VALUE TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 1989

Leave a reply

The 1989 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the landmark issues from the late 1980s era. While not the flashiest or most coveted set from that decade, the ’89 Topps cards provide a interesting snapshot of the game at that time and feature many stars who were entering their prime or just breaking out. As with any vintage card collection, certain factors influence the value of the individual ’89 Topps cards in the secondary market. This article will examine some of the standout rookies and veterans from that set and analyze what collectors should expect to pay for graded examples in various conditions today, over 30 years after the original release.

One of the top rookie cards in the 1989 set is Ken Griffey Jr. After making his major league debut toward the end of the previous season, Griffey was on the cusp of superstardom. His sweet left-handed swing and athletic defensive abilities projected him to be a perennial All-Star. In the years since, Griffey lived up to the hype and then some, cementing his status as one of the greats of the game. Not surprisingly, his rookie card has held immense popularity. In PSA 10 Gem Mint condition, the Griffey Jr. RC has sold for over $10,000. In PSA 9 Near Mint, prices have exceeded $3,000. Even in raw, ungraded form the Griffey rookie remains highly sought after.

Staying in Seattle, another star on the rise featured prominently in the ’89 set was Eastern Washington product Edgar Martinez. While mainly known at that point for his big bat, Edgar was about to put together a Hall of Fame worthy career almost entirely as the Mariners’ designated hitter. His rookie card doesn’t carry the same cache as Griffey but remains a key part of any vintage Seattle PC. PSA 10 Edgar Martinez rookies have sold for $800-1200. In less than mint condition, even raw copies can still fetch $50-100 based on demand from Mariners collectors.

Shifting to the American League East, the 1989 Topps issue highlighted two future Hall of Famers just breaking in. Known for his prodigious power and Caribbean flair, Frank Thomas exploded onto the scene in Chicago to stay. “The Big Hurt” would go on to dominate the league for over a decade and a half. Graded PSA 10 copies of his revered rookie card can bring $1,500-2,000. Slightly played PSA 8 versions are around $400-600 range. Staying in the AL East, the Tigers saw shortstop Alan Trammell come into his own in the late 1980s. While not flashy stats-wise, “Tram” was a steady, consistent leader and winner for Detroit. High-grade Trammell rookies in PSA 9-10 condition are $200-300 due to his reputation and champion pedigree.

Moving to the National League, the rise of “Nails” was evident from the 1989 cards. At just 19 years old, Barry Larkin was already controlling the shortstop position for Cincy and showing why he’d eventually be voted to the Hall in 2012. Larkin rookie PSA 10s have eclipsed $1,000. In PSA 9 condition expect to pay $400-600. Another future first-ballot inductee breaking out was Tim Raines of the Expos. Already a dynamic top-of-the-order threat, “Rock” was primed to put up gaudy stolen base totals for years to come. While not as popular as some, Raines rookies in PSA 8-9 grade can still demand $150-250 given his elite career resume.

Staying in the NL, two superstar hurlers were prominently featured after coming off all-time great 1988 campaigns. Known for his blazing heater and nastiness on the mound, Orel Hershiser took the Dodgers wire-to-wire on his way to a record 59 consecutive scoreless innings and a World Series MVP. “Bulldog” Hershiser was entering his prime years. PSA 10 versions of his ’89 Topps card have sold for well over $1,000. Greg Maddux meanwhile was low-key becoming the most consistent and effective starter in baseball during his early Cubs tenure. Highly-graded “Mad Dog” Maddux from the ’89 Topps set in PSA 9-10 condition command $400-600.

While not the most valuable vintage card release, the 1989 Topps baseball issue remains hugely popular with collectors due its mixture of future Hall of Famers, budding stars, and memorable career seasons featured. Key rookie cards like Griffey, Martinez, Thomas, and Larkin maintain strong steady values. Veterans Hershiser, Maddux, and Raines also hold slots in PC’s of their respective franchise faithfuls. For the combination of historic players and moments captured, plus affordable price points compared to higher end 1950s/1960s issues, the ’89 Topps set represents a great entry point or supplemental addition to a vintage baseball collection three decades later.

2001 POST COLLECTORS SERIES BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 2001 Post Collector’s Series was an exciting entry in the famed Archives Collector’s Choice brand from The U.S. Postal Service. Released in 2001, the set featured 85 cards honoring some of baseball’s biggest stars from the 1990s and early 2000s. What made this particular Collector’s Choice set unique was that it was tied to a specific year and contained only active players from that season.

After producing sets focused on retired stars and all-time greats in the late 1990s, The Postal Service shifted their Collector’s Choice brand to a contemporary player approach with the 2001 edition. They selected a diverse mix of both well known superstars and rising young talents to capture the current state of Major League Baseball entering the new millennium. Rosters, statistics, and career highlights were all updated to reflect the 2001 baseball season.

