87 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1987 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the late 1980s.Released at the height of the baseball card boom, the ’87 Donruss set showcased the biggest stars and top rookies of that era. While not quite as renowned as the flagship Topps sets of that time, 1987 Donruss cards still carry significant nostalgia and collector demand over 30 years later.

The base 1987 Donruss set contains 330 cards and was sold in wax packs, rack packs, and factory sets. Some of the most valuable regular issue cards from the set include rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz. High-grade copies of their rookie cards in PSA 10 condition can fetch thousands. Other star rookie cards like Terry Mulholland, Darrin Jackson, and Jeff Gray also hold value due to their debut status, with PSA 10 examples selling in the $100-300 range.

Veteran stars of the late 1980s like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Roger Clemens, and Kirby Puckett have base cards in the ’87 Donruss set that are steadily gaining in value as well. High-grade copies in PSA/BGS 9-10 can sell for $50-150 depending on the player’s career accomplishments and Hall of Fame status. Less heralded veterans from that era in top grades may sell for $10-30.

Outside of the base set, there are also several valuable insert and parallel card variations from 1987 Donruss. One of the most iconic is the “Diamond Kings” parallel issue, which features photo variations of 25 star players on card #s 331-355. PSA 10 examples of the Diamond Kings of superstars like Mike Schmidt, Nolan Ryan, and George Brett can sell for $300-1000 depending on the player featured.

Another coveted parallel is the “Glossy Sendbacks” variation, featuring a photo and design identical to the base issue but with a glossy finish. These are quite rare in high grades and the highest valued are of the star rookie cards. A PSA 10 Glossy Sendback of Greg Maddux’s rookie would sell for $1500-2500. Other inserts like “Team Leaders”, “League Leaders”, and “All-Star” parallels also carry value ranging from $25-200 in top condition, depending on specific players and scarcity.

Perhaps the most valuable card in the entire 1987 Donruss set is the elusive “Photo Variation” of Roger Clemens’ base card. Only a handful are known to exist, and it features an extremely rare alternate action photo instead of the standard posed portrait. High-grade examples in PSA/BGS 9-10 condition have sold at auction for $10,000-15,000 due to the photo swap and striking visual difference compared to the standard Clemens base card.

While not in the same collecting echelon as flagship ’80s sets from Topps, 1987 Donruss cards still hold tremendous nostalgia and value potential for investors and enthusiasts. Base rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz will always be in high demand. Meanwhile, pristine copies of stars’ base cards and coveted parallels can appreciate nicely as the years pass. For set builders and those who enjoyed the cards as kids in 1987, hunting a complete ’87 Donruss set remains a fun and rewarding collecting goal even today.

TOPPS 2021 BASEBALL CARDS CHECKLIST

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The 2021 Topps Baseball card checklist marks the beginning of a new decade of collecting. Topps launched several new product lines in 2021, continuing decades of tradition while also trying some new ideas. Here is an in-depth look at the major releases from Topps in 2021, including information on the base set, inserts, parallels, variations, and special sets.

The core 2021 Topps Baseball base set checklist includes 384 total cards. The checklist includes rookies, stars, and veterans from both the American League and National League. Notable rookies included in the base set are Randy Arozarena, Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May, Ian Anderson, Sixto Sanchez, and Jarred Kelenic. Some of the biggest stars featured are Mike Trout, Fernando Tatis Jr., Ronald Acuña Jr., Juan Soto, Mookie Betts, Gerrit Cole, and Shane Bieber. The veterans checklist includes Albert Pujols, Clayton Kershaw, Max Scherzer, and many others. In total, there are 30 cards per team, with 12 future stars prospects added in to make up the full base set.

Some of the popular insert sets from 2021 Topps include Topps Chrome, Gallery, Tiffany, Negative Prints, Independence Day, and more. Topps Chrome included refractor parallels and numbered parallels. The Tiffany set featured a premium design on raised embossed cards. Negative Prints featured players in black and white negative images. Independence Day honored America’s pastime on July 4th. And Gallery continued its artistic photography style.

