

1993 Fleer featured parallel and insert cards that provide rarity and variety for set collectors. For example, ’93 Fleer also had ‘Gold Signature’ parallel versions of select stars like Bonds, McGwire, and Griffey that are significantly rarer than the base cards. High grade gold parallels of these superstars can reach $50-150 each. Meanwhile, ‘Gold’ parallel backgrounds are rarer still and values scale up from there. Other inserts like ‘Diamond Kings’, ‘Strike Out Stars’, and franchise ‘Turn Ahead The Clock’ cards added intrigue for completionists. Even these more specialized parallel and insert cards retained collectible value within the larger ’93 Fleer product line.

The 1993 Fleer baseball card set remains a classic for investors, players, and set collectors alike due to its perfect timing capturing rising young stars and veterans at the forefront of the 1990s baseball renaissance. Iconic rookie cards like Griffey, Jeter, and Bagwell proved to be shrewd long term investments, while veterans like Bonds, Thomas, Maddux remain hugely popular with specialists. Even bit players, prospects, parallels and inserts from the set retained lasting collectible value. As one of the most complete vintage basketball sets ever produced, 1993 Fleer endures as a benchmark for the entire modern baseball card collecting industry. Strong, inflation-protected returns can still be found across the entire spectrum of this legendary vintage product line for savvy investors and collectors today.

CAN BASEBALL CARDS BE RECYCLED

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The short answer to whether baseball cards can be recycled is yes, baseball cards are recyclable. There are some important factors to consider regarding the recycling of baseball cards.

Baseball cards are printed on paper stock, so from a material standpoint they are suitable for recycling like other paper products. Most recycling facilities will accept clean, dry baseball cards along with other paper materials in their recycling streams. It’s important to note that not all recycling centers accept all paper products. Facilities may have restrictions on certain types of coated, glossy, or non-standard paper materials.

For the best chance of having baseball cards accepted and properly recycled, it’s advisable to check directly with your local recycling facility regarding their specific policies. You’ll want to find out if they will take trading cards, if there are any special preparation steps needed like removing plastic sleeves or separators, and if they have any size or volume restrictions. Knowing the facility’s guidelines up front will help ensure your baseball cards don’t end up contaminating otherwise recyclable paper bales.

Even if the local recycling center does accept clean, dry baseball cards, there are still some factors collectors should consider before throwing cards in the bin. First, the condition and value of the cards matters. Well-worn or damaged common cards from the past few decades are fine candidates for recycling. Rare, valuable, or mint condition vintage cards may be better suited for donation, resale, or collection rather than recycling. Throwing a $100 mint condition rookie card in with the paper recyclables would be an unnecessary loss.

Secondly, how the cards are stored prior to recycling needs consideration. Cards kept in plastic team bags, toploaders, albums, or binders will need to have all plastic and other non-paper accessories removed beforehand. Leaving these materials attached could cause issues during sorting and processing. The plastic and paper would become mixed and tangled, potentially damaging or contaminating both recyclables. It’s best to take the time to carefully remove non-paper items before recycling cards.

Even after removing all extras, the condition and age of the cards still matters. Older vintage cards tend to be higher in acid and will break down more quickly during processing. Their shorter fibers also make them less desirable for repulping. Facilities may be less likely to accept large volumes of very worn or vintage paper for recycling. In these cases, donation is a better option to ensure the materials end up being reused versus just downcycled.

The ink and coatings on card surfaces also present a consideration. Recycling facilities aim to produce recycled fiber that can be used to make new paper products like cardboard, packaging, or office paper. Ink residues and coatings on baseball cards introduce more contaminants that lessen the quality of recycled fiber. While modern recycling processes can handle some contamination, collectors should be mindful not to over-saturate recycling loads with glossy card stock. Moderation is key.

