KROGER BASEBALL CARDS

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Kroger Stores have long had a history of promoting and marketing baseball cards to customers. What started as a small promotion in the 1970s grew into one of the largest and most anticipated baseball card insert programs in the industry. For over two decades, kids and collectors alike eagerly checked their Kroger grocery bags hoping to find one of these coveted inserts.

The origins of Kroger baseball cards can be traced back to 1972. At the time, most of the major grocery store chains were looking for fun, inexpensive premiums and promotions to drive customers into their stores. Upper management at Kroger decided to experiment with including baseball cards in shopping bags as a token of appreciation for customers. They worked out a basic insert program with Topps, the dominant baseball card manufacturer at the time. A limited run of common basic cards from the current year’s set were randomly packed into bags.

This small insert test proved successful in boosting store traffic and sales. Customers, especially kids, enjoyed the surprise of possibly finding some cards during their regular shopping trip. In 1975, Kroger expanded the program with dedicated parallel sets designed specifically for their promotions. These were essentially variations and repeats of the standard Topps issue but bore the Kroger branding on the front. Production quality was still rough but demand increased substantially.

Through the late 1970s and early 1980s, Kroger baseball cards steadily grew in both size and prestige within the collecting community. Each year brought improved design and higher print runs. Insert ratios decreased so the cards also became somewhat scarce, adding to their allure. Major stars of the era like George Brett and Nolan Ryan adorned the fronts. The backs often included statistical nuggets not found on the Topps equivalents as well as short biographies of the players.

Kroger introduced their first factory set in 1984. These were completely original 100-card issues with brand new photographs not seen anywhere else. Parallels and variations kept collectors hunting bags diligently. The inserts became so coveted that some enterprising individuals resorted to cherry-picking boxes of cards directly from the warehouses. Stories of “cache finds” added mystique to the brand. Secondary market prices rose as enthusiasts clamored for complete vintage runs to fill their albums.

All through the late 80s and 90s, Kroger sustained their place as one of the top niche inserts in the hobby. Innovation remained a hallmark as varied addons like factory-set subsets, oddball team and league leaders, or specialty inserts extending sets from basketball, football, and other sports kept the excitement level high. Major shifts in the general card market saw the rise of licensed properties like Star Wars, comic books, and pop culture infiltrate traditional sportscards. Kroger incorporated some of these trends to remain relevant as interests changed.

In 1999, the company unveiled their most ambitious inserts yet – complete 344 card baseball sets with autograph variations packing tremendous thrill. These “Millennium” issues established Kroger among the top-tier players seriously followed and collected on par with flagship brands. Changing economics and competition eventually led to rights issues and decreased production values afterward. By 2005, the end of the multi-decade run was in sight as dwindling print runs signaled the program’s long term sustainability had expired.

Kroger produced their final large run inserts in 2008 to commemorate 35+ years of the popular promotion before calling it quits. Secondary values of the early parallel and factory issues soared with their discontinuation. Numerous blogs, books and documentaries have since told the story of this iconic American tradition that brought immeasurable joy to generations of young and old collectors alike. Though no longer actively inserting cards, Kroger’s impact on the baseball card world lives on both through fond nostalgia of the golden days as well as their rich multi-decade legacy within the hobby.

From humble beginnings as a simple premium giveaway to rise as one of the most significant niche issues coveted by collectors globally, Kroger baseball cards carved out a memorable place in card collecting history spanning over three decades. Their innovative designs, scarcity factors and integration within the larger culture made them a driver of the industry during the hobby’s peak era. While production has ceased, the legacy of the pioneering parallel sets, factory issues and autograph inserts that thrilled so many fans over the years continues to be felt. Kroger’s insert program stands as one of the most popular and longest-running special promotions by any retailer in the sports memorabilia field.

PSA GRADING COST BASEBALL CARDS

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PSA is the most prominent third-party grading service for collectibles like trading cards, comics, and other memorabilia. They are considered the gold standard when it comes to authentication and preservation of condition for items. For baseball cards especially, a PSA grade holds significant value and can increase the price of a card substantially. The grading process does involve costs that card collectors need to be aware of before submitting their cards.

There are a few different submission options and associated costs with PSA grading. The standard turnaround time is approximately 6-9 months currently, which is considerably slower than in the past due to overwhelming demand during the pandemic. There are expedited options available that get cards graded much quicker. Below is a breakdown of the main submission types and costs:

Standard Submission – This is for the standard 6-9 month turnaround service. The basic submission fee is $10 per card with additional discounts available for larger bulk submissions of 50 cards or more. Shipping costs to send cards to PSA and back are additional.

Economy Submission – For a slightly higher volume submission of 11-24 cards, the fee is $8 per card. Turnaround is still 6-9 months.

Value Submission – For submissions of 25-49 cards, the cost drops to $7 per card. Again, standard 6-9 month wait time.

Bulk Submission (50+) – Any submission of 50 cards or more qualifies for the Bulk rate of just $6 per card. This is the most cost-effective per card option but still has the long 6-9 month estimated turnaround.

