WHEN WERE BASEBALL CARDS FIRST MADE

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The earliest known baseball cards date back to the late 19th century during the late 1860s and 1870s. Some of the earliest documented baseball cards were issued during this period by tobacco companies as promotional materials included in cigar and cigarette packs. These early baseball cards were not nearly as sophisticated or widespread as the mass-produced baseball cards that later became popular collectibles.

The first true set of modern baseball cards that could be considered the origin of baseball card collecting was released in 1869 by the American Card Company. This set included 29 different cards featuring individual lithographic print portraits of baseball players from that era. Each card featured a portrait photo or illustration of a player from the 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings, which was the first fully professional baseball team. This 1869 set helped popularize baseball and gave collectors their first opportunity to showcase and trade individual baseball player cards.

In the 1880s, several tobacco companies began including small pieces of card stock featuring baseball players in their tobacco products as promotional materials and premiums. Brands like Faro Cigarettes, Sweet Caporal Cigarettes, and Allen & Ginter included these rudimentary baseball cards in their cigars and cigarettes. Between 1886-1887, Allen & Ginter released their most notable early tobacco era baseball card sets featuring individual cards of over 100 different players. These sets helped make baseball card collecting a mainstream hobby.

The 1890s are considered the true beginning of modern baseball card production and mass popularity. In 1887, the American Tobacco Company acquired Allen & Ginter and began mass producing baseball cards as premiums inserted in their most well-known brands like Old Judge Tobacco and Sweet Caporal Cigarettes. Between 1891-1892, they issued their most iconic early tobacco era baseball card set featuring cards of over 400 different players, managers, and teams. Production ramped up in the 1890s as tobacco manufacturers flooded the market with baseball cards to drive new customers.

Collectors devoured these early 1890s tobacco era baseball cards featuring colorful illustrated lithographic portraits of their favorite players from teams like the Boston Beaneaters, Baltimore Orioles, and New York Giants. Trading and discussing players became a popular pastime. By the late 1890s, tobacco cards were inserted in nearly every pack and became a familiar childhood experience for many growing up during the sport’s rise. The tobacco era lasting until the 1910s cemented baseball card collecting as a national craze that captured America’s obsession with the growing game.

In 1909, tobacco advertising and premium cards came under threat of restrictive laws, which led manufacturers to reduce sizes and find new premium options. In 1912, the American Tobacco Company issued what are considered the final great tobacco era baseball card sets before production halted due to the increasing legal pressure and expense. Through the late 1910s and 1920s, baseball card production mostly ceased as the sport transitioned between eras.

Starting in 1933, the Goudey Gum Company launched their pioneering modern gum card era by including baseball cards as premiums with their chewy gum products. The 1933 Goudey baseball card set reinvigorated the market and became one of the most coveted vintage issues due to the iconic Hall of Famers featured like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Jimmie Foxx. Baseball card production continued rising due to their growing popularity as a mass-produced premium in gum, candy, scrapbook, and various kids’ products.

By the late 1930s, several additional competitors joined the market like Play Ball from Fleer and Bowman Gum. As World War 2 shortages hit, card production halted again. But it resumed in a major way in the post-war 1950s as companies boosted output to keep up with the increased demand from the era’s booming interest in cards, fueled by America’s growing focus on family entertainment and pastimes. The explosive growth in the 1950s ushered in the modern golden age of sets which still retains huge nostalgia and demand to this day among collectors.

The rise of the internet age and online collecting community since the 1990s has brought unprecedented interest in all eras of vintage baseball cards from the formative tobacco era through the post-war golden age. While the boom and bust cycles have altered the market, today’s massive collectibles industry owes its origins to those first innovative baseball card releases from the 1860s-1870s that helpedspark a national phenomenonintertwining America’s two great 20th century pastimes – baseball and collecting.

HOW TO TAKE PICTURES OF BASEBALL CARDS

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Taking high-quality photos of your baseball card collection is important if you want to properly showcase and preserve your valuable cards. There are several factors to consider when photographing cards to ensure you capture sharp, well-lit images that accurately represent each card.

The first step is to gather your photographic equipment. You will need a digital camera with a macro or close-up lens setting, as this will allow you to focus on small details from a short distance. A DSLR camera with interchangeable lenses offers the most control and quality, but even a good point-and-shoot camera can work if it has a macro setting. You’ll also need a tripod to keep the camera steady and prevent any camera shake during longer exposures. Bring your camera accessories like extra batteries and memory cards as well.

