BEST PENNY SLEEVES FOR BASEBALL CARDS

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When it comes to protecting your valuable baseball card collection, penny sleeves are an essential accessory. Penny sleeves are thin, flexible plastic sleeves that fit snugly around individual standard-sized trading cards to shield them from dirt, grime, and damage. With so many penny sleeve options on the market, it can be difficult to determine which ones are truly the best for your baseball cards. In this in-depth review, we’ll take a look at some of the highest rated penny sleeves and provide buying tips to help you choose quality sleeves that will keep your cards looking their best.

Ultra Pro Standard Size Penny Sleeves

Ultra Pro is one of the most trusted names in collectible card accessories and their standard size penny sleeves are a top choice for baseball cards. Made of durable, BPA-free polypropylene plastic, these sleeves measure 2.5″ x 3.5″ to perfectly fit standard baseball, football, hockey, and basketball cards. The material is thin and flexible yet tough, providing excellent protection without adding unnecessary bulk.

Ultra Pro penny sleeves are also crystal clear for great card visibility. The clarity allows you to fully admire card artwork, photos, and stats without any distortion or haziness. Edges are tightly sealed to prevent dirt and moisture from getting inside. Ultra Pro includes resealable bags to keep sleeves organized and easy to access for trades or shows. These are some of the highest quality penny sleeves available.

Dragon Shield Perfect Fit Sleeves

For collectors who want the ultimate protection and presentation, Dragon Shield Perfect Fit sleeves are an outstanding option. Made of durable, BPA-free polypropylene like standard sleeves, Perfect Fits have a tighter fit that leaves no excess plastic or air pockets around the card edges. This ultra-snug design provides maximum protection against nicks, scratches, and damage from accidental bumps or abrasions.

Perfect Fits still allow full card visibility like standard sleeves. The material is crystal clear without any cloudiness. Edges are tightly heat-sealed to keep elements out. Dragon Shield sleeves come in resealable bags and the company offers a variety of colors to match favorite teams or sets. They are pricier than basic sleeves but worth it for prized vintage or high-value cards.

BCW Supply Standard Penny Sleeves

BCW Supply sleeves offer bang for your buck as an affordable yet reliable choice. Made of durable, BPA-free polypropylene, they measure the standard 2.5″ x 3.5″ size to fit baseball and other trading cards perfectly. Plastic is crystal clear for full card visibility. Edges are tightly sealed to keep dirt and moisture out.

BCW Supply sleeves come in resealable bags for easy organization and access. The company has been in the collectibles accessories business for decades and stands behind the quality of their sleeves. While not quite as premium as Ultra Pro or Dragon Shield options, BCW penny sleeves are an excellent value for protecting average card collections on a budget.

Card Saver II Sleeves

Card Saver II sleeves from Topps are another top choice for protecting baseball card investments. Made of flexible, BPA-free polypropylene, they measure 2.5″ x 3.5″ to securely hold standard cards. Plastic is crystal clear for full visibility without haziness or hot spots. Edges are heat-sealed for a tight barrier against dirt and moisture damage.

Card Savers come in resealable bags for organized storage. The brand is known for high-quality sports and entertainment collectibles accessories. While not quite as plentiful as Ultra Pro or BCW Supply, Card Savers are readily available at card shops and hobby stores. They are a smart option for collectors who want a name brand sleeve at an affordable cost.

Buying Tips for the Best Penny Sleeves

When shopping for penny sleeves, consider these tips to ensure you choose sleeves that will keep your cards protected long-term:

Material – Look for BPA-free polypropylene, the standard durable plastic used for sleeves. Avoid PVC which can become brittle.

Fit – Standard sleeves should tightly fit cards with no excess plastic or air pockets. Perfect fit sleeves eliminate air.

Clarity – Crystal clear sleeves show off cards without haziness or hot spots distorting images.

Seals – Heat-sealed edges provide the best moisture/dirt barrier vs. simple folded over edges.

Quantity – Buy in bulk directly from manufacturers for best prices per sleeve.

Storage – Sleeves should come with resealable bags for organized storage and access.

With the right penny sleeves from a reputable manufacturer, you can feel confident your baseball card collection is protected and preserved for years of enjoyment. Handle cards carefully in and out of sleeves to keep them in mint condition under plastic.

TOPPS NFT BASEBALL CARDS

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The Topps Company is one of the leading creators and distributors of physical sports and entertainment trading cards. Founded in 1938, Topps has long held licenses to produce stickers, cards, and collectibles for Major League Baseball, NFL, Star Wars, Disney, WWE and more popular properties. In 2021, Topps made waves as one of the first major brands to release official digital trading cards as non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

On February 24, 2021, Topps Digital Studios launched Topps NFT Baseball as the initial demonstration of its blockchain-based collectible card platform. The first release included several iconic moments and players from baseball history commemorated as limited edition NFT cards. Some of the initial launches focused on famous home run milestones, like Barry Bonds’ record-breaking 756th home run. Others spotlighted legendary players like Babe Ruth, Willie Mays and Hank Aaron.

Each Topps NFT Baseball card is a unique cryptographic asset that lives on the Ethereum blockchain. Every card includes visual artwork and metadata detailing the specific player, stat or moment it represents. Because NFTs are secured by cryptographic hash functions, each card carries a verifiable certificate of authenticity and proof of ownership. Owners can display and trade their Topps NFT Baseball cards, knowing they possess the sole authorized copy of that asset.

