ARE POKEMON CARDS WORTH MORE THAN BASEBALL CARDS

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When comparing the value of Pokemon cards to baseball cards, there are several factors that determine the relative worth of cards from each collectible hobby. Both industries see cards rise and fall in value based on factors like rarity, condition, player/Pokemon popularity, and market supply and demand. There are some key differences that have led to Pokemon cards currently commanding higher average values.

In terms of rarity, the strongest argument can be made that high-end Pokemon cards are worth significantly more than comparable baseball cards. This is because Pokemon card sets from the original Base Set through Neo Destiny featured far rarer “Chase cards” like illustrations of the star Pokemon and secret rares that were almost impossible to pull from packs. Examples include the Base Set 1st Edition Charizard, which has sold for over $100,000 in mint condition. No comparable baseball rookie card reaches such astronomical prices in high grades.

Another factor is player/character popularity. Iconic Pokemon like Charizard, Pikachu and Mewtwo have maintained a devoted global fandom for over 25 years now. Their depictions on vintage cards command premiums due to enduring interest. Even the most legendary baseball stars from decades past have seentheir cardboard collectibles fall out of the public eye over generations. Nostalgia plays a bigger ongoing role in propping up Pokemon’s appeal.

Condition is also a major pricing determinant. Because Pokemon cards are relatively recent, high grade specimens often remain in pristine condition protected in cases. But baseball’s earliest stars from the 1800s onward have cards that are unbelievably rare to find in anything better than poor shape due to sheer age. Thus, Gems and higher condition baseballs remain six and even seven figure achievements.

As for total production numbers, the early years of Pokemon card publishing featured much smaller print runs focused on international release. Base Set for example had a run estimated at just over 100 million packs. In contrast, some of the biggest baseball brands like Topps have regularly pumped out over 1 billion cards annually since the post-war boom of the 1950s onward. So rarer early Pokemon specimens stay uniquely scarce compared to typical baseball parallels.

There are some factors where baseball holds advantages. Established star athletes have longer proven career stats lines than a single generation of video games. This provides baseball cards, especially of the all-time greats, an argument of tangible merit or attainment beyond a character design. Baseball as a sport and TCG has achieved a far broader multi-generational following in North America than Pokemon has domestically long-term. So its collectibles maintain interest among an enormous built-in home fanbase.

When analyzing average secondary market prices today across all grades, it’s fair to say that vintage Pokemon cards bring significantly higher values than equal-vintage baseball cards in many eras, driven largely by the immense rarity of high-end specimens and undiminished global popularity of the brand and characters. Base Set Holo Pokemon can sell for thousands in good condition while comparable baseball rookies struggle to break $100. The absolute ceiling remains higher in the billions for select iconic baseball cards due to their scarcity, condition challenges, and revered positions in American sports history. High-end Pokemon overshadow baseball, but baseball retains fame and deeper collector demand stateside.

While baseball cards hold advantages in terms of sheer collector numbers and cache amongst American sports historians, Pokemon cards currently enjoy higher average values due to their enormaous rarity factors even in low grades and the sustained worldwide fandom passion for the digital monsters after 25+ years. Both industries see ultra-high prices defined by grade, but mint Pokemon specimens like a 1st Edition Charizard rise to iconic status with confirmed auction prices in the six-figure range unmatched in modern baseball outside its most elusive 19th century stars. For the foreseeable future, vintage Pokemon appears positioned to command premiums – though baseball’s heritage ensures its golden-age greats will likely remain the true untouchable trophies of card collecting.

HOW MANY WILD CARDS MAKE BASEBALL PLAYOFFS

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Major League Baseball’s playoff format has included wild card teams since 2012 when they expanded the number of spots in the postseason. Over the years the number of wild card teams has changed, but currently there are two wild card teams from each league that qualify for the MLB playoffs each season.

To understand how the wild card teams fit into the current playoff structure, it’s helpful to first review the overall playoff format. MLB is split into the American League and National League, each with 15 teams. During the regular season from April through September, the teams compete within their league to earn one of three postseason berths. Those three spots are awarded to the division winners from each of the three divisions – East, Central, and West.

