SALUTATION EXHIBIT BASEBALL CARDS

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The tradition of salutation exhibit baseball cards dates back to the late 1880s, when tobacco companies like Old Judge and Strike Out began including collectible card inserts in their cigarette and chewing tobacco products. These early salutation cards were termed “exhibit” or “cabinet” cards because their larger size and higher quality printing made them suitable for display in home collections and curio cabinets.

While not the first baseball cards produced, salutation exhibit cards dramatically improved the visual presentation of players compared to simpler cigar box fronts and business cards from the 1860s-70s. Measuring approximately 5” by 8”, these premium cards provided ample space for vibrant color lithography illustrations of stars from the National League and American Association. In addition to picture, player names were printed in an elegant script alongside stats like batting average and home runs. Some even featured short biographies that helped foster fan interest in individual athletes.

The genesis of salutation exhibit cards coincided with an enormous growth period for professional baseball that transformed the sport into a major commercial enterprise. With increased newspaper coverage and the rise of gambling on games, public fascination with baseball personalities was at an all-time high. Tobacco companies recognized the opportunity to piggyback off this fan fervor and deliberately structured their card promotions around collector mania. By strategically limiting production runs and subtly enticing completionism, companies established the early framework for what would develop into a significant hobby.

Peak popularity for salutation exhibit cards occurred in the 1890s, when tens of thousands of avid collectors actively traded and assembled complete cigarette card sets featuring the top players from each season. Brand leaders in the market were Allen & Ginter in 1889 and 1894, American Tobacco in 1886-1889, and Mayo Cut Plug in 1890. Their premium exhibit cards showcased the brightest stars such as Cap Anson, Kid Nichols, and Ed Delahanty. Due to their inherent scarcity from the bundled distribution method, high-grade specimens from this pioneering era fetch six-figure sums today.

While standard baseball cards continued to be inserted in tobacco packs for decades, the opulent exhibit card format declined noticeably after the turn of the 20th century. Technological advances led to cheaper mass production techniques for cards more readily distributed as standalone packs. The emergence of dedicated baseball card publishers T206 in 1909 and American Caramel in 1911 further realigned the market. Premium chase sets from American Tobacco (T205 White Border) in 1909 and NL/AL Stars Cards from Brown’s Turkish Trophies in 1914 maintained the exhibit card tradition in limited runs.

By the 1920s, economic realities and anti-tobacco lobbying caused manufacturers to shift focus away from trading cards entirely. The Great Depression era proved especially challenging for the fledgling collectibles industry. Through the 1930s and 40s, organized collecting persisted through enthusiast-run magazines like Sport Collectors Digest and regional baseball card clubs. It wasn’t until growth in youth markets, card shows, and rise of Beckett Price Guide’s standardization from the 1960s that the modern vintage card resurgence began in earnest.

Today, surviving specimens from tobacco companies’ pioneering salutation exhibit card series are among the most coveted and expensive collectibles in the hobby. Early specimens ranging from 1886 N172 Old Judge to 1891 Mayo Cut Plug routinely sell for well over $100,000. Even common players in lowest grades still command thousands due to the cards’ importance in establishing baseball card culture. The ornate lithography and historical significance of exhibit cards also make them highly prized display pieces in museum collections worldwide. Their elegant artistry and role in fostering baseball’s nationwide popularity ensure salutation exhibit cards will always have a cherished place in American sports collectibles history.

Tobacco manufacturers’ innovative use of salutation exhibit baseball cards cleverly aligned with growing national fanfare for the game in the late 19th century. By offering premium quality, scarce visual representations of the day’s biggest stars, companies established an appealing framework that still defines the modern collectibles industry. While others later optimized production and distribution methods, early exhibit cards remain the most coveted and ornamental artifacts symbolizing baseball card culture’s formative emerging years. Their legacy as premier cherished memorabilia endures today amongst historians, curators and the hobby’s most dedicated patrons.

87 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 1980s. While it may not be as renowned as some earlier sets like the 1952 Topps or 1969 Topps, the ’87 Topps set featured many star players and rookies who went on to have Hall of Fame careers. As a result, certain key cards from this set can be quite valuable, especially if they are in pristine graded condition. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable and desirable 1987 Topps baseball cards worth chasing for any collector.

One of the true crown jewels from the 1987 Topps set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of if not the most iconic rookie card of the modern era, Griffey’s rookie is a true icon of the hobby. In a PSA 10 gem mint condition, this card can fetch well over $10,000. Even lower graded examples still command prices in the multiple thousands. Griffey was a once in a generation talent and his rookie card remains extremely popular with collectors to this day. Another hugely valuable rookie is the Frank Thomas card. Like Griffey, “The Big Hurt” went on to have a Hall of Fame career and his rookie is one of the most coveted cards from the set. A PSA 10 can sell for $3,000+ while lower grades still sell for $500-1000.

