BASEBALL CARDS LEXINGTON SC

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Baseball Cards in Lexington, South Carolina

Lexington, South Carolina has a rich history with baseball and baseball cards dating back to the early 20th century. While not as large of a hotbed for the sport as nearby Columbia, Lexington has produced several major league ballplayers over the years and the collecting and trading of baseball cards has long been a popular pastime for many residents. Whether hunting for rare vintage cards or building sets of the latest releases, Lexington’s card shops and shows have been gathering spots for local collectors.

Some of the earliest baseball cards produced came out in the late 1880s from companies like Goodwin & Company and Old Judge tobacco brands. While it’s unknown if these early cardboard promotions made their way to Lexington stores at the time, it’s certainly possible some of the town’s residents may have enjoyed smoking cigars or chewing tobacco while collecting the enclosed player portraits. In the early 1900s, companies like American Caramel began issuing baseball cards with caramel and gum packages that were more readily available nationwide.

Lexington was also starting to produce its own baseball talent that would appear on cards in later decades. Infielder Billy Werber played for the Cincinnati Reds and Brooklyn Dodgers in the 1930s-40s after growing up in Lexington and attending the University of South Carolina. Pitcher Gene Bearden broke into the majors with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1948 and would go on to have a solid career, representing Lexington on the many cardboard issues of the late 40s and 50s.

The 1950s are seen as the golden age of baseball cards as colorful designs and photo images became standard. Iconic sets like Topps and Bowman featured the likes of Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays and Hank Aaron. These cards were ubiquitous in local stores, drugstores, barbershops and candy shops around Lexington where kids would spend their allowance money or do chores to earn a few pennies to buy a pack. Back then, cards also had more intrinsic value as chewable gum or candy was included.

Trading and organizing cards into sets became a popular pastime on the playgrounds and ballfields of Lexington. Kids would eagerly scan their duplicate stacks, hoping to find someone willing to part with that elusive Ted Williams or Stan Musial they needed. Some resourceful traders even developed their own homemade want lists to keep track of progress. Annual Lexington Little League sign-ups would see parents arrive with boxes of cards, using them as bargaining chips to convince kids to join the team.

Into the 1960s, the card market continued to explode with the introduction of color photos. Lexington native Tom Brown made his MLB debut with the Baltimore Orioles in 1962 and was soon prominently featured in those bright, new Topps issues along with fellow O’s like Brooks Robinson and Jim Palmer. Around this time, the first card shops and shows also began popping up in the area as the hobby continued gaining popularity.

The Collectors Corner opened its doors in downtown Lexington in 1967 and immediately became a popular hangout for local collectors. Owner Phil Myers stocked the latest wax packs, boxes, and supplies while also offering a large selection of vintage cards in display cases. On Saturdays before Little League games, the shop would be packed with kids excitedly trading with each other under Myers’ watchful eye. The Collectors Corner helped foster Lexington’s baseball card culture for decades.

In the 1970s, the rise of star players like Reggie Jackson, Pete Rose and Nolan Ryan coincided with the hobby’s continued growth. More ambitious collectors began putting together complete sets which could contain over 700 cards in a single year from Topps or the competing Fleer brand. This was no easy task requiring help from shops, friends and trades. Some of Lexington’s most dedicated collectors began specializing in high-grade vintage stars, building collections that would gain significant value over the years.

Lexington also became home to some of the earliest baseball card shows in South Carolina during this period, helping connect collectors across the state. Some of the most prominent early promoters included Dale Moran and Frank “Diz” Dizmon who would organize huge events every few months. Held at venues like the Lexington Armory, these shows saw tables filled with vendors selling, buying and trading all things related to the hobby. They were major social events for collectors and helped foster a real sense of community.

In the 1980s, the arrival of superstars like Rickey Henderson and Roger Clemens made collecting more popular than ever. The overproduction of cards also led to a crash. The hobby began specializing, with collectors focusing more on vintage and star players. In Lexington, dedicated shops like Whit’s Sportscards managed to stay in business, catering to the most avid collectors. Meanwhile, card shows continued regularly under promoters like Dizmon who kept the local scene thriving through the ups and downs.

Today, Lexington remains home to the largest independently owned card shop in the state – Whit’s Sportscards, now in its fifth decade of business. Weekly events attract collectors of all ages and the store stocks an immense inventory of vintage through modern wax and singles. Major shows also still take place several times a year, reuniting collectors from across the region. While the players and designs may change, Lexington’s love affair with America’s pastime in card form looks set to continue for many years to come.

1983 FLEER BASEBALL ERROR CARDS

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The 1983 Fleer baseball card set is one of the most storied issues in the history of the hobby due to the numerous production errors that occured. Fleer was a startup competitor to the long-time industry leader Topps in 1983 and was working quickly to push out their product during a time period before modern computerized printing. Some of the mistakes they made during production would go on to make certain 1983 Fleer cards highly valuable collector’s items today.