In terms of parallels and variations, Topps Baseball in 2021 had numerous options for collectors to chase after outside the base cards. This included Silver Pack parallels on card #/99, Gold Rainbow Foil parallels on card #/70, Platinum Anniversary parallels on card #/70, Superman parallels, Diamond parallels on card #/25, Black parallels, and more. There were also Mother’s Day and Father’s Day parallel variations celebrating those holidays.

One of the most anticipated new releases for 2021 Topps was the Allen & Ginter set, which expanded beyond baseball players to also feature characters, landmarks, creatures, and more in its checklist. Some of the non-baseball highlights included Magritte art, dinosaurs, insects, Elon Musk, ancient armor & weapons, and Frankenstein. Topps also brought back its previously retired Star Wars and WWE license.

Topps also launched several special collector sets in 2021 geared towards high-end collectors. Topps Chrome Jumbo included jumbo-sized refractors. Topps Gallery was split into multiple short prints covering different sports. Topps Tier One honored today’s biggest MLB stars with premium cards containing pieces of their game-used memorabilia. And Topps Inception continued its cutting-edge design approach.

Additionally, Topps Heritage returned for its retro style paying tribute to the designs of the 1950s/60s. Topps Archives spotlighted major milestones from throughout MLB history. Topps Project 70 celebrated the 1970 Topps design in its 50th anniversary. And Topps Finest utilized high-gloss imaging technology. Topps Series 2 returned midseason with updated rosters.

The 2021 flagship Topps Baseball card release was the most ambitious yet, containing more parallels, inserts, prospects, and special collectibles than previous years. It’s sure to be a collectors favorite for years to come as the products from this season are opened and players’ careers unfold. Topps Baseball remains the industry leader heading into its eighth decade of capturing America’s national pastime one card at a time. The 2021 checklist demonstrated Topps commitment to tradition while also unveiling creative new methods of engaging collectors.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1994

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Baseball cards were hugely popular in the early 1990s as the sports memorabilia craze reached new heights. Kids and collectors alike were snatching up packs of cards at record rates looking to build their collections and find the next superstar rookie or valuable vintage card. By 1994, the baseball card market was in full swing making it an ideal time to take a look at the prices cards were fetching in the Beckett Baseball Card Monthly Price Guide from that year.

The 1994 Beckett guide provides a snapshot in time of what collectors were paying for cards in the booming market of the early 90s. Rookie cards of budding young stars like Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, and Larry Walker were some of the hottest commodities. Vintage cards from the deadball era through the 1950s were also highly sought after and prices reflected strong demand. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key highlights and price trends seen in the 1994 Beckett guide.

One of the most expensive cards listed was the legendary 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner. In PSA MINT 9 condition, this iconic card carried a sky-high price tag of $80,000 in 1994. Adjusted for inflation, that figure would be over $150,000 in today’s dollars. Other high-dollar vintage cards included a 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth for $15,000 in PSA EX-MT 5 condition and a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie at $12,000 in PSA NM-MT 8. Vintage cards clearly retained immense value even as the modern era was in full swing.

Rookie cards of emerging stars were some of the hottest commodities on the market in 1994. Ken Griffey Jr.’s 1989 Upper Deck rookie listed for $150 in PSA NM-MT 8 that year. Just a few years later, it would eclipse $1,000 and become one of the most expensive modern cards ever. Frank Thomas’ rookie from 1991 Fleer Update fetched $75 in PSA NM-MT 8 condition. Larry Walker’s 1984 Fleer Update rookie listed for a modest $15 in the same grade. All three players would go on to have Hall of Fame caliber careers and their rookie cards appreciated greatly.

Moving beyond rookies, complete base sets from the 1950s saw strong prices reflective of their scarcity and nostalgia. A 1959 Topps set in PSA NM-MT 8 condition could be had for $2,500. A 1957 Topps set in the same grade cost $2,000. The crease-free surfaces and sharp corners required for high PSA grades contributed significantly to the value of these vintage sets nearly 40 years after their original release. With few intact examples surviving to today, prices have only increased since 1994.

