HOW ARE TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS MADE

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The process of making Topps baseball cards begins early each year as Topps works to secure licensing agreements with Major League Baseball, the players association, and individual MLB players to produce cards featuring team logos, player likenesses and statistics. Once the licensing deals are secured, Topps designers and artists get to work on conceptualizing the design and visual themes for the upcoming season’s set of cards.

Factors like the previous year’s popular players, Teams that had playoff success, rookie players joining the league, and major storylines from the prior season all influence the creative direction for the new cards. The designers will create conceptual artwork featuring potential card designs, photos that could be used, templates for the front and back of cards and ideas for special parallel or insertion card designs that may be included.

After the conceptual design phase, photographers begin working to capture the necessary images of players, teams and stadiums that will be needed for the various cards. High quality action shots of the players batting, pitching and fielding are taken, as well as posed portrait shots. Stadium photographs are also captured to feature on team logo or stadium cards. All of the photography has to be completed before spring training to stay on schedule for production.

With the design and photography work completed, Topps then works with MLB to obtain the official stats from the prior season to include on the back of each player card. Data like batting average, home runs, RBI’s and career stats are all compiled for each active player. Meanwhile, Topps production teams begin preparing the manufacturing facilities and ordering the necessary paper, ink and other materials needed to efficiently mass produce the hundreds of millions of cards that will be in each new release.

When the design, photos and stats are all finalized, the artwork is then sent electronically to overseas production plants in countries like China, Korea and India where the thousands of printing plates that will stamp the images onto the cards are made. The paper stock ordered by Topps arrives at the plants and is cut down into the standard card sizes. The printing plates are used to apply the front image of each unique card onto the paper through large sheet-fed presses.

After being printed, the cards move through an automated process where the backs are imprinted with the stats and design. Next, quality control teams manually inspect random samples to check for defects before the cards are sorted by the unique code printed on the back that identifies each player or variation. They are then packed into the sportscard wax packs and boxes that collectors are familiar with. Additional packaging like outer displays, fat packs and special promotional boxes are also assembled.

From there, the finished wax packs and boxes of cards are shipped by boat or plane back to Topps’ US distribution centers where they undergo another quality check before being transported to the major retail stores and hobby shops where customers will purchase them. Topps also oversees additional marketing, promotions and exclusive limited edition card releases to drive excitement for the new season’s collectibles among fans.

This is just a high-level look at the extensive process required to develop, manufacture and distribute Topps’ MLB trading cards from start to finish each year. With intense deadlines, huge production volumes and stringent licensing agreements, Topps has perfected an efficient system over decades to ensure fans worldwide can enjoy collecting the modern staple of the baseball card hobby leading into each new MLB season.

ARE 80s BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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Baseball cards from the 1980s can potentially be worth a decent amount of money, but it depends greatly on the player, the year, the card condition, and other factors. The 1980s were a transitional time for baseball cards after the large boom of the 1970s. Production increased, but interest began declining some. Still, many great players emerged in the 1980s that make their rookie cards quite valuable today for collectors.

One of the most important things that determines a card’s value from any era is the player featured on the front. Rookie cards or cards showing future Hall of Famers in their early careers are usually the most desirable and worth the most money. In the 1980s, some legendary players that had valuable rookie cards included Don Mattingly, Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, Ozzie Smith, Kirby Puckett, Dwight Gooden, and Barry Bonds. Graded mint condition rookie cards of these players can fetch thousands or even tens of thousands. For example, a PSA 10 graded 1984 Don Mattingly rookie card recently sold for over $30,000.

Condition is also extremely important when assessing the value of any older baseball card. For 1980s cardboard, the scale most commonly used for grading is the 1-10 point scale from Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA). Cards in PSA 9-10 NM-MT (“Near Mint to Mint”) condition will always be worth significantly more than ones graded PSA 5-7 G-VG (“Good to Very Good”). And a creased or damaged card may have little collectors value at all. Premiums are also paid for cards that receive the highest possible PSA 10 “Gem Mint” grade. Overall condition is easier to preserve for cardboard compared to the 1950s-1970s due to thinner stock.

