AUTOGRAPHED BASEBALL CARDS EBAY

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Autographed baseball cards have become extremely popular collectibles in recent decades. The ability to own a piece of memorabilia signed by some of the greatest players in baseball history is a thrill for any fan. With the rise of online marketplaces like eBay, finding and purchasing autographed cards has become much more accessible to collectors. The popularity of autographed cards on eBay has also led to issues with forged signatures and other deceptive practices that collectors need to be aware of. This article will provide an in-depth look at the autographed baseball card market on eBay, including tips for avoiding fakes and advice on how to authenticate signatures.

What makes autographed baseball cards so desirable? First and foremost, it allows collectors a unique connection to their favorite players through their actual autograph on a card. Many collectors enjoy displaying autographed cards as a way to reminisce about great players and special baseball moments. There is also an investment aspect, as over time, cards signed by the all-time greats have increased tremendously in value. Names like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and more recent stars like Mike Trout can fetch thousands of dollars for a single signed card.

The rise of eBay in the late 1990s opened up new possibilities for collectors and dealers. Suddenly, a much wider range of autographed cards from various eras became accessible with the click of a button. No longer did you need to hunt through local card shops and shows to find that one special signed card – you could search eBay and have it shipped right to your door. This was a major breakthrough and helped autographed cards become a mainstream collectible.

The influx of autographed cards also led to issues with fakes and forgeries. Unscrupulous dealers began producing fake signatures to take advantage of the high prices fetch by real autographed cards. They also acquired factory-printed cards and had random autograph signing services apply phony signatures to mass produce fakes. This flood of inauthentic product onto eBay became a serious problem in the early 2000s.

In response, authentication companies like PSA/DNA, Beckett Authentication Services, and James Spence Authentication arose to help collectors determine real from fake. They developed intricate signature databases and employed handwriting experts to scrutinize each autograph submitted. Slabs from these respected third-party authenticators provide collectors with certainty and have become an essential part of the high-end autographed card market on eBay. Today, any unsigned card valued at over $100 usually needs a certificate of authenticity to fetch a premium price.

Not all autographed cards require or can receive authentication. For signed items valued at under $500, authentication may end up costing more than the value of the card itself. In such cases, there are still steps collectors can take to avoid scams when browsing listings on eBay. Here are some tips:

Carefully examine high-quality photos of the autograph and compare it to reference signatures. Look for inconsistencies in letter formations or pen pressure.

Check the seller’s feedback rating and history. An established dealer with 100% positive is more trustworthy than a new account with no previous sales.

Ask the seller questions about the signing event or circumstances involved in obtaining the autograph. Legit dealers can provide relevant details that forgers lack.

Search for any imperfections in the autograph that show it’s not a perfect replica. Real signatures often have slight variations or imperfect pen strokes.

Trust your gut feeling if something looks off. Sometimes even with good references, an autograph just feels wrong. It’s best to err on the side of caution.

Consider buying lower valued unsigned cards and getting them signed yourself at card shows to save money over pre-signed eBay listings of uncertain authenticity.

By doing research, comparing to references, and learning the telltale signs of fakes, savvy collectors can feel confident about their autographed baseball card purchases on eBay even without expensive authentication. Just remember to take your time, ask questions, and never overpay for an item that could end up being a forgery. With care taken on the buyer’s side, eBay remains a great marketplace for finding treasures for any autograph collection.

BEST CARDS FROM 1992 DONRUSS BASEBALL

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The 1992 Donruss baseball set was released at the height of the baseball card boom of the late 1980s and early 1990s. While not quite as iconic or valuable as some of the other flagship sets from that era like Topps or Fleer, the ’92 Donruss set still featured many of the game’s biggest stars and future Hall of Famers. It also contained several chase cards and parallels that have stood the test of time. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best and most valuable cards collectors can find from the 1992 Donruss baseball release.

Ken Griffey Jr. – At just 22 years old in 1992, Griffey was already one of the brightest young stars in baseball coming off back-to-back AL MVP award runner up finishes in 1990 and 1991. His dominant play and exciting style helped usher in a new generation of baseball fandom. Naturally, his base rookie card from Donruss is one of the most sought after from the set. High grade copies in PSA 10 condition have sold for over $10,000, showing Griffey’s enduring popularity among collectors.

Cal Ripken Jr. – Like Griffey, Ripken’s ironman streak and consistent excellence made him one of the premier stars of the early 1990s. As a veteran by 1992, Ripken’s card isn’t as valuable as his true rookie. But it remains a key piece for Orioles and Ripken collectors. PSA 10 examples can still fetch $500-1000.

Barry Bonds – Bonds was already one of the game’s top sluggers by 1992, coming off his first 40 home run season the prior year. His prodigious power and five MVP awards over the next decade have somewhat overshadowed the early part of his career. But for collectors of 90s stars, Bonds’ Donruss rookie remains a staple, with PSA 10s around $400-500.

