COST OF GETTING BASEBALL CARDS GRADED

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Getting vintage baseball cards professionally graded has become very popular in recent years. Third party grading companies like PSA, BGS, SGC and HGA provide authentication and assign numerical grades to cards based on their condition. This adds value and liquidity for collectors. The grading process does come with costs that collectors need to be aware of. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the various fees associated with getting baseball cards graded.

The basic cost to submit cards for grading depends on which company you use and how quickly you need turnaround time. PSA is generally the most expensive option while SGC and HGA offer more affordable alternatives. PSA has several submission service levels with prices ranging from $10-$100+ per card depending on factors like bulk submission discounts, express vs standard return service and whether you want a special holder.

BGS charges $15 per card for their standard 30-day service or $30 per card for an ultra-modern 10-day turnaround. SGC’s basic submission fee is $10 per card with $20 express options available. HGA charges $7.50 per card for their regular service and $15 for express. So right off the bat, you are looking at minimum costs of $10-15 per card just for the basic grading fees before any shipping or insurance costs.

In addition to the per card grading fees, most companies also charge shipping/handling or conservation fees. PSA charges $25 for shipping and handling on submissions of 10 cards or less going up from there based on quantity. They also charge a $2 conservation fee per card. BGS charges $15 for return shipping on orders under $150. SGC charges $10 flat for return shipping under 50 cards and $20 over 50 cards. HGA charges $15 return shipping for orders under 10 cards.

Another cost factor is insurance. It is highly recommended that you fully insure your submission package both to and from the grading company in case of damage or loss in transit. Basic shipping insurance through the post office or carriers like FedEx/UPS typically runs $0.50-$2.00 per $100 of declared value. For high value submissions, you may want to purchase additional private insurance as well.

There are also express upgrade costs if you need cards back sooner. PSA offers same day, 1 day and 3 day express options that can add $30-150+ per card on top of regular fees. BGS charges $50 per card to upgrade to their 10 day service. SGC charges $10 more per card for their 5 day express service.

Bulk submission discounts are available from most companies to help offset costs if sending in larger quantities. PSA offers 5% off for orders of 50+ cards and 10% off for 100+. BGS provides discounts starting at 5% for orders of 25 cards. SGC offers a sliding scale from 5-20% off depending on quantities submitted from 25-500+. HGA gives 5% off for orders over 50 cards.

There are additional costs if you want special holders, autograph authentication or other extras. PSA charges extra for their high end black label, gold label and autograph authentication holders. BGS charges $20 per card for their black label autograph authentication service. SGC and HGA do not currently offer autograph authentication.

Here is a breakdown of potential total costs to grade a 10 card submission with PSA as an example:

Grading fees: 10 cards x $15 = $150
Shipping/handling fee: $25
Conservation fees: 10 cards x $2 = $20
Return shipping insurance: $20 (based on $200 declared value)
Total: $215

As you can see, the costs add up quickly. Grading large collections can easily run into the thousands of dollars before even considering raw card costs. Careful planning and use of bulk submission discounts can help offset expenses. But for collectors looking to add value and resell graded cards, the costs are usually recouped if high grades are achieved. Just be sure to do the math first before submitting to ensure grading makes financial sense for your collection.

While third party grading brings authentication and standardization that helps the hobby, there is definitely a cost associated with the process. Collectors need to budget appropriately based on the grading company, turnaround time needed, insurance, shipping and any special services required. Using bulk submission discounts and value-added extras like special holders sparingly can help maximize returns. Grading is recommended when a collection contains high-end vintage cards that stand to significantly gain in value from professional authentication and assigned numerical condition grades.

1991 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS TRADED SERIES

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The 1991 Topps Baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic of all time largely due to the inclusion of a special “Traded” subset highlighting players who had been dealt to new teams in late 1990 or early 1991. These traded cards were eagerly awaited by collectors as they depicted popular stars in unfamiliar uniforms for the first time. With teams always seeking to improve themselves through strategic trades, deal making was a major part of the game and these specialized inserts captured pivotal player movements at that moment in time.

The 1991 Topps Traded Series featured 15 highly anticipated cards showing notable players after swapping teams just before or during the 1991 season. As was customary, the traded players were included twice in the base set – once in their old uniform on their main roster card and again in their new uniform and colors within the dedicated traded subset. Having two unique versions of these stars added enormously to the excitement and collectability of the 1991 release.

Among the big names included in the 1991 Topps Traded Series were Hall of Famers Rickey Henderson, Nolan Ryan, and Orel Hershiser. Rickey Henderson’s card depicted the speedster after being acquired by Oakland where he began his second stint with the A’s after previous seasons with the Yankees and Padres. At age 32, Henderson remained one of baseball’s most dynamic players and his trade was major news. Equally high-profile was the card of Nolan Ryan, by then in the twilight of his career, but still a touring attraction after being dealt from the Rangers to the Astros prior to the 1991 season at age 44.