The junk wax era of the late 1980s saw a glut of mass-produced cards that depressed short-term values. Even cards from this period maintained collector interest and prices reflected long-term potential. A 1989 Upper Deck Barry Bonds rookie listed for $15 in PSA NM-MT 8, the same as a 1984 Fleer Update Larry Walker. The Bonds card would explode in value as his career took off, a reminder that not all “junk wax” cards were truly junk. A complete 1989 Fleer set still fetched $150 in top condition, showing there was an established collector base.

Moving into the early 1990s, sets saw much lower print runs and more selective distribution compared to the late 80s. As a result, they retained higher values from the start. A 1991 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. rookie listed for $50 in top condition, far surpassing most late 80s cards. The 1991 Stadium Club set carried a $200 price tag in NM-MT 8, reflecting its premium retro design and lower printing. Even common cards from sets like 1992 Bowman and 1993 Topps Draft Picks Series 1 maintained respectable $1-2 values.

The 1994 Beckett Baseball Card Price Guide provides a fascinating snapshot of the booming market and collector values from a pivotal time in the hobby’s history. Vintage cards retained immense intrinsic worth while rookie cards of emerging stars like Griffey, Thomas and Walker saw strong early demand. Complete vintage sets from the 1950s commanded impressive four-figure prices. Even cards from the maligned junk wax era held collector interest and retained potential long-term value. The guide illustrates baseball cards remained a vibrant and lucrative collecting category even as the market expanded rapidly in the early 90s. Card values from 1994 would prove to be just the beginning as interest and prices escalated dramatically in the decades since.

2022 BOWMAN BASEBALL HOT CARDS

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The 2022 Bowman baseball set was released in late March/early April and there are already some rookie cards that are gaining traction as potential breakout prospects establish themselves in the majors. While it’s still very early, here are some of the top rookies from the 2022 Bowman set that could turn into expensive chase cards by the end of the season based on their prospect pedigree and early MLB performances.

Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles (Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto RC /299) – Rutschman has long been considered the top catching prospect in baseball and many believe he has franchise-changing talent. He was selected first overall in the 2019 MLB Draft and is now getting his first extended look in the big leagues after a strong start at Triple-A. In his debut series against the Rays, Rutschman went 5-for-13 with 3 walks and showed why the hype is real. With his skill set both at and behind the plate, if Rutschman settles in and produces as expected, his rookie cards could be chasing $1,000+ by season’s end.

Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals (Bowman 1st Chrome Auto RC /499) – Witt was considered the best pure hitter in the 2018 draft class and has done nothing but hit since turning pro. He blazed through the minors and after a hot start at Triple-A, got the call to Kansas City where he’s continued mashing. Witt brings impressive power potential to the table along with plus speed. He’s been touted as a future all-star and with the Royals looking to contend soon, Witt will be a cornerstone for years. His autos and top rookies from 2022 Bowman could settle in the $500+ range by summer if he sticks.

Spencer Torkelson, Detroit Tigers (Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC /299) – Tork was the top hitter taken in the 2020 draft and has proven himself since with a .312/.413/.583 slash line in the minors. Many scouts feel his hit tool and approach are big-league ready and he will hit for power in Comerica Park. He had a cup of coffee in Detroit last season but was sent down to keep developing. Torkelson is tearing it up again at Triple-A and looks MLB bound shortly. As the new face of the rebuilding Tigers, Torkelson’s cards could pop higher than Witt’s if he contributes right away.

Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners (Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC /299) – Rodriguez is an absolute freak athlete who has five-tool star potential. He made his MLB debut in April 2022 and has held his own despite his age (21). Rodriguez already mixes impressive power with game-changing speed. His defense in center field has also drawn rave reviews. J-Rod is a key part of Seattle’s young core and his 1st Bowman Chrome autos could rival Rutschman’s prices by season’s end if he carves out an everyday role.

Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates (Bowman Sapphire Prospects Auto RC /150) – At 6-foot-7 with exceptional raw power, Cruz draws comparisons to Roberto Clemente due to his combination of size and athleticism. After mashing at High-A/AA in 2021, he continued crushing in a brief stint in the AFL. Cruz was a non-roster invitee to Pirates camp in 2022 and impressed enough to make the Opening Day roster. With his huge upside, Cruz could emerge as a fan favorite as the Pirates rebuild. HisAutos from Sapphire and higher-end Bowman products are tickets to ride.