The sheer volume of cards being recycled also bears mentioning. Most facilities handle recyclables from entire communities and have size limits per customer to maintain even feedstock densities. Dumping a entire lifetime collection at once risks being turned away. It’s better to recycle cards in batches over multiple dropoffs if large quantities need disposition. Spacing it out avoids becoming a nuisance and ensures the greatest chance of acceptance.

Properly prepared common baseball cards can definitely be recycled by most paper fiber recycling facilities. Collectors also have responsible options to consider like donating valuable pieces or finding ways to reuse cards creatively. With some planning regarding condition, storage materials removed, and volume paced reasonably, recycling is a sustainable way for the hobby to retire its paper waste. Being mindful participants helps maximize diversions from landfills into the next lives of these printed pieces of sports history.

WHAT ARE THE MOST VALUABLE UPPER DECK BASEBALL CARDS FROM 1991

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One of the most valuable cards from the 1991 Upper Deck set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey Jr. went on to have an outstanding career and is considered one of the greatest players of all time. His rookie card is one of the most iconic and sought after in the entire hobby. In a PSA 10 gem mint condition, Griffey Jr.’s rookie currently sells for over $10,000 and has reached as high as $22,000 in auctions. Even in lower grades of PSA 8 or 9, it still fetches thousands. This is because Griffey was such a talented, exciting young player who really took the league by storm in his rookie year in 1989.

Another extremely valuable 1991 Upper Deck card is the Frank Thomas rookie card. Like Griffey, Thomas had one of the best and most productive careers of any player in the 1990s. He won two MVP awards and racked up over 500 home runs and 1,500 RBI in his career. In pristine mint condition, a PSA 10 graded Frank Thomas rookie has sold for around $7,000-$9,000. But even in lower grades, it commands $2,000 or more because collectors appreciate his dominance during the 1990s as one of baseball’s premier sluggers. Thomas was just starting to break out in 1991, making his first rookie card in high demand for collectors of him.

Two other notable rookies worth big money from the 1991 Upper Deck set are Chipper Jones and Brad Ausmus. Chipper Jones went on to have a Hall of Fame career with the Atlanta Braves and is considered one of the greatest third basemen ever. A PSA 10 Chipper Jones rookie can sell for $4,000-$6,000. Meanwhile, catcher Brad Ausmus did not have the career production of the others, but he was nonetheless a key rookie in 1991 who played in the league for 18 years. In top grades like a PSA 9, his rookie has sold for $800-$1,000, showing the demand even for lessheralded players’ first cards.

In addition to popular rookies, 1991 Upper Deck also featured valuable cards of veteran superstars. One of the most significant veteran cards is the Nolan Ryan Express card, depicting him in mid-windup for the Texas Rangers. With his express train nickname and the capturing of his epic fastball, this Ryan issue sells for $2,000-$3,000 in high grades like PSA 9-10. The Ken Griffey Sr. and Roberto Alomar cards are also coveted by collectors for their subject’s talents and tend to sell in the $500-$1000 range in top condition. Stars like Cal Ripken Jr., Ryne Sandberg, and Tony Gwynn routinely demand $200-$500 even in lower grades from collectors wanting cards of these Hall of Famers.

Two inserts from 1991 Upper Deck that consistently sell for $1,000 or more are the Turkey Red parallel set and Draft Picks special issue cards. The parallel Turkey Red cards were printed on ultra-thick card stock and featured similar but subtly contrasting designs from the base set. Specific Turkey Red singles of sought-after players like Griffey Jr. and Frank Thomas tend to attract bids over $1,000 when pristine. Likewise, the Draft Picks insert set highlighting stars directly out of high school like B.J. Surhoff and Darren Daulton bring similar prices in top condition due to their rarity and subject matter highlighting the UD set’s theme of talented young future pros.

While it featured many valuable stars and rookies, 1991 Upper Deck had a special allure and proved hugely influential as one of the earliest modern mass-produced baseball sets upon release. This is evident given how well its cards have held value and appreciation over the decades since. Whether owing to rookie cards of soon-to-be superstars, inserts highlighting young talent, or depictions of seasoned vets, the 1991 Upper Deck release contained many individual cards that can be considered true collector’s gems worth well over $1,000 in high grades to this day.