Express Submission – For a much faster 1-2 month estimated turnaround, the Express service costs $100 per card. Clearly this is a big premium over the standard rates but is necessary for rare or valuable cards where time is critical.

Ultra Modern Baseball Express- A special express tier just for cards printed within the last 5 years. Estimated turnaround is 1 month and costs $50 per card. A nice middle ground option for newer collectors.

All submissions also require a shipping fee to send cards to PSA due to insurance and tracking requirements. Economy shipping via USPS First Class Mail is around $15-20 depending on package weight/size. More valuable collections may warrant expedited or insured shipping as well which costs considerably more.

In addition to the submission grading costs, PSA also charges an authentication verification fee for certain items over $1000 in value. This ensures cards have not been tampered with or altered. The verification charge is 3% of the card’s value with a minimum of $10. For example, a $1500 card would incur a $45 authentication fee on top of regular submission rates.

There is a minimum order size of 10 cards for any submission to PSA as well. They do not accept single cards to keep costs down and maintain high volume efficiencies. Once graded, cards are slabbed and enclosed in a hard plastic magnetic holder. Replacement slabs cost $5-10 each if a new one is needed.

Returns shipping is also additional and dependent on package weight and dimensions. Most returns can expect to incur $15-25 in return shipping fees paid to PSA upon submission. Insurance is not included by default but can be added for international shipments or especially valuable cards.

Many experienced collectors recommend using a PSA Authorized Dealer to submit larger bulk orders rather than sending direct. Authorized Dealers get special discounted pricing and can consolidate submissions to help drive down costs even further to around $5 per card or less when bundling 500+ cards together. They also handle all logistics to simplify the submission process.

Of course, the true value is in what grades cards come back as. Even with grading and shipping costs, a PSA/DNA Gem Mint 10 pop 1 card can increase exponentially in value enough to justify the expenditure. For newer collectors, lower graded commons may not be worth spending so much to have encased versus keeping raw. It requires understanding individual card and population report details.

In summary, PSA remains the top service for ensuring authenticity, consistency, and preserving a collectible’s condition over time. While not inexpensive, their brand of authentication has increased values significantly for scarce and highly sought after vintage cardboard. With a bit of strategy, volume submissions can help make costs more palatable. But for rare keys, Express is usually worth it for consigners and buyers seeking that top grade. Proper research is key before pulling the submission trigger to any third party grading company.

UNCUT SHEET BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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Understanding the Value of Uncut Baseball Card Sheets

Baseball cards remain one of the most popular and collectible hobbies for both casual fans and serious investors. While individual baseball cards carry value based on player, year, condition and more, uncut sheets of cards present a unique opportunity for collectors. An uncut sheet is a large piece of card stock that contains multiple baseball cards still attached before being individually cut and packaged for release. Holding multiple rare and valuable cards still connected, uncut sheets can offer tremendous value potential for savvy collectors.

History of Uncut Baseball Card Sheets

Baseball cards have been produced in sets by the major manufacturers like Topps, Fleer and Bowman since the 1950s. In the early years, cards were simply printed in large sheets with grid-like layouts containing the front and back of multiple cards. These sheets would then be cut by machine to separate the individual cards. Occasionally, uncut sheets would escape the cutting process and end up in the hands ofeager young collectors or leftovers in factory warehouses.

As interest in vintage cards grew in the 1980s and speculation took hold, uncut sheets emerged as highly coveted rarities. Holding the promise of multiple storied players still attached, a pristine uncut sheet could offer far greater value than singular cards from the same set. Luxury investment became a serious pursuit, and uncut sheets garnered great sums at auction. This precipitated stricter quality control from manufacturers to eliminate miscuts, creating modern uncuts as even more scarcely encountered collector pieces.

Factors That Drive Uncut Sheet Value

When assessing the value of an uncut baseball card sheet, several key factors must be considered:

Year/Set – Obvious, but older and more significant sets command higher prices. The 1960 Topps set is perhaps most coveted, followed by 1952 Topps and 1956 Topps uncuts.

Condition – Like individual cards, uncuts deteriorate over time. Near perfect/gem mint examples in protected plastic sleeve fetch the most. Even minor bends/creases can lower value considerably.

Number of Cards – More cards per uncut sheet equals higher value potential, as each contains multiplecollector’s items. Full uncut sheets protect odds of finding key short prints and parallels.

Roster – Iconic Hall of Famers and all-time greats increase interest. Sheets containing legends like Mantle, Mays, Aaron objectively hold more appeal to deep-pocketed collectors.

Centering – Like individual cards, proper square centering without off-cuts maximizes grade and appeal to superstar collectors. Even centering maintains sheet integrity.

Rarity – Certain sets only have a handful of uncut sheets known to exist. Extremely low population examples can sell for record prices amongst avid collectors.

All these factors working together determine ultimate value and collector demand for a given uncut sheet at auction. Condition remains king, but a pristine 1952 Topps sheet holding dozens of Mickey Mantle’s would shatter records in today’s market.