Another well-known trade featured on a 1991 Topps Traded card was that of Cy Young Award winner Orel Hershiser going from the Dodgers to the Indians. Hershiser had achieved legendary status as “Bulldog” by leading LA to a championship in 1988 and throwing a record 59 consecutive scoreless innings. Baseball fans were fascinated to see how he would perform after being traded away from his longtime team.

Additional 1991 Topps Traded cards depicted the transactions of notable players like Kevin Mitchell from the Padres to the Mariners, Willie Randolph from the A’s to the Dodgers, Candy Maldonado from the Pirates to the Angels, and Jose Rijo from the Reds to the Rangers. Each traded player was photographed in their new uniform to signify their career transition. The uniforms, as much as the players themselves, made these specialty cards visual treats for collectors.

For collectors at the time, finding these scarce traded inserts proved exceedingly difficult as there was no guaranteed way to obtain a complete set. The 15 traded cards were inserted very lightly throughout packs of the estimated 6.6 billion regular 1991 Topps cards produced. Scouring hundreds of packs hoping to uncover the elusive traded cards became part obsessive hobby and part fun lottery. Many collectors relied on swapping duplicates with others in pursuit of finishing the subset. Having even a single 1991 Topps Traded card was a prized possession.

In subsequent years, Topps varied their approach to depicting traded players. Sometimes they were included in the regular base set wearing both uniforms, other times they received their own special inserts. But the 1991 Traded Series established a template for showcasing notable in-season player movements. Its scarcity, subject matter spotlighting renowned stars, and ability to freeze a moment in baseball history made this subset incredibly impactful and collectible among fans and card collectors. Today, a complete 1991 Topps Traded set with all 15 cards in pristine condition can fetch over $1,000 on the secondary market from dedicated vintage baseball card collectors.

For the thousands of kids who ripped packs of 1991 Topps in hopes of finding sports cards of their favorite players in those early 1990s summers, the thrill and challenge of seeking out the short printed traded inserts added tremendous excitement to the hobby. Three decades later, the 1991 Topps Traded Series endures as one of the most legendary specialized card sets ever due to its brilliant capture of some of baseball’s biggest names transitioning to new uniforms and cities at the peak of their popularity. It remains a remembered high point in the annual quest to complete each year’s Topps release in its entirety.

1985 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET VALUE

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The 1985 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable vintage issues in the entire hobby. Containing 792 total cards in the base set released that year, a complete near-mint to mint condition 1985 Topps set in professional grading has sold for over $25,000 at auction. Let’s take a deeper look at what makes this particular release so coveted and expensive for collectors over 35 years later.

One major factor influencing the 1985 Topps set value is the rookie cards it contains of future all-time greats and Hall of Famers. Chief among these is the dazzling rookie of Toronto Blue Jays sensation Dwight Gooden. Often considered the finest rookie card ever printed, Gooden’s electrifying rookie dazzles with its iconic image of the young flamethrower ready to deliver. In a PSA 10 gem mint grade, Gooden’s rookie has cracked $10,000 alone. Other noteworthy rookies in the ’85 set include such studs as Roger Clemens, Barry Larkin, Rafael Palmeiro, and Mark McGwire. Having so many elite future Hall of Famers encapsulated in their first MLB cards exponentially drives up demand.

Sentimentality also plays a role for collectors, as 1985 marked a very memorable season in MLB history. The St. Louis Cardinals topped the Kansas City Royals in a thrilling 7-game World Series, with Ozzie Smith’s defensive wizardry and solo homer powering St. Louis to the championship. Kansas City slugger George Brett also had a legendary .390 batting average campaign. Reliving these classic ’85 playoff moments through the associated cards increases collectors’ affinity. Beyond championships, 1985 also saw Don Mattingly hit .324 with 235 hits for the Yankees and Nolan Ryan strike out 195 batters for the Astros. Favorite players and seasons become forever immortalized in cardboard.

From a strict condition and production standpoint, the durability and centering of 1985 Topps cards also lend well to long-term preservation. With a higher gloss coating and quality stock paper compared to some earlier 1970s issues, ’85s have shown impressive resistance to wear over time. Proper storage afforded many sets the opportunity to achieve the illustrious near-mint to gem mint grades now demanding top dollar. Few other vintage releases possess as many examples still grading that high today. The combination of iconic rookies, memorable moments, and ability to withstand the test of time sets 1985 Topps apart.

Beyond the immense value inherent in a full ’85 base set, variations and chase cards provide exciting bonus opportunities to sweeten a complete collection. Short prints like Kenny Williams and Oddibe McDowell number under 100 copies in circulation. The gold foil Wade Boggs card is one of sport’s most iconic and sought-after parallels. Errors like the Cal Ripken Jr. “upside-down photo” misprint ignite a whole new level of demand. Then there are the coveted unopened 1985 wax packs themselves, some of which have sold for over $10,000 a piece. Having even a single one of these scarce supplementary items with a complete set takes the value to rarified air.

