CALVIN KOONCE BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE ON COMC

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Calvin Koonce was a right-handed pitcher who played in Major League Baseball from 1963 to 1968. While his MLB career was short, spanning just 136 games over 6 seasons, Koonce had a successful minor league career that saw him pitch from 1960 to 1971. As a result of his time playing professional baseball, Koonce has a collection of baseball cards that are highly sought after by collectors. One of the best places to find Calvin Koonce baseball cards for sale is on the website COMC, or Collectiblescard.com.

COMC, which stands for Cards On Mission Control, is an online marketplace where collectors can buy, sell, and trade sports cards and other collectibles. The site launched in 2007 and has grown to become one of the largest and most trusted sources for collectors to find the cards they want from a wide variety of sellers. COMC takes photographs of every single card that is submitted to their website, allowing buyers to clearly see the condition and centering of each card before purchasing.

When searching for “Calvin Koonce” on COMC, over 100 of his baseball cards from the 1960s come up for sale from various sellers. Some of the most notable and valuable Koonce cards that can be found on COMC include:

1963 Topps Calvin Koonce RC (Rookie Card): Koonce’s rookie card from his debut season with the New York Mets is one of the key cards for any Koonce collector. Pricing on these can range from around $15-$50 depending on the condition and centering of the card. Well-centered near mint copies in the PSA 8-9 range will fetch the highest prices.

1964 Topps Calvin Koonce: Another common Koonce card from the early years of his career with the Mets. Pricing is similar to his 1963 rookie around $10-30 based on condition.

1965 Topps Calvin Koonce: Koonce’s third consecutive Topps issue card. Prices slightly higher than the 1964 around $15-35 based on condition.

1966 Topps Calvin Koonce: Koonce’s lone season playing for the Houston Astros is represented on this card. Slightly more scarce than his early Mets issues and prices range from $20-50 depending on condition/centering.

1968 Topps Calvin Koonce: Koonce’s final MLB season with the St. Louis Cardinals and his last card issued by Topps. Even scarcer than the 1966 and prices hover around $25-75 based on condition/centering.

In addition to his common Topps issues during the 1960s, Koonce also has some scarce and valuable rookie cards and minor league issues that can be found on COMC as well:

1960 Kansas City Monarchs Calvin Koonce RC (Negro League RC): As a young prospect in the Negro Leagues in 1960, Koonce’s rookie card for the Monarchs is an extremely rare find. Only a handful are known to exist and pristine PSA 10 copies can sell for thousands when they surface.

1961 San Diego Padres Calvin Koonce: Koonce’s first minor league card issued while in the Padres system. Very scarce and prices start at $100 even in low grades due to rarity.

1962 Jacksonville Suns Calvin Koonce: Representing his time in the Mets organization at Double-A Jacksonville. Also quite rare and prices comparable to the 1961 Padres card.

1964 Hawaii Islanders Calvin Koonce: Koonce played for the Mets’ Triple-A affiliate in Hawaii in 1964. Extremely rare minor league issue that can fetch $300+ even in low grades.

For Koonce collectors looking to find examples of his cards to fill out their collection, COMC provides the best online marketplace to reliably source even his most obscure and rare cardboard. With thousands of individual sellers and over 100 of Koonce’s cards currently listed, it allows collectors the opportunity to pick and choose exact cards they want and need in the conditions that fit their budgets. COMC’s photographing of every single card also gives buyers peace of mind in what they are purchasing before laying down money. Overall, COMC is undoubtedly the premier destination online for collectors seeking Calvin Koonce baseball cards to add to their collections.

MEDIA MAIL BASEBALL CARDS

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Shipping baseball cards is a common practice for collectors and sellers. Whether trading with friends or selling rare finds online, properly sending cards through the mail in a cost-effective way is important. Media mail is a popular option for shipping cards due to its affordable rates. Many are unsure of the exact postal regulations surrounding media mail and if baseball cards qualify. This article will provide an in-depth overview of using media mail for baseball cards to help collectors and sellers understand the do’s and don’ts.

What is Media Mail? Media mail is a specific class of USPS mail that has discounted rates compared to regular first-class parcel shipping. It was created for mailing items like books, sound recordings, films, etc. that have “informational content”. The lower rates make media mail attractive for shipping lightweight items like baseball cards. There are strict rules around only mailing items that are considered “media.” Items mailed as media mail cannot be for the purposes of financing or conducting a personal business.