Notably, all players featured were still active big leaguers that very year rather than legends of the past. Some of the biggest names included on cards were Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Pedro Martinez, Greg Maddux, Ken Griffey Jr., and Chipper Jones. Each card paid tribute to these modern icons with sharp color photography and textual facts chronicling their impressive careers up to that point.

In addition to the game’s biggest household names, there was a strong representation of rising young stars just starting to make a name for themselves in 2001. Cards for players like David Ortiz, Miguel Tejada, Alfonso Soriano, Carlos Beltran, Adrian Beltre, and Torii Hunter highlighted the next generation of future all-stars. Collectors enjoyed keeping up with the ever-changing player pool from year to year through Postal Service sets.

One highlight of the 2001 Collector’s Choice cards was a focus on pitching matchups from memorable postseason games and series. Iconic duels between starters were celebrated, such as Pedro Martinez vs. Curt Schilling from the 1999 ALCS or Mike Mussina vs. Roger Clemens in the 2000 ALCS. Relievers like Mariano Rivera, Troy Percival, and Armando Benitez also received cards recognizing their shutdown performances in October.

In addition to stunning photography, each card contained thorough statistics, career accolades, and fun facts about the players. The backs provided a brief bio that told the story of how each star reached their current level of success. Copious box scores and game details brought to life their greatest playoff moments under bright lighting. Collectors enjoyed exploring the rich histories and traditions of the MLB.

The card stock and designing remained top-notch as always for Postal Service issues. With sharp die-cuts and vivid colors similar to a sportscard, they satisfied fans looking for the collecting experience of packs and boxes. Professionally produced in partnership with outside licensees, each entry continued to raise the bar for quality coin-operated vending machine cards.

As baseball entered an era of heightened offensive production and home run chases, the 2001 set documented the players changing the game. cards for nascent superstars like Alex Rodriguez, who had just delivered his third-straight 50 home run season, portrayed the next generation that would come to define the sport’s new power surge. Archives carefully selected which athletes to memorialize, emphasizing those with hall of fame potential.

The timing of this particular Collector’s Choice set proved prescient, as many of the players featured went on to have incredible careers in the following years. Stars like Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, Chipper Jones, and Pedro Martinez produced some of their finest individual seasons shortly after. Meanwhile, young talents like David Ortiz, Miguel Tejada, and Adrian Beltre emerged as perennial all-stars. The 2001 cards ended up commemorating players right before they cemented legends statuses.

By obtaining rights to use active MLB logos, uniforms, and branding, the 2001 Postal Service set felt like an official major league product. Alongside stats, it provided key accomplishments like division titles, league awards, and World Series results extending into 2001 for added relevance. Fanatics enjoyed following the continued success of their favorite stars each new year. The thorough research captured baseball in a memorable single season snapshot.

With sharp photography, descriptions of playoff moments, and career highlights, the 2001 Post Collector’s Series cards celebrated the state of the game at the turn of the century. In meticulously profiling the biggest names alongside rising young talents, it documented an era of transition into high scoring “Steroid Era” baseball. Its blend of modern stars and statistical details made it a favorite for collectors seeking to reminisce about recent history. The timing also proved prescient, as many of these featured players went on to even greater accomplishments. The 2001 edition stands out as one of the strongest Collector’s Choice sets for its contemporary player focus and commemorating a unique moment in time for the national pastime.

TOPPS 2022 BASEBALL CARDS CHECKLIST

Leave a reply

The 2022 Topps baseball card checklist features cards from all 30 Major League Baseball teams. As one of the premier brands in the trading card industry, Topps produces high-quality prints of players, rookies, legends, and inserts each year. Here is an in-depth look at some of the highlights collectors can find in the 2022 Topps set:

Base Cards
As with every Topps release, the backbone of the set is the base card design. In 2022, Topps decided to stick with tradition for the standard issue cards, featuring a clean and simple visual design. All players are shown in full color action shots on a white background. Ranging from #1 to #700, the base set includes all active big leaguers as well as retired stars and managers/coaches.

Rookies
One of the most exciting aspects each year is seeing the new rookie class get their first Topps cards. The 2022 checklist highlights several potential future stars, such as Reds RHP Hunter Greene (#166), Rangers 3B Josh Jung (#166), Tigers OF Riley Greene (#166), and Mariners RHP George Kirby (#166). Other notable rookies include OF Bobby Witt Jr. (#326) of the Royals and Braves C William Contreras (#671).

Topps Update & High Numbers Series
Later in the season, Topps released two additional sets – Topps Update and High Numbers. As player trades and promotions occur throughout the year, Update inserts new photos and team logos to ensure all active players are represented with accurate uniforms. High Numbers continues card #701 and higher, featuring additional base cards and inserts.

Insert Sets
In addition to the base cards and rookie selections, Topps produces various insert sets highlighting different categories:

Autographs: On-card and memorabilia autographs of current and legendary players. Serialized parallels as well.

Gallery of Heroes: Retro-style cards honoring MLB’s iconic stars from past eras.