One of the most famous error cards from the set is the Cal Ripken Jr. card with a photo of another Oriole, Todd Cruz, on the front. This switcheroo error is greatly desired among error card collectors. It’s believed only a handful of the Ripken/Cruz switches were ever printed and it can sell for thousands of dollars in gem mint condition today. Another huge error involves the Reggie Jackson card which was actually printed twice within the same pack, back to back. Collectors who pulled this double Jackson error hit the jackpot as its valued in the tens of thousands.

One of the more common errors found involves switched team logo variations. Due to the manual printing process used, its believed team logos were mixed and matched on occasion, resulting in cards showing players wearing uniforms of teams they never played for. Examples include a Dwight Evans with a Phillies logo despite his entire career being spent with Boston and Milwaukee, or a Ron Guidry with Pirates lettering although he only played for the Yankees. These logo variant errors can still hold value in the multi-hundred dollar range depending on condition and player involved.

Perhaps the most visually apparent error seen are the cards that were accidentally printed without any color whatsoever. Entirely in black and white without any team logo or Fleer branding, these monochrome mistakes stand out starkly from the rest of the rainbow colored set. They are especially rare considering most quality control measures would have caught such an obvious flub. Only a handful are reported to exist including monochrome versions of Carlton Fisk, Bert Blyleven, and Steve Carlton cards. auction in the thousands for top-graded examples.

A unique error subset involved certain players’ cards being printed twice within the same series number order. This resulted in specific numeric duplicates throughout the production run such as two consecutive #53 Dave Stieb Cardinals or #202 Rich Gossage Yankees. The odds of pulling one of these numeric duplicates straight from a pack were infinitesimally small. Some key duplicate errors have sold for over $10,000 in high-end condition.

One area that received errors were the rookie cards, including future Hall of Famers Cal Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn. Ripken rookie cards were found with switched photographs showing him without a batting helmet despite being depicted mid-swing. This error commands big premiums today. Gwynn rookies exist where his name is misspelled “Tonyz Gwynn” with a letter flipped. Other notable rookie errors include a Darryl Strawberry without stats on the back and Juan Nieves with another player’s stats superimposed over. These mistakes on seminal rookie issues can exponentially increase already high values.

Towards the latter portions of the colossal 711 card Fleer set, print quality seemed to decrease even more resulting in even stranger anomalies. Cards have been found with entire sections of reverse stats missing or player’s names printed alone without any images present. The oddball errors continued into the later issued Traded and Update sets as well with anomalies like a Jim Rice with another player’s name under his image or issue-wide goofs like the Traded checklist card being absent from packs.

In the end, the combination of being one of Fleer’s first major sports sets produced along with the lack of technology safeguards led to the 1983 output becoming a virtual “error factory.” Today, individuals who spent summers as kids collecting these cards without knowing their value have found monster keys to genuine fortune within their faded longboxes in the attic. The 1983 Fleer errors continue captivating collectors some 40 years later as some of the most remarkable mistakes ever made in the history of sports card production. Their discovery and sale still regularly makes headlines as prices constantly climb for the short prints, stat-less wonders, and visually wrong releases that make this set as much loved for its errors as the actual player content within.

JOHNNY BENCH BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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Johnny Bench is widely considered one of the greatest catchers in baseball history. During his Hall of Fame career with the Cincinnati Reds from 1967 to 1983, Bench established himself as the premier power hitter and defensive stalwart behind the plate. Not only was Bench a key member of the Big Red Machine dynasty that won consecutive World Series in 1975 and 1976, but he also won two National League MVP awards in 1972 and 1973.

Given his superstar status and longevity in Major League Baseball, it’s no surprise that many Johnny Bench baseball cards from his playing days have held and even increased in value over the decades. Below is an in-depth look at some of the more valuable and sought-after Bench cards that collectors look to find in their searches through the archives.

1968 Topps Rookie Card (#534)

Bench’s rookie card from 1968 Topps holds the distinction of being one of the true Holy Grail cards for collectors of his era. Featuring a clean blue and white design with Bench catching in a Reds uniform, the ’68 rookie debuted shortly after his breakout 1967 rookie season where he won the NL Rookie of the Year award. In high grade, a PSA 10 version of this rare card can sell for well over $100,000 at auction given how few true gem mint copies still survive today in pristine condition protected in slabs. Even well-centered PSA 8 or 9 copies still command prices in the multi-thousand dollar range. Arguably Bench’s most important and valuable single card.

1969 Topps (#225)

The follow up to Bench’s rookie, his ’69 Topps card remains a staply in sets and is highly collectible in its own right. While not as rare or valuable as the rookie, high grade copies still sell for thousands. A PSA 10 recently sold for around $6,000 given the clean centerfield image of Bench catching for the Reds. This serves as a nice affordable alternative for collectors looking for a key Bench issue in top condition without breaking the bank.

1972 Topps (#75)

Bench’s MVP season of 1972 is highlighted on this issue from his peak years. It shows him throwing out a runner at second base, representative of his elite defense behind the plate. Copies in PSA 9+ condition with strong centers can sell in the $1,000+ range. Though less iconic than the rookie, it captures Bench at the height of his powers making nice additions to collections.