Derek Jeter – One of the true “chase” cards from the 1992 Donruss set is Jeter’s rookie. Like Griffey, he was an exciting young talent who would go on to superstardom and help lead the Yankees dynasty of the late 90s. High grade Jeter rookies from this set can sell for upwards of $2000-3000 due to his enduring popularity and success.

Frank Thomas – “The Big Hurt” was already establishing himself as one of baseball’s best hitters by 1992. His mammoth home runs and disciplined approach made him a fan favorite. Thomas’ Donruss rookie remains one of the more valuable non-rookie cards from the set, with PSA 10s reaching the $400-500 range.

Chipper Jones – As a rookie for the 1991 World Champion Braves, Jones burst onto the scene and showed why he was a No. 1 pick. His Donruss rookie from 1992 is the only card issued of him as a true rookie and remains highly sought after by Braves collectors. PSA 10s can surpass $1000.

Tom Glavine – Another key young piece of those dominant Atlanta Braves teams, Glavine’s rookie coincided with the 1992 Donruss release. Like teammate Chipper Jones, his rookie card from this set holds extra significance as his only true rookie issue. PSA 10s have sold for over $500.

Roberto Alomar – Already a two-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner by 1992, Alomar was one of baseball’s premier second basemen of the early 90s. His smooth skills, speed, and defense made him a fan favorite on perennial contending Blue Jays teams. His Donruss cards remain some of the most iconic from that era.

Parallel Cards – In addition to the base rookie and star cards, the 1992 Donruss set featured several parallel and insert sets that added to the excitement and provided valuable chase cards for collectors. The “Gold Medallion” parallel featured gold foil stamped parallels numbered to 100 copies that added significant rarity and value. The “Diamond Kings” insert set highlighted some of the game’s top sluggers in ornate diamond-themed artwork. And the “Diamond Anniversary” parallel paid tribute to historic moments from years ending in “2” from 1922-1982. All of these parallel sets contained some of the most valuable and desired cards to chase down from the ’92 Donruss release.

While not the most famous or iconic baseball card set of the early 1990s boom, the 1992 Donruss issue still contained the rookie cards and early career representations of many future Hall of Famers and all-time greats. Keys like Griffey, Jeter, and Jones remain hugely popular with collectors even decades later. When found in high grades, these rookie stars and other top players like Ripken, Bonds, and Thomas can still command substantial prices. Factor in the desirable and scarce parallel insert sets, and it’s clear why the ’92 Donruss set endures as producing many of the most valuable and collectible baseball cards from that era.

AMAZON TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 2021

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Topps released their 2021 baseball card set in late 2020 and early 2021, continuing their tradition as the longest running and most iconic brand in the baseball card industry. Some of the top rookies and prospects from the 2020 season like Luis Robert, Alec Bohm, and Logan Gilbert had their Topps rookie cards released to much fanfare. Veteran stars Mike Trout, Christian Yelich, and Cody Bellinger again graced the cover of various Topps products as among the faces of MLB.

The 2021 Topps base set featured cards for over 750 active major and minor league players. The design was a continuation of the clean and modern style Topps has utilized for several years now. Each card featured a large action photo on the front with team logo and player info on a white background. On the reverse, stats from the previous season were listed along with a career highlights blurb. Parallels and short printed variations added to the excitement of the base set for collectors looking to complete the entire roster of players.

In addition to the base set, Topps released several special insert sets highlighting different aspects of the game. The “Topps Now” set allowed Topps to rapidly produce cards commemorating big performances, milestones or events from the current MLB season in near real-time. Other inserts focused on All-Star performances, postseason heroes, awards winners and more. Topps Tribute cards paid homage to baseball legends of the past. The “Heritage” set replicated the classic design aesthetic of the 1950s and 1960s Topps issues that started it all.

Perhaps the most anticipated rookie cards in the 2021 Topps release were those of 2019 first overall draft pick Adley Rutschman and 2018 second overall pick Casey Mize. As top prospects in the Baltimore Orioles and Detroit Tigers systems, respectively, their Topps rookie cards were hot commodities for collectors. Rutschman’s prospect card showed his powerful left-handed swing while Mize’s featured his imposing 6’3″ frame winding up to deliver a pitch. Both are expected to be long-term cornerstones for their rebuilding franchises.

While the base set and inserts were the foundation, Topps released many parallel and short print variations to add rarity and excitement to the 2021 release. The popular “Rainbow Foil” parallels featured iridescent refractors and numbered to much lower print runs than the base. “Gold Label” parallels replicated the classic look of the 1960s issues. “Black Border” short prints were some of the most sought after cards to locate in packs. Topps also produced higher end “Chrome” and “Chrome Update” sets with refractors and autographs.