Do Baseball Cards Qualify as Media? This is a commonly debated topic among collectors. Technically, baseball cards on their own do not meet the USPS definition of “media” since they are not books, manuscripts, or informational materials. The USPS has generally allowed the use of media mail for trading and selling cards as a courtesy to collectors. As long as the primary purpose is informational/entertainment, not for conducting a commercial business at below-cost rates, cards have been an accepted media mail item. Cards packaged and sent individually or in team sets are usually permitted.

What is Not Allowed in Media Mail Packages? While baseball cards themselves may be allowed, any non-media items added to the package disqualify it from media mail rates. Things like coins, stamps, non-sports trading cards, or other inserts cannot be included even if included for free. Media mail packages also cannot contain any financial documents, contracts, or items for commercial use. They must contain only qualifying media items and nothing more. Shipping cards to complete a sale (instead of trade) could be seen as commercial use and cause issues. Keep media mail packages simple with just cards and nothing else.

Proper Packing and Labeling is Important. As with any mailed item, proper packaging is necessary to protect the contents. Toploaders, team bags, cardboard, and padding are recommended. Media mail labels must clearly be used rather than first-class parcel labels. Note that delivery timeframe is not guaranteed like first-class and media mail can take 1-2 weeks. Insurance and delivery tracking are not available either, so collectors ship at their own risk if valuable cards are lost or damaged. Proper description of contents is required for inspection if packages are opened.

Media Mail Compliance and Violations. While mostly allowed, baseball cards sent via media mail remain in a gray area. Packages are subject to screening and inspection. If found to contain non-qualifying items or suspected of commercial use, postage due for the difference between media and parcel rates can be charged. Repeated infractions could risk suspension of media mail privileges. The USPS stresses that businesses, especially online auction sites, should not use media mail. Occasional use among collectors appears generally tolerated if guidelines are followed. Cooperation aids the continuation of baseball card trading via the affordable media mail option.

Experienced collectors agree that while a courtesy, baseball cards and team sets have generally been acceptable items to ship via USPS media mail as long as used for informational exchange rather than commercial sales. Proper packaging and minimal, compliant contents are key, avoiding auxiliary inserts. Media mail remains a popular choice for affordable card trades when USPS policies are followed closely. With care and common courtesyship, media mail continues serving the hobby well despite items existing in a postal gray areaservice helps the trading community. Media mail exists as an accepted, albeit possibly unofficial, means for collectors to ship cards to one another worldwide affordably for informational entertainment purposes.

BASEBALL TRADING CARDS FOR SALE NEAR ME

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Baseball cards are one of the most popular sports collectibles in the world. From vintage cards of legendary players like Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle to modern stars like Mike Trout and Clayton Kershaw, baseball cards have been capturing the excitement of America’s pastime for over a century. Whether you’re looking to add to your own collection or start a new hobby, finding baseball trading cards for sale near you is easier than ever thanks to online marketplaces and local card shops.

If you live in or near a major city, your best bet for finding baseball cards locally is to check out the specialty card and collectibles shops in your area. These stores are run by passionate collectors and experts who can help you find exactly what you’re looking for. They’ll have cases full of newly released packs, boxes, and sets from the current season as well as vintage singles, complete sets, and graded gems from years past. Prices will vary depending on the specific cards and condition, but most local shops offer competitive rates.

Beyond browsing inventories in person, many local card shops also list individual cards, lots, and complete collections for sale on websites like eBay. This allows collectors nationwide to peruse their available items. Just search online for “baseball cards for sale [your city]” and relevant local store listings should come up. You can also check social media pages as most have active Facebook and Instagram presences to promote new product and showcase highlights from their stock. Don’t be afraid to give them a call too – a lot of shops are happy to pull cards from their personal collections to sell.

If you don’t live near a dedicated card shop or want to cast a wider net, online marketplaces like eBay are unparalleled for finding baseball cards for sale from collectors worldwide. With millions of active users, just about any card from any year is likely available on eBay at any given time. Searching by specific players, teams, sets, or keywords will bring up countless relevant auction listings and Buy It Now prices to choose from.