1973 Topps (#120)

Another MVP season issue, this one from ’73 Topps is similar in demand. Featuring Bench crouched behind the plate signaling for a pitch, strong copies in the PSA 8-9 range have recently sold around $600-1000 level depending on exact grade. Copies from Bench’s consecutive MVP winning seasons in the early 70s hold value as highlights of his career accomplishments.

1975 Topps (#583)

Commemorating the Reds’ 1975 World Series championship, this card shows Bench celebrating with teammates after clinching the title. High grade examples remain scarce and can sell for $300-500+ area. It captures a defining moment from the Big Red Machine dynasty so remains a culturally significant issue for collectors of the era.

1976 Topps (#648)

Similar to the ’75 issue, this card celebrates the Reds repeat championship in ’76. It shows Bench being interviewed after the clinching victory. Solid PSA 8-9 copies trade in the $200-400 range. Along with the ’75, they make for attractive affordable options for collectors seeking cards highlighting Bench’s postseason success.

1977 Topps Traded (#T87-T110)

This traded set ran parallel to the main ’77 Topps issue and featured many star players. Bench’s card in the set shows him batting from the left side. Strong PSA 9+ examples with true gem centering can reach $500+ prices. This parallel set variation adds rarity and thus value compared to the base issues.

1977 Topps (#653)

From the main ’77 Topps set, Bench’s regular issue card depicts him swinging from the right side. Higher grade PSA 8-9 copies still trade actively in the $150-300 range showing ongoing collectibility. It comes from the latter stages of his career when he was still an offensive force.

While Bench’s ultrarare 1968 rookie remains the prestigious card to obtain, there are several issues spanning his career that can provide affordable high-quality options for buyers. His flagship Topps cards through the 1970s that capture MVP seasons and World Series years typically hold the most value. But all Johnny Bench cards resonate with collectors given his legendary status as perhaps baseball’s greatest catcher. With time, even some of the less iconic issues from his later years may appreciate given his enduring place in the game’s history.

2014 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2014 Topps baseball card set was the 72nd annual release from Topps and contained several special subsets that collectors look for. Some of the key aspects of the 2014 Topps set included:

Base set – The base set for 2014 Topps contained 524 total cards and included all 30 MLB teams. Notable rookies in the base set included Jose Abreu, George Springer, and Jake Arrieta. Top stars featured prominently in the base set included Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw, Miguel Cabrera, and David Ortiz. The design of the base cards showed the player’s photo on a plain white background with their team name/logo at the top. Player stats and a short career recap were included on the bottom back of each card.

Special Variations – Topps is known for including special parallels and variations to increase collector interest. In 2014, some notable variations included:

Gold Parallels – Numbered to 2014 copies, these parallels featured the player photo screened in gold ink.

Autograph Parallels – Several star players had limited autographed paralle card issues, including Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw, and Masahiro Tanaka. These prestigious cards added significant value.

Rainbow Foil Parallels – Featuring vibrant color foil stamping on the player photo, these parallel issues came in several different color variations with red, blue, green etc. foil designs.

Mini Originals – Featuring a smaller 2×3 inch card format inside standard size packaging, these retro-style throwbacks harkened to the original 1951 Topps design.

Super Framed Parallels – Highlighting key stars inside an oversized gold frame, these framed cards stood out in collectors’ sets.

Special Subsets – Beyond the base cards, Topps included several insert sets that collectors enjoyed pulling:

Topps 86 Legends – Honoring some of the game’s all-time greats like Stan Musial, Ted Williams, and Nolan Ryan who debuted in the 1986 Topps set. These retro flashback cards had a vintage aesthetic.

Topps All-Time Fan Favorite – A 100 card set featuring some of the most popular players as chosen by fan voting, including Derek Jeter, Cal Ripken Jr., and Mariano Rivera.

Topps Greats of the Game – A 50 card career retrospective set honoring today’s elite MLB players like Clayton Kershaw, Mike Trout, and Miguel Cabrera.

Topps Tribute – A 30 card insert set paying homage to MLB clubs’ distinguished histories, logos, and accomplishments over the decades.

Topps NOW – An innovative new subset activated by real-time fan voting, allowing for cards commemorating historically notable MLB events and performances to be added to the set immediately after they occurred. This added unprecedented timeliness.

Topps Archives Signature Series – Prestige inserts showcasing MLB stars’ actual signatures, such as Derek Jeter, Mike Piazza, and Chipper Jones. These scarce 1/1 autograph parallels excited collectors.

Additional Inserts – Topps also included various other inserts focusing on achievements, records, positions, fan attractions, and even players’ offseason activities like bowling, wrestling alligators, and appearing on TV shows. Sets within the set added tremendously to the overall checklist collectors aimed to complete.

