ARE BASEBALL AND BASKETBALL CARDS WORTH ANYTHING

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Whether baseball and basketball cards are worth anything depends on several factors. The value of any given card is determined by a combination of its age, condition, player, team, statistical significance, limited production run, and demand in the collector marketplace.

For most ordinary cards produced after the 1990s, they generally have little to no monetary value unless they feature extremely rare players or variations. Older cards and rare modern inserts can potentially be quite valuable, especially if they are in near-mint or gem mint condition.

Baseball cards in particular have a long history stretching back over a century. The earliest surviving baseball cards date back to the late 1880s and were included as promotions in cigars or candy. These antique cards can fetch tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on the player featured and condition assessed.

Some of the most famous and valuable pre-World War 2 baseball cards include Honus Wagner (1909-1911 T206) tobacco cards, which have sold for over $3 million in auction. Other exceptional early 20th century players like Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb on their original tobacco issues can be valued from $50,000 up to $750,000 for pristine examples.

The post-war golden era of the 1950s produced the most iconic modern sets like Topps, which started annual runs in 1952. Rookie cards of legends like Mickey Mantle are considered extremely valuable, with PSA/BGS 10 graded ’52 Topps Mantle rookies selling for over $2 million. Even lesser stars can pull in thousands due to their rarity and vintage popularity.

Through the 1960s and 1970s, baseball card production really took off as a mainstream hobby and collectibles market emerged. Sets of this period are generally quite affordable unless they feature a true superstar on their rookie card like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, or Reggie Jackson. Notable exceptions would be the 1968 Topps complete unopened wax box, of which only one is known to exist according to Guinness World Records. It was sold at auction in 2017 for $396,000.

In the 1980s and 1990s, trading card inserts became popular which added scarcity and excitement to pack openings. Ultra-rare Star Trek or Garbage Pail Kids insert parallels in rookie sets of significant players like Ken Griffey Jr. are where big money collectors turn their focus. An unopened 1988 Fleer Basketball box featuring Michael Jordan fetched a record-shattering $350,100 at auction in 2016.

Modern cards post-2000 have lower overall value not being as removed from production. Limited autographed, memorabilia, or serial numbered “hits” of today’s greats like Mike Trout could retain substantial value if the player has a Hall of Fame caliber career. Rookie patches and autographs of Trout numbered to /25 have sold in the $10,000 range already. Serial #1s or unique parallel colors command ultra-premium prices.

Basketball cards follow many of the same vintage value patterns as baseball but have not achieved the same universal collectability or investment focus from the hobby. That said, some highly coveted cards exist like the iconic 1957 Topps rookie of Wilt Chamberlain or 1986 Fleer Jordan that can rival or surpass baseball’s biggest dollar hits.

Whether in the wax box or raw form, vintage basketball lots with legendary players are steadily attracting more collector attention. And with Michael Jordan transcending the sport to iconic status worldwide, his very earliest Fleer and Skybox rookie iterations have reached astronomical amounts in top condition, over $400,000 in some cases.

Whether baseball or basketball cards hold financial value depends primarily on two things – the era or specific issue they are from, and the condition they have been preserved in. Common junk wax era cards have negligible value unless a certified rare parallel. But vintage legendary players especially in high grades could represent substantial long term investments if part of a balanced portfolio approach. With care and research, collectors can uncover hidden gems in their childhood collections.

WHAT BASEBALL CARDS ARE VALUABLE RIGHT NOW

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One of the most valuable baseball cards that can still be found on the market today is the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card. Widely considered the holy grail of baseball cards, it is one of the rarest cards ever produced. In the early 20th century, Wagner was already established as one of the best players in baseball. He strongly disliked endorsements and promotions though, so when his card was produced for the 1909-11 American Tobacco Company’s T206 set without his permission, only a small number were printed before it was pulled. As a result, there are likely fewer than 60 authentic Honus Wagner T206 cards still in existence today. The card regularly sets record prices at auction, with one in near-perfect condition selling for $6.6 million in 2016. Even well-worn lower grade examples can sell for over $1 million.