Of course, with such eminent status comes high expectations when it comes to condition. Buyers demand pristine examples to justify the lofty price tags 1985 Topps fetches. The majority of seven-figure sets crossover the auction block encapsulated by leading third-party authenticators like PSA or BGS to prove their freshness. Anything less than a 9 risks dramatically decreasing value. On the flip side, the monetary compensation achievable by submitting one’s collection to the grading process provides its own reward against the costs. Turning raw cards into prestigious slabs often multiples their end valuation.

In the over 35 years since its original issue date, the 1985 Topps baseball card set has more than stood the test of time. Containing some of the most legendary rookie cards and chronicling a quintessential MLB season, it remains one of the true crown jewels of the vintage era. With stable demand, superior production standards compared to prior years, and propensity for high grades, 1985 Topps maintains an elite stratum reserved for only the most coveted releases. For serious vintage collectors, assembling this pinnacle set in pristine condition will remain both a monumental challenge and highly worthwhile investment for decades further. At over $25,000 for a flawless complete run, 1985 Topps earns its rightful place among the costliest and most iconic collections in the entire hobby.

TOP SELLING BASEBALL CARDS 2019

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The baseball card market continued to thrive in 2019 with collectors spending big money on vintage cards and modern rookie cards alike. As in years past, classic cards of legendary players like Mickey Mantle and Ken Griffey Jr topped sales charts. However, 2019 also saw huge demand and record prices paid for stars just beginning their careers like Ronald Acuña Jr and Pete Alonso.

Leading the way as the highest selling baseball card of 2019 was a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle in pristine near-mint to mint condition. This iconic Mantle rookie card garnered a winning bid of $2.88 million through Goldin Auctions in January. While it didn’t set a new record, it once again proved Mantle’s cards as the most coveted and valuable in the hobby. Collectors are willing to pay top dollar for the chance to own one of the approximately 50-100 PSA/BGS graded examples in existence of The Mick’s classic rookie.

In at number two was a 1991 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr rookie card that changed hands for $350,000 through PWCC Marketplace in November. The card received strong marks of PSA Gem Mint 10, the highest possible grade. Griffey was a fan favorite during his playing career and his rookie cards from 1989-90 remain exceedingly popular with collectors to this day. The high price paid is indicative of enduring demand for superb conditioned copies of Jr’s seminal rookie issue.

The number three spot on the top selling baseball cards list went to an autographed 2001 Bowman Chrome Vladimir Guerrero rookie card for $249,500. Guerrero produced one of the finest careers of any player in the early 2000s. His popularity in Montreal translated well to cards and this rare on-card autograph added desirable scarcity to an already elite rookie. The card sold through Goldin Auctions in April.

Moving into present-day players, a record for a living player was set by a 2018 Bowman Chrome Ronald Acuña Jr rookie auto-patch card that went for $150,000 in February. Acuña erupted onto the scene in 2018 with Atlanta and became an immediate fan favorite with his power, speed and flair. The 21-year old continues to develop into a true five-tool superstar. The 1/1 serial numbered card proved Acuña’s star power extends into the collectibles realm as well.

Finishing off the top five was a 1978 Topps Cal Ripken Jr rookie card in PSA 8 condition selling for $123,168 through Goldin Auctions in June. While not his true rookie card debut, Cal Ripken’s enduring iron man legacy and status as a Baltimore icon translated to strong demand for high grade copies of his early baseball cards. The PSA 8 condition represented exceptional eye appeal for such an historic rookie issue from Ripken’s MVP career.

Down the list at number six was a record-setting sale that perfectly encapsulated the frenzy for Pete Alonso’s 2019 rookie cards. A PSA 10 Example of Alonso’s Topps Supplemental Photo Variation card rocketed to $90,000 through Heritage Auctions in November. Alonso’s 53 home run rookie campaign for the Mets, which included winning the 2019 Home Run Derby and NL Rookie of the Year Award, had collectors chasing his cards all season long. This perfect gem mint copy illustrated how rookie phenoms in the hobby can turn cardboard into gold.

Slotting in at seventh on the leaderboard was a 1988 Topps Traded Ken Griffey Jr rookie card in PSA 8 condition that changed hands privately for $80,000 through Goldin Auctions in July. Griffey’s legendary 1989 Upper Deck rookie gets most of the attention, but his 1988 Traded issue debut is also a highly coveted card within the Griffey collection community. The strong eight grade allowed buyers a shot at this historically significant Griffey issue in excellent condition without breaking the bank.

The eighth highest selling baseball card of 2019 was a 1996 SP Derek Jeter rookie card in PSA 10 Gem Mint that swapped hands for $65,000 at auction in February. Jeter’s career and Yankees fandom translated into eternal demand for his rookie cards from 1996, though the high grade SP issue stands apart for its colorful design and rarity in pristine condition. Much like Cal Ripken and Ken Griffey Jr before him, Jeter’s cards represent one of the most popular collections for hobbyists and investors alike.