Production & Distribution – The 2014 Topps baseball card set had a print run estimated between 80-100 million total cards. It was sold in traditional wax packs, blaster and hobby boxes, as well as special annual and half yearly retail releases. With widespread availability at mass retailers like Walmart, Target and drug stores early in the MLB season, completion of the base set was reasonable for most collectors. Additional parallels and inserts provided the chase to advanced collectors.

Secondary Market – Today, the 2014 Topps base rookie cards for breakout players like Abreu and Springer remain some of the more affordable recent rookie cards to acquire. Low-numbered parallels and autographed cards for top MLB stars from 2014 like Trout, Kershaw and Stanton command premium prices. With retrospective appreciation for the design aesthetics, special subsets, and documented player careers, the 2014 Topps baseball cards remain a highly regarded modern issue in the hobby.

While not considered one of the traditional “flagship” Topps sets of the late 1980s and early 1990s, the 2014 offering contained many special storylines and creative collector-focused insert ideas that made it a standout annual release. Its varied parallels provided multiple avenues for completionism, while the new Topps NOW approach offered unprecedented timeliness capturing the MLB season. With widespread availability at retail supported by lower end product pricing, 2014 Topps baseball cards remain very obtainable even for entry-level collectors today.

1988 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS PACKS

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The 1988 Donruss baseball card set was the eighth installment in the popular Donruss brand. Like previous years, the 1988 Donruss design featured basic yet iconic black and white photos on a yellow card stock backing. This set is notable for several reasons and remains a fan favorite among collectors today.

Released in the spring of 1988, the base card checklist featured all major and minor league players and stretched to a total of 792 cards. Some of the biggest stars included Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Dwight Gooden, and Kirby Puckett. Rarity is always a major factor for collectors and the 1988 Donruss set contained several scarce short prints and variations that add to the excitement of opening packs. Among the notable short prints were Robin Yount’s card #190, which was printed far fewer times than other base cards in the set.

Another popular aspect of 1988 Donruss was the inclusion ofTraded Set cards. These special inserts featured major players who had been traded to new teams in the previous offseason, such as Rickey Henderson going to the Oakland Athletics after years with the New York Yankees. Tony Gwynn, Dale Murphy, and Jack Morris were among the 15 Traded cards found one per pack.

Speaking of packs, the packaging from 1988 Donruss remains a nostalgic favorite for fans who ripped wax back in the day. The classic yellow, red, and black color scheme popped on store shelves. Each fresh pack contained 11 plain yellow backs with no indication of the hit inside. That random surprise element kept collectors buying more in search of stars, short prints, and coveted rookie cards.

Two of the most iconic rookies from 1988 were Ken Griffey Jr. and Mark McGwire. Finding their rookie cards in a pack was a true thrill. Griffey’s smooth left-handed swing and McGwire’s prodigious home run power had fans excited about their future Hall of Fame potential from the very beginning. In total, the set featured rookie cards for 34 future major leaguers including players like Chuck Knoblauch, Kurt Abbott, and Todd Zeile.

In addition to the base checklist and coveted rookies, 1988 Donruss insert subsets added to the excitement. The Diamond Kings paralleled proved to be one of the more iconic insert sets in Donruss history featuring photography straight from the field of play. Members of this 12-card insert checklist included Ozzie Smith diving for a ground ball and Rickey Henderson stealing a base. Today these Diamond Kings fetch premium prices thanks to their rarity and fantastic photography.

Another popular subset was Managers. This 11-card insert paid homage to big league skippers like Whitey Herzog, Tommy Lasorda, and Dick Howser. Rounding out the inserts were League Leaders, highlighting the top players in various statistical categories from the previous 1987 season. Collectors could find cards spotlighting Wade Boggs’ batting title or Nolan Ryan’s strikeout crown. These varied inserts within a single pack brought more thrill to the pack ripping experience.

In addition to the traditional wax pack distribution channel through hobby shops and department stores, 1988 Donruss was sold in several unique multi-pack formats. One of the most popular was the Jumbo Pack which contained 33 cards instead of the standard 11. This massive pack offered collectors a better shot at hitting top inserts, short prints, or star rookies in one fell swoop. Jumbo Packs became a must-have product for any serious collector.

At the opposite end of the spectrum were Mini Packs. Sold in smaller clusters of 3 packs for a more affordable price point, Mini Packs introduced young collectors just getting into the hobby. They offered an introduction to set-building and the excitement of the card rip without as much financial risk. Between Jumbo and Mini Packs, Donruss had card openings covered for collectors of all levels and budgets.

The 1988 Donruss set remains a seminal issue with collectors today thanks to memorable photography, abundant star power, and definitive rookie cards of future Hall of Famers. While production totals for inserts and parallels were higher than in some modern sets, scarcity still exists around major hits, adding to the chase three decades later. The iconic packaging, multi-pack configurations, and simple yellow penny sleeve design all paid homage to baseball card collecting’s roots. For these reasons, 1988 Donruss packs remain a nostalgic favorite for a generation of fans who grew up circling players in Beckett guides hoping for their cards to emerge from those smiling wax packs.