On the resale market, many of the top rookie cards from the 2021 Topps release commanded big prices. Luis Robert’s base rookie sold for over $100 each as he broke out with a stellar season for the Chicago White Sox. Bo Bichette and Gavin Lux rookies also stayed in high demand. Veterans like Trout, Bellinger and Ronald Acuña Jr. consistently brought the most money as their cards are considered modern-day classics. Parallels and short prints of top names multiplied in value compared to the base cards. The 2021 Topps release kept the brand as the most collected in the hobby.

While physical card shops, baseball card shows and in-person card conventions were limited due to the ongoing pandemic, online sales boomed on platforms like Amazon and eBay. Many collectors turned to breaking and ripping boxes of 2021 Topps online via group breaks, live streams and breakers on YouTube to get their baseball card fix. As a result, the 2021 Topps release was one of the strongest selling years ever for the brand both in physical retail stores that remained open as well as virtual marketplaces. Topps cemented its place atop the baseball card industry throne once again.

The 2021 season marked Topps’ 68th year as the exclusive licensed MLB trading card producer. With their combination of timeless design, exciting parallels and short prints, and capturing the biggest moments and stars of each current season – Topps baseball cards remain a collecting tradition. Whether completing sets, chasing rookie cards, or just enjoying the nostalgia of the classic brand, Topps attracts fans both casual and diehard. Their 2021 release kept the hobby thriving during unusual times and set the stage for another great year of baseball card collecting in 2022.

MOST SOLD JUNK WAX BASEBALL CARDS

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The junk wax era of the late 1980s and early 1990s produced a massive sports card boom that flooded the market with excess baseball cards that have little value today. Between 1986-1994, card companies like Fleer, Topps, and Donruss overproduced sets at unprecedented levels that has led collectors to refer to this period as the “junk wax era.” With supply far outpacing demand, most cards from this period hold little worth. A select few cards still manage to attract interest from collectors and maintain respectable values. This article will examine the most sold and sought-after junk wax baseball cards that have retained significance despite coming from sets that are otherwise considered junk.

Perhaps the most iconic junk wax card is the Ken Griffey Jr. Upper Deck rookie card from 1989. Griffey was one of the brightest young stars to emerge in baseball during this period and his rookie card became a highly coveted chase card for collectors. While supplies of this Griffey rookie are massive since it was produced during the junk wax era, strong collector demand has kept its price elevated above most other late 80s/early 90s cards. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples routinely sell for $350-500 online. Lower graded copies still trade in the $50-150 range depending on condition. No other junk wax card maintains as consistent of interest from collectors as the Griffey.

Another Rookie card that retains value is the Chipper Jones 1991 Fleer card. As one of the best third basemen of his generation, Chipper Jones had a long and successful career that spanned from 1993-2012. Like Griffey, Jones emerged as a young star right during the midst of the junk wax era. Despite Fleer mass producing the 1991 set, the Chipper Jones rookie has held on to relevance because of his career achievements and fame. PSA 10 examples can hit $150-250 while lower graded copies are $25-75. For a card that was literally printed by the millions, the Chipper RC does well considering it comes from perhaps the biggest “junk” era set in Fleer 1991.

A couple of other star rookies that continue moving are the Fred McGriff 1989 Topps Traded and Barry Larkin 1986 Topps rookie cards. As consistent all-stars and fan favorites, McGriff and Larkin generated decent collector followings that have allowed interest in their rookie cards to withstand the junk wax era. McGriff’s traded card is scarcer than his base issue and has done $50-100 in PSA 10. Larkin rookies have brought $75-150 in top Gem Mint grade. Both players were reliable stars right when collectors were opening packs in the late 80s, contributing to the lasting popularity of these rookies compared to most others from the time.

Two of the biggest rookie cards pulled during the junk wax era were Ken Griffey Jr 1989 Upper Deck and Ben McDonald 1990 Leaf. However, McDonald never quite lived up to the hype as one of the top pitching prospects of the late 80s. As a result, his rookie card has declined more than others. Still, examples in PSA 10 can achieve $40-75 online given his hype at the time coupled with the rarity of 1990 Leaf products. But Ben McDonald serves as an example of how career performance directly correlates to the long term value of a player’s flagship rookie, even for coveted prospects. If they don’t pan out, hype alone cannot sustain prices in the long run.

While stars like Griffey, McGriff and Larkin maintained popularity, some iconic veterans also managed to produce junk wax cards that collectors still show enthusiasm for today. Roberto Alomar’s infamous 1991 Donruss Action All-Star card is a perfect example. Depicting Alomar spitting on an umpire during an on-field dispute, it became one of the most controversial and talked about cards from the era. Nearly 30 years later, it remains a novelty that collectors seek out – PSA 10s have hit $175-250. Another iconic veteran is Nolan Ryan’s already rare 1990 Topps Traded card, which features one of the most impressive stats lines of any card. High grade examples can achieve $150-250 given the rarity and subject matter despite originating from junk wax.