Jack Leiter, Texas Rangers (Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC /299) – As the #2 overall pick in 2021 out of Vanderbilt, Leiter was seen as one of the safest pitching prospects in recent memory. He dominated in his pro debut and earned a quick promotion to Double-A. Leiter features a mid-90s fastball with elite secondaries and the makeup to stick as a frontline starter. If the 21-year-old continues firing zeroes, expect Leiter’s 1st Bowman Chrome autos to settle in the $300-500 range within months as Rangers faithful latch onto their new ace.

Geraldo Perdomo, Arizona Diamondbacks (Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC /299) – Perdomo made his MLB debut in April 2022 and has shown an advanced approach at the plate with good speed and defensive versatility. He can handle shortstop but also profiles for second or third base depending on need. With his contact skills and sneaky power, Perdomo has breakout potential batting at the bottom of a talented D-Backs lineup. He could emerge as a fan favorite and perennial trade chip for the rebuilding club.

Jordan Walker, St. Louis Cardinals (Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC /299) – As the 33rd overall pick in 2020 out of Decatur HS (GA), Walker has enormous raw power potential that was on full display in 2021. He crushed 20 homers between High-A and Double-A in his first full pro season at just 20 years old. With his combination of strength and athleticism, scouts feel Walker has the build and skills to be a perennial 30-homer threat. Being in the Cardinals system bodes well for his development as well. Cards fans are eager to see what he can do in the majors.

Cade Cavalli, Washington Nationals (Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC /299) – Cavalli has perhaps the best pure stuff of any pitching prospect in the minors with a triple-digit fastball and a true power curveball. Selected 22nd overall in 2020, he was dominant in his first full season, striking out 140+ hitters between High-A and Double-A. Cavalli has ace potential and could ascend Washington’s depth chart quickly if he continues overmatching hitters. His autos will be scalped by Nats collectors hoping for the team’s next Max Scherzer.

That covers some of the top rookies to watch from the 2022 Bowman baseball release. As the season progresses and these prospects perform in the big leagues, collector interest and card values should rise accordingly. For those speculating on these talents, now is a great time to acquire their rookie cards at reasonable prices before they potentially explode later in 2022 or beyond. The 2022 Bowman baseball set provides an opportunity to get in early on what could develop into some true marquee rookie cards.

MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS 1991 UPPER DECK

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The 1991 Upper Deck baseball card set is renowned among collectors as one of the most iconic and valuable issues in the modern era. Produced during the hobby’s early boom period in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the ’91 Upper Deck set showcased premium card designs and specifications that raised the bar for quality and collectibility. Now, over 30 years later, many of the rarest and most coveted cards from this classic 762-card release still hold iconic status and bring top dollar at auction.

Perhaps the single most famous and valuable card from 1991 Upper Deck is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of if not the best rookie card of all time, Griffey’s first Upper Deck issue showcases “The Kid” in his Seattle Mariners uniform from his debut 1990 season. With its stunning photography, vivid color, and sharp focus on Griffey’s sweet swinging stance, the card became a lighting rod for collectors at the time and has only grown more legendary in the decades since. In PSA 10 Gem Mint condition, individual Griffey Jr. rookies from 1991 Upper Deck have sold at auction for over $400,000. Even well-worn lower grade examples still demand tens of thousands.

Another hugely valuable card and true Holy Grail for collectors is the Nolan Ryan Express Poster insert. Pulling this exceptionally rare parallel card from packs required an immense amount of luck, as there was only 1 per every 3,360 packs. Featuring a gorgeous action photo of Ryan’s blazing fastball, the poster card came folded like an actual poster and has become one of the rarest insert cards ever produced. In PSA 9/10 condition, Ryan Express Posters have exceeded $150,000 at auction. Even low-grade examples that still preserve the folded poster shape can still trade hands for five figures sums.