WHERE CAN I TAKE MY BASEBALL CARDS TO GET APPRAISED

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One of the most reliable and reputable ways to get your baseball cards professionally appraised is to work with an accredited sports card grading company. The two largest and most well-known grading services for baseball cards are Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and Beckett Grading Services (BGS). Both companies employ expert graders who thoroughly examine each card and assign a numerical grade based on its condition and quality. The assigned grade not only provides an assessment of the card’s condition but also heavily influences its market value.

Both PSA and BGS have a physical submission process where you package up your cards and mail them in to be graded. They will carefully handle and inspect each card before slabbing it in a hard plastic holder with the assigned grade. Turnaround times vary but usually take 4-6 months currently due to high volume. This professional third-party grading gives buyers confidence in the condition assessment and provides a standardization that helps determine fair market value. The slabs with the assigned grades also greatly increase the cards’ value and make them easier to sell to collectors.

The submission and grading fees vary depending on how many cards you send in but typically range from $10-20 per card on the lower end. So it is generally most cost-effective to submit higher value vintage cards or modern rookies/stars through this process. PSA and BGS also offer various value-added services like autograph verification if you have signed cards. Both companies provide population reports showing how rare a particular graded card is, which informed collectors use to accurately assess market value.

If you want a quicker turnaround or don’t want to pay submission fees, you have some other reputable options. Local card shops often have employees or contractors who are experienced graders that can give informal assessments and point estimates of value. While not as definitive as the major third-party services, an in-person local evaluation can be sufficient for many collections. You should confirm the credentials and experience of whoever is appraising your cards.

Another increasingly popular option is to submit very clear photos of your cards to online membership forums and Facebook groups dedicated to the collector community of whichever sport or team your cards feature. In these forums you’ll find many advanced collectors who study market trends daily and can provide informed value estimates based on condition, player, and other key attributes visible in photos. Just be careful taking price advice from casual browsers – focus on longtime, verified members with proven expertise in a particular player, set, or era.

Yet another viable option if you just want a ballpark idea of value is to check recent eBay “sold” listings of comparable cards from the same set and player in similar condition. Of course, there can be variability in final sale prices. But getting a general sense of what identical or near-identical cards have actually been selling for in the recent past on the biggest card marketplace gives you useful data points. Just be aware that professionally-graded cards typically sell for higher values.

In the end, for a true professional, comprehensively researched appraisal intended for purposes like insurance needs or an estate collection, your best options remain using one of the accredited third-party grading services. The upfront costs are worth it for their legitimacy, standardized condition assessment process, and influence over market value. But there are other credible routes too that balance cost, convenience, and accuracy depending on your specific needs and budget as a collector. The key is using reputable experts wherever your cards are evaluated.

ARE BASEBALL CARDS MEDIA MAIL

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The United States Postal Service offers discounted shipping rates for certain types of merchandise sent through media mail. Media mail is intended for materials like printed documents, photos, films, disks and tapes bearing recorded sound or images as well as books, calendars and other printed items. Baseball cards could potentially qualify for media mail rates if they meet the specific guidelines.

To be eligible for media mail, baseball cards must be part of a set, collection or accumulation of cards sent together in the same package or mailing. Individual loose baseball cards, autographed cards, rare valuable cards or cards sent by themselves would not qualify. The cards must be sent for non-commercial purposes, meaning they are not being mailed as part of a business, to sell, advertise or promote a product or service. They are also not to be mailed for the purpose of resale.

In order to use media mail, at least 90% of the package contents by weight must meet the standards for media mail material like printed items, photographs or recorded audio/video items. Not more than 10% can be personal correspondence, enclosures or envelopes. Packages cannot exceed 130 lbs and must be flexible in order to qualify. Rigid boxes, containers or frames would not meet the guidelines.

