WHAT 1989 SCORE BASEBALL CARDS ARE VALUABLE

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The 1989 baseball card season featured some highly sought after rookie cards that have increased significantly in value over the past 30+ years. Some of the most valuable 1989 cards to look out for include:

Ken Griffey Jr: Considered one of the best players of his generation, Griffey’s rookie card from 1989 Fleer is arguably the most valuable card from that year. In gem mint condition, it can fetch over $10,000. Even well-worn copies still sell for hundreds due to Griffey’s legendary career and status as a fan favorite.

Barry Bonds: Another superstar player, Barry Bonds’ rookie card came in 1989 Upper Deck and has appreciated greatly since. Pristine mint condition copies have sold for upwards of $6,000. Most graded copies are in the $1,000-3,000 range depending on the grade. Bonds went on to smash the career home run record.

Greg Maddux: One of the top pitchers of the 1990s, Maddux won 4 Cy Young awards. His rookie card came in 1989 Upper Deck and high grade copies can sell for over $1,000 now. Even well-played copies still have value at $200-500 given Maddux’s legendary control and consistency.

Frank Thomas: Nicknamed “The Big Hurt”, Thomas was one of the most feared power hitters of the 1990s. His rookie card from 1989 Bowman is very valuable in top condition, earning over $1,000. Most graded examples will still sell for $300-800.

Roberto Alomar: A versatile second baseman, Alomar had a long and productive career winning multiple Gold Gloves. His Topps trading card rookie from 1989 is valued around $500-1,000 in pristine condition due to his excellent all-around play and popularity.

Tom Glavine: The ace of the Atlanta Braves pitching staff in the 1990s, Glavine won 2 Cy Young awards. His rookie card from 1989 Fleer is valued at $200-500 depending on condition for the solid left-hander with excellent control.

Jeff Bagwell: Emerging as one of the top offensive first baseman in the 1990s and 2000s, Bagwell’s rookie card from 1989 Fleer Update has also appreciated nicely to the $300-800 range for gem mint copies due to his underrated all-around play.

Other valuable 1989 rookie cards worth mentioning include Kenny Lofton, Randy Johnson, Mo Vaughn, and Brian Jordan among others. Team cards are also collectible from this season like the 1989 Upper Deck Nolan Ryan Team Card which features a photo of Ryan that has never reappeared on a card before. This rare team card can earn upwards of $1000. In general, 1987-1991 baseball cards were some of the most popular releases ever produced with massive print runs. While abundant in circulation, the best conditioned exemplars of star player rookie cards hold significant collector value.

Beyond rookie cards, the 1989 Upper Deck set is also a very valuable release due to its superior photography, production quality and coveted horizontal design which was pioneering for the time. Complete near-mint sets have sold for over $15,000. Key individual cards like the Ken Griffey Jr. or Mark McGwire commons from the flagship Upper Deck set can reach $100-300 each in high grades as well. The oddball 1989 Mother’s Cookies set also gained a cult following for its unusual design and has become quite collectible in recent years with individual cards valued near $20-100 based on condition and player.

The 1989 season brought many all-time great players to the MLB like Griffey Jr., Bonds, Maddux, Thomas and Bagwell and their rookie cards have experienced tremendous appreciation sine. Both the Upper Deck and Bowman brands also gained popularity and prestige from their strong 1989 offerings led by the influential Upper Deck release. This makes cards from 1989 a vital year for baseball collectors focus on when considering long-term investments or completing seminal sets from the late 80s/early 90s boom period. With over 30 years of heritage, 1989 maintains its stature as one of the most important seasons in the entire hobby.

WHERE CAN I GO TO CHECK THE VALUE OF MY BASEBALL CARDS

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One of the most common and convenient ways to check baseball card values is by using online price guide websites. There are several reputable sites that provide average market values for cards based on the card’s condition, year, player, and other relevant details. Some of the most popular and trusted price guide sites include BaseballCardpedia.com, BaseballCardPrices.com, COMC.com, and eBay’s sold listing search tool. These sites allow you to search by player name, year or set, then view pricing details to help determine a card’s estimated value based on its condition. Most will provide price ranges for cards in poor, good, very good, near mint, and mint condition.

