MOST VALUABLE ATLANTA BRAVES BASEBALL CARDS

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The Atlanta Braves are one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball with a rich history dating back to 1871. As one of the oldest teams in all of professional sports, the Braves have produced countless baseball legends that have been immortalized on vintage baseball cards over the decades. While common cards of franchise greats like Hank Aaron, Warren Spahn, and Greg Maddux can be found fairly cheaply, there are some ultra rare Braves cards that have astronomical values due to their age, condition, and significance. Here are some of the most valuable and coveted Atlanta Braves baseball cards that collectors desperately seek:

1914 Cracker Jack Hank Aaron (RC) – Estimated Value: $150,000+
This is arguably the crown jewel of all Braves cards and one of the rarest in the hobby. Issued by Cracker Jack in 1914, it features a young Henry Louis Aaron from his time in the Negro Leagues before joining the Braves organization in 1952 and going on to break Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record. Only a handful are known to exist in various states of preservation and pristine PSA/BGS graded examples have sold for well over $150,000. The rarity and historical significance of capturing Aaron so early makes this one of the most valuable baseball cards period.

1953 Topps Warren Spahn – Estimated Value: $75,000+
Considered the ace of the Braves pitching staff for over a decade, Warren Spahn was a surefire Hall of Famer by 1953 when Topps debuted the modern cardboard craze. His rookie card that year in the iconic design is one of the key cards for any vintage collection. High grades bring immense sums, like one pristine PSA 9 copy that sold for a staggering $96,000 back in 2016, still one of the top prices ever paid for a ’53 Topps card.

1968 Topps Hank Aaron All-Star – Estimated Value: $35,000+
This special variation card highlights Aaron after winning the 1967 NL MVP and Sporting News Player of the Year awards, immortalizing him in the midst of chasing Babe Ruth’s home run record. Only a small subset in the ’68 Topps set featured the All-Star logo on the front and it’s become hugely popular. Low population combined with Aaron’s iconic status and having the All-Star label make high grade specimens command big money, like a PSA 9 recently selling online for $40,000.

1956 Topps Eddie Mathews RC – Estimated Value: $15,000+
One of the game’s greatest power hitters and a true Braves legend, Mathews was just starting his Hall of Fame career in 1956 when Topps distributed his rookie card. It’s considered a must-have for any vintage collection but high grades are scarce due to the fragile 1956 cardboard stock. Even well-worn low graded examples in PSA 2-4 condition still pull in $5,000+. Pristine PSA 10 specimens have been auctioned for north of $15,000 to patient collectors.

1972 Topps Gary Matthews RC – Estimated Value: $12,000+
The son of Eddie Mathews became a two-time All-Star outfielder in his own right with the Braves and Rangers during the 1970s. His iconic smiling rookie card in the colorized ’72 Topps set remains quite scarce in top condition due to print issues. While more common grades can be found for under $1,000, pristine PSA 10 examples showing Gary’s pearly whites are valuable, with one achieving $12,300 at auction in 2016.

1966 Topps Hank Aaron – Estimated Value: $9,000+
Capturing Aaron in the midst of his chase for Babe Ruth’s home run record, this card stands out for its action photo and significance in Braves history. Higher grades are tougher to come by in the fragile ’66 set but PSA 9’s have still brought impressive prices like $9,100 at Goldin Auctions in 2018. Remarkably well-preserved PSA 10’s could potentially set new records given Aaron’s hallowed status in the game.

1957 Topps 1957 Milwaukee Braves – Estimated Value: $7,500+
This rare team card spotlights the lineup and starting rotation of the ’57 World Series champion Braves, the franchise’s first title in Milwaukee. Only appearing in the 1957 Topps set, it has long been an elusive key for collectors. Just finding an intact thin ’57 example in any condition is an achievement on its own. PSA 8 pieces in excellent shape have sold online for over $7,500 showing its coveted status.

1972 Topps Hank Aaron HR King – Estimated Value: $6,000+
Released shortly after Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s immortal home run record, this special insert highlights his achievement for the history books. It stands out among ’72 Topps variations and only low populations survive in pristine condition many decades later. PSA 10 examples in the ultra-short printed seven-language back variation can reach astronomical sums, including one selling for $7,400 at Goldin in 2017.

1959 Topps Del Crandall RC – Estimated Value: $5,500+
The hometown kid from Milwaukee who had a long, successful career mostly with the Braves as their catcher. His early rookie card in the desirable ’59 design remains a must-have. Higher grade copies tend to be scarce since the entire ’59 set had print issues. A PSA 8 recently traded hands for over $5,500 proving there’s great demand for Del’s first cardboard.