Specific card sets and years from the 1980s can impact worth as well. The debut seasons of stars are often highlighted in flagship releases, making their rookie cards in those sets more coveted. For example, cards from 1987 Topps, 1986 Fleer, and 1989 Upper Deck are popular due to featuring many rookie year players. Variations like errors, serial numbers, autographs or memorabilia cards can also make certain specimenswithin otherwise common sets very rare and valuable. And promotion inserts not found in normal packs add to collector interest in sets like 1985 Donruss and 1987 Topps.

Outside of the biggest star names, some 1980s players accumulated respectable careers that still create demand decades later. Examples include Willie Randolph, Fernando Valenzuela, Jack Morris, Rick Sutcliffe, Ron Guidry, and Goose Gossage. Higher-graded examples of their popular rookie or early career cardboard can sell in the $50-$500 range today based on the name and scarcity. Even role players that gained “cult” followings over the years may spike interest among specific collectors. The market is always growing for unheralded names with dedicated niches.

Of course, supply and scarcity influence worth too. Some 1980s sets like 1982 Donruss and 1985 Fleer had relatively small print runs that increase prices today for their harder-to-find inclusions like RCs. Conversely, mass-produced issues from later in the decade see less speculative value increase over time due to saturation. Checking population reports from grading services reveals which specific cards remain uncommon to find in top shape. Serialized inserts tend to be rarer as well.

While 1980s baseball cards may never again reach the height of the original bubble era, savvy collectors know certain names and issues retain long-term value potential. Factors like the players, their rookie status, set, year, condition grading, and scarcity levels all dictate where individual 1980s cardboard fits within today’s hierarchy of worth. With patience and research, it’s certainly possible to mine the 1980s product for hidden gems still priced below what knowledgeable buyers are willing to pay down the line. The decade bridges the sport’s hobby boom and modern collecting market.

WHICH STORES SELL BASEBALL CARDS

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Baseball card shops: Local hobby shops that specialize exclusively in trading cards of all sports, especially baseball, are a great option. These smaller specialty shops will have the widest selection of both newer and older/vintage baseball cards. Employees at card shops tend to be the most knowledgeable about the hobby and can provide experts advice on building a collection. They may also host trading card games (TCGs) and buy/sell/trade events in their store. Selection can vary more at independently owned card shops compared to national chains.

National chains: Larger retail chains that dedicate shelf space to trading cards are more ubiquitous in many areas but have a smaller overall baseball card selection compared to specialty shops. Some national chains known for carrying baseball cards include:

Walmart: Most Walmart locations have a trading card section, usually located near the front of the store by the entertainment products. They will have the newest series and sets of baseball cards but not as extensive vintage selection. Prices are generally lower compared to specialty shops.

Target: Similar to Walmart in product selection but Target stores tend to have a smaller dedicated trading card area. Newer series and starter packs of various sports can be found but not as broad an inventory as a card shop.

Barnes & Noble: The bookseller has a notable trading card selection mixed in with other hobby merchandise like board games. Baseball card sections at Barnes & Noble stores will focus on newer releases but also have some older repack box options.

Hobby Lobby: This arts and crafts chain retailer also devotes shelf space to trading cards. Baseball card offerings tend to be limited to just a few newer series and starter packs however.

Mass retailers: Some mass merchandisers and dollar stores stock a small assortment of baseball trading cards but pickings will be slimmer. Stores like Meijer, Fred Meyer, Dollar General, and Family Dollar may have pre-packed mini-boxes of the most recent series but not much else. Selection and product availability can vary widely store to store at these retailers.

Big box club stores: Membership-based wholesale clubs Costco and Sam’s Club occasionally stock special trading card product deals but baseball card selection is not consistent. Occasionally they may have case breaks of older vintage wax packs/boxes or a overstock deal on a full recent series but selection is not a primary focus like at hobby shops/chains above.

Online retailers: The internet has become a huge marketplace for both new and vintage baseball cards. Websites like eBay, Amazon, Steel City Collectibles, Dave & Adam’s Card World, and COMC (Collectors Universe) offer massive databases of individual cards, sealed wax packs/boxes, and complete sets available to purchase online 24/7. While selection is vast online, condition and authenticity can be questionable without thorough inspection of individual items. Shipping costs also need to be factored in for online purchases versus buying locally.

