HOW TO STORE OLD BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Properly storing baseball cards is important to preserve their condition and value over many decades. Over time, environmental factors like light, temperature fluctuations, humidity levels, and contaminants can all negatively impact cards if not protected. Here are the recommended methods and materials for effectively storing a collection of vintage baseball cards long-term:

plastic sleeves – All cards should be securely housed in individual penny sleeves or toploaders to prevent scratches and other surface damage from handling. Look for acid-free and lignin-free plastic sleeves that will not yellow or degrade the card over time. Sleeves with backing boards are preferred to maintain the card’s shape.

binders – For displaying and organizing sets of cards, use three-ring binders with acid-free plastic sheets. The sheets should fit tightly and have openings for stat boxes to be visible. Avoid using regular paper binders which can damage edges. D-ring binders are less ideal due to pressure points along the spine.

magnetic holders – As an alternative to binders, magnetic holders with sleeves are excellent for showing off prized cards while protecting surfaces. Make sure the magnets are not too strong to avoid damaging older, thinner cards over decades stored this way.

boxes – For long-term storage of card collections, get durable but lightweight acid-free storage boxes. Look for types with dividers to organize sets and players. The lid should seal tightly to keep out dust. Do not use paper boxes which acidic materials can leach into over time.

encapsulation – For exceptionally valuable vintage cards in pristine gem mint condition, professional third-party encapsulation using tamper-proof plastic slabs is recommended. This creates a hermetic seal to protect surfaces from all Handling and environmental damage risks.

temperature/humidity control – Find a consistent storage location away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or damp areas prone to moisture fluctuation. An unconditioned attic, basement, or shed may not provide the stable environment needed. Between 60-70°F and 40-50% relative humidity is the ideal target storage climate long-term.

organization – Develop a cataloging system and store cards grouped by year, set, team or player for easy searching. Clearly label storage containers. Keep duplicate common cards separate to avoid unnecessaryHandling of priced gems. Store valuable rookie cards together in a fireproof safe when not in a climate controlled area.

prevention – To inhibit mold/mildew and prevent insect/rodent infestation, use a desiccant product inside storage containers. Cedar blocks are also effective at absorbing moisture. Regularly inspect for early signs of damage and take immediate corrective action with an infestation.

Proper long-term storage of vintage baseball cards requires individual sleeves or holders, acid-free binders or boxes, stable temperature/humidity control, and careful organization/labeling systems. Following these best practices can indeed preserve card condition and allow collections to potentially increase in value for decades of enjoyment and display. Regular inspection and minor repairs over the years are still needed, but with the right archival materials and storage method baseball cards can survive for generations.

ARE 1991 SCORE BASEBALL CARDS WORTH ANYTHING

Leave a reply

The year 1991 produced some high quality baseball cards that have maintained value over the past few decades. The 1991 Score baseball set featured cards for every major league player and included rookie cards for future Hall of Famers like Chipper Jones, Eddie Murray, Tom Glavine, Scott Rolen, and Jeff Bagwell. While individual 1991 Score cards may not be as valuable as iconic rookie cards from the late 80s “junk wax” era, there are several factors that contribute to certain 1991 Score cards holding monetary value today.

One of the biggest things that influences the value of older baseball cards is the popularity and career success of the player featured on the card. Rookie cards or cards showing notable accomplishments for star players tend to demand the highest prices. For example, the Chipper Jones rookie card from the 1991 Score set regularly sells for $50-100+ in near mint condition due to his exemplary career and status as a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Jeff Bagwell’s rookie from the same set also carries value, around $20-50 based on its condition. Cards for other established veteran stars who played in the early 90s like Eddie Murray, Tom Glavine, and Nolan Ryan also have found buyers in the $5-20 range.

Beyond star power and rookie status, the overall condition and scarcity of a particular baseball card printing is a major factor in its present-day value. The 1991 Score set had a large print run by hobby standards at the time, so most common cards can be found for under $5 even in top grades. There are exceptions for extremely rare printings and error varieties. For instance, the “inverted back” printing error of the Ken Griffey Jr. card has sold in the $300-500 range due to its scarcity. Also, near-gem mint or gem mint graded 10 copies of certain star player cards could potentially reach $50-100 prices when condition is a major differentiating factor.