1970 Topps Hank Aaron – Estimated Value: $5,000+
Released a year after Hammerin’ Hank had dethroned The Bambino, this eye-catching action shot reflects his status at the top. The 1970 design holds up well and higher grades can be found with patience. A spectacular near-mint PSA 9 recently got bids up to $5,400 before selling – watch for a Gem PSA 10 breaking new barriers down the road.

As more time passes, rarities become rarer and demand increases for cherished cards representing the heroes of our national pastime. For Atlanta Braves fans and collectors worldwide, iconic pieces depicting franchise legends like Aaron, Mathews, Spahn and more will only hold stronger significance in both appreciation and valuation. With so many golden years in the team’s history to reminisce, their classic cardboard keeps these noteworthy ballplayers enshrined forever.

MOST VALUABLE BOWMAN CHROME BASEBALL CARDS

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The Bowman brand has been a staple in the baseball card hobby for decades, producing some of the hobby’s most coveted rookie cards and memorabilia cards year after year. Among Bowman’s various product lines, one of the standouts in recent years has been their use of “chrome” parallels within the base sets. These shiny refractors featuring today’s top prospects and future stars have captured the imagination of collectors.

While there are many highly valued Bowman Chrome parallels out there, some rise above the rest in terms of their demand and resale prices within the collector market. Let’s take an in-depth look at arguably the 10 most valuable Bowman Chrome baseball cards that can fetch big money for savvy collectors.

2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks Auto Refractors – Stephen Strasburg (Blue) / Dustin Ackley (Orange)

At the top of the list reside the prized autographed rookie refractors of 2009 first overall draft picks Stephen Strasburg and Dustin Ackley. Strasburg mania was in full force in 2009 as he was hailed as the best pitching prospect of the modern era, making his serial-numbered blue refractor auto one of the toughest pulls. Likewise for Ackley, the top position player draft pick, with his lower-numbered orange auto refractor parallel. Both command prices well over $10,000 in PSA 10 condition for their historical significance as the top draft prospects of that year.

2012 Bowman Chrome Mike Trout Auto Refractor Rookie

Few in the hobby could have predicted Mike Trout’s eventual path to superstardom, but collectors who invested in his red refractor autographs early have been massively rewarded. His rookie season auto refractor parallel rockets the estimation for what a true superstar’s singular rookie card is worth, with PSA 10 examples changing hands for upward of $400,000 as Trout cemented his status as perhaps the greatest player of his generation. No doubt this will become the most valuable modern-day rookie card long-term.

2009 Bowman Chrome Bryce Harper Auto Orange Refractor / Blue Refractor Rookie

You could argue Harper has lived up to the immense hype that followed him as the first overall draft pick in 2010. His Bowman Chrome rookie autos in the serial-numbered orange and blue parallels smashed records when they first hit the auction market. Prices have remained sky-high ever since, with blue autos reaching $100,000+ and orange around $50,000 for PSA 10 specimens. Harper mania shows no signs of slowing among collectors.

2011 Bowman Chrome Manny Machado Auto Green Refractor Rookie

Outside of the superstars, few young players established themselves as quickly as Manny Machado. Within just a few years he was an All-Star and Gold Glover for the Orioles. His scarce green refractor autograph rookie from 2011 Bowman Chrome has become one of the set’s most coveted parallels, reaching up to $30,000 for top-graded examples due to his consistent excellence at such a young age.

2010 Bowman Chrome Freddie Freeman Auto Orange Refractor Rookie

Freeman may not have the name recognition of peers Trout or Harper, but he has proven to be about as sure a bet as they come at the major league level. A perennial All-Star for the Braves, Freeman’s rookie autos are particularly scarce. The orange parallel refractor auto has climbed well into the five-figure range. For a consistent star player without true “superstar” status, Freeman’s rookie stands out.

2011 Bowman Chrome Jurickson Profar Auto Orange Refractor Rookie

Once among the highest-rated prospects in baseball, injuries slowed Profar’s rise but he remains a quality big leaguer. At the time of his shiny orange refractor auto rookie, collectors saw dollar signs due to his ceiling. Values held strong into the five-figure range before leveling off. It serves as a reminder that prospect hype doesn’t always translate to superstardom on field.

2015 Bowman Chrome Kris Bryant Auto Orange Refractor Rookie

The 2015 NL Rookie of the Year and 2016 NL MVP, Bryant became the new face of the Cubs franchise. His premiere rookie orange refractor auto skyrocketed alongside the Cubs’ World Series win. PSA 10s now reach $25,000-plus due to his elite success so early in his career. Like Trout, he appears destined to be a true baseball immortal.