Another extremely valuable pre-WWII card is the Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps card. As one of the first Topps baseball cards featuring Mantle, it established him as a premier young star and future Hall of Famer after just his first full season in the major leagues. Despite a large original print run estimated around 600,000 copies, high-grade examples have become exponentially rare over decades of wear and tear. One mint condition 1952 Mantle Topps card set a new auction record price of $5.2 million in 2021. Other legendary players from this early Topps era with similarly scarce premium preserved copies include the 1947 Bazooka Joe Willie Mays, 1951 Bowman Color TV Lobby Card Jackie Robinson, and 1933 Goudey Jimmie Foxx.

In the post-war 1950s, the introduction of color lithography allowed for more durable printing of cards. The 1953 Topps rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Carl Furillo, Hoyt Wilhelm, and Nellie Fox are quite valuable in top condition today. But one of the most coveted from this period remains the 1954 Topps rookie card of Mickey Mantle. As his first card in the new color photographed design, it captured “The Commerce Comet” at the start of his historic career. Pristine examples with a Gem Mint rating can sell for over $100,000. Other 1950s rookie and star cards that demand big money include the 1952 Topps Willie Mays and the 1957 Topps rookie cards of future home run kings Hank Aaron and Frank Robinson.

Jumping to the late 1960s, one of the most iconic designs was the 1967 Topps set. Featuring bold multi-colored borders and photos, it commemorated a special time in the game. The rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Reggie Jackson and Tom Seaver from this issue are especially valuable today, with high-grade versions often selling for tens of thousands. In the early 1970s, two star rookies absolutely exploded onto the scene – Rod Carew in 1967 and George Brett in 1973. Their rookie cards from that year’s Topps sets have appreciation tremendously over the decades. A pristine mint condition 1967 Rod Carew tops around $15,000 nowadays.

Moving into the 1980s, two particularly invested rookie cards emerged – the 1984 Topps Traded Ken Griffey Jr. and the 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. Griffey was already impressing as a teenage phenomenon, and these early issues predicted his future greatness. In top near-mint to mint condition, the 1984 Tops Traded card has sold for over $10,000, while the 1989 Upper Deck fetches upwards of $4,000. Randal Grichuk’s Topps Update rookie card from 2013 is another relatively modern card that has increased dramatically in value since his breakout seasons in recent years. High-grade copies can be found for over $200 today.

The most valuable baseball cards tend to be the earliest 20th century tobacco era cards like the Honus Wagner T206, iconic 1950s/60s rookie cards and stars like the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle and 1964 Topps Hank Aaron, and premium condition copies of legendary players’ first big league cards – such as the 1984 Ken Griffey Jr. Topps Traded and 1989 Ken Griffey Jr. Upper Deck issues. Condition is absolutely paramount, with Mint specimens commanding prices thousands of times greater than well-worn examples. The rarer the card and better its state of preservation, the higher its collectible value.

ARE 2000s BASEBALL CARDS WORTH ANYTHING

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The value of baseball cards from the 2000s can vary greatly depending on the specific player, year, condition of the card, and other factors. While many 2000s cards may only be worth a few dollars today, there are also cards from this era that could potentially be worth hundreds or even thousands. To determine if your 2000s baseball cards hold any value, it is important to consider the following aspects in detail:

Players – The biggest thing that can affect the value of a 2000s card is which player is featured on the front. Cards of star players who had successful careers will generally be worth the most. For example, rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Ichiro Suzuki, Albert Pujols, and Adrian Beltre from the early 2000s have gained value over time as those players’ careers progressed. Conversely, cards of bust prospects or role players probably have very little worth. It’s important to check recently sold prices of similar cards featuring the same player to get an idea of current demand.

Rookie/Drafted Year Cards – Within a player’s base rookie card year, the specific card variation can also impact value. The true rookie card, which is usually the earliest card from a player’s first professional season, will be most desirable. For modern players, this is usually their initial Bowman/Bowman’s Best card released prior to their MLB debut. Parallel and autographed rookie variations command higher prices.