Sport card conventions/shows: Periodic larger collectibles conventions will have dozens of vendor booths selling all types of sports cards including baseball. These events are great places to rummage through boxes in search of deals, get cards professionally authenticated/graded on-site, and meet with other collectors. Conventions allow access to a wider pool of sellers than a local shop alone. Multi-day convention schedules can be found online.

While big box retailers and online marketplaces offer convenience, local hobby shops offer the best all-around experience for collectors due to their specialized product selection and expert staff knowledge. Card shops may have higher prices on certain in-demand vintage cards but overall provide the most well-rounded experience for building a long-term baseball card collection. National chains can fulfill starter collection needs for casual fans of the hobby. So in most areas, a combination of local hobby shops along with online/convention shopping provides optimal baseball card purchasing options.

ARE ANY 90’s BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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Yes, there are certainly 1990s baseball cards that can be worth a significant amount of money today depending on their condition and demand in the collector market. The baseball card collecting hobby exploded in popularity in the 1990s thanks to the rise of stars like Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, and Sammy Sosa during baseball’s steroid era. This created huge printing runs for cards from that decade which satisfy collectors nostalgic for their childhood collections today. Only the most sought after rookie cards and memorabilia cards from that era tend to maintain strong valuations.

One of the most valuable 1990s baseball cards is the 1992 Topps Finest Refractor Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was one of the most exciting young players to enter the league in years and his rookie cards were in high demand. The Topps Finest Refractor parallel was one of the rarest printing techniques at the time with an ultra-colorful graphic design beloved by collectors. In gem mint condition, ungraded examples of this rare Griffey rookie card can sell for $10,000 or more. Once professionally graded and encapsulated in a third party holder like PSA or BGS, mint condition examples are worth $15,000+. A perfect gem mint PSA 10 grade Griffey Finest Refractor can sell at auction for over $50,000, making it one of the most coveted and expensive 1990s baseball cards.

Another hugely valuable 1990s rookie card is the 1992 Bowman Ken Griffey Jr. This was the true rookie card designating Griffey’s rookie season. Pristine PSA 10 graded copies in aura protective slabs have sold for over $15,000 at auction due to Griffey’s legendary playing career and nostalgia for the original design of his debut cardboard issue. The 1991 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. is another prized rookie that can fetch $3,000+ in high grades. The 1990 Bowman Ken Griffey Jr. draft pick issue is also a six figure card in pristine condition due to its ultra-rare grading population.

Rookie cards of hometown heroes also command top dollar from regional collectors. Players like Chipper Jones, Derek Jeter, and Nomar Garciaparra rookie issues from the early 1990s sell for thousands in mint condition. Jeter’s 1993 Topps Traded rookie card is especially sought after in PSA 10 at prices upwards of $5,000-$10,000 depending on bidding demand. Garciaparra’s 1994 Leaf rookie card is another New England favorite that has sold for over $3,000 in top condition.

Memorabilia cards containing game used bat, patch or autographed relics were just emerging as a major hobby product category in the 1990s and certain parallels fetch big money now. The ultra-rare 1998 SP Authentic Signed Hat Materials Ken Griffey Jr. /50 parallel contains both an autograph and game worn batting helmet material and has sold for over $10,000 in pristine condition. The 1993 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr Game Jersey Material parallel containing a real game worn jersey swatch is another $3,000+ memorabilia card. 1990s rookie autograph cards are also quite valuable, such as the 1997 Topps Emerald Barry Bonds autographed rookie selling for $2,500+ typically.

Continuing stars of the 1990s steroid era hold value as well. Any rookie or high series cards of Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds, or Juan Gonzalez in top grades can sell for hundreds to a few thousand dollars depending on the specific issue and year. Highlights series chase cards containing important milestone moments also gain value, such as McGwire’s 70th home run card from 1998 Upper Deck selling for $500-$1000. Authentic signed or game used memorabilia cards of 1990s superstars continuously attract collector dollars across online marketplaces.

The most valuable 1990s baseball cards tend to be highly coveted rookie cardsissues of all-time greats like Ken Griffey Jr. as well as rare autographed or game used memorabilia cards containing real signed or relic materials. Top graded mint examples in third party holders like PSA or BGS gain strong premiums thanks to both the assurance of condition and strong resale demand in the collecting marketplace. Yet even raw copies in top shape of key rookies, stars and serial numbered parallels can attract reasonable prices in the hundreds to low thousands depending on demand. Savvy collectors can still profit handsomely by pulling choice 1990s cardboard gems from their childhood collections or group breaks many years later.