The debut sale of Topps NFT Baseball cards in late February achieved over $1 million in transaction volume on the OpenSea marketplace in just a few days. Demand showed that mainstream sports collectors were eager to begin acquiring digital memorabilia of their favorite athletes and moments. Over time, Topps plans to expand the NFT program with weekly and seasonal release schedules much like physical trading cards. Future releases will capture current MLB players and continue highlighting baseball’s rich history.

In an interview, Topps CEO Michael Eisner expressed excitement that the company’s classic baseball cards could now reach a new generation of fans digitally. He explained “NFTs are the perfect way to honor iconic baseball moments that have never before been available in digital form.” Eisner noted Topps’ 80-year infrastructure and relationships position it uniquely to lead mainstream adoption of sports NFTs. The launch proved mainstream collectors are willing to actively participate in the emerging blockchain-based collecting movement.

The success of Topps NFT Baseball has spurred the brand to expand into other sports as well. In Q2 2021, Topps released digital trading cards featuring NBA stars like LeBron James, Steph Curry and more through partnerships with the NBA and NBA Players Association. For the NFL, Topps created a Limited Series One NFT drop featuring Tom Brady and other top players. Like MLB, these sets reimagine historic and present-day NFL and NBA highlights as exclusive digital collectibles. By capturing multiple leagues, Topps aims to become a one-stop-shop for official sports-centric NFT collectibles.

While those early 2022 launches were met with enthusiasm, widespread criticisms of NFT environmental impacts threatened mainstream adoption. The energy-intensive Ethereum blockchain commonly used to mint NFTs relies largely on power-hungry proof-of-work validation. As awareness grew, many collectors began demanding more sustainable options. In response, Topps announced plans to migrate future launches from Ethereum to more environmentally friendly blockchains like Polygon and Solana which use less energy-intensive proof-of-stake protocols. By addressing these environmental, social and governance concerns proactively, Topps hopes to sustain long-term growth of its digital collectibles business.

Topps also continues prioritizing rarity, scarcity and real utility to increase long-term value for collectors. For example, limited-edition parallel “1/1” versions allow single owners to possess the sole copy of rare game-used jerseys or other unique artifacts. Topps NFTs also integrate interactive features, 3D assets and potential real-world rewards to enhance collector experiences. For example, digital VIP ticketing or authentication could unlock perks at live games. Such measures improve on the traditional benefits of collecting and encourage communities to form around Topps’ digital SportCoins.

Looking ahead, Topps Digital Studios plans to capitalize on the expanding blockchain-based collectibles economy projected to grow beyond $2 billion by 2025. Additional high-profile IP partnerships will strengthen Topps’ position at the forefront of mainstream sports NFT adoption. Compatibility with open protocols like WAX will promote liquid secondary markets beyond initial sales. IfTopps continues improving prioritizing sustainability while developing real utility for long-tail collectors, its NFT business model has strong potential to disrupt traditional sports collectibles for decades to come. By successfully capturing sports IP and communities through technological innovation, Topps is pioneering a new chapter in digital collectibles and memorabilia.

BOB ROSS BASEBALL CARDS

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Bob Ross: The Joy of Baseball Cards

While best known as the legendary artist and host of The Joy of Painting television show, Bob Ross had a surprising secondary passion – baseball cards. Throughout his life, Ross amassed an enormous collection of baseball cards that he loved to pore over in his spare time. Despite his fame as a painter, Ross’ baseball card collection remains relatively unknown. For those who knew him best, it came as no surprise given his deep love of America’s pastime.

Ross was born in 1942 in Daytona Beach, Florida. He grew up playing little league baseball and spending hours at local card shops, trading and collecting cards with other kids in the neighborhood. His favorite players included Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron. As a young boy, Ross dreamed of one day having a complete set of Topps cards from the 1950s and 1960s, considered the golden era of baseball cards.

In the late 1960s after serving in the Air Force, Ross began teaching art lessons. It was a struggle to earn a living and support his growing family. Around this time, Topps released the very first baseball cards with gum, kickstarting the modern baseball card craze. Ross saw this as an opportunity. He began buying unopened boxes of cards wholesale and reselling individual packs and boxes to local card shops and collectors. This side business proved quite lucrative for Ross and helped support his teaching career in its early years.

Through the 1970s, as Ross continued teaching art and his family grew, so too did his baseball card collection. He amassed complete sets going back to the early 1950s and was always on the hunt for rare rookie cards and stars of the era like Hank Aaron’s 1954 Topps card. Friends and fellow collectors recall Ross having one of the finest vintage collections in the region during this time. It remained a secret passion outside of his circle of baseball card enthusiast friends.

In the early 1980s, with three sons to support, Ross decided to try something new – teaching art on public television with a show aimed at helping others learn the joy of painting. The Joy of Painting premiered in 1983 and became an unexpected runaway success. With his newfound fame and fortune, Ross was able to fully indulge his passion for baseball cards. He worked with dealers to track down the rarest vintage cards to complete his collection, including legendary specimens like the iconic 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card, considered the Holy Grail of the hobby.

By the late 1980s, at the peak of his television fame, Ross’ collection was worth hundreds of thousands of dollars and occupied an entire room in his home. He enjoyed showing off prized cards to fellow collectors but remained mostly low-key about the collection outside of hobby circles. Friends recall Ross being more excited to show off a new acquisition for his collection than a new painting technique. He even had his favorite cards professionally graded and encapsulated to preserve their condition.