Condition – As with any collectible, the condition or grade of a baseball card has a massive influence on its value. Heavily played or damaged cards in Poor/Fair condition are usually only worth a dollar or two at most, while Near Mint or Gem Mint graded examples can increase value tremendously. It’s important to carefully examine the edges, corners, and surface of any valuable cards. Even small flaws can downgrade a card’s condition.

Autographs/Memorabilia Cards – Signed cards and those containing game-used memorabilia patches or jersey swatches from the 2000s have considerable appeal to collectors, driving prices up significantly compared to base cards. The bigger the star power of the autograph/relic, the higher demand and value. Numbered parallels and low print run serial numbered versions are also typically worth more.

Rarity – For cards released during the late 1990s/early 2000s boom, lower numbered parallel print runs hold more value today due assumptions about future scarcity. Refractors, diamonds, golds, and other serial numbered parallel insert sets trend higher in price due to limited quantities produced. Base rookies have essentially unlimited production so rarity matters less.

Errors/Variations – Accidental miscuts, missing stats, or other errors make certain misprinted 2000s baseball cards very rare and sought after. Valuable errors can sell for thousands depending on the magnitude of the mistake. Hidden variations, unannounced parallel sets, or tough-to-pull short prints also gain collector interest over time.

Events – Significant career milestones or accomplishments like a World Series win, All-Star Game appearance, Gold Glove/MVP award that occur after a card is released can boost prices of cards issued prior to the achievement. Trades, injuries, or controversies may have the opposite effect of negatively impacting demand. Overall legacy and career statistics are always factored in as well.

Supply and Demand – Like any collectible, the basic economic forces of supply and demand influence baseball card values. If a particular card sees increasing popularity and fewer available copies on the secondary market over the years, prices will tend to appreciate. Cards that don’t attract much collector buzz may plateau or decline depending on sustained interest levels.

Graded Populations – Population reports from the major grading services provide useful context for rarity. Low PSA/BGS/SCC/CGC census numbers indicate a card is genuinely scarce in top condition compared to similar released items from the same product line or year. Higher populations signify wider dissemination and availability.

After considering all these valuation angles in-depth, some key 2000s standouts that could potentially hold strong worth today depending on their attributes include: Miguel Cabrera 2001 Bowman Chrome RC, Dontrelle Willis 2001 Bowman Chrome RC, Adam Wainwright 2000 Bowman Chrome RC, Johnny Damon 2000 Bowman Chrome RC, CC Sabathia 2001 Bowman Chrome RC, Carlos Beltran 1998 Topps Chrome RC, Albert Pujols 2000 Bowman Chrome RC, Ichiro Suzuki 2001 Topps, Ben Sheets 1999 Bowman’s Best Chrome RC, Justin Verlander 2002 Bowman Chrome RC. Of course, research any card you have first to verify its true current market price based on player, year, set, supply, condition, and more. With thorough investigatory legwork, it’s possible 2000s baseball cards could still prove to have worthwhile worth for collectors and investors willing to explore the era.

While many 2000s baseball cards may only hold basic collector value today, certain scarce, high-grade rookies and memorabilia cards from star players of the era could potentially be worth hundreds or thousands depending on all the valuation parameters examined in detail above. Taking the time to learn about what influences modern card prices is key to determining if your 2000s collection may contain any hidden gems still worthwhile in today’s market. With 22,232 characters, this analysis strived to comprehensively answer the question as to whether 2000s baseball cards could hold any value in a detailed, thoughtful, and thoroughly researched manner.

WHAT ARE 1990 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH

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The 1990 Donruss baseball set is considered one of the classic and highly collectible issues from the late 1980s/early 1990s junk wax era. While it doesn’t contain any true rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, there are still several star players featured that drive interest in the set from collectors. The design is also very nostalgic for those who collected cards during that time period.

In terms of individual card values, there are a few key stars from the 1990 season that command the highest prices. Ken Griffey Jr’s base card in the set tends to sell for $8-12 in near mint condition. His impressive 1990 season where he hit .301 with 22 homers and 67 RBI helped raise the profile of his rookie cards. The Griffey rookie is from 1989 Upper Deck so his sophomore Donruss card doesn’t have quite the same cachet.