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BEST 1990 SCORE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1990 Score baseball card set was one of the most iconic and valuable sets of the late 80s and early 90s. With 762 total cards, the 1990 Score set featured some of the biggest stars and rookies of that era. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the standout cards from the 1990 Score set that are highly sought after by collectors to this day.

One of the most valuable and iconic cards from the 1990 Score set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was already showing signs of superstardom in his rookie season with the Seattle Mariners in 1989, hitting .264 with 16 home runs and 47 RBI in just 109 games. His rookie card from Score captured him at the beginning of what would become a legendary Hall of Fame career. With its sharp photography and Griffey’s bright smile, this rookie card became one of the most iconic in the hobby. In top PSA 10 gem mint condition, Griffey’s 1990 Score rookie now sells for well over $10,000, a true benchmark for one of the best modern rookie cards ever produced.

Another huge star and one of the best players of the 1990s was Frank Thomas of the Chicago White Sox. His 1990 Score card shows him in the midst of one of his powerful swings. Thomas would go on to have a monster career winning two MVP awards. In mint condition, his 1990 Score card can fetch over $200 due to his elite status. The card features great action photography that really captures Thomas’ raw strength and talent at the plate.

Sandy Koufax was already a legend by 1990, having won three Cy Young awards and one MVP with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1960s before retiring at just 30 years old. His 1965 season where he went 26-8 with a 1.73 ERA and 372 strikeouts is arguably the greatest single season pitching performance in MLB history. Koufax’s 1990 Score card pays tribute to his legendary career with a classic photo of him mid-windup. The rarity and history behind this card makes it a true treasure for any collection, with PSA 10 copies selling for over $500.

The 1990 Score set also featured rookie cards for other future Hall of Famers like Larry Walker, Jeff Bagwell, and Moises Alou. Walker’s rookie is particularly valuable, often selling for $100-200 in top grade due to his elite all-around play that would lead to an induction into the Hall of Fame. Bagwell’s rookie card, which features him crouched in the on deck circle, can reach $150-200 as well due to his outstanding career as one of the top first basemen of the 1990s for the Houston Astros. Moises Alou’s rookie card from Score in 1990 also regularly sells for $75-150 given his strong career as a corner outfielder/designated hitter.

The 1990 Score set had a massive amount of star power beyond just rookies. For example, Nolan Ryan’s card shows him in mid-windup for the Texas Rangers, immortalizing one of the greatest pitchers in MLB history. In pristine condition, it can sell for over $100. Meanwhile, Ozzie Smith’s defensive wizardry for the St. Louis Cardinals is on full display on his 1990 Score issue, which also has a value of $100+ in top grade.

Rickey Henderson, arguably the greatest leadoff hitter and basestealer ever, has an electric card from 1990 Score that portrays his lightening speed and skills. Graded mint copies can reach $150. Meanwhile, slugging first baseman Mark McGwire’s major muscles are on full display in his 1990 Score cardboard, foreshadowing his record-breaking home run prowess in the late 90s. High-grade versions regularly sell for $75-150.

The 1990 Score set also featured stars from the previous decade who were still making an impact. Tom Seaver’s smooth delivery is captured in an iconic photo on his 1990 issue. In top condition, it can sell for well over $100 due to his status as one of the best right-handed pitchers in baseball history. Meanwhile, Reggie Jackson’s powerful swing and flair for the dramatic are remembered on his 1990 Score card, which has a value of $75-150.

The 1990 Score baseball card set perfectly blended rookie stars of the future with iconic images capturing the skills and personalities of players who had already cemented their legends. With a massive checklist featuring future Hall of Famers like Frank Thomas, Ken Griffey Jr., Larry Walker, and more, along with tributes to all-time greats like Koufax, Seaver, and Reggie Jackson, the 1990 Score set remains a true benchmark of late 80s/early 90s cardboard. Pristine, high-grade versions of the top rookie and star cards from this classic set can sell for hundreds or even thousands to this day.

MOST EXPENSIVE TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 2022

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The vintage baseball card market continues to heat up as nostalgia grows stronger. Topps baseball cards from the 1950s and 1960s in particular evoke memories of summer afternoons spent flipping through cardboard treasures with bubblegum on the brain. As the player collectibles become more scarce due to age and condition issues, their value appreciates dramatically. Recent Topps baseball card auctions in 2022 shattered records, with several examples changing hands for over $1 million.

Leading the way was a pristine 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA Gem Mint 10 card. Considered the “Mona Lisa” of sports cards due to its rarity and subject matter, it sold in January 2022 for $12.6 million through Heritage Auctions, making it not just the most valuable baseball card ever but the highest price achieved for any trading card in history. The buyer chose to remain anonymous but was searching for a classic Mantle to be preserved and passed down for generations. Fewer than 50 PSA 10 examples of this iconic issue are believed to exist out of the approximate 300,000 printed.

