MOST EXPENSIVE 2018 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 2018 Topps baseball card series featured some of the most valuable modern rookie cards and parallels on the market. While retail boxes of 2018 Topps featured mainstream base cards of current stars, it was the rare parallels and short print variations that fetched enormous prices at auction over the past few years. Let’s take a look at some of the most expensive 2018 Topps baseball cards that have changed hands.

Heading the list is perhaps the single most coveted modern card – the Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Superfractor parallel. Only 5 of these 1/1 parallels exist featuring the Blue Jays phenom. With his hype continuing to build after breakout seasons in 2019 and 2021, one of these extremely rare Guerrero Jr. Supers sold for a staggering $459,000 in a December 2021 Goldin Auctions sale. It’s hard to fathom any standard base rookie cardfetching this kind of money, but Guerrero Jr.’s talents and the sheer scarcity of the parallel make it one of the true crown jewels in the hobby.

Another extremely expensive 2018 Topps card is the Ronald Acuña Jr. Superfractor parallel, of which only 5 also exist. Considered one of the top young players in the game along with Guerrero Jr., an Acuña Jr. Super sold for $350,000 in January 2022 through the same Goldin Auctions. It’s truly remarkable two cards from the same series sold for north of $350K within a month of each other. Acuña Jr.’s superstar talent and 5-card print run make this one of the most iconic and investment-worthy cards on the vintage market.

Moving beyond Supers, another hugely valuable 2018 parallel is the Juan Soto Rainbow Foil parallel numbered to /5. Soto’s ascension into one of baseball’s best hitters after winning the NL Rookie of the Year in 2018 has only increased demand for his scarce parallels. One of these ultra-short print Soto rainbows from 2018 Topps changed hands for an astounding $249,950 in a Goldin sale in May 2021. With Soto entering his prime, cards like this securing a quarter million dollars show no signs of his collectibles market cooling off.

The 2018 Topps retail release also featured several popular short prints that can fetch big money in the right graded gem grades. Heading the short prints is the Christian Yelich Pink parallel numbered to /150. One BGS-graded Yelich Pink gem mint 9.5 sold for $19,200 on eBay in October 2021. Yelich’s 2018 MVP season and the rarity of finding these ultra-short printed pink parallels so high-graded make it a true treasure for baseball collectors.

Other expensive 2018 Topps short prints include an Acuña Jr. red parallel numbered to /5 that sold for $15,650 through Goldin in January 2022 and a BGS 9.5-graded Fernando Tatis Jr. Orange Velocity parallel /150 that hit $15,375 in a November 2021 Goldin sale. Both Acuña Jr. and Tatis Jr.’ highly-regarded prospects at the time coupled with their even scarcer paper colors demand top dollar from voracious vintage collectors.

Perhaps the most famous and iconic short print variation from 2018 Topps are the gold foil labels featuring numbering instead of the standard Topps player design. Numbered to an extremely low /10 each, graded examples of these labels featuring superstars like Mike Trout ($6,300), Christian Yelich ($4,600), and Mookie Betts ($4,000) routinely sell for thousands. The treasure hunt aspect of finding these elusive variations encased and preserved at gem quality adds tremendously to their collector appeal.

While flagship parallels and short prints garnered the biggest prices, 2018 Topps Chrome also featured certain cards that broke records. Headlining was a Juan Soto Chrome Refractor Superfractor /1 that crushed estimates, selling for a world record $350,100 through Goldin Auctions in August 2020. Soto mania knew no bounds as collectors clamored for any pieces of the phenom they could get their hands on. Additionally, Ronald Acuña Jr.’s 2018 Topps Chrome Superfractor changed hands for $198,000 that same August month. With the highest end-label chrome parallels numbered to an ultimate one, prices truly had nowhere to go but up for specimens so rare.

The 2018 Topps baseball release stands out as one of the most defining modern issues, featuring generational talents just entering the league like Acuña Jr., Soto, Vlad Jr., and more. Their continued successes at the MLB level synchronized perfectly with the collectibles market hunger for their earliest certified rookies. With the sheer volatility in prices some 2018 Topps parallels and short prints have achieved reaching above six figures, it’s clear this series launched icons whose cards will be prized holdings for years to come.

OLD BASEBALL CARDS WORTH

Leave a reply

The worth of old baseball cards can vary greatly depending on condition, rarity, the players featured, and other factors. While many common baseball cards from the past are only worth a dollar or less, some truly rare and pristine specimens can fetch millions at auction. Let’s take a deeper look at what makes certain vintage baseball cards so valuable.

One of the most important determinants of an old baseball card’s value is its condition or state of preservation. The scale most often used by collectors, dealers, and authentication services is the 10-point Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) grading scale. On this scale, PSA 1 is poor condition, PSA 5 is very good, PSA 8 is gem mint, and the highest grade achievable is PSA 10, which is awarded to virtually flawless cards. Condition has an enormous impact, as higher grades can increase a card’s worth by multiples. For example, a common card may only be worth $5 in PSA 5 condition but jump to $50 or more in PSA 8 and several hundred for PSA 10. Therefore, careful storage since the card’s printing date is absolutely crucial to maintaining or increasing value over time.