Topps Now: Digital moments from that day’s games recreated as physical cards. Continually updated all season.

Negative Photographs: Experimental “negative” photo versions of base cards.

League leaders: Foil cards spotlighting stats champions from the previous season.

Tribute cards: Celebrating MLB milestones, championships, and memorable team accomplishments.

Through the Years: Tracking a player’s career season-by-season in card form.

Portraits of Greatness: Dynamic close-up photography replacing traditional action shots.

Parallels and Short Prints
To add more levels of rarity and collecting opportunities, Topps releases parallel and short printed variations of the base set, rookies, and inserts. Among the parallels available are Gold Foil (#/2022), Silver Pack (#/99), Rainbow Foil (1/1), and Negro Leagues Tribute (MLB’s Centennial celebration). Topps also lists short prints of key cards like flagship rookies and autographs with print runs under the standard release. These scarce versions exponentially increase secondary market value for dedicated collectors.

Additional Products
On top of the core sets, Topps assembles specialty and limited edition configurations to cater to different collector desires. Examples for 2022 include:

Series 1 & 2 Hanger/Blaster Boxes (retail exclusives)

Jumbo Boxes (containing 350+ cards including hits)

Tribute Boxes (theme packs around specific players or teams)

High-End Boxes (Blocks, Captions featuring guaranteed hits/relics)

Choice Pack Breaks (Online case breaks with premium selections)

Luxury Suite (Ultra high-end product tied to MLB Luxury Suite donors)

Secondary Market Demand
As the official MLB license holder, Topps distribution and release strategy is carefully planned. With limitations placed on print runs and parallel variants, secondary market demand stays robust all year on auction sites. Excluding the base rookies and common inserts, nearly every Topps card has speculation value attached to it. Flagship rookies like Witt Jr. and Greene saw singles sell for thousands as their regular season stardom emerged. Even multi-year veterans signed to big contracts can bring collector dollars based on performance and team fandom. For investors, Topps maintains a relatively safe and steady return profile compared to riskier sports investments.

While collecting priorities may vary fan-to-fan, the 2022 Topps baseball checklist has something for everyone. Quality production, iconic branding, and the ever-changing nature of the MLB season all contribute to Topps enduring popularity with both casual and serious hobbyists year after year. Collectors young and old anticipate revealing the next rookie phenom or parallel variation in their pack searches each new release.

1991 LEAF STUDIO BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1991 Leaf Studio baseball card set was one of the most unique and visually stunning releases of the early 1990s. While not as popular as sets from Topps, Donruss, or Fleer, the 1991 Leaf Studio cards stand out for their creative design approach that differed greatly from traditional baseball cards of the time.

Leaf was a relatively new brand launched in 1990 by The Upper Deck Company with the goal of producing innovative and artistic baseball card designs. For their 1991 offering, Leaf took the photography and imagery to another level with a distinctive studio-style concept. Rather than featuring traditional on-field action shots, each card showed the player in a customized graphic portrait against a solid colored background.

The creative vision was to make each player almost larger than life through emphasizing their individual style and persona outside of baseball uniforms. Photographers worked with each athlete to come up with memorable poses that conveyed their personality. For example, slugger Mark McGwire was pictured intensely staring down the camera with arms crossed in a powerful display. Shortstop Ozzie Smith was cheekily showcasing some dance moves.

In order to achieve this unique photographic style, Leaf built out a professional studio in Southern California specifically for the 1991 Studio set project. Over the course of several months, each of the 800+ players in Major League Baseball at the time were invited to individual photo sessions. With state-of-the-art lighting and photo equipment, the studio captures resulted in higher quality images than typical baseball card photography of the era.

Beyond just the primary player portrait, another hallmark of the 1991 Leaf Studio design was the creative graphic treatments and textures that surrounded each image. Solid colored panels of red, blue, yellow, green or orange provided vibrant backgrounds for every card. Within these panels, artistically crafted shapes, lines and patterns further embellished the visual experience. This added layer of graphic design truly made each card a one-of-a-kind work of art.

At the core of every card was still the basic baseball data and stats that collectors expected to find. Position, batting average, home runs and RBI from the previous season were all prominently listed in traditional baseball card spots. However, Leaf wanted to take presentation of this information to new creative heights as well. Stats were displayed within abstract graphical boxes and borders rather than simple black text on a white background.

Another breakthrough element of the 1991 Leaf Studio design regarded card stock and dimensions. At 2 5/8 inches by 3 5/8 inches, the cards were larger in size than standard baseball cards of the time which allowed for greater detail and vibrant ink colors to truly pop off the card surface. The card stock material itself was of higher quality—a thick, glossy paperboard referred to by Leaf as “museum board.” This gave each unique work of baseball art a premium and collectible feel in the hands of fans.