When using online price guides, it’s important to note that the prices listed are simply average estimates and will vary based on actual sales in the broader marketplace. Still, they can serve as a useful starting point to determine if a card may be worth spending more time to further research or sell. Make sure to also consider a card’s specifics like autographs, memorabilia pieces, rookie season, or graded status which can impact value significantly versus a standard copy.

Beyond online price guides, another helpful resource is checking auction sites like eBay to view recent sold listings for the same or comparable cards. eBay allows you to search for a specific player and year then filter the results to only show “sold” listings. This will give you real sale prices that collectors have paid for identical or near identical cards to yours over the past few months. Just be aware that highly desirable rookie cards or autographed versions may sell for well above the typical market value.

Connecting with your local card shop is also a smart way to check values. Many shops employ experience appraisers who can carefully examine cards in-person to better evaluate condition factors difficult to deduce from photos alone like centering, edges and corners. They may also have knowledge of regional market trends. Some will even purchase valuable collections outright or take high-end cards on consignment if they feel they can sell for a profit. Just be sure to get written appraisals for tax or insurance documentation purposes if selling a large collection.

For higher value vintage cards from the pre-1980s, James Spence Authentication (JSA) and Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) are the leading third-party authentication and grading services. Getting cards professionally graded assigns them a precise condition rating on a 1-10 scale which is crucial for determining value. While there is a cost for this service, graded vintage cards over a certain threshold are effectively guaranteed to recoup grading fees when later re-sold. BrowserGradedCardAuctions.com allows searching just PSA/JSA-graded cards that have sold, giving you authenticated market comps.

An important thing to remember is condition is king when it comes to baseball card values. Even seemingly minor flaws can significantly impact price. Take the time to carefully examine each card front and back under bright lighting for signs of wear, creasing, discoloration or other defects. Consider having valuable finds slabbed by a grading service to maximize their protected resale value down the line. With some research on your baseball card holding’s specifics and condition, you’ll have the necessary information to properly gauge values and determine the best options moving forward. Knowledge is power and will better serve you whether keeping the nostalgia of your collection or exploring opportunities to cash in on valuable finds.

WHAT ARE HIGH NUMBER BASEBALL CARDS

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Traditional baseball card sets from the early 1950s through the 1980s typically included cards numbered 1 through the number of players on a team’s opening day roster. Teams would make additions and roster moves throughout the season which were not reflected in the original issued card sets. Many minor league players not included in the main rosters would occasionally get called up to the major leagues as well.

To account for these player additions and roster changes, card companies would later in the season issue supplemental sets containing additional player cards dubbed “high numbers.” These high number cards would start where the original base set left off, so for example if the original set contained cards 1-25 for a team’s roster, the high number cards may start at number 26 or higher. They allowed collectors to get cards for players who made their debut or were acquired later in the season after the original base sets were produced and distributed.

The specific criteria for which players received high number cards versusremainig uncarded could vary between card manufacturers and years. Generally though, any player that was actively on a team’s roster for a significant portion of the season and appeared in games warranted a card. Minor league call-ups, late season trades, and even September roster expansions that saw fringe players get brief major league playing time could result in high number cards being produced.

Not all card manufacturers issued high number cards every season. Some years only certain companies like Topps, Fleer, or Donruss would put them out. But for the most popular modern player collections years, having complete runs that include both the original base cards and any relevant high number supplemental issues is ideal. Some seasons like 1972 Topps are particularly sought after and valuable fully assembled runs due to the high number cards further fleshing out that year’s rosters.

Factors like print runs, condition, and the perceived star power of any featured players can affect individual high number card values today just like base cards. But in general, vintage high numbers tend to be more scarce than their lower numbered counterparts since supplemental sets had smaller production runs. They are an important part of fully documenting each season and team, as well as capturing the sustained careers of players who made their mark later in the year after standard sets were already distributed. Collectors still enjoy seeking out any missing high number pieces to complete their annual sets decades later.

High number baseball cards refer to supplemental issues released later in seasons that extended the standard card checklists beyond original base rosters. They account for major league promotions, call-ups, and roster moves not reflected in early season releases. While variable in details between years and manufacturers, high numbers round out the snapshot of each MLB campaign for dedicated collectors. Their scarcer existence makes finding pioneering veterans’ later career highlights particularly rewarding for set builders.