Staying on the theme of future Hall of Famers, the Roberto Alomar rookie card is also highly sought after by collectors. Alomar enjoyed a long, productive career and was a 12-time All-Star so there is no shortage of demand for his rookie. In a PSA 10 condition, the Alomar rookie can sell for $1,500-2,000 range. The same is true for the Dennis Eckersley rookie, which fetches around $1,000-1,500 in top grade. Eckersley went on to have a dominant career as one of the best relievers ever. His rookie remains a key card for any ’87 Topps collector.

Moving beyond just rookies, there are also several star veterans whose ’87 Topps cards hold significant value. For example, the Nolan Ryan card is always a favorite with collectors due to his status as perhaps the greatest power pitcher ever. A PSA 10 Ryan can sell for $800-1000 while lower grades still demand $200-400. The same is true for the Ozzie Smith card, as the Wizard was a huge fan favorite and 13-time Gold Glove winner at shortstop. A PSA 10 Smith will sell around $500-700 range. Other star veterans like Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, and Don Mattingly also have cards in the $200-500 range depending on condition.

In addition to future Hall of Famers and stars, certain key short prints from the ’87 Topps set are highly valuable as well. One of the most desired is the Kirby Puckett short print card, which was only available in wax packs at a ratio of around 1 per case. In gem mint condition this scarce Puckett SP can sell for $800-1000. The Bo Jackson short print also commands big money around $500-700 due to his status as a rare two sport star. Other valuable short prints include the Mark McGwire ($300-400 PSA 10), Dwight Gooden ($250-350), and Ozzie Smith SPs. These scarce variants significantly increase the value of an already iconic base card.

Rookies, stars, and short prints make up the most expensive cards in the 1987 Topps baseball set as one might expect. There are also several other lesser known gems that can still hold solid value depending on condition. For example, the Bret Saberhagen card has sold for $200-300 in top grade as he was coming off back-to-back Cy Young wins. The same is true for the Tim Raines card, which has sold for around $150-200 as he was an elite leadoff hitter and base stealer for Montreal. Even role players like the Lenny Dykstra or Mookie Wilson cards can sell for $50-100 in mint condition due to their popularity on great Mets teams.

While it may not have the same first edition cachet as some older sets, the 1987 Topps baseball card set still holds tremendous nostalgia and value for collectors today. Headlined by the iconic rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Ken Griffey Jr and Frank Thomas, this set is loaded with stars, short prints, and hidden gems that can sell for hundreds or even thousands in top graded condition. For anyone looking to build a complete ’87 Topps set or chase individual keys, there are plenty of highly valuable and desirable cards worth hunting from this iconic release. The combination of star power, scarcity, and nostalgia ensure that the best 1987 Topps cards will remain popular with collectors for years to come.

TOP 10 1988 SCORE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1988 baseball season was one for the history books. Roger Clemens won his second Cy Young award with a 20-9 record and 2.96 ERA for the Boston Red Sox. Kirk Gibson’s dramatic home run led the Los Angeles Dodgers to a World Series win over the heavily favored Oakland Athletics. And young star players like Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco fueled the excitement around the game with monster home run totals.

The 1988 Topps baseball card set showcased the game’s biggest stars and top rookie talents. With 792 total cards in the base set, the ’88 Topps issue contained a who’s who of players that shaped the decade. Standing out amongst the collection were ten cards that have become iconic representations of the players and the era. Here’s a look at the 10 best 1988 Topps baseball cards as judged by their historical significance, player performance, and current collectability:

Ozzie Smith (#591) – The Wizard cemented his Hall of Fame credentials with another outstanding season in 1987, finishing third in MVP voting after batting .303 with 16 home runs and 78 RBI. Topps honored Smith’s defense with this classic backflip card that captured his acrobatic flair. Highly collectable due to Smith’s reputation as one of the game’s greatest fielders.

Mark McGwire (#398) – Big Mac arrived on the scene in 1987 with 49 home runs to set a rookie record. His power surge helped ignite Baseball’s steroid era. His ’88 card from his sophomore 49-homer campaign remains iconic of the young slugger’s immense potential. Scarcity and association with the steroid scandal boost its value tremendously.

Roger Clemens (#205) – The Rocket took the AL by storm in 1986 and won his first Cy Young, then followed it up with a 20-9, 2.96 ERA campaign for the Red Sox in ’88. This card captures Clemens in his dominant prime before controversies would mar his reputation. Still one of the most intimidating MLB pitchers ever.

Rickey Henderson (#168) – Rickey stole 100+ bases in a season 5 times from 1982-91, including a record 130 in ’87 for the A’s. His exciting speed threat is epitomized on this card where he’s stealing second. Widely considered the greatest leadoff hitter and baserunner in baseball history.