Prior to 2012, only the three division winners from each league made the playoffs, regardless of overall record. This meant it was possible for a team to have a better record than a division winner yet miss the postseason entirely. To address this issue and expand the playoffs, baseball added two wild card teams per league beginning in 2012.

With the addition of the wild cards, the total number of playoff teams grew from 6 to 8, with 4 from each league. The wild card round was also introduced as a best-of-five series played between the two wild card teams immediately preceding the division series. This wild card round determines which wild card team advances to then face one of the three division winners in the division series round.

In 2012 and 2013 there were just two wild card teams – one from each league. They played a one-game playoff to determine who would move on to the division series. There was criticism that a team’s entire season could come down to a single game. To address this, MLB expanded the wild card format again for the 2014 season onward.

Beginning in 2014, the playoffs were restructured to include a best-of-five wild card series between the top two wild card teams instead of a one-game playoff. This gave the two wild card clubs a better chance to prove themselves over multiple games rather than risking elimination in a single contest. It also created more excitement and tension with a mini-series prior to the division series round.

Under the current MLB playoff format that has been in place since 2014, each league’s wild card teams are the two clubs with the next best regular season records among teams that did not win their division. Just like the three division winners, the two wild card teams in each league receive an automatic berth in the postseason.

To determine home-field advantage in the wild card series, the wild card team with the superior head-to-head record against the other wildcard club during the regular season gets to host the first two games of the series. If they did not play an even number of home games against each other, then home-field is awarded to the team with the higher winning percentage in intradivision games.

The wild card series is a best-of-five format, so the first club to win three games advances. The winner then moves on to face one of the three division winners in the best-of-five division series round. From there, the league championship series and World Series follow in their standard best-of-seven formats to decide the MLB champion.

In total, Major League Baseball’s current playoff structure consists of 10 teams – two wild card clubs from each league, plus the three division winners. The wild cards give more franchises a shot at playoff baseball andcreates an initial high-stakes showdown between two teams just making it into the postseason. It has led to greater fan interest and more compelling early round matchups since being implemented.

While the number andformat of wild cardshas changedover the years asMLBhas tweaked the playoffsystem, the current setup of two wild cardsteams per league appears to be a successful way to fairlyand excitement reward moredeserving teams beyondjust the three divisionwinners.Baseball’s October tournaments are richer and more dynamic as a resultof including these wild cardentries inthe MLB postseason mix.Going forward,two wild cardclubs from each league is likely toremain a staplepart of baseball’s playoff structure.

WILL 1990 BASEBALL CARDS BE WORTH ANYTHING

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The value of 1990 baseball cards in the coming years is difficult to predict with certainty as there are many factors that influence the collectibility and demand for vintage baseball cards over time. Based on analyzing trends in the hobby and studying how cards from other eras have held up value-wise after 30+ years, here is my assessment of the potential value and collectibility of 1990 baseball cards going forward:

The 1990 baseball card set was produced during the peak of the modern baseball card boom period of the late 1980s-early 1990s when card companies were overproducing cards at a very high rate. Sets from this era like 1990 Donruss, Fleer, Score, and Topps are not considered the most scarce or desirable among collectors today. With massive print runs back then, it’s estimated there are still billions of 1990 cards in existence, which means they face an uphill battle to significantly appreciate from a strictly supply and demand standpoint.

That said, 1990 was an interesting year in baseball. Players like Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, and Dennis Eckersley were just entering their primes and would go on to have Hall of Fame careers. Rosters from 1990 also feature many other stars who were in their playing primes like Wade Boggs, Rickey Henderson, Barry Larkin, and Kirby Puckett. Nostalgia for 1980s/90s baseball styles and aesthetics has grown over the last decade as well. As more kids who watched baseball in that era reach adulthood and rediscover their childhood collections, demand could increase.

Compared to sets preceding the late 1980s boom, 1990 cards don’t possess the same scarce, “pre-error” mystique. However, 30+ years of aging and removal from the marketplace has afforded 1990 cards a sense of nostalgic vintage appeal. Many factors positively influence the value trajectory of vintage cards after three decades or more:

Damage and decay has removed a sizable percentage of cards from pristine, collectible condition over time. This naturally lessens overall supply.