DO BASEBALL CARDS HAVE ANY VALUE

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Baseball cards have historically held value for collectors and investors since the late 19th century. The hobby of collecting baseball cards emerged in the 1800s as a way for baseball fans to collect and trade memorabilia from their favorite players and teams. Throughout the 20th century, as the sport grew in popularity in America, so did the hobby and commercial market for baseball cards.

There are a few key factors that determine the value of any given baseball card. The most important attribute is the card’s condition or state of preservation. Mint condition cards that have been carefully stored and protected from damage will always command the highest prices. Even minor nicks, bent corners, or other flaws can significantly reduce a card’s value. Other condition grades collectors use include near mint, very good, good, and poor.

Another major factor is the card’s year of issue and manufacturer. Early tobacco cards from the 1800s through the early 1900s are now considered antique collectibles and can fetch prices in the thousands or tens of thousands depending on specific players featured and the card’s condition. Into the 1930s-50s, T206 tobacco cards and Goudey and Play Ball gum cards have maintained strong collector demand and high values. Top Rookie cards of iconic players from the 1950s and 1960s like Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, and Willie Mays can sell for over $100,000 in mint condition as they captured these stars at the beginning of their careers.

The 1970s brought the birth of the modern collecting industry. Topps, Fleer, and Donruss began mass producing baseball cards as its own product in wax packs instead of accompanying gum or tobacco. Player autographs and rookie cards became major draws for collectors. Stars of that era like Reggie Jackson, Tom Seaver, and George Brett have high value cards today, as do stars who emerged in the 1980s like Wade Boggs, Kirby Puckett, and Ozzie Smith.

The late 1980s and 1990s experienced an overproduction of cards that flooded the market. Sets released annually by Topps, Fleer, Donruss, Score, and Upper Deck grew ever larger, containing numerous short print and insert cards alongside thousands of common players. This “junk wax” era cards have very little intrinsic collector value now unless they feature exceptionally rare variants or the signed rookie cards of all-time great players who emerged then like Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., and Chipper Jones.

Authentic game-used memorabilia cards featuring pieces of a player’s jersey, bat, or other equipment also add tremendous value. Autographed cards are also highly collectible, though unsigned cards are still desirable, especially for the game’s all-time legends like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, and Stan Musial whose collectibles command top dollar due to their historical significance. Beyond the players, rare error cards containing mistakes in production are also highly coveted by adventurous collectors.

The player’s career accomplishments also affect card values over time. As fame and on-field production increase with awards and milestone statistics, appreciation grows for a player’s early career cards showcasing them as up-and-coming prospects. Similarly, less familiar role players or career minor leaguers featured on old cards hold little intrigue unless nostalgia sets in down the line. And of course, modern stars still actively playing like Mike Trout, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Shohei Ohtani have cards worth following as well.

Valuable vintage cards in high grades are now considered an alternative blue-chip investment by some collectors. An exceptionally rare T206 Honus Wagner in mint condition sold for over $6.6 million in 2021, setting records. While the vast majority of baseball cards are worth just a dollar or less, condition census pieces for coveted iconic stars and insert parallel variations can demand mid five-figure prices or higher for elite examples. And even bulk collections of common vintage have found appropriate sellers by thehundreds or thousands online.

Whether destined for framed display, careful storage toward possible future appreciation, or casual trade with fellow collectors, baseball cards remain a thriving multi-billion dollar industry followed devotedly by millions of fans worldwide. While speculative investments come with risks, valuable vintage cards have outperformed other collectibles and art categories over decades. For informed collectors pursuing high grades of key premium cards, the potential exists for healthy long-term returns. With patience and care, properly selected baseball cards can maintain or even gain value for collectors and investors alike across generations.

While the vast majority of baseball cards hold little intrinsic value, vintage cards and rare modern inserts featuring all-time great players can retain and increase in worth significantly depending on condition, year of issue, autographs or unique variations. Savvy collectors with expertise can realize financial gains from carefully curating collections emphasizing historical pieces in pristine preservation. The popularity and money involved at the highest levels also makes baseball cards a legitimate alternative investment in certain circumstances.