Make sure to choose a clean, well-lit area for your photography session. Natural lighting near a window is ideal but be aware of sunlight which can cause glare or hotspots. You can also use lighting panels, lamps, or a lightbox to diffuse bright light evenly. Whatever lighting you use, test it first to ensure the cards are illuminated properly without shadows or blown-out highlights. The backdrop is also important – use a neutral solid color like grey or white so the cards properly stand out in photos.

When shooting the cards, carefully position each one on the backdrop so it is straight and properly aligned within the frame. Avoid any glare on plastic surfaces from overhead room lights. Use the macro or close-focus setting on your camera lens to capture sharp details on the surface of the card. Focus accurately by zooming in on the area you want in sharpest focus, like the player’s face. Use your camera’s depth of field to your advantage by stopping down the aperture for increased sharpness front to back.

You’ll want to take multiple photos of each card from various angles to document all details. First, shoot a straight-on photo centered on the front of the card. Then rotate the card gently and shoot photos from each corner and edge to capture details like the statistical information, holograms, embossing, and production codes often found there. Pay close attention to any flaws, markings or imperfections and photograph those areas up close as well.

When setting up each shot, use your camera’s manual mode or one of the semi-automatic priority modes that allows you to control the ISO, aperture, and shutter speed settings. A lower ISO value like 100-200 will minimize digital noise or graininess in the photos. You may need to use a relatively small aperture like f/8 or f/11 to get the entire card in focus from front to back. Shutter speeds will vary depending on the lighting conditions but generally 1/60 or faster will prevent blurry images. You can also experiment with slower shutter speeds if using a tripod.

As you shoot, regularly check the photo previews on your camera’s LCD display to ensure proper focus and exposure. Be prepared to retake any out-of-focus or otherwise unclear shots. And don’t forget to write down notes labeling each photographed card with its identifying information like the player, year, card number etc. This is important for organization later.

When your photo session is complete, transfer the images to your computer to further examine quality and completeness. Use photo editing software to perform any minor touch-ups, adjustments or cropping as needed. But avoid over-processing that could misrepresent card conditions or introduce digital artifacts. Save high-resolution files and make copies to external backup drives to securely store and preserve your important collection digitally for years to come.

By following these detailed steps for proper equipment, lighting, camera settings, composition, and file management – you can capture top-notch images of your baseball cards that will accurately document their conditions while also allowing you to easily share and enjoy your collection online. Let me know if you have any other questions!

DOES WALMART SELL BASEBALL CARDS IN THE STORE

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Yes, Walmart does sell baseball cards in their stores. Baseball cards have been a popular collectible item for decades and Walmart recognizes that there is consumer demand for these products, so they stock them on their retail shelves.

You can typically find baseball cards in the toy section of most Walmart stores. They will have various trading card products from the major card manufacturers like Topps, Panini, and Upper Deck. Common products include base sets, premium sets, memorabilia cards, and special inserts. For the current season, you can expect to find the flagship products like Topps Series 1, Topps Series 2, Topps Chrome, etc. They may also have some retro or commemorative sets highlighting classic players or teams from past years.

In addition to current year products, Walmart usually carries some older baseball card releases too. These repackaged retro sets are a great way for collectors to acquire cards from eras they missed originally. They will stock various “collector’s choice” type repacks pulling cards from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. Sometimes they even have factory sets whole or broken down from decades past still in the original packaging. This is a good option for collectors looking to fill in holes in their collections.

Beyond just packs and boxes of cards, Walmart also stocks many other baseball card related products. They have a supply of magnetic trading card holders, penny sleeves to protect individual cards, toploaders, team/player binders, and card storage boxes. This allows collectors to properly store and organize their growing collections. Walmart also sells memorabilia displays, autographed baseballs, bobbleheads, and other fan merchandise tied to baseball cards.

The stock of baseball cards does vary somewhat depending on the specific Walmart location. Bigger supercenter stores in metro areas tend to have the largest and most diverse selection. Smaller neighborhood market stores may only keep the most popular current products in stock. Inventory levels fluctuate based on release schedules, promotions, and consumer demand. Products will be freshest right around release date but can sell out quickly for hotly anticipated items.