Nostalgia grows stronger the further removed we become from a set’s original production year. 1990 will invoke 1980s childhood memories for a large portion of today’s adult collectors.

Hall of Fame inductees and career achievements over the following decades adds significance and cachet to rookie or early career cards from 1990. Players like Griffey Jr. and Thomas clearly fit this mold.

International demand rises sharply for proven vintage American memorabilia in markets like China, fueling increased collectors and willingness to pay premium prices.

Death of original collectors lessens supply further as their stored away childhood collections are rediscovered and brought back to the marketplace.

While 1990 wasn’t a vintage “milestone” year release like 1952 Topps or 1957 Topps, several other post-boom bubble sportscard years from the early 1990s have achieved respectable thresholds in recent times. 1991 Upper Deck, 1992 Bowman, and 1993 Finest cards have maintained or increased initial values paid during the 1990s boom. Particularly high-end rookie cards or parallels from these sets can sell for thousands today.

The premium, high-value 1990 cardboard will likely center around the best young star rookies and prospects like Griffey Jr. as well as well-known veterans entering the twilight of great careers such as Boggs, Henderson and Eckersley. Autograph and serially numbered parallel cards could demand substantial premiums versus common versions in the years ahead. Complete high-grade sets may also acquire value as fewer survived in pristine condition.

While 1990 cards may never achieve same classic/iconic status as the true “vintage” 1950s-1970s issues, 30+ years of aging and nostalgia could afford them respectable long-term value retention or potential future increases if current collecting and demand trends continue. The best young star rookie cards as well as select veterans seem poised to lead the 1990 set in future value and collectibility over the next 20+ years based on early 1990s trading card history and behavior of comparable vintage basketball, football and hockey cards from the same period. Of course, unpredictable future forces may alter hobby collecting tastes and the baseball card market, so nothing is ever guaranteed – but 1990 appears positioned for decent long-term prospects as a result of time and the cards it captured.

CAN I SELL BASEBALL CARDS

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Selling baseball cards can be a very profitable business, but it does require some knowledge, effort, and proper planning. Here are some things to consider if you are thinking about selling your baseball card collection or getting into the baseball card reselling business.

The first step is to evaluate the value and condition of the cards you want to sell. Baseball cards vary widely in value depending on the player, year of issue, brand (Topps, Fleer, etc.), position (rookie cards are most valuable), and of course the condition or grade of the card. For older or rare cards, you will want to have them professionally graded by companies like PSA, BGS, or SGC. This assigns the card an official grade on a scale of 1-10 based on its centering, corners, edges and surface condition. A higher grade means a card is worth significantly more money. For common newer cards, you can often simply sell them in plastic sleeves or toploaders based on visual inspection of their condition.

When determining value, research recently sold prices for comparable graded cards on platforms like eBay, COMC, or Beckett Marketplace. You can also check price guides like Beckett Baseball Card Monthly to get a ballpark figure, but actual selling prices may differ. Be prepared for some cards to have little to no value depending on player, year, and condition. Sorting your inventory this way helps you create targeted listings based on the expected sale price.

To sell your cards, eBay is generally the largest and most active marketplace. You’ll want to take high quality photos showing the front and back of each card and clearly describe its grade/condition in the listing. Be sure to research eBay’s selling fees (around 13% plus any applicable taxes) so your listing prices factor that in. Other options include direct sales on platforms like COMC which have lower fees but less traffic. Consigning cards to a local card shop is another path that lets the seller avoid fees but the shop will take a cut (often 50%) of the final sale amount.

Shipping cards correctly is crucial to avoid damage in transit. Use penny sleeves to protect the surface, store multiple cards in toploaders or plastic sheets, then surround with bubble wrap or foam peanuts in a rigid mailer. Always package securely based on the true value of the contents. USPS First Class mail is affordable for most orders under a pound, while Priority gives tracking at a higher rate. International orders require extra care and paperwork.

For an ongoing baseball cards business, store your inventory properly in a climate-controlled space like an attic, closet or spare room away from light, humidity and temperature extremes. Continually research the hobby, identify undervalued cards to acquire, learn grading skills to assess condition, and network with local collectors. Consider attending regional card shows and conventions to directly meet buyers. Maintain an online presence with eBay, social media, and your own website for exposure. While labor intensive, running a card business as a profitable side-hustle is very achievable with the right efforts over time.