While the headliners are undoubtedly the Griffey Jr. rookie and Nolan Ryan poster, several other key cards from 1991 Upper Deck also hold tremendous collector value today. Ichiro Suzuki’s rookie card, for example, has rocketed in demand as his Hall of Fame career has cemented his legacy. High-grade Ichiro’s now surpass $10,000 each. Other legendary players with iconic rookie or action photos in the ’91 Upper Deck set include Chipper Jones, Jim Thome, Roberto Alomar, and Dennis Eckersley. Each of their pieces, especially in high grades, command four-figure prices or more on the thriving third-party market.

Beyond rookies and inserts however, plenty of traditional base cards also retain great worth in the ’91 Upper Deck checklist. For example, cards featuring legends like Ken Griffey Sr., Reggie Jackson, and Rickey Henderson are perennial favorites. All three commanded mid-four-figure sums for PSA 10s in recent auctions. Superstar cards of Barry Bonds, Cal Ripken Jr., and Tony Gwynn also retained substantial collector interest and value as their careers progressed into the Hall of Fame. Ripken and Gwynn PSA 10s especially have exceeded $1,000 each.

Rounding out the truly elite, most valuable 1991 Upper Deck cards are the ultra-rare autograph and memorabilia parallel subsets inserted at absurdly low odds. Tom Glavine’s autographed card, for example, carries an estimate exceeding $25,000 in top condition. Meanwhile, parallel cards featuring game-used memorabilia patches or bat splinters from stars like Griffey Jr., Ripken, and Ozzie Smith set collectors back well into the five-figure range. Of course, as with any highly sought vintage release, even well-centered, sharp examples of incredibly tough pull parallels in PSA 8 or 9 can still command four-figure returns on the open market.

In hindsight, 1991 Upper Deck truly was a landmark release that shaped the entire modern baseball card collecting landscape. Not only did its inserts, parallels and rookie star power like Griffey Jr. place a premium on chase and excitement, but its superior production values established an industry standard that lasts to this day. Now over 30 years later, careers of legendary players featured within like Ripken, Gwynn, and Bonds have cemented their place in Cooperstown. As a result, 1991 Upper Deck remains one of the single most collectible and historically important card sets ever made. For informed collectors, its vintage rookies, inserts and star cards continue to hold tremendous long-term appreciation potential and value.

1989 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS ERROR LIST

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The 1989 Topps baseball card set is well known among collectors for containing a number of notable errors. While errors of some sort are common in most annual sets released by the major baseball card manufacturers, the 1989 Topps issues seemed to have more than usual. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most significant mistakes found in the 792-card base set.

Perhaps the most famous error from the 1989 Topps checklist is card #168 featuring pitcher Bob Milacki of the Baltimore Orioles. On Milacki’s card, his first name is incorrectly spelled “Bod” instead of the proper “Bob”. It’s believed this misspelling slipped through multiple levels of quality control at Topps. The “Bod Milacki” error is highly sought after by collectors and can fetch prices well above typical for the card number.

Another eye-catching mistake appears on card #353 showing Dodgers pitcher Tim Leary. The photo used is actually of a different player, Montreal Expos pitcher Pascual Perez, though the card still identifies Leary correctly. Some speculate Topps may have simply run out of proper photos for Leary late in the production process. Like the Milacki flub, card collectors prize the mismatched photo error card.

Card #397 features Indians outfielder Candy Maldonado. The player pictured is definitely not Maldonado. It appears to be an unknown minor leaguer instead. Topps seems to have pulled a totally wrong photo for Maldonado’s card somehow. Again, due to its bizarre nature, this error finds a premium price in the trading card marketplace.

A more mundane yet still notable glitch happens on card #495 portraying Yankees pitcher Tim Leary. The mound in the background photo depicts Leary as a left-handed pitcher, which is incorrect since he pitched exclusively from the right side. A small but unusual mistake that keen-eyed fans would spot.

Later in the alphabet, card #614 was issued for then-Padres pitcher Eric Show. Oddly, Show’s first name is completely missing from the card – it just reads “Show San Diego Padres”. How such an obvious omission made it to the final printed product remains a mystery. Collectors value this missing-name error highly.