Another major factor is rarity, which depends on how many of a certain card were originally printed and distributed versus how many have survived in high grades until today. Some of the rarest and most valuable cards ever were printed in exceedingly small numbers that were never reissued. Iconic examples include the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner, considered the Mona Lisa of baseball cards. Of the estimated 50-200 printed, only about 60 are known to exist today in any condition. In 2013, a PSA NM-MT 8 earned a then-record $2.1 million at auction. Other rarely-seen cards worth over $1 million include the 1914 Cracker Jack Lefty Weiss and 1933 Goudey Bill Dickey.

Rarity alone does not make a card valuable – there also needs to be strong, enduring interest from collectors in the players and sets featured. This is why earlier cards tend to be worth more on average than those from the 1970s-80s “junk wax” era, where production boomed. For instance, legendary players like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, and Mickey Mantle hold significant appeal, no matter which sets they appear in from decades ago. Mantle’s 1952 Topps card in PSA 8 condition has sold for over $100,000. Top vintage sets like 1909-11 T206, 1933 Goudey, 1952 Topps, and 1957 Topps are always in demand among collectors.

Of course, being a rookie card usually adds value as well. This is the first mass-produced card featuring a player as a professional. Iconic examples include the 1968 Topps rookie card of Mickey Mantle that has reached $75,000 for high grades and the 1952 Topps rookie card of Willie Mays, worth tens of thousands for pristine specimens. Rookie value also depends strongly on the player’s career accomplishments – if they didn’t pan out as expected, the card may be of little note.

Autographs and memorabilia cards have become big business in recent decades too. A 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card in any grade signed by Wagner himself would shatter records, easily reaching seven or even eight figures. Another pivotal moment was in 2007 when a rare 1909-11 T206 Walter Johnson card with a signed affidavit from the former pitcher sold for over $400,000 at auction. Such certified authenticated modern additions add immense value on top of a card’s intrinsic worth.

The baseball card market can be notoriously unstable as the highest prices are usually achieved near market peaks. Still, wise long-term collectors and investors recognize that truly scarce and historically significant specimens, especially those earning high technical grades, tend to appreciate gradually over decades. Some of the most expensive baseball cards ever such as the Ultra Rare 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle (PSA 9) that sold at auction for $2.88 million or the famed T206 Wagner have proven themselves as blue-chip collectibles. With care and discrimination, old baseball cards can remain a worthwhile vintage hobby.

The worth of baseball cards depends heavily on condition, rarity within a set or player, grade, rookie or star status of who is featured, and whether any unique characteristics are present like autographs. While common old issues may have lost value compared to their original cost in the penny-arcade era, truly exceptional survivors can set multi-million dollar records. For savvy collectors and investors, top-tier vintage cardboard represents a fascinating intersection of history, athletics, and speculative finance. With care and research, old baseball cards hold potential to become highly valuable memorabilia for generations to come.

2022 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS TO LOOK FOR

Leave a reply

The 2022 Donruss baseball card set was released in March featuring current MLB players and some of the brightest young prospects. As with any new release, there are certain cards collectors will be targeting due to increased rookie or parallel value. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top 2022 Donruss cards collectors should be scouting for.

Shohei Ohtani – The reigning AL MVP continues to capture attention in the baseball card market. Ohtani’s rookie cards from 2018 Topps products still trade for hundreds due to his unique two-way playing ability. His base red parallel from 2022 Donruss will appeal to Angels PC collectors, but premium parallels like /5 orange or /1 black could fetch thousands given Ohtani’s star power.

Rookies – Several top rookie names debuted in 2022 Donruss including Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., C.J. Abrams and Jeremy Peña. Rodriguez is generating the most buzz after a strong debut season with the Mariners. His paper rookie cards can be found for under $10 still, but premium parallels like Sapphire (/25) or Orange Sparkle (/5) show his potential for increased value long term. Witt and Abrams also have high long term value potential that makes their rare parallels worth targeting.

Parallels – Outside of the top rookies, collectors will want to hunt the always popular ‘86 style parallels like Grey, Purple, Orange and Red parallels numbered to 86 copies each. These stylistic nods to the classic ’86 set design usually command a premium. Super short print parallel inserts like Green Ice (/25), Orange Ice (/10) and Red Ice (/5) will also attract attention. Authentic Signatures parallel autos numbered to 99 could pop too for star players.

Ronald Acuña Jr. – After missing almost all of 2022 due to injury, Acuña is poised for a bounce back campaign. His base Donruss cards can still be found cheaply due to the time missed, but premium parallels could surprise collectors. Rare numbered parallels under 10 copies or low-numbered autograph or memorabilia cards could see increased demand if Acuña returns to MVP form in 2023.

Mike Trout – The consensus best player in baseball usually sees any of his cards hold value. Trout’s base 2022 Donruss card is readily available, but short printed parallels remain tough to track down. Autograph cards are extremely scarce pull rates. Any Trout parallel numbered under 10 copies or rare hit card could command three figures or more from Angels super collector demand.