Selling your baseball cards or starting a reselling operation is a viable option. But you’ll need to seriously evaluate what you have, achieve accurate pricing through research, list and market strategically using established platforms, pack and ship with care, and dedicate continuing effort to expand your knowledge, inventory and customer base for ongoing success long-term. With passion and passion for the hobby combined with smart business practices, selling cards can lead to extra income or develop into a full career in sports collectibles merchandising.

WHAT BASEBALL CARDS IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE

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When it comes to collecting valuable baseball cards, there are a number of rookie cards and iconic cards that can fetch extreme prices at auction. The most expensive baseball cards ever sold all tell unique stories about the players and eras they represent. These supremely rare and historic cards continue to capture the imaginations of collectors and drive up prices to new heights.

One of the most famous and coveted baseball cards is the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card. Produced by the American Tobacco Company between 1909–11, it is widely considered the rarest and most valuable baseball card of all time. Only 50-200 examples are known to exist in various conditions. What makes this card so unique is that Wagner had a reported dislike for tobacco products and asked the American Tobacco Company to stop producing his card. As a result of the sudden halt to its printing run, the Wagner card has survived in far fewer numbers than any other card from the huge T206 series which had over 500 different baseball players.

In pristine mint condition, a Wagner T206 can sell for well over $3 million. The highest price ever paid at public auction was $6.6 million in 2016. Other high-grade examples in excellent condition have also topped $2 million. Even heavily played copies still sell for hundreds of thousands due to their legendary status. The T206 Wagner is truly a holy grail for collectors and its jaw-dropping prices are a testament to just how rare and iconic it remains over 100 years since it was printed.

Another immensely valuable early 20th century card is the Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps rookie card. As one of the greatest players of all time and an American sports icon, Mantle’s rookie card captures him at the beginning of his amazing career for the New York Yankees. Produced as part of the first Topps baseball card set, it has survived in extremely limited numbers, with industry experts estimating less than 100 PSA/SGC Gem Mint 10 examples known. In superior condition with a pristinecentered image, a Mantle ’52 rookie recently sold for $5.2 million, setting a new record for the most expensive post-war baseball card. Other high-grade copies have also sold for well over $1 million. Even well-loved lower graded copies still command six-figure prices.

The Mike Trout 2009 Bowman Draft Superfractor parallel is undoubtedly one of the rarest modern baseball cards ever produced. As Trout’s true rookie card issued before he even made his MLB debut, it captures him at age 17 as a promising prospect for the Los Angeles Angels. What makes this card so exceptionally scarce is that it was inserted at an infinitesimally tiny odds of 1 in 6.7 million packs. This ultra-refractor parallel was coated in a hyper-glittery ink that added an unmatched layer of visual pop. In a flawless mint condition with a perfect 10 grade, one of these Trout supers sold in August 2018 for a staggering $3.9 million, setting al-time record prices for both a modern card and Trout card specifically. Its price tag and visual grandeur cement its status an unattainable card for all but the deepest pocketed collectors.

The 1957 Topps Mickey Mantle is also in the conversation for most lucrative post-war baseball cards. As the first Topps set to feature photos of the players, it captured the Yankees superstar Mickey Mantle in the prime of his career after winning the 1956 AL MVP and World Series. Like the ’52 rookie, surviving examples from the large ’57 Topps print run are exceptionally rare in high grades due to the fragile paper stock used. In 2012, a PSA/SGC 10 mint copy sold for $1.1 million to Michael Jordan, demonstrating its star power. Other pristine specimens have sold in the $800,000 range. Even well-centered examples in lower grades still bring in over $100,000. It represents one of the most affordable opportunities for collectors seeking a high-dollar vintage Mantle card.