When it came to distribution and packaging of the 1991 Leaf Studio baseball cards, the brand wanted to further emphasize the artistic nature of the release. Rather than traditional wax packs or boxes, cards were sold loose in elegant custom display folders that highlighted 12 cards at a time under protective plastic sleeves. The brand’s red, white and navy color scheme carried throughout the classy folder packaging. Additional protective plastic sheets were also included for long-term storage of valuable cards in a portfolio-like format.

While the artistic and creative risks taken with the unconventional 1991 Leaf Studio design were bold, reception from collectors was largely positive. The innovative photography and graphic styles were truly unprecedented for the baseball card market. More than just products to collect or trade, the cards became small framed works of artistic expression. Due to the specialized photography process and higher production costs, the 1991 Leaf Studio set carried a suggested retail price of $5 per pack which was well above the $1 price point of competitors. This likely limited the set’s mainstream popularity despite praise from hobby insiders.

Still, the 1991 Leaf Studio release proved instrumental in demonstrating the potential for baseball cards to become collector’s art objects rather than simply sport’s memorabilia. It inspired many future innovative design approaches from both Leaf and competitors aiming for more distinctive creative visions. Today, vintage 1991 Leaf Studio cards remain a favorite amongst collectors seeking unique examples that stand out from the millions of traditional on-field baseball photos that have been produced over the decades. Their artistic merit assures the cards will maintain significance as a innovative milestone in the historic evolution of the baseball card collecting hobby.

BEST PIRATES BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The Pittsburgh Pirates are one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball with a rich history dating back to the late 1800s. While the Pirates haven’t had the same level of success in recent decades, they have featured some of the game’s all-time greats over the years who have become highly sought after baseball card collectibles. Let’s take a look at some of the best and most valuable Pirates baseball cards from throughout the team’s history.

Honus Wagner (T206, 1909-1911) – Widely considered the most valuable trading card of all-time, Wagner’s iconic T206 card from the early 1900s routinely sells for over $1 million. The legendary shortstop spent his entire 21-year career with Pittsburgh and was a key member of the franchise’s first World Series championship team in 1909. Only 50-200 of his cards are believed to still exist in mint condition, making each one an extremely rare find.

Roberto Clemente (Topps, 1964) – A true icon both on and off the field, Clemente played his entire 18-year career with Pittsburgh and was the first Latin American player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. His 1964 Topps card is one of the most desirable from the 1960s due to his tragic death in a plane crash on New Year’s Eve 1972 at the young age of 38. High grade versions can sell for over $10,000.

Willie Stargell (Topps, 1969) – “Pops” was the heart and soul of the Pirates teams that won back-to-back World Series in 1979. His 1969 Topps rookie card was a sign of things to come as he went on to hit 475 career home runs and win the 1979 NL MVP award. Considered one of the best power hitters of his generation, mint condition examples are valued around $3,000.

Dave Parker (Topps, 1973) – “The Cobra” was a five-time All-Star during his 13 seasons with Pittsburgh and won the 1978 NL MVP. His 1973 Topps rookie card is one of the more iconic from the 1970s due to his intimidating stare. Highly sought after by collectors, ungraded versions can sell for over $1,000.

Bill Mazeroski (Topps, 1956) – As a member of the Pirates organization for his entire 17-year career, “Maz” is best known for hitting the game-winning home run in the bottom of the 9th inning of Game 7 of the 1960 World Series against the Yankees. His rookie card from 1956 is one of the key cards from the decade and can sell for $2,000+ in top condition.

Ralph Kiner (Bowman, 1946) – One of the game’s earliest power hitters, Kiner led the National League in home runs in each of his first seven seasons and was inducted into Cooperstown in 1975. His 1946 Bowman rookie card was among the earliest post-WWII issues and high grade copies are valued around $4,000.

Barry Bonds (Topps, 1986) – Before becoming the all-time home run king with the Giants, Bonds got his start in Pittsburgh and was a three-time NL MVP as a Pirate. His 1986 Topps rookie card showing off his impressive physique and skills is highly sought after, with PSA 10 versions selling for over $1,000.

Jason Kendall (Fleer, 1996) – An All-Star catcher during his playing days, Kendall spent the first seven seasons of his 16-year career in Pittsburgh. His 1996 Fleer Update rookie card is considered one of the more undervalued from the 1990s, with ungraded copies available for under $50 but room to appreciate over time.

Andrew McCutchen (Topps, 2009) – As the face of the franchise for much of the 2010s, “Cutch” was a five-time All-Star and won the 2013 NL MVP award during his nine seasons with the Pirates. His rookie card remains one of the more popular modern issues, valued around $15 for a PSA 10 gem.

Josh Bell (Topps Update, 2016) – Currently with the Padres, Bell had a breakout 2019 campaign for Pittsburgh that saw him hit 37 home runs. His rookie card remains reasonably affordable but could gain value long-term if he has a strong second half of his career. Ungraded copies can be found for under $10.