Whether 1991 Score cards maintain or increase in value long-term depends partly on the continued interest of collectors and investigators. While interest in cards predating the mid-90s explosion has cooled compared to the peak speculative frenzy era, dedicated vintage collectors still seek out complete sets and chase valuable individual cards. The overproduction of sets from 1991 and beyond means it may be difficult for common cards to appreciate dramatically unless demand surges. On the other hand, if today’s young fans develop an enthusiasm for stars from that era as they age, certain cards could becomeascendant. Overall, 1991 Score holds memorable players and has produced cards retaining monetary worth, even if most examples are fairly affordable collectibles rather than sizable investments. A combination of star power,condition scarcity can make 1991 Score baseball cards hold financial value for knowledgeable collectors.

While the vast majority of 1991 Score baseball cards hold relatively little individual financial worth decades later, there are still examples from that set with real monetary value based on the players featured and their condition scarcity. Rookie cards and cards showing milestones for stars like Chipper Jones, Jeff Bagwell and others can sell for $20-$100+ depending on grade. Extremely rare print errors also command higher prices. But for common cards, their affordable prices still make 1991 Score a fun and often inexpensive set for collectors on most budgets to build or reminisce over players from when they followed the game in the early 90s. Condition, the players, and their career achievements remain the biggest factors for any 1991 Score card to carry lasting financial value.

HOW DO I GET MY BASEBALL CARDS PSA GRADED

Leave a reply

Getting your baseball cards graded by PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) is a great way to verify the condition and authenticity of vintage and modern cards. The PSA grading process ensures your cards areencapsulated in tamper-proof holders that protect them while also communicating their verified grade to potential buyers.

The first step is to choose which cards you want to submit for grading. PSA recommends choosing higher value cards worth $50 or more in their assigned grade. Consider the card’s condition, scarcity, and whether third party verification of its authenticity and grade may increase its value. Have realistic expectations of the likely PSA assigned grade based on the card’s condition compared to published population reports. Damaged cards are unlikely to grade highly.

Once you’ve chosen the cards, you’ll need to properly prepare them for submission. Handle the cards as little as possible by their edges and corners to avoid adding fingerprints or damage. Gently wipe the surfaces with a microfiber cloth to remove oils or fingerprints if needed. Make sure the cards are securely packed for shipment, with sturdy packaging and without the risk of bending, indenting or scratching during transit. PSA provides sample shipping packages and guidelines on their website to help.

You’ll need to register for a PSA account on their website and become familiar with their submission service levels and pricing policies. PSA offers various service levels from economy to express, with tradeoffs of waiting period and fees. Choose the appropriate service level based on your needs and budget. Feesare charged per card and are based on current service level rates.

With your PSA account ready, you can begin a new submission order and enter details of each card including any special grading notes. Carefully read PSA’s population report definitions for each assigned grade to ensure realistic expectations. You’ll need to specify the service level, provide payment and print shipping labels for your submission package. PSA recommends using their tape, labels and package templates for consistency.

Package the cards securely in the labeled shipping package and send it to PSA via a trackable carrier like UPS. Once received, PSA experts will carefully inspect and grade each card. The entire authentication and grading process may take 4-12 weeks depending on volume and the service level chosen. You’ll receive email status updates as the cards progress through their system.

After completing the grading process, the encapsulated and assigned-grade labeled cards are returned to you along with a detailed report recapping the process. Check the results thoroughly upon receipt, as PSA will stand by their assigned authenticity and condition grades. You now have professionally verified baseball cards encapsulated for protection that also communicate their verified market values to potential buyers down the road.

Getting baseball cards professionally authenticated and assigned accurate numeric grades by PSA is an invaluable service for serious collectors and investors. Following their detailed submission guidelines helps ensure a smooth experience. Taking care to choose cards likely to grade favorably also makes the most of the inspection fees required by the process. The verified confidence and holder protection provided in return makes this the gold standard for card grading.