For collectors on a budget, Walmart is generally cheaper than specialty hobby shops or online retailers when purchasing baseball cards. Their large corporate purchasing power allows them to pass significant savings directly to consumers. Multi-packs, boxes and repack sets in particular provide good value for the money at Walmart prices. Avid collectors will still want to occasionally check more niche shops and websites too for exclusive parallels, autographed memorabilia, and higher end vintage cards.

In summary – yes, Walmart does stock a wide range of baseball cards catering to both casual and die-hard collectors. By visiting the toy section of most any Walmart, fans can scan the shelves and find something to bolster their collections or spark a new hobby. With reasonable prices, broad selection, and massive geographic coverage, Walmart ensures baseball card enthusiasts nationwide have a reliable local retail option for stocking up.

WHICH BASEBALL CARDS ARE BEST INVESTMENTS

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One of the most famous and valuable baseball cards that is also considered a great investment is the iconic 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card. Mantle is widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time and his rookie card is the crown jewel of baseball memorabilia collections. In pristine mint condition, examples of the 1952 Mantle rookie have sold for over $2 million, making it out of reach for most investors. Well-preserved high grade copies can still gain great value over time.

For investors working with a more modest budget, post-war rookie cards of other all-time great players can also see tremendous appreciation. The 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie card is a strong choice, as Ryan went on to have one of the most incredible pitching careers ever. Even well-worn copies of this card command thousands. The same goes for the 1974 Topps Mike Schmidt rookie card. Schmidt won 10 Gold Gloves and 3 MVP awards and his rookie has increased sharply in value in recent years. Both are likely to gain even more as their players’ legends grow.

From the pre-war era, the 1909-1911 T206 baseball card set offers outstanding investment opportunities. The “birth year” of the modern baseball card, high-grade examples from this iconic tobacco issue can sell for over $100,000. More affordable but still valuable are star rookies like the 1909 T206 Honus Wagner. Even in poor shape, this rare card often trades hands for five-figures. Top contemporary young stars like the 2018 Topps Update Luis Robert rookie card or the 2016 Bowman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. paper rookie also hold excellent long-term potential as these new greats continue rising.

Pristine, late-1980s rookie cards for Hall of Famers like the 1987 Topps Griffey Jr., Biggio, or Murray are very sound investments graded Mint or better by services like PSA. As these players near or pass Cooperstown, interest rises and so too will their already growing values. The 1991 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. rookie has seen especially strong gains after “The Kid” was inducted into the Hall in 2016. Even worn copies still return a profit after nearly 30 years.

For those with a more substantial budget to spend, complete mint and near-mint vintage sets can be considered blue-chip investments. The 1887-1890 Old Judge cigarette cards, 1909-1911 T206 tobacco issue, and 1956 Topps baseball card set have all shattered auction records in recent times. Well taken care of examples could generate north of 6 figures with several more years of appreciation still anticipated.

While the risks are higher than more established assets, rare game-used memorabilia presents huge potential upside for dedicated collectors. Caps, bats, balls, jerseys and cleats associated with all-time great milestone moments hold value difficult to duplicate elsewhere. But proper authentication is imperative, and condition is critical. For those able to research, discover, and secure true one-of-a-kind pieces with provenance, the returns can be astronomical.

Investing in highly-graded vintage rookie cards of all-time player greats with sustained careers remains an exceptionally solid strategy. Take care to buy the best condition available within means from trusted sources, hold them long-term, and one’s investment will very likely significantly appreciate over decades as those players’ legends continue growing. With patience and due diligence, it is absolutely possible to build incredible wealth by collecting the right baseball cards. Just stay dedicated to quality pieces from proven stars that will remain in demand for generations of new collectors and fans to discover.

HOW TO GET BASEBALL CARDS CERTIFIED

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If you have a valuable baseball card that you want authenticated and verified as genuine, you will need to send it to a professional third-party grading service to have it certified. There are several major companies that offer baseball card grading services, with the top three being PSA, BGS (Beckett Grading Services), and SGC (Sports Card Guaranty).

The certification process involves carefully examining the card to verify there has been no tampering or alterations. Grading services will analyze factors like centering, corners, edges, and surface quality to determine the card’s condition on a numerical scale. Getting a card certified adds credibility when selling or trading the card, as the holder is assured of the card’s authenticity and quality. It also significantly increases the value for highly graded rare or vintage cards.

