BASEBALL CARDS EBAY 2020

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Baseball cards have been a beloved hobby for over a century and the popularity of collecting cards shows no signs of slowing down. With the rise of online marketplaces like eBay, it has never been easier to buy, sell, and trade baseball cards. Here is an in-depth look at the baseball card market on eBay in 2020.

eBay has become the premier online marketplace for collectors to find virtually any baseball card they want. With millions of new and vintage cards listed at any given time, eBay offers collectors access to a massive selection of cards from every era of the sport. While local card shops and shows are still a great way to find deals, the reach of eBay allows collectors to cast a wider net in their search for cards.

One of the biggest draws of eBay is the ability to potentially find extremely rare and valuable cards. High-end vintage cards that could fetch tens of thousands of dollars at auction are regularly listed on eBay. In 2020, mint condition cards of legendary players like Mickey Mantle, Honus Wagner, Babe Ruth and more can be found. Competition for these elite vintage cards is fierce and they usually sell for top dollar.

Modern rookie cards of current MLB stars also command high prices on eBay. Cards of young superstars like Ronald Acuña Jr., Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and others set rookie card records in 2020 as the new generation of players takes over the sport. Upper deck rookie cards and autographed parallels can sell for thousands on eBay. The prices fluctuate greatly depending on the player’s performance and longevity in the league.

While the high-end vintage and modern rookie cards get the most attention, eBay remains a haven for collectors of all budgets. Complete base sets from the past 30+ years can regularly be found for just pennies per card. Insert sets, parallel cards and oddball promotional issues also populate eBay listings at affordable prices. For collectors looking to fill out team or player collections inexpensively, eBay browsing is a must.

In addition to individual cards, completed vintage sets and team lots are also popular listings on eBay in 2020. Entire complete runs of classic sets like Topps, Fleer and Donruss from the 1950s-80s can be acquired for reasonable prices. Team lots divided by decade offer an easy way to build up a player’s card collection without hunting singles. Vintage team lots are also ideal for those who enjoy the aesthetic of displaying complete uniforms of cards.

Graded and encapsulated vintage cards have grown exponentially in popularity over the past decade. Third party grading companies like PSA, BGS, SGC and others slabs protect and authenticate cards, assigning numerical grades based on condition. Graded vintage cards dominate the high-end auction scene on eBay. While the protective slabs add value, they also drive up prices compared to raw vintage cards of similar condition. In 2020, mint PSA 10 cards from the 1950s routinely sell for thousands more than raw counterparts.

While vintage cards attract the biggest spenders, modern issues remain the bread and butter of the eBay card marketplace. Complete flagship sets from the past 30 years can usually be acquired for under $100. Insert sets, parallels, autographed and memorabilia cards fill out team and player collections at affordable prices. For collectors who enjoy building modern sets year to year, eBay is an essential resource.

When it comes to selling cards, eBay’s large audience and buyer base provides collectors the opportunity to potentially earn back money spent on the hobby. Whether it’s a valuable vintage card, sought-after modern rookie or just commons from childhood collections – eBay offers a worldwide marketplace to potentially find buyers. While eBay and PayPal fees eat into final sale prices, the exposure is well worth it for high-end cards.

EBay’s massive selection and worldwide audience have made it the premier online marketplace for all things baseball cards. Whether searching for valuable vintage gems, completing affordable modern sets or selling cards from a personal collection – eBay offers collectors access to a huge pool of buyers and sellers. The website’s popularity shows no signs of slowing as the baseball card hobby continues to thrive in the digital age.

TOP 1989 UPPER DECK BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1989 Upper Deck baseball card set is regarded as one of the most memorable and valuable sets from the late 1980s. Upper Deck revolutionized the hobby when they debuted in 1989 by using higher quality cardboard stock and pioneering innovations like the hologram. This helped lift the sport’s collectible cards out of the junk wax era that was plaguing the industry prior.