Condition is extremely important when purchasing cards online, so be sure to thoroughly inspect photos for any flaws, creases, or imperfections. Reputable eBay sellers will clearly list the grade or condition of each card to set expectations. Feedback is also important – aim to buy from established members with a history of positive reviews. For pricier vintage pieces, using a third-party authentication service provides valuable peace of mind.

Another excellent online option is group breaks hosted by independent breakers on sites like Facebook. In a group break, multiple participants purchase random “spots” or teams that entitle them to specific cards pulled from cases of newly released sets. This spreads out costs while allowing people a fun, social way to build their collections. Search terms like “baseball card group breaks [your city]” will surface local breakers to support.

Beyond dedicated online marketplaces, don’t forget to check popular peer-to-peer selling platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, and LetGo. Amateur collectors are often listing singles, lots, and complete sets for sale locally. Just be sure to thoroughly vet sellers and arrange secure, public meetups to exchange cash for cards. Stick to well-populated areas during daylight hours for safety.

For those wanting to dig even deeper, the ultimate local experience is visiting card shows and conventions. Held regularly throughout the year in major metro areas, these multi-day extravaganzas gather hundreds of dealers under one roof, turning convention centers into sprawling card emporiums. In addition to tables stuffed with inventory at every price point, most shows also offer special exhibits, guest signings, prize drawings, and educational seminars.

With so many accessible avenues to find baseball cards for sale both online and around your local community, it’s never been easier to start, expand, or rediscover your baseball card collection. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, take advantage of the thriving marketplace and connect with other passionate fans. Happy hunting!

1983 TOPPS TRADED BASEBALL CARDS PSA

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The 1983 Topps Traded set is one of the more iconic and highly sought after inserts in the entire history of baseball cards. Issued as a follow up to Topps’ main 1983 release, the Traded set featured players who had been involved in notable trades since the start of the 1983 season. With its memorable horizontal design and focus on some of the biggest names changing uniforms at the time, ’83 Topps Traded has developed a major cult following among collectors in the decades since.

Some key elements that have made the ’83 Traded set stand the test of time include the iconic style of the horizontally oriented cards, highlighting how certain players had been “traded” to new teams. Featuring 80 total cards, the set commemorated several huge trades from that year, such as Gary Matthews going from the Giants to the Phillies and Steve Kemp being dealt from the Yankees to the Padres. The biggest star featured had to be Reggie Jackson, who was shown wearing an Angels uniform after being acquired by California in a late June trade with the Orioles.

Jackson’s Traded card is undoubtedly one of the most iconic in the entire set. Known as “Mr. October” for his legendary postseason heroics with the A’s and Yankees, seeing Reggie in an Angels uniform was a jarring change for fans. His card has become one of the most sought after and valuable from the ’83 Traded set in large part due to Jackson’s Hall of Fame playing career and the cultural impact of his move to California. In high grade, a PSA 10 of his Traded card can fetch thousands of dollars.

Overall condition and centering are especially crucial when evaluating ’83 Traded cards, as even slight flaws can detract heavily from their pricey valuations. Many consider PSA to be the leading authority for third-party grading of sports cards due to their strict standards. A PSA 10 represents the pinnacle – a card that looks like it just came fresh out of the original factory wrap. With 38 years of storage and circulation since issue, receiving a perfect “10” grade from PSA is an immense challenge for any ’83 Traded card.

Some other key players spotlighted in the vertical ’83 Traded design aside from Jackson included Ron Guidry going from the Yankees to the Cardinals, Mike Schmidt continuing his Hall of Fame career with the Phillies, and Pete Rose rounding out his playing days with the Phillies after leaving the Expos. The set also featured up-and-coming young talents like Dave Parker heading to Oakland after starring in Pittsburgh. Every card carries nostalgia and significance for the careers and teams associated with each player during a memorable time in MLB history.

While condition is paramount, strong player/team combinations can further propel individual card values beyond just numerical grades alone. A PSA 9 Mike Schmidt Phillies Traded in comparison to a PSA 9 Reggie Smith Cardinals Traded, for example, would carry different secondary market pricing due to Schmidt’s higher brand recognition and place in Phillies/baseball lore. The same principle applies to stars like Guidry in a Cardinals uniform versus lesser known role players changing teams. Personal player attachment from collectors boosts certain ’83 Traded cards above others condition-for-condition.