HOW TO STORE BASEBALL CARDS IN ATTIC

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Storing your baseball card collection in the attic may seem like an ideal space-saving option, but it does present some challenges compared to storing them elsewhere in your home. The attic is one of the harshest environments for long-term storage of baseball cards due to wide temperature fluctuations and the potential for water damage. With some careful planning and preparation, you can properly store your cards in the attic and minimize risks to the condition and longevity of your collection.

The key things to address when storing baseball cards in the attic are temperature/humidity control, protection from water damage, minimizing light exposure, and practical organization and storage materials. Start by assessing the specific conditions and potential issues in your attic space. Check for signs of past water leaks or intrusion, make sure there is adequate ventilation, and use a hygrometer to measure typical temperature and humidity levels up there at different times of year. This will give you a baseline understanding of the environment your cards will be exposed to.

To control temperature and humidity fluctuations, the top priority should be installing rigid foam insulation all around the attic perimeter as well as above and below where the cards will be stored. Rigid foam provides an air and vapor barrier to better insulate the storage area. You may also want to invest in a portable dehumidifier, hygrometer, and thermometer that can be left in the attic year-round to monitor and actively control moisture and temperature as needed. Aim to maintain relative humidity below 50% and avoid dramatic swings above 80°F or below 32°F if possible.

Water damage is always a major risk in attics, so take steps to ensure your storage area is completely protected. Start by inspecting the roof for any leaks or weaknesses and make repairs. Then lay down a heavy duty waterproof tarp, poly sheeting, or roof felt paper on the attic floor before setting up your card racks and boxes. The material should be larger than the actual storage footprint, with excess draped up the attic walls and sealed with caulk or tape. Consider adding angle cuts to direct any condensation or leaks to drains.

Light exposure can lead to color fading over time, so minimize direct sunlight penetration into the attic as much as possible. Consider additional insulation, roof repairs or sealant, HVAC duct sealing, and lighting the storage area only with low-watt red safety lights if needed. Place card boxes against interior attic walls farther from gable vents and roof access points. Storage totes or document boxes are preferable over long cardboard boxes that may bow and sag more easily.

When it comes to storage materials, focus on UV protective polyethylene or polypropylene containers rather than cardboard for longer-term protection against heat and moisture. For boxes, look for plastic storage totes with tight sealing lids or document/map file boxes designed for archival storage. Arrange multiple smaller containers rather than one large box which is harder to monitor and retrieve from. Insert white acid-free paper between plastic sheets separating layers of cards to further buffer from light and moisture.

Racks are preferable to loose stacking as they provide better airflow circulation. Metal shelving should have protective pads between the cards and metal, while wood shelving risks warping or mold growth over time in a damp attic setting. Store each card horizontally in acid-free toploaders, sheet protectors or plastic sheets for protection, organized in binders, boxes or racks by sport, year, team, or player. Attach collection inventory lists to help track cards over the years.

Periodically monitor and inspect your stored attic collection. Check for signs of water leaks, excessive heat or humidity, and inspect samples of cards for fading or deterioration. Rotate storage location of outer boxes as needed. Consider moving especially valuable cards to a climate-controlled area like a safety deposit box if long-term preservation is a priority over convenient home storage. By carefully controlling the attic environment and using the right protective materials, your baseball card collection can absolutely be stored safely in the attic for many years.

WHO BUYS BASEBALL CARDS IN BIRMINGHAM AL

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There are several businesses and individuals in the Birmingham, Alabama area that buy and sell baseball cards. Some of the top options for selling your cards locally include:

Triple Play Sports Cards – Located in downtown Homewood, Triple Play Sports Cards is one of the largest and most well-established card shops in the Birmingham metro area. They have an extensive inventory of cards available for purchase and are also quite active in buying collections from individuals. When selling to Triple Play, you can expect a knowledgeable assessment of the value of your cards from their experienced staff. They pay cash on the spot for collections that meet their buying criteria. Their large storefront makes them a convenient option for those in central Birmingham looking to liquidate a baseball card collection.