2010 Bowman Chrome Giancarlo Stanton Auto Green Refractor Rookie

Stanton emerged as the premier power hitter of his generation and an MVP winner. While injuries have slowed his ascent at times, “Mike Stanton” is as feared a slugger as any. His super-rare green refractor auto rookie jumped well above $10,000 before leveling off. Few contemporary long-ball masters can match Stanton’s destructive force.

2013 Bowman Chrome Kris Bryant Purple Refractor Auto Rookie

For some reason, Bryant’s 2013 Bowman Chrome rookie presence is vastly underrated. While low-numbered, his purple refractor auto parallels possess an otherworldly beauty. With Bryant living up to his potential, these jaw-dropping 1/1 specimens have climbed north of $15,000. Top-tier collectors recognize the rarity factor here.

2011 Bowman Chrome Francisco Lindor Orange Refractor Auto Rookie

A perennial Gold Glover and one of baseball’s brightest stars, Lindor has become the modern face of Cleveland baseball. His rookie aura was apparent even prior to his breakout seasons. A true “one-of-one” talent, Lindor’s flagship orange refractor autographs shattered past $10,000 and likely remain ascending closely behind the games elite.

While rookie cards come and go, only the absolute best stand the test of time and rise to truly iconic status based on a player’s performance and longevity. For modern baseball cards, no parallels have captured imaginations quite like Bowman Chrome’s refractors of superstar talents like Trout, Harper, Bryant and more. With elite prospects still being unveiled annually through the Bowman brand, there is no doubt more legendary rookies remain to be discovered.

BASEBALL CARDS VALUE KEN GRIFFEY JR

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Ken Griffey Jr. had one of the most iconic careers in baseball history as a center fielder who played 22 seasons in Major League Baseball for the Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds from 1989 to 2010. Griffey was renowned for his effortless swing, elite defense, and electrifying play that made him one of the most popular players of his generation. His on-field success and popularity have translated to significant value for Griffey’s rookie and most notable baseball cards.

Griffey first made his MLB debut with the Mariners in 1989 at just 19 years old and quickly became a star, winning the American League Rookie of the Year award that season. His rookie card from 1989 Upper Deck is one of the most coveted and valuable cards in the hobby. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples of Griffey’s 1989 Upper Deck rookie card currently sell for well over $10,000 and have reached as high as $22,000 in recent auction sales. Even PSA 9 Near Mint copies can fetch $3,000-$5,000 due to the card’s iconic status.

Griffey’s 1990 Bowman rookie card is also highly sought after by collectors, with PSA 10 specimens selling in the $2,000-$4,000 range. His 1990 Score rookie card and 1990 Donruss rookie card in top grades also command $1,000+ prices. The rarity and condition of Griffey’s early rookie cards from Upper Deck, Bowman, Score, and Donruss make them elite investments that are sure to retain and potentially increase in value long-term.

In addition to his rookie cards, Griffey has several notable cards from his peak seasons in the early-to-mid 1990s that hold significant collector value. His 1991 Fleer Ultra #1 card, which features Griffey in an action pose, has sold for over $1,000 in PSA 10 condition. His 1992 Bowman #1 card has also reached $1,000+ for top-graded examples. Griffey’s 1992 Leaf Series 2 Gold Medallion parallel card is one of his rarest and most valuable inserts, with a PSA 10 recently selling for $4,000.

Griffey’s 1993 Finest Refractor parallel cards are highly coveted due to their colorfully refracted design and limited print runs. PSA 10 copies of his 1993 Finest Refractor have sold for as much as $4,000, while PSA 9 examples still reach $1,500-2,000. His 1993 Studio #49 card is another popular issue, with PSA 10s selling for $800-1,200. Collectors prize Griffey’s cards from the early 1990s for capturing him during the peak of his abilities with the Mariners before injuries began hampering his production.

After winning the AL MVP award in 1997, Griffey was traded to the Cincinnati Reds in 2000 to be closer to his home and family. This move renewed interest from Reds fans and collectors. His 2000 Upper Deck SP Authentic #1 Reds rookie card parallels hold substantial value, with PSA 10 autos reaching $2,000-3,000. Griffey’s 2000 Bowman’s Best Refractor parallel #14 card has also sold for $1,000+ in top grade. His 2000 Finest Refractor parallel cards remain some of the most visually striking issues from his Reds tenure.

While injuries slowed Griffey down in the latter half of his career, he remained a popular figure who amassed 630 career home runs, putting him in elite company. High-grade examples of Griffey’s best and most recognizable cards, especially from his rookie seasons and peak years with Seattle, are sound long-term investments for collectors. With his iconic status and on-field excellence, Griffey’s cards will likely retain value and potentially increase over time as one of the all-time greats of America’s pastime. For dedicated Griffey collectors, finding pristine copies of his earliest and most notable cards in top condition will always be the holy grails to obtain.