HOW TO TELL WHICH BASEBALL CARDS ARE WORTH MONEY

Leave a reply

There are several factors that determine whether a baseball card has significant monetary value. The most important things to consider are the player, the year the card was printed, the card’s condition or grade, and any special characteristics. Let’s break down each of these key elements in determining a baseball card’s potential worth.

The player is hugely important because some players’ cards are always more desirable than others. Cards featuring legendary players like Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, and more recent stars like Mike Trout will usually hold value better over time. But it’s not just the all-time greats – cards of current superstars, rookie cards of players before they made it big, and cards of popular players from defunct teams can also be worth a good amount of money depending on other factors. Researching a player’s career accomplishments, popularity, and Hall of Fame chances can give you an idea if their cards tend to be more sought after.

The year the card was printed plays a huge role. Generally speaking, the older the card the more valuable it has the potential to be since fewer survive in good condition the longer they’ve been around. Certain years held specific significance. The earliest modern cards from the 1950s onward like those from Topps’ iconic 1952 and 1953 sets are extremely collectible. Rookie cards, which are usually from a player’s first or one of their first card issues, gain prestige and thus value. Examples being Mike Trout’s 2009 Bowman Chrome rookie or Mickey Mantle’s 1951 Topps card issued when he was a teenage rookie. The more exclusive and difficult to obtain the issue year, the better for a card’s worth.

Just as important as what player and year it is, is the card’s condition or state of preservation. Grading services like PSA, BGS, SGC provide a condition grade of the card to indicate its quality on a numeric scale. Cards in near pristine “mint” condition grade more on the order of PSA/BGS 9 or 10 are exponentially more valuable than well-worn, played-with cards. Even a subtle difference in grade can mean thousands of dollars variation. Proper protection in sleeves, cardboard holders, and albums is key to maintaining a card worthy of higher value. Surface scratches, corners/edges not being perfectly sharp, and centering issues all detract from condition.

Beyond just the core attributes, certain special parallel printings, autograph or memorabilia relic cards, and one-of-a-kind collector’s items command top dollar. Parallel variations include ultra short-print, refractor, negative, or gold versions of base cards. Autographed cards signed by the player are irresistible to collectors as are “relic” cards containing a swatch of authentic game-used uniform fabric. In some cases, error cards with missing statistics, typos, off-color printing and such achieve cult status. Also very rare are prerelease prototype or uncut sheet cards straight from the printing plate. Such anomalous items pique interest irrespective of the featured player’s pedigree.

When evaluating potential value, it’s best to research recently sold prices for comparable cards on the secondary market. While raw graded cards can give an indication, professionally certified holders verify authenticity and condition grade which impacts a fair price. Sites like eBay, Heritage Auctions, and PWCC provide real-world sales data. Comps for the exact same card, player, year, grade are ideal. If those precise matches don’t exist, similar player/types from that era can be considered. Account for inflation over time as prices rise year over year. Be wary of asking prices on unsold listings which often overvalue inventory. Stick to records of successfully closed transactions.

Certain cards offer a more stable long term investment appeal while others are speculative short-term flips. Rookie cards of stars still performing or Hall of Famers from the sport’s earlier years tend to hold and gain value as collector demand remains steady. In contrast, cards depending too much on single season/playoff performance are riskier without sustained careers. Staying on top of players’ career arcs helps anticipate future collecting trends. The cards with true rarity, historical significance, and ties to beloved all-time legends have what it takes to stand the test of time.

Identifying financially worthwhile cards calls for understanding the variables of player pedigree, issue year context, condition intricacies, and following real market sales. It’s an enjoyable pursuit deciphering those diamond-in-the-rough chances to uncover undervalued gems with potential for future appreciation as interest grows. With diligent research of card attributes and precedents set in the marketplace, collectors can feel confident spotting cards positioned to provide long term returns on their investments in the unique world of sports memorabilia.

WHAT KIND OF BASEBALL CARDS ARE WORTH MONEY

Leave a reply

There are several factors that determine whether a baseball card has significant monetary value. Some of the most important things that can make a baseball card potentially valuable include the player, the year it was printed, the condition or grade of the card, and special characteristics like autographed or rare versions.