In today’s booming vintage sports card market, fully appreciating the nuanced details and historical context surrounding iconic sets from the early 1980s like ’83 Topps Traded is more important than ever. Between its compelling vertical design highlighting notable that-season trades, hall of fame talents, and fascinating preservation through the rigid standards of third-party grading organizations, the 1983 Topps Traded set remains one of the most desirable baseball card products ever created. Its continuing relevance almost 40 years later is a true testament to the robust collector demand that has cemented this release in the annals of the hobby.

2021 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET

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The 2021 Topps Baseball Card collection was one of the most anticipated and successful releases in recent memory. Despite the challenges of the ongoing pandemic, Topps found innovative ways to engage collectors both old and new. Their complete set contained several fan-favorite insert sets alongside iconic base cards showcasing the biggest names in the sport.

Released in April 2021, the main set consisted of 396 cards covering all 30 MLB teams. Ranging from #1 to #396, the base cards featured each player’s name, team, position, and vital stats from the 2020 season. Some of the most coveted rookies included Bobby Witt Jr., Jarred Kelenic, and Wander Franco. Superstar veterans like Mike Trout, Christian Yelich, and Cody Bellinger anchored team sets. Parallels and short prints added to the excitement of each pack or box.

The massive response showed that interest in the hobby remained strong despite COVID-19 postponing the previous season. Multiple print runs kept up with skyrocketing demand that cleaned out stock on release day. Meanwhile, the league’s return to play and postseason only amplified enthusiasm surrounding the new releases. Capturing the sport’s revival after months away, 2021 Topps became a must-have product for collectors old and new.

Eight highly anticipated insert sets added layers of chase cards to the hobby. The ‘Topps Now’ moments captured key highlights from the shortened 2020 campaign. Featuring timely submissions from the league’s official photographer, these 60 cards brought fans closer to the on-field action they missed. ‘Topps Gallery’ paid tribute to baseball icons with richly detailed artwork. ‘Topps Heritage’ paid homage to classic designs with a retro twist on today’s brightest stars.

Perhaps the biggest surprise was ‘Photo Variations,’ inserting exciting never-before-seen action shots straight from team photographers into packs. ’75th Anniversary Jackie Robinson’ paralleled honoured the civil rights pioneer’s debut across different designs. ‘Topps Mini’ shrunk base cards down to smaller-sized inserts perfect for autograph hunting. Finally, ‘Rookie Cup’ and ‘All-Star Game’ inserts showcased rising talents and midsummer classics respectively.

Beyond the sets themselves, Topps rolled out innovative digital and memorabilia initiatives that fueled passion both online and off. Through partnerships with Fanatics and MLB, collectible virtual cards could be obtained via pack simulations or by scanning physical cards into the Topps BUNT app. Winning auctions on the Topps website landed one-of-a-kind game-used memorabilia from today’s brightest stars, while autograph box-loaders offered exclusive signed cards.

When it came to special parallels and variations, Topps loaded 2021 with enticing chase cards. Rainbow foil, black and gold, sepia tone, and negative treatments brought surprise sparkle to pull rates. Legendary ‘Gold Mint’ parallels numbered to just 10 copies each became holy grails. Autograph and memorabilia inserts pulled straight from players added immense value throughout every tier from hobby boxes to blasters and hangers on store shelves.

By summer, the 2021 Topps Baseball card set cemented its legacy as one of the most complete and coveted in recent history. Engaging collectors with innovative inserts, parallels, and an evolving digital presence showed that the hobby could not only survive but thrive during uncertain times. Massive openings, break channels, and a red-hot market demonstrated demand remained as strong as ever for the iconic cardboard that memorializes America’s pastime. Whether collecting for history or investment, 2021 Topps allowed fans of all stripes to share in baseball’s vibrant revival.