Jacob deGrom – When healthy, deGrom is arguably the best pitcher in MLB. Injuries have limited his recent production causing his base cards to remain inexpensive. Similar to Acuña, a return to Cy Young form could increase demand for any low-numbered parallels, memorabilia, or autograph cards from 2022 Donruss as collectors speculate on a rebound season buoying values.

Baseball Legacy Signatures – A definitive hit insert dedicated to legendary MLB players who are no longer with us. Parallel versions numbered to just 5 copies each featuring the likes of Hank Aaron, Roberto Clemente and Sandy Koufax are the true short prints to track down in the set. These historical archived swatches or autographs could trade in the multiple thousands given the player, parallel numbering and insert rarity.

Purple Ice Parallels – A particularly stylish parallel design from 2022 Donruss features a icy shimmering purple hue and player logo foil. Numbered to just 86 copies each, these are always popular with collectors. Keys would be star rookie parallel combos like Witt Jr. or Rodriguez alongside established veteran stars. With the lowest print runs, these tend to carry the highest premiums outside of true one-of-one cards.

Green Parallel Veterans – For player collectors of established MLB stars, hunting down the Green parallels could provide opportunity. Numbered to just 99 copies each, stars like Trout, deGrom or Juan Soto in this parallel attract extra attention. While not as short printed as other parallels mentioned, these affordable veteran parallels tend to hold steady value due to focused collector interest.

Baseball Flashback Autographs – Featuring autographs of retired MLB greats worn down to replicate an older style baseball card, these are true one-of-ones. Legends featured could include Nolan Ryan, Reggie Jackson or Cal Ripken Jr. indefinitely scarce and featuring a true game-used memorabilia swatch, a Ripken or Ryan auto in this insert could demand $1,000+ from the right collector given the uniqueness.

The 2022 Donruss release provides collectors many cards to target across the rookie, parallel, autograph and memorabilia insert spaces. Savvy collectors will know to scout the short printed parallels and hit cards of stars like Ohtani, Trout and Acuña Jr. But equally key will be tracking standout rookies like Rodriguez and Witt Jr. along with opportunities on prospects like Abrams too. With some patience, the right parallels of these young talents could yield strong long term returns.

BIG HEAD BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Big head baseball cards emerged as a popular collectible novelty item in the late 1980s and early 1990s. As the name implies, these types of cards featured the heads of baseball players enlarged to comedic proportions on diminutive card stock backgrounds. While considered a silly novelty at the time, big head cards have developed a cult following among collectors in recent decades. Let’s take a deeper look at the history and appeal of these unique baseball collectibles.

The origins of the big head baseball card can be traced back to 1987 when Topps, the major sports card manufacturer, released their “Bigheads” subset as part of their flagship baseball card series. Only including the most popular stars of the day like Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, and Rickey Henderson, the Bigheads cards featured the heads of players blown up to roughly five times their normal size. The enlarged heads were photo composited onto solid color backgrounds or simple clip art designs in place of normal action shots or team logo bases found on standard issues.

Standing out visually amidst more traditional card designs, the Bigheads were an immediate hit with collectors, especially younger fans. Multiple series and other manufacturers soon followed Topps’ lead in joining the big head craze. While only distributed as subsets mixed into normal runs in the late 80s, by the early 90s companies like Score and Fleer began releasing entire parallel sets devoted solely to big head variations of their main cards. Additional novelty treatments like 3D glasses or holograms were sometimes added to these experimental offshoot sets.

Criticism also arose that big head cards were simply a cheap stunt diluting the legitimacy of the hobby. As baseball cards moved to transition strictly to licensed MLB memorabilia in the 1990s, the market became less tolerant of entirely silly experimental designs. Production of new big head cards waned by the mid-1990s although existing vintage issues retained a cult following. Some players also objected to caricatures of themselves as they saw the big head designs as disrespectful. While a passing fad to some, others argued big heads introduced kids to the collectible card hobby.

In the late 2000s, appreciation for vintage 1980s and 90s cardboard experienced a resurgence. Along with this came renewed interest in the quirky charm of big head baseball cards. Websites, blogs, and online communities devoted to swapping stories and finding rare examples emerged. Although from a bygone era lampooned at the time, big heads were now looked upon with nostalgia for capturing an innocent carefree attitude no longer present in today’s uber-serious sports culture. The heads disproportionately blowing up a player’s most distinctive features also represented a form of cartoon caricature appreciated by some vintage collectors.

A secondary market for vintage big head cards flourished on platforms like eBay where scarce higher end examples could sell for hundreds or even thousands to the right collector. The rarest early Topps Bigheads from 1987 in pristine graded mint condition have achieved four figure auction prices. With production numbers in the hundreds of thousands even for unique experimental parallels, most common vintage big heads remain quite affordable for the average collector. Reproduction and fake counterfeits also emerged as a problem requiring diligence from buyers of pricier authentic examples.