The player featured on the card is usually the biggest determinant of value. Cards depicting star players who had long and successful careers in Major League Baseball tend to hold their worth better over time or even appreciate in value. This includes legends of the game like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Mickey Mantle, Honus Wagner, and more recent stars like Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw, Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, and others. Rookie cards, which are a player’s first official baseball card, are also very desirable for star players. Older cards from the early 20th century predating the modern baseball card era in the 1950s can be exceptionally valuable, especially for all-time greats.

The year the card was printed is also important. Generally, the older the card the more potential value it has due to rarity and vintage appeal to collectors. But some specific years saw print runs that were much smaller than normal, making nearly any card from that year quite rare. For example, the 1909-11 T206 card set had very low print numbers and any card from that era can be worth thousands or more. The 1952 Topps set is also considered one of the most valuable vintage issues. Recent years may see cards gain value if they depict future Hall of Famers early in their careers.

A key factor that affects price is the physical condition or grade of the card. Professionally graded cards through services like PSA or BGS that receive high grades of 8, 9, or 10 are far more collectible and valuable than cards that are worn, faded, bent, or damaged in any way. Near mint or pristine examples in original sealed mint condition command the highest prices. The condition of older, fragile paper cards can be difficult to discern without professional grading as well.

Special variants that are autographed, game-used, serially numbered parallels, or short printed insert cards also hold premium value far above an ordinary base card. Autographed cards signed by the player pictured are considered especially desirable and can be quite expensive depending on the star power of the athlete. Rarer error versions with miscuts, missing color, or other production anomalies also fascinate collectors.

Other industry-wide trends influence the baseball card market too. The novel coronavirus pandemic of 2020 led to a general surge in hobby interest and price appreciation for vintage cardboard. The hot memorabilia market and record-breaking sales of historic game-worn jerseys and equipment have also elevated related collecting categories like autographed cards. Looking forward, cards featuring today’s rising stars who pan out as big names may realize greater gains in the long run.

Certain sets like those released during acclaimed seasons stand the test of time. Alex Rodriguez’s rookie season with the Seattle Mariners in 1994 led Upper Deck to produce one of the most iconic modern issues. A PSA 10 Griffey Jr. rookie from that year would sell for around $20,000 today. The seminal 1952 Topps, 1955 Bowman, and 1968 Topps sets introduced major design innovations and will likely retain blue-chip status for decades. Popular modern brands like Topps, Bowman, and Panini also enjoy stable demand from collectors.

Vintage cards require extra care and expertise to properly assess worth. But with savvy research on player pedigree, print run data, set details, and an understanding of condition, anyone can explore the range of affordable collectibles and high dollar specimens in the hobby. Baseball cards provide a direct connection to the rich history of America’s pastime on the field and continue thrilling devotees of both sports and collecting with their nostalgia and potential to appreciate in value over long time horizons.

WHAT ARE CRACKER JACK BASEBALL CARDS WORTH

Leave a reply

Cracker Jack baseball cards are thin cardboard trading cards that were included in boxes and bags of Cracker Jack popcorn and caramel-coated popcorn from 1912 to 1955 as a marketing promotion. They featured images of Major League Baseball players and remained a popular inclusion in Cracker Jack for over 40 years before being discontinued. The value of vintage Cracker Jack baseball cards can vary quite a bit depending on the player, condition of the card, and other factors, but in general they don’t tend to command top dollar compared to premium baseball cards from the same era. They are still sought after items by collectors who enjoy acquiring affordable vintage cards from the early decades of the 20th century.

One of the main factors that influences the value of Cracker Jack cards is the specific player featured on the card. Superstar players from earlier eras like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner and others will command higher prices than more obscure players. Getting a rare Cracker Jack card of one of those legendary players in top condition could conceivably be worth a few hundred dollars, though mint examples are quite scarce. More commonly, cards of top star players from the early 20th century in decent vintage condition might sell for $50-100. Cards of solid players from the 1920s-1940s would usually fall in the $10-40 range depending on condition and demand. Lesser known players would be worth $5-20 usually.