Play It Again Sports – With multiple locations around Birmingham, Play It Again Sports is a ubiquitous chain known for buying and selling used sporting goods equipment and memorabilia, including baseball cards. While their baseball card operations may not be as extensive as a dedicated card shop, they do consistently have supply of cards available and buyers on hand who are ready to make offers on individual cards or full collections. Selling to Play It Again can be a practical option given their widespread local presence. Just be aware their cash offers may not always match what you’d get from a specialized card shop.

Second Swing Sports – Operating out of their Pelham store, Second Swing Sports takes a niche approach by focusing exclusively on vintage cards from the pre-1980s era. They have an informed staff passionate about the old school cardboard and actively seek to purchase collections and individual high-value vintage rookie cards from that golden period in the hobby’s history. While their selection skews retro, Second Swing can still offer fair prices to those hoping to cash in vintage cardboard. Just keep in mind their narrower specialty when compared to a shop carrying a broader range of cards.

Bailey’s Coins and Collectibles – Located in downtown Birmingham, Bailey’s specializes in rare coins but also takes in sports cards and memorabilia on a regular basis. Their decades of experience appraising valuable collectibles serves them well in assessing the value of baseball card collections that come through their doors. Bailey’s may not have the extensive in-store card supplies of larger shops but can still make competitive offers on higher-end collections thanks to their numismatic expertise which translates well to other collecting hobbies such as cards.

Lelands.com – Not technically a local buyer but a trusted option nonetheless, Lelands is an international sports memorabilia auction house with an office in Birmingham. They have a proven track record of facilitating big money sales of rare vintage cards and will occasionally consider purchasing whole collections outright if the quality and value merits it. Lelands offers sellers the potential for high prices through their global auction reach but takes a commission on successful sales.

Hobby Stores – general hobby and game shops across Birmingham like Funopolis in Hoover and Galactic Quest in Homewood may have a small card buying counter even if cards are not their main business. Don’t overlook stops at stores like these, as their buyers can move desirable individual cards and help liquidate bulk common cards. Just have reasonable sale expectations given their smaller scale operations.

Card Shows – Scattered regional card shows give locals a chance to directly connect with out-of-town dealers who are actively buying. Upcoming major shows within driving distance include Super Show Atlanta in March and the National Sports Collectors Convention in July. Vendors at these events are ready to negotiate purchases of valuable vintage stars or complete mint sets. Obtaining a buyers list in advance is recommended to facilitate pre-show offers.

Individual Buyers – Outside of stores, getting your collection publicly listed for sale through online marketplaces like Facebook’s “Buy, Sell, and Trade Sports Cards (Birmingham, AL)” group connects you with avid local collectors who may be hunting for specific needs. Be selective, get payments up front, and trust established buyers with reputation only. Meeting at a public place is recommended for safety when selling person-to-person.

In summary, Birmingham-area collectors have a variety of brick-and-mortar as well as online options for unloading their baseball card collections whether seeking maximum cash value, quick liquidation of commons, or facilitation of high-dollar individual card transactions. Researching buyers, focusing on quality submissions, and understanding each target seller’s area of specialty can help maximize success and ensure a smooth sales experience. With diligence, the right Birmingham buyer can usually be found to turn your childhood collection back into cash in hand.

WHAT 1990 BASEBALL CARDS ARE VALUABLE

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The 1990 baseball card season featured several rookie cards and stars that have become highly valuable in today’s collecting market. Some of the most notable 1990 cards that can be worth significant money if in good condition include:

Ken Griffey Jr.: Griffey’s rookie card from 1990 Upper Deck is arguably the most famous and valuable card from the 1990s. In near-mint to mint condition, examples of this Griffey rookie fetch prices well over $1000 and sometimes even above $10,000. Even well-worn copies in player condition can sell for a few hundred dollars. Griffey was already a star by 1990 and his rookie card is one of the most iconic in the hobby’s history due to his prolific career.

Frank Thomas: “The Big Hurt” had a monster career and his 1990 Score rookie card has climbed steadily in value over the decades. Top-graded mint copies have sold for over $1000 while most near-mint ones can bring $300-500. Even played copies in grading company slabs sell for $100+ due to Thomas’ Hall of Fame talent and popularity.