To submit a card for certification, you will need to register an account with the grading service you choose. Most accept submissions online. You will need to describe the card, select the appropriate service level, and pay the associated fee. Standard turnaround times vary but are usually a few weeks to a few months depending on volume. Faster rush services are available for an additional cost if speed is a priority.

PSA, BGS, and SGC all provide self-addressing shipping mailers and detailed instructions on how to properly prepare and pack your cards to minimize risk of damage during transit. It is essential cards are sent in hard plastic holders to avoid any possibility of bending or surface damage. Photos should be included of any notable flaws, and value is declared in case of loss during shipping.

Once received, the card will undergo a rigorous authentication and grading process. High-definition scans and detailed notes documenting every aspect are recorded. Multiple trained authenticators will carefully examine under high magnification. If any inconsistencies or signs of doctoring are found, the card will be marked “Not Genuine.” For genuine cards, the grading process determines the condition grade based on established standards.

You will be notified by email once the certification is complete and a certificate with the assigned grade will be mailed. Certified graded cards are tamper-evident sealed in a plastic case with the grade clearly displayed. Slabbed cards can easily be verified as authentic by cross-referencing the unique certification number provided on the case. Unslabbed raw cards are also returned along with the certificate if a grade was not assigned or requested.

The certification process adds value by objectively determining a card’s condition and authenticating it. This gives buyers confidence knowing they are getting an untreated, unaltered example. For high-value specimens, the certification greatly increases selling prices by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars above raw ungraded examples. It provides a level of legitimacy and documentation for collectibles that makes the investment well worth it when the right cards are submitted.

HOW MANY BASEBALL CARDS ARE THERE IN THE WORLD

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Counting the exact number of baseball cards in existence worldwide is impossible, as new cards are constantly being produced and older cards trade hands frequently between collectors. We can provide a thoughtful estimate based on factors like annual production numbers, the long history of baseball card collecting, and the broad popularity and commercialization of the hobby.

The mass production of baseball cards on baseball-centric cardboard began in the late 1800s with companies like Allen & Ginter and Old Judge tobacco brands inserting cards as promotional items in their cigarette and tobacco products. Over the next century, dozens of sports card companies entered the market and production boomed. In the modern era from the 1980s onward, the top sports card manufacturer is The Topps Company, which has held the exclusive license to produce cards for Major League Baseball since 1954.

Topps prints and distributes around 700 million baseball cards globally each year across various sets and initiatives. They are not the only company still actively producing baseball cards. Brands like Panini, Leaf, Bowman, Press Pass, and others collectively add hundreds of millions more cards to the annual supply. With production numbers averaging around 1 billion cards a year just from current manufacturers, we can conservatively estimate that at least 15 to 20 billion baseball cards have been professionally created in the past 130+ years.

Of course, not all cards survive in pristine condition. Wear and tear, accidental damage, and the natural process of cards falling out of circulation all diminish the numbers over time. The nature of collecting and desire for nostalgia ensures many cards are carefully sleeved, stored in protective cases, and handed down between generations of fans. Professional grade services also encapsulate rare, unique specimens in plastic to virtually guarantee long-term preservation.

Another important factor is that legions of baseball card collectors, both casual and serious, have accumulated massive stocks over decades of the hobby. Major collections numbering in the millions are not unheard of for the most avid “card hoarders.” Trading and reselling of cards is also a common practice that keeps the vast majority of even common cards in active circulation within the collector base.

Taking all of these realities into consideration – over 130 years of ongoing mass production, the lifelong preservation efforts of collectors, and the tendency of cards to trade hands rather than disappear entirely – a reasonable lower-bound estimate would be that at least 10 billion baseball cards currently exist in private collections and retail stockpiles worldwide. The true number is undoubtedly higher, possibly reaching 30 billion or more cards given the enormous scale and passion of the baseball card collector community globally.

While an exact count is impossible, we can confidently say that the lower boundaries of baseball card quantities worldwide extend into the multiple tens of billions due to a century-and-a-half of manufacturing, passionate collecting and preservation practices, and the continual redistribution of cards among fans and investors. The baseball card remains one of the most thoroughly documented hobbies in the history of memorabilia and collecting.

WHAT IS TIFFANY IN BASEBALL CARDS

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Tiffany is a famous jewelry company known for its high-end luxury goods and craftsmanship. However, Tiffany also has a history in the collectible baseball card market. In the late 19th century, when baseball cards first started being produced and collected, Tiffany began creating some of the earliest and most valuable cards in the industry.