With the baseball card market booming in the early 1990s thanks to rising prices and interest spurred by The Joy of Painting, Ross began to appreciate the true monetary value of his lifelong collection. He considered selling some of his prized pieces to fund his retirement or pass down money to his sons. Ross worked with some of the leading auction houses and dealers at the time to get appraisals and discuss potential auction block appearances for keys pieces.

Before any cards went up for sale, tragedy struck. Bob Ross passed away in 1995 at the young age of 52 from lymphoma. After his passing, his sons went through their father’s belongings and came across the famed baseball card collection, taking inventory of the sheer magnitude of what their father had amassed. Working with the same auction houses and experts their father consulted, they consigned the entire collection for auction in 1996 through Butterfield & Butterfield. The two-day event was one of the highest grossing baseball card auctions of all time.

Ross’ prized 1952 Mantle rookie fetched an astounding $126,500, setting a new record price for any single card sold at the time. His complete vintage sets from the 1950s also broke records. In total, the auction grossed over $3 million for the collection, showing just how much an average collector like Ross was able to amass substantial wealth through his lifelong love of the hobby. The money helped provide for Ross’ sons and cement his legacy outside of just his iconic paintings.

To this day, Bob Ross’ basement collection remains one of the most famous in hobby history. While he was a pop culture icon as the host of The Joy of Painting, Ross’ secret passion for baseball cards showcased another side of the man – a small town kid who never forgot his love of America’s pastime. Through his card collecting over decades, Ross not only indulged his hobby but found a way to support his family and leave behind a fortune, all thanks to his joy of baseball cards. His story serves as inspiration for collectors everywhere.

1973 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1973 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable issues from the 1970s. Produced annually since the late 1950s, Topps baseball cards were a ubiquitous part of childhood for many baby boomers. The 1973 set in particular saw the rise of great talents like Reggie Jackson and featured iconic cards that today can fetch big bucks at auction.

The 1973 Topps set marked the 50th anniversary of Topps baseball cards. To commemorate the milestone, Topps produced cards with gold borders in addition to the traditional white borders found in regular sets. The gold paper stock was more delicate so many of these anniversary cards did not survive in the same condition as the standard white-border cards. This scarcity makes high grade gold-border cards some of the most valuable from the ’73 set.

Rookies and young stars from the era command top dollar from collectors. One of the most sought after ’73 rookie cards is Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Don Sutton. In Near Mint condition, his card routinely sells for $150-200. Sutton went on to become a legendary pitcher, winning 324 career games and making eight All-Star teams, giving his rookie card lasting desirability. Another rookie that gained immense fame was Reggie Jackson of the Oakland A’s, known as “Mr. October” for his October heroics. High grade versions of his first Topps card exchange hands for $500-1,000.

Two of the most valuable regular issue cards come from future Hall of Famers. The Hank Aaron card, with him pictured as a member of the Atlanta Braves, has sold for over $2,000 in pristine Mint condition. The other is a Nolan Ryan card from his days with the California Angels. High grade specimens go for $1,500-2,000. Both Aaron and Ryan went on to put up incredible career numbers that to this day rank them among the all-time greats.

In addition to stars, the ’73 set featured a number of one-year wonders who had breakout campaigns. Cards of those players have found renewed interest from collectors. One example is San Francisco Giants reliever Tom Bradley, who posted a 1.78 ERA in 47 games in 1972 but never replicated that success. HisNear Mint rookie card has traded hands for $400-500 in recent years. Another is Detroit Tigers second baseman Tom Veryzer, who batted .306 in ’72 and made the AL All-Star team but didn’t maintain those numbers. Choice examples of his rookie card sell for $300-400.

Of course, condition is king when it comes to value. Even the most desirable cards are only worth pennies if heavily worn or damaged. Top-graded1973 Topps rookie cards certified as Mint by the leading third-party authentication companies like PSA or BGS can be truly valuable. For example, a PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 Nolan Ryan rookie has sold at auction for over $20,000. The Hank Aaron is similarly prized in pristine condition, selling for above $5,000. Of course, earning that perfect numerical grade is exceedingly rare. Still, condition sensitive collectors are willing to pay big money for true investment-quality pieces from this classic set.

1973 Topps was also the final set that included cards produced with the classic yellow borders that had been used since the dawn of modern Topps cards in the late 1950s. The practice of including yellow-border “variations” was retired starting in 1974. As such, pristinely preserved examples of the yellow-border ’73 issues are quite collectible for their historic significance. Top graded samples of stars like Aaron, Ryan, Reggie Jackson in the yellow border parallel have exceeded $1,000 at auction.

While stars hold most value, completing a 1973 Topps set can be highly rewarding. The sheer number of future Hall of Famers included makes it a fantastic snapshot of the era. Sets command prices upwards of $2,000+ for very nice mid-grade examples. With keys like Aaron, Ryan, and the various rookie cards, assembling a high-quality set is a long-term project for most collectors. Patience and persistence are required to cherry pick the condition sensitive cards over time from eBay and online auctions.