93 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1993 Fleer baseball card set was a highly anticipated release that contained several exciting rookies and star players. Issued the year after the 1992 season, the ’93 Fleer set showcased the top major leaguers from that season along with prospects poised to make an impact. Containing 660 total cards, the 1993 Fleer baseball cards delivered for collectors with memorable rookie cards, action shots, and statistical information.

One of the biggest storylines of the 1992 season was the rookie campaigns of phenoms like Derek Jeter, Jim Thome, and Jason Giambi. All three future Hall of Famers and MVPs had their rookie cards in the 1993 Fleer set. Jeter’s card showed him batting from the left side with his distinctive high leg kick. Thome’s featured him towering over the catcher in a powerful batting stance. Giambi could be seen rounding the bases after hitting a home run. These were some of the most coveted rookie cards in the set that would appreciate greatly in value over time.

Another highly sought after rookie was Nomar Garciaparra’s card, which depicted him fielding a ground ball at shortstop for the Red Sox. Garciaparra would go on to win the AL Rookie of the Year award in 1997. Ken Griffey Jr.’s card from when he was with the Seattle Mariners also remained popular. Griffey was already one of the game’s biggest stars and his graceful swing translated beautifully to card form. Chipper Jones, Vladimir Guerrero, and Todd Helton were among some other notable rookie cards in the 1993 Fleer set as well.

In terms of superstar veterans, the 1993 Fleer cards highlighted the talents of Barry Bonds, Frank Thomas, Cal Ripken Jr., Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine. Bonds’ card showed him rounding the bases after crushing a home run to reflect his dominance at the plate. Thomas’ card portrayed “The Big Hurt” in his intimidating batting stance in the middle of a White Sox lineup that won the AL West. Ripken’s errorless streak was well documented on his card along with his defensive prowess at shortstop that earned him another Gold Glove.

Maddux and Glavine, the aces of the Atlanta Braves staff, had cards emphasizing their crafty pitching abilities. Maddux’s card depicted him on the mound with pinpoint control as evidenced by his back-to-back Cy Young Awards in 1992-1993. Glavine’s card captured him in a follow through during his windup to highlight his deceptive motion and ability to paint the corners. These future Hall of Famers were at the peak of their powers in the early 1990s.

The 1993 Fleer set also featured team checklist cards highlighting each MLB franchise’s top players. This allowed collectors to keep track of which cards they still needed to complete their team sets. Special insert cards paid homage to milestone achievements, postseason heroes, and all-time greats. “Diamond Kings” paralleled the classic “Diamond Kings” cards from the 1970s by pairing current stars with retired legends. Overall designs maintained Fleer’s traditional look while action photography continued improving the realism of the cards.

When it was released in 1993, the Fleer baseball card set was an instant success among collectors both young and old. Prices ranged from 50 cents for common players up to $5-10 for the most coveted rookies. Over the decades, many of these rookie cards like Jeter, Thome, and Griffey have appreciated exponentially in value as their careers flourished. The stars captured in their primes like Bonds, Maddux, and Ripken are forever frozen in time. For anyone who collected or was fascinated by the greats of the early 1990s, the 1993 Fleer baseball cards delivered the perfect snapshot of that memorable era in MLB history.

1986 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS BEST CARDS

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The 1986 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable vintage issues ever produced. While not the flashiest design compared to earlier decades, the ’86 Topps cards featured key rookie cards and star players that have become highly sought after by collectors over the years. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most notable standouts from the 1986 Topps set.

One of the true crown jewels from 1986 Topps is the rookie card of Toronto Blue Jays slugger José Canseco. As one of the first true five-tool players of the steroid era, Canseco broke onto the scene in 1985 by winning American League Rookie of the Year and blasting 33 home runs. His iconic rookie card from Topps displays him in a Toronto uniform, foreshadowing his huge breakout season. High-grade Canseco rookies have cracked the $10,000 price point and it remains one of the most valuable modern rookie cards on the market.

Another seminal rookie card from 1986 Topps is that of Boston Red Sox legend Roger Clemens. Before establishing himself as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, Clemens’ rookie depicts him in a soaring windup for the hard-throwing Houston righty. Like Canseco, Clemens’ card value has soared into the thousands for top condition copies. His dominance and high profile have kept the card highly relevant as a piece of baseball history.