In addition to their rarity, condition, and specific players featured, other factors like unusual production variations or unique promotional issues can influence a big head card’s value. Canadian versions, test prints, gold stamped test issues as well as prototypes and experimental designs that never saw true production possess tremendous allure to specialty collectors. Meanwhile, despite the nostalgia, producing new official big head cards proved challenging for licensing reasons. Independent artists have created custom modern designs as an homage using retired players.

For those seeking to start a big head collection today, the first step is educating yourself on the various manufacturers, series, and years of production through online checklists and guides. Be wary of fakes, and purchase from reputable sources when possible who stand by authenticity. Building a set of starters from the late 1980s Topps issues provides a solid mainstream foundation upon which to expand into more experimental rarities. Meanwhile, big head cards offer a unique way to appreciate both the whimsical history of the hobby and favorite players of the past in a larger than life caricature form years later. Their enduring cult status is a testament to the lighthearted fun that first attracted many to this unconventional yet cherished segment of vintage baseball collectibles.

BASEBALL CARDS TO LOOK OUT FOR

Leave a reply

Baseball cards have been collected by fans for over a century, with some of the earliest cards dating back to the late 1800s. While many common cards from recent decades hold little value, there are certain vintage and modern cards that can be quite valuable depending on their condition and scarcity. Let’s take a look at some specific baseball cards collectors should be on the lookout for.

1909 T206 Honus Wagner – Often considered the holy grail of baseball cards, the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner is the most valuable trading card in existence. Produced by the American Tobacco Company, it’s estimated only 50-200 of these rare cards still exist today in collectible condition. One in near-mint condition sold at auction in 2016 for $3.12 million. The iconic Wagner is so coveted due to its extreme scarcity and as one of the first star player cards ever issued.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – As one of the most popular players of all time, Mantle rookie cards from Topps’ first modern set in 1952 are highly sought after. High grade examples in near-mint to mint condition have sold for over $1 million, with PSA-graded gems reaching above $2 million. The ’52 Topps set helped popularize the modern cardboard format and Mantle’s rookie is truly one of the crown jewels of post-war baseball collectibles.

1933 Goudey Babe Ruth – Considered the best and most iconic of Ruth’s early 1930s cards, the ’33 Goudey is particularly valuable in high grades. Recently a PSA 8 copy sold for over $250,000, while a flawless PSA 10 specimen could command $500,000+. Issued during the tail end of Ruth’s playing career, these antique cards captured “the Bambino” during the prime of his legendary status.

1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank and Chief Wilson – While not in the same stratosphere as the Wagner, these two rare T206 cards can still fetch six figures in top condition. Only a handful are known to exist for each player, making them extremely difficult to find. Both Plank and Wilson were solid major leaguers at the time but their scarcity drives their modern value far above more “ordinary” T206s from the same era.

1957 Topps Hank Aaron – As Hank chased down and eventually broke Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record, interest in his rookie card skyrocketed. High grade ’57 Topps Aarons can reach $50,000-100,000 today. This was the first card issued of the future “Home Run King” and remains one of the most important from the post-war period.

1969 Topps Nolan Ryan – One of the most dominant pitchers ever, Ryan’s early career was with the Mets and Angels. His 1969 Topps rookie highlights an otherwise common set but examples in top condition have sold for $30,000+. Still an active player in the early 1970s, the ’69 capture Lightning’s early promise before he went on to rack up a record 5,714 strikeouts.

1975 Topps George Brett – Brett was a perennial All-Star and future Hall of Famer during his long career with the Royals. His rookie card from 1975 Topps has steadily increased in value, with high grade copies selling for $15,000+. Brett was a fan favorite who helped energize baseball in Kansas City during the late 1970s and early 1980s. This is one of the better investments from the 1970s period.

1988 Score Ken Griffey Jr. – As one of the most talented five-tool players ever, Griffey captured the imagination of a new generation of baseball fans in the late 1980s. His rookie card from Score is among the most iconic and valuable from the junk wax era, with pristine copies commanding $4,000-6,000. This early glimpse of “The Kid” before his back-to-back MVP seasons has sustained strong demand.

1998 Bowman Chrome Refractor Miguel Cabrera – From the height of the unlicensed card boom period, Cabrera’s refractor rookie established him as a can’t-miss prospect. High grade examples have sold for over $10,000 in recent years. This encapsulates the excitement over Cabrera before he went on to a Hall of Fame career and 500 home run milestone with the Tigers. It remains one of the most significant modern rookies.

2009 Bowman Draft Auto Mike Trout – Pulled from Trout’s very first Bowman set a year before his MLB debut, this rare autographed card foretold his future as a superstar. Only a few dozen are believed to exist, with PSA 10 Gems reaching $50,000. Trout went on to win three AL MVPs and establish himself as perhaps the greatest all-around player of his generation. This draft card perfectly timed his potential.

This is just a sampling of some especially notable baseball cards that could yield high returns for savvy collectors and investors. While condition is paramount, cards featuring all-time great players from the earliest decades, true rookie cards of legends, and prospects who panned out are most in demand. With patience and some luck, the right vintage or modern gem could pay dividends for a collector’s portfolio over time.