While there were many stars featured throughout the 700+ card ’89 Upper Deck set, a handful stand out as particularly noteworthy and valuable today due to various factors like performance, rarity, and overall appeal. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top cards collectors chase from this classic series over 30 years later:

Ken Griffey Jr. RC (Card #1)

Perhaps the most recognizable and coveted card from the entire set is Ken Griffey Jr’s rookie card. Widely considered one of if not the best rookie card ever printed, this iconic Griffey issue kicks off the ’89 Upper Deck checklist. With his effortless sweet left-handed swing and outstanding all-around skills, Griffey seemed destined for greatness from day one. This card perfectly captures the hype and promise surrounding his debut season with Seattle. Today PSA 10 gem mint examples trade for well over $10,000 due to Griffey’s Hall of Fame career and the card’s incredible popularity.

Nolan Ryan (#93)

As one of the most dominant and feared pitchers in baseball history, there was no shortage of legendary moments captured on Nolan Ryan cards throughout the 1970s-80s. His ’89 Upper Deck issue stands out not just for Ryan’s outstanding accomplishments at this point in his career, but also its impeccable on-card photography. It was a true “action shot” piece that showed Ryan pumping a fastball during one of his many mound appearances as a Houston Astro. High grades of this powerful Ryan image can sell for over $1,000.

Ken Griffey Sr. & Jr. (#670)

Much rarer and more scarce than their individual rookie cards, the 1989 Upper Deck Griffey father-son tandem card is one of the true premium chase cards from the entire set. Only appearing about once per every 3-4 full box breaks on average, this unique dual image highlighting the Mariners dynamic duo is exponentially tough to pull. Considering their special bond and place in baseball history as the only father-son combo to play in the Major Leagues at the same time, this card is a true collector’s piece when it surfaces in high grade. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $15,000.

Roger Clemens (#213)

Arguably the greatest power pitcher of his generation, Roger Clemens was in the prime of his storied career with the Boston Red Sox during the 1989 season captured on this Upper Deck card. Clemens looks remarkably youthful and vibrant throwing a pitch from the mound. This iconic moment became even more memorable upon his Rocket’s record-setting performances later in the 90s until his retirement. High-end versions have reached over $2,000 at auction given Clemens’ career accolades and larger-than-life presence on the national stage.

Barry Bonds (#419)

A precocious yet still developing Barry Bonds grins confidently from the outfield on his ’89 Upper Deck RC. Little did anyone know at the time, but Bonds was on the cusp of transforming into the most feared hitter in baseball over the next decade-plus. This card serves as a fascinating time capsule capturing “Baby Barry” before his ascent into statistical dominance and notoriety. Pristine PSA 10 copies in today’s market can sell for $1,000 or more based primarily on rarity and being Bonds’ sole rookie issued from the historic Upper Deck set.

Tom Glavine (#536)

Despite pitching over 300 career wins and winning two Cy Young Awards, Tom Glavine is probably one of the more underrated Hall of Fame hurlers of the modern era. His rookie card provides a glimpse into the promise he showed from the start during his tenure with the Atlanta Braves. Sporting the classic Glavine brooding glare on the mound and smooth lefty delivery, this issue remains a key piece for team and rookie card PC collectors. Higher graded versions remain affordable compared to superstars, hovering around the $200-300 range.

Dennis Martinez (#678)

All these years later, “El Presidente” Dennis Martinez’s no-hitter against the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1991 continues to stand out as one of the most memorable pitching performances in history. His Upper Deck rookie perfectly sets the stage, showing the composed demeanor and confidence Martinez carried himself with from the beginning. This card depicting one of the finest veteran international players is a must-have for Nicaraguan and Cleveland Indians collectors on a budget. Near-mint copies trade in the $50 range or so.

Roberto Alomar (#255)

Representing perhaps the finest all-around second baseman of his era, Roberto Alomar projected future stardom straight from the pack as a rookie with the San Diego Padres. His smooth fielding skills and game-changing speed are on full display charging toward the bag on this issue. Alomar went on to a Hall of Fame career and is a beloved figure in Toronto for his role on World Series championship teams. High-grade versions remain reasonably priced under $200, though demand is strong for this future star’s freshman season portrayal.