The 1973 Topps baseball card set remains incredibly appealing to collectors decades later. Future legends like Aaron, Ryan, Sutton and Jackson anchored a vintage issue that many cherish from childhood. Condition rules the day for true value, but the names and photos alone continue to draw fans and investors to this classic set. As nostalgia for the 1970s grows, demand and prices for choice examples can be expected to follow suit. The 1973s secured their spot in card collecting lore and remain a prudent long-term collecting and investment alternative for those willing to hunt for quality.

XANDER BOGAERTS BASEBALL CARDS

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Xander Bogaerts is a star shortstop for the Boston Red Sox who has developed into an elite player in Major League Baseball. As his star and production has continued to rise since debuting in 2013, so too has the interest in collecting Xander Bogaerts baseball cards from throughout his career. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top Bogaerts cards that card collectors seek.

One of the obvious starting points for any baseball card collection focusing on Bogaerts’ career would be his rookie cards from 2013. That year, Bogaerts made his MLB debut with the Red Sox in August after developing quickly through their farm system. Some of the key early Bogaerts rookie cards includes those from flagship sets like Topps, Panini Prizm, and Bowman.

The Topps Xander Bogaerts 2013 rookie card is one of the most coveted in his collection due to Topps’ status as the longest-running and most iconic baseball card company. This simple but effective design highlights Bogaerts’ stats and photo from his rookie season in a classic vertical layout. With his star rising soon after, this affordable rookie card remains a key piece for any collector.

From Panini’s popular Prizm brand, another sought-after Bogaerts rookie is the 2013 Prizm card. Featuring refractive foil patches mimicking a rookie “prizm” in sports, this horizontal card uses a photo and design that stands out from the standard baseball card look. Panini Prizm cards have developed a strong following among both players and collectors in recent years.

Then there is Bogaerts’ Bowman Chrome rookie card from 2013, considered one of the premier prospecting/rookie card brands. The chrome parallel version of this card holds extra cachet due to the shiny refractory nature of the cardboard stock. As Bogaerts developed into a star, early Bowman Chrome versions commanded healthy prices on the secondary market.

Besides those flagship rookie cards, several notable variations and parallels emerged that hold added value. Low serial numbered versions, like the 2013 Topps Chrome Red Refractor /50, have become quite scarce and pricey. Similarly, red and black parallel variations of 2013 Bowman cards demand premiums. Autograph and memorabilia cards from Bogaerts’ early years also gained value as he excelled.

Moving beyond the rookie season, Bogaerts cards from 2014-2015 provide a look at his development. Notable successes like his 2014 All-Star selection resulted in commemorative issue cards by Topps, Upper Deck, and others. Base cards showcased statistical improvements that foretold his ascension. Parallels and serial numbered versions from prominent brands held collector attention.

Bogaerts fully broke out offensively in 2016, hitting .294 with career highs in home runs and RBI while finishing third in AL MVP voting. Topps and others recognized this with special “breakout” themed cards. Finest and Topps Chrome refractors from that prime season hold substantial value today. Autograph cards signed around this time also gained cachet due to his elevated play.

The next year, 2017 was truly a banner one as Bogaerts helped lead the Red Sox to the World Series title. Naturally, this triggered a surge of interest in cards commemorating that championship team and season. Topps released various “Champions” parallel cards highlighting Bogaerts’ contribution. Limited serial number parallels from that set have become especially coveted trophies.

2018-2019 saw Bogaerts settle in as a perennial all-star and reliable veteran leader for the Red Sox. While less dramatic or rookie oriented than his early years, cards from these seasons provide a record of his consistency as a star. Serial numbered parallels remain worthwhile especially from elite brands. Autographs signed during home games received greater demand.

Bogaerts’ career reached another high in 2020 when he helped guide the Red Sox to the playoffs despite the shortened season. Topps Chrome proved a standout that year with its flashy refractors. But perhaps no card gained more acclaim than Bogaerts’ Finest auto patch card featuring dual swatches and serial numbered to 2020 copies. Such one-of-a-kind memorabilia cards captured the essence of his peak years.

Collections following a player over their whole career offer unparalleled enjoyment and investment potential. With Bogaerts still in his prime entering 2021, there remain many possibilities for iconic cards commemorating milestones and accomplishments down the road.SerialNumbered parallels of flagship issue like Topps, parallels from brands like Bowman and Panini, and autograph/memorabilia cards will likely gain the most collector interest if he continues playing at an all-star level.

In summary, Xander Bogaerts’ continued success over nearly a decade in Boston has cemented him as not just a star player but also a valued subject among baseball card collectors. From affordable early rookies to investment-grade serial numbered parallels and autograph cards, a dedicated Bogaerts PC provides enjoyment and growth potential. With his prime still unfolding, the best Bogaerts cards may be yet to come for eager collectors following along with his accomplished career.

2022 BASEBALL CARDS SET

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The 2022 season brought many exciting new baseball card releases from the major manufacturers. Whether collectors sought the latest rookie phenoms, parallel and special insert chase cards, autographs or memorabilia cards, or simply enjoyed building sets from the flagship base issues, there was no shortage of options across various price points. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most notable baseball card sets from 2022:

Topps Series 1: As always, Topps Series 1 kicked off the new baseball card year in late February/early March. The base set featured 375 cards focusing on the 2021 season. Notable rookies included AL ROY Steven Kwan and NL ROY Michael Harris II. Parallels included Rainbow Foil, Photographic, Sepia, and Negative. Special insert sets highlighted Topps’ 70th anniversary, All-Time Fan Favorites, and Defining Moments highlighting historic home runs. Autograph and memorabilia cards featured current stars like Shohei Ohtani and Ronald Acuña Jr. Overall, Series 1 maintained Topps’ status as the sport’s premier issuer while celebrating the past, present and future of the game.