Valuable Uncut Sheets that Have Sold

To understand real-world value, here are some of the highest prices paid for uncut baseball card sheets at public auction:

$408,000 – 1956 Topps Uncut Sheet (36 cards), 2009 auction.

$432,000 – 1998 Topps Chrome Uncut Sheet (144 cards w/ RCs), 2021 auction.

$456,000 – 1969 Topps Uncut Sheet (200 cards inc. Seaver/Aaron RCs), 2016 auction.

$432,000 – 1953 Topps Uncut Sheet (20 cards inc. Mays/Berra), 2008 auction.

$657,000 – 1952 Topps Uncut Sheet (20 cards inc. 10 Mantle’s), 2016 auction.

$1.32 million – 1953 Topps Uncut Mick Mantle Proof Sheet, 2021 private sale.

As you can see, condition is key but certain uncuts have shattered records due to their rosters of all-time greats. Prices continue rising as new collectors enter the market, making uncut sheets a premier blue-chip investment for the passionate collector. With proper care, they retain value and appeal for generations.

In Closing

Understanding what exactly you possess and how to properly assess an uncut baseball card sheet’s attributes is essential for collectors. Done right, it could be a prized asset offering untold value or opportunity. But there is an art to discovering a sheet’s significance, and the top uncuts will always be rare finds for the diligent hunter. With patience and care, uncut sheets remain some of the hobby’s most thrilling chase pieces.

TOP BASEBALL CARDS OF THE 80’s

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The 1980s were a pivotal decade for the baseball card industry. With new licensing agreements in place between card manufacturers and Major League Baseball, the modern era of sportscarding was born. Several legendary rookie cards emerged that would go on to become extremely valuable. The popularity of collecting started to boom as well. If you were a kid in the 80s, there’s a good chance you spent many afternoons flipping through your baseball card box, hoping to find a gem. Let’s take a look at some of the most noteworthy baseball cards from the decade.

1989 Ken Griffey Jr. Upper Deck RC (Rookie Card): Even among the sea of amazing rookie cards from the 1980s, Griffey’s stands above the rest as the most widely recognized and valuable baseball card ever printed. With its innovative design and depictions of “The Kid” smiling and batting left-handed, the 1989 Upper Deck RC captured the excitement of Griffey’s debut season. Today PSA 10 Gem Mint examples routinely sell for $100,000+.

1988 Roger Clemens Donruss RC: Clemens’ rookie card ranks second only to Griffey in terms of 80s RC valuation. His intimidating stare and domination on the mound in his early years with the Red Sox made him a fan favorite. High-grade Clemens RCs in the $5-10K range are not unheard of in today’s market.

1987 Mark McGwire Fleer RC: Big Mac’s rookie campaign saw him bash a rookie record 49 home runs. His iconic Fleer RC showing off his muscular physique and sweet swing foreshadowed the monster slugger he would become. Pristine copies can reach $4,000-$5,000.

1987 Barry Bonds Topps RC: A lot was expected of Bonds as the son of former MLB All-Star Bobby Bonds. And he delivered with a stellar debut that still didn’t hint at the freakish levels he’d achieve in the steroid era. PSA 10s trade for $2,000-$3,000.

1989 Chipper Jones Topps RC: Beloved throughout his career in Atlanta, Chipper’s rookie card has gained immense popularity. It depicts the young third baseman already showing off his sweet left-handed swing. Near-mint examples hover around $1,000.

1988 Nolan Ryan Donruss Leader RC: At age 41, Ryan continued to dominate as the stopper for the Astros. Immortalized throwing heat on his ’88 Donruss card, it’s a must-have for any Ryan PC. Pristine copies command upwards of $500.

1989 Gary Sheffield Bowman RC: Sheffield was already showing star power in his first season with the Brewers. His slick-fielding pose and smooth lefty stroke made the Bowman RC a sought-after issue. High grades regularly sell for $400-$500.

1984 Don Mattingly Topps Traded RC: Despite not technically being his true rookie card, the ’84 Traded issue is widely regarded as Mattingly’s iconic first card. As a rookie, he was already the face of the Yankees franchise – a role he would hold for many years. Near-mint examples trade for $200-$300.

1987 Wally Joyner Topps Traded RC: The smooth-swinging Joyner embodied Southern California baseball during his playing days with the Angels. His Traded rookie pays homage to his debut season. Pristine copies maintain a $150-$200 price tag.

1980 Nolan Ryan TCMA: While not Ryan’s true rookie card, his striking 1980 TCMA issue showcases the fireballer already well into his legendary career. As one of the earliest star cards from the decade, it’s a historic piece of memorabilia. High grades sell for $100-$150.

1980 Cal Ripken Jr. Sportflics: Ripken’s career was just starting to take shape, but cards like this early ’80 Sportflics issue helped establish him as a budding star. It features solid photography of a young Rippy at the plate. Near-mint copies trade hands for $75-$100.

1986 Will Clark Bowman RC: The intimidating “Thrill” exploded onto the scene with 24 homers as a rookie third baseman for the Giants. His iconic rookie card poses with balanced power and solid defense. Pristine copies command $50-$75.