Barry Larkin (#407)

Still paying dividends over 30 years later, Barry Larkin’s rookie card showcases why he was such a sensation right out of the gate for the Cincinnati Reds in the late 80s. With gold-glove caliber range and hitting prowess from the left side, Larkin put himself on the map as baseball’s premier shortstop. This issue is a prized piece for Cincinnati and Larkin collectors that will likely steadily climb given his induction into Cooperstown. Near-mint 7s trade around the $150-200 price point currently.

Tom Glavine (#536)

Tom Glavine may be one of the more underrated Hall of Fame pitcher among the outstanding Atlanta Braves rotations from the 1990s-early 2000s. His rookie card provides a glimpse into the promise he showed from the start during his tenure with Atlanta. Sporting the classic Glavine brooding glare on the mound and smooth lefty delivery, this issue remains a key piece for team and rookie card PC collectors. Higher graded versions remain affordable compared to superstars, hovering around the $200-300 range.

While the full 1989 Upper Deck baseball card set contains over 700 total issues documenting that specific MLB season, the cards highlighted here remain amongst the most popular and valuable to enthusiasts to this day. Futuristic production qualities and capturing emerging talents like Ken Griffey Jr. fueled excitement that this set kickstarted in the hobby. Over 30 years later, the cards maintain their mystique and have become treasured holdings in collections worldwide.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PRICE LIST

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INTRODUCTION

Topps baseball cards have been an integral part of American culture and collecting since the 1950s. Topps has been the dominant force in baseball card production since securing the exclusive license from Major League Baseball in 1956. Their cards hold significant nostalgia and historical value for many who grew up collecting or were fans of players from different baseball eras.

With over 70 years of production, Topps has released thousands of distinct baseball cards featuring all the greatest players from Babe Ruth to modern stars like Mike Trout. Due to their widespread popularity and mass production over many decades, finding accurate valuations for vintage and modern Topps cards can often be challenging. Prices constantly fluctuate based on player performance, career milestones, condition of the card, and demand from collectors.

This price list aims to provide collectors with a general overview of the current estimated values for some of the most notable and sought-after Topps baseball cards from the 1950s to present. It is important to note that the prices listed should only serve as rough guidelines, as the true value of any card is ultimately determined by what someone is willing to pay on the current marketplace. Condition, centeredness of the photo on the card, and presence of flaws or defects can also cause prices to vary significantly from those listed here.

1950s TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle (PSA 8): $50,000+

Mantle’s iconic rookie card from 1952 remains one of the all-time most valuable sports cards. High grades still fetch over $50,000, with lower conditioned examples in the $15,000-$25,000 range.

1954 Topps #257 Hank Aaron (PSA 8): $25,000+

Aaron’s rookie is highly coveted by collectors and consistently one of the most expensive 1950s baseball cards on the market. PSA 8 examples sell for $25,000 or more.

1955 Topps #30 Willie Mays (PSA 8): $15,000+

Widely considered one of the best all-around players ever, the “Say Hey Kid’s” rookie card retains strong collector demand. PSA 8s trade hands for at least $15,000.

1957 Topps #91 Roy Campanella (PSA 8): $6,000+

The Hall of Fame catcher’s rookie card brings significant value despite lower print run compared to other 1950s issues. PSA 8 example fetches $6,000 or more.

1958 Topps #500+ Rookies of the Year: $300-600

Rookies like Bob Gibson, Bill White, and Jim Coates hold reasonable value in mid-grades given the set’s relatively high print numbers compared to 1950s issues.

1960s TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

1962 Topps #1 Roger Maris (PSA 8): $3,000+

Maris smashed the single season home run record in 1961 and his card remains one of the most iconic from the 1960s set. PSA 8s trade around $3,000.

1965 Topps #1 Sandy Koufax (PSA 8): $1,500+

The legendary left-hander’s pristine 1965 issue holds value despite large print run. PSA 8 examples sell for at least $1,500.