While he may not have had the accolades of Canseco or Clemens as rookies, one of the stranger career trajectories makes the 1986 Topps Darryl Strawberry rookie incredibly sought after. A brute force on the field for over a decade, Strawberry’s battles with substance abuse are part of what have made his early cards so collectible. Copies still fetch $500-1000 based on his raw talent and mystique attached to 80s Mets glory years.

Staying in New York, the 1986 set also gave collectors their first glimpse of future Hall of Famer Gary Carter behind the dish for the Mets. After a decorated 12-year career with the Expos and key role on the ’86 championship squad, Carter’s iconic catcher’s mask image is a revered piece of Metsiana. High grades command $150-300 price tags for one of the most identifiable cards of the issue.

Moving from rookies to established superstars, two pillar 1986 Topps cards that tower over the set are those of Mike Schmidt and Nolan Ryan. Schmidt’s iconic stance depicts “the Hammer” in the prime of his Phillies career, having just won his third MVP in five seasons. With over 600 home runs to his name already, it serves as a monument to his greatness. The Nolan Ryan issue captures the flamethrower in mid-windup for the Astros, just a season removed from his record sixth no-hitter. Both command north of $500 for pristine specimens that highlight ’80s baseball royalty.

While the above cards demand premium prices, there are also many other valuable and iconic 1986 Topps issues outside the obvious stars. Ozzie Smith’s backflipped defensive wizardry remains a fan favorite. Don Mattingly’s chiseled Yankee physique represented the “Mr. October” era. Lenny Dykstra’s underrated accomplishments in Philadelphia makes his a sleeper. And the oddball birth of “Nails” Nehemiah’s short but sweet baseball journey creates intrigue as well.

In the end, while not all 1986 Topps cards have retained value compared to the true elite, it marks one of the most complete snapshots of 1980s on-field talent. From Hall of Famers to rookie stars to fun players in between, it hits the nostalgia buttons for children of the era who ripped packs three decades ago. Whether a collector builds a full set or targets the heavy hitters, 1986 Topps is essential for any vintage baseball card collection.

63 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1963 Topps baseball card set was the second issued by Topps after acquiring the baseball card rights from Bowman in 1956. It marked the seventh year of Topps’ run producing baseball cards and contained 530 cards issued in wax paper packs. The 1963 set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable vintage sets in the hobby.

Some key details and highlights about the 1963 Topps baseball card set:

Design & Photographs: The cards featured a simple yet classic design with a solid color background, player’s name at the top in white text, and team logo in the bottom left corner. The photos were of good quality and size for the era.

Rookies: Notable rookies included Sandy Koufax of the Dodgers, Dick Allen of the Phillies, and Bill Freehan of the Tigers. Koufax would go on to have a Hall of Fame career winning 3 Cy Young awards.

Short Prints: Cards #126 Mickey Mantle and #130 Willie Mays were printed in much lower quantities and are key short prints that are highly valuable. Other notable short prints include cards of Maury Wills, Bob Uecker, and Nellie Fox.

Variations: There are several notable variations in the 1963 set, including different photo variations, variations in the team logo colors, and name variations like “McCovey” instead of “McCovey”. Variations add to the challenge and intrigue of completing the set.

Condition Sensitive: Given the era they were produced and distributed, 1963 Topps cards are very condition sensitive. Even moderately played cards can be quite valuable in high grades of NM-MT or better. Gem Mint cards fetch astronomical prices.

High Grade Population: Very few 1963 Topps cards grade higher than a PSA 8 due to how easily they were damaged over decades. Populations above a PSA 8 are minuscule, making those examples extremely rare and expensive.

Expensive Rosters: Complete team sets of the 1963 Yankees, Dodgers, and Giants routinely sell for $10,000+ due to the high number of stars on those teams. Individual cards of Koufax, Mays, Mantle, and others can reach into the tens of thousands.

Gretzky Record: A PSA 10 gem mint example of the Sandy Koufax rookie card sold for $27,850 in 2007, setting a record at the time. That record has since been shattered by Wayne Gretzky hockey cards.

1963 Topps Checklist: The checklist included future Hall of Famers like Hank Aaron, Roberto Clemente, Frank Robinson, and more. Completing this set in high grade is a lifetime achievement for vintage baseball card collectors.

Cultural Impact: The 1963 Topps design became the iconic “vintage look” that is still replicated today. The set had a huge influence on baby boomer collectors and helped spark the large growth of baseball card collecting in the following decades.

The 1963 Topps baseball card set is truly one of the crown jewels of the vintage era. Its classic photos, memorable rookies, sought-after variations, and significant cultural impact have cemented it as one of the most desirable sets to collect. With condition being paramount, fully completing this set in high grades will be out of reach for all but the most well-heeled collectors. The 1963 Topps cards remain icons of our hobby and of 1960s pop culture more than 50 years later.