1980 Ozzie Smith Sportflcis: As a defensive wizard from the get-go, “The Wizard” established himself early with cards like this ’80 Sportflics issue. It shows off his slick fielding skills, foreshadowing a Hall of Fame career. Near-mint grades go for $50+.

That covers some of the most impactful baseball cards produced during the 1980s. The decade laid the groundwork for the modern sportscard craze as marquee rookies like Griffey, Bonds, McGwire and more took their first steps in the majors. Their rookie cards remain some of the Holy Grails for collectors today. The ’80s will long be remembered as perhaps the golden age of the baseball card industry.

GOUDEY GUM BASEBALL CARDS

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Goudey Gum Company Baseball Cards: A Historic Piece of Sports Card History

The Goudey Gum Company baseball cards produced between 1933-1941 represent some of the earliest and most collectible vintage baseball cards in existence. Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, the Frank H. Fleer Corporation purchased the Goudey Gum Company in 1935 with the intention of expanding their existing baseball card production. What resulted was a series of precise, beautifully designed issues that attracted collectors for generations and set the standard for sports card design. Spanning multiple series over nearly a decade, the Goudey gum cards today remain one of the most iconic representations of early 20th century baseball memorabilia.

1933 Goudey Gum Issue – The Starting Point

In 1933, the Goudey Gum Company released their inaugural baseball card series inserted randomly into packs of gum. Known as the 1933 Goudey gum issue, it featured 81 total cards highlighting players both past and present. Notable for its crisp, close-up headshot photography and bold coloring, the 1933 design set the template for many issues to follow. Among the stars featured were Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Ty Cobb. Due to the limited print run and high demand at the time for baseball collectibles, 1933 Goudey cards are now among the most coveted and valuable in the hobby. Graded specimens in near-mint condition routinely sell at auction for well over $100,000.

1934-1935 Issues and Growing Popularity

Building on the success of 1933, Goudey issued expanded baseball sets in 1934 and 1935 totaling 102 and 96 cards respectively. While maintaining the signature headshot style, the photography and colors became even more vibrant. Population stars like the Mick, Dizzy Dean, and Mel Ott received showcase cards that became lasting pieces of baseball nostalgia. Distribution remained exclusively through gum packs, furthering the synergy between the card hobby and confectionery industry. Demand was soaring for Goudey cards during this time as they helped fuel America’s growing love affair with the national pastime.

1936 and Early Design Changes

For their 1936 issue, Goudey made their first noteworthy departure from the headshot template by introducing action shots on a small subset of cards. This included dynamic poses from sluggers like Jo-Jo White and Chuck Klein. While maintaining the overall numbering system, they also began including career statistics and accomplishments directly on the front of some cards. The 106-card 1936 set further advanced collector interest through expanded stats and pose variety. Production ceased briefly as Fleer consolidated operations upon acquiring Goudey the following year.

1937-1938 Issues and the Fleer Acquisition

With the Fleer Corporation now in control of Goudey Gum, production resumed on new baseball card issues in 1937 and 1938. Both were essentially continuations of previous designs without major changes. Where they differ is some consider 1937-1938 cards to have superior paper stock quality due to improved Fleer manufacturing techniques. The transitions were smooth, keeping the Goudey brand name intact while capitalizing on the thriving market. Over 100 cards were included annually, allowing collectors to continue growing their vintage collections seamlessly despite the corporate takeover.

1939 and 1940 Design Highlights

1939 represented a stylistic turning point with the debut of truly novel card layouts. While still photograph-based, some cards incorporated illustration overlays highlighting stats and biographical details. The first ever jersey swatch relic cards emerged celebrating Yankee legends Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth. Building upon past success, the 1940 issue featured numerous fun statistical breakdowns plus incipient attempts at photography positioned diagonally across the surface. Both sets stretched collector expectations through creative presentation techniques that foreshadowed modern innovations.

1941 and World War II Production End

Issued on the cusp of America’s entry into WWII, the 1941 Goudey cards had a print run of just 60 total comprising the set’s lowest count. Energy was being redirected to the war efforts meaning baseball cards could no longer be prioritized in the same way. Stylistically, they followed 1940 conventions with diagonal photo positioning plus ample statistical data. The lack of subsequent Goudey issues in 1942 marked the temporary end of physical baseball card manufacturing due to manufacturing restrictions. While their golden era concluded, Goudey gum cards had cemented their place in collecting lore and demonstrated artistry that still inspires the industry today.

Legacy and Collecting Today’s Goudey Rarities

From 1933 until 1941, Goudey gum cards chronicled Major League Baseball’s biggest stars of the 1930s in a series of visually striking commemorative issues. As some of the original sports card products tied to confectionery, they helped launch modern card collections worldwide. Today, prime high-grade examples from throughout the Goudey run continue changing hands at record prices due to their historical significance and aesthetic beauty. Coveted key cards like the 1933 Babe Ruth have become among the most valuable in the collectibles marketplace. Nearly a century since their origin, the Goudey issues remain a foundational part of baseball nostalgia as well as the sports memorabilia industry at large.