Dwight Gooden (#234) – Dr. K followed up his inaugural Cy Young season with a 17-6, 2.94 ERA campaign for the Mets in ’88. As one of the greatest pitching prospects ever, Gooden brought excitement and dominance before personal issues derailed his career. A true “what could have been” talent.

Jose Canseco (#550) – The muscular Canseco blasted 42 home runs in ’87 to help spark an offensive boom. He followed that up with 39 homers and an All-Star season in ’88 while revitalizing baseball’s popularity. His card is an iconic image of the new power game and steroid controversies to come.

Kirk Gibson (#567) – Few moments in MLB history have matched “Gibby’s” legendary pinch-hit, walk-off home run in Game 1 of the ’88 World Series. Capping a remarkable story of injuries and clutch heroics, this card commemorates Gibson’s legendary status in Dodger lore.

Nolan Ryan (#307) – At age 41 in 1988, Ryan still brought it with a 16-10 record and 2.76 ERA split between the Astros and Rangers. Considered the hardest thrower ever, his intimidating pitching motion is aptly captured here. One of the most renown players of his era and in baseball history.

Ozzie Smith (#201) – Backs are where cards get their mystique, and “The Wizard’s” magical backflip certainly enhanced this cardboard. A rare ’88 error card without stats on the back adds to its prominence. Highly collectable regardless of condition due to its historical context.

Ken Griffey Jr. (#1) – The most coveted rookie card ever issued, “Junior” entered the bigs with a splash. His sweet left-handed swing is immortalized here in his Mariners debut at age 19. As one of baseball’s greatest ever players, this card acts as a portal into the early days of such a gifted talent. Condition sensitive but hugely popular for good reason.

In capturing the performances of baseball’s most impactful stars from 1987-88, Topps created a revered set that will stand the test of time. Led by Ken Griffey Jr.’s iconic rookie card introducing “The Kid” to the world, and featuring other legends like Clemens, Ryan, Henderson, Canseco, and Gibson, the ’88 Topps set offers a snapshot into a pivotal era for baseball that still fascinates collectors today. These top 10 cards exemplify why the 1988 issue remains a highly desirable release prized by hobbyists decades later.

MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS EARLY 2000s

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The early 2000s saw tremendous growth in the popularity and value of collecting sports trading cards, especially baseball cards. Fueled by the economic prosperity of the late 90s and increased accessibility of the internet and online auction sites like eBay, both the hobby and the values of top cards reached new highs. While stars of the past like Mickey Mantle and Babe Ruth remained iconic and valuable, newer stars emerging in the early 21st century like Ken Griffey Jr., Alex Rodriguez, and Derek Jeter gained popularity and had some of the most expensive rookie and high-series cards of the era. Let’s take a look at some of the most noteworthy and valuable baseball cards produced in the early 2000s.

The true juggernaut of the early 2000s collecting market was the Upper Deck rookie card of Ken Griffey Jr. from 1989. Considered by many to be the most aesthetically pleasing baseball card ever made with its iconic painting-style photo, Griffey’s UD rookie exploded in demand and price at the turn of the century. In mint condition, the card routinely sold for $5,000-10,000 in 2000-2001. By 2002 a PSA 10 Gem Mint example had shattered the $100,000 barrier, showing just how hot the collecting market had become for elite vintage cards, especially those depicting the game’s biggest stars like Griffey in his prime. This remains one of the most collectible and valuable baseball cards ever.

Another rookie card that soared in value and demand in the early 2000s was the 1996 Bowman’s Best Refractor parallel card of Derek Jeter. Jeter had ascended to “Yankee Captain” status leading successful Bronx Bomber teams, and this coveted refracted parallel of his rookie provided a modern and investment-worthy alternative to the scarce and pricey 1992 UD rookie. PSA 10 examples jumped from under $1,000 in 2000 to routinely selling between $3,000-5,000 just two years later as Jeter’s star power and on-field success continued to grow. It proved to be one of the premier short print parallels and investments of its time.

For collectors seeking desirable autographed and memorabilia cards featuring the game’s newest generation of superstars, look no further than 2001-2002 Upper Deck Authenticated items like “The Chase” jersey card of Alex Rodriguez. As Rodriguez began shattering home run records in Seattle and Texas in his ascension toward free agency and New York, demand grew for modern relics and autographs featuring the superstar slugger. The authentically obtained jersey swatch parallel from his record-setting 2001 MVP season reached $3,000+ in PSA 10 condition by 2003 amidst A-Rod mania. Other autographed memorabilia cards of other emerging stars like David Ortiz, Nomar Garciaparra, and Sammy Sosa also performed very well during this time period.