Another major consideration is the condition and state of preservation of the card. Like most vintage paper collector’s items, the better the condition the higher the value. Due to their flimsy cardboard stock and decades of potential exposure, damage, and wear, finding crisp, unwrinkled Cracker Jack baseball cards in top “mint” condition is quite difficult. Even “near mint” examples with just slight wear are hard to come by. More commonly, the cards will have noticeable aging, creasing, staining or other flaws that reduce their grade and value. Heavily worn cards or those with significant damage would have minimal value to collectors. The condition alone could fluctuate a card’s price by hundreds of dollars between different grades.

The specific year and brand of Cracker Jack that produced a card can also play a small role in value. The earliest Cracker Jack cards from around 1912 tend to be scarcer and thus more valuable to collectors seeking early examples. Over time as production and distribution expanded, more cards were put in circulation. Cards from the peak Cracker Jack years of the 1920s through early 1940s will have the highest population but remain quite collectible. The later 1940s-50s series prior to cards being discontinued have somewhat reduced demand and prices. And regional variations existed over the years based on different manufacturers, so certain print runs are rarer. On the whole, vintage condition is the key driver of price more than minor brand differences.

When actively researching prices and sales data on Cracker Jack cards, you’ll often find them sold individually online or in group lots along with other vintage paper memorabilia. Singular better condition examples in auctions may sell for the higher end prices mentioned above, while mixed lots of multiple common players might go for $50-100 total. It’s important to consider recent completed sales of comparable cards to understand the realistic market value. Online retail listing prices also tend to be higher than realised auction averages. Cracker Jack cards remain an affordable entry point for collectors seeking early 20th century baseball nostalgia, with the best examples retaining value as scarce survivors from the early sports card era. While they lack the headline prices of premium sets, their history and availability make them a mainstay for budget-minded vintage collectors.

The value of Cracker Jack baseball cards can vary widely based on the specific player featured, the quality grade and condition of the card, its year of origin, and other supply and demand factors. While generally not attaining the very top prices that rarer premium sets command, desirable star player cards or those in excellent condition can sell for hundreds when available. More common issues of solid players or those with flaws are still collectors’ items worth between $5-100 depending on all considerations. Their enduring popularity, accessibility in the vintage marketplace, and historical significance assures Cracker Jack cards will remain a worthwhile collectible for both casual fans and invested baseball memorabilia collectors.

WHY ARE BASEBALL CARDS VALUABLE

Leave a reply

There are several key reasons why baseball cards can become very valuable collectibles. First, the scarcity and condition of the card plays a huge role in its value. The older the card is, the fewer were likely printed at the time since baseball card production and collecting was not as widespread as it is today. Therefore, older cards from the early 20th century or prior are far scarcer than modern cards. Even for older cards, their condition is extremely important to valuations. Well-preserved cards that are in near mint or gem mint condition are much rarer and more desirable to collectors than cards that show signs of wear, creasing, or damage. Getting a highly sought after old card in top condition is like finding a needle in a haystack, which drives up valuations tremendously.

Secondly, the specific player featured on the card impacts value greatly. Future Hall of Fame players who had exceptionally productive and memorable careers tend to have the most valuable cards, especially from their rookie seasons. For example, a mint condition 1909 T206 Honus Wagner card is among the most prized possessions a collector could attain, with estimates of a perfect example being worth millions given Wagner’s fame and the extreme rarity of the card in pristine condition. Similarly, cards featuring other all-time greats like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Willie Mays, and Mickey Mantle from their early playing days are enormously valuable just because the players immortalized are considered the best to ever play. Lesser known players who had short careers have cards worth little in comparison.

Third, special cards from historic sets that were only released for one year or contain coveted statistical and biographical information heighten values substantially. Examples include the iconic 1952 Topps set that reintroduced modern cardboard mass-produced cards after a multi-year hiatus, the 1967 Bazooka bubblegum minis that featured the last active players from the Negro Leagues, or the 1933 Goudey Sport Kings cards that presented rare action photos. Error cards like those missing statistics or wrongly depicting the wrong image also gain prominence. Similarly, rare promotional inserts like the 1972 Cincinnati Reds “Big Red Machine” team cards or the 1975 O-Pee-Chee Pete Rose “Hit King” acknowledgment pieces attain premium prices in the collector market.