While the Pirates haven’t found championship level success in recent decades, they have a storied history that produced many all-time great players whose rookie cards and early career issues remain some of the most highly sought after and valuable in the hobby. With such iconic stars as Honus Wagner, Roberto Clemente and Willie Stargell, Pirates cards hold a special place in the hearts of collectors worldwide. With continued patience from fans, the team hopes to someday soon return to prominence on the field as well.

1993 BOWMAN BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

Leave a reply

1993 marked an iconic year for Bowman baseball cards as it was the company’s 30th anniversary of producing baseball cards. The 1993 Bowman set had 264 total cards and featured some major star rookies and prospects. Perhaps most notably, the 1993 Bowman Grady Sizemore rookie card exploded in popularity in the late 2000s/early 2010s as Sizemore rose to stardom in Cleveland. While Sizemore’s career was cut short due to injuries, his rookie card remains highly sought after to this day. Beyond Sizemore, the 1993 Bowman set also featured rookie cards for future Hall of Famer Craig Biggio as well as starters Freddy Garcia, Brian Anderson, and Jason Bere. With stars and future stars throughout, 1993 Bowman baseball cards have proven to be a very valuable vintage release over the past few decades.

When it comes to the value of individual 1993 Bowman cards, there are a few standouts that consistently command top dollar on the market. Headlining the set is undoubtedly the Grady Sizemore rookie card. In a PSA 10 gem mint condition, this rookie currently sells for thousands of dollars. On October 20th, 2021, a PSA 10 Sizemore rookie sold on eBay for $6,750. Even in PSA 9 excellent condition, the Sizemore rookie still prices out around $500. Condition is everything with this card, as a PSA 8 good copy has sold for as little as $40 recently. For players collectors, the Craig Biggio rookie is also highly valuable in PSA 10 at around $1,000. Additional noteworthy cards include the Freddy Garcia and Jason Bere rookies, each around $100-$200 in top grade.

Beyond the headlining rookie cards, 1993 Bowman also features valuable stars throughout the set who were entering their primes at that time. For example, the Ken Griffey Jr. card has maintained strong demand, selling for $350-$500 in PSA 9-10 condition depending on current graded pop report numbers. Similarly, the Chipper Jones, Mark McGwire, Larry Walker, and Jeff Bagwell cards have all cracked the $100 mark in top grade. Even stars past their primes like Nolan Ryan and Wade Boggs have desirable cards in the $50-$100 range if sufficiently graded. With these stars and an exciting crop of young talent, 1993 Bowman had broad long term appeal that makes it a fun set to collect even decades later.

While raw ungraded 1993 Bowman cards remain affordable for most collectors’ budgets, there are a few expensive outliers even in low end consumer grade. On the raw side, some of the rarest short prints have sold for hundreds in played condition. For example, a Derek Jeter SP recently sold for $850 in Good-Excellent condition on eBay. The vast majority of common raw cards can still be obtained for $5-10 each depending on the player and grade. Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, the box sets have also maintained good value raw. Completely unweighed 1993 Bowman wax boxes regularly sell in the $200-$300 range online. For empty retail racks or factory sealed cases, you’re looking at $1,000+ even today. This speaks to the robust long term interest in the set amongst collectors.

When considering an investment in vintage 1993 Bowman baseball cards, there are a few important factors to weigh. First and foremost is the immense popularity and future potential of star rookies like Sizemore and Biggio. As they near Hall of Fame enshrinement, their rookie cards should only continue increasing in value over the coming years. With Griffey, McGwire, Bagwell, and others aging well, their cards provide a lower risk way to hold marquee names from the 1990s & 2000s eras. Besides iconic stars, the pure excitement and talent throughout the set gives 1993 Bowman lasting broad collector interest and liquidity. In the decades since release, the prices have trended almost universally upward. For patient long term collectors, 1993 Bowman remains one of the most promising vintage investments in the hobby. Coupled with the fun of chasing stars of your childhood, this set presents a compelling collecting and holding proposition.

The 1993 Bowman baseball card set stands out as one of the most valuable vintage releases due to great star power led by the Grady Sizemore and Craig Biggio rookies. While grading certainly impacts individual card prices, there remains strong demand across the board for raw copies as well. With a plethora of stars from the 1990s at their primes featured throughout, 1993 Bowman maintained broad long term appeal. As a result, this set continues to trend upward in value decades after production. For investors, collectors, and nostalgia seekers alike, 1993 Bowman baseball cards present a viable and enjoyable vintage holding.

DANBURY MINT 22 CARAT BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The Danbury Mint was well known for producing collectibles and memorabilia using precious metals. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, they released a series of 22 karat gold plated baseball cards that became hugely popular with collectors. These gold plated cards featured some of the all-time greats of the game and were handcrafted to the highest standards using real 22 karat gold.

The Danbury Mint had been producing commemorative coins and collectibles for decades, gaining a reputation for quality craftsmanship. In the late 1980s, as the collecting of sports cards was taking off, they decided to try their hand at producing a luxury version made of actual gold. The concept was to take some of the most iconic baseball players and immortalize them on cards made with real 22 karat gold plating.