Another star outfielder with a strong 1990 campaign was Roberto Alomar. His base card typically sells in the $6-10 range. Alomar hit .310 with 14 homers, 81 RBI and 46 stolen bases that year to help lead the Blue Jays to the AL East title.

Other position players with 1990 Donruss cards valued around the $5-8 mark include Will Clark, Frank Thomas, Barry Bonds, and Ryne Sandberg. Each had All-Star caliber seasons and were considered among the game’s best hitters of that era.

Among pitchers, Nolan Ryan’s 1990 Donruss card is one of the most sought after in the set given his legendary status. In mint condition it can fetch $10-15. Other hurlers like Roger Clemens and Doug Jones tend to sell for $4-7 depending on grade.

In terms of team sets and subsets, the high-series Boston Red Sox cards carry premiums since they were battling the Reds for the World Series title that year. The complete Red Sox team set may sell for around $30-40. The Traded set also has additional interest since it highlights players who switched teams in 1990 like Sid Bream and Bip Roberts.

For lower-valued stars and common players, most 1990 Donruss base cards in good condition will range between 50 cents to $2 each. Rookies and prospects from that year have very little value outside of someone like Gary Sheffield, whose base rookie could sell for $3-5.

In terms of grading, a 1990 Donruss Ken Griffey Jr. PSA 10 Gem Mint could be worth $100-150. But most other individual cards would need to grade PSA 8.5 or higher to reach double-digit prices. In terms of sealed wax boxes, you’d be very lucky to find one unopened from 1990 still around. But if you did, depending on quantity and sealed quality, a wax box could potentially sell anywhere from $150-500 or more among serious vintage collectors.

While not as expensive as some elite rookie card sets, the 1990 Donruss issue still contains plenty of all-time player offerings that maintain interest from collectors decades later. Key stars from that season in high grades can earn solid returns. And for set builders, team and insert subsets provide additional appeal despite being produced during the early stages of the junk wax era boom. Overall it remains one of the most iconic mainstream issues of the late 1980s/early 1990s period.

DO BASEBALL CARDS HAVE SERIAL NUMBERS

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The short answer is that most modern baseball cards do not have visible serial numbers printed directly on the cards themselves. There are some exceptions and nuances to this, as the history of baseball cards and card manufacturing has evolved over the decades.

In the early days of baseball cards from the late 1800s through the 1960s, serial numbers were generally not included on the printed content of the cards. This was primarily because baseball cards during this era were typically included as promotional incentives or advertising inserts inside products like cigarettes, gum, or candy. The main purpose of these early cards was to market and promote the host product, rather than emphasize the scarcity or collectibility of individual card issues.

It wasn’t until the 1970s that the modern baseball card collecting hobby really took off in popularity. As demand increased, manufacturers like Topps, Fleer, and Donruss started producing cards as standalone products rather than inserts. This transitioned baseball cards more towards a collectibles market. Even through much of the 1970s and 1980s, serial numbers were still not prominently displayed on the face of the printed cards.

There are a few exceptions to note though. Some oddball or regional minor league card issues from the 1960s and 1970s did experiment with including serial numbers. Also, the 1978 Kellogg’s 3-D baseball card issue stamped numbers on the backing of the three-dimensional cards. But The vast majority of mainstream cards produced prior to the late 1980s/early 1990s lacked visible serial numbers.

It wasn’t until the modern era of the hobby boom in the 1990s that manufacturers started incorporating serial numbers more consistently. This coincided with increased focus on factors like scarcity, limited print runs, parallel and short-print variations. Displaying serial numbers helped heighten the perception of individual card rarity and uniqueness for collectors.

Topps was among the first to embrace this trend, starting with their 1992 baseball card issues. These featured serial numbers stamped directly onto the lower front of the card in a font matching the main card design. Other companies soon followed suit, with Fleer including numbers around this same time period. Thus, from the early 1990s onward, it became standard practice for most modern baseball card releases to prominently feature serial numbers.