1968 Topps #1 Bob Gibson (PSA 8): $1,000+

Gibson’s 1968 is bolstered by his legendary 1968 World Series performance. Mid-grade copies fetch around $1,000.

1969 Topps #20 Willie McCovey (PSA 8): $800+

“Stretch” McCovey was one of the game’s most feared sluggers and his ’69 is a strong mid-1960s rookie/star card. PSA 8s sell around $800.

1961-69 Topps Rookies (PSA 8): $50-150

Stars like Reggie Jackson and Tom Seaver had burgeoning careers in the late 1960s. Their rookies are affordable in mid-grades.

1970s TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

1971 Topps #1 Reggie Jackson (PSA 8): $600+

“Mr. October” Jackson burst onto the scene in the 1970s and his flagship ’71 rookie remains a strong mid-grade investment.

1972 Topps #1 Johnny Bench (PSA 8): $450+

Future Hall of Famer Bench won his first MVP in 1972. His gorgeous rookie photograph makes this a fan favorite.

1975 Topps #468 George Brett (PSA 8): $300+

Future Hall of Famer Brett started his career with the Royals in 1973. His solid 1975 rookie holds value.

1977 Topps Traded #126 Nolan Ryan (PSA 8): $250+

Ryan was in his prime with the Angels in 1977. His iconic “Traded” issue is very affordable in mid-grades.

1970-79 Rookies (PSA 8): $20-100

Stars like Mike Schmidt, Rickey Henderson, and Dave Winfield had affordable rookies from the high-volume 1970s issues.

1980s TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

1981 Topps Traded #20T Fernando Valenzuela (PSA 8): $200+

“Fernandomania” took LA by storm in 1981. His iconic Traded RC remains a bargain.

1982 Topps #1 Cal Ripken Jr. (PSA 8): $150+

Future Hall of Famer Ripken broke in with the Orioles in 1981. His solid ’82 rookie holds value.

1984 Topps Traded #84T Dwight Gooden (PSA 8): $100+

Dr. K’s dominant rookie season with the Mets makes his ’84 Traded a fan favorite.

1988 Topps Traded #85T Barry Bonds (PSA 8): $75+

Bonds emerged as a star with the Pirates in the late 1980s. His Traded RC remains affordable.

1980-89 Rookies (PSA 8): $10-50

Stars like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, and Kirby Puckett had affordable early rookie issues.

1990s TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

1990 Topps Traded #T-1 Ken Griffey Jr. (PSA 8): $150+

The”Kid” exploded onto the scene in 1989 making his Traded RC a standout among 1990s cards.

1992 Topps #1 Frank Thomas (PSA 8): $75+

“The Big Hurt” established himself as one of baseball’s best hitters in the early 1990s.

1993 Topps Gold #93 Barry Bonds (PSA 8): $50+

Bonds’ monstrous 1993 season is immortalized in Gold Foil, distinguishing it among ’93s issues.

1994 Topps #1 Jeff Bagwell (PSA 8): $35+

Bagwell emerged as a star for the Astros in the 1990s. His sharp 1994 flagship RC holds value.

1995-99 Rookies (PSA 8): $5-25

Stars like Derek Jeter, Nomar Garciaparra, and John Smoltz had affordable rookie issues.

MODERN TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS (2000-PRESENT)

Early 2000s stars like Chipper Jones, Vladimir Guerrero, and Rafael Palmeiro had affordable flagship RCs in the $5-15 range graded PSA 8.

2007 Topps #331 Clayton Kershaw (PSA 10): $100+

Kershaw emerged as a phenom for the Dodgers and remains a standout in the ultra-competitive modern market.

2009 Topps #366 Mike Trout (PSA 10): $75+

Trout’s star skyrocketed after breaking in with the Angels in 2011. Even his “affordable” 2009 RC fetches $75+ graded gem mint.