DOES FIVE BELOW SELL BASEBALL CARDS

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Yes, Five Below does sell baseball cards at their retail stores. Five Below is a chain of discount stores primarily located across the United States that offers a wide variety of products that are all priced at $5 or less. While their product assortment consists largely of toys, games, candy, electronics, and other gift items targeted towards teenagers and young adults, they do carry a selection of sports and hobby merchandise as well, including baseball cards.

Baseball cards have been a popular collectible item for decades, especially among young baseball fans. Five Below recognizes that baseball cards appeal to both children and adults who enjoy collecting, trading, and staying engaged with their favorite MLB players and teams. By stocking baseball cards priced accessibly at $5 or less per pack, Five Below is able to tap into this market of casual and avid baseball card collectors. Their stores give customers a convenient local retail option for purchasing new baseball card packs and boxes without having to go to a specialized hobby shop or card store.

Five Below aims to have a rotating selection of the most popular and in-demand baseball card products from the top licensing brands. Common brands of baseball cards found at Five Below include Topps, Bowman, Donruss, Panini, Leaf, and Stadium Club. Customers will typically find both trading card packs as well as complete set boxes available from the current and previous season’s Major League Baseball license. For example, in 2022 customers could purchase 2022 Topps Series 1 packs or 2021 Topps Update box at Five Below stores. During the baseball off-season, they may focus more on offerings from the previous year.

While the selection varies slightly by store location and time of year, customers can generally expect to find a wide range at Five Below including:

Baseball trading card packs containing approximately 8-12 cards priced around $1-3 per pack

Boxes containing 30-50 trading card packs for around $5

Premium box sets containing insert cards, memorabilia cards, autographs for $5

Vintage and retro reprint sets from the 1980s-2000s for $5 per pack

Collectors boxes of 100-250 card complete team or player sets for $5

Five Below aims to carry the most in-demand rookie cards, star players, parallels, and inserts within these products at an accessible price point. Having a place to purchase these current baseball cards helps fuel the collecting hobby for kids and adults on a budget.

Since space is limited within their small-box retail format, Five Below needs to balance stocking baseball cards with other popular toys, games, media, and merchandise. As such, their selection may not be as vast or specialized as a local card shop. For the casual collector looking for the latest packs, boxes, or sets from the major brands at a great value price, Five Below is a reliable retail chains to check regularly. Their product is also consistently well-organized and stored securely behind the checkout counters.

Five Below’s baseball card offerings are also perfect for last-minute gifts for the young baseball fan or player in someone’s life. Need a $5 or under present for a birthday party? A pack or two of cards from their favorite team would make for an inexpensive indulgence. Holidays also see Five Below promote “baseball card gift packs” containing an assortment of packs, stickers, and other small team items ideally priced for stocking stuffers.

While their selection may not satisfy every collecting need, Five Below is a mainstream retailer helping further grow interest in the baseball card hobby by making recent product accessible at everyday low prices. Casual collectors,gift-givers, and kids saving their allowance will continue finding value in checking their local Five Below locations for the latest baseball cards drops. With product regularly changing out, it rewards repeat stop for the chance at discovering something new to add to your collections. Five Below’s model of $5 and under pricing ensures the baseball card category remains an affordable indulgence for fans of all ages.

Yes Five Below stores across the United States do reliably stock baseball cards among their product assortments aimed towards teenagers and young adults. While selections may vary slightly by location, customers can typically find the most popular packs, boxes, and sets from Topps, Bowman, Donruss and more brands priced accessibly for $5 or less. Five Below helps fuel interest in the baseball card hobby through making recent licensing more discoverable and affordable to casual collectors of all budgets.

WHAT ARE SOME EXPENSIVE BASEBALL CARDS

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One of the most famous and expensive baseball cards ever sold is the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card. Widely considered the rarest and most coveted card in the hobby, there are only about 50-200 known examples in existence today in various conditions. What makes this card so unique and valuable is that Wagner had a dispute with the American Tobacco Company over the use of his image to promote tobacco. As a result, far fewer of his card made it into packs compared to others featured in the set.