BASEBALL CARDS CAPE COD

Leave a reply

The history of baseball cards and Cape Cod are deeply intertwined. For over a century, Cape Cod has played an important role in the development and enjoyment of baseball cards. From the early 1900s when kids would trade cards on beaches and boardwalks, to the present day with the region hosting popular card shows, the baseball card hobby has long been a part of Cape Cod culture and economy.

Some of the earliest known baseball card trading and collecting activity in America took place on Cape Cod in the early 20th century. As the summer tourist season brought thousands of visitors to beaches along the Cape, young kids would often pack bags filled with their duplicate baseball cards to trade with other children they met. Trading cards was a popular pastime during long summer days at the shore. The tradition of trading and swapping baseball cards on Cape Cod beaches helped spread interest in the hobby across the country during those early decades.

In the post-World War II era as the baseball card industry boomed, Cape Cod saw a rise in card shops and sports card retailers. Stores like Jack’s Sporting Goods in Hyannis and Chatham Sport Shop were early pioneers in selling new packs and boxes of cards to the growing number of collectors across the Cape. They also bought and sold individual vintage cards, feeding the collector demand. By the 1960s, the Cape had developed into a hotbed for the baseball card trade, with shops hosting informal meets for collectors to show off their collections and make deals.

A pivotal moment came in the late 1970s when the first Cape Cod Sports Card Show was held. Taking place at Barnstable High School, the inaugural one-day event in 1978 drew hundreds of eager collectors from across New England. It proved there was strong interest for a dedicated card show on the Cape. The following year, attendance doubled. From that point on, the Cape Cod Sports Card Show became an annual tradition, growing each year and cementing the Cape’s reputation as a hub for sports memorabilia.

Today, the Cape Cod Sports Card Show is a major three-day extravaganza that takes over the large Barnstable Fairgrounds each June. Over its 40+ year history, it has evolved into New England’s premier sports card and memorabilia convention, regularly attracting thousands of attendees and hundreds of vendors. The economic impact of the show brings in over $1 million to the Cape Cod economy every year through visitor spending. It is a testament to how deeply ingrained the baseball card hobby has become on the Cape.

Beyond just the big annual show, Cape Cod continues to support the pastime through its shops, online groups, and collector community events year-round. Places like Sports Port in Hyannis and the Card Attic in Harwich Port are stalwart brick-and-mortar destinations for locals. Meanwhile, digital groups on Facebook have thousands of Cape Cod-based members actively buying, selling, and trading cards online. Charity card shows, memorabilia auctions, and card release parties are other ways the region celebrates baseball memorabilia culture.

The natural beauty and laidback atmosphere of Cape Cod have also proven a perfect muse for baseball card photography. Many iconic card images have been shot in the dunes, beaches, and quaint towns that dot the peninsula. From Babe Ruth swinging at Sandy Neck to Ted Williams posing in front of the Chatham Lighthouse, the unique Cape Cod scenery has provided a memorable backdrop on trading cards through the decades. Today, annual photo shoots are held to capture current Red Sox stars amid the Cape landscape for inclusion in new sets.

As the baseball card industry evolved in the internet age, Cape retailers adapted by embracing online sales in addition to storefront business. Websites run by Cape shops now ship cards globally. Meanwhile, the region’s large collector community remains deeply active in online trading forums, often arranging local meets to complete deals. All of it contributes to keeping the Cape Cod area at the forefront of the baseball memorabilia world well into the 21st century.

From its earliest days as a summer vacation hotspot, Cape Cod has played a pivotal role in the development of baseball’s vibrant card collecting culture. Through decades of kids swapping on the shore, the rise of shops and shows, and the ongoing support of its passionate collector base – the Cape continues upholding its tradition as a year-round mecca of the baseball card world. Its nature, history, and community all combine to ensure that the relationship between Cape Cod and America’s favorite pastime in cardboard will remain strong for generations to come.

RANDY JOHNSON BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE

Leave a reply

Randy Johnson is considered one of the greatest left-handed pitchers of all time and his baseball cards are highly sought after by collectors. Nicknamed “The Big Unit” due to his imposing 6’10” height, Johnson had a career that spanned from 1988-2009 where he established himself as one of the most dominant pitchers in Major League history. He amassed over 4,800 strikeouts which is second all-time, won the Cy Young award 5 times between 1995-2002, and helped lead the Arizona Diamondbacks to a World Series title in 2001 where he was named Series MVP. With such an illustrious career and statistics that rank among the best ever, it’s no surprise that Randy Johnson baseball cards still hold value for collectors both casual and serious.

While Johnson made his MLB debut in 1988 with the Montreal Expos, many of his earliest cards from the late 80s and early 90s are not very valuable since he had not yet established himself as a star. Some of his more affordable rookie and early career card options that can still be found for under $20 include his 1988 Donruss RC, 1989 Topps RC, and 1990 Topps. Collectors will want to target cards from the mid-90s onward when Johnson began dominating batters and cementing his Hall of Fame credentials.