Card condition is a determinant as well. Beyond mint condition, there is an even rarer “gem mint” rating which denotes perfect centering, corners, edges and surface quality without any flaws. These flawless specimens can demand huge selling prices. Professional grading of cards through authoritative services like PSA, BGS or SGC adds legitimacy and standardized consistency which helps determine appropriate market values. Cards receiving the highest possible grades of PSA 10 or BGS/SGC Gem Mint 10 are few and far between and fetch top dollar.

Player autographs authenticated as legitimate also multiply card values tremendously. For example, a signed 1939 Play Ball Babe Ruth rookie would be exponentially costlier than an unsigned example. Relics containing game-used memorabilia bat/jersy swatches have also recently grown collector interest. Similarly, serial numbered parallels of popular modern issues gain following and increase valuations versus standard base issues.

Apart from these myriad tangible factors, ever fluctuating collector demand forces of supply and demand also dictate pricing fluctuations. Certain decades, players or sets experience periodic boomlets that spark renewed interest which appreciate values accordingly in the short term. Contrarily, overproduction of modern issues sponsored by sports card companies as a business venture versus a collector hobby dilute interest and lower prices proportionately until finding an equilibrium.

With baseball celebrated as America’s pastime for over a century, the allure of collecting memorable physical slices of history chronicling the legends of the game on durable cardboard continues strongly to this day. And where rarity, condition, subject player or historic peculiarity intersects creates financially meaningful intersections that drive certain cards to become priceless assets for collectors privileged enough to call them their own. With popularity and new generations finding the hobby every year, values seem poised to hold or appreciate over the long run for special specimens paying tribute to the National Pastime.

ARE BASEBALL CARDS WORTH COLLECTING ANYMORE

Leave a reply

Baseball cards have been a popular collectible for decades, but the nature of collecting them has changed significantly over the years. After experiencing declining interest and value in the late 20th century, baseball cards have seen something of a resurgence in popularity in recent years, though the market certainly looks different than in the sport’s early days.

In their heyday during the 1950s and 1960s, baseball cards were an integral part of the cultural experience of following professional baseball. They were readily available in inexpensive packs at corner stores, and collecting and trading cards of favorite players was a beloved pastime for many young fans. The relatively small production runs of cards from that era have made some of those vintage cards tremendously valuable today, especially for stars of the time like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron.

As interest in the hobby waned in the 1970s and 1980s, card manufacturers greatly increased production in an effort to boost sales. This flooded the market and significantly reduced the scarcity and value of the common cards from those periods. The speculative card boom of the late 1980s, caused in part by the debut of stars like Ken Griffey Jr., led to a bust that further damaged the industry. By the 1990s, it seemed like the great era of baseball card collecting might truly be over.

In recent years, however, there have been signs of life returning to the baseball card market. Several factors have contributed to this resurgence. First, as the children who grew up collecting in the 1950s-1970s have reached adulthood and parenthood themselves, they have sought to share their enjoyment of the hobby with their own kids. This renewed the interest of an older generation with money to spend. Secondly, advances in technology like the internet have made connecting with other collectors and participating in the market much easier. Online auction sites like eBay gave the industry an outlet for secondary sales.

Perhaps most significantly, some of the superstar players today have generated massive new interest in collecting their rookie cards. Names like Bryce Harper, Mike Trout, and Mookie Betts have drawn in a whole new generation of fans looking to acquire early cards. The prices their best rookies have fetched in recent auctions and sales have reinforced the continued value potential for truly elite young talent. Renegade manufacturers like Topps, Panini, and Upper Deck also release innovative new products frequently, further engaging collectors.