Another odd absent name occurs on card #687 meant for Mariners outfielder Greg Briley. Here, Briley’s last name is missing, so the card states only “Greg Seattle Mariners”. Like the Show card, Briley’s name being partly left off is quite a head-scratching error to encounter.

Moving to the higher numbers, card #750 depicts Cubs outfielder Dwight Smith. On Smith’s image, his uniform number is erroneously listed as “9” when he in fact wore “#28” that season. A small mistake perhaps, but noteworthy as uniform numbers normally match the player pictured.

The final 1989 Topps error to highlight is card #792, the set’s “final card”. This one features pitcher Mark Thurmond of the Astros pictured in the generic gray batter’s box backdrop used by Topps for many players. Oddly, Thurmond’s last name is misspelled as “Thurman” directly on the image. A real shame such an obvious typo made it all the way to the coveted last card of the set.

In total, it’s estimated over a dozen evident mistakes pollute the 1989 Topps checklist, many of which have become quite valuable to error card collectors. Why this particular year’s production ran into so many glaring issues remains open to debate. But these errors help preserve the set’s legacy among baseball memorabilia aficionados decades later. For enduring fascination and hunting uncommon variants, the aberrations remain a big part of the 1989 Topps card popularity.

BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE 2020 HERITAGE

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Baseball card collecting remains a popular and lucrative hobby for many people across the United States and worldwide. Each year, the major card manufacturers like Topps, Panini, and Leaf release new baseball card sets featuring current major and minor league players. The 2020 Topps Heritage baseball card set was no exception, offering collectors a retro-inspired look at the latest season.

Topps Heritage has become one of the most anticipated releases each spring. The set pays homage to Topps designs from the late 1960s through the 1970s, featuring a simplified color palette and classic aesthetic. For the 2020 edition, Topps Heritage included 312 base cards showing current major leaguers in vintage-style uniforms without player names on the front. Additional parallels, short prints, and autographed/memorabilia cards added to the excitement of the release.

As with most new sets, the 2020 Topps Heritage cards were in high demand upon initial release in March. Vintage-style designs have proven popular with collectors seeking a nostalgic feel. Many enthusiasts enjoy building full or partial sets to showcase in binders or display boxes. Within the first few months after release, most common base cards could be found for $1-3 each online or at local card shops as supply met collector demand. Certain parallels and short prints carried premium prices of $5-10 or more due to their scarcity.

Several factors influence the value of individual 2020 Topps Heritage baseball cards for sale today. Rookie cards of burgeoning stars like Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. remain some of the most sought-after and valuable base cards from the set. Autograph and memorabilia cards of top players are also highly valuable, with autographed versions of Mike Trout, Christian Yelich, and Cody Bellinger commanding $50-100 or more based on player performance and popularity. Short prints of established stars also carry a premium.

Condition is critical when evaluating the value of any vintage-style card issue like Topps Heritage. Near mint or gem mint examples in protective sleeves or cases will gain significant value over well-worn, played-with cards. Centering is also an important grading factor – cards that are perfectly centered carry a premium. Authenticity is especially important for autographed or memorabilia cards, so purchasing only from reputable dealers is recommended. Grading services like PSA/DNA and BGS provide verified authenticity and condition analysis to maximize a card’s worth.

As with any new release, prices for 2020 Topps Heritage cards have settled somewhat a year after their initial drop. Many common base cards can now be found for $0.50-1 in near mint condition. The cards of top young stars and valuable parallels continue gaining value as those players establish themselves. Cards from Heritage sets have also proven to hold their worth well over time. Vintage Topps designs from the 1960s-70s remain highly collectible and valuable today. With its retro aesthetic and inclusion of current stars, the 2020 Topps Heritage baseball card set looks poised to join the ranks of sets that stand the test of time for dedicated collectors. Whether assembling full sets, chasing favorite players, or simply enjoying the vintage visuals, Topps Heritage provides a fun annual tradition for baseball card fans.

BASEBALL CARDS CERTIFICATION

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Baseball cards have been collected by fans for over a century and represent an important part of the sport’s history and culture. As the popularity of card collecting has grown over the years, so too has the desire to verify a card’s authenticity and condition. This led to the rise of third-party grading and authentication services that “certify” sports cards.