TOP 10 87 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic in the modern era and includes several highly sought after rookie cards and stars of the late 1980s era. With 792 total cards in the flagship set, here’s a look at the top 10 most valuable and historically significant 1987 Topps baseball cards based on condition, player performance, and overall collector demand.

Ozzie Smith (#635) – Considered one of the greatest defensive shortstops of all time, Ozzie Smith’s 1987 Topps rookie card remains very popular with collectors. High grade PSA 10 copies can fetch $150-200 given his “Wizard” nickname and 13 consecutive Gold Glove awards. Smith played the majority of his career with the St. Louis Cardinals and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2002, making his rookie card an important one to hold.

Tim Raines (#660) – Nicknamed “Rock,” Tim Raines was one of the best leadoff hitters and base stealers of the 1980s. His rookie card from 1987 Topps is quite sought after as well, with PSA 10 examples bringing in $200-300 depending on the market. Raines was a seven-time All-Star and still holds the single season stolen base record with 84. He was also elected to Cooperstown, cementing this card as a standout among collectors.

Barry Larkin (#129) – Many consider Barry Larkin one of the best shortstops of all-time and his exciting 1987 Topps rookie now demands big money in top condition. High-grade PSA 10 versions can sell for $350-450 given Larkin’s 12 Gold Gloves, 3 batting titles, and 1995 NL MVP award en route to his Hall of Fame induction. The Cincinnati Reds great is one of the top rookie cards from this set.

Mark McGwire (#278) – Before the controversy surrounding performance-enhancing drugs, Mark McGwire was beloved as one of baseball’s preeminent power hitters. His strong 1987 rookie campaign made this Topps card very popular. In PSA 10 shape, it can bring in $400-500 based purely on the historic 70 home runs he hit in 1998 to break Roger Maris’ single season record. McGwire was a notorious slugger throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

Barry Bonds (#108) – Widely considered the greatest player of all-time based purely on statistics and skills, Barry Bonds’ rookie card is obviously a huge draw for collectors. PSA 10 copies usually sell between $500-700 given his record seven MVP awards and 73 home runs in 2001. Bonds played 22 seasons, mostly with the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants, redefining what was possible at the plate. His 1987 Topps is truly a prized possession regardless of performance-enhancing drug cloud.

Greg Maddux (#270) – One of the greatest pitchers in MLB history, Greg Maddux’s rookie card continues gaining value year after year. In top PSA 10 condition, it often fetches $600-800 based on his 355 career wins, 4 Cy Young Awards, and dominant control pitching style during his heyday with the Atlanta Braves in the 1990s. Maddux excelled for over two decades and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2014, making this card an essential piece for any collection.

Ken Griffey Jr. (#399) – Widely considered the most valuable 1987 Topps card in pristine condition, examples of Ken Griffey Jr’s highly popular and iconic rookie card in PSA 10 grade sell for $1,000-1,500. Junior was arguably baseball’s top talent of the 1990s with 630 career home runs, 10 Gold Gloves, and induction to Cooperstown in 2016. His sweet swing and elite skills translated perfectly to cardboard as well, ensuring this remains a blue chip.

Frank Thomas (#526) – Nicknamed “The Big Hurt,” Frank Thomas redefined what a power hitter could do by combining elite plate discipline with prodigious power. His rookie card never stops growing in demand, with high-grade PSA 10 copies reaching $1,200-1,800. Thomas piled up 521 career home runs, 2 MVPs, and dominated the 1990s AL with the Chicago White Sox en route to his Hall of Fame election in 2014. This 1987 Topps card stands as one of the crown jewels from the set.

Rafael Palmeiro (#642) – One of fewer than 20 players in MLB history with 3,000 hits and 500 home runs, Rafael Palmeiro’s career will always be tainted by his positive steroid test very late in his career. Demand remains very strong for his 1987 Topps rookie card, especially in PSA 10 condition where it can sell between $1,500-2,000 based on his offensive brilliance throughout the 1980s and 1990s with the Baltimore Orioles and Texas Rangers. Palmeiro was a perennial All-Star and his card continues gaining value.

Ben McDonald (#350) – Considered by far the most difficult 1987 Topps card to find in pristine PSA 10 condition, examples of Baltimore Orioles pitcher Ben McDonald’s rookie card have sold for as much as $5,000-7,500 solely due to the extreme rarity involved. McDonald disappointed compared to expectations but retired after just eight MLB seasons. With less than 5 PSA 10 copies believed to exist, this McDonald rookie holds an immense pop report premium that won’t subside anytime soon. It remains the undisputed jewel of the entire set.

The 1987 Topps baseball card set holds tremendous iconography from the late 1980s era and beyond. Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Griffey Jr., Maddux, Larkin, and Thomas will always be widely collected. Additional stars like McGwire, Bonds, Smith and Raines ensure this set has incredible depth of talent beyond the top rookie pieces as well. It’s among the most coveted releases from the modern era.

BASEBALL CARDS LAWRENCE KS

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Baseball cards have been an integral part of American culture for over 150 years, immortalizing players and capturing moments in time. The history of baseball cards in Lawrence, Kansas reflects how the hobby grew alongside the sport itself in the city.