Two highly specialized subsets from the late 80s/early 90s that collectors focus on are the 1989 Topps Tiffany cards and 1992 Leaf Minors prospects. The Tiffany issue of the mainstream ’89 Topps set is one of the rarest mainstream issues ever, produced on superior paper stock for a short time. Stars like Griffey, McGwire and Bonds from this subset can reach $50-150 in PSA 10. Meanwhile, the 1992 Leaf Minors set featured prospects like Todd Helton, Jason Giambi and Bobby Higginson before they made the majors. Complete team sets change hands for $500-1000 given how this set essentially previewed the next wave of MLB talent before they debuted. Both Tiffany and Leaf Minors transcend the “junk wax” label due to their specialized collector appeal and scarcity.

While the glut of production from 1986-1994 renders the vast majority of sports cards from that era essentially worthless, a select handful of rookie cards, veterans, and specialized subsets have managed to hold intrinsic collector value despite originating in “junk wax” sets. Strong player performance like Griffey andChipper Jones alongside iconic subjects for veterans like Alomar and Ryan have kept prices elevated above the levels of typical junk wax cards. As prospects like Ben McDonald showed, career achievements are vital to sustaining long term collectors’ interest—hype alone is not enough. These most sought after junk wax cards represent the ceiling values within their vastly overprinted era.

RARE BASEBALL CARDS FROM THE 80s

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The 1980s were a legendary time for baseball card collecting, producing some of the rarest and most valuable cards in the hobby. During this decade, new players were emerging as superstars while legacies were being made by veteran greats in the later stages of their careers. Topps and Donruss were the heavyweight brands producing annual sets, but Fleer joined the fray in 1981 to make it a “Big 3” of baseball card manufacturers. Each company strived to one-up the others with innovative designs, unique photography, and sought-after rookie cards. Many of the rarest gems from the ’80s showcase up-and-coming talent or capture iconic moments that have secured their places in card collecting lore.

One of the most coveted rookie cards from the decade is the Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps. As one of the earliest Topps issues and featuring “The Commerce Comet” in his rookie season, only a small number of these cards survived in high grade. Many were chewed, bent, or damaged beyond repair over decades of loving use by child collectors. High-grade specimens now fetch six-figure prices or more at auction due to their immense rarity, historical significance, and featuring one of the all-time best baseball players. The 1952 Topps Mantle rookie helped spark card collecting’s modern boom and demonstrated the financial potential in holding valuable vintage pieces.

While Mantle’s rookie wasn’t technically from the ’80s, other legendary rookies emerged then that had huge impacts. The 1979 Topps Joe Montana rookie card gained recognition after “Joe Cool” proved himself as an NFL legend and Super Bowl champion quarterback. Low print runs combined with intense demand catapulted the Montana rookie to iconic status. Graded examples now sell for thousands due to scant availability of high-quality copies.

Another highly acclaimed rookie is the 1984 Fleer Bill “Mad Dog” Madlock. This card is exceedingly scarce in pristine condition due to printing and cutting issues from Fleer’s first year in the baseball market. Madlock enjoyed a solid career but his rookie card rarity transcended his performance—just a handful are known to exist in mint condition.

Rookie cards weren’t the only stories of the 1980s, as stars reaching new milestones gained notoriety. An example is the iconic 1982 Fleer Cal Ripken Jr. card, which was issued shortly before he broke Lou Gehrig’s streak of 2,130 consecutive games played. This recognition of Ripken’s durability held new significance after he shattered the “Iron Man’s” record. Combined with Fleer’s lower print run compared to rivals Topps and Donruss, the 1982 Fleer Ripken is a highly sought treasure.

Superstar veterans made additional impacts too. The 1984 Topps Ryne Sandberg with 1984 batting title inscription boldly proclaimed his achievement on the front of the card. Not only does it highlight a career year for the Hall of Famer, the directly on-card notice of the batting championship lends uniqueness. Similarly, the 1987 Donruss Nolan Ryan card recognizes his 5,000th career strikeout. Both examples exalt the players’ milestones in a visually appealing way on desirable vintage stock.

One of the most famous cards from the decade didn’t feature a player at all, rather it showcased an iconic moment in baseball history. The 1987 Topps Tiffany Roger Clemens captures “Rocket” in the middle of his record 20-strikeout game against the Seattle Mariners on April 29, 1986. Its prestige partly stems from Topps’ limited “Tiffany” reprint, which featured high-gloss stock and smaller printing. Along with marking one of the most unbelievable pitching performances ever, its scarcity makes it a seminal piece for enthusiasts.

While it didn’t have the name recognition of Babe Ruth or Mickey Mantle at release, the 1979 O-Pee-Chee Joe Charboneau card turned into a significant rarity. “The Kid” had a hot rookie season but fizzled after injuring his knee. Still, his rookie card gained notoriety since the Canadian O-Pee-Chee brand had much lower print runs than Topps issues in America. Finding a pristine copy today requires deep pockets.