For legendary players from the post-war era, few can top the spectacular career stats of the Say Hey Kid himself – Willie Mays. His incredibly rare 1952 Bowman color card captures the emerging superstar in one of the most visually pleasing designs from the vintage period. Only about 50 copies are known to exist in a pristine Gem Mint 10 grade according to leading grading service PSA. One of these flawless examples sold in July 2021 for $5.2 million, making it the highest price paid for a post-war card surpassing the Mantle ’57 Topps record. Clearly Mays’ iconic status and the extreme rarity of high grade ’52 Bowmans has elevated it to the uppermost stratosphere of collectible cardboard. Even average conditioned copies can sell for six-figures showing its lasting appeal.

Sports collectibles experts predict the prices for elite vintage and modern cards will continue their meteoric rise assuming the financial markets and state of the hobby remain strong. Rookies cards chronicling baseball’s new generation of younger superstars like Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr. and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. are considered likely candidates to shatter records down the line if they emerge as future Hall of Famers. And if pristine pre-war specimens like the ultra-elusive T206 Wagner ever change hands, they could push well into the 8-figure territory based on current collectible market trends. The most valuable cards will always be those with the most storied pedigrees capturing our beloved national pastime’s iconic players at their commercial peak. As long as there exists strong worldwide collector demand, these pivotal pieces of sports history seem secure in maintaining their potential to generate astonishing price growth and cement their rightful place among the highest echelons of collectibles.

While values fluctuate based on auction scarcity and condition, some of the most prized baseball cards fetching million-dollar prices include the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner, 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie, 2009 Bowman Mike Trout Superfractor, 1957 Topps Mickey Mantle, and 1952 Bowman Willie Mays. Their legendary subjects, expansive histories, extremely limited surviving populations and quality all contribute to making them highly coveted by the most serious collectors in the worldwide hobby. As long as passion persists for chronicling baseball’s amazing legends, these iconic cards will undoubtedly remain prominent at the summit of the collectibles market.

ARE VINTAGE BASEBALL CARDS WORTH ANYTHING

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The value of vintage baseball cards really depends on several factors, including the player, the year it was printed, the condition of the card, and the demand from collectors. Older baseball cards tend to appreciate in value over time if they are well preserved. Some key points about the value of vintage baseball cards:

The year of the card – As a rule of thumb, the older the card the more valuable it tends to be. Cards from the early 20th century before World War 2 like those from the 1910s and 1920s have the highest potential values since far fewer were printed back then. Flagship rookie cards from the 1950s can also be extremely valuable, especially for all-time great players. Even more common cards from the 1920s-1950s era can fetch thousands depending on condition and player.

The player featured – Without question, the player depicted greatly impacts a card’s worth. Rookie cards of undisputed legends like Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, Ty Cobb are routinely valued over $100,000 even in poor shape. Top stars from each era also command high prices, like Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays cards from the 1950s. Even role players or less famous names can have value to dedicated collectors.

Condition of the card – Just like with antique collecting in other fields, the condition or state of preservation is extremely important when appraising the monetary worth of old baseball cards. Near perfect examples in what is called gem mint (MT-10) condition pull in the most money at auction. But even well-kept cards graded at 7-8 can still gain respectable sums. Heavily worn or damaged specimens have much less financial potential.

Supply and demand forces – If a particular vintage card only had a limited original print run and increasing numbers of collectors desire that player or team, scarcity creates higher prices in the marketplace. Conversely, excess supply can dampen value. Current demand cycles among collectors also impact trading values from one year to the next. During hot periods, even fairly commons issues appreciate noticeably.

Other niche factors – Occasionally other quirks affect a card’s bottom line worth too. Signed or game-used examples command premiums. Errors or oddities in the original production process are intriguing to specialists as well. Sometimes foreign language versions or promotional issues have an irresistible allure for niche collector segments too. And extremely low population population census numbers push investment grade specimens with only 1-2 graded examples across auction block for top dollar amounts.

To summarize these collecting factors – the earlier the card era, the bigger the player depicted, the sharper its state of preservation, and scarcer its availability all positively steer the potential resale value for vintage baseball cards. Even more pedestrian issues that found their way into grandparents’ attics or shoeboxes decades ago can still reap rewards in the collector marketplace depending on all the conditions. Of course, no one can promise a financial return, but informed vintage card investors have seen long-held items appreciate impressively over many lifetimes thanks to the enduring appeal of America’s pastime. So in short – with the right combinations of age, subject, condition, and market forces – yes, vintage baseball cards can absolutely be worth some money for savvy collectors or heirs.