In the years to come, the 2021 Topps set will surely take its place alongside past classics as a defining release from a pivotal season. Between the unpredictable pandemic environment and sport’s comeback, it captured a truly unique moment. Through a commitment to tradition, progression, and serving collectors, Topps Baseball once again showed why they remain the standard in the industry after decades at the helm. The 2021 collection symbolized the strength, passion, and future of the hobby amid changing surroundings – and why the promise of finding that next exciting card discovery will never fade.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1932

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1932 Baseball Card Price Guide: Values for one of the rarest sets ever produced

The 1932 baseball card set is one of the true gems in the entire hobby of collecting baseball cards. Produced by National Chicle, the 1932 set featured players from both the American and National Leagues and is considered by experts to be one of the toughest sets to complete in mint condition due to the low print run and fragile nature of the cards from that era. In this 1932 baseball card price guide, we will take an in-depth look at the set and provide estimated values for graded examples of each card to help collectors understand what they have and how to properly value their pieces of this highly coveted vintage issue.

The 1932 National Chicle set consists of a total of 96 cards that were distributed in packs of Chiclets gum. Each pack contained 5 cards for a total of 19 cards per box. With such a limited print run, high grade examples from this set are exceedingly rare. The cards measured approximately 2 1/4 inches by 2 3/4 inches and featured individual player portraits with the team name and player stats printed directly on the image. The backs of the cards were blank.

The set is broken down into teams with 48 cards devoted to American League players and 48 cards showing National League stars of the day. Some of the biggest star power in the set includes Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx, Lefty Grove, Dizzy Dean, and Chuck Klein among many others. The condition of these 80+ year old cards is always a major factor in their value. Even well-cared for examples from long-closed collections often show creases, corners cuts, edgewear, and discoloration due to the flimsy cardboard stock used at the time.

Here is a breakdown of estimated values for top graded 1932 baseball cards:

Babe Ruth (Yankees): A PSA NM-MT 8 grade would bring around $35,000-$45,000. A true gem mint PSA 10 could push $100,000 or more.

Lou Gehrig (Yankees): PSA 8 is $15,000-$20,000. A PSA 10 would be north of $50,000.

Jimmie Foxx (Athletics): PSA 8 is $8,000-$12,000. Near pristine PSA 9 is $18,000-25,000.

Lefty Grove (Athletics): PSA 8 is $6,000-$8,000. PSA 9 is $12,000-$15,000.

Dizzy Dean (Cardinals): PSA 8 is $4,000-$6,000. PSA 9 pushes $10,000.

Chuck Klein (Phillies): PSA 8 is $3,000-5,000. PSA 9 reaches $7,000-10,000.

Bill Dickey (Yankees): PSA 8 is $2,500-4,000. Near mint PSA 9 brings $6,000-8,000.

Lefty Gomez (Yankees): PSA 8 is $2,000-3,000. PSA 9 reaches $5,000-7,000.

Earle Combs (Yankees): PSA 8 is $1,500-2,500. PSA 9 is $4,000-6,000.

Schoolboy Rowe (Tigers): PSA 8 is $1,000-2,000. PSA 9 reaches $3,000-5,000.

For stars graded PSA 7 or lower condition, values drop significantly depending on the level of wear. Common players in PSA 8 grade would have values ranging from $500-1,500 while more obscure names may bring only a couple hundred dollars. Completing a set of this era in high grade would cost a collector well over $100,000 based on current market prices. Lower grade but complete sets can still reach $25,000-$50,000 for a solid example.

The 1932 National Chicle baseball card set stands out as one of the true crown jewels for vintage card collectors due to its impressive checklist of future Hall of Famers, iconic player imagery, and the extreme rarity of high grade examples surviving in pristine condition from this early era of the hobby. With values steadily climbing each year, properly graded pieces from this set represent a great long-term investment opportunity for those able to acquire them. This 1932 baseball card price guide provides a useful starting point for understanding relative values, but as with any highly collectible vintage issue, real market pricing is determined between willing buyers and sellers.

2023 TOPPS CHROME BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

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The 2023 Topps Chrome Baseball card set is one of the most highly anticipated releases each year from Topps. While the base cards don’t carry huge value on their own, it’s the parallels, short prints, autographs and memorabilia cards that make Topps Chrome such an exciting product to collect. With its flashy refractors and modern design, Topps Chrome is a favorite among collectors both young and old. Here’s a look at some of the cards from the 2023 Topps Chrome Baseball release that are expected to be the most valuable.