In the 1870s and 1880s, before modern mass-produced baseball cards were common, Tiffany produced sets of cabinet cards featuring star players from that era. Cabinet cards were a type of photograph printed on thick paper or card stock that was popular before lightweight glossy photo paper became widespread. Tiffany would commission famous photographers to take portraits of star players and batters like Cap Anson, Jim O’Rourke, and Buck Ewing. They would then print these portrait photos on high-quality cabinet cards and sell them individually or in sets.

As one of the first companies to recognize the growing interest in collecting photos and information about professional baseball players, Tiffany helped pioneer the sports card collecting hobby in its earliest days. Their cabinet cards featuring prominent players from the National League’s first decade are now among the most valuable and sought-after baseball cards in existence from that era. Only a few sets are known to still exist today in mint condition.

In the 1890s, after color lithography became an affordable printing technique, Tiffany began producing color baseball cards as well. These included early color lithographic portraits similar to the cabinet cards, only smaller and printed as traditional card stock instead of thick photo paper. Tiffany also created some of the first true “star cards” or promotional trading cards inserted into packages of sports equipment and accessories. These color lithographic cards promoted brands like Spalding sporting goods and featured multiple star players. Tiffany cards from this period are key to the origins of modern baseball card sets.

Through the early decades of the 20th century, Tiffany occasionally produced small runs of vintage-style cabinet cards or lithographed cards as commemoratives. They did not become a major baseball card manufacturer. After WWII, the mass-produced topps and bowman cardboard cards had come to dominate the booming postwar sportscard market. Tiffany had helped pioneer the baseball memorabilia and collectibles industry in its infancy but now functioned primarily as a high-end brand outside mainstream sportscard production.

In the 1970s and 80s, as interest in rare vintage cards skyrocketed among adolescent baby boomer collectors and the early “memorabilia investing” trend took shape, Tiffany cards from the 1870s-1890s gained immense popularity and value. Their cabinet cards and early lithographs from baseball’s pioneering National League era became among the most coveted and expensive collectibles. In the modern era, pristine Tiffany cabinet cards from the 19th century routinely sell at auction for well over $100,000. Their rarity, historical significance, and association with a famous luxury brand have cemented Tiffany’s place as producers of some of the holy grails of early baseball memorabilia collecting.

While Tiffany themselves did not have a major sustained presence in the sportscard industry long-term, their productions in the earliest formative period were hugely influential. They helped drive public interest in collecting baseball players’ identities and performances and cultivated the connection between sportscards, fandom, and nostalgia that today’s billion dollar memorabilia industry is built upon. For serious vintage collectors, a Tiffany cabinet card or litho remains one of the most prized possessions attainable, a true jewel of athletic history and an icon of an American pastime.

ARE 1988 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH ANYTHING

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The 1988 Topps baseball card set is a fairly common vintage set that was released during the heyday of the baseball card boom of the late 1980s. While not the most valuable vintage set, 1988 Topps cards can still hold value for collectors depending on the player, condition of the card, and card variations. To determine if 1988 Topps cards are worth anything, it’s important to examine factors like supply and demand in the current market as well as the individual players and specific cards within the set.

The 1988 Topps baseball set contains 792 total cards, including 762 base cards, 30 traded cards, and Hall of Fame tributes. It was one of the later major releases during the peak speculation years of the 1980s card bubble before the market crashed. As such, there was huge production quantities with runs in the hundreds of millions of packs produced. This massive printing led to 1988 Topps having one of the largest collectible supplies remaining today of any vintage set from that era. While huge quantities were produced and opened in the 1980s, there are still millions of these cards left in collections, unopened wax packs, and loose in dollar bins. The sheer quantity available keeps the overall set value relatively low.

Just because it’s a very common set doesn’t mean 1988 Topps cards have zero value. Like most sports cards, it’s the star players and rare variations that have maintained or increased in worth due to strong ongoing demand. Some specific high value 1988 Topps cards to look out for include the rookie cards of Tom Glavine (PT 109), Gregg Olson (PT 86), and Ozzie Guillen (PT 438). Even in low grades these can sell for $20-150 depending on the player and exact card condition. Hall of Fame players like Mike Schmidt (PT 461), Wade Boggs (PT 407), and Rickey Henderson (PT 103) that had multiple great seasons in the late 80s can also fetch $5-30 each for common base cards.