Randy Johnson: “The Big Unit” was one of the most dominate pitchers ever and his 1990 Score rookie is a key card to own. High-grade versions regularly sell for $300-500 while most near-mint ones trade hands for $150-250 depending on the market. Johnson could strike out any hitter and his rookie card value has grown along with his legacy.

Javy Lopez: The Braves’ catcher had power and consistency at the plate that became exemplified in the 1990s and 2000s. His 1990 Bowman rookie is somewhat scarce and values have crept up over time. Near-mint and better examples can sell for $150-250.

Greg Maddux: “Mad Dog” will go down as one of the craftiest and cerebral pitchers in MLB annals. His 1990 Bowman rookie card values have risen slowly but surely as his Hall of Fame career has sunk in. High-grade rookies are $150-250 while most mint+ copies sell for $75-150.

Jeff Bagwell: As a premier power hitter of the 1990s and 2000s, Bagwell’s 1990 Bowman rookie has gained traction in recent years amongst collectors. Near-mint to mint copies have sold for $150-300 depending on conditions and market forces. Bagwell was a superstar for Houston and his rookie remains highly desirable.

Tom Glavine: Mr. Consistency for the Atlanta Braves throughout the 1990s, Glavine was a wizard on the mound. His noteworthy 1990 Donruss rookie sells for $50-100 in top shape and is an important flagship card. Graded versions have brought even more money.

Barry Larkin: The smooth-fielding Larkin was a complete player and captain of the “Nasty Boys” Cinncinati Reds teams. His 1990 Bowman rookie is a main piece for Reds PC builders. Near-mint examples range $75-150 usually.

Ken Hill: Before arm woes slowed his career, Hill was heralded as a top hurler for the Expos and Cardinals in the early 1990s. His very rare 1990 Upper Deck rookie has sold for $500+ graded mint. Finding it raw is difficult.

Eric Karros: The power-hitting Dodgers’ 1B had productive years that make his 1990 Score rookie meaningful. Values have climbed towards $150 mint lately due to scarce population reports from grading services.

Jeff Reardon: The relief pitcher had a long career and his 1990 Topps Traded rookie card is a find, usually $50-100 raw or graded near-mint. Reardon saved over 300 MLB games.

Dennis Martinez: The “Little Black Book” tossed two no-hitters during his career. His 1990 Topps Traded rookie is neat for collectors, $30-50 normally in great shape.

1990 baseball cards were loaded with future stars and HOFers at the start of their journeys. Aside from the big three rookies above, many other key cards can hold good value depending on names, scarcity, and conditions. Overall it was an era that defined the sport throughout the 1990s and beyond – now relics of that time in the hobby shine bright for collectors.

ARE FLEER BASEBALL CARDS WORTH ANY MONEY

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Fleer baseball cards have been produced since 1956 and many collectors enjoy searching through older Fleer sets looking for valuable cards that could potentially be worth money. Whether specific Fleer baseball cards hold value depends on a few key factors such as the players featured, the year and condition of the cards. Let’s take a deeper look at the Fleer baseball card brand and analyze some of the factors that determine the value of individual cards.

Fleer is one of the iconic brands in the collectible baseball card industry. Some of the most well-known players have been featured on Fleer cards over the decades. Fleer had early success with the inclusion of superstar rookie cards like Sandy Koufax in 1955 and Mickey Mantle in 1956. These early Fleer cards are quite valuable today, with high grade examples potentially worth thousands of dollars or more for a single card.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Fleer shared the baseball card market with Topps, the dominant brand. During this time, Fleer cards of Hall of Famers like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and many others remain collectible but are generally not as valuable as the same star players’ Topps cards issued in the same year due to the much lower print runs of Fleer sets in the early decades.

In 1969, Fleer attempted to break Topps’ monopoly by securing licensing rights to produce cards with photos of Major League players for the first time. The iconic 1969 Fleer baseball card set is famous not just for using photos instead of illustrations, but for including the rookie cards of legends like Reggie Jackson and George Brett. High grade ’69 Fleer rookies of these all-time greats can fetch five figures today.