Counterfeiting has become a concern in the vintage collecting market, so authentication matters greatly for expensive vintage cards. In the pre-PCG/BGS/SGC era of the 1980s, it was easier for fake or altered cards to enter the mainstream. As a result, documents of authenticity hold merit. One such item is the 1983 O-Pee-Chee Billy Ripken “F

BEST APP FOR GRADING BASEBALL CARDS

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Grading baseball cards is an important process for collectors to determine the condition and value of their cards. While professional grading companies like PSA, BGS, and SGC offer the most authoritative grades, their services can be expensive and take a long time. Thankfully, several mobile apps have been developed to help baseball card collectors get an initial assessment of their cards’ condition from the convenience of their smartphone. Here are some of the top apps for grading baseball cards:

PSA Collect – This is the official app from industry-leading grading company PSA. It allows you to take high-quality photos of the front and back of a card and receive a condition analysis and estimated grade. The app examines factors like centering, corners, edges and surface to generate a potential PSA grade from 1-10. While not as definitive as an actual PSA submission, it gives collectors a good starting point to evaluate ungraded cards. It also provides population data and recent sales prices for PSA-graded versions to help determine value. The analysis is free, though you need a PSA membership to access all features.

Beckett Grading – Developed in partnership with legendary price guide publisher Beckett, this app leverages their decades of experience evaluating sports cards. Like the PSA Collect app, you can upload photos of a card’s front and back to receive an estimated Beckett grade from 1-10, along with a breakdown of key condition factors. It also provides Beckett population reports and price guide values. While not a replacement for professional grading, it’s a handy tool for getting ballpark condition assessments and values without leaving home. The basic analysis is free with additional subscription offerings.

CardMaverick – This versatile app goes beyond just grading to serve as a complete digital card collection manager. In addition to estimated grading analysis photos, it allows you to catalog your entire collection, track values, trade and sell cards, and more. The grading feature examines centering, corners, edges and surface for an estimated grade on the BGS/SGC 10-point scale. Recent eBay sales data is also provided to help determine a card’s potential value. While more focused on collection management than just grading, its condition analysis can still help collectors get a sense of their cards.

Sports Card Grader – Developed by veteran card graders, this app analyzes photos to provide estimated PSA, BGS, SGC and Beckett grades. Simply snap pictures of the front and back and it will examine centering, corners, edges and surface for a potential 1-10 grade on each scale. Recent sales of professionally-graded versions are also displayed. The analysis is free and quite thorough. While not a true substitute for professional grading services, it equips collectors with useful condition assessments from their phone.

Card Grader – With an easy-to-use interface, this app allows you to upload photos and receive estimated grades from PSA, BGS, SGC and Beckett. It examines centering, corners, edges and surface quality to generate potential numerical grades. Recent eBay sales data is also provided to estimate a card’s value. While the analysis shouldn’t be considered definitive, it gives collectors a helpful at-home tool for evaluating ungraded cards and determining if they may grade well enough to potentially gain value through professional authentication and grading.

Collectr – This versatile app goes beyond just grading to serve as a complete digital card collection manager. In addition to estimated condition analysis photos, it allows you to catalog your entire collection, track values, trade and sell cards, and more. The grading feature examines centering, corners, edges and surface for estimated PSA, BGS and SGC grades. Recent sales of professionally-graded versions are also displayed. While more focused on collection management than just grading, its analysis can still help collectors assess their cards.

While no app can replace the definitive authority of professional grading services, these mobile tools give baseball card collectors convenient at-home options for getting estimated condition assessments and values without having to send cards away. They allow getting a general sense of centering, corners, edges and surface quality to gauge grades. When combined with population data and recent sales of professionally-graded versions, collectors can make informed decisions about whether a card may grade well enough to potentially gain value. Of course, for true authentication, slabbing and inclusion in population reports, professional grading is still recommended. But these apps equip collectors with useful tools for initial evaluations of their ungraded cards.

CYBER MONDAY BASEBALL CARDS

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Cyber Monday has become one of the biggest online shopping days of the year, rivaling even Black Friday in terms of sales volume for many retailers. With more and more people doing their holiday shopping online, Cyber Monday presents a major opportunity for discounts on many products – and that certainly includes baseball cards.

The baseball card industry has undergone some major changes in recent decades. Once primarily a hobby enjoyed by children looking to collect their favorite players, baseball cards are now sought after by serious collectors and investors. Modern printing and grading technologies have allowed for mint condition vintage cards to fetch six and even seven figure prices at auction. This increasing value of rare and coveted cards has attracted many new collectors to the hobby.

At the same time, annual baseball card sets released by the major companies like Topps, Panini, and Leaf have continued to introduce the hobby to new generations. These mainstream releases are frequently found in retail stores like Walmart and Target and provide an accessible entry point. As more people purchase these annual sets around the holidays each year, Cyber Monday deals on new releases are highly anticipated.