ARE ANY 1990 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS WORTH ANYTHING

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The 1990 Fleer baseball card set is considered one of the more valuable Fleer sets from the late 1980s and early 1990s. While there are no extremely high-value rookie cards in the set that would fetch thousands of dollars, there are several cards that could be worth a decent amount of money depending on the grade and condition of the individual card. Let’s take a look at some of the top cards from the 1990 Fleer set that could hold value:

Ken Griffey Jr. – Griffey’s rookie card from the 1989 Upper Deck set is one of the most valuable modern baseball cards ever printed. While the 1990 Fleer card is not considered his official rookie, it is one of his earliest Fleer cards and among the first mainstream appearances of the talented young star. In near mint to mint condition, Griffey’s 1990 Fleer card could sell for $50-100. Higher graded versions in the PSA 8-10 range could go for $100-300 depending on the market.

Nolan Ryan – Ryan was in the twilight of his legendary career with the Rangers in 1990 but still one of the most popular pitchers in the game. His cards from the late 1980s and early 1990s tend to hold value well due to his iconic status. A mint condition Ryan from the 1990 Fleer set would likely sell in the $30-75 range. Higher graded versions could go up to $100-200.

Rickey Henderson – Like Ryan, Henderson was a sure-fire Hall of Famer and fan favorite by 1990 despite being past his athletic prime. His flashy style of play and record-breaking abilities as a base stealer made his cards desirable. A near mint Henderson could sell for $15-40, with higher grades potentially reaching $50-100.

Roger Clemens – Clemens was emerging as the best pitcher in baseball in 1990 while leading the Red Sox staff. He wouldn’t win his first Cy Young Award until 1986 but collectors recognized his budding greatness early on. A sharply-cornered Clemens could sell for $10-25, potentially reaching $30-75 for a true gem mint copy.

Frank Thomas – “The Big Hurt” was just starting to break out in his first couple seasons on the White Sox. His rookie season was 1991, so the 1990 Fleer card shows one of his early appearances in the majors. A near mint copy may sell for $5-15, with the highest graded PSA/BGS specimens possibly reaching the $20-50 range.

Other potential valuable cards include veterans like Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, and Tony Gwynn who had steady collector followings. Young stars like Barry Bonds, Craig Biggio, and Tom Glavine may hold more value as well due to their future Hall of Fame careers. Lower-print short-prints or errors could also carry premiums above typical card values.

The 1990 Fleer set contains over 700 total cards so most common versions have very little value, usually only $1-3 even in top condition. But for the right high-grade examples of the players profiled above and other key stars, collectors are willing to pay upwards of $10-100 or more depending on the individual card and its state of preservation. For a mainstream early 1990s set, 1990 Fleer offers solid opportunities to potentially find valuable vintage cardboard if one is willing to search through hundreds of boxes in search of true gem mint treasures. The right card could make an discovery well worth the effort.

While no true superstar rookies were debuted in the 1990 Fleer set, several star players from the late 1980s and early 1990s like Griffey, Ryan, Henderson, Clemens and others do command values stretching from $10 up to perhaps $300 dollars or more per card for impeccably well-preserved specimens. For collectors seeking quality examples of great players from that era or to potentially find a future valuable card in near-pristine condition, 1990 Fleer is among the more interesting vintage Fleer releases worth reviewing.

WHAT IS A COMPLETE SET OF 1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and desirable sets from the late 1980s. To have a true complete set, a collector would need to obtain all 792 total cards that were issued by Topps that year. The set featured photos and stats for all 26 Major League Baseball teams from the 1986 season. This includes all players, managers, coaches, and even trivia cards with baseball facts and stats.

The base card set runs from card number 1 to card number 660. These feature individual player cards with photos from the 1986 season in the standard rectangular Topps design of that era. Some of the biggest star players like Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Kirby Puckett, and Ozzie Smith headline the base set. Also included are rookie cards for future Hall of Famers like Tom Glavine, Gregg Maddux, and John Smoltz. Having all 660 cards in mint condition would be a challenge on its own.