It’s certainly nothing like the heyday, baseball card collecting remains a vibrant and viable hobby. The nature of what holds value has evolved. Whereas in the past it was primarily the common cards of the era that were prized, today’s “commonly available” inserts, parallels, memorabilia cards and autographed pieces from modern sets drive the enthusiasm of most collectors. With supply greatly exceeding demand for all but the most elite rookie cards, it’s really only a small slice of modern issues that can be expected to maintain and increase in worth over time.

For the casual collector just looking to enjoy accruing cards of their favorite recent players, there is still fun to be had by opening today’s reasonably priced packs. But for truly speculative investing or the hope that a box of cards will fund a future college tuition, those days are firmly in the past. Modern baseball cards are more a hobby of enjoyment, appreciation of the art and technological innovations, and tracking today’s stars, rather than a get-rich-quick investment. For collectors willing to adapt to the current market realities, however, the passion for cardboard remains alive and well.

While the era of baseball cards being a mainstream collectible phenomenon may have passed, a dedicated community of enthusiasts continues to indulge in the hobby, driven both by nostalgia and excitement for current players. The nature of what holds value financially has evolved since the mid-20th century, but for those seeking to enjoy collecting cards of today’s MLB stars, to appreciate the artistry of modern issues, or to share the pastime with their own children, the activity remains worthwhile.

WHERE CAN I HAVE MY BASEBALL CARDS GRADED

Leave a reply

Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) is generally considered the gold standard in third-party grading for collectibles like sports cards. They have decades of experience assessing condition and have graded billions of cards. Some key aspects of using PSA:

PSA offers various service levels from economy to express depending on desired turnaround time. Economy takes several months while express can be 1-2 weeks but costs more.

Submitters can send cards in either as individuals, group submissions (usually smaller collections sent together), or larger bulk order submissions which provide discounts but take much longer to grade.

PSA uses a numeric 1-10 scale to grade card condition where 10 is flawless gem mint and 1 is poor. They will also designate qualifying cards as PSA GEM MINT 10 if they meet their strictest standards.

Graded PSA cards command a strong premium in the collecting market due to their reputation and brand. Grading fees tend to be higher than competitors. Standard card grading starts around $10-15 per card for economy level and can go much higher for special services.

Beckett Grading Services (BGS) is also a pioneer in the collectibles grading industry and highly respected for their standards. A few notes about using BGS:

Like PSA, BGS offers different turnaround options from value to express. Value takes 2-4 months while express is around 2 weeks. They recently introduced a new ultra-modern grading tier as well.

BGS uses a simpler 1-10 numeric scale for grades without qualification labels. They provide sub-grades from 1-5 or 1-4 for different aspects of condition like centering and corners under the overall grade.

Submission fees per card tend to be slightly lower than PSA on average, starting at $8-10 currently for individuals in value tier. Group bulk order savings are also available.

Graded BGS slabs are immensely popular on resale marketplaces due to clear communication of condition through the sub-grading system. However, PSA cards may realize a bit higher prices in some categories.

Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) started in the rare coin market but has since branched into other collectibles like trading cards. Some notes on PCGS grading:

They introduced a dedicated sports card service about 5 years ago which has grown steadily in popularity each year. PCGS Set Registry is also a popular program.

Turnaround times and fee structures are similar to the coin side of the business, ranging from 30 day economy to 7 day express with per card fees of $10-25 depending on tier and bulk order options.

PCGS uses the same familiar 70 point Sheldon scale that coin collectors know well, grades run from 1-70, to assess card condition. A grade of Mint State/Gem Mint 65 would be the equivalent of a PSA or BGS 9.

Submitters appreciate the option of one-stop shopping to also have coins and cards graded together in one shipment using a grading service they already know and trust from other collecting areas.

Some additional smaller companies to consider include SGC which offers lower pricing, or European based graders like Sportscard GB which specialize more in international soccer/football cards. Overall though, PSA, BGS and PCGS remain the most well known and seen as providing the strongest resale value for graded baseball cards due to their leading reputations in the industry. With any of these major graders, it’s best to carefully research their particular standards and policies to pick the best fit for your collection needs and budget. Proper preparation and having realistic expectations for grades are also advised when deciding whether to have cards professionally assessed.