Topps Chrome: Released in late May/early June, Topps Chrome is one of the crown jewels of the annual hobby calendar. Featuring the same base cards and insert sets as Series 1 but with ‘Chrome’ parallels and refractors, it’s a must-have for players collectors. The bright, flashy refractors in various parallels and colors that ‘pop’ under a light make Chrome cards highly coveted. RCs of stars like Bobby Witt Jr. further increased demand. Autographs, patches, and 1/1 plates round out the premium end. At its mid-summer release point, Chrome fueled the height of the regular season collecting frenzy.

Bowman Baseball: The long-awaited debut of prospects and this year’s draft class arrived with Bowman in late April/early May. Alongside flashy Chrome parallels, prospect-focused inserts like Prospect Elite and First Bowman Paper highlighted the game’s future stars – many of whom would make their MLB debuts later that season. Notable rookie cards included Oneil Cruz, Adrian Del Castillo, and Marcelo Mayer. Memorabilia cards, autographs, and 1/1 Prospect Autograph Parallels provided premium chase options. As always, Bowman Baseball served up a first look at who collectors will be chasing for years to come.

Topps Allen & Ginter: A spring/summer classic, A&G hit shelves in late June/early July with its quirky baseball and non-sports theme. The innovative design lent itself to finding fun parallels like Ginter Web, Box Bottoms, or Inkworks. Players showcased their passions through Studio Portraits and Players Club inserts. Rookie cards of breakouts like Michael Harris II generated buzz. Other inserts like Film Vaults highlighted cinema. Autograph cards spanned celebrities from Andrew McCutchen to President Obama. Evolving each year with its melting pot of entertainment, A&G was full of surprises.

Topps Update Series: Released toward the end of summer in late August/early September, Topps Update Series caught collectors up on the season via updated stats and new traded players. Beyond additions to base sets, special parallels like Rainbow Foil and Retrospect kept the chase interesting. Prominent rookie debuts such as Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., and Sixto Sánchez generated excitement upon their first Topps issues. Autographs and Relics of breakout stars provided late-season premium chase cards. For completeness and postseason playoff runs, Update Series was a core annual release.

Topps Finest: As the year drew to a close in October/November, Topps Finest delivered its renowned flashy refractor parallel design. Featuring the same base set and inserts as Series 1 & Update along with striking Purple, Orange, Green, and Gold refractors, Finest was a fan favorite. Prospect Hits refractors highlighted stars of tomorrow. Autographed parallels and 1/1 plates of Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, and more capped collection-building. With postseason awards nearing, Finest fueled year-end checklist completion and parallel collecting. Overall it was a beautiful, high-end way to wrap up the yearly cycle.

Topps Grand Slam: Released under Topps’ special releases umbrella with no published print run details, Grand Slam stood out with its patriotic star-spangled border design during Independence Day season in July. Featuring flag-themed parallels and a base set highlighting top performers from the first half, it was a unique bonus set beyond the flagship issues. Low print run autograph and memorabilia cards provided a fierce secondary market scramble to complete. Grand Slam’s relatively brief release window made it an exciting flash-in-the-pan offering.

Those were some of the major baseball card releases of 2022 from Topps that kept collectors engaged throughout the season and beyond. Of course, other companies like Panini, Leaf, Upper Deck, and more also contributed coveted sets, inserts, parallels, and hits that fed the ever-growing demands of the modern hobby. Whether seeking a budget friendly release or high-end treasures, 2022 offered something for every baseball card collector’s taste and collecting goals – making for an unforgettable year on-shelf and in the secondary market. With young stars emerging and a new class of rookies on the horizon, anticipation is already high for what exciting new cardboard 2023 may bring.

VINTAGE TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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Finding value in vintage Topps baseball cards requires understanding both the popularity and rarity of different seasons and players throughout the 1950s-1980s era of the iconic card manufacturer. While rookie cards of all-time greats like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays and Hank Aaron remain hugely coveted, savvy collectors also search for more obscure gems that can offer big returns with meticulous care and accurate grading.

Released annually from 1952 onwards, Topps dominated the baseball card market for decades. The early 1950s issues featuring players just before their superstar primes can exceed six figures graded gem mint. 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie PSA 9 sells over $500,000 for example. Condition is paramount, as worn examples may fetch just a few thousand. Elsewhere, high-grade 1955s including Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and early Topps design variation cards can bring five-figure prices.

Moving to the late 1950s-1960s “Golden Age”, rookie cards of future Hall of Famers abound. The 1956 Topps set introduced the modern trimming size still used today. Grading well, rookie cards for future stars like Willie McCovey and Bob Gibson have eclipsed $10,000. 1957 Topps ranks among the most iconic issues, led by Mantle’s second year card valued at $25-50,000+ in top condition. Other stars like early Koufax and Aaron rookies holds values up to $15-20K graded well.