In October 2021, a PSA NM-MT 8 example of the legendary Honus Wagner card sold at auction for $6.6 million, setting a new record as the most expensive baseball card ever. Other high grade examples have also sold for millions. Even heavily played copies in lower grades still command six-figure prices due to their extreme rarity. The Honus Wagner continues to be the holy grail for collectors and will likely never be surpassed as the most valuable card of all time based on its historical significance and limited surviving population.

Another card that has broken records is the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card. Often described as the “richest” card in the hobby due to the sheer number of high-grade examples that exist compared to cards like the Wagner, it remains one of the most desirable issues. In January 2022, a PSA Gem Mint 9.5 example sold at auction for $5.2 million, making it the highest price achieved for the Mantle rookie at the time. Other Mint 9’s have also sold for well over $1 million. Even in lower grades of Good/Fine, the Mantle rookie consistently trades in the five-figure range.

Unlike the Wagner, several hundred PSA 9’s are believed to exist of the ’52 Mantle making it accessible to a wider range of collectors. With Mantle being arguably the greatest switch hitter of all time combined with the phenomenal artistic quality of the Ted Nash design used, the card remains a benchmark for success and investment potential in the hobby. Prices are projected to continue rising as fewer high-grade specimens come available over time.

Beyond the Wagner and Mantle, other vintage pre-war tobacco cards that can achieve six and even seven-figure prices include the legendary “Shoeless” Joe Jackson cards from 1911 and 1913 issues like the M101-5 Nap Lajoie, M101-8 Eddie Plank, and T3-1 Ty Cobb sporting high grades. Perhaps several hundred or so gems remain of each, making them incredibly tough to acquire in Mint condition.

In the post-war era, several 1960’s rookie stars tend to dominate the high-price market. led by the 1963 Topps NNOF Mickey Mantle, which has exceeded $2 million for high-grade specimens. Other iconic sixties rookies such as the 1965 Topps NNOF Sandy Koufax, the 1966 Topps NNOF Reggie Jackson, and the 1968 Topps Bob Gibson also routinely achieve prices well into the six-figure range and beyond in top grades. These ’60s players are widely considered the last of the “true” MLB rookie stars before complex groups and photographers dominanted card images in later decades.

A darkhorse that has charged into the premium bracket recently is the 1976 Topps Cal Ripken Jr. rookie card. With Ripken achieving legendary status by breaking Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played record and winning multiple MVP awards, combined with the low original print run of his ’76 Topps debut, examples grading PSA 9 or above now trade in ranges approaching seven figures. This increase in interest and value makes it one of the smartest vintage investments in the modern era that collectors can still break into.

While the Honus Wagner will likely always be viewed as the holy grail, other pre-war tobacco issues and select 1960s/1970s star rookies offer truly historic rarities that can reach high six and even seven figure prices for top condition specimens. The highest prices tend to cluster around exceptional condition examples with a strong player attachment, historical context to the issue, and limited surviving populations – making condition-sensitive vintage cardboard among the rarest and most investment-worthy collectibles in the world.

HOW TO GET MY BASEBALL CARDS GRADED BY PSA

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PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) is considered the gold standard for grading and authenticating trading cards, including baseball cards. Getting cards professionally graded can increase their value, especially for valuable vintage cards. The PSA grading process does require some planning and preparation.

The first step is to choose which cards you want to submit to PSA for grading. Ensure the cards are in the best possible condition with no creasing, water damage or other flaws. PSA has strict grading standards, so cards need to be in near mint condition or better to receive a grade of 8, 9 or 10 which adds the most value. Carefully inspect each card under good lighting before submitting.

Once you’ve selected the cards, you’ll need to register for a PSA account on their website at PSAcard.com. This allows you to track the status of your submissions. Make sure to verify your identity and check for any account restrictions like submission limits that may apply to your collecting level.

Next is preparing the actual submission. PSA has guidelines on how cards must be packaged and labeled for grading. Cards should be placed in rigid toploaders or other approved holders to prevent bending or damage during transit. Write your PSA member number on the toploader with a sharpie. Air-tighly seal the cards between cardboard or in a security envelope.

For standard grading services, you can submit up to 50 cards together with no need to break them into separate orders. Over 50 cards and it’s best to split into multiple batches to avoid longer wait times. When submitting do not use paper clips, staples or any loose inserts as these can damage cards during machine sorting.