In addition to the base set, Topps issuedsubsets with variation card designs. The most notable is the 7-card rainbow foil subset, which featured a different color foil design on each card from #661-#667. These parallel cards of the biggest stars like Mike Schmidt and Rickey Henderson are key chase cards. Another 13-card Traded set from #668-#680 covers players who switched teams in 1986 like Gary Carter and Bob Horner.

There were also 11 Team Leaders subset cards from #681-#691 highlighting the top statistical players at each position for every MLB team in 1986. The Future Stars subset consisted of 15 cards from #692-#706 showcasing rising young talents. And a 24-card Manager/Coaches subset from #707-#730 rounded out the main insert sets.

To truly have a 100% complete 1987 Topps set, there are also several prestigious checklist/factory set variants that are required. This includes the 6-card 12-Cent Factory Set checklist, the 4-card Factory Team Set checklist, a Wax Box Topper card, and a Factory Team Poster card. All of these are exceedingly rare and command high prices on the vintage baseball card market.

The set is wrapped up with 62 pennant-style Regional highlights cards from #731-#792 showing top moments and players for each MLB franchise regionally. The sheer breadth of content and depth of stars featured make 1987 Topps one of the most historically significant and aesthetically pleasing designs ever. Tracking down all 792 individually and in high grade across 3 decades later is the challenge that many collectors still aspire to complete. Having a true 100% 1987 Topps baseball card set in pristine condition would certainly be a massive accomplishment and display piece prized by card aficionados worldwide.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO SHIP BASEBALL CARDS

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The cost to ship baseball cards depends on several factors, including the shipping method, package weight and dimensions, and distance traveled. Generally speaking, baseball cards are lightweight so shipping costs are relatively low, but there are better and more expensive options available depending on how quickly you need the cards to arrive and the level of tracking and insurance desired.

One of the most affordable shipping methods for baseball cards is to send them via First Class Mail through the US Postal Service. An envelope or rigid mailer containing a few cards or a few stacks of cards will usually qualify for First Class rates, which as of 2022 start at around $3-$5 for shipping within the continental US. There is no tracking included and delivery times can vary significantly from a few days to over a week. Insurance is not available either, so this is best for low value collections being sent domestically.

For a step up in tracking ability and slightly faster delivery, you can opt to ship baseball cards via USPS Priority Mail. Priority Mail prices start around $7-$8 for lighter packages and rates increase based on weight and distance. Delivery is generally 2-3 business days within the US. Up to $50 of insurance is automatically included. Priority Mail is a good choice for collections valued over $50 or when needing delivery confirmation for trades.

If needing delivery confirmation and higher insurance limits, FedEx and UPS offer more expensive tracked delivery options for baseball cards. FedEx Ground rates tend to be a bit more economical than UPS Ground for lighter packages under 1 pound traveling domestically. Expect to pay $10-$15 for FedEx or UPS Ground within the US. Delivery is usually 1-5 business days. Insurance limits go up to $100-500 automatically included depending on carrier/service.

Both FedEx and UPS also offer expedited 2-3 day services like FedEx Express Saver and UPS SurePost that provide tracking and insured delivery slightly faster than Ground for a higher price. Baseball card shipments typically cost $15-$25 for 2-day domestic delivery and $20-30 for overnight via these expedited services within the US. International shipping rates to Canada and Mexico are comparable, but shipments to other countries cost significantly more.

The absolute fastest and most traceable way to ship baseball cards is via FedEx or UPS overnight express services which guarantee delivery within 1 business day practically anywhere in the US. These priority overnight options are really only worthwhile for valuable vintage cards being traded privately or auction items since rates range from $25-$50+ domestically depending on weight and distance. Tracking is door-to-door.

Of course, all shipping costs through carriers like USPS, FedEx, and UPS increase substantially for heavier packages containing thousands of cards in boxes or high-end team/player collections valued over $500-$1000. In such cases, it may be worth setting up an account and inquiring about commercial shipping rates. Alternatively, for heavy or very valuable baseball card lots, a professional packing and shipment handling service could transport collections more securely at competitive rates when speed is not critical.