Since the baseball cards would need to make up at least 90% of the total package weight to qualify, large individual collections of cards comprised mainly of common duplicate cards could potentially be sent as media mail if properly packaged. A single binder page of valuable autographed cards or rare cards would exceed the 10% allowance for non-qualifying material. Individual cards or small numbers of cards would also not meet the 90% threshold alone.

The contents of the package must also be completely removable for inspection if required by the USPS. Cards shipped in a rigid case, display case, wood or plastic frames would not meet this requirement. Loose cards in a bubble mailer or envelope that could easily be emptied for examination would satisfy this condition. Proper packaging is also necessary to avoid damage during transit when using media mail rates.

Media mail provides significant discounted postage compared to priority or first class rates. Delivery is also slower using ground transportation only. Media mail is not forwarded or returned if undeliverable unlike first class mail. This can cause some risk of loss if using inaccurate addresses. Insuring valuable shipments is recommended to provide reimbursement in case of damage or loss. Proof the contents meet media mail qualifications like photos of the packaged contents could also help if a claim ever needed to be filed.

Collections of common baseball cards sent together meeting the weight, content and packaging guidelines could potentially use the cheaper postage rates available through USPS media mail. Individual cards, valuable cards or cards not comprising the primary contents would not qualify under the media mail standards. Sending cards as media mail instead of higher priced options comes with the tradeoff of slower delivery and no forwarding service if undeliverable. Careful consideration of these eligibility conditions is advised before opting to mail baseball cards as media mail. When properly done, it provides a cost-effective solution for shipping basic card collections and sets within the limitations of the media mail service specifications.

WHERE TO SELL BASEBALL CARDS SEATTLE

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Sportscards Plus – This is perhaps the best known and most established baseball card and sports memorabilia shop in Seattle. They have three locations around the city including in Ballard, West Seattle, and Bellevue. Sportscards Plus offers cash or store credit for cards and will evaluate your collection to provide you with a fair price based on the current market values. They buy collections of all sizes. Given their reputation and size, you can feel confident you will get a fair deal when selling to Sportscards Plus.

Dugout Sports Cards – Located in Shoreline, just north of Seattle, Dugout Sports Cards is another great local shop to sell your baseball cards. They have been in business for over 25 years and are well known among collectors in the area. Like Sportscards Plus, Dugout will appraise your entire collection and make you a cash offer. They specialize in vintage cards from the 1950s-1980s as well as modern rookie cards. Dugout pays competitively and is a reliable buyer.

Rain City Sports Cards – For those in the greater Seattle area, Rain City Sports Cards in Federal Way is a good local option. While smaller than the above shops, Rain City is owned and operated by experienced and knowledgeable collectors. They will purchase individual cards or complete collections. Be sure to call ahead to discuss what you have and get an estimated value before visiting their store. Rain City strives to offer fair prices.

Seattle Card Show – For those looking to get top dollar, consider waiting for one of the popular Seattle Card Shows that happen a few times a year. Held at the Tukwila Community Center, these shows bring in dozens of professional card buyers from around the region. With higher volumes of cards changing hands, buyers will be more likely to pay top market value versus a retail shop. There is no guarantee of a sale at the show. You’ll need to do your homework and get cards in top condition to attract serious buyers.

Online Selling – Selling online through platforms like eBay or through group on Facebook is another option that can potentially net more money compared to a local shop, but it requires more work on your part. You’ll need to take high quality photos, write detailed listings including conditions, and handle shipping. It may take time for cards to sell as well. For common or less valuable cards, a local shop offer may be preferable to the hassle of online selling. For rare cards with high values, the effort could be worthwhile. Just be sure to carefully research recent sold prices.

Local Card Shows – Smaller, local card shows, seminars, and conventions held around Puget Sound can also connect collectors directly with buyers. Examples include the Kent Collectors Show, Tacoma Collectors Expo, and the Willows Lodge Sports Collectors Convention. Competition won’t be as strong as a huge national show, so research is needed to find serious buyers and maximize value. But they provide an opportunity for a potentially better return than a shop if your cards warrant high asking prices.