SCORE BASEBALL CARDS 1989

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The 1989 baseball season was one of changes and milestones for Major League Baseball. The 1989 Major League Baseball season saw the introduction of new stadiums, records being set, and rookie stars emerging. Upper Deck released its inaugural baseball card set and revolutionized the hobby. Score also released a set that year that provided collectors with affordable cards featuring the game’s biggest names.

Released in late 1988 for the upcoming 1989 season, Score debuted a 432-card standard size set that fit well within the budgets of collectors young and old. While it lacked the premium materials and autographs of Upper Deck, what it lacked in frills it made up for in affordability and plentiful photographic and statistical content. Score continued its long tradition of covering the game comprehensively from the majors to the minors.

The design of the 1989 Score baseball card set was simple yet effective. A solid blue border surrounded each card with the team logo in the upper left corner. Below was a color photo of the player along with their name, position, team, and batting or pitching stats from 1988. On the reverse, additional stats from 1988 as well as career highlights were provided. Score kept the design clean and allowed the photos, which it was known for, to take center stage.

Some of the game’s biggest stars and soon-to-be stars were featured in the 1989 Score set including Ken Griffey Jr., Mark McGwire, Jose Canseco, Nolan Ryan, Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, Cal Ripken Jr., and Roger Clemens. Griffey and McGwire were two of the most exciting young talents in baseball and were featured prominently as their elite talents were beginning to be recognized. Veterans like Ryan and Ripken provided consistency and experience.

Rookies and prospects were also included to give collectors a first card of potential future stars. Players like Sandy Alomar Jr., Derek Bell, Gregg Jefferies, Ricky Jordan, and Cecil Fielder were just starting their careers but would go on to have impressive MLB tenures. Score did a good job identifying early talent and monitoring players as they progressed through the minors.

In addition to comprehensive major and minor league coverage, Score also included manager, manager records, and league leaders cards to provide relevant statistical context to the season. Expos manager Buck Rodgers and A’s manager Tony La Russa were among those featured after successful 1988 campaigns. League leaders, such as Rickey Henderson in stolen bases and Orel Hershiser in ERA, gave a snapshot of the top individual performances of the year.

The photography in Score sets was always top-notch with clean, well-lit images that showed each player’s face clearly. Photo quality was especially important before digital images when seeing the crispest shot of a player was not always guaranteed. Score delivered consistent visuals across all card fronts. Action shots were sprinkled in to break up the traditional headshots as well.

While not as extravagantly produced as the premier issues from Upper Deck that year, Score more than held its own. The combination of affordable pricing, comprehensive coverage of all levels of professional baseball, and solid photography made the 1989 Score set extremely accessible and collecting friendly. It remains one of the most obtainable ways for fans to get cards of their favorite stars from that season in a well-designed package. Over thirty years later, the 1989 Score baseball cards continue to provide nostalgia for collectors both young and old and represent an important bridge year after the explosion of the sport brought on by Upper Deck in 1989.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS ON EBAY

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Vintage Topps baseball cards are some of the most iconic collectibles in American culture. Created by the Topps Company beginning in the early 1950s, these cardboard treasures have long been sought after by collectors both casual and serious. With millions finding their way into circulation over the decades, it’s no surprise that eBay is a leading destination for finding classic Topps issues from years past. Whether you’re a new collector just starting your wish list or a longtime hobbyist seeking a key piece for your collection, perusing eBay listings for Topps baseball cards can unlock treasures from baseball’s storied history.

With so much choice available on eBay at any given time, it helps to have some context on the Topps brands, series, and relevant years that tend to garner the most interest and value in the collecting world. Naturally, the older the issue the higher the anticipated price, with the true “flagship” Topps releases from the 1950s still considered the Holy Grail finds for many. That said, condition is absolutely king when it comes to determining value – a well-preserved example can fetch 10x or more than a worn or damaged copy of the same card. Earlier on, Topps released annual sets in either 52, 92, or Bowman branded packs – 1952 being the true dawn of the modern baseball card era. Key early years like ‘52, ‘58 and ‘60 almost always demand top dollar.

Through the 1960s, ‘70s and into the ‘80s, Topps released larger annual flagship sets that became the standard and are still fan favorites today. The late ‘60s in particular saw some of the most creative and memorable designs come to fruition. This period also brought the first true “rookie cards” featuring young stars like Reggie Jackson and Thurman Munson that would later command high values. Into the ‘70s and ‘80s, arrival of superstars like George Brett, Mike Schmidt, and Cal Ripken Jr. in their Topps rookie forms keeps collectors hunting. Condition sensitive 1980s issues can still surprise, as pristine mint examples of stars like Ken Griffey Jr. still crack four figures despite the relative modernity.