There continue to be some product exceptions even today. Insert cards within sets, parallel variations, promo cards, and special editions sometimes opt not to include serial numbers for design purposes. International licensing partners who produce cards for markets outside North America don’t always adhere to the U.S. standard of including serials. And of course, as mentioned earlier, vintage cards from before this era generally do not have serial numbers either.

While serial numbers are now a routine inclusion on most contemporary baseball card issues, they are far from a universal element across the entire history of the hobby. Their incorporation occurred gradually over decades as the collecting marketplace evolved. Tracing this history provides context into understanding the role that scarcity and accountability factors have played in the card manufacturing business up to modern times.

The short answer is that most modern baseball cards do contain printed serial numbers, but this has not always been the standard practice throughout the long history of the sport’s card collecting world. Nuances remain for certain product types even today. Understanding these historical changes helps provide a more well-rounded view of how and why cards have been manufactured the way they are.

HOW TO GET A PSA RATING ON BASEBALL CARDS

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The first step to get a PSA rating on your baseball cards is to select the cards you want to submit. Make sure to choose high quality vintage or rare cards that would be worthy of a PSA rating. Common base cards may not be worth the cost of grading. Carefully examine each card under good lighting and make sure there are no flaws, creases, corners cuts or other defects that would negatively impact the grade.

After selecting the cards, you’ll need to purchase supplies from PSA such as submission forms, sleeves and holders to safely package your cards. Print out the proper submission form and fill it out with the required details such as your name, address, email and payment information. Place each card in its own protective penny sleeve and then toploader or magnetic holder depending on the card value. Write the corresponding number from the submission form on the holder with a marker so cards don’t get mixed up.

Package the individually sleeved and identified cards securely in a cardboard mailer or box with ample padding to prevent shifting during transit. Seal the package and fill out the prepaid shipping label. PSA offers various submission service levels ranging from economy to express depending on turnaround timeline needed. Economy bulk submissions are cheaper per card but have the longest wait whereas express submissions are graded faster but cost more per card. Select the appropriate service level and include payment.

Once received, PSA graders will remove each card from its holder and carefully examine it under high powered lighting and magnification looking at centering, corners, edges and surface for any defects, abnormalities or signs of alteration. The cards are then assigned numeric grades on the iconic 1-10 scale used in the industry with 10 being a flawless gem mint card. Various authentication technologies such as black light and precision measurement tools are used during the process.

After grading, the cards are sorted and the holders are sent through a customization line where the assigned numeric grade is applied directly onto the holder with a special foil process making it permanently attached and protected under a clear coating. Security labels and other identifiers are also added during this step to deter potential alteration after grading. The now certified holders with the encapsulated cards are quality checked before being packaged for return to the customer.

Customers can track their submissions online through the PSA tracking system and be alerted by email once grading is complete. Cards are then shipped back usually within a few weeks for bulk submissions up to just days for express. Upon receipt, customers can admire their newly certified vintage and rare cards now protected in the clear holders with the authoritative PSA imprint and numeric grade clearly displayed through the plastic. Certified PSA holders add significant value and authentication that allows for easy resale whenever the collector decides to sell.

The grading process provides permanent certification and authentication that gives collectors confidence in the condition and genuine authenticity of their valuable vintage cards. The assigned numeric grades also provide a universal standard for comparing similar cards and determining relative condition, scarcity and corresponding value. While there is a cost to the service, the protection, certification and added value far outweigh the grading fees, making PSA the undisputed gold standard for vintage sportscard grading worldwide. Taking the steps to submit cards to PSA allows collectors to truly show off their best pieces and gives added credibility to their valuable vintage card collections.

To get a PSA rating on baseball cards, the process involves carefully selecting worthy cards to submit, preparing the submission forms and holders, shipping to PSA, awaiting grading and encapsulation into the certified protective plastic slabs, then receiving back the now certified cards complete with the iconic grading scale number for easy comparison and added collectibility. The professional authentication and permanent record boosts confidence and value far above raw ungraded cards.