Two of his most coveted and expensive cards come from his dominant 1995 season when he led the American League with a microscopic 1.89 ERA and 316 strikeouts, winning the first of his 5 Cy Young awards. His 1995 Finest Refractor parallel card, which features refractory technology making the image shimmer, regularly sells for well over $100 in gem mint condition. Another spectacular 1995 card is the Ultra Diamond Kings parallel, which was limited to only 15 copies produced. One of these ultra-rare parallels was sold for over $2,000 on eBay in 2018.

Collectors should also focus on cards from Johnson’s 2002 season when he tied the single season strikeout record with 372 punchouts split between the Diamondbacks and Astros. Some top cards include his 2000 Bowman Chrome Refractors and 2001 Topps Traded paper parallels. While not quite as scarce as the 1995 Ultra parallel, the refractors and parallels still command three figure prices for high grades.

One of the best finite subset cards featuring Johnson is the 2001 Playoff Prestige collection, which captured photos from the 2001 World Series where Johnson led Arizona to the Championship. Numbered to only 125 copies, graded mint condition versions regularly sell in the $500 range. Another spectacular card showcasing Johnson’s dominance is the 2002 TOPPS Gallery Artists Proof sketch card, featuring an illustrated drawing of “The Big Unit” by series artist Darren Rigo. With an edition size under 100, 2002 TOPPS Gallery sketch cards fetch over $1,000.

While his early career cards are more budget friendly for beginners, serious Randy Johnson collectors may focus on chasing scarce parallels and serially numbered inserts from the peak of his Hall of Fame run in the late 90s and early 2000s. This includes numerous parallel variations in sets like Finest, Bowman Chrome, Elite, and Upper Deck that were produced in much lower print runs. Even base rookies and common inserts from his dominant years with Seattle, Houston, and Arizona carry significant value grading a strong Gem Mint 10.

For example, a 1997 Topps Gold Label Refractor parallel numbered to 50 copies was auctioned on eBay for over $3,000 in 2018. Likewise, a 2003 SP Authentic Minors Materials Patch Card serial numbered to just 15 copies exceeded $2,500. Collectors would be wise to target prestigious low-numbered parallel and patch card inserts capturing Johnson’s brilliance if wanting top-of-the-line specimens for a serious collection. While demanding big money, scarce Randy Johnson parallels representing the height of his powers remain a worthwhile long-term investment for the top-tier baseball card investor.

In summary, Randy Johnson’s awe-inspiring pitching resume and statistics make his baseball cards a must-have for any collector looking to build a collection featuring one of the best left-handed hurlers in history. While some early cards can be found quite reasonably, high-end specimens from his dominant seasons in the 90s and early 2000s with sustained Mint grades will retain and increase value over time. Collectors seeking a true Holy Grail should watch for scarce bonus material cards and low-numbered parallels to surface. Overall, Randy Johnson cardboard remains a worthwhile collectible investment area for those patient enough to hunt down and secure his scarcest and most visually striking cards representing the peak of his Hall of Fame career.

1987 LEAF BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

Leave a reply

The 1987 Leaf Baseball card set is highly sought after by collectors due to its scarce print run and inclusion of major stars from the 1980s. With cards numbering only 198 total, including variations, finding high quality versions of the top rookie and star players from this set can be a challenge. Mint condition copies of the right cards can be worth thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars to dedicated collectors.

Perhaps the single most valuable card from the 1987 Leaf set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of if not the best rookie card of all time, the Griffey Jr. captured his electrifying talent and superstar potential perfectly in his rookie season. With a photogenic smiling face and smooth left-handed swing depicted on the front, there is no doubt why this card draws such high prices. In near mint to mint condition, a 1987 Griffey Jr. Leaf rookie in a respected independent grading service holder like PSA or Beckett can fetch $10,000 or more. Perfect gem mint 10 versions have been known to sell for over $50,000 at major card shows and auctions.

Another exceptionally valuable 1987 Leaf card is the Frank Thomas rookie. Like Griffey, Thomas’s future Hall of Fame prowess was evident from the get-go in his rookie campaign with the Chicago White Sox. With his towering physique and effortless left-handed power, “The Big Hurt” quickly became a fan favorite on the South Side. High grade Thomas rookies often trade hands for $3,000-$6,000 or more depending on condition. The scarcity and Thomas’s enduring popularity with collectors ensures his 1987 Leaf RC remains a blue chip investment piece over thirty years later.

A third rookie card that consistently fetches big money from collectors is that of Tom Glavine from the 1987 Leaf set. Glavine went on to accomplish virtually every statistical milestone imaginable in his illustrious career, one that saw him rack up 305 wins and two Cy Young awards primarily with the Atlanta Braves. Among the premier left-handed pitchers of his generation, Glavine’s placid on-card demeanor hints at the competitive fire within. Graded mint 9 copies can sell for $2,000 or more, with rare pristine 10’s commanding over $5,000 on the open market.