An area eBay really excels compared to traditional card shops is access to inserted parallel and oddball issues throughout Topps history. Special “chrome”, “foilboard”, and photo variation subsets became more prevalent from the ‘90s onward. Errors, test prints, prototypes, and other anomalies can also turn up with enough digging. For example, the elusive 1955 Topps “laughing manager” variation card #402 featuring Andy Pafko is practically the holy grail for oddball collectors right now on the platform. Deep diving on eBay opens up new channels to track down esoteric collection targets across all eras.

While the auction format makes outbids and sniping part of the chase, savvy collectors realize that patience is key on eBay to find deals. Many great condition vintage Topps lots will get relisted unsold at a lower BIN/Best Offer price point. It’s also worth keeping an eye on recently sold listings to gauge market trends and values over time. Major holidays with increased traffic tend to see prices inflate too – shopping outside of these peaks helps. Authenticated, graded vintage Topps cards through slabbing services like PSA or BGS are a safer option, albeit often coming at a notable condition premium reflected in the price. With dedication and some strategy, you’re sure to piece together crown jewels for any Topps baseball collection browsing long enough on baseball’s biggest online card bazaar. Just be sure to properly store, display, and care for the joys uncovered there for years of future fun!

TOPPS 1971 SUPER BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1971 Topps Super baseball card set has gone down as one of the most iconic and coveted releases in the entire history of sports card collecting. While it may not attract quite the same mania and dollar figures as some other vintage sets like the 1952 Topps or 1969 Topps, there is no doubt that the 1971 Topps Super set holds a special place in the hearts of many collectors due to its unique styling, photography, and the star power of the players featured. Let’s take a deeper look at what made these cards so special.

History and Design

Topps released baseball cards annually starting in 1952 and its 1971 Standard set followed the same familiar format collectors had grown accustomed to through the 1960s. For its 50th anniversary in the hobby, Topps wanted to do something bigger and bolder. The result was the parallel 71 Topps Super set which contained 100 oversized cards measuring an impressive 3 1/2 inches by 5 inches – far bigger than the standard 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inch size used by Topps up until then.

The Super cards immediately caught eyes on the rack with their shiny gold borders, bursting player colors, and sharply focused action photography that really popped due to the increased available canvas space. Each card front featured the team logo in the bottom right along with a mini cartoon or illustration visually representing a key fact about that player. On the back, there was more statistical and biographical information than ever before. It was truly a step forward both visually and content wise.

The massive card size allowed for such innovation and the inclusion of more imagery, stats and details had never been seen on a baseball card before. While the 1971 Topps Standard set remains a solid and common vintage release, the Supers were something truly special in the eyes of collectors then and now due to how they revolutionized the visual storytelling possible on a small slab of cardboard. It set the bar high and influenced card designs even to this day.

Star Power and Short Print Rarity

When putting together such a premium set to mark their golden anniversary, Topps clearly wanted to feature the biggest names and biggest stars in the game at that time. The 1971 Supers flex serious star power by including the likes of Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Roberto Clemente, Rod Carew, Johnny Bench, Tom Seaver, and many more future Hall of Famers.

The set is widely considered by experts to have some of the toughest short prints to track down of any Topps release ever. Only 10,000 full sets were produced, meaning certain players like Nolan Ryan (#85) and Joe Morgan (#98) have true mint versions graded and encapsulated by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) or Beckett Grading Services (BGS) that can fetch five figures or more at auction.

Considering the immense talent featured and how ruthlessly tough many of the “keys” are to obtain in high grade, it’s no surprise serious collectors consider completing this 100-card masterpiece to be the crowning achievement after conquering other major want lists. It’s truly a who’s who of 1971 MLB immortals captured in their prime with fabulous photography on special oversized cards that continue appreciate in value at an impressive clip.

Condition Census and Record Prices

Nolan Ryan’s #85 card is often cited as the single most valuable and desired piece of the entire 1971 Topps Super set puzzle. Only a tiny fraction of the 10,000 printed are still in pristine, gem mint condition today – many speculate fewer than 10 copies. In January 2022, an ultra-rare PSA GEM MT 10 graded example sold for an astounding $468,000, setting a new record for the card and cementing its place as one of the priciest modern era sports cards in existence regardless of sport or player.

Other extraordinary true gem mint examples from the 1971 Supers that have crossed the six-figure threshold include a PSA 10 Willie Mays #56 that sold for $118,800 in August 2021. It’s believed there are only about a half dozen or so PSA 10 Willie Mays cards known to exist from this release. Another is a BGS/PSA 9.5 Jose Cruz #83 rookie card that was acquired for $105,000 by a passionate collector wanting to check off this impossible short print.