In summary, PSA, BGS and PCGS are the leading professional third-party grading services for baseball cards that provide reliable authentications of condition and assign grades to standardize the marketplace. The fees and turnaround times differ at each depending on submission tier, but all have spent decades building their reputations and brand recognition that can add value to eligible cards in collector’s portfolios. Submitters should weigh their options carefully based on needs and budget, while continuing to appreciate cards raw or in ungraded holders if formal assessment is not required. Professional grading remains a personal choice for adding verification that can potentially raise secondary market prices for high-quality pieces.

WHERE TO BUY BASEBALL CARDS IN MANHATTAN

Leave a reply

Sportcards Manhattan – This multi-level shop located near Times Square is widely considered to be one of the most prominent baseball card stores in all of New York City. Occupying the whole ground floor and basement of their building, Sportcards Manhattan has an immense selection of baseball cards from pretty much every year going all the way back to the earliest days of the sport. They have many individual cards, complete sets, and boxes of packs available for purchase from modern products as well as vintage issues. In addition to an excellent retail space, Sportcards Manhattan also operates a busy online store with thousands of items available for shipping worldwide. Their staff is very knowledgeable and can provide assistance to customers looking for a specific card to complete a collection or wanting recommendations on products to open.

Bleeker Trading Cards – Nestled between boutique shops in the West Village, Bleeker Trading Cards may have a small storefront but they pack a powerful punch when it comes to their baseball card inventory. With a strong focus on vintage items from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, Bleeker Trading Cards is a premier destination for collectors seeking Classic, Golden Age, and Star-filled Era cardboard. In addition to solo cards, sets and boxes to rummage through, Bleeker also holds periodic auctions that feature some exceptionally rare finds that have been consigned to them over the years. Their owner has decades of experience in the hobby and enjoys sitting down with customers to look through collections or discuss the history of particular athletes and releases.

The National – While best known as a multi-genre pop culture retail outlet, The National location in Fort Greene, Brooklyn maintains an excellent baseball card selection across both new and vintage products. Situated among their massive stock of toys, books, comics and other collectibles on the store’s second floor is a well-organized section entirely devoted to cardboard from your favorite MLB franchises and players. Both unopened packs/boxes as well as previously owned singles and sets can be perused there. The knowledgeable staff is always happy lend advice for building decks, maintaining collections and discovering hidden gems within The National’s constantly refreshed supply.

Long Island Card Shop – Making the trek out to Flushing, Queens provides access to this card store paradise located a short walk from Citi Field, the home stadium of the New York Mets. LI Card Shop boasts a giant square footage filled from floor to high ceiling with drawers upon drawers of categorized cards. While their specialty is indeed Mets collectibles from throughout the team’s history, LI Card Shop also has an enormous stock for each of the other 29 MLB organizations as well. Box breaks are frequently run, permitting participants a chance at pulling rare rookies or parallel versions directly from fresh product. Additional coins, jerseys and autographed memorabilia can also be unearthed on the shop’s jam-packed sales floor.

Cardboard Gods – Operated out of a small but charming storefront in Greenwich Village, Cardboard Gods takes a unique curated approach to their stock that sets them apart. Rather than focusing on sheer volume, they aim to highlight the most iconic players, sets and error cards within their limited retail space. Professional grade equipment like computers withPhotoshop are even provided to help customers digitally restore treasured cards that may have some wear and tear accumulated over the decades. The shop’s owner is an author who incorporated the history of many of baseball’s legendary characters into a non-fiction bestseller, imbuing Cardboard Gods with a real sense of nostalgia and storytelling when browsing their meticulously trimmed-down but top-quality selection.

Those represent some of the top spots for serious baseball card collectors to check out within Manhattan. While online retailers certainly offer extensive inventory, making a trip to one of these prominent brick-and-mortar establishments allows you to truly experience the hobby with tactile card handling, conversations with other aficionados, and the thrill of the hunt for that elusive piece to complete a coveted collection. The diverse selection, knowledge and passion for the pastime that these shops showcase make dedicating time to explore their shelves worthwhile for any fan of America’s favorite pastime preserved in cardboard form.