Pawn Shops – As a last resort, pawn shops in Seattle like Eagle Rare Coins & Jewelry, SuperPawn, or Premier Gold & Silver Exchange may purchase baseball cards, especially if looking for a quick sale. They often offer significantly less than fair market value since they aim to quickly resell the items. Consult with other options above first if time allows for potentially getting a much better price.

For maximum return on baseball card collections in the Seattle area, the top options are usually either the large dedicated sports card shops like Sportscards Plus or Dugout Sports Cards, a local card show, or taking the time to sell individually online. Pawn shops should really only be considered if an immediate sale if needed at a lower value. With a collection of considerable worth, the highest prices can often be found through some thorough shopping around.

WHAT ARE 80s BASEBALL CARDS WORTH

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The value of baseball cards from the 1980s can vary quite a bit depending on the player, condition of the card, and other factors. Generally speaking, cards from the early 1980s are not as valuable as those from the mid to late 1980s as production numbers were higher in the early part of the decade before the sports card boom. There are always exceptions for truly rare and iconic rookie cards that can be quite valuable regardless of condition.

One of the biggest factors that determines the value of a 1980s baseball card is the notability and career achievements of the player featured on the card. Cards of superstar players who went on to have Hall of Fame careers will inevitably hold more value than role players or career minor leaguers. For example, rookie cards of players like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Kirby Puckett, Don Mattingly and Roger Clemens from the mid-1980s are quite valuable, often fetching hundreds or even thousands of dollars for graded mint condition copies. On the other hand, cards of career backups or oneshot major leaguers have very little value regardless of year.

In addition to player performance, the specific card issue or set also impacts value. Popular flagship releases like Topps, Fleer and Donruss typically have stronger consumer recognition which enhances values compared to lesser known regional or oddball issues. Within the major sets, the ultra-rare short prints and late series/variation cards command big premiums. For example, the 1984 Donruss Wade Boggs rookie and the 1987 Topps Traded Kirk Gibson are widely considered two of the most valuable common cards from the decade.

Naturally, condition is critical when determining a card’s worth. Like any other collectible, flaws, corners/edges issues, creases or stains can drastically reduce value. For high-end specimens, collectors demand grading authentication through services like PSA or Beckett to ensure quality. According to the scale, mint chips or poor centering may drop a grade from gem mint (10) to near mint-mint (7-8), lowering the potential sale price significantly. Completeness is also valued, as cards still attached to the original wax packet fragment (“wax pack cards”) demand a premium.

There are certain cards that have become valued more for their nostalgia and cachet rather than player. Iconic design variations like the memorable 1986 Topps Traded set are popular regardless of who is featured. Error cards containing production mistakes also attract interest from advanced collectors. Other influences on value include card scarcity due to limited distribution areas or limited print runs as demand rises over time. Autograph or memorabilia inserts achieved through redemptions are more scarce commodities as well.

On the third party market, sales data shows the average price for a mid-1980s common cardboard in well-worn condition is typically around $1-5 while a mint rookie might sell in the $10-50 range. True gems can soar well above even those estimates. A pristine 1984 Donruss Roger Clemens rookie just sold for over $350,000 at auction, showcasing the huge upside. It’s equally true that glutted bottom feeders have little demand except from newcomers, resulting in virtually no resale potential. With sufficient study, collectors can pinpoint which issues represent the smart long term investments.

Whether an 1980s baseball card holds significant value depends on balancing multiple factors related to the player, specific issue, condition, and growing nostalgia. Superstar rookie cards and short prints from the peak trading card years in the mid-1980s usually lead the way, but condition is paramount. With hundreds of different sets produced during the decade after the 1982 strike, values run the gamut. Studying price guides, census registries and market sales can help determine which cards from the 1980s represent the most attractive vintage investment opportunities today.