Some of the earliest baseball cards produced date back to the late 1860s, when players began appearing on trade cards inserted in tobacco products. These early cards helped popularize the sport and introduced fans to stars they may have only read about. Lawrence saw its first baseball cards arrive in the 1870s as the game began to take hold locally. Amateur and semi-pro teams formed, giving residents players to root for and learn about through these novel collectibles.

As the sport became increasingly popular in the late 19th century, card manufacturers churned out sets at a higher rate. Lawrence shops stocked regional brands featuring Midwestern leagues and players. Kids eagerly sought out the latest offerings to swap and trade with friends. Allen & Ginter released some of the earliest national baseball sets in the 1880s, including early Lawrence favorites such as Cap Anson and Pud Galvin.

The early 1900s brought several developments that further entrenched the baseball card hobby in Lawrence. The founding of the American League in 1901 and subsequent rise of franchises like the Kansas City Monarchs gave the city more professional teams to follow. In 1909, T206 White Border cards were issued, considered by many the finest and most coveted set ever produced. The rise of tobacco brands like T206 owner American Tobacco made collecting accessible nationwide.

Lawrence’s first minor league team, the Dusters, took the field in 1913. Fans eagerly awaited the annual release of local players’ cards to add to their collections. The 1920s saw the rise of regional brands like Davids’ Big Stores and Pipp’s Gum, issued sets featuring the Dusters and other nearby minor league squads. Kids began organizing card shows at local schools, fueling the competitive spirit of collecting in Lawrence.

The 1930s were a golden age for baseball cards in Lawrence, with the hobby experiencing unprecedented growth. Goudey released beautifully designed sets in 1933 that are still highly sought after by collectors today. In 1935, the Dusters joined the Western Association, classified as a Class C minor league. This elevated their status locally and increased coverage in annual sets from companies like Diamond Stars and Bell Brand.

Bowman Gum issued highly innovative designs in 1948 that included the first modern style player photos on cards. This helped baseball cards truly explode in popularity in Lawrence. By the 1950s, card companies produced staggering quantities to keep up with voracious demand. Topps claimed over 90% of the market, releasing their iconic design in 1951 that is still used today. Lawrence kids traded and played with cards constantly, cementing the hobby as a cultural institution.

The city was granted a Class A franchise, the Lawrence Dodgers, in 1955. Local collectors eagerly anticipated each year’s Topps release to see how their hometown heroes were featured. In the 1960s, cards expanded beyond just the players to include managers, coaches and entire team fronts. Lawrence saw cards transition to colorful, graphic designs that captured the pop culture era. The 1970s saw a proliferation of new companies like Fleer and Donruss challenge Topps’ dominance, offering collectors more choices than ever before.

Lawrence’s baseball card heyday continued through the 1980s as the hobby boomed commercially. Stores struggled to keep popular sets and rookie cards in stock. The rise of the internet in the 1990s connected collectors globally, while Lawrence card shows grew in both size and prestige. Iconic cards from the city’s baseball past routinely fetched high prices. In the 2000s and beyond, vintage Lawrence cards remain prized possessions of collectors around the world, preserving the memories and legacy of the city’s rich baseball history.

To this day, baseball cards remain a timeless connection to the past for Lawrence residents. The local collection is a tangible reminder of how the sport’s popularity blossomed alongside the growth of the hobby itself. Cards chronicled Lawrence’s minor league squads for generations of fans and immortalized hometown heroes. Through highs and lows, baseball cards have been a constant, transporting collectors back to simpler times and fueling memories of summers past. The history of cards in Lawrence is intertwined with the story of the national pastime itself.

SHOULD I SELL MY BASEBALL CARDS

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Deciding whether to sell your baseball card collection is a big decision with many factors to consider. On one hand, selling your cards could generate some cash, but on the other hand you may end up parting with collectibles that could appreciate in value or have sentimental meaning. Let’s take an in-depth look at some important things to weigh regarding this choice.

The value of your collection:
How much your baseball card collection is actually worth will play a major role in determining if you should sell. Getting your cards professionally appraised is a good first step to establish a realistic baseline value. Consider factors like the condition and print runs of the cards, how many high value rookie cards or autographs you have, if you have full or nearly full sets, etc. Generally speaking, the more valuable and in demand the cards are, the stronger case there is for selling now versus holding onto them.

Potential for future appreciation:
While past performance is no guarantee of future results, some baseball cards have proven to be solid long term investments that appreciate well above inflation. Rookie cards of all-time great players especially tend to hold or increase in value as the player’s legend grows after retirement. You need to weigh if you think your cards have strong potential to be worth noticeably more say 10-20 years from now versus today. Newer cards carry more uncertainty than established veterans in this regard.

Your personal financial situation:
Do you have pressing bills to pay, large purchases coming up, or other reasons you need cash now? Or are you in solid financial shape where you don’t necessarily need to monetize your collection right away? Selling makes more sense if the money will be put to good immediate use, whereas holding makes more if your situation allows patience. Consider how sale proceeds could be better utilized versus keeping the cards.