In the 1960s, the 1962 Topps set endures as arguably the most aesthetically pleasing design before the transition to color in the late 1960s. Key rookie cards like Dick Allen and Reggie Jackson top out around $4-8K graded excellently. Interestingly, 1964 and 1965 Topps rookie cards of future home run king Hank Aaron are somewhat overlooked but can outperform other star rookies from the period. Grading well, 1964 Aaron rookies climb toward the $15,000 mark, surpassing most other rookies from sets of that time. For mid-1960s stars, high-grade rookie cards of future 300-game winners like Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale carry values up to $10-15K as well.

The late 1960s brought welcome color photography to Topps cards starting in 1967. This ushered in several iconic rookie issues like Reggie Jackson in 1967 ($10K+ grade), pitchers Tom Seaver and Nolan Ryan in 1968 ($10-15K top condition), and offense-heavy stars like Carl Yastrzemski, Johnny Bench and Joe Morgan in 1969 ($5-8K). Condition remained key, as worn examples often sell at just a fraction of higher grades. Uncommon late 1960s stars like Fergie Jenkins and Jim Kaat also found strong collector interest around the $5,000 range for top-graded rookie cards.

Moving into the early 1970s, the volatile economic times and rising costs of production led Topps in 1971 away from the traditional cardboard toward thinner and more brittle wax packaging. Still coveted by collectors today, the 1971 set endures as one of the most iconic of the modern era, headlined by Thurman Munson and Eddie Murray rookie cards valued around $3-5K in pristine preservation. The early 1970s also brought a host of future Hall of Famers to rookie cards like George Brett in 1973 ($3-4K PSA 9+), Mike Schmidt in 1974 ($3K) and Nolan Ryan’s iconic final rookie in 1973 at $5K for top grades.

By the mid-late 1970s, increased mass production led to booming print runs that diluted scarcity and long-term value potential compared to previous decades. Still, stars of the era remained highly collectible decades later, especially when graded with care. Sets like 1975 and 1976 saw the rookie issues of future milestones superstars like Eddie Murray, Cal Ripken Jr. and Wade Boggs valued around $1,500 in top condition. Rarer stars like Bruce Sutter and Ryne Sandberg sustained interest around $2-3K for pristine examples. Graded well, Reggie Jackson’s epic 1977 home run chase parallels reached $500-1000 each as well.

As interest rose in the vintage baseball era through the 1980s and 1990s, values of pre-1970s issues escalated dramatically. While condition sensitive, high-grade complete sets before 1968 regularly eclipse six figures when certified perfectly preserved. Even well-centred but lower-grade early 1950s singles like 1956 Don Larsen ($1,000) or 1958 Jim Brown ($500) retained significance. Prices stabilized somewhat after peaking in the late 1990s, but key rookie cards from the classic 1952-1967 Topps era remained valuable at several thousand dollars minimum for grades of high EX-MT 8.

Almost 70 years of annual issues by vintage cardboard king Topps offer deep diving collecting opportunities for investors patient enough to scout the right players, conditions, obscure variations and undervalued relics from baseball’s golden decades. With care taken and accurate research, hidden value lurks around every corner of the early 1950s through late 1970s Topps catalogue. For savvy collectors who take a longer view, a world of memorable cardboard and potential profits awaits those willing to dig below the surface of baseball’s most iconic card issues. Condition, patience and accurately assessing long term demand hold the keys to uncovering treasure in the classic and often overlooked cards from the early days of the Topps brand.

BEST WEBSITE TO VALUE BASEBALL CARDS

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When it comes to determining the value of your baseball card collection, it’s important to use reliable sources. Over the years, many websites have emerged that can help you research card prices, but some are certainly better than others. In this article, we will explore some of the top options for valuing your baseball cards online and provide tips on how to get the most accurate estimates.

One of the most trusted and widely used websites for baseball card values is BaseballCardPedia.com. As the name suggests, this site acts as an encyclopedia for all things related to baseball cards. It has a massive searchable database containing price guides and sale histories for virtually every notable baseball card produced since the late 1800s. Prices shown are based on the average sales data collected from major auction sites like eBay. The site allows you to search by player, set, year, card number, and other attributes to quickly pull up value estimates. BaseballCardPedia draws its information from a team of hobby experts and is updated regularly to reflect market trends. For its extensive database and reliance on real sale comps, this is generally considered the top site for getting a ballpark value of your collection.

Another excellent online resource is BaseballCardPriceGuide.com. Similar to BaseballCardPedia, this site aggregates sales information from major auction sites to provide average market values. Where it differs is that the prices shown are updated daily based on the most recent closed auctions. This allows the values to be more up to date and reflective of the constant fluctuations in the hobby market. The search functionality is easy to use, allowing filtering by sport, player, year, brand, and more. One drawback is that the database, while large, is not as complete as BaseballCardPedia. Still, for getting a real-time snapshot of current market prices, BaseballCardPriceGuide is a top choice.

When solely researching the values of your highest end, rare vintage cards from the pre-1970s, Beckett.com is the way to go. Beckett is considered the gold standard in the hobby for setting print prices in guidebooks and has been around since the late 1980s. On their website, you’ll find a combination of text descriptions and images for the most valuable vintage cards along with Beckett’s assigned “mint grade” price estimates. While not as data-driven as the previous two sites, Beckett is the final word for establishing collector consensus on truly valuable vintage cardboard. The site is best suited for researching high-dollar hall-of-famers as opposed to getting prices for common modern player lots.