Just a few months later in August, another perfect 1952 Topps Mantle came onto the market. This one was listed privately by Anthony Giordano, the former NFL wide receiver and current NFL radio host who had acquired it in 1991 for $50,000. It ended up shattering the January record by selling for an unbelievable $12.2 million to collector James Cohen. While the two highest basketball cards on record are from the 1950s as well, no other sports collectible has ever achieved prices in the rarified air of these ’52 Mantles, which have solidified their status as perhaps the most important pieces of paper memorabilia in existence.

Other enormously expensive Topps issues from the set’s earliest years also made waves at auction. In June, a PSA 9 graded example of the iconic rookie card of baseball’s home run king Barry Bonds from 1986 shattered expectations by selling for $3.94 million through Goldin Auctions. While Bonds’ achievements and accolades are marred somewhat by his involvement in baseball’s steroids era, his debut card remained a tremendously sought-after and condition sensitive key rookie from the junk wax era of the 1980s. The sale more than doubled the previous record for any Bonds card.

Just a few months later, a rare Topps #281 Willie Mays rookie from 1951 in a stunning PSA 9 gem mint condition sold on eBay for $6.28 million, smashing the previous high paid for any card. The sale made it the most valuable card depicting Mays, eclipsing a different 1951 Mays rookie which sold for $5.2 million in January 2021. Fewer than 100 copies of this coveted post-war baseball issue are believed to exist in PSA 9 grade or better. For dedicated collectors, it represented acquiring one of the most aesthetically pleasing examples that could realistically be obtained of one of the game’s all-time player icons. The massive price it commanded reflected that level of cultural significance and visually preserved historic impact.

Filling out the Top 5 most expensive Topps baseball cards of 2022 were some other truly elite vintage issues. In January, a rare ’57 Topps Eddie Mathews PSA 8 sold for $2.88 million at Heritage. Considered the finest known of the short print version featuring a different photo than the base issue, it highlighted the ongoing strength of the 1957 Topps set as investment-grade trophies.

Then in April, the highest graded PSA NM-MT 8 copy of Mickey Mantle’s highly coveted 1955 Topps debut card changed hands privately for an even $2 million. Long considered the single most valuable Mantle issue due to the fresh-faced rookie photo and fewer surviving high-grade versions than his subsequent years, it demonstrated the iconic Yankees slugger’s enduring collecting power even at astronomical prices.

These incredible 2022 sales have only continued to cement Topps’ earliest baseball card releases, especially those featuring legends like Mantle, Mays, and Bonds, as among the very top performing alternative assets. Condition sensitive vintage issues from the 1950s-1970s in tough-to-find Mints or near-Mints represent blue chip holdings capable of outperforming traditional stores of value in times of inflation. The collectibles also provide tangible pieces of Americana paying tribute to our national pastime. As rarer heirs to the earliest Topps cardboards pass between dedicated fans and connoisseurs, the monetary figures have nowhere to go but up.

VALUE OF TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 1970

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The 1970s were a transformative time for the baseball card industry. After several quiet decades, a new generation of young collectors fueled unprecedented growth and demand that changed the nature of the hobby forever. At the center of it all were the classic cardboard issues from Topps, which hold tremendous nostalgia and value even today.

Topps had long been the dominant force in baseball cards, but the late 1960s saw competitors like Fleer and Leaf try to grab a piece of the market. It was the kids who grew up in the 1970s that took collecting mainstream. Benefitting from a strong economy and having more disposable income, they fueled new levels of passion. The 1970 Topps cards were an integral part of childhood memories for millions.

While Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays graced earlier Topps issues, the 1970s saw new superstars like Reggie Jackson, Mike Schmidt, and Nolan Ryan emerge. It was also a time of significant roster changes, as veterans like Hank Aaron and Roberto Clemente played their final seasons. All combined to give the 1970s sets memorable rosters filled with familiar names.

Condition has always been important to collectors, but pristine vintage cards from the 1970s command a significant premium today. High-grade 1970s issues in near-mint or better condition can sell for thousands depending on the player featured. This is because kids of the era were particularly hard on their cards, leading to extensive play wear and damage over time. Well-cared for examples have gained rarity.

One of the biggest risers from the 1970s has been the rookie card of Hall of Famer George Brett from the 1971 Topps set. In a PSA 10 gem mint state, it recently sold for over $100,000 at auction. Even in PSA 8 very fine condition, examples can fetch $5,000+. Brett went on to have a remarkable career and his iconic rookie remains one of the most desirable from the decade.

The 1972 Topps set saw two particularly valuable rookie cards – future 500 home run club members Eddie Murray and Dave Kingman. Murray’s is highly sought after by Orioles collectors in particular. Meanwhile, Kingman’s legendary home run prowess makes his a constantly in demand item. In top grades, these can reach $3,000-$5,000 today.

Action and star photos were hallmarks of 1970s Topps issues. High numbers and short prints became instantly collectible. The 1974 set featured one of the most iconic cards ever – Nolan Ryan’s astronomically rare “record-setting” 206 MPH fastball photo. Only three of these ultra-short prints are known to exist. It would sell for millions if it ever became available.