The two largest and most well-known certification companies are Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and Beckett Grading Services (BGS). Both assign cards a numerical grade between 1-10 (or higher for PSA) that reflects its state of preservation as well as authenticating that the card is real. This certification helps ensure collectors they are getting an unaltered, high-quality item at the assigned grade level.

PSA and BGS use strict grading standards developed by industry experts to consistently and objectively analyze every aspect of a card such as centering, corners, edges and surface. Graders must pass extensive training and testing before earning the right to certify. The companies also have sophisticated technology like watermarking, holograms and serial numbers to deter counterfeiting and make their labels very difficult to replicate.

The certification process protects collectors by adding transparency to transactions. Raw, uncertified cards carry more risk as their condition can be subjective or potentially misrepresented by sellers. Once encapsulated and assigned a official grade, there is no question about a card’s authenticity or quality level. This gives buyers confidence they are getting exactly what is described on the label.

Certification also makes cards much more liquid assets that are easier to appraise, trade or resell. Third party population reporting gives collectors data to understand rarity and compare similar graded cards from a company’s population. This standardized information streamlines pricing and allows the marketplace to function more efficiently.

While PSA and BGS remain the most prominent, other certification companies have emerged over the years as the hobby has grown. Companies like SGC, HGA and others offer alternative grading options at sometimes lower cost. However, PSA and BGS have established the most extensive population databases due to grading the vast majority of high-end vintage and modern sports cards over the past few decades.

For extremely valuable vintage cards like iconic rookies of Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle or other all-time greats, PSA and BGS authentication and population reporting is essential for collectors, dealers and auction houses. Receiving one of the highest possible grades from these services, such as PSA 10 or BGS Black Label, can make a card worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.

While certification adds cost, most serious collectors see the value in protecting valuable assets and gaining the transparency, liquidity and standardized information that grading provides. Some argue that over-grading of certain cards can undermine the population statistics. There is also criticism that the major companies have become too commercialized and profit-driven rather than focused on strict grading standards.

Third party authentication and grading has become an integral part of the baseball card marketplace. Certification provides essential quality control that gives collectors confidence in the products and investments. As the hobby continues expanding in popularity, certification services play an important role in maintaining the integrity and growth of the collecting industry.

IF I SELL BASEBALL CARDS IS IT TAXABLE

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Selling your personal baseball card collection can be a great way to make some extra cash, especially if you have some rare and valuable cards. When you start selling cards on a regular basis, the IRS may consider your activities as a hobby or even a business. So the question comes up – is selling baseball cards taxable? Here is a comprehensive look at the tax implications of baseball card sales.

The first thing to understand is that occasional personal sales of your cards are generally not considered taxable by the IRS. For example, if you sell a few cards from your childhood collection on eBay just to declutter, that likely would not be viewed as a taxable activity. If you start buying and selling cards on a regular basis with the goal of making a profit, the IRS may classify those activities as a “hobby” or a “business.”

If the IRS considers your baseball card sales a hobby, then you are able to claim expenses up to the amount of income you earn. You cannot report a loss or carry over losses to future years. Any income from hobby sales over expenses must be reported as Other Income on your tax return. Some factors the IRS may use to determine if it’s a hobby include:

Do the activities actually make a profit in 3 of the last 5 years, including the current year?
How much time do you devote to the activities? Are the activities done regularly or just for fun/recreation?
Are the activities designed to make a profit? Or is the primary goal just a hobby or pastime with any profit being a secondary goal?

On the other hand, if the IRS classifies your card sales as a business based on the frequency and intent to profit, then you have more reporting requirements and tax implications to consider. As a business:

All business income must be reported on Schedule C along with your Form 1040.
You can claim business expenses and potentially show a loss to offset other income. Losses can be carried forward to future years.
You may need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) depending on the level of income.
You are responsible for self-employment taxes which include both the employer and employee portions of Social Security and Medicare taxes (15.3% total). These are reported on Schedule SE.
You may also need to pay estimated quarterly taxes if your tax liability exceeds $1,000.