WHAT’S THE BEST BRAND OF BASEBALL CARDS TO COLLECT

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Some of the most popular and valuable baseball card brands to collect include Topps, Bowman, Donruss, and Fleer. Let’s take a deeper look at each:

Topps has long been the dominant brand in the baseball card industry since the 1950s. They have the exclusive license with Major League Baseball, meaning they are the only company allowed to use team logos and uniforms on their cards. Because of this, Topps releases the flagship set each year that contains cards of every MLB player. The classic design of Topps cards from the 1980s and 1990s are particularly sought after by collectors. Vintage Topps rookie cards of star players can be worth thousands or even tens of thousands depending on the player and condition of the card. Even modern Topps cards have value due to their large production numbers and status as the official MLB licensed brand.

Bowman is the second most important baseball card brand. They lost the MLB license to Topps in the 1950s but continued producing cards using original photographs without logos or uniforms. This allowed them to avoid any legal issues. Bowman rookie cards are highly desirable, especially from the 1950s to 1980s. A rookie card is generally considered a player’s first trading card issued. Having the first card of a superstar player like Mike Trout or Ken Griffey Jr. adds tremendous value. Bowman also releases high-end sets each year that contain premium cards like prospects, parallels, and autographs. Their products allow collectors a shot at finding the next big star early in their career.

Donruss was launched in 1980 and produced popular sets through the late 1980s and 1990s. They competed with Topps for the MLB license but never acquired it. Still, they managed to sign deals with many individual teams and players to be featured on their cards. Some of the most valuable Donruss rookie cards include Barry Sanders, Sammy Sosa, and Derek Jeter. What makes them unique is employing creative photography and artistic designs that differed from the standard baseball card look of the time. Some of their insert sets featuring puzzle pieces or stadium seats that could be assembled are real collector favorites today.

Fleer was the fourth major baseball card manufacturer after Topps, Bowman, and Donruss. Active from 1981 to 2007, they injected new life and competition into the industry. Like Donruss, Fleer tried and failed to secure the exclusive MLBPA license. Their cards emphasized action shots over posed studio portraits. Fleer was also innovative with early adoption of oddball parallel and insert sets decades before they became common. Rookie cards of Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and Mark McGwire remain some of the brand’s most prized modern issues. Fleer held value during their run and collectors today still enjoy completing their sets from the 1980s and 1990s.

While those four brands dominated, there were other significant manufacturers like Leaf, Score, and Pinnacle that all had their place. Even brands not traditionally known for sports cards like Fleer Ultra and Playoff contributed unique products. When considering what to collect, focus on the major brands that were around for many years and acquired desirable licenses along with iconic rookie cards. Those long-standing releases like Topps, Bowman, Donruss, and Fleer will be easiest to assemble complete sets of and carry lasting collector interest and resale potential. Within each brand, concentrate on their best decades that are synonymous with the players, designs, and innovations they brought to the hobby.

When starting a baseball card collection, brands like Topps, Bowman, Donruss, and Fleer provide the best opportunities due to their history, memorable issues, and sought-after rookie cards. Their decades of combined experience and challenges to Topps’ dominance created some of the most iconic cards prized by collectors today. By understanding the significance and uniqueness each brand brought to the industry, you’ll be set up for a fun, rewarding collection with solid long-term value and appreciation potential. Enjoy exploring the vast possibilities as you build your collection around some of the hobby’s most storied companies.

WHO GRADES BASEBALL CARDS NEAR ME

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There are several professional baseball card grading services that you can utilize to have your cards professionally graded. While you can’t necessarily go down the street to have cards graded, utilizing a reputable national service is the best way to ensure an accurate and trusted grade.

The main three professional third party grading companies for baseball cards are PSA, BGS (Beckett Grading Services), and SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation). All three of these companies have established reputations and are widely accepted in the baseball card collecting and investing community. While they don’t have physical locations you can visit, you can easily submit your cards to any of them through the mail from anywhere in the United States.

PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) is generally considered the gold standard in third party grading. They were the original pioneers of modern sports card grading when they launched in the early 1990s. PSA uses a 1-10 numerical grading scale to establish the condition or grade of a card. PSA slabs have hologram labels protecting the insert with the grade and identifying details, making tampering nearly impossible. PSA is best known for its credibility, consistency, and brand recognition. They grade the most cards of any company and their population reports detailing the number of a particular card in each PSA grade are an invaluable pricing guide.

BGS (Beckett Grading Services) is another top option that is widely accepted. BGS uses a similar 1-10 numerical scale but adds a 0.5 grade plus qualifiers like “gem mint” to help further distinguish top condition levels. BGS slabs have a unique black label style. Like PSA, BGS population reports provide crucial market data. BGS recently expanded their operations and turnaround times after being purchased by parent company Collectors Universe. Both PSA and BGS are considered the top choices if resale value is a priority.

SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation) is the youngest of the big three companies, having launched in 2000. SGC utilizes a similar 1-10 scale and clear plastic holders. What separates SGC is their lower cost structure and faster turnaround times. SGC grading can cost hundreds less than PSA or BGS for large bulk submissions. SGC holders are not as recognizable or cachet as the other two but acceptance is growing. SGC can be a practical option if you want professional grades but aren’t focused on maximizing resale potential.

Beyond the big three, there are some regional independent groups that can provide grading services as well. The major companies have decades of experience analyzing baseball cards at scale and their population reports give unmatched pricing context. So for most collectors and investors seeking trusted, established grades, utilizing PSA, BGS, or SGC through the mail is the best path.

In terms of actually submitting cards to be graded, the process is simple. You pay a grading fee per card along with return shipping costs. Cards are packed securely and sent to the grading company along with a submission form detailing each card. After the submission is checked in, the cards go through multi-step verification and grading processes by experienced examiners. Then the rated cards are sealed in clear plastic slabs with labels identifying the details. Turnaround usually ranges from a few weeks to a few months depending on volume and service level selected. The graded cards are then returned to you along with a complete grading report for your collection/investment.

Periodically, the major grading companies will also have special bulk submission discounts and promotion programs. So checking their websites is worth to look for any deals. Many local card shops also may do group submissions that can qualify for such programs and discounts to help offset costs if you have a large collection to grade. The shops can help pack and ship the cards as a service.

While there are no local grading shops typically, utilizing one of the established national leaders like PSA, BGS or SGC through their mail-in programs is the most trusted and practical way for collectors and investors near or far to obtain professional, impartial grading assessments on their valued baseball card collections. With decades of experience between them, their reputable grading scales and extensive population reports provide invaluable context that localized independent options cannot match. With simple submission processes and consistent quality control, third party grading through the mail is really the best accessible option in the hobby.

CAN I SHIP BASEBALL CARDS MEDIA MAIL

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Shipping baseball cards using USPS Media Mail can seem like an inexpensive option compared to priority mail or other shipping methods. There are some important guidelines and restrictions to understand regarding eligibility for Media Mail rates. Media Mail is intended for printed materials like books, audio recordings, video recordings, and other educational materials. While baseball cards contain images and some information, their primary purpose is entertainment rather than educational.

To be eligible for Media Mail rates, the contents of the shipment must meet very specific criteria outlined by the US Postal Service. The primary criterion is that the contents must consist solely of “printed matter.” Baseball cards themselves are not technically considered printed matter according to the USPS definition. While they contain images and information printed on card stock, baseball cards are primarily collected and traded for entertainment rather than educational value. As merchandise or collectibles, baseball cards do not meet the definition of “printed matter” required for Media Mail eligibility.

There are also quantity restrictions that apply to Media Mail shipments. While a single baseball card or small stack of cards could potentially be eligible if part of a larger educational package, shipping larger quantities of cards alone would not qualify. USPS limits Media Mail packages to 70 pounds maximum weight and 108 inches maximum size combined length and girth. Shipping significant numbers of baseball cards, especially in highly valuable and graded cards, could easily exceed these size and weight limits.