The ninth slot went to a pristine 1998 Bowman’s Best Refractor Ken Griffey Jr. card that pulled in $51,000 this past June. Griffey’s spectacular rookie years on the Mariners made any of his 1990s inserts and parallels highly collectible. But the 1998 Bowman’s Best stand out for their true-to-the-name “best” selection of photography and on-card refractor technology that pops in the protective case. Near-perfect grades bring out big bucks for what remains a modern masterpiece from Jr’s prime.

Rounding out the list at number ten was a 1998 Bowman Chrome Mike Piazza Refractor Rookie/Star rookie card in BGS 9.5/10 condition fetching $48,000 in August. Piazza was one of the top offensive catchers of all time and his star power shined through with collectors of 90s cards. The 1998 Bowman Chrome set featured some of the first refractors in modern cardboard collecting. In a gem quality BGS slab, this Piazza stands out as an elite rookie to own for fans of vintage 90s inserts and stars of that era.

The baseball card market entered new territory in 2019 with record sales in the multi-million, quarter-million, and hundred-thousand dollar ranges. While vintage stars like Mantle, Griffey, and Ripken maintained their status atop the charts, modern rookies proved their cardboard can carry value too through Acuña and Alonso’s rise. Tied closely to performance on the field and condition under the plastic, the highest selling baseball cards each year provide an exclusive view of the game’s most prized collectibles.

PSA IN BASEBALL CARDS

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PSA is the largest and most respected third-party authentication and grading service for collectibles, especially sports cards. Founded in 1991, PSA helped create the modern sports card market by establishing standards for condition, rarity, and value. Today, any serious baseball card collector knows the importance of PSA grading.

PSA authentication ensures a card is genuine and unaltered. This is important since forgery is an ongoing issue, especially with valuable vintage cards. PSA also meticulously grades each card on its condition using their 1-10 scale. A PSA 10 Gem Mint card is in pristine condition without even the slightest flaws. These top graded specimens often achieve the highest prices at auction.

While some prefer to simply showcase raw, ungraded cards in protective holders, PSA slabs provide instant credibility that a valuation can be based upon. After all, there are no industry-wide standards for condition and no easy way for potential buyers to distinguish between a well-cared for near-mint card vs one with notable defects. PSA grading eliminates uncertainty and allows collectors to objectively compare “apples to apples.”

The grading process begins when submitters pay a fee and carefully pack their cards to prevent damage during shipping. At PSA, multiple expert graders then thoroughly examine each card inside and out under intense lighting. They use high-powered loupes to identify even the most minor flaws in the centering, corners, edges or surface of the card. Digital images are also captured of any notable imperfections.

Once graded, the card is then sealed within a tamper-proof plastic slab that prominently displays the grade. This not only protects the card but instantly conveys its condition at a glance. All authentication and grading data is also recorded in the PSA online registry, further enhancing provenance. Cards that achieve the elite PSA 10 designation are especially desirable due to their extreme scarcity and investment grade quality.

Over the decades, PSA has certified billions of dollars worth of collectibles, becoming the standard in the industry. As one of the most trusted third parties, PSA grading adds tremendous value to a card’s worth. Vintage baseball cards in top PSA 10 grades often sell for hundreds or even thousands of times their raw value. It’s not uncommon for rare pre-war T206 Honus Wagner cards or 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookies to achieve prices over $1 million when fresh PSA slabs are cracked open at public auction.

Coins and currency may be older collecting areas, but it is PSA who brought authentication and standardized condition grading to the sports card market. In the process, they virtually created a new modern collectibles economy by instilling confidence and providing tangible asset value. Investors and long-term “cardholders” now buy raw cards solely for resale potential after professional grading. PSA 10 specimens that seem to increase exponentially in worth continue to be highly coveted trophies.

While PSA paved the way, competition has since emerged with services like BGS, SGC and others. Each have their own style of slabbing and devotees. But in terms of recognition, market penetration and third-party validation essential for reliable comparable pricing data, PSA remains the undisputed leader. They have built credibility by consistently providing impartial authentication and grading for decades. Their registry of over 4 billion cards and other collectibles represents an invaluable resource.

Submitting cards to PSA requires patience as turnaround times can reach 6-9 months due to their popularity and the care taken in the process. Expedited “rush” services are available for those wanting faster results but at much higher cost. Prices also depend on the declared value and whether bulk or single cards are being graded. Still, most collectors find PSA fees are worth it for the resale value and peace of mind these independent experts provide.

With its role in energizing the collecting marketplace, PSA transformed sports and entertainment memorabilia into serious investment vehicles. They continue setting the standard that others try to emulate but few match. Just as sealed PSA slabs impart credibility and price insights, the PSA brand name itself connotes authority and reliability that collectors worldwide trust and respect. For any serious student of collectible cards, PSA stands alone as the pioneering leader and remains an essential service to utilize.