Some more modern cards that gained significant value in the early 2000s boom related to milestone accomplishments and postseason heroics included 2001 Topps Gold Label Parallel autographs of Curt Schilling ($5,000+) and 2001 World Series hero Randy Johnson ($3,000+). Schilling’s famous bloody sock game performance and Johnson’s perfect game and Diamondbacks title increased demand for their autographed Gold Label parallels in the 1-2 years following. The 1998 Fleer Metal Universe Parallel refractor of Sammy Sosa’s record-breaking 66th home run reached $2,500-$3,000 as a PSA 10 in 2003 after Sosa’s dominance at the plate and home run chase with Mark McGwire. Specific event and feat parallels like these became highly collectible in response to historic achievements and current events at the time.

In terms of true modern rookie cards that gained immense value quickly in the early 2000s, none fit that billing better than the 2003 Topps rookies of Dwight Gooden, Felipe Alou, and Albert Pujols. Gooden’s comeback potential and nostalgia, Alou’s all-time coaching tenure, and Pujols’s otherworldly start to his career catapulted their respective Topps rookie cards to new heights. Pujols in particular, with his multi-home run debut and chase of 40-40 and 50-50 records that captivated the baseball world, saw his 2003 Topps rookie card increase from around $10 in 2003 to commanding $150-300 by 2004-2005 as his greatness was secured early in his career. It became a true buy and hold gem for investors.

The early 2000s represented a gold rush for collectors chasing modern stars, iconic vintage players whose values boomed with the rising tide, and specific event-related cards in response to historic performances and accomplishments. Favorites like Ken Griffey Jr.’s 1989 UD rookie, Derek Jeter’s 1996 Bowman’s Best Refractor, and Alex Rodriguez’s 2001 MVP season memorabilia stayed elite. Meanwhile, Curt Schilling, Randy Johnson, Sammy Sosa, and Albert Pujols rookies and feats catapulted up based on new heights reached and performance moments captured. It was truly a speculative frenzy where cards tracking the eras biggest talents, achievements, and storylines reigned supreme in popularity and value appreciation potential for investors.

BASEBALL COLLECTORS TRADING CARDS

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Baseball trading cards have been an integral part of America’s pastime for over a century. Ever since the advent of mass-produced cards in the late 1880s, collectors young and old have enjoyed amassing collections of their favorite players through buying, trading, and selling individual cards. While the cards were originally included as promotional inserts in cigarette and candy packages to help sell those products, they quickly took on a life of their own and became serious collectibles for baseball enthusiasts everywhere.

Some of the earliest and most coveted baseball cards date back to the late 1800s from sets produced by companies like Old Judge, Goodwin & Company, and American Tobacco Company. Stars of that era like Cap Anson, Cy Young, and Honus Wagner grace the fronts of these antique cardboard treasures. In excellent condition, an 1886 Old Judge Cap Anson card can sell for over $100,000 today. Even well-worn examples of rare early cards still command prices in the thousands due to their historical significance and scarcity.

The golden age of baseball cards is widely considered to be from the late 1930s through the early 1960s. During this time, tobacco companies like Fleer, Topps, and Bowman produced colorful, bubblegum-accompanied sets that captured the biggest names and moments in baseball on a scale never seen before. Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron – the all-time greats had their iconic images mass-produced for kids and collectors alike during baseball’s peak of popularity in the post-World War II era.

Complete sets from this period in pristine “mint” condition can be worth tens of thousands, with individual high-grade rookie or star player cards valued at five or even six figures. A rare 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle in gem mint condition is considered the most valuable trading card in existence, with auctions bringing prices well over $1 million. The post-WWII era also saw the birth of extensive variations, errors, and one-of-a-kind oddball issues that fascinate collectors to this day.

While the 1970s saw the rise of more modern sports cards produced by companies like Topps, Fleer, and Donruss, many regard the late 1980s and 1990s as a renaissance period for baseball card collecting. Stars like Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., Cal Ripken Jr., and Mark McGwire fueled new levels of interest, speculation, and high prices around their rookie cards. Ultra-premium sets from Upper Deck, Score, and Pinnacle featured innovative technologies like foilstamping, embossing, and on-card autographs that pushed the artistic boundaries of sports cards.

The late 90s also heralded the arrival of the internet as a tool for researching, buying, selling, and trading cards online – a revolution that has profoundly impacted the hobby. While the sports card market crashed in the late 80s/early 90s due to overproduction, the advent of online collecting communities and databases like Beckett helped stabilize prices and bring new collectors into the fold.

In the 2000s and beyond, baseball cards have remained a popular investment vehicle and collectible for both casual fans and serious investors. The rise of memorabilia cards featuring game-used pieces of uniforms or autographs added substantial value potential, though also contributed to concerns about authenticity. New technologies like refractors, parallels, and 1/1 serial numbered printing plates further fueled speculation and high-end interest.