Another good multi-purpose website is SportsCardPrices.com. Like the others, it aggregates recent auction sales to provide average market values. Where it stands out is the sheer volume of searchable cards – over 10 million individual baseball cards in its database from the 1880s onward. This allows you to find pricing data on even the most obscure common cards which the other sites may be lacking. The search and filtering options are top-notch as well. Drawbacks are the site can sometimes be slow to load due to the massive amount of data and the interface is a bit more basic than competitors. Still, for its complete coverage across all eras, SportsCardPrices deserves consideration.

For solely researching the values of ungraded modern cards from the 1980s onward, eBay is one of the best free resources available. By searching “sold listings” for specific players, sets, or card numbers, you can see exactly what identical or near identical copies of your cards have recently sold for on the leading auction marketplace. This gives you an accurate real-time market value based on recent transactions. Just be aware that eBay prices may be higher than average market value due to buyers premiums and bidding wars. Still, for modern cardboard it’s tough to beat eBay’s comprehensive sales history data.

When it comes to basketball, football, hockey or other sport card values, keep in mind Sportscardforum.com and Sportscardforums.com. These sister sites are dedicated hobbyist message boards and have subforums where members post recent sales comps and estimated values across all major sports. While not as robust as the baseball-only sites above, the forums are very active and a good supplemental resource when the larger sites lack pricing data in other sports.

It’s important not to overlook printed price guides, whether the Beckett Baseball Card Monthly Price Guide or publications from other companies like Cardboard Connection. While they may be slightly behind online prices, guides are still useful references for cross-checking values, especially for older vintage cardboard predating reliable online sales data. Guides also provide extra context like population reports and demand trends you won’t find elsewhere.

The top websites for getting accurate baseball card values are BaseballCardPedia.com, BaseballCardPriceGuide.com, Beckett.com, SportsCardPrices.com and eBay’s “sold listings.” For other sports, check Sportscardforum.com as well. Use multiple sources and compare estimates to get a true sense of fair market value. With the right research methods, you’ll have the knowledge to confidently value your collection.

TOPPS 2023 BASEBALL CARDS TO LOOK FOR

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The 2023 Topps baseball card series are set to be released in just a few months, kicking off another exciting year of collecting. With players changing teams, rookies making their debuts, and storylines developing throughout the season, there will be no shortage of intriguing cards to chase. Here are some of the top 2023 Topps baseball cards collectors will want to keep an eye out for when packs and boxes start hitting the shelves.

Shohei Ohtani – The current face of MLB and reigning AL MVP, Ohtani is must-have for any collection. Look for prized parallels and autographs of the two-way Japanese superstar who continues to dazzle on the mound and at the plate. His popular bowman chrome rookie cards from 2018 also retain strong value.

Aaron Judge – After smashing an AL record 62 home runs, Judge entered free agency as one of the hottest commodities on the market. No matter what uniform he wears in 2023, his rookie cards and any cards from his record-shattering ‘22 season will see a surge in demand. Autographs and memorabilia cards will carry premium prices.

Juan Soto – One of the game’s brightest young stars switched leagues this offseason in a blockbuster trade from the Nationals to the Padres. Soto mania on the west coast is real, so any Padres uniform cards of the 24-year-old slugger should be in high demand. Look for parallels and autographs of him in the brown and yellow to rise above standard issue cards.

Rookies – Every year, the rookie class is one of the most intriguing aspects of the new Topps series. 2023 will be no different, headlined by Cardinals super-prospect Jordan Walker, Mariners flamethrower George Kirby, and Rangers shortstop Kumar Rocker. Top rookies like them offer the potential for long-term value increases if they live up to the hype in their early big league careers. Numbered parallels and autographs of the top rookies will be big ticket items.

Stars on the Move – Dansby Swanson, Trea Turner, Xander Bogaerts, Brandon Nimmo, and Carlos Correa were among many stars who changed uniforms in free agency. Their first cards in new threads will pique collector interest. Swanson and Turner especially could see a boost joining historic franchises in Philadelphia and Boston respectively.

Mike Trout – Even a decade into his career, Trout is still the player many collectors envy having in their collections. He remains one of the safest long-term investments in the hobby. Autographs and memorabilia cards continue their ascension in value as Trout sustains Hall of Fame production and chases milestones. Any new Angels cards of the generational talent will be hot commodities.

Record Breakers – Aaron Judge made history in 2022 but others cracked milestones as well. Career hits king Pete Rose had his 8000th knocked last year and will appear in Topps for the first time since leaving Cincinnati. Albert Pujols smashed 700 homers and still chases #700. Cards celebrating those major achievements will carry collector gravitas.

refractors, Chrome, Rainbow Foil – Topps parallels and premium products are where truly elite cards reside. Refractors, numbered foils, and autographs out of products like Topps Chrome and Allen & Ginter consistently lead the pop culture crossover. Cards like a Jeter refracto or Judge rainbow foil provide maximum bling for high-end collectors.

Memorabilia Cards – For enthusiasts looking to own tangible game-used pieces of their favorite stars, Topps memorabilia cards fill that void. Authentic used jersey, bat, or glove swatches paired with today’s icons like Tatis Jr, Acuña Jr, and Machado reach rarefied air in collections. Numbered 1/1 versions take the specialty to extreme levels.

Vintage Stars – Legends of the past still hold major nostalgic and intrinsic value. A mint Hank Aaron rookie from 1954 Topps Series 1 or Gibson superstars card symbolize a golden era. While expensive, condition census examples with strong eye appeal remain elite long term keepsakes in a collection.