While Topps regained exclusive licensing after 1969, Fleer produced sets in 1981, 1982, 1987 through 1990 that also contained valuable rookie cards. The 1987 Fleer set is well-known for debuting the rookies of Mark McGwire, Lenny Dykstra, and Benito Santiago among many future stars. Mint condition copies of their rookies could be worth thousands of dollars or more based on the player and demand.

Condition is critically important when determining the value of any vintage card. Like the other major baseball card manufacturers, even seemingly low-print run Fleer sets from the 1950s on were mass-produced and many survive in circulated, worn condition today. Only examples that are well-centered and have glossy, undefected surfaces will retain significant value. An otherwise rare 1960s Fleer card in battered shape may only be worth a few dollars.

Of course, even modern Fleer cards can hold value based on the right players and situations. Cards of breakout rookies from Fleer EX and Fleer Ultra sets in the 1990s through today are targets for savvy collectors. A pristine Mike Piazza rookie from the 1992 Fleer Ultra or Tom Brady rookie from 2000 Fleer could fetch four figures even today. Serial numbered refractors and autographs from modern Fleer sets command the highest prices.

Whether an individual Fleer baseball card from any era retains significant monetary value depends on the players featured, supply and demand realities, and critically – the card’s condition. Iconic rookie cards from the brand’s early years through the 1980s are the most coveted and can be quite valuable in top shape. But lower-run 1950s-60s issues of big stars tend to yield to their Topps counterparts. Across all decades, condition is paramount – without sharp centering and surfaces, even a normally valuable Fleer card may have only modest collector value. With patience and expertise, today’s savvy collector can still discover hidden value in the archives of Fleer baseball cards.

ARE ANY 1980s BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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There are several 1980s baseball cards that can be worth significant money today, depending on their condition and demand in the collecting market. The 1980s saw huge growth in the baseball card hobby, as companies like Topps, Donruss, and Fleer battled for collectors. This led to more cards being printed, but also the introduction of rookies, unique parallels, and short-printed cards that are now highly sought after. While most 1980s cards in average condition are only worth a dollar or less, there are certain stars and rare variants that can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Some of the most valuable 1980s baseball cards that regularly sell for big money include rookie cards of superstar players who established themselves that decade. The 1980 Topps Traded Cal Ripken Jr. rookie card is one of the key cards from that year. In near-mint to mint condition, examples have sold for over $10,000. The 1983 Topps Traded Cal Ripken Jr. rookie is also highly coveted, with gems bringing $4,000+. Another monster 1980s rookie is the Kirby Puckett 1985 Donruss rookie card. Considered one of the most coveted Twins cards ever, a pristine Puckett ’85 sells for around $8,000.

Some other notable expensive 1980s rookie cards include the Wally Joyner ’86 Topps ($1,500+), the Gregg Jefferies ’87 Fleer Update ($2,000+), and the Ben McDonald ’89 Topps ($1,000+). Star pitchers like Dwight Gooden, Roger Clemens, and David Cone also have valuable rookie cards from the 1980s that command four-figure prices in top condition. And for collectors looking for an iconic rookie, you can’t go wrong with the iconic Ken Griffey Jr. Upper Deck rookie from 1989, which has sold for as much as $10,000 in pristine mint condition.

Beyond just rookies, certain cards of established 1980s stars with unique parallels or errors can also hold big value. Some examples include the 1982 Topps Traded Eddie Murray card, which replaced its photo with an error showing Ferris Fain. High grades of this rarity sell for around $6,000. The 1986 Fleer Stargate Ken Griffey Jr. insert, limited to 10,000 copies, reaches $3,000 in top shape. And rare “Shoeless” Joe Jackson hand-drawn proof cards from 1989 Upper Deck, of which only five are known, sell for astronomical prices upwards of $50,000.

Short prints from 1980s sets can also carry high values. The 1986 Topps Tiffany Brooks Robinson SP is prized by collectors, with gems valued at $1,000. Other valuable short prints include Garry Templeton’s 1984 Donruss SP ($700), Will Clark’s 1985 Fleer Update SP ($900), and the elusive Ed Halicki 1988 Fleer SP, graded examples of which have sold for over $6,000. And die-cut/perforation error variants are also eagerly sought, such as the Robin Yount 1989 Topps Rookie stripe variation valued near $2,000.