Some of the deepest discounts can be found online through the official websites of the major card manufacturers. For Cyber Monday 2020, Topps slashed prices on many of its most popular new releases, including 20-30% off entire case breaks of sets like Topps Chrome Baseball and Topps Finest. Individual hobby boxes and blaster/retail boxes were discounted 15-25% sitewide. Similarly, Panini offered bundle packs and team box discounts up to 40% off for Cyber Monday shoppers looking to start PC (personal collection) builds of rookies and stars.

While the newest releases tend to get the biggest advertised price cuts, savvy collectors also look to Cyber Monday as a chance to fill in gaps in their collections at discount prices. Online card shops and auction sites frequently offer flash sales and end-of-day clearances on vintage and modern singles and lots. Sites like eBay will also offer site-wide coupons that can take additional percentages off card purchases during Cyber Week.

For investors and flippers, Cyber Monday also provides an opportunity to purchase entire collection at steep discounts to hold and resell later. Entire long-term collections are frequently auctioned off on sites like eBay with deep “Buy It Now” price cuts just for Cyber Monday/Week. Buying an entire collection at 30-50% below estimated resale value allows savvy collectors to essentially get paid to sort and sell duplicates at a later date.

Graded card values are also influenced by seasonal demand cycles. Slabbed vintage rookies and stars from the 1970s/80s that are considered modern in the hobby often see slight dips in eBay sold prices leading up to and during the winter holidays as fewer collectors are actively looking to make big purchases. This provides a potential buying opportunity for collectors looking to acquire high-end vintage cards to hold for the long-term.

While the largest and most well-known online card shops and auction sites receive the majority of traffic on Cyber Monday itself, the entire week following Thanksgiving (dubbed “Cyber Week”) also sees continued discounts across the industry. Many smaller independent online dealers and blogs will promote additional Cyber Week-long sales and specials on vintage and modern inventory to capitalize on the increased online shopping traffic. Areas like vintage wax break lots, autographed memorabilia, and complete rainbow set builds are among the specialty product areas that frequently see deals extended throughout the post-Thanksgiving online shopping surge.

Whether browsing for deals on the latest 2021 releases, hunting for bargains on desired singles and lots to complete collections, or even looking for potential flips to make a profit, Cyber Monday/Week presents a fun time for baseball card collectors to save money while feeding their hobby. With more retailers participating each year as online shopping increases, savvy collectors learn to use price tracking tools and comparison shop to ensure they find the deepest discounts. While Black Friday weekend is known for doorbuster in-store door deals, Cyber Monday has truly become the biggest shopping day of the year for baseball card collectors to save online.

LEAST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS

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While many covet baseball cards for their potential value, there are certainly those that have next to no worth at all. Whether due to mass production, lack of star power, or simply being from less popular sets, here are some baseball card options that currently have very little monetary value:

1965 Topps – The very long runs of the 1960s Topps sets produced so many common cards that most have negligible value today. The 1965 set has steady veteran players and fewer star rookies. Cards like Bob Johnson, Dave Wickersham, or Sammy Taylor can be found for under $1 in worn condition. Even some All-Star cards like Joe Torre or Tony Oliva are only worth a couple dollars. With over 600 cards issued, there is low scarcity for most ’65s.

1974 Topps Traded – For years, the 1974 Topps Traded set confounded collectors as it was scarce yet didn’t have big stars or true rookie cards. The design is busy and photo quality varied. The focus is on established veterans like Don Sutton or Ferguson Jenkins. Complete commons sets sell for around $20 given how affordable individual cards are at a quarter each. Other than N.L. Cy Young winner Mike Marshall, there’s not much demand for any ’74 Traded cards.

1988 Donruss – The fifth Donruss release came out during the junk wax era and followed the money-printing mistakes of their previous two issues. With overproduced parallels and insert sets clogging the market, attention shifted away from the standard 388-card base roster. Outside of a Griffey Jr. rookie or Ozzie Smith All-Star, common player cards hold little more than a dime’s worth today. Sets can be acquired for under $10 total.

2002 Fleer Authentic – Seen by fans as a hollow cash-in without retro designs or focused rookies, Fleer’s final baseball offering met an anticlimactic end. Authentic replicas were meant to evoke old-time uniforms, but came across as bland. Nothing besides a Miguel Cabrera variation fetch over a buck in raw form. Nearly the entire set is disposable for collectors.

2007 Topps Update Series – Meant as add-ons to the flagship release, Update sets struggle to cultivate long-term appeal. The 2007 version featured prospects that didn’t pan out like George Kottaras or Troy Patton instead of debuts from Mike Trout or Clayton Kershaw. Besides the novelty of Cubs rookie Ryan Theriot on mopeds, these supplementary cards are all under a quarter each in value.

1992 Topps Stadium Club – A victim of over-production and diffusion of interest, the original Stadium Club set is mostly forgotten today. While pioneering chromium photo variants, distribution extended well beyond initial estimates. Rosters lacked star power of subsequent years as well. Outside of scarce parallels, commons like Eric Davis or Darren Daulton have no collector demand. Complete sets sell for a few dollars.