For trading common/modern baseball cards or budget domestic shipments under 1 pound, First Class Mail through USPS usually costs $3-$8 total depending on the distance. USPS Priority Mail, FedEx/UPS Ground, and FedEx/UPS 2-Day services that provide tracking generally run $7-25 within the US. Meanwhile, expensive overnight express delivery via FedEx or UPS costs around $25-$50+ domestically but ensures fast 1 business day arrival. Overall shipping costs depend on multiple variables, but these are typical baseball card mailing rate ranges consumers can expect to pay. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!

DOES DOLLAR GENERAL HAVE BASEBALL CARDS

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Dollar General does often carry baseball cards in their stores, but their selection can vary significantly between locations. Baseball cards have long been a popular and affordable collectible item sold at general merchandise retailers like Dollar General. While their inventory of cards may not be as extensive as a dedicated card shop or large retailers with extensive collectibles sections, Dollar General does make an effort to offer a basic assortment of recently released packs and boxes to satisfy customers looking for cards at convenience stores near them.

Some key factors about Dollar General’s baseball card offerings:

Inventory levels: Individual Dollar General stores will receive periodic shipments of baseball cards, but the quantity they receive can differ greatly depending on factors like store size, customer demand in that area, and warehouse stock levels. Bigger Dollar Generals may get larger shipments with more variety, while smaller rural stores may only get a handful of packs to choose from. Selection tends to be best shortly after new releases.

Brands carried: Most Dollar Generals will carry Topps brand cards as those are the MLB license holder. Some may also get packs from brands like Bowman, Donruss, Leaf, or Panini. Higher end boxes are less common but larger stores may get a few. Vintage or high-end singles are almost never found.

Timing of releases: Newly released seasonal card sets like Topps Series 1, 2, Bowman, et cetera are most reliably found in Dollar General in the weeks immediately after street date while distribution is freshest. Finding unopened recent products becomes less certain the longer after release date.

Organized displays: Card selections are usually found in an end-cap or shelving unit instead of mingled with other products. Pricing is largely standardized across the Dollar General chain.

Regional variations: Stores in areas with strong local interest in baseball are generally better stocked. Stores in college towns near baseball programs tend to get fresher shipments supporting that fanbase. Rural areas may get fewer or older stock. International players are less common outside areas with those fanbases.

Out of stock periods: Stores can and do run out of stock from time to time, especially on popular yearly releases in their launch windows. Their distribution model means replenishments take longer vs a dedicated card shop. Patience may be needed if a certain product is desired.

Price competitiveness: Dollar General pricing aims to undercut other retailers while earning a profit. Newly released packs are priced reasonably close to MSRP in most cases. Older stock may be cheaper to clear shelf space.

To summarize – while the selection won’t compare to dedicated hobby shops, Dollar General is a solid option for finding affordable baseball cards conveniently if you’re just looking to rip packs or fill out basic sets on a budget. Factors like store size and location influence stock levels the most. Patience may be needed with timing of restocks, but they aim to satisfy casual collectors affordably overall. Checking multiple Dollar Generals could uncover surprises too from their various shipments.

For more reliable selections at Dollar General specifically, focus is best placed on major newly released Topps products within the first month or so of their respective release windows. regional variations may uncover hidden gems sometimes too. Their pricing strikes a decent middle ground versus other retailers, making them a cost-effective way to maintain a casual interest in the hobby when other options aren’t as conveniently located. Just don’t expect high-end vintage finds or a massive variety – but decent packs selection is certainly possible depending on each individual store’s space and supply.

While selections can vary significantly store-to-store, Dollar General locations do generally carry at least a basic assortment of newly released baseball card packs and boxes on a routine basis. Focusing on top brands, checking larger stores, browsing within the first few weeks of releases, and being patient with replenishments can maximize chances of finding new stock. Overall they offer a low-cost way for casual collectors to occasionally pick up packs near home, making them at least a sometimes reliable source for baseball cards even if high-end items are not commonplace. Individual results will vary but Dollar General aims to satisfy budget-minded fans overall within the constraints of their business model.

So in conclusion – yes Dollar General does typically carry baseball cards, but specifics vary greatly on selection, timing, store size and location. With some knowledge of their distribution model and focus on major Topps releases early, casual collectors can reliably find packs there on occasion for affordable fun within the limits of their convenience store approach.