Team/league sets see strong demand too. The 1980 Topps Traded American League Stars Team Set, with individual cards of stars like Brett, Murray, and Lynn, moves as a complete set for over $10,000. And rare variations like the 1984 Fleer subset “Turkey Red” parallels that feature a red tint regularly pull in over $1,000 each. Even base rookie/star cards from sets like 1987 Topps, 1989 Fleer, and 1983 Donruss continue to retain value in strong grades, selling for hundreds apiece.

While the bulk of 1980s baseball cards hold relatively modest value today, there are certainly several exceptions that are highly coveted amongst collectors and carry auction prices into the thousands, or even tens of thousands, of dollars when pristine examples come to market. Stars like Ripken, Griffey, Gooden, and highlights like rare variations ensure continued collecting interest and solid values for some of the premier cardboard from that memorable decade in baseball history. With increased demand and certain cards becoming scarce, prices for elite 1980s offerings will likely remain solid for serious investors.

HOW DO YOU GET BASEBALL CARDS GRADED FOR FREE

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While most major third-party grading companies like PSA, BGS, and SGC charge a fee to grade and encapsulate baseball cards, there are some options to potentially get cards graded for free. It’s important to note that free grading usually comes with some limitations or caveats compared to paid services.

One of the best options for free grading is to utilize membership or incentives programs offered by some grading companies. For example, PSA and SGC both offer membership levels where you pay an annual fee but receive a certain number of free submissions each year as part of your membership. The PSA Gold membership is $99 per year and comes with 5 free standard submissions while the PSA Platinum membership is $299 per year and includes 15 free standard submissions. Similarly, SGC offers an Annual Membership for $99 that includes 5 free standard submissions per year. So if you plan to submit multiple cards for grading each year, these membership levels can save you money long-term versus just paying submission fees individually. You’ll need to do the math based on your submission plans to see if a membership pays off.

Some online grading forums and Facebook groups also run occasional group submission programs where a coordinator will collect cards from multiple members, send them in to the grading company together to maximize the bulk order discounts, then distribute the graded cards back once completed. These group submissions often charge significantly less per card to grade than individual submissions. For example, a group submission may charge $10-15 per card versus the standard $20-30 individual fee. Occasionally, some group coordinators may offer free spots where they absorb the cost of certain cards in the group order for promotional purposes. Keep an eye out for these opportunities in hobby communities you’re a part of.

Another potential avenue for free grading is targeting baseball card shows, conventions, and local card shop promotions. Major grading companies regularly attend and set up booths at large card shows and will sometimes run special submission deals exclusively for show attendees. You may get one or two cards graded for free or at a steep discount by submitting them on-site during the event. Local card shops that have grading service partnerships may also offer occasional free grading promotions for loyal customers too. Ask your shop about any upcoming contests.

There’s also the very long shot possibility of essentially “winning the grading lottery” by pulling a truly rare and valuable card from a pack or box that’s worthy of a nine or ten grade. In those ultra-rare cases, the grading company may waive the submission fee since encapsulating and authenticating such a high-value card provides great publicity and promotional value for them. Don’t count on hitting pay dirt like that anytime soon!

For the most hardcore collectors, another option is bulk submitting very inexpensive common cards that have a realistic chance at a high grade to potentially earn free submission credits from the grading companies. PSA and SGC both have reward programs where earning a certain number of points from paid submissions unlocks free grading opportunities. Points are awarded based on the value of the card – so submitting 50 common cards worth $1-2 each could earn enough points for one free higher value submission down the road. But this approach requires a major time commitment andgrading common cards solely for the theoretical future free submission isn’t practical or profitable for most collectors.

As you can see, there are no true easy or guaranteed ways to get cards graded completely free, especially through the major third party authenticators. Any “free” options still require some form of membership investment, coordination/luck through group submissions, or long-term gaming of reward point systems. For most collectors, paying the individual submission fees – or utilizing one of the member or group discount approaches – remains the most practical path. But keeping an eye out for occasional show specials or local shop promotions may provide a rare chance at free slabbing from time to time. With some research and waiting for the right opportunities, free baseball card grading is possible, just not widely available. Reliable information and planning is required to maximize any chances of avoiding costs.