1989 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE

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The 1989 Topps baseball cards were issued during a pivotal time in the baseball card industry. While not quite the peak of the junk wax era, 1989 saw tremendous overproduction of cards that has led to many common cards from the late 1980s being worth just pennies in near mint condition today. Within the massive 1989 Topps set there are still several valuable and desirable rookie cards, stars of the era, and interesting parallel and short print cards that command premium prices.

The standard 1989 Topps set contains 792 cards issued in wax packs, rack packs, and factory sets. The designs featured colorful borders and action photos of the players. The main set included rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Barry Larkin, Tom Glavine, and Gregg Maddux that are key cards to look for. Even those rookies are only worth $5-10 apiece in near mint condition today as they were produced in exceptionally high numbers.

Where collectors will find the best values from the 1989 Topps set are in the short prints and star rookie/star player cards that saw lower production runs. The two most coveted short prints from the set are cards #640 Don Mattingly and #523 Ozzie Smith. These cards were accidentally omitted from some factory sets and wax pack distributions, making them significantly rarer than the other cards in the base set. In high grade near mint or mint condition, the 1989 Don Mattingly and Ozzie Smith short prints can fetch $100-250 each depending on condition.

Other valuable short prints to look for include cards #156 Frank Viola and #289 David Cone. Both pitchers were stars of the late 1980s and their short printed cards often sell in the $25-50 range. High number cards #776-792 from the base set are considered short prints. While not as highly valued as the accidental omissions, these high numbers do carry small premiums over base cards, with mint condition copies selling in the $5-15 range.

When it comes to rookie cards from 1989 Topps, by far the most coveted is Ken Griffey Jr. As one of the greatest players of all-time, Griffey’s rookie card #1 remains a highly sought after piece for collections. In pristine mint condition the Griffey Jr. rookie has sold at auction for over $1000, while a nice near mint copy can still command $75-200 depending on the auction. The Griffey is the clear standout, but other notable star rookie cards include Gregg Maddux (#454), Tom Glavine (#556), and David Justice (#573). These late 1980s star rookies often sell for $10-30 each in top grades.

Beyond the base set, collectors should also be aware of the parallel and premium insert sets released in 1989 Topps. The “PhotoGraphics” parallel set featured special photo or artistic treatments of 100 main set cards in a much lower print run. Popular PhotoGraphics cards like the Frank Thomas and Ken Griffey Jrs. can sell for $20-50 each depending on condition. Additionally, Topps Traded and Topps Graded sets featured premium rookie and star players from the main issues. Keys cards like the #126 Ken Griffey Jr. from Traded and #14 Greg Maddux from Graded often sell in the $50-100 range in top shape.

When pricing a collection of 1989 Topps cards or evaluating singles, there are several key factors that influence a card’s value beyond its visual condition and scarcity. Player performance and career accomplishments certainly factor in, as stars like Mattingly, Ozzie Smith, and especially Griffey will usually retain stronger collector interest than otherwise equal quality cards of short-timer players. The card’s position and visual appeal within the set also matters, with early and late issue cards tending to attract slightly higher bids. Ultimately for 1989 Topps, it’s highly conditional rookie cards, short prints, and star players that provide the best opportunity for finding higher end values within this mammoth and affordably collected vintage release.

While 1989 Topps baseball cards were produced in massive numbers that have kept most common issues quite affordable, savvy collectors know where to look to find the true gems that can yield stronger returns. Whether it’s accidental short prints, premier rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, or difficult to find parallel versions, the right 1989 Topps cards in top grades still appeal greatly to set builders and investors decades later. Taking the time to properly identify, grade, and price check keys from the set can reward collectors looking to assemble an affordable vintage collection with some key, valuable pieces to include.

1990 SCORE ROOKIE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1990 Score baseball card set is regarded as one of the most iconic and valuable rookie card releases of all time. While the 1989 Fleer and Upper Deck sets introduced premium printed cards with sharper photos and extended statistics, Score in 1990 retained the nostalgia of the classic wax pack era with their thin cardboard stock and traditionally simple design while still showcasing some truly legendary emerging young talents. Now over 30 years later, the handfull of true superstar rookie cards from this set command payments in the thousands of dollars and represent pivotal pieces of collectibles history.

As baseball emerged from the 1980s and moved into a new decade, there was a rejuvenated enthusiasm around the sport and its thriving culture of memorabilia and collectibles. Score capitalized on this energy by creating a 660 card base set that highlighted both established veterans and up-and-coming prospects. Some of the big names included Ken Griffey Jr, Bryce Florie, Gregg Olson, Willie McGee, and Sandy Alomar Jr. It was the rookie performances of a select few that made the 1990 Score issue truly unforgettable in retrospect.

Arguably the most legendary of all is Ken Griffey Jr’s rookie card, featuring the young outfielder grinning in a Mariners cap with “THE KID” emblazoned below. Even as a 20 year old rookie, Griffey showed tantalizing talents that would make him one of the game’s greatest ever players. His beautiful left-handed swing, effortless defense, and trademark backwards hat made him an immediate fan favorite. Though injuries would interrupt his career at times, Griffey smashed 630 home runs and earned 13 All-Star selections. He remains one of the most beloved figures in baseball history. In pristine mint condition, his 1990 Score RC has sold for over $100,000, a remarkable valuation for a card from a set merely over 30 years old.