Once packaged correctly, you’ll go to the PSA website and create a physical submission using your member account. During submission setup provide your contact details and desired turnaround service level – economy takes months while express can take just a few weeks but costs more per card. Pay for the order using a credit card.

Then send your sealed submission package to the PSA grading center using a tracked method like USPS Priority Mail. Include a printed copy of the confirmation order details for processing. Now it’s time to wait as PSA authenticates and grades your cards.

You can monitor progress on the website. Once complete, graded cards will be returned securely in a new holder displaying the numerical grade along with any special designations. Unsuccessful grades may also be returned with details. And that covers the basic process for getting valuable baseball cards authenticated and graded by the experts at PSA! Let me know if any part of the process needs more explanation.

WHO BUYS BASEBALL CARDS IN NJ

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There are several different types of buyers that purchase baseball cards in New Jersey. Some of the most common buyers include independent card shops, memorabilia stores, large chain retailers, card shows/conventions, online buyers, private collectors, and sports card investment groups.

Independent baseball card shops have been a staple of the hobby for decades and there are a number of these mom and pop style shops scattered throughout New Jersey. Shop owners buy collections directly from consumers and also purchase individual rare/valuable cards to resell for a profit. They aim to have a large selection of cards available both in their physical stores and often online as well. Customers can trade, sell or purchase collections and individual cards at these local shops.

Larger memorabilia/collectibles stores that may not focus exclusively on cards also buy collections in New Jersey. Stores specializing in items like coins, comics, toys, autographed items and more will often have a designated area for trading/buying sports cards as part of their merchandise. Chains and large independent stores attract sales of larger, valuable collections that single card shops may not have the capital for. Sellers can potentially get faster cash by selling intact collections to these stores versus breaking them up over time.

Big box retailers and national card chain stores purchase New Jersey collections on a larger scale than individual hobby shops. Companies like Walmart, Target and national chains like Card Collector’s Heaven have the budget to take collections off consumers’ hands. They aim to turn a profit by reselling individual cards or breaking collections down and putting singles back out on the shelves across many stores nationwide. Sellers benefit from ease of selling entire collections at once to these large corporations.

Sports card shows are another popular place for collections to change hands in New Jersey. Dozens of these pop-up style events take place annually across the state, primarily on weekends. Hundreds of vendors rent tables to buy, sell and trade with other collectors and the general public. Both card shops and individual collectors will be on-hand ready to evaluate and potentially purchase entire collections brought by consumers to the shows. These events draw out significant buying activity within the sports card community.

In addition to live events, online platforms have become a major driver for who buys cards in New Jersey. Individual buyers, shops, investment firms and national companies all scour eBay, Twitter and Facebook groups daily hoping to find desirable collections. Sellers benefit from the ease of posting large or small lots of cards online and having a global pool of potential buyers. Condition grading services like PSA and BGS are also utilized by advanced collectors seeking investment-quality vintage and modern cards that hold long term value.

Private collectors make up a large segment of those purchasing New Jersey baseball cards as well. Serious hobbyists focus their interests on specific players, teams or eras and are constantly on the lookout to improve their personal collections. Many take advantage of local shops, shows or online forums to add that one elusive card that’s been on their want list. Like investment groups, these passionate collectors drive demand and help establish secondary card values.

Some groups actually approach collecting sports cards as an investment rather than just a hobby. They analyze the card market trends, identify undervalued players or subsets, and purchase large quantities with the goal of selling at a profit far in the future. New Jersey is home to passionate collectors who adopt this strategic approach with extensive portfolios of stars from multiple eras of the game. Their willingness to pay top dollar affects overall card prices.

There are a variety of buyers for baseball cards within New Jersey. From local hobby shops to national chains, online platforms, private collectors, card shows and investment entities – the market remains active. Sellers have several good options available whether it’s an entire large collection or just a few singles. Demand remains strong from shops looking to turn a profit as well as passionate collectors seeking to improve their personal collections. As long as the hobby survives, buyers will continue purchasing cards across the Garden State.

WHAT YEAR TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS ARE WORTH MONEY

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While the value of baseball cards can fluctuate significantly based on many factors, there are certain Topps sets from past years that are generally considered to hold strong monetary value in today’s collecting market. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most notable years of Topps cards that are worth pursuing for potential profits.