Sentimental attachment:
Some collections are kept more for nostalgia, memories of collecting with family/friends, or just sheer love of the players/teams represented than monetary value alone. Selling sentimental pieces may leave you feeling like you lost a connection to your past. Weigh if you’re mostly attached to individual cards or the overall collection as a whole. Selling select duplicates could still free up funds while keeping your favorites.

Transaction costs:
If your collection is valuable enough, you may find brokerages or auction houses willing to facilitate a sale for a commission. But for smaller lots, such costs may eat significantly into proceeds. Consider researching the options to maximize net dollars from a sale. Selling individually on eBay may net more after fees than one bulk sale. Grading high value cards first could also boost prices greatly.

Ease of liquidating:
Unless you have true gem mint graded cards from iconic rookies, actually selling cards one by one takes a lot of active effort. You need to take photos, write listings, field inquiries, package and ship individually. For larger volumes, this could become a part time job in itself. Consider if you are willing/able to invest that kind of time to slowly unload over months versus getting everything sold quickly with less individual dollars.

Taxes:
Be sure to check capital gains tax rates for baseball card sales in your location. In the U.S., any profits above a certain amount in a single year could face taxes. Keeping thorough records of purchase prices, individual sale proceeds and dates is crucial for maximizing your post-tax profit from a sale. Consulting a tax advisor may give you tips to structure a sale to minimize obligations.

Overall market conditions:
Like any collectible category, baseball card prices rise and fall depending on overall investor demand and money available in the marketplace. Selling during a peak period when many collectors/investors have discretionary funds to spend could maximize value. Similarly being patient and waiting out any short term dips has its advantages. Monitor broader trends for timing insights.

There is no universally right answer when it comes to selling your baseball card collection, it ultimately depends on weighing these varied factors towards your unique situation and objectives. The keys are properly valuing what you have, being honest about attachments, considering future appreciation potential realistically, and timing a sale intelligently if chosen. With thorough research and analysis, you can feel confident about maximizing the returns or sentimental value of your cards whichever path you take.

WILLIE MAYS BASEBALL CARDS 1971

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The 1971 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic in the history of baseball cards. Often considered the “glory years” of Topps, the ’71 set featured great photography, fun and creative player poses, and was the first appearance of several all-time great players on baseball cards. No card from that set is more famous and coveted by collectors than the Willie Mays card.

By 1971, Willie Mays was in the final year of his legendary 24-year career. Though now 40 years old, “The Say Hey Kid” was still a force for the San Francisco Giants, posting his 19th consecutive season with double-digit home runs. Even as his batting average dipped below .250 for the only time in his career, Mays remained one of the game’s biggest stars and fan favorites. Topps chose to feature Mays prominently on the coveted #500 card in the set.

The Mays ’71 card struck the perfect balance of honoring his past accomplishments while acknowledging his waning abilities with age. Posed next to a montage of photos highlighting his top moments and records, Mays is shown proudly gripping his bat with a championship-sized smile. Topps’ copywriting reads “Willie’s Still Hitting Them A Long Way” with statistics noting his 6 home runs already that year. While other cards in the set showed players in batting or fielding stances, Topps allowed Mays this special treatment to commemorate his career achievements.

What made Mays’ ’71 card even more special was the rarity of finding one in mint condition. Packs from that year suffered from poor quality control issues during printing that caused many cards, especially those towards the back of the set like Mays’ #500 card, to endure flaws from poor centering, creasing or color breaks. High-grade Mays ’71 cards quickly became the holy grail for collectors. By the 1980s, the card was a mainstay on theTop 50 rarest and most valuable sports cards lists due to its scarcity in pristine condition.

As Mays’ playing career came to a close after the 1973 season, the significance and lure of his ’71 Topps card only grew stronger. In the decades since his retirement, Mays has cemented himself as arguably the greatest all-around baseball player in history based on his unreal statistical records, incredible defensive abilities in center field, and unmatched cluth playoff performances. With each passing year, collectors have held the ’71 card in even higher regard as the lone baseball card capturing Mays in his final MLB season before retirement.

Amidst skyrocketing prices for vintage sports cards in the late 1980s, the top-graded Mays ’71 cards smashed records at auction. In 1987, the highest-graded Mays ’71 to date, a true-gem mint PSA 10 copy, sold for an astronomical $6,075, making it one of the priciest single cards ever sold up to that point. Today, even heavily-played low-grade examples in PSA 1-3 condition fetch four-figure prices due to the enduring popularity and significance of Mays’ legendary career represented on his 1971 Topps card.

In the modern era, a perfect Mays ’71 has become the white whale for any ambitious vintage card collector. Graded examples in mint 9 condition routinely sell at heritage auctions for sums over $50,000. The current all-time record was set in August 2018 when a PSA 10 Mays ’71 realized $315,000 at auction, making it the most valuable baseball card in history based on a public sale. The unparalleled demand, rarity and iconic legacy behind the Willie Mays 1971 Topps card secure its status as perhaps the single most important baseball card ever made. For collectors, it represents the chance to own a piece of memorabilia embodying one of the true cornerstone athletes that helped build the beloved game of baseball into the national pastime.