In addition to coveted rookie cards, the 1987 Leaf set contains several other highly valuable star cards due to the players’ legendary careers and the rarity of finding high grade copies today. Perhaps the most iconic of these is the Ozzie Smith card, featuring “The Wizard” in his trademark backbend pose, giving collectors a glimpse of his otherworldly defensive skills at shortstop. High grade Ozzie Smiths consistently put up big auction prices, with a PSA 9 recently selling for over $1,200. Another defensive maestro, Kirby Puckett, delivers a powerful swing on his 1987 Leaf card that exemplifies his winning approach at the plate as well. Pristine Puckett gems have crossed the $2,500 mark.

Pitching greats also fetch top dollar from collectors. Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan, still in his prime with the Houston Astros at age 40, mows down hapless batters with his blazing fastball on his iconic 1987 Leaf issue. Top grades of this card often command well over $1,000. Meanwhile, the card of another legendary flamethrower, Roger Clemens, has also gained steady value with collectors. Depicting “Rocket” in mid-windup for the then-World Champion Red Sox, high grade Clemens can elicit auction bids up north of $800.

Beyond the biggest stars, there are also several other key 1987 Leaf cards that hold significant collector value. San Diego Padres fan favorite Tony Gwynn, in the early stages of his hit parade, can approach $500 for pristine copies. Atlanta’s terrific tandem of Ron Gant and David Justice, early in their powerful careers, have also proven to be smart long term collects. Graded examples regularly sell for $150-$300 depending on the player grades. And for Expos fans, there is the flashy Tim Raines card, showing him in the midst of a steal attempt with his electrifying speed, graded gems of which have topped $400 at auction.

While not the largest set around, the 1987 Leaf Baseball issue managed to capture images of some of the most significant players from the late 80s era all in one tidy package. Finding high grade copies of the superstar rookies like Griffey, Thomas, and Glavine as well as the legends like Ryan, Smith, and Puckett make this one of the single most valuable vintage sets around. With its small print run and timeless subjects, the 1987 Leaf cards represent both a worthwhile sports collectible investment and a portal back to a special time in baseball history thirty years ago. With values likely to keep rising for its most desirable pieces, this set remains an exciting one for savvy vintage card traders and investors to consider adding to their collections.

BASEBALL CARDS CARTOON

Leave a reply

The history of baseball cards is inextricably linked to the growth of the sport itself in the late 19th century. As baseball became increasingly popular following the Civil War, card manufacturers sought creative ways to capitalize on fans’ passion and collectibles became a big part of that. Among the earliest baseball cards were trade cards issued by tobacco companies as incentives to buy their products. These cards featured static images of players and basic stats but did little to capture the action and drama of America’s pastime.

That all changed in the early 1900s as cartoons started appearing on baseball cards. Pioneering card companies like American Tobacco, Erapha, and Allen & Ginter led the way by hiring talented cartoonists to bring more visual storytelling to the static images that had previously dominated cards. This proved hugely popular with young collectors. By incorporating cartoons, cards could now depict key moments from big games, showcase a player’s signature skills or pitching motions, and generally make the players seem more lively and exciting.

One of the earliest cartoon baseball cards was the 1909 Erapha card of Honus Wagner. It featured a simple but energetic cartoon of the Pirates’ shortstop leaping high in the air for a catch. This helped cement Wagner as one of the game’s great defensive stars at a time when fielding skills weren’t always emphasized on cards. Other early cartoon standouts included the American Tobacco cards of Nap Lajoie from 1910 and Eddie Collins from 1911, both of which captured the speed and agility of the star second basemen through animated drawings.

Cartoons really took off on baseball cards in the teens, with companies experimenting with different styles. Allen & Ginter pioneered action scenes showing multiple players interacting, like their 1916 card picturing the great battery of Walter Johnson hurling a pitch as catcher Eddie Ainsmith receives it. Cartoonist Dick “Dik” Brown became renowned for his animated Erapha cards in the late 1910s, bringing even more dynamism to depictions of sluggers like Babe Ruth. By this time, cartoons were a standard part of set design on most premium baseball cards.

The 1920s saw cartoon styles evolve further. Cartoonist C.W. Scott had a long, influential run at Fleer bringing slapstick humor to cards depicting player antics both on and off the field. Over at American Caramel, artist Ike Blitz specialized in more realistic action scenes bursting with detail, like his iconic 1926 card of Ty Cobb sliding into third base. In the late 1920s, cartoons also started appearing on the lower-grade tobacco cards as companies like Goudey and National Chicle entered the baseball card market.

As the Great Depression took hold, cartoon scenes grew even more elaborate on premium cards sets from makers like Diamond Stars and Play Ball Cigarettes. Lavish multi-plane illustrations brought to life pivotal moments from the previous season. But the bubble would burst by the mid-1930s as card inserts disappeared from tobacco products due to new regulations. This sent the industry into hibernation for several years with few new baseball cards produced.

When production resumed after World War II, cartoons never fully returned to the same prominent role they had held in the early decades. The 1950s saw a focus on cleaner photographic images over illustrations due to parents’ concerns about promoting smoking to kids. But cartoonists like Dick “Sparky” Sparks at Bowman did continue the tradition on a smaller scale into the 1950s with their animated action scenes. As the decades went on, cartoons became more of a novelty inclusion than standard design element.