Another absolutely iconic rookie from this release is Frank Thomas of the White Sox. Known as “The Big Hurt”, Thomas swatted 521 home runs during a Hall of Fame career and won back-to-back AL MVPs in 1993-1994. His towering lefty power and disciplined plate approach made him a constant threat in the Chicago lineup. Thomas’ rookie card, with a closeup shot of his intense stare and thick biceps popping from his sleeve, is equally as impressive on the secondary market. high-grade versions have reached the $10,000 level.

While Thomas and Griffey were the consensus best players from this set looking back, other stars also had their rookie introductions, including John Smoltz, Roberto Alomar, Gregg Jefferies, and Jeff Bagwell. Smoltz would compile over 200 wins and 154 saves as perhaps the greatest dual-threat pitcher in baseball history. His virtuoso performances out of the Atlanta bullpen and in the rotation make his 1990 Score RC a valued piece for Braves collectors. Alomar and Bagwell both secured Hall of Fame enshrinement with sparkling careers at second base and first base respectively for the Blue Jays and Astros.

Of course, not every rookie card ends up belonging to a future superstar or Hall of Famer. But what makes 1990 Score such an historic set is that it successfully launched so many iconic careers right before baseball’s momentum accelerated through the 1990s. While stars fade and teams come and go, these vintage cards perfectly freeze in time the first glimpses of players who would shape the game for generations. Even now, they remain a vivid reminder of both the excitement and uncertainty of a new season’s incoming talent.

In today’s market, a complete set of 1990 Score rookie cards in high quality could easily fetch over $10,000. But some standouts now demand far more. A PSA 10 Griffey RC recently sold for a staggering $228,000 at auction. And while BGS/PSA 9 versions of stars like Thomas, Smoltz, and Alomar may range between $1000-5000, even their lower graded copies retain value relative to set from 30+ years ago. For serious vintage baseball collectors, acquiring a piece of this historic release may seem like an unattainable goal. But the 1990 Score set illustrates why celebrations of rookie achievements, however fleeting some may seem at the time, so resonate decades later. It perfectly captured lighting in a bottle before new eras and legacies had fully emerged.

The 1990 Score baseball card set will forever hold an incredibly significant place in the lore of the hobby. Not only did it debut rookie cards for future Hall of Famers like Ken Griffey Jr. and Frank Thomas, but it additionally served as an introduction to other all-time great careers including Smoltz, Bagwell, and Alomar. While only a small number grade out at the true gem mint level, even well-kept copies retains substantial worth. The 1990 Score rookies act as a nostalgic time capsule capturing the genesis of players who came to define their eras. It serves as a reminder of both the hope and uncertainty that surrounds every new batch of young talent.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS FROM 1970

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The 1970 Topps baseball card set was a significant release that came at the end of a major era in both baseball and the hobby of baseball card collecting. The 1969 season had seen major league baseball expand with the addition of the Seattle Pilots and Kansas City Royals, bringing the total number of teams to 24. This expansion was part of MLB’s plan to continue growing the sport and its popularity across the United States.

At the same time, the popularity of collecting baseball cards was at an all-time high during the late 1960s. Topps, which had held the monopoly on MLB player licensing rights since the 1950s, responded to the growing collector demand by significantly increasing production runs for its annual sets. The 1970 Topps cards would be printed in astonishing numbers, with the standard 660-card run swelling to over 1 billion issued cards. This made the 1970 set the most widely available in the history of the hobby to that point.

The 1970 design featured a more colorful and stylized approach compared to the subtler designs of the late 1960s Topps issues. Each player’s photograph was housed in a bright yellow frame bordered in red and blue, with the team name arching along the top in flashy red and yellow fonts. Statistics were listed along the bottom edge. Topps also added color tinting and special touches to stars like Willie Mays and Hank Aaron. The back design changed as well, with a white background and smaller player stats and career highlights text.

Despite the large print run, the 1970 Topps set remains a standard in the hobby due its historical significance and prevalence of high-grade examples available to collectors. Some interesting inclusions were the debut cards for future Hall of Famers like Reggie Jackson, Tom Seaver, and Joe Morgan. The biggest stars of the late 1960s like Mays, Aaron, Bob Gibson, and Dick Allen were all entering the later stages of their careers as the ’70s began.

The 1969 season had also seen historic milestones like Gibson’s 1.12 ERA and Mays hitting his 600th home run. But a changing of the guard was clearly underway. Twenty-four year old Johnny Bench would capture his first of two consecutive NL MVP awards in 1970 while playing a huge role in the Cincinnati Reds winning the World Series. Bench’s rookie card from 1969 is a highly coveted piece for collectors, and his follow-up 1970 issue showcased him as a rising superstar.