1998 Fleer Tradition – Coming on the heels of Pinnacle andScore’s failures, Tradition tried bringing back classic designs but lacked compelling checklists. With neither rookie gems nor star veterans worth targeting, the basic cards show ballplayers against dull textures with no hook. Besides the Cubs’ Kerry Wood, entire sets can be acquired for minimal cost given the lack of collector interest.

1997 Bowman’s Best – Seen as a lesser retread of the popular Best brand, this commemorative set had little going for it. Unexciting photos, no first-year player cards, and weak checklist overall caused it to stall out of the starting gate. Outside of a Derek Jeter refractor, cards are dead inventory bringing a penny a piece, if that. Complete sets go for pennies on the dollar.

2009 Upper Deck Goudey – Paying homage to the vintage 1938 issue, collectors weren’t impressed by grainy reprints and a bland assortment. Production issues marred what could’ve been a hit. Few stars besides Evan Longoria made the cut. Beyond the simple novelty of the replica design, these cards hold little attraction or resale potential on the secondary market.

While fun for newcomers or bargain bin shoppers, these least valuable baseball cards provide a warning about fleeting fads and overproduction. With no compelling rookie classes, stars of merit, or ascribed rarities to drive interest long-term, they represent sets left behind by the collecting community at large. For better or worse, these options demonstrate how the hobby has evolved past certain once-hyped products that lost their luster over time.

BASEBALL CARDS LINCOLN NE

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Baseball cards have a long history in Lincoln, Nebraska dating back to the late 1800s when the hobby first began gaining popularity across the United States. Some of the earliest baseball cards produced featured players from Nebraska-based minor league teams that called Lincoln home for part of their season.

In the early days of organized baseball in Lincoln, the city was home to minor league teams that competed in various lower level professional leagues from the 1880s through the 1950s. One of the first teams was the Lincoln Tree Planters who played in the Nebraska State League starting in 1889. While few records remain of baseball cards from this early era, it’s possible some cards may have been produced locally to promote the Tree Planters and other early Lincoln teams.

As baseball card production became more widespread starting in the late 1880s with the advent of mass-produced cigarette cards, more Lincoln-related players began appearing on cards. Teams like the Lincoln Railsplitters of the Western League in the 1890s put Lincoln on the baseball map and some of their stars likely received baseball card treatment. The cards from this era are quite rare as the hobby was still in its infancy.

In the early 20th century, Lincoln was a hotbed of minor league baseball. The city was home to teams competing in the Western League, Central League, Western Association, Western League and Western League again between 1902 and 1950. Dozens of future major leaguers got their start in Lincoln during this golden era of minor league ball. Stars like Bob Gibson, Bob Lemon, Ken Holtzman and more all played for Lincoln minor league squads at some point in their careers. Their rookie cards featuring their time in Lincoln can still be found in collections today from sets issued in the 1930s-1950s.

While the production of baseball cards was centered in large metropolitan areas, Lincoln card collectors of the 1930s-1950s era could still find cards of their hometown Lincoln players with a little effort. Sets from the time like Goudey, Play Ball and Bowman featured many players who spent time in the minors with Lincoln teams. Regional tobacco brands also sometimes included Lincoln players in their baseball cards inserted in cigarette packs.

In the post-World War II era, Lincoln’s minor league teams drew well as affordable family entertainment. Stars of the day like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and more honed their skills against Lincoln competition. Their rookie cards remain some of the most coveted in the hobby given their Hall of Fame careers. For Lincoln fans, finding a card of one of their hometown heroes going on to MLB glory was a thrill.

The 1950s saw the end of the golden era of minor league baseball in Lincoln as teams came and went in various lower classification leagues. But the baseball card hobby was booming nationwide thanks to the advent of modern printing techniques. Iconic 1950s sets like Topps, Bowman and Red Man captured the final years of future MLB stars playing in Lincoln before the farm system changed.

In the 1960s, Lincoln’s minor league affiliation shifted to the Pacific Coast League’s Hawaii Islanders who used Lincoln as a spring training site. While no regular season games were played, the team drew Lincoln baseball fans interested in seeing PCL action. The Islanders roster included stars like Jim Lefebvre and Nolan Ryan during their time training in Lincoln. Their rookie cards from the 1960s are still prized by collectors with a Lincoln connection to the team.