Flagship sets from Topps, Bowman, Stadium Club and others remain vital to the baseball card landscape, while independent companies like Topps Chrome, Leaf, and Panini have gained popularity with their artistic designs and inserts. Modern stars like Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw, and Shohei Ohtani join the ranks of the all-time greats immortalized in cardboard. Vintage cards remain the most sought-after, with rare pre-war tobacco issues still commanding six and even seven-figure prices at auction.

Today, the baseball card collecting community remains vibrant both online and at major hobby conventions and shows nationwide. While the direct monetary value of collections will always fluctuate with the market, for millions of fans the nostalgia and memories connected to their favorite players endures. Whether pursuing star rookies, oddball parallels, complete vintage sets, or simply enjoying the artistic heritage of the cards themselves – the tradition of baseball on a piece of cardboard looks set to inspire new generations of collectors for many years to come.

2023 TOPPS HERITAGE BASEBALL ERROR CARDS

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The 2023 Topps Heritage baseball card set is one of the most anticipated releases each year for collectors due to its retro design paying homage to Topps sets from the 1950s and 1960s. As with any large scale production of trading cards, errors are inevitable and Heritage errors have become highly sought after by error card collectors.

Some of the most common types of errors seen in Heritage sets include missing signatures, missing team logos, upside down photos, miscuts, and swapped stats or player information. With such a massive undertaking to produce over 700 cards each year while maintaining vintage aesthetics, tiny flaws or mix ups are bound to occur during the printing and cutting process.

For the 2023 Topps Heritage release, several exciting errors have already been discovered by eager collectors ripping packs. One of the first reported was the Aaron Judge base card missing the iconic “Heritage” banner across the top. On this error, the banner space is blank white instead of featuring the retro logo. Early estimates have this rare missing banner Judge card valued around $300-500 already.

Another significant statistical error involves Shohei Ohtani on card #132. His stats are swapped with teammate Mike Trout, showing Ohtani’s stats but with Trout’s name and photo. Stat swaps between superstar players are always of high interest to collectors. This swapped Ohtani/Trout card is expected to sell for at least $750-1000 long term once the dust settles on the new release.

Miscuts are another common Heritage flub, cutting the card stock at an angle instead of straight across. One reported miscut from 2023 features Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright on card #666. The left side of his photo is sliced off at an angle. Miscuts involving HOFers or star players tend to carry premiums compared to more common players. Estimates for this Wainwright miscut have it at $200-300 currently.

One of the most visually striking errors is when a photo is completely missing from the front of the card. This has happened in 2023 with Brewers outfielder Hunter Renfroe on card #222. Instead of his image, there is empty white space where the photo should be. Missing photo errors excite collectors and also tend to increase in value as they gain recognition. Early appraisals of this Renfroe error see it reaching $400-600 long term.

While most Heritage errors center around photos, stats or logos, sometimes the card stock itself can be flawed. One reported case involves Cubs pitcher Marcus Stroman on card #449. The entire bottom third of the card is creased diagonally, as if too much pressure was applied during the cutting process. Heavy creases like this that damage the overall appearance may cap around $150-250 maximum.

Perhaps the most intriguing error story so far involves two parallels of Yankees slugger Aaron Judge. In the Heritage Chrome and Heritage Refractors parallel sets, card #132 was accidentally given with Judge’s name and stats but showing Ohtani’s photo again instead of Judge. Having the same type of statistical error repeated across parallel versions increases its significance. Early estimates for these parallel error cards range between $1000-1500 each.

As the 2023 Heritage release remains relatively new, additional error finds are sure to surface as more and more packs are searched meticulously by collectors. Errors involving the biggest stars like Judge, Ohtani and Trout will always command top dollar. Rarer mistakes such as missing signatures, wrong uniforms or miscuts that creatively damage the card also gain popularity. Over time, as error stories are shared and the cards achieve recognition in the hobby, prices will continue rising for the most notable flubs. Heritage errors have proven to be a favorite for collectors pursuing the unexpected surprises and investment potential that card anomalies can provide.

While production errors are unwanted for Topps, they create a thrill of the hunt for collectors and add intrigue/value to the Heritage releases each year. As more 2023 errors are uncovered, the most significant mistakes involving top players or unusual defects seem poised to become highly valued additions to error card collections. The Heritage brand has a dedicated following ensuring its mistakes find appreciative new homes with enthusiasts of oddball cards and the surprises that come with them.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 2017 SET

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The 2017 Topps baseball card set was the 66th year of Topps producing baseball cards and contained many interesting designs and player cards. As with previous years, Topps produced their flagship set which contained several series throughout the year with different designs and subsets.