Some other highlights from the 1970 set include the final cards for legendary players like Mickey Mantle, Hoyt Wilhelm, and Luke Appling. Mantle’s inclusion was bittersweet for fans, as “The Commerce Comet” was forced into retirement that year due to persistent knee injuries after a storied career with the New York Yankees. On the other end of the spectrum, the 1970s saw the rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like George Brett, Ted Simmons, and Rich “Goose” Gossage.

The designations of “rookie” and “final season” cards add layers of historical significance and sough-after pieces for collectors. But beyond key rookie and final year issues, the 1970 Topps set endures because it was the last hurrah of the sport’s 1960s superstars while also serving as an introduction to the stars of the new decade to come. Behind Bench, pitchers like Tom Seaver, Nolan Ryan, and Walter Johnson began to emerge.

The wild popularity of the 1970 Topps cards also coincided with the dawn of the modern baseball card collecting hobby. While sets had been assembled by enthusiasts since the late 19th century, the proliferation of highly available 1960s/1970s Topps issues helped transform card collecting from a niche pastime into a mainstream commercial endeavor. Speculation grew around which players from the 1970s rookie class would become the next Mickey Mantle or Willie Mays.

The 1970 Topps set serves as a historical microcosm capturing the end of an era in baseball and the emergence of a new generation of stars. Between the huge production numbers driving availability and showcase of careers ending and beginning, it remains one of the most important single issues in the evolution of both the sport and the baseball card collecting hobby itself. Grading and preserving high quality 1970s in sleeves and albums has become a worthwhile pursuit for enthusiasts and investors alike looking to hold pieces of cardboard representing this seminal transition period.

MOST EXPENSIVE BASEBALL CARDS FROM 1970

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The 1970 baseball card season featured some of the most iconic and valuable cards in the entire hobby. While 1969 is often considered the pinnacle year for baseball cards due to the first appearance of stars like Reggie Jackson and Thurman Munson, 1970 had several highly coveted rookie cards and memorable cards of all-time greats that have shattered price records at auction. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most expensive 1970 baseball cards.

Perhaps the most legendary and valuable baseball card of all-time is the 1970 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie card. Only two specimens have ever graded Mint 9 or higher by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), making it incredibly rare in top condition. In 2021, a PSA Gem Mint 9.5 example of the Ryan rookie sold for an astonishing $900,000, setting the record as not only the most valuable 1970 card but the highest price paid for any mass-produced card on the PSA Set Registry. What makes this card so appealing to collectors is that it captures Ryan in his first Major League season with the California Angels before he became the career strikeout king.

Another coveted rookie card from the 1970 Topps set is that of Hall of Famer Johnny Bench, who became arguably the greatest catcher in MLB history. Bench was the National League Rookie of the Year in 1967, so his true rookie card is a bit earlier. His 1970 is still widely collected as one of the iconic cards showing Bench in his prime with the Cincinnati Reds. High grade PSA Gem Mint copies have sold for over $100,000, securing its place among the priciest cards from 1970. Like Ryan, Bench’s career accomplishments and status as a true legend of the game enhance the appeal for collectors.

While the cards above feature future Hall of Famers, one 1970 issue that has surprisingly skyrocketed in value is that of pitcher Dave McNally of the Baltimore Orioles. McNally had a solid 16-year career, but was never considered an all-time great. His card has become a trophy piece for advanced collectors for a few key reasons. First, it features a bizarre off-centered design that is both unexplainable and visually striking to obsessive collectors. Even more valuable are copies with the so-called “Striking Error”, where the card number is missing the number 1 – making it simply “13” instead of “113.” An example grading PSA Gem Mint+ 10 with the Striking Error sold in late 2021 for a record $186,000, upending predictions for what a 1970 McNally could be worth.

Continuing with the theme of oddball 1970 cards that have achieved six-figure prices, the Joe Rudi card holds a special distinction. The California Angels outfielder had a long, productive career, but like McNally is not considered an inner-circle Hall of Famer by any means. What puts Rudi’s 1970 Topps card in such high demand is that it features a highly off-center design that cuts off portions of his face, bat, and pants legs. This prominent “Top Loader Error” has attracted condition collectors willing to spend big bucks. Recently a Near Mint-Mint (PSA 8) example with the error sold for $108,000 despite Rudi being a non-superstar player. His card again shows how unique production errors can trump on-field accomplishments in the pricing of vintage cardboard.

Among the most expensive 1970 cards of true baseball icons are those featuring Boston Red Sox legends Carl Yastrzemski and Ted Williams. Yaz captured the AL Triple Crown and MVP award in 1967 and his 1970 Topps card beautifully captures him in a Red Sox uniform, mid-swing. High grades have sold for over $75,000. Meanwhile, the 1970 Topps card of Ted Williams, who was then in retirement, portrays him wearing a Red Sox throwback jersey. Near Mint copies in the PSA 7-8 range have topped $50,000. Both Hall of Famers spent their entire careers in Boston, increasing regional interest in their cards that are key pieces of Red Sox collecting history.