The 1970s saw the end of minor league baseball in Lincoln for decades as teams consolidated at higher levels. But the baseball card hobby kept growing nationwide thanks to the rise of the hobby’s modern golden era sparked by the arrival of the pioneering 1973 Topps set. While no longer home to any pro teams, Lincoln card collectors could still find cards of Nebraska natives who made it to the majors. Icons like Bob Gibson, Bob Lemon and Gene Garber had roots in the Cornhusker state.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the baseball card boom saw unprecedented growth. Mainstream retailers like drug stores and supermarkets got in the baseball card business. While Lincoln no longer had any direct connection to pro ball, local card shops catered to collectors. Sets from Fleer, Donruss, Upper Deck and more could be found in Lincoln shops, fueling new generations of Cornhusker state card fans. Regional stars like Darin Erstad and Todd Helton kept Nebraska on the map in the hobby.

Today, Lincoln remains home to a dedicated baseball card collecting community. While the city hasn’t hosted pro ball in decades, local card shops like Nebraska Sports Cards keep the hobby alive. Vintage Lincoln minor league stars and modern Nebraska natives are still collectible and bring back memories for longtime Cornhusker state card fans. Events like card shows draw collectors from across the state regularly. Although the teams are gone, the legacy of baseball cards in Lincoln lives on in the collections and memories of dedicated collectors in the city and state.

Baseball cards have been a staple of the sports and collecting scene in Lincoln, Nebraska for over 125 years since the earliest days of the hobby. From minor league stars of the late 1800s to modern Nebraska major leaguers, cards collecting remains an important connection to the baseball heritage of the Cornhusker state capital city.

BASEBALL CARDS ONE OF ONE

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Baseball cards have been collected by fans for over a century, with the earliest cards dating back to the late 1800s. Throughout most of the history of baseball cards, the vast majority produced were printed in high numbers ranging anywhere from tens of thousands to millions of copies. In recent decades there has emerged a new niche in the hobby – one-of-one cards.

A one-of-one baseball card, sometimes abbreviated as 1/1, refers to a card that was produced as a true singular unique copy. There is no other identical version of the card in existence. This rarity and uniqueness makes one-of-ones some of the most coveted and valuable cards in the hobby. While producing cards in extremely high numbers was standard practice for the early card companies like Topps, Fleer, and Donruss, the advent of advanced printing technologies has allowed for truly limited print runs including singular cards.

Some of the first modern one-of-ones came about in the late 1980s and early 1990s through oddball and independent regional card sets. Companies like Pinnacle Brands and Studio sought new ground by producing sets with creative concepts, unique parallels, and limited print runs which sometimes resulted in accidental 1/1 variations. It was Upper Deck who is largely credited with popularizing the concept of intentional one-of-ones. Their ultra-premium inserts like “The Upper Deck” and “The Refractor” in the 1990s featured serial numbers indicating the card was a singular copy amongst the entire print run.

In the 2000s, one-of-ones truly took off. Print-on-demand technologies allowed manufacturers like Topps, Panini, and Leaf to provide custom card options. Through services like Topps Authenticated, fans could now commission truly unique baseball cards with specific player/team combinations and autographs. Parallel sets from brands also resulted in more accidental 1/1 variations through short prints or unannounced variations. Exquisite, Leaf Metal Universe, and Topps Tribute became known for housing some of the most extravagant one-of-ones with materials like diamonds, gold foil, or serial number plates.

As one-of-ones rose in prominence, their values skyrocketed. Early 2010s sales saw some of the first 1/1s crack five-figure prices, but it wasn’t until the late 2010s that they started regularly reaching and exceeding six figures. Modern one-of-ones often feature new players, serial number plates, rare autographs or memorabilia, exquisite materials, and complex parallel constructions. Their rarity and uniqueness has made them a blue chip asset class within the greater sports card market. Some of the most expensive one-of-ones ever sold include a 2009 Topps Tribute Babe Ruth Patch card that realized $305,970, a 2013 Panini National Treasures Tom Brady “Gronkowski” card that sold for $400,100, and a 2017 Leaf Metal Universe Mike Trout card that changed hands for $425,300.

As values have risen, one-of-ones have become a major attraction on the primary and secondary markets. Manufacturers now actively promote their ultra-short printed parallel sets and autographed memorabilia cards that often result in accidental 1/1s. Popular brands like Topps, Panini, Leaf, and Upper Deck also offer made-to-order custom card programs where collectors can commission true bespoke singles. The third-party marketplace has also exploded, with companies like Goldin, PWCC, and Heritage facilitating six- and seven-figure sales of modern one-of-ones between accredited collectors, investors and dealers. Grading services like PSA and BGS have also adapted authentication and encapsulation services to properly preserve these fragile singular assets.

Despite their rarity and high values, one-of-ones remain one of the most accessible ultra-premium card offerings for today’s collectors. Through primary market parallels, breaks, and custom card programs, it’s possible for any collector to potentially acquire or create their own unique 1/1. And with strong resale demand and record prices continuously being set in the secondary market, one-of-ones have evolved into a blue-chip collectible class all their own. Their singularity and creative constructions have made them a true luxury item amongst today’s most elite baseball card investors and enthusiasts. As technologies continue to advance and the market grows, one can only expect to see even more extravagant and expensive one-of-one cards produced in the future.