The flagship set kicked off in March with Series 1. This first series included updates rookie cards for star players like Corey Seager and Kris Bryant who had made their MLB debuts the previous season. The design featured a basic white border with player photos on one side and stats and career highlights on the reverse. The backs also incorporated a new simplified layout for stats and information to make them cleaner and easier to read compared to prior years. Series 1 and the rest of the flagship set cards measured 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches, the standard size for modern baseball cards.

Later in the spring, Topps released Series 2 which maintained the same simple design aesthetic as Series 1 but incorporated a new photo and information for each player to update their 2017 seasons thus far. Series 2 also included the first installment of the “Then and Now” subset which put current player photos side-by-side with older classic photos from their earlier careers. This was meant to show how players had changed or progressed over the years both physically and statistically.

Topps kept the production moving through the summer with Series 3 in June. The design went back to the basic white borders but included colorful team logo backgrounds behind each player photo. This helped differentiate the cards from the previous series while still keeping to the clean minimalist style. Series 3 was also the inaugural inclusion of the “Stars of the Game” subset highlighting some of the top young talents beginning to emerge like Corey Kluber, Jake Arrieta and Anthony Rizzo.

As August arrived, Topps commemorated the 2017 All-Star festivities with their Series 4 release. The cards used a foil embossed design with shimmering silver colors and patterns around each player portrait inspired by the Midsummer Classic. Subsets in this series focused on the All-Star Game itself including cards spotlighting the Home Run Derby and highlights from the game itself. With roster and stats updates along with the eye-catching design, Series 4 captured the excitement of the break for baseball’s best gathering in Miami that year.

Wrapping up the flagship set in September was Topps Series 5. Maintaining the color team logo backgrounds from Series 3, this final installment allowed for final stat and roster updates for the conclusion of the 2017 regular season and beginning of the postseason. Notable rookies like Aaron Judge who had breakout rookie seasons were also included. Series 5 contained the concluding installments for subsets started earlier like “Then and Now” and “Stars of the Game”. The designs and information in each series neatly bookended the 2017 baseball year before the start of the fall Classic.

In addition to the five series of flagship cards, Topps also produced several inserts, parallels and specialty subsets throughout 2017. Some examples included the “Flashback Friday” cards recreating design styles from previous decades, “Archive In Action” highlighting great playoff moments, and “Pinstripes” focusing specifically on the New York Yankees. Numerous parallels were also available in numbered versions, autographed relic cards, and special prismatic and refractor finishes that provided appeal for collectors at all levels.

Topps traditionally donates a portion of its baseball card proceeds to support various baseball-related charities each year. In 2017, Topps directed funds to the Baseball Assistance Team which provides financial help and social services for those in the baseball community in need. Topps has actively supported BAT and other causes for decades through their annual MLBPA license, demonstrating part of their ongoing commitment to the game beyond just producing cards for collectors and fans.

Overall, Topps’ 2017 flagship baseball set was another quality production maintaining the company’s standard of regular stat and roster updates befitting the nature of the sport. Incorporating new visual designs each series and compelling subsets, Topps succeeded in creating an engaging and lively annual documentation of MLB’s 66th season alongside digital and social media platforms which have grown baseball card collecting into a global hobby. As America’s Pastime marches on to new frontiers, Topps appears poised to remain a leader in the baseball card industry for the foreseeable future.

BASEBALL CARDS TEMPE

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Baseball cards have long held a special place in American popular culture as collectibles that connect fans of all ages to the national pastime. In Tempe, Arizona, located just east of Phoenix in Maricopa County, the history of baseball cards reflects both the local passion for America’s favorite sport as well as broader trends across the collecting hobby.

Some of the earliest baseball cards produced and collected in Tempe date back to the late 19th century when cigarette companies like Allen & Ginter and Goodwin & Company began inserting memorabilia-style cards in their packs and tins. While production of these early tobacco cards had waned by the early 1900s, the nostalgia they evoked for baseball’s earliest eras remained strong in Tempe. Local collectors would trade, swap and discuss their antique collections for decades to come.

In the post-World War II economic boom of the 1950s, the modern baseball card era began in earnest. Bowman, Topps and other companies mass produced colorful cardboard cards featuring the biggest stars of Major League Baseball. In Tempe, young fans could be found trading these increasingly coveted cards on playgrounds and schoolyards. Local card shops also started to emerge to meet the growing demand, like Tempe Sports Cards which opened in 1953 and is still in business today.

During the 1960s, parallel to baseball’s cultural dominance in America, the hobby of collecting cards truly took off in Tempe. Kids spent summer afternoons cycling through neighborhoods, hoping to find another kid with cards to trade. Teenagers and adults also joined the frenzy, often collecting not just for the sport but to complete full sets which could be resold or handed down. This was also when the first organized youth leagues started in Tempe, further fueling local passion.