Some other specific PSA/BGS Population Reports of interesting 1971 Topps Super short prints include:

Joe Morgan #98 – Only one PSA 10 and three PSA 9’s known (Pop 4)

Nolan Ryan #85 – Pop 2 for PSA 10, 11 for PSA 9

Tom Seaver #66 – Pop 3 for PSA 10, 7 for PSA 9

Johnny Bench #23 – Pop 9 for PSA 10, 10 for PSA 9

Suffice to say, high grade specimens of these keys and the entire set are exceedingly scarce. Completing a true pristine 1971 Topps Super collection at the absolute pinnacle of the population report is the definition of a white whale conquest.

Legacy and Impact

By expanding photography and information on each card 50 years ago, the 1971 Topps Super set changed the entire baseball card collecting hobby forever. It showed fans, players and the card companies what was possible when creativity and premium production enhanced the experience. They set the standard for what fans expected visually from sports cards going forward and saw subsequent release attempt to match the glorious oversized innovation even if they failed to reach the mania and reverence achieved by these 100 golden tickets from ’71.

From innovation in card design that pushed boundaries, to procuring the rarest short prints possible, to tracking down true mint condition examples now worth six figures – the 1971 Topps Super baseball card set challenge has continued captivating collectors across generations. It exemplifies the best of vintage cardboard and is widely recognized among traders, investors and hobby historians as one of the most significant releases in the entire history of sports memorabilia. Its legacy lives on strong 50 years later and the hunt to finish this iconic rainbow set at the very top continues for passionate players worldwide.

2017 TOPPS BASEBALL ROOKIE CARDS

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The 2017 Topps Baseball series featured several young stars who made their MLB debuts in 2016 or 2017 that collectors searched packs for. Top rookies included Corey Seager, nomadic slugger Joey Gallo, and lightning-bolted center fielder Adam Engel among others. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top rookie cards from the 2017 Topps Baseball set.

Leading the class with one of the finest rookie seasons of all-time was Corey Seager of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 23-year old shortstop batted .308 with 26 home runs and 72 RBI in his rookie campaign, winning both NL Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player awards. Seager’s rookie card #232 is one of the gems of the 2017 Topps set. With a clean photoshoot style showing his batting stance, the card features a sharp focusing effect drawing the eye to Seager. Many consider this one of the premier rookie cards of the past decade already.

Joey Gallo of the Texas Rangers followed up a strong 2015 debut by hitting 40 home runs in 2016 despite batting only .204. Gallo’s prodigious power makes him a constant trade deadline rumor, and collectors were high on his 2017 Topps rookie card #285 from the start. Gallo stares down from the card with a fierce intensity, emphasizing the no-nonsense approach he brings to the plate. Expect this cardboard to keep rising as Gallo’s career progresses.

Making his first extended MLB appearance in 2017 was Adam Engel of the Chicago White Sox. Hampered by injuries in the minors, Engel exploded on the scene by displaying elite defensive skills and surprising pop at the plate. His 2017 Topps RC #394 shows Engel patrolling centerfield with grace, highlighting why scouts saw his 5-tool potential for years. As the White Sox continue building, Engel may emerge as a true breakout.

Staying in the AL Central, Josh Bell became a young cornerstone for the Pittsburgh Pirates after switching from catcher. With a simple headshot pose, Bell’s 2017 Topps rookie card #77 understatedly acknowledged his arrival. Now an All-Star slugging first baseman, Bell’s card remains affordable but holds steady appreciation.

Dominic Smith was considered the Mets top prospect, though injuries stalled his rise. His 2017 Topps RC #468 projected further stardom with a dynamic action photo of Smith pulling the ball. While playing time issues still linger in New York, Smith remains a prime candidate to emerge if given an extended look. This card reflects his hype from a few years ago.

Other noteworthy rookies from the 2017 Topps Baseball set include Astros teammates Alex Bregman and Francis Martes, Dodgers hurler Julio Urias, Orioles frontman Trey Mancini, Brewers flamethrower Josh Hader, and Cardinals jack-of-all-trades Harrison Bader. Each offer varying levels of upside and affordability for collectors.

As the careers of players like Seager, Gallo, and Engel continue advancing, their early rookie cards stand to gain even more recognition and demand. The 2017 Topps Baseball release housed many emerging talents that remain works in progress for collectors. For fans of the hobby and the game itself, hunting these rookie RCs makes for an entertaining interweaving of cardboard and on-field success.