Each card would feature a full color image of the player on the front along with their stats and career highlights. On the back would be a short biography of their career. But instead of the traditional paper/cardstock most cards were made of at the time, the Danbury Mint cards used a premium substrate made of plastic. This provided durability and allowed the cards to be plated directly with 22 karat yellow gold.

The gold plating process they used involved applying a thin layer of actual 22 karat gold to the surface of the card through electroplating. This allowed each card to have the premium look and feel of real gold while protecting the image layer underneath. The gold plating was applied evenly to completely cover the front and back of each card as well as the edges.

Some of the all-time greats featured in the original Danbury Mint 22 karat gold baseball card series included Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, and Nolan Ryan among others. Each card carried an individual number showing how many were produced, usually between 500-1000 copies depending on the player. This limited production run added greatly to their appeal as true luxury collector’s items.

While other companies had experimented with gold or silver plated cards before, the Danbury Mint took the concept to an entirely new level. Not only was pure 22 karat yellow gold used instead of lower karats, but the production quality and attention to detail was far superior to anything else on the market. Each tiny detail from the players’ uniforms to the backgrounds was faithfully replicated in high resolution on the gold surface.

The cards came individually packaged in clear acrylic cases with a description of the gold plating process. This protected the gold surface and allowed the cards to be easily displayed. As an additional premium touch, many of the limited run cards also came with an individually serialized certificate of authenticity. All of it combined to create the ultimate collectible experience for both casual fans and diehard memorabilia enthusiasts.

Naturally, with such a limited production run using actual precious metal, the Danbury Mint 22 karat gold baseball cards commanded high prices. In mint condition still sealed in their original packaging, some of the most desirable players like Babe Ruth or Mickey Mantle would sell for thousands of dollars each. Even relatively common players still fetched hundreds due to the novelty and craftsmanship involved.

While no longer in production today, the original Danbury Mint 22 karat gold baseball card series remains one of the holy grails for card collectors. Not only did they feature some of the all-time greatest players immortalized in the purest form possible, but they set a new standard for quality, design, and premium memorabilia. For those lucky enough to afford an example in gem mint condition, they provide a tangible connection to baseball history mixed with the luxury of real 22 karat gold. Over 30 years later, they still stand out as truly unique collector’s items.

The Danbury Mint 22 karat gold baseball card series was a pioneering effort that took sports card collecting to an unprecedented luxury level. By utilizing actual 22 karat yellow gold electroplating and meticulous production values, they created premium memorabilia pieces that remain highly coveted today. Featuring legends like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle and more in limited edition runs only added to their investment grade appeal. While out of regular production, the original Danbury Mint 22 karat gold cards will always be remembered as truly one-of-a-kind collector’s items.

1979 BASEBALL CARDS WORTH

Leave a reply

The 1979 baseball season saw many legendary players reach career milestones and have incredible individual seasons. This resulted in several 1979 baseball cards gaining considerable value in the collectors’ market over the ensuing decades. From rookie cards that would go on to have Hall of Fame careers to stars setting new records, the 1979 set provides collectors a unique window into some of the game’s greats at the peak of their powers.

One of the most valuable 1979 baseball cards is the Ozzie Smith rookie card. As arguably the greatest defensive shortstop of all time, Smith was just beginning his stellar 24-year career with the San Diego Padres in 1979. While he did not put up huge offensive numbers in his first season, collectors recognized his special talents in the field from the start. High grade gem mint condition examples of Smith’s rookie card in a PSA 10 gem mint slab now sell for over $10,000.

Another exceptionally valuable 1979 rookie is Don Mattingly of the New York Yankees. Though he lost out on Rookie of the Year honors, Mattingly put himself on the path to a likely Hall of Fame career by batting .280 with 13 home runs in his debut season. Widely considered one of the best hitting first basemen ever, pristine near-mint to mint PSA 8-9 copies of Mattingly’s rookie now sell for $2,000-$5,000.

While not rookies, two Hall of Fame pitchers dominated the 1979 season and their corresponding baseball cards grew tremendously in value. Nolan Ryan, playing for the California Angels at the time, threw his fourth career no-hitter on September 26th while also leading the American League with 180 strikeouts. High grade examples of Ryan’s 1979 Topps card in PSA 8-10 condition are worth $1,000-$2,500 today. Meanwhile, the Houston Astros’ J.R. Richard suffered an aneurysm late in the season, but before that he compiled a career-best record of 18-13 with 18 complete games and 313 strikeouts in 279 innings. Near-mint PSA 7 versions of Richard’s 1979 card can sell for over $1,000 due to his pitching prowess and career cut short by health issues.

A few more key valuable 1979 baseball cards include those of Rod Carew and Dave Parker. Carew led the American League in batting average for the seventh time in eight seasons by hitting .333 for the California Angels. His 1979 Topps card in PSA 10 condition is valued around $450. Meanwhile, Dave Parker claimed National League MVP honors after batting .334 with 25 homers and 114 RBI for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Pristine PSA 10 variants of Parker’s MVP season card sell for roughly $275-350 online.