Topps led a baseball card boom in the post-war years and included occasional cartoon highlights in their flagship sets into the 1960s before phasing them out. But the artistic tradition was kept alive by smaller regional sets like those produced by Fleer and Leaf in the 1970s and 1980s featuring one-off cartoon cards. In today’s modern era of mass-produced inserts, cartoon cards have made a comeback as rare chase cards among premium retro-style sets from manufacturers like Topps, Upper Deck and Panini.

In over a century since the earliest tobacco era cards, cartooning helped take baseball cards from static promotional images to vibrant collectibles that brought the game directly onto the cardboard. The animated illustrations transported young fans directly to the ballpark, making players seem larger than life and capturing the sights, sounds and drama of America’s pastime in a wholly unique visual medium. While photography may now dominate card design, the legacy of baseball card cartoons lives on as a cherished part of the hobby’s rich history.

1965 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

Leave a reply

The 1965 Topps baseball card set marked a pivotal time in the baseball card collecting hobby. Produced during the decade that saw the popularity of baseball card collecting explode, the 1965 Topps set featured many of the all-time great players from the 1960s. As a result, several high value rookie cards and rare variants make the 1965 Topps set highly sought after by collectors today.

Leading the way in value from the 1965 Topps set is the rookie card of future Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax, the legendary Los Angeles Dodgers left-handed pitcher. In pristine gem mint condition, Koufax’s ’65 Topps rookie now sells for upwards of $15,000. What makes the Koufax rookie particularly scarce is that his iconic black and white photo was replaced by a color action shot midway through the primary series printing. The rare original photo black and white version is even more valuable.

Another 1960s superstar with an extremely valuable rookie in the 1965 set is Roberto Clemente. The legendary right fielder of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Clemente’s career was tragically cut short when he died in a plane crash on New Year’s Eve 1972 while attempting to deliver aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. Clemente was an 15-time All-Star, 12-time Gold Glove winner, and the 1966 National League MVP. High graded examples of his glossy ’65 Topps rookie in a PSA 10 Gem Mint slab have sold for over $10,000.

Among the other most expensive cards from the 1965 Topps baseball set are the rookie cards of Hall of Fame pitchers Jim Palmer and Bill Singer. Palmer’s Orioles rookie is considered the key card from one of the most iconic sets in the entire hobby. High quality PSA 10 examples have reached upwards of $8,000. Singer’s Dodgers rookie is valued just slightly less due to his career being overshadowed by contemporaries like Koufax and Palmer. PSA 10 condition Singer rookies sell in the $6,000 range.

While rookie cards headline the value from the 1965 Topps baseball set, there are also several scarce and condition sensitive veteran cards that command high prices. One of the most notable is the Mickey Mantle card. As one of the most collectible players of all-time, any card featuring the “Commerce Comet” demands premium value from collectors. Mantle’s second year card from the ’65 set, with its iconic color photo of him swinging, looks even better in high grade and has sold for close to $5,000 in PSA 10 Gem Mint condition.

Another scarce Yankee and cornerstone of many collections is the Reggie Jackson ’65 Topps card. Jackson was just beginning his career in 1965 with the Athletics and his first major league card holds value due to its rarity in top condition. Pristine PSA 10 examples in classic Jackson batting pose routinely sell for $4,000 or more at auction. For other star veterans of the era, hall of famers like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and Warren Spahn also command $2,000-3,000 for their glistening ’65 Topps cards in top grade.

In addition to prized rookie cards and scarce veterans, variations and anomalies from the 1965 Topps baseball card production process can also spike a card’s value substantially. One of the rarest variants is the “Tommy Davis Ink Error” card, featuring Dodger All-Star first baseman Tommy Davis. A small number of Davis cards were accidentally printed without any player information on the front, leaving only a blank white space where his name and other stats should be. Graded examples in top condition have topped $6,000 at auction due to the curiosity and mystique surrounding these factory mistakes.

Another oddity variation that fascinates collectors is the “Wrong Back” error cards. A handful of cards in the 1965 Topps set were issued with the completely wrong player statistics and information on the back despite having the correct front design and photo. These anomalies offer a peculiar glimpse into Topps’ quality control process during printing. Top condition examples with the rare mismatched fronts and backs have reached up to $4,000.

Beyond star rookies, short prints, and anomalies – the overall presentation and condition of a 1965 Topps card is paramount to its value. Like most highly collectible vintage sets, high grades secured through professional third party authentication and grading significantly boost demand in the competitive market. While raw near-mint or better condition examples of the above highlighted premium cards still carry four figure values, pristine mint specimens secured safely in a holder graded Gem Mint 10 by industry leaders like PSA or BGS consistently bring the highest prices.

The 1965 Topps baseball set holds an iconic place in the rich history of the baseball card collecting hobby. Featuring legendary players like Koufax, Clemente, Mantle, and more – cards from this set will always be featured prominently in collections. With so many scarce and condition sensitive key rookie and veteran issues, along with fascinating manufacturing variations, it’s clear why the 1965 Topps set continues to captivate collectors decades after production and proves to be one of the most valuable vintage sets in the marketplace today.