Rookies of even bigger future stars like Frank Thomas (PT 500) and Barry Larkin (PT 303) have seen steady increases since being inducted into Cooperstown. Higher end PSA/BGS graded copies of these rookies in Mint or Gem Mint condition can sell in the $100-600 range. Aside from rookies, short prints and error variations have held steady collector demand. Popular short prints like Jose Canseco (PT 77) and Dennis Eckersley (PT 183) typically sell in the $15-50 range. One of the more significant errors is the miscut Darren Daulton card (PT 617) that is missing parts of the photo. Higher grade copies have brought over $100 due to the card’s scarcity.

Overall condition is critical in determining a 1988 Topps card’s potential value. As with most older sets, the vast majority remaining are well-worn from three decades of handling. Locating cards in top-rated Mint or near-Mint condition has become increasingly difficult and drives up prices accordingly. Even base cards of bigger names have sold for $5-20 each in MSGA grades of 8-9. On the other hand, heavily played copies in Poor-Fair condition are practically worthless outside of a few key stars and have little secondary market demand. It’s these lower graded common cards that still flood the dollar bins and online bulk lots.

When considering selling 1988 Topps cards, there are a few approaches collectors may take depending on the individual cards and their specific markets. Common base cards in average circulated condition are best sold as large complete or partial set lots on eBay for $20-100 total rather than trying to sell each card individually. Smaller 15-50 card lots themed around a single team or player can also find buyers in the $10-50 range. Top rookies, stars, and coveted variations have the strongest individual secondary markets and are worthy of selling card by card to maximize returns. Overall demand and prices tend to rise marginally each year as the set gains further nostalgic appeal from children of the 1980s entering their peak collecting years.

While 1988 Topps baseball cards as a complete set hold fairly low overall value due to massive original production, there are still potentially valuable cards worth researching within the set. Top rookie cards, stars, and short prints maintain collector interest and can sell from $5-600 based on player, condition, and specific card variation. With patience, set builders may earn a $20-100 profit selling off large common lots. But for most circulation-grade 1988 Topps, they remain moderately valuable collectibles worth no more than a few dollars each outside of key shortage areas. For casual collectors, it’s an affordable vintage set to assemble for nostalgia without huge monetary investment compared to scarcer earlier issues. With time, even broader portions of the 1988 Topps run may rise further in price recognition and appreciation.

WHERE TO SELL MY BASEBALL CARDS ONLINE

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eBay is likely the largest and most well-known marketplace for buying and selling sports cards online. Some key points about selling on eBay:

eBay allows you to list individual cards or entire card collections. You can sell common cards for just a few dollars or rare valuable cards for hundreds or thousands.

When listing cards on eBay, it’s important to take high quality photos, thoroughly describe the card condition and grade if applicable, and be upfront about any flaws. Honestly disclosing details helps buyers feel confident and may attract more interested bidders.

eBay collects a final value fee from the seller, which is usually around 10% of the final sale price plus a 30 cent per order listing fee. So be sure to factor these fees into your minimum price.

As the largest online marketplace, eBay offers the biggest potential buyer base. But also means more competition from other sellers. Make sure to properly research recently sold prices to set a competitive list price.

For valuable rare cards, using eBay’s authenticity guarantee program provides buyers additional confidence and may attract higher bids. You’ll pay a fee but eBay handles authenticating the item.

Be responsive to questions from potential buyers. Most issues can be avoided with clear communication. Having positive seller feedback is important on eBay.

Another popular option for sports card collectors is the peer-to-peer marketplace app called COMC, which stands for Cardboard Connection. Here are some key things to know about selling on COMC:

COMC allows you to send your entire card collection to them for consignment scanning and listing. They photograph and list each individual card online.

Unlike eBay where you set the price, COMC uses recent market sales data to price each card automatically based on condition, player, year, etc. You agree to accept whatever price a buyer pays.

Selling on COMC avoids the time commitment of listing individual cards on eBay. But generally will yield slightly lower sale prices since COMC takes a percentage cut rather than fixed fees like eBay.

COMC charges 9% of the sale price plus $0.49 per card for basic consignment service. Upgrading to higher price point tiers lowers the percentage taken but increases the per card fee.