In addition to the business/hobby classification, another scenario is if you sell cards that you purchased specifically to resell for a profit within a short time period. For cards purchased with the intent to flip quickly, any profits would be considered self-employment income and taxed accordingly versus being taxed at the capital gains rate.

Some helpful strategies if you want to avoid a “business” designation by the IRS include:

Keep good records of all income and expenses including purchase and sale prices of individual cards.
Only purchase and sell a few high value items per year instead of many low or mid-value cards.
Advertise or market your sales occasionally but don’t run it like an active ongoing business operation.
Show that you have another primary source of income that takes up most of your time. Keep card sales as a side activity.

Occasional personal sales of baseball cards are generally not taxable but regular sales done with the intent to profit may be considered a hobby or business by the IRS. Knowing the tax classification and implications up front can help you avoid any surprises when tax time rolls around. As always, it’s best to consult a tax professional if you have any substantial card sales in a given year. Proper record keeping is also important to substantiate your activities to the IRS if ever questioned.

BASEBALL CARDS LYNCHBURG VA

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The history of baseball cards in Lynchburg, Virginia spans over a century. Lynchburg has a rich baseball history dating back to the early 1900s when minor league teams first started playing in the city. Along with the rise of minor league baseball in Lynchburg came the first baseball cards featuring local players.

Some of the earliest known baseball cards from Lynchburg feature players who suited up for the Lynchburg Shoemakers in the early 1900s. The Shoemakers were a Class-D minor league team and member of the Virginia League from 1903-1911. Cards from this era depicting Shoemakers players are highly sought after by collectors today given their age and the team’s status as one of the first professional franchises in Lynchburg.

In the 1920s and 1930s, Lynchburg was home to the Lynchburg Senators who played in the Piedmont League, Virginia League, and Piedmont League again. Cards were produced during these decades highlighting Senators players. Notable Senators who had cards issued include Hall of Famer Ted Williams, who spent part of 1939 with Lynchburg before getting called up to the majors. Williams’ Lynchburg Senators card is one of the most valuable in baseball card collecting circles.

The post-World War II era saw another boom in baseball card popularity across America. In Lynchburg, the local minor league team was then the Hillcats who played from 1947-1954 in the Piedmont League. Topps, Bowman, and other leading card companies of the time released sets that included Hillcats players. Fans in Lynchburg snapped up these cards at local shops, adding to the growing hobby.

In the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s, the Lynchburg White Sox and Hillcats continued to have their players featured on cards as minor league baseball in the city remained a popular summertime pastime. Topps maintained its monopoly on baseball cards but faced new competition from Fleer and Donruss in the late ’50s. This spawned more card options for collectors in Lynchburg to pursue players from their hometown minor league squads.

In 1985, the Hillcats returned to Lynchburg as a Class A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. This ushered in the modern minor league baseball era in the city and a new wave of baseball card popularity. Upper Deck, Score, and other ’80s and ’90s card manufacturers ensured Hillcats players were represented alongside big leaguers. Lynchburg shops like Peaches Records & Tapes sold wax packs and boxes of these new sets.

Today, Lynchburg is home to the Hillcats, now a High-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. The franchise enjoys strong community support as the pastime of collecting their players’ baseball cards continues. Modern sets by Topps, Panini, Leaf, and others highlight each year’s Hillcats roster. Local card shows are held where collectors can meet, trade, and buy cards from all eras of Lynchburg baseball history.

The Lynchburg Public Library also houses an extensive archive of baseball cards from the city. Visitors can research sets from the early 1900s Shoemakers through the present-day Hillcats to learn about the sport’s evolution in Central Virginia. The collection celebrates the rich tradition of baseball cards mirroring the ups and downs of America’s favorite pastime in Lynchburg for over a century.

Collectors in Lynchburg take pride in obtaining the rarest and most valuable cards from the city’s baseball past. Examples include hand-cut homemade cards of Shoemakers players, well-centered Ted Williams Senators issues, and ’50s Hillcats rookies. Although the minor league teams and parent clubs have changed over time, Lynchburg’s love affair with baseball and its cardboard commodities remains as strong as ever.