But some of the most sought after high dollar 1979 baseball cards depict career-defining seasons instead of future Hall of Famers. One such example is Baltimore Oriole slugger Ken Singleton, who launched a career-high 32 home runs and 113 runs batted in to go along with a .296 batting average. Near-mint PSA 7 copies of his 1979 Topps card have sold for over $900. Another huge power campaign was that of Cleveland Indians first baseman Andre Thornton, who established personal bests of 35 home runs and 113 RBI. Thanks to Thornton’s prodigious power output that year, his 1979 Topps card has reached values upwards of $500 in PSA 8 condition.

While stars and highlight seasons make for the most valuable 1979 baseball cards, there are also certainly options available for more modest budgets. Rookies of solid players like Alan Trammell, Lou Whitaker, and Eddie Murray can often be found graded in the $50-$150 range. Fan favorites from the era like Dave Concepcion, Tim Raines, and Jim Rice have mid-range cards valued between $25-$75 depending on condition. And even lesser played veterans have affordable cards grading PSA 5 or below. The 1979 set provides a fun and relatively affordable entry point for collectors to obtain pieces of baseball history from a memorable season for dollar amounts to suit any budget.

Whether chasing rookie gems, milestone seasons, or simply affordable nostalgia, the 1979 baseball card set endures as a collector favorite over 40 years later. Featuring future Hall of Famers like Ozzie Smith and Don Mattingly as well as career years such as Nolan Ryan’s no-hitter and Dave Parker’s MVP award, it captures a great year in baseball that remains memorable for fans and valuable for investors. With iconic players, defining moments, and a wide range of price points, 1979 baseball cards continue to entice collectors with their unique place in the nostalgic hobby.

EDDIE MURRAY BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Eddie Murray was one of the most prolific hitters of his era who played for 21 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1977-1997. As a result, Murray has been featured on numerous baseball cards over the years from the 1970s through the 1990s. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most notable and valuable Eddie Murray baseball cards from his historic career.

One of Murray’s earliest and most sought after rookie cards is his 1977 Topps card #132. This was Murray’s true rookie card issued during his debut season with the Baltimore Orioles after being drafted 3rd overall in the June 1976 amateur draft out of Valley High School in Las Vegas. The design features Murray in an Orioles uniform from waist up with a blue and orange border. The photo captures his stoic demeanor that became synonymous with his playing style. Murray’s rookie card in gem mint condition can fetch over $1,000 due to its scarcity and significance as documenting his first season in the majors.

Another prized early Murray rookie is his 1977 Kellogg’s card #46. Kellogg’s produced baseball cards for cereal boxes from 1973-1981 and their design had a photo on the front and stats on the back. Murray looks confident batting from the left side in this image wearing an Orioles jersey. In top graded condition, it can sell for $500 or more given that Kellogg’s print runs were smaller than the major card companies like Topps. The set is highly collectible and captures Murray in the beginning stages of his Hall of Fame career.

In 1978, Murray’s breakout season saw him hit .333 with 27 home runs and 102 RBI while finishing third in AL MVP voting. This stellar campaign made his 1978 Topps card #234 very desirable. It shows Murray crouched in the batter’s box with an intense focus wearing an Orioles uniform. High grade versions fetch $150-300 due to Murray’s emerging superstar status reflected on the card from his award-winning 1978 season. This was when he started to become recognized as one of the top sluggers in baseball.

After eight productive seasons with Baltimore, Murray was surprisingly traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in December 1983. His first card with his new team was the 1984 Topps Traded #T84 issue. It depicts Murray in a Dodgers cap and jersey from his waist up with a blue backdrop. This transition card marks Murray moving to a new coast and city, showing collectors the next phase of his career. In pristine condition, examples can sell for $75-150 given its rarity and historical significance as Murray’s first card as a Dodger.

Murray enjoyed three excellent seasons with the Dodgers, highlighted by winning the 1985 NL Batting Title with a .351 average. His 1985 Fleer Update #U-39 card captured this peak performance. It features Murray crouched in the batter’s box with Dodger blue and white uniform showing his intense concentration. High grade versions are valued around $100 since it documents Murray’s batting crown-winning season and continued excellence in the National League.

After the 1986 season, Murray signed as a free agent with the Baltimore Orioles in December 1986, returning to the franchise where he broke in and had his early success. His first card back with the O’s was the 1987 Topps Traded #T49 issue. It shows Murray from the waist up in an Orioles jersey with an orange backdrop, marking his second stint with the team. Near mint copies can sell for $50-75 given its scarcity and significance as Murray’s first card after rejoining the Orioles later in his career.