The 1954 Topps baseball card set is hailed by many experts and collectors as the single most valuable complete set in the hobby. High demand and extremely low survival rates have driven values sky-high for this pioneering post-war issue. Graded PSA GEM MT 10 examples of stars like Mickey Mantle can fetch six figures at auction. Even poorly-centered but complete PSA 1-3 rookie card sets have sold for over $100,000. Condition is critical, but acquiring any ’54s in your collection greatly increases its overall worth.

Continuing the 1950s trend, the legendary 1952 Topps set presents some true gems that can earn small fortunes. The Bobby Thomson “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” card achieves top dollar above $10,000 in pristine condition. Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Willie Mays and Hank Aaron are always in demand. A complete set graded PSA 7 with some stars grading higher could be assessed at $120,000-150,000 by the market. Though rarer than ’54s, ’52s remain a highly sought after vintage specimen for savvy investors.

While condition is still paramount, the 1960 Topps set opens up greater accessibility due to higher survival percentages versus the ’50s issues. Fantastic condition rookie cards for future stars like Tom Seaver and Johnny Bench command the biggest values here. High graded ’60 Seaver and Bench rookies have brought six-figure auction payouts, though four-digit pricing is more typical in top encasements. Low number stars can also provide profit potential – a #1 Mickey Mantle sold for around $40,000 graded PSA 8 recently. Complete sets still fetch the most return on investment if finding strong centering across the board.

Expansion era rookies are a bread-and-butter source of profit opportunity for Topps cards from the late 1960s. Rookie tickets for future Hall of Famers like Reggie Jackson from ’67 or Nolan Ryan’s from ’66 will consistently net thousands graded high. The 1969 set is particularly deep with stars like Tom Seaver, Willie McCovey, and Harmon Killebrew. Finding a complete set and selling off select high-graded rookie standouts can multiply your initial investment many times over years down the line.

Topps continued its rookie card dominance in the 1970s with major talents breaking through. Complete sets become more attainable versus earlier decades due to increased production runs. The 1973 set is a prime example, containing first bows for George Brett and Robin Yount that gain serious traction in top holders. High-numbered stars can compensate with big bucks as well – a PSA 9 #556 Mike Schmidt from ‘75 brought close to $30K not long ago. Focusing on such rising talents ensures strong returns over decades of card appreciation.

While condition remains paramount, the arrival of the Star/Logo Craze era of the 1980s enlarged the collector pool exponentially. This led to far greater survival rates versus older issues. Complete sets can still fetch four figures, like a pristine 1982 graded PSA 9 exceeding $12,000 in auction. Key rookie cards prove especially resilient investments too. Grade them well and unload a PSA/BGS 10 Ken Griffey Jr. from ‘89 for north of $20,000 comfortably. Even common stars perform well long-term – a ‘87 Darryl Strawberry PSA 9 reached $2,500 in recent memory.

Beyond set completion, astute 21st century collectors have shifted focus toward modern stars as well. Top rookies and short prints from the late 1990s/2000s maintain healthy premiums because they were pulled and cherished by countless fans fresh in the hobby. Examples include a BGS 9.5 2004 Derek Jeter Update Series short print selling at auction for over $8,000, or ‘98 Chipper Jones Update Series rookies routinely bringing thousands in top holders. Like their vintage brethren, modern stars prove reliable profit pillars if carefully acquired and preserved long-term.

While condition is paramount for maximizing potential returns, certain complete Topps sets and select star cards from the 1950s-1980s can reliably gain serious monetary value with time. Smart investors aim for textbook centering and surfaces on rookie cards, stars, and short prints from these apex production eras. Modern premium rookies and parallels from the late ‘90s onward also remain healthy long term speculations. By targeting such proven blue-chip investments across seven decades of Topps issues, astute collectors continuously grow their portfolios in a stable, lucrative market.

WHO SELLS 2022 BASEBALL CARDS

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Target – Target is one of the largest brick and mortar retailers that sells baseball cards. In their sports card aisles, you’ll typically find a wide selection of 2022 baseball cards from brands like Topps, Panini, Leaf, and Bowman. Target often gets shipments of the newest releases on or close to the official release date. They offer both loose packs/boxes of cards as well as value hobby boxes containing a guaranteed number of hits. Their prices tend to be close to MSRP for new releases. Shopping in-store allows you to browse the stock, but Target also sells cards online at Target.com.