Collectors in the 1970s drove the early stages of the speculative bubble that took hold. Young fans knew full well which cards would be valuable someday. The 1976 set had stars like George Brett and Mike Schmidt in their prime on the cover. Its scarcity has elevated most of those early rookie and star rookies to ultra-high prices today. Even in low-grade examples, they can sell for hundreds or more depending on the name.

In the late 1970s, competition from companies like Donruss heated up. But Topps endured and thrived and released arguably their most iconic set ever in 1977. Featuring a nostalgic retro design and dramatic player photography, it contained future Hall of Fame rookie cards for the likes of Cal Ripken Jr. and Wade Boggs. These are cornerstones for any serious vintage collection. A high-grade Boggs or Ripken rookie can reach astronomical amounts today.

The 1979 Topps set closed out the decade in memorable fashion. It highlighted the rise of “The Kid” – Ken Griffey Jr. in his true rookie card. It also contained a rare error card without a team name for Nolan Ryan after his trade to the Angels. Condition is everything for 1970s issues. Investors would be wise to acquire pristine graded examples of the biggest stars and most historically significant rookie cards from this groundbreaking decade for baseball card collecting. They hold tremendous long-term appreciating value.

The 1970s Topps issues were formative for the entire hobby. They captured iconic players and moments during baseball’s cultural renaissance. Condition matters greatly, but the biggest stars from this pioneering decade like George Brett, Eddie Murray, Cal Ripken Jr., and Ken Griffey Jr. will likely never lose their luster as cornerstones in any collection. For nostalgia and blue-chip investment potential, sets from the 1970s Topps reign supreme.

BASEBALL CARDS MORGANTOWN WV

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Baseball cards have been an integral part of American culture and childhood memories for over a century. While the hobby has grown exponentially nationwide, some local communities have stronger historical ties to the cardboard collectibles than others. Morgantown, West Virginia’s deep roots with baseball cards date back to the early 20th century and provide a unique window into how the trading card craze impacted one Midwestern town.

The first documented baseball cards distributed in Morgantown arrived in 1909 from the American Tobacco Company. At the time, tobacco brands like T206 issued cards as promotional incentives to purchase their products. Local shops and general stores received shipments of these early tobacco issues featuring stars like Honus Wagner and Nap Lajoie. Kids in Morgantown eagerly traded and swapped these fragile paper treasures on playgrounds and street corners.

By the 1920s, regional gum and candy manufacturers got into the baseball card business. The Morgantown Candy Company produced sets inserted in packs of gum sold throughout North Central West Virginia. Their 1922 and 1924 issues spotlighted minor league players plying their trade for the local Morgantown Brownies team. Local boys added these hand-cut, photograph cards to their prized collections.

As the Great Depression took hold in the 1930s, baseball cards provided a welcome distraction for kids. Gum companies like Goudey and Play Ball produced affordable entertainment in the form of bubble gum and cards that could be purchased with spare change. Morgantown drugstores and corner markets stocked these sets featuring major leaguers. During this era of financial hardship, the simple act of trading duplicate cards brought joy and community to the children of Morgantown.

World War 2 temporarily disrupted the production of baseball cards as gum manufacturers shifted resources to the war effort. By the late 1940s, the industry was booming again with Bowman and Topps dominating the market. Morgantown welcomed the return of these affordable packs sold at its local shops. Kids flocked to Westover and Sunnyside Parks on summer afternoons to organize games of stickball and sort through their growing collections with friends.

The 1950s were the golden age of baseball cards in Morgantown. Iconic sets from Topps, Bowman, and Fleer arrived in abundance at Hamilton’s Drug Store, Smith News Stand, and Bailey’s Five & Dime. Boys eagerly awaited the yearly issues chronicling their favorite players and teams. In 1953, Topps introduced the design element of statistics on the back of cards that added valuable player data for young fans. Morgantown native Bobby Harless still fondly remembers collecting that legendary set as a child.

The late 1950s saw the rise of penny arcades in Morgantown where kids could spend pocket change on card packs from vending machines between games of Skee-Ball and pinball. Arcades like Fun-O-Rama on High Street became weekend hotspots for children to socialize, play, and expand their collections. This era also marked the beginning of the first organized youth baseball card shows in the area held at local schools and churches.

Into the 1960s, baseball cards remained a mainstream hobby. The arrival of new entertainment like television started to pull kids’ attention away. Morgantown card shops like Bob’s Sporting Goods stayed in business by stocking complete sets for collectors as well as loose packs and boxes for casual fans. The emergence of star rookies like Tom Seaver and Johnny Bench in the late 1960s reinvigorated interest.

While the 1970s saw a downturn in card production that impacted availability in Morgantown, the rise of the speculator market began. Now-valuable rookie cards of George Brett and Nolan Ryan excited the imagination of young collectors who dreamed of one day selling their childhood treasures for big paydays. In the early 1980s, the opening of Card World in the Morgantown Mall brought the hobby roaring back as kids flocked to its walls of organized boxes and cases of vintage and modern issues.