COMC has become one of the largest online sports card marketplaces and is very well known within the hobby. Large database of active buyers.

Downside is you have to ship your entire collection to COMC rather than selling individual cards yourself directly from home on eBay. Also less control over pricing and photos.

Another good marketplace option, especially for very high end and rare cards, is PWCC Auctions. Some key points about PWCC:

PWCC specializes in high value vintage cards, autographs and game used memorabilia with a minimum suggested consignment value of $1,000.

After consigning your items, PWCC handles photography, copy writing, promotion and running both traditional timed online auctions as well as live in-person auctions.

Since the focus is on rare six and seven figure cards, PWCC has developed an internationally recognized buyer base of serious collectors and investors.

Major downside is they only take on a limited number of monthly consignments and charge an industry high 22.5% commission plus applicable buyer fees on the hammer price. Only makes sense for truly rare expensive items.

PWCC provides the expertise and marketing to achieve maximum prices. But the high commission means it only pays off if your card or collection can reasonably sell well above other mainstream market options like eBay once fees are considered.

EBay typically makes the most sense for commonly found and lower end cards thanks to competitive fees and large buyer pool. COMC provides an easy consignment solution for entire collections. And PWCC auctions are best suited to six and seven figure vintage rarities. Properly researching each platform is important to decide which will offer the best overall net return. With some experience, education, and effort sellers have many good options to choose from.

WHAT HAPPENED TO SCORE BASEBALL CARDS

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Score was a brand of baseball cards produced by the Score Board Company beginning in 1951. They were the top competitor to Topps for many years as the two companies battled for dominance in the baseball card market throughout the 1950s and 1960s. By the early 1970s Score’s baseball card production was coming to an end as the company faced increasing challenges.

When Score first entered the baseball card market in 1951, they brought useful innovations like the inclusion of player statistics on the cards. This was a new development that made their cards more appealing to collector interests beyond just young kids. In their early years Score was also able to sign deals to use the likenesses of famous players like Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays, helping them compete with established brand Topps.

Through the 1950s Score was generally considered the “number two” brand behind Topps as the two companies split the baseball card production market. The 1960s would see Score face new competitive pressures. First, licensing regulations were established in 1961 that required companies to obtain individual player and league licenses to use names and likenesses on cards. This increased costs for all manufacturers.

Then in 1965, Topps outmaneuvered Score by signing exclusive multi-year deals with both major leagues that locked Score out of using team logos and league trademarks on cards. This was a major competitive blow, as Score cards from 1966 onward had generic team names rather than the real ones. With Topps dominating licensing, Score’s appeal and sales began declining steadily during the mid-1960s.

At the same time, Score faced rising costs to obtain individual player and league licenses each year instead of longer term deals. On top of this, the 1969 decision in a Milwaukee Braves case established players had rights to control use of their own images and stats, not just the leagues. This increased licensing costs further. Between competition from Topps and growing financial pressures, Score’s profitability was decreasing dramatically.

The decline continued through the early 1970s. Then in 1972, Score made the decision to stop producing baseball cards entirely and focus on other sports where they did not face the same dominance from Topps. That year’s Score issue would be their last involving baseball. Without access to league/team names or coveted rookie cards of future stars due to Topps’ exclusive deals, Score had little ability to effectively compete.

While Score would go on to produce cards for other sports through the 1970s, their abandonment of baseball cards in 1972 marked a major shift. It ended over two decades of their competition with Topps for dominance in the baseball card market. Score’s decision represented how escalating licensing costs due to new regulations, along with Topps’ exclusionary tactics, had created a non-competitive business situation driving Score from the baseball card segment.

With Score departing, Topps became the clear market leader in baseball cards and has maintained that position ever since through smart license management and new product offerings. Meanwhile, Score moved on to other sports but was never again able to recapture its past competitiveness against Topps in their original field of baseball cards. Their withdrawal paved the way for Topps to solidify as the premier brand in what remains a lucrative industry decades later, all stemming from regulatory changes and business practices in the late 1960s and early 1970s that marginalized Score.

Rising production costs from evolved player licensing requirements, exclusionary deals signed by Topps locking out usage of teams/leagues, and an inability to compete on equal footing with Topps due to these competitive pressures combined to force Score’s exit from the baseball card market in 1972 after over 20 years. It marked a major transition towards Topps’ long-standing dominance as the premier name in baseball cards.