One of the cards with the highest potential value is the prizm refractor autograph of superstar rookie catcher Adley Rutschman. As the top prospect in baseball and a future star, Rutschman’s autographs are in high demand. His prizm refractors from 2023 Topps Chrome could fetch thousands of dollars, especially if he has a strong rookie season in 2023. Another rookie to watch is shortstop Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Cruz had a breakout season in 2022 showcasing huge power. His prizm refractors and especially autographs could appreciate nicely with a full season in 2023.

For veteran stars, look for prizm refractors and autographs of superstars like Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr. and Mookie Betts to carry four figure values. Trout remains the face of the league and his cards hold value as well as any. Ohtani is a true two-way star generating excitement from collectors. Soto was just traded to the Padres in one of the biggest deals ever and his cards are getting a boost. Acuña is one of the most exciting young stars when healthy. Betts continues to produce at an MVP level for the Dodgers.

Parallels and short prints will also drive the high-end 2023 Topps Chrome Baseball card market. The most valuable parallel is expected to be the prizm refractor /10 parallel. Pulling a prizm refractor /10 of a star player could fetch thousands. Other highly sought after parallels include the prizm refractors /25, /50 and /99. On the short print side, look for big value on short prints of stars like Trout, Ohtani, Soto, Acuña and rookie standouts. These short prints number less than the base cards increasing their scarcity.

For memorabilia cards, Topps Chrome always includes some of the most sought after relics and autograph cards. Top rookie relic autographs to target include Rutschman, Cruz and Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles. Henderson has elite potential and his autos could appreciate significantly. For veterans, dual or triple relic autographs of Trout, Ohtani, Soto and Betts will command four figures. Watch also for rare 1/1 printing plates, which are collector’s items featuring the entire card design on a printing plate with an on-card autograph. These 1/1 plates can sell for thousands.

Topps Chrome also includes some fun specialty insert sets that attract collector interest like Photo Variations, Superfractors, and Refractors. These inserts feature top stars in unique photo variations or with extra refractors. They carry lower print runs increasing their scarcity. Pulling a Photo Variation or Superfractor of a star player could yield a card worth hundreds or more.

While base 2023 Topps Chrome cards don’t carry huge individual value, it’s the short prints, parallels, autographs, relics and rare inserts that make the product such an exciting gamble for collectors. Rookie standouts like Rutschman and Cruz alongside veteran superstars Trout, Ohtani and Soto anchor the high-end of the market. Autographed parallels, short prints and 1/1 memorabilia cards offer collectors a chance at finding cards that could appreciate significantly with time. For fans and investors alike, 2023 Topps Chrome offers a fun and rewarding collecting experience.

1999 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

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The 1999 Topps baseball card set marks the 67th year that Topps produced cards featuring players, managers, coaches, and others associated with Major League Baseball. For collectors, the ’99 Topps set is noteworthy because it features cards of some legendary players that would retire within the next few years as well as rookie cards of future Hall of Famers. The ’99 Topps set holds significant historical value and collectability due to the talented players it memorialized at that particular point in time.

While full sets and base cards from the ’99 Topps release can be found for affordable prices, there are a handful of single cards that stand out as being among the most valuable from that year. Naturally, the top cards tend to be those featuring the game’s biggest stars and most renowned players at the heights of their careers or rookie cards foretelling future greatness. Let’s take a closer look at some of the 1999 Topps cards that command the highest prices in the hobby today.

At the very top of most ’99 Topps value lists is card #307 featuring Ken Griffey Jr. As one of the most naturally gifted and popular players of his generation, Griffey was in his 10th MLB season in 1999 while still in his prime with the Cincinnati Reds. The near-flawless aesthetics of Griffey’s pose and uniform on this card coupled with his legendary status have secured it as one of the all-time premium Topps baseball cards. In gem mint condition, a PSA 10 Griffey #307 routinely sells for well over $1,000, with prices reaching upwards of $3,000-$5,000 at auction depending on bids.

Another superstar veteran command top dollar is card #443 featuring Sammy Sosa of the Chicago Cubs. As one of the game’s premier power hitters who was in the midst of breaking the single-season home run record in 1998, Sosa was a household name. This ’99 Topps issue captures Sosa in his iconic left-handed batting stance. Graded copies in gem mint sale in the $400-$800 range, though a true mint PSA 10 has brought as much as $1,500 at rare auction.