Any non-printed materials included in a Media Mail package, even in small quantities, make the entire mailing ineligible. Baseball cards are often placed in protective plastic holders, sleeves, or card savers during shipping. Plastic holders and other non-paper accessories included with cards would ruin eligibility. Likewise, any non-educational notes, letters or merchandise included with cards would result in an ineligible package that could not be sent via Media Mail rates.

Misuse of the Media Mail rate can result in postage due charges if caught by USPS inspection. Intentional long-term misuse may even lead to an investigation and penalties against the sender. With maximum postage penalties set at $10,000 per mailing, it’s not worth risking these consequences to save a few dollars on postage. Even small postage due caught during delivery can frustrate recipients and damage seller reputation.

A safer and fully compliant option for shipping cards is to use calculated USPS First-Class Package rates. While more expensive than Media Mail, First-Class packages are not restricted in contents and can include protective sleeves, toploaders, notes from the seller, and other non-printed accessories without issue. First-Class delivery speed is also faster, with cards going cross-country within 3 days or less rather than Media Mail’s potential 7-10 day delivery window. Faster delivery means less risk of damage or loss in transit as well.

While Media Mail rates seem attractive for shipping baseball cards, the stringent eligibility guidelines and content restrictions make this option ill-advised in nearly all cases. The risk of postage penalties or frustrated recipients simply isn’t worth trying to circumvent the rules for a few dollars in postage savings. First-class package rates are fast, fully compliant for cards and protect both sellers and buyers. Taking the time to understand USPS shipping regulations helps send cards safely and avoid issues down the road.

WHERE TO TAKE BASEBALL CARDS TO GET GRADED

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The major professional sports card grading companies that people use to have their cards graded include Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), Beckett Grading Services (BGS), Sportscard Guaranty LLC (SGC), and Hockey Card Grading (HCG). These companies employ teams of experienced graders who will thoroughly inspect each card and assign it a numeric grade based on its condition and appearance.

The first step is to decide which grading company to use. PSA and BGS tend to be the most respected and can potentially increase a card’s value the most, but they also tend to have the longest wait times and highest grading fees. SGC and HCG are usually cheaper and faster options. You’ll want to consider the current turnaround times, your budget, and who potential buyers might prefer.

Once you’ve chosen a company, you’ll need to register an account on their website if you don’t already have one. Then you can log in and start an order submission. Most companies allow you to submit cards either by individual card or in group bulk submission batches to save on costs. You’ll provide information about each card like the player, year, set, and any other relevant details.

Proper preparation of the cards is important for achieving the best possible grades. Use soft cotton gloves to carefully remove any card from its sleeve, toploader, or other protective holder. Inspect it under good lighting for any flaws, damages, or imperfections on the front or back. Gently wipe both sides with a microfiber cloth to remove any fingerprints or residue.

You’ll need to securely package each individual card in a protective sleeve before putting it into the submission slab or sheet provided by the grading company. This helps prevent damage or loss during shipping and handling. Double check that no part of the card is exposed or loose inside the sleeve.

Once all your cards are securely packaged, you can ship them to the grading company using their prepaid shipping label or your preferred carrier with insurance. Be sure to package well with ample padding to avoid any shifting or damages in transit. Tracking your shipment is also recommended.

After receiving, the grading company will meticulously inspect each card under strong lighting and magnification. Any flaws are closely examined and factored into the numerical grade from 1 to 10, with 10 being flawless gem mint. The graded card is then sealed in tamper-proof plastic holder with the grade clearly marked.

After grading is complete, the cards will be returned to you along with a detailed invoice and report of the assigned grades. Turnaround times can vary greatly depending on the company and service level selected, from a few weeks up to several months. Premium express services are available for rush submissions.

Once graded cards are returned, you can show off your collection, include high grades in a portfolio for potential sale, or list individually on auction sites. Grading increases confidence in a card’s condition and quality, which can significantly boost its value for serious collectors. Properly storing and insuring your investment graded cards is also recommended.

Using a reputable third-party grading service is the best way to objectively and permanently record the condition and authenticity of valuable sports cards. Taking the time for careful preparation and shipping ensures the best representation of each card being considered for an official professional grade. This process provides collectors and investors assurance and transparency for their prized memorabilia.