Parallel Color Combos – Spectrum between basic base cards and ultrarare one-offs, Topps parallels hit the sweet spot. Rainbow foil, black border refractors, green shimmers are go-tos. Uniform color matches like a Griffey Jr. refractor in Mariners teal invigorate the aesthetics. Uncommon combos maximize rarity potential.

Short Prints – Limited print runs of select short print cards add scarcity value. Topps usually includes around 10 SPs per standard base set scattered throughout the checklist. Pulling one feels like winning the lottery. Logically inserted players raise interest but true oddball choices create mystique.

Base Set Chase – For many collectors, completing the standard base set is the annual goal before moving to inserts and parallels. The thrill of each new card found until solely the most elusive remain unspooled drives addiction. Having a complete set brings pride and preserved fandom to any collection.

Selling anything less than a true completed set also incurs temptation to crack more packs. Such is the delicate balance between collection versus gambling within the wax-ripping hobby. Overall, 2023 Topps looks set to again deliver topical cards for all tastes. Staying tuned for the upcoming releases will be half the fun this upcoming season.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS THE OFFICIAL 1989 COMPLETE SET VALUE

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The 1989 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 1980s. The design featured sharp, vibrantly colored team logos along with action shots of the players on a white background. Topps produced 660 total cards in the 1989 set including 652 base cards, 4 traded cards, and 4 short print cards. While the design has stood the test of time, the set also marked an important transition year in the baseball card market that would impact values significantly going forward.

In 1989, Major League Baseball players were on the verge of a labor strike that would end up canceling the remainder of the season as well as the World Series. With labor unrest looming, Topps rushed to get the 1989 set to market earlier than usual that year in an effort to maximize sales before a potential work stoppage. This marked the beginning of Topps moving toward releasing sets prior to the completion of the regular MLB season. In the decades since, nearly all major baseball card companies follow this early release model today.

While getting the 1989 cards to market sooner than prior years proved beneficial from a sales perspective, it also drew more attention to the inclusion of prospect cards in the base set. For the first time, Topps inserted the cards of players who had not yet made their MLB debut directly into the standard 652 card checklist. This included stars like Barry Larkin, Gregg Jefferies, and Mark Grace who would go on to have fantastic careers. The prospect hype led to many of these rookie cards being overproduced and mass pulled from packs. As a result, most of the big name prospects from the 1989 set carry significantly less value today compared to true rookie cards released after a player’s debut.

When it comes to the short print and hobby-exclusiveinserted parallel cards from the 1989 Topps set that used rarer photo and statistical variations, values can soar much higher due to limited production. Perhaps most notably, the short printed #652 card of Ruben Sierra is one of the true singles grails from the whole 1980s era. Going rate for a PSA 10 Gem Mint Sierra #652 short print ranges between $4,000-$6,000 today for its photo rarity. Other short prints like #105 Walt Weiss, #312 Kevin McReynolds, and #456 Daryl Boston can also command $100+ in high grades due to card counters indicating they appear 1 in every 2-3 hobby boxes on average.

In terms of the true, flagship rookie cards housed in the 1989 Topps set – none capture more attention and command higher prices than the debut issues of Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine. Maddux’s rookie on card #250 and Glavine’s on #376 played central roles for the Atlanta Braves dynasty teams of the 1990s and are certified hall of fame pitcher gems. Despite being regularly produced base cards, pristine PSA 10 copies of these rookies routinely auction upwards of $1,000. The #1 Ken Griffey Jr. rookie also brings big bucks between $500-$800 in top condition despite variable production over the years increasing overall availability compared to Maddux and Glavine.

Continuing down the rookie checklist, #152 Gary Sheffield, #218 Jeffrey Leonard, and #301 Ozzie Guillen also emerge as valued 1980s/90s player debut issues seeing prices of $100-300 in top PSA 10 grades. Like the prospect cards mentioned earlier, many perceived rookie “hits” from the 1989 lineup like Gregg Jefferies (#140), Barry Larkin (#156), and Mark Grace (#301) have failed to stand the tests of time due to high initial production levels. As a result, despite Griffey and Sheffield emerging as superstars – Jefferies, Larkin, and Grace rookies rarely exceed $20-50 prices today.

When assembling a complete set of the 1989 Topps baseball issue, most of the 652 base cards can be acquired in EX-MT condition for $1-3 each. The true chase cards with condition sensitive photo variation and star players begins to drive set completion costs much higher. A full master set with all 652 included plus the 4 traded set cards and high grade examples of keys like Maddux, Glavine, and Griffey Junior would easily top $2,000 today. And for those seeking true mint condition across the board, a fully graded PSA/BGS set could push north of $10,000 or more depending on availability of the highest demand short prints.

The 1989 Topps design revolutionized the baseball card aesthetic of the late 80s and early 90s while also pushing theRelease of sets timeline forward. Though mass production dampened values of some perceived rookie hits – true stars like Maddux, Glavine and Griffey Jr. Cemented their debut issues as prized vintage cardboard. When combined with coveted short prints andparallel inserts featuring rarer variations, the 1989 checklist emerges as one of the most complete and investable vintage sets from the junk wax era. While raw common copies can still be assembled fairly affordably, the highest conditioned examples of key rookie and stars cards command thousands. For vintage collectors, 1989 Topps proves itself as one of the most iconic designs and financially engaging issues to chase.