In the 1970s, as baseball card values started appreciating significantly, a new class of serious adult collectors emerged in Tempe. With disposable income and nostalgia for their childhood pastimes, these “grownup collectors” began searching garage sales, flea markets and antique stores for vintage gems. Meanwhile, the rise of superstar players like Reggie Jackson kept pack-ripping a popular activity even for teenagers less focused on monetary worth. During this period, the first collector’s clubs and conventions also took shape in greater Phoenix.

The speculative boom and bust of the 1980s had a major impact on the baseball card market in Tempe. As investors drove up prices of star rookies and rare vintage cards, the potential for profit attracted many new collectors who cared less about the sport itself. This led to overproduction by card companies and a subsequent crash. The nostalgia factor kept many dedicated Tempe collectors involved through local hobby shops and clubs. The crash also made actual baseball fans the primary driving force once more.

In the 1990s, fueled by renewed interest in collecting driven by cable TV shows and the internet, the baseball card market in Tempe entered another golden age. Iconic rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Ken Griffey Jr. and Chipper Jones sold for thousands. The rise of player autograph and memorabilia cards also changed the nature of the hobby. Local shows attracted collectors from across the Southwest in search of one-of-a-kind treasures. Card shops in Tempe catered to both casual fans and high-end investors alike.

Today, while the baseball card market in Tempe has matured, it remains a vibrant part of the local sports and collecting communities. With the rise of online sales, local brick-and-mortar shops have adapted by also focusing more on events, autograph signings and community building. Meanwhile, card collecting is still a popular hobby among Tempe youth, whether chasing the latest Stars of MLB or rebuilding childhood collections. The history and legacy of baseball cards also lives on through local card clubs and museums celebrating the sport’s memorabilia.

Over a century since its beginnings, baseball card collecting has been an integral part of Tempe’s cultural fabric. As both a connection to baseball’s history and a nostalgia-driven hobby, cards continue bringing generations of Coyote fans together around their shared love of America’s pastime. The many ups and downs of the wider collecting market have also left an indelible mark on the city’s hobby shops and passionate local collectors.

2022 PANINI MOSAIC BASEBALL VALUABLE CARDS

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The 2022 Panini Mosaic baseball card set was released in December 2021 and contains a variety of rookie cards and star player cards that have already proven to be quite valuable in the current trading card market. Panini Mosaic is known for its unique mosaic design on each card, which features various puzzle piece-like fragments that come together to form the image of the player. This set stands out from others in the marketplace and often features some of the top rookies and prospects that collectors are eager to obtain. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable and sought-after 2022 Panini Mosaic baseball cards.

One of the biggest hits from this year’s set is the Julio Rodríguez rookie mosaic prizm card. Rodríguez had a phenomenal rookie season with the Seattle Mariners in 2022 that saw him selected to the All-Star game. He showed five-tool talent and is considered one of the brightest young stars in baseball. His mosaic prizm rookie, which is serial-numbered to only 99 copies, has sold for well over $1,000 and could become a true gem card in the long run if Rodríguez continues on his current trajectory. Another top Mariners rookie to chase is the Jarred Kelenic mosaic prizm, which has also sold for hundreds of dollars due to Kelenic’s promise and the limited print run.

For the New York Mets, the Francisco Álvarez rookie mosaic prizm is a major card to target. Álvarez made his MLB debut in 2022 and showed prodigious power that has him projected as a future star catcher. With the Mets being a big market team, Álvarez cards have significant demand. His mosaic prizm has sold in the $400-500 range. Staying in the NL East, the Spencer Strider rookie mosaic prizm for the Atlanta Braves is another top rookie to acquire. Strider broke out as one of the game’s top young pitchers in 2022 and his prizm mosaic has sold for $300-400 based on his breakout potential.

Two other 2022 rookies generating big interest in their mosaic prizms are the Adley Rutschman of the Baltimore Orioles at $200-300 and the Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals at $150-250. Both had solid debut seasons that show they may be franchise cornerstones, making their rookie cards worthwhile long term holds. For established young stars, the Ronald Acuña Jr. refractor mosaic prizm sells in the $150-200 range since he’s considered one of baseball’s most exciting talents when healthy. The Wander Franco mosaic prizm also fetches $150-200 given his star status as a building block for the Tampa Bay Rays.

For veteran superstars, the Mike Trout mosaic prizm is always a highly sought card that can sell above $100. Trout remains the consensus best player in baseball and his cards hold value exceptionally well. The Shohei Ohtani mosaic prizm also commands $75-100 due to his two-way talents as one of the game’s true unicorns. For the New York Yankees, the Aaron Judge mosaic prizm typically sells in the $50-75 range since he’s a homegrown star player and the Yankees have one of the largest fanbases. For the Dodgers, the Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman mosaic prizms can each sell around $40-60.