Even at age 40 during his final MLB season immortalized on the ‘71 issue, Willie Mays showed he still had the skills, heart and fun-loving swagger that made him a living legend on the field for over two decades. Though nearly a half-century has passed, Mays’ 1971 Topps card remains as vibrant, trailblazing and prized as “The Say Hey Kid” was in his prime. It stands as the finest baseball card tribute ever created to honor not just a fantastic career statsheet, but the entire experience and magic surrounding one of sports’ true titans – Willie Mays. No other individual baseball card captures all that he meant to the game, and millions of fans both past and present, quite like the inimitable Mays ‘71.

92 FLEER ULTRA BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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The 1992 Fleer Ultra baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the junk wax era of the late 1980s and early 1990s. While most cards from sets released during this time period are not worth much today, there are a select few 1992 Fleer Ultra rookie and star player cards that can still fetch a pretty penny from collectors if in top condition.

The main reason 1992 Fleer Ultra holds more value than other junk wax sets is because it features the rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Chipper Jones, Jim Thome, and Derek Jeter. It also contains star players like Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, and Barry Bonds during the peak of their careers. For collectors looking to potentially find hidden gems, searching through boxes of 1992 Fleer Ultra is still a worthwhile endeavor today despite the large print runs from that era.

Some of the standout rookie and star cards from the 1992 Fleer Ultra set that can be worth a significant amount of money if graded and preserved in mint condition include:

Derek Jeter Rookie Card (#156): As one of the most iconic rookie cards ever, the Derek Jeter is arguably the crown jewel of the 1992 Fleer Ultra set. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples have sold for over $400,000, with most graded PSA 9s bringing $10,000-$20,000. Even lower graded copies in PSA 8 or Beckett Graded Gem Mint 10 condition can sell for $1,000+ due to Jeter’s legendary career and status as a New York Yankees legend.

Chipper Jones Rookie Card (#91): Another true gem from 1992 Fleer Ultra is the Chipper Jones rookie that can sell for substantial money in high grades. PSA 10 examples have reached $30,000 at auction, with PSA 9s selling in the $3,000-$5,000 range. Even in PSA 8 condition, the Chipper Jones rookie remains quite valuable at $1,000+.

Ken Griffey Jr. (#1): Known as “The Kid,” Ken Griffey Jr. was one of the most exciting young players of the early 1990s. His flagship rookie card from Upper Deck (1989) is among the most valuable baseball cards ever, but his 1992 Fleer Ultra card still holds value as well in top condition. PSA 10 “Gem Mint” copies have sold for $6,000+, with PSA 9s bringing $1,000-$2,000.

Frank Thomas (#207): The “Big Hurt” was one of the most feared power hitters of the 1990s steroid era. His 1992 Fleer Ultra card isn’t quite on the level of Griffey or Jeter, but still has value for White Sox fans and Thomas collectors. PSA 10s have reached $1,000+, with PSA 9s selling in the $300-$500 range.

Barry Bonds (#239): As one of the greatest players of all-time whether you agree with his alleged PED use or not, Barry Bonds cards from the early 90s hold value. His 1992 Fleer Ultra is no exception, with PSA 10s reaching $600-700. PSA 9 copies can sell for $150-$300.

Jim Thome Rookie Card (#460): The big slugging rookie card of Hall of Famer Jim Thome is another key card from 1992 Fleer Ultra. High-grade PSA 10 versions have sold for over $2,000, with PSA 9s reaching $400-600. Even in PSA 8 condition, it remains a $100+ card.

Other Stars: Additional star players like Don Mattingly (#42), Cal Ripken Jr. (#88), and Wade Boggs (#234) can reach $100-200 in PSA 9-10 condition from the 1992 Fleer Ultra set as well due to their sustained success and popularity.

Of course, there are plenty of other potential “hits” to be found among the lower-numbered cards and short prints of the 1992 Fleer Ultra set as well. But the rookie cards and main stars highlighted above represent the true big money cards that can return hundreds or even thousands based on their grade when compared to the rest of the junk wax era.

When trying to determine card values, grade is absolutely crucial. Even a point difference on the 10-point grading scale can mean the difference of hundreds to thousands of dollars. Condition is everything, so be sure to carefully inspect cards at the edges, corners and surface for any flaws that could downgrade them. A well-preserved 1992 Fleer Ultra rookie or star card in PSA 9-10 condition still has a good chance of paying off after all these years.

For collectors looking to potentially cash in, sorting through boxes of 1992 Fleer Ultra in hopes of finding a true gem copy of Jeter, Chipper, Griffey or others is a reasonably cost-effective gamble compared to paying current single card prices. Be prepared to sift through many thousands of common cards, but the rewards could be well worth it if even one valuable rookie emerges in pristine condition. The 1992 Fleer Ultra set remains one of the few sets from the junk wax era to still potentially yield cards worth hundreds or thousands to the right buyer decades later.