While the 1970 Topps set had many memorable and valuable commons, uncommons and stars, it’s the unusual errors, iconic rookies, and renowned veterans that have achieved truly record-breaking prices in recent years. Collectors are willing to pay top dollar for one-of-a-kind presentations of legends like Nolan Ryan and Johnny Bench, as well as oddities surrounding players like McNally and Rudi. The 70s vintage remains a popular area to discover classic designs and find overlooked gems before they gain appreciation. Where prices for 1970s issues will top out is anyone’s guess, but significant rarities and historically significant subjects will likely retain blue-chip status among paper collectors.

1992 UPPER DECK LOONEY TUNES BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1992 Upper Deck Looney Tunes Baseball card set was a wildly popular and visually appealing release at the time that featured classic cartoon characters from Warner Bros. integrated into baseball card designs. Nearly 30 years later, these retro cards remain a nostalgic favorite for many collectors and their value has grown significantly over the decades.

The 1992 Upper Deck Looney Tunes set contains 144 total cards and features Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd, Sylvester, Tweety Bird, Marvin the Martian, Pepé Le Pew, Foghorn Leghorn, and other famous Looney Tunes characters depicted on baseball cards alongside stats and bios related to their fictional baseball abilities. Artist Nelson Dewey was commissioned by Upper Deck to create original cartoon illustrations for each card that placed the characters in whimsical baseball-related scenarios that appealed hugely to kids and nostalgic adults alike.

Because they were manufactured and distributed by the iconic sports card company Upper Deck during their heyday in the early 1990s, the 1992 Looney Tunes set came with the same high quality card stock, design aesthetic, and nostalgia factor as popular sport sets of that era. No major issues have been found with the print run and the cards have held up very well over time in many collections. This baseline level of collectibility due to the manufacturer alone gives most common cards in the set a minimum value today.

To gauge the current value of individual 1992 Upper Deck Looney Tunes Baseball cards, there are a few key factors to consider such as card condition, parallel versions, short prints, and highly coveted chase cards featuring major characters. In general:

Common, readily available cards in well-centered Near Mint or Mint condition can fetch $3-6. These would include most regular issue cards without notable character subjects or errors.

Short print and chase cards featuring Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd and a select few others command higher prices depending on condition. Mint copies of major character cards range from $10-25 while Excellent/Near Mint copies can bring $6-12.

The two most valuable regular issue cards are Bugs Bunny #1 and Daffy Duck #15 due to their subject matter and places as chase cards. Pristine Mint copies have sold for $50-75 while Excellent/Near Mint realizations are generally $25-40.

Rainbow foil parallel cards, which were one of 20 in packs, carry a premium over their base counterparts. Expect to pay 2-3x as much for rainbow foils of common players in comparable condition. Major character rainbow foils can reach $75-150 in top grades.

There are also elusive error cards without numbers or miscut examples that receive major interest online. Most have already found their way into collections long ago.

Beyond the base set, two notable insert sets were also produced in 1992 and add to the allure and collecting potential of Looney Tunes cards from that year. The first were 20 hologram parallels featuring dynamic animated character holograms on the front. The other was a 24 card ‘Friends’ subset highlighting characters together in cartoon situations. Both of these premium chase inserts in top condition can bring $50-150 depending on desirability of depicted characters.

Without a doubt, the most valuable 1992 Upper Deck Looney Tunes baseball card is the ultra-rare 1/2,000 printing plate error of Bugs Bunny. Only a small number are known to exist and the plate itself is printed on the rigid thick board used to create the printing plates rather than standard card stock. Just a few have ever come to auction, where they have realized astronomical prices in excess of $10,000 due to their one-of-a-kind status as the only examples. This makes it one of the holy grails for any cartoon or baseball card collector.

While the prices mentioned refer primarily to PSA/BGS graded examples, there is also a significant collector population interested in raw near-mint 1992 Looney Tunes cards for personal enjoyment and non-graded completeness of sets. Theintage and nostalgia ensures strong demand will remain for affordable copies across all levels of the collecting hobby. Overall values are almost certain to continue their upward trend long-term as fewer complete sets remain in circulation. For dedicated fans of Warner Bros. cartoons or anyone fond of the vintage card design aesthetic, building a collection from the 1992 Looney Tunes Baseball release remains as fun and collectible today as it was upon the cards’ original release nearly 30 years ago.

The 1992 Upper Deck Looney Tunes Baseball card set holds immense nostalgia and collecting appeal even after all this time. Popular characters, clever cartoon illustrations, high production quality, and status as a classic 1990s release all contribute to the set’s enduring popularity and higher prices compared to issue date. Values will remain strong at all levels from common singles up to the ultra-rare errors and parallels. As one of the most iconic and visibly engaging crossover releases between cartoons and sports cards, the 1992 Looney Tunes set deserves a place in any collection celebrating that memorable era of Americana.