In terms of parallels and serial numbered cards, the top parallel from 2022 Mosaic is the orange prizm, which is serial numbered to only 10 copies for each player. These ultra-rare parallels command huge premiums – the Julio Rodríguez orange prizm sold for over $5,000, while the Wander Franco and Mike Trout orange prizms have sold for $1,000-2,000. The green prizm parallels numbered to 99 copies also carry substantial value in the $200-500 range depending on the player. Lower serial numbered base mosaic prizms under /25 for big names like Acuña, Ohtani and Judge can sell for $100-200 as well. Autograph and memorabilia cards from top rookies and veterans round out the high-end cards to pursue from 2022 Mosaic.

The 2022 Panini Mosaic baseball set features many valuable rookie cards and parallels of emerging young stars that could grow exponentially in price if those players live up to expectations. But proven superstars like Trout, Judge and Betts also anchor the set with strong demand for their cards. For active collectors, finding these key rookies and stars in the lower serial numbered prizm parallels and short printed orange parallels can lead to long term profitable holds. The unique mosaic design also gives this release universal appeal among all types of baseball card investors and enthusiasts.

1974 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS SET VALUE

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The 1974 Topps baseball card set is considered by many collectors to be one of the most valuable vintage issues from the 1970s. While it may lack the star power and rookie card attractions of some other vintage sets, strong production numbers and visual design elements have made the ’74 Topps set quite collectible and financially rewarding for those amassing complete sets or high-grade singles over the years.

Released in the early part of 1974, the ’74 Topps set contains 660 total cards printing player images, team logos, and stats from the 1973 MLB season. The design features a primarily white color scheme with team-colored borders and block letters listing the player’s last name across the bottom. Photographs show upper-body player poses in dark jerseys with the team logo prominently displayed. Unlike some earlier Topps issues, the photography and production values are quite sharp throughout the set.

Perhaps the biggest knock against the 1974 set’s collectibility long-term was the lack of any major rookie cards of future Hall of Famers. Nolan Ryan and Tom Seaver were already established stars by 1974 and no other rookies from the set went on to superstar careers. This also meant production numbers remained strong as young collectors in the 1970s didn’t focus on trying to pull any one specific rookie card. Population reports today suggest over 90% of the set remains in existence across all grade levels, keeping prices strong for invested collectors.

For casual collectors, putting together a lower-grade 1974 set today can still cost $300-500 depending on condition of the cards. When factoring in inflation since the 1970s, this isn’t an exorbitant amount to collect an entire vintage baseball card set with 660+ historical sports pieces included. The classic and patriotic design has also aged quite well compared to some flashier and funkier offerings from the late 1960s/early 1970s.

The true financial gains from the 1974 Topps set have come from investors focusing on high-grade examples over the decades. PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 population reports suggest only 1,500-2,000 cards across the entire 660-card set have achieved perfect grades. For the biggest star players on perennial contenders like the A’s, Orioles, and Dodgers, PSA 10 singles can reach $1,000-2,000 each today. Top rookie cards from the set like Derrel Thomas (Phillies) and Doug Griffin (Yankees) in PSA 10 condition have even topped $5,000 in recent auction results.

Maintaining cards in pristine condition straight from the pack was far more difficult prior to the advent of modern storage and grading services. As a result, PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 1974 Topps cards are true investment-grade pieces of pop culture history and examples of remarkable long-term preservation. The set is also among the most popular for collectors attempting Registry Sets at the highest certification levels due to strong surviving populations and available high grades. Building a full PSA/BGS 10 1974 Topps set would easily top $100,000 in current market values.

While star power and truly elite rookie cards are lacking compared to other vintageFlagship issues, the 1974 Topps set makes up for it with strong overall design, production numbers, and the ability to locate affordable examples even in lower grades for casual collectors. Investment-minded collectors have also been highly rewarded over the long-run by identifying and submitting pristine examples to achieve Gem Mint status through third-party certification. Whether being assembled as a colorful historical display, affordable starting vintage collection, or pathway to building certified condition census Registry Sets, 1974 Topps maintains its status as one of the most balanced choices from the early 1970s period in the hobby.

The 1974 Topps Baseball Card set holds significant value for both collectors and investors. Strong surviving populations and the classic design providing accessibility even in lower grades is ideal for casual collectors assembling a full 1960s/70s vintage baseball set. Meanwhile, discerning collectors focusing on high grades through certification have seen massive financial returns over the decades through building complete Gem Mint 10 Registry sets worth over $100,000 today. Even without major rookie cards, the 1974 Topps set maintains an affordable entry point with long-term ROI potential for those establishing positions in the ever-growing world of vintage sports memorabilia.