Rookie cards are always highly sought after items for recent Topps releases, and the 1999 set features several budding talents who would emerge as future legends. Chief among them is #431 depicting Toronto Blue Jays slugger José Bautista, who broke out with a 54-home run season in 2010 but was just starting his MLB career in ’99. Bautista rookie PSA 10s command $200-300 and have sold for over $500 before. Other prized rookie cards include those of CC Sabathia (#336), Adam Wainwright (#510), and Chase Utley (#436), all grading mint at $100-250 levels.

Superstar veterans like Barry Bonds (#145), Roger Clemens (#239), Greg Maddux (#351), and Mike Piazza (#559) round out the top value players from the ’99 Topps set. All were future Hall of Famers, and their cards in pristine condition still sell for $50-$150 each depending on the specific player and grade. Rookies of Brandon Phillips (#562), Lance Berkman (#468), and Scott Williamson (#543) have also gained collector interest lately.

Beyond single cards, some of the higher-end ’99 Topps player collection parallels also hold tremendous appeal. The incredibly rare Gold Medallion parallel signatures of Tony Gwynn (#135), Ken Griffey Jr. (#407), and Cal Ripken Jr. (#599) are the holy grail pieces from this set, each numbering under 10 copies produced and worth thousands to tens of thousands graded and preserved in top shape.

While fully assembling the 660-card ’99 Topps baseball base set remains an affordable collecting objective, some individual cards have exploded in value due to the legendary careers depicted. Over two decades later, the ’99 release still resonates as an iconic snapshot capturing the game at a high point between eras. With several future Cooperstown inductees and breakout rookie issues, its enduring collectability and investment potential are well-established in the trading card marketplace. Whether chasing key singles or building full rainbow sets of numbered parallels, 1999 Topps remains one of the most historically significant sets to own in the modern era of cardboard.

BEST GRADING SERVICE FOR BASEBALL CARDS

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Grading baseball cards is a way to authenticate, preserve, and establish the condition and value of collectible cards. There are several professional third-party grading companies that provide this service, but which one is the best? This article will explore the top baseball card grading services and compare their features, reputation, and pricing to help you decide.

PSA is arguably the most well-known and respected name in the card grading industry. Founded in 2000, PSA pioneered the modern card grading concept and set the standard that others follow. They guarantee accurate and consistent grading through rigorous quality control processes. Submissions are examined by multiple experienced graders and any discrepancies are adjudicated by expert reviewers. PSA also uses sophisticated imaging technology and high-power magnification to detect even subtle flaws. This level of scrutiny helps ensure assigned grades are very reliable indicators of a card’s condition.

In terms of reputation and brand recognition, PSA is unparalleled. Their slabs are the most sought-after by collectors and fetch a premium in the marketplace. This is a testament to the trust and confidence the PSA name carries after decades of leadership. This top-tier service does come at a higher price compared to competitors. Basic grading with a turnaround of 30 business days currently costs $15 per card with volume discounts available. Expedited 7-day service is $30 per card.

BGS (Beckett Grading Services) is another major player that was founded in 1992. They pioneered the use of plastic slabs to protect and display cards post-grading. Like PSA, BGS utilizes a detailed multi-point inspection process performed by multiple experienced graders. Their reputation is also very strong, though some perceive their standards to be slightly more lenient than PSA. BGS slabs tend to grade certain attributes like centering a bit more generously. Their pricing is competitive, currently $12 for a 30-day regular service and $25 for 7 days. Volume discounts are also available.

SGC (Sportscard Guaranty Corporation) has grown rapidly since starting in 2000 to become a notable third option. They have earned respect for accurate, consistent grading backed by a money-back guarantee. SGC’s turnaround times and pricing are very competitive at $8.50 for a 30-day regular service and $20 for 7 days. Their modern “Jewel Case” slabs are stylish and affordable. However, SGC’s brand recognition still lags the top two, so their slabs may not carry as high of values in the resale market quite yet. Still, SGC is a solid choice for basic grading needs.

There are also several smaller, specialized independent graders. CSG (Collectible Supplies & Grading) focuses only on vintage cards from the 1950s-1980s and offers affordable $6 grading. HGA (Hero Graded Accessories) emphasizes flashy customization options for their slabs. These operations have much smaller scale and market share compared to the big three. For most collectors, PSA, BGS, or SGC will provide the best balance of service, reputation, and value.