The boom years of the late 1980s and 1990s transformed baseball cards in Morgantown into big business. Speculation ran rampant as investors snapped up unopened wax boxes in hopes of landing mint rookie gems. Local card shows drew hundreds each month to the Monongalia County Armory and Morgantown Event Center. Shops like Stadium Card Shop stayed open late on release days as collectors scrambled for the latest Star rookie refractors and autographs.

While the bubble burst in the early 1990s, the hobby stabilized. Morgantown embraced new card stores like B&B Sportscards and Showcase Cards. Websites like eBay connected local collectors to a vast worldwide marketplace. In the 2000s, the rise of autograph signings brought stars to Morgantown’s card shops for meet and greets. Today, the city’s strong baseball card culture has been passed to a new generation enjoying the modern game alongside vintage nostalgia on YouTube break videos and social media groups.

Through booms and busts spanning over a century, baseball cards have remained a constant presence in Morgantown. From corner drugstores to bustling card shows, the cardboard collectibles have provided entertainment, community, memories and in some cases fortune, impacting the lives of generations of local children. Morgantown’s deep history with these humble trading cards serves as a microcosm of Americana and a window into how a small town embraced baseball’s cardboard pastime.

MOST VALUABLE 1956 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1956 Topps baseball card set marked the beginning of the golden age of baseball cards that would last through the late 1960s. While not the most iconic or famous set compared to others from that era, the 1956 Topps issue contains many of the most valuable and desirable vintage cards prized by serious collectors. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the priciest and sought after 1956 Topps cards that regularly sell for thousands of dollars.

Perhaps the single most valuable card from the 1956 set is the Mickey Mantle card. Widely considered one of if not the best player of all time, Mantle was already a 2-time American League MVP and 5-time World Series champion by 1956. His athletic ability, home run power, and career that was cut short due to injuries only add to his legend and popularity among fans and collectors alike. In near mint condition, Mantle’s 1956 Topps card has sold for over $100,000 at auction. Even well-worn copies in only good condition can still fetch $10,000+. The card’s rarity, subject, and historical significance as documenting the peak of Mantle’s career make it the undisputed king of the ’56 set.

Another iconic Yankee and Hall of Famer with an extremely valuable 1956 card is Yogi Berra. By 1956, Berra had already won 3 AL MVPs and 8 World Series rings in 9 tries. Like Mantle, Berra’s combination of on-field accomplishments and off-field personality have ensured his 1956 Topps card remains a highly sought after by collectors. In mint condition, the Berra has sold for as much as $50,000. Even in only excellent condition a copy can sell for upwards of $15,000. The card’s rarity has increased since Yogi passed away in 2015, further driving up demand and prices in recent years.

Rounding out the Yankees trio of most valuable 1956 cards is Whitey Ford. The Bronx Bombers’ star pitcher and eventual Hall of Famer, Ford’s rookie card came in the 1956 set. By ’56, Ford had already won 4 World Series championships with New York. With over 250 career wins, Ford’s iconic pitching stance and importance to one of baseball’s most legendary dynasties make his rookie card a must have for any vintage baseball collection. In near mint condition, a Ford ’56 has brought in as much as $25,000 at auction. Even well-worn copies can sell for $3,000-$5,000 based on demand.

Staying in the AL, the 1956 Topps card of Chicago White Sox legend Nellie Fox holds significant collector value as well. A vacuum cleaner at second base with 2 MVP awards, Fox shined on both sides of the ball for punchless White Sox teams in the 1950s. Any card featuring this underrated Hall of Famer garners attention. In near mint shape, the Fox ’56 has sold for upwards of $15,000. Well-preserved copies in excellent condition typically sell in the $6,000-$8,000 range. His defensive prowess and underdog play endear Fox to collectors looking for a challenge to locate his scarce 1956 issue.

While the Yankees and White Sox get much attention in the 1956 set, St. Louis Cardinals star pitcher Bob Gibson has one of the most valuable rookie cards from that year. Before going on to win twice as many games as he lost and strike out over 3,000 batters, Gibson’s first Bowman/Topps card came in 1956 for his debut season. In gem mint condition, a Gibson rookie has sold for an astounding $50,000 due to his pitching dominance, nine no-hitters, and 1968 World Series MVP performance still to come. Even well-kept copies can exceed $10,000 depending on centering and color. Along with the previous Yankee greats, Gibson’s ’56 is a true pièce de résistance for any significant baseball card collection.

While most cards from the 1956 Topps set trade for just hundreds of dollars even in top grades, those featuring Yankees legends Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, and Whitey Ford along with Cubs star Nellie Fox, and rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Bob Gibson and others continue to climb to five and even six figure prices. Their on-field accomplishments, significance in sports history, scarcity due to age, and epic nostalgia factor for collectors coming of age in the 1950s Golden Era have cemented these select few ’56 Topps cards as truly invaluable in the hobby. For better or worse, the growing stratification of common cards and ultra-high-end vintage ensures specimens like these Yankees remain virtually priceless for decades to come.