Walmart – Like Target, Walmart supercenters have sports card sections stocked with the latest baseball card releases. They carry the same major brands. Walmart tends to receive shipments sporadically though, so the selection may vary store to store. Online at Walmart.com, they have a wide array but prices are not always the cheapest. Sometimes Walmart runs sales on boxes which can make items more affordable. Overall, Walmart is a reliable nationwide option for finding 2022 baseball cards.

Card Shops – Local independent card shops are excellent sources for 2022 baseball cards, often getting new product releases before big box retailers. Many local shops participate in Group Breaks, where cards are broken by team, guaranteeing hits of favorite players. Beyond new releases, card shops have extensive vintage inventory to trade or buy. Knowledgeable staff can offer valuation and collecting advice. Local shops help strengthen card collecting communities. Finding a reliable local shop opens up more trading and event opportunities beyond just buying new product.

Sportlots – Sportlots.com is a leading online marketplace for buying, selling, and trading all sports cards including the newest baseball card releases. Here, individual collectors and larger vendors list cards, sets, and boxes. Sportlots authenticates items over $50 to prevent scams and mitigate risks. Products range from unopened packs and boxes to raw singles and graded cards across brands like Topps, Bowman, Donruss, etc. You can browse listings daily to find the newest 2022 baseball cards available. With third-party seller ratings, buying securely online via Sportlots expands selection beyond physical stores.

Dave & Adam’s Card World – DACW.com is a premiere online retailer for new baseball cards and supplies. They maintain inventory of the latest Topps, Stadium Club, Opening Day, Heritage, and Bowman releases available to purchase at MSRP. Release dates are closely followed to ensure products are stocked upon their official launch. DACW also owns and operates several brick and mortar superstores across the US stocked full of new and vintage inventory to browse. Orders ship promptly, and their product availability often exceeds physical hobby shops. Additionally, DACW hosts some of the largest national card shows and conventions each year.

Comc.com – ComicConnect (Comc.com) is a leading online auction company facilitating collector sales of sports, comics, trading cards and more. Daily auctions cover individual 2022 baseball cards through to complete sets and sealed boxes, starting from $0.99 up to ultra-premium items costing thousands. Authenticated grading through companies like PSA, BGS, SGC adds security and peace of mind for higher valued items. Comc runs both standard auctions as well as high-value Premier Auctions enabling access to the finest quality 2022 baseball cards on the market daily from collectors worldwide. Whether buying or consigning, Comc provides a secure platform to expand collecting goals through their marketplace reach.

Steiner Sports Memorabilia – Founded in 1989, SteinerSports.com is a leading authentic memorabilia and collectibles company. They offer an expansive selection of newly released and past season baseball cards, with a focus on premium and autographed items. Products include boxes, sets and individual cards. Steiner also provides authenticated memorabilia with Steiner guaranteed authenticity. They operate group breaks with hit incentives. Their site is easy to navigate and boasts detailed product descriptions. Steiner has built a reputation for excellent customer service and quick shipping to help further any baseball card collection.

eBay – As the largest online marketplace, eBay naturally hosts a massive selection of 2022 baseball cards from individual sellers globally on a daily basis. Here, you’ll find newly released packs, boxes, sets and singles available alongside vintage items. Products span all major card brands and player tiers from stars to prospects. eBay allows tracking exact card releases and finding those tougher to locate. It’s important to thoroughly check sellers’ feedback and only purchase from highly rated, reputable eBay members to minimize risks of scams or inaccurate item conditions. eBay’s reach makes finding that needed 2022 card to complete a set very possible.

Modern trading card and memorabilia retailers like Target, Walmart, local card shops, Sportlots, Dave & Adams, Steiner, and manufacturers’ sites are recommended for finding newly released 2022 baseball cards at fair prices. They carefully stock the latest Topps, Bowman, Panini and other brand releases promptly following street dates. Meanwhile, online marketplaces like Comc and eBay give much wider access through individual collectors globally. By shopping a combination of these sources, any 2022 baseball card collector should be able to build their collection successfully with the desired cards, hits, autographs and memorabilia to celebrate this upcoming MLB season.