In terms of which company to choose, it depends on your priorities and budget. PSA is the industry leader for maximum confidence in assigned grades and resale value, but also charges the most. BGS is a close second in reputation and offers competitive pricing. SGC provides a great value option for basic authentication and preservation needs. Ultimately, consider your card’s rarity and value, desired turnaround time, and intended purpose (to collect or resell) when deciding between these top baseball card grading services. With careful research, any of them can do an excellent job for your collection.

In summary, PSA, BGS, and SGC are the major professional third-party graders trusted by collectors worldwide. They each have strong quality control standards and experienced staff. Reputation varies slightly with PSA at the top, but any of these companies will properly preserve and authenticate baseball cards. Consider your priorities and budget to determine which offers the best overall value for your needs. Using a reputable grading service is highly recommended to establish a card’s condition, history, and marketplace value.

ABNER DOUBLEDAY BASEBALL CARDS

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Abner Doubleday is often cited as the inventor of the game of baseball. While historians now agree that multiple people were involved in developing the modern game from older bat-and-ball games, Doubleday is still an important figure in the early evolution of baseball. He was also one of the first notable people to be featured on baseball cards when the modern collecting hobby began in the late 19th century.

Doubleday was born in 1819 in Ballston Spa, New York and had a distinguished military career, fighting for the Union in the Civil War and rising to the rank of brigadier general. According to popular legend that began in the late 1800s, Doubleday invented the basic rules of baseball during his leisure time in Cooperstown, New York in 1839. While this story is now known to be untrue, it solidified Doubleday’s place in baseball history and lore.

In the 1880s, tobacco companies like Allen & Ginter began inserting illustrated cards depicting baseball players and other celebrities into packs of cigarettes. This helped popularize the tobacco product while also fueling the rise of what would become America’s favorite pastime. One of the first such cards was issued in 1888 featuring Abner Doubleday holding a baseball bat.

Though he had passed away in 1893, Doubleday’s status as the mythical “inventor” of baseball made him an obvious choice as one of the pioneering figures to depict on cards during the formative years of the hobby. His card portrayed him in a dignified manner befitting his military career, showing him from the waist up in a buttoned uniform with a bat casually resting on his shoulder. It helped cement Doubleday’s legacy while also serving advertising and collecting purposes for the tobacco company.

This rare 1888 Abner Doubleday card is now one of the most valuable in the entire history of the hobby, with gem mint condition examples selling for over $1 million. It established Doubleday as one of the earliest baseball icons to be featured on cards at a time when the collecting craze was just beginning to take hold across America. The card captured his prominent place in the mythical founding story of the national pastime.

In the following decades, other card manufacturers like Goodwin Champions and Old Judge also issued Abner Doubleday cards as the collecting fad exploded in popularity. These depicted him in similar military uniforms befitting his West Point background. They helped sustain Doubleday’s image as a central early figure in the evolution of America’s favorite sport.

By the turn of the 20th century, new evidence emerged that cast doubt on Doubleday’s supposed role in inventing the modern game. Historians discovered that the earliest known references to baseball predated his time in Cooperstown. While some proponents still argue for Doubleday’s influence, most experts now agree that baseball evolved gradually from older bat-and-ball games through the contributions of many individuals.

However, Doubleday’s prominent place in the early mythology ensured his continued appearances on vintage baseball cards throughout the Pioneer Era from the 1880s-1910s. Even as his inventor status faded, he remained an iconic representative of the shadowy early developmental period before the modern professional game took hold. His distinguished military service also made for a dignified heroic image to depict on cards.

In the modern era, Abner Doubleday cards remain among the most prized possessions of serious vintage baseball card collectors and investors. Examples from the 1880s are worth hundreds of thousands or even millions. They represent not just Doubleday’s role in the sport’s lore but the very earliest beginnings of the collecting phenomenon itself. While he may not have literally invented baseball, Doubleday was one of the first legendary figures to be memorialized and spread to the masses on the cardboard fronts and backs that would enthrall generations of American youth. His early cards ensured his place as one of the true pioneering icons enshrined within the beloved hobby.