Murray played four more seasons in Baltimore before finishing his career with the 1992-93 Cleveland Indians and 1994-95 Los Angeles Dodgers. Some other notable later Murray cards include his 1990 Topps Traded #T48 as an Oriole, 1992 Fleer #469 as an Indian, and 1995 Upper Deck #362 as a Dodger in the final season of his Hall of Fame career. He retired with 504 home runs and over 3,000 hits, making him one of the most prolific offensive players of the 1980s and beyond.

In all, Eddie Murray’s 21-year MLB tenure resulted in many quality baseball cards issued that are still popular with collectors today. From his early rookie cards to documentation of award-winning seasons and franchise transitions, Murray cards provide historical value given his stellar career. Many of his highest graded issues can sell for hundreds reflecting his status as a true baseball legend. Eddie Murray was one of the game’s best hitters who is still fondly remembered today through his iconic baseball cards.

20 MOST VALUABLE 1979 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1979 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the hobby’s history. Featured future Hall of Famers like Nolan Ryan, Pete Rose, and George Brett, the set also contains several valuable rookie cards that are highly sought after by collectors. Here’s a look at the 20 most valuable 1979 Topps baseball cards based on the card’s most recently sold prices:

Nolan Ryan (card #138) – One of the most iconic baseball cards ever printed, Ryan’s 1979 Topps card in near-mint to mint condition has recently sold for over $15,000. Featuring the flame-throwing Ryan in an Astros uniform, this is considered the premier card from the entire 1979 set.

Ozzie Smith (card #641) – As one of the best defensive shortstops ever, Smith’s star shone brightly from the start. His rookie card consistently fetches $5,000+ for higher graded copies.

Cal Ripken Jr. (card #438) – Prior to becoming “The Iron Man”, Ripken’s rookie season saw him play third base for the Orioles. High-grade versions of this sought-after rookie card have sold for around $4,000.

Scott Sanderson (card #133) – One of the great oddball rookie cards, Sanderson went on to play 16 seasons but was never an all-star. Still, his 1979 Topps RC is highly collected and has sold for $3,500 in top condition.

Larry Bowa (card #126) – A key member of the “Lumber Company” Phillies teams, Bowa provided leadership from the shortstop position for over a decade. Near-mint copies of his 1979 Topps card have recently sold at auction for $3,200.

Mike Schmidt (card #135) – Already a two-time MVP in 1979, Schmidt’s dominant run was just beginning. Near-mint versions of this Hall of Famer’s third year card have sold for over $3,000.

Dave Righetti (card #592) – As arguably the set’s premiere rookie pitcher card, Righetti’s 26-save season captured collectors attention. High-grade copies rival some of the biggest names from ’79 at $2,800 price tags.

Steve Rogers (card #162) – A 20-game winner for Montreal in 1978, Rogers’ card jumped in value after his no-hitter in 1982. Near-mint copies have recently sold in the $2,750 range.

Bob Horner (card #572) – Considered one of the best pure hitters of the early 80’s, Horner’s rookie card generated buzz from collectors. Highly graded versions have topped $2,500 sales.

Dave Stewart (card #449) – Before anchoring Oakland’s rotations, Stewart’s rookie card gained steam with collectors. Near-mint copies are valued around $2,400 currently.

Rickey Henderson (card #692) – Widely considered the greatest leadoff hitter and base stealer, interest grew after Henderson’s debut 1979 season. Top-graded versions have sold for $2,300.

Eddie Murray (card #526) – Already a batting champion and three-time all-star by 1979, Murray’s premier hitting skills translated to high values. Near-mint copies have sold for around $2,200.

Garry Maddox (card #114) – A premier defensive center fielder, “The Secretariat” won eight consecutive Gold Gloves between 1975-1982. Highly graded copies have topped $2,100.

Bobby Grich (card #201) – Arguably the best all-around second baseman of the late 70’s/early 80’s. Near-mint copies have sold for $2,000 recently.

Frank Tanana (card #252) – One of the AL’s hardest throwers in the late 70’s. Near-mint copies have reached the $2,000 plateau as well.

Tommy John (card #353) – Already a Yankees’ mainstay, John surpassed 300 career wins after elbow surgery extended his career. Near-mint copies reliably sell for $1,800+.

Andre Thornton (card #641) – Won the 1978 NL Rookie of the Year award. Near-mint versions fetch $1,700.

George Brett (card #99) – Already an all-star regularly, Brett’s Hall of Fame career was gaining steam by 1979. Near-mint copies sell for around $1,600.

Bert Blyleven (card #324) – Already a veteran, Blyleven’s Hall of Fame worthy numbers started accumulating in the late 70’s. Near-mint versions have sold for $1,500.

Pete Rose (card #87) – In the prime of his hitting success with the Big Red Machine. Rose’s star power from the 1970’s maintained higher values at $1,400 for top-graded copies.

With iconic players and valuable rookie cards, the 1979 Topps set remains a highly collectible vintage issue for baseball card investors. Keys like Nolan Ryan and Ozzie Smith’s star rookies lead the value, but solid names throughout maintain decent prices for this true “junk wax” survivor set.