2015 Topps Update #US-266 Clayton Kershaw (PSA 10): $25+

Kershaw’s 2015 Update RC remains an accessible modern gem for collectors.

2018 Topps #171 Ronald Acuña Jr. (PSA 10): $15+

Acuña burst onto the scene as a 21-year-old superstar. His sharp 2018 flagship RC holds value despite large production numbers.

In summary, Topps baseball cards from the 1950s-1980s eras containing the RCs of all-time greats like Mantle, Aaron, Mays, and Jackson are where the highest values remain. There are still numerous affordable options across all decades of production for collectors working within various budgets. Factors like player performance, parallels, and most importantly condition will significantly influence individual card prices. Condition is absolutely king in the competitive trading card marketplace.

1990 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS VALUE LIST

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Introduction
The 1990 Fleer baseball card set was the final installment in a run of sets from the late 1980s that brought Fleer back into competition with Topps as a major baseball card producer. Following struggles in the 1970s and 1980s, Fleer returned to the baseball card market in 1986 and began regularly issuing new sets again. Their 1990 offering would continue building on the momentum they had gained in the late 80s before the baseball card market began to decline. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top rookies, stars, and other notables from the 1990 Fleer set and what their cards may be worth today.

Top Rookies of 1990
One of the biggest rookie classes in baseball card history came in 1990, headlined by future Hall of Famers Griffey Jr. and Bagwell. Their rookie cards remain highly sought after by collectors decades later.

Ken Griffey Jr. (Fleer RC #330): Widely considered one of if not the single most valuable baseball card of the 1990s, Griffey’s card is iconic. In top gem mint 10 condition, it can fetch over $10,000. Even in a PSA 8-9 graded state it commands $500-1000. ‘The Kid’ went on to have one of the great careers in history.

Jeff Bagwell (Fleer RC #99): As a star first baseman for the Astros, Bagwell oozed with talent from the start. His rookie is nearly as coveted as Griffey’s, with a PSA 10 bringing $5000-8000. Common to find raw for $100-200.

Frank Thomas (Fleer RC #268): ‘The Big Hurt’ slammed his way to multiple MVPs starting in 1990. His rookie card doesn’t have the allure of Griffey or Bagwell but is still one of the top hits from the set at $200-500 graded.

Dennis Martinez (Fleer RC #355): The soon to be 300-game winner’s card doesn’t go for huge money but is a notable as one of the last true ‘vintage’ rookie cards issued in the 1980s/early 90s before the spike in players reaching the majors as rookies in the 90s.

Other Stars of Note
Nolan Ryan (Fleer #329): One of the most dominant pitchers ever still cranking them up in 1990 at age 43. His final season issue cards remain popular for collector appeal. Approx. $20-50.

Ryne Sandberg (Fleer #12): Perennial All-Star and 1984 NL MVP saw his best years already behind him but remained a respected veteran. Common $3-10 card.

Juan Gonzalez (Fleer #134): Just starting to break out, Gonzalez would go on to win back-to-back AL MVPs later in the decade. $5-15 depending on condition.

Tom Glavine (Fleer #309): On the cusp of stardom, Glavine established himself as an ace in 1991 and helped lead the Braves dynasty of the 90s. $10-30.

Roberto Alomar (Fleer #123): One of the greatest second basemen ever was entering his peak. $10-25.

Ken Hill (Fleer #283): What could have been for the talented Texan pitcher whose career was derailed by injuries. Near rookie $5-15.

Errors, Variations, and Inserts
Fleer’s quality control issues in the early 1990s led to some notable errors that have value today. This includes:# A Brite Futures (insert set): These had wildly inconsistent borders but stars like Frank Thomas are $20-50# An error Tom Glavine card without statistics: Rarer print errors like this can fetch $100+, raw or graded.# An error Ken Griffey Jr. card: His name is misspelled “Griffy”. Even heavily played this is $50-100 as a true error.# A Roger Clemens card printed sideways: Another off-center rarity worth a decent premium.

Summary
While the baseball card market may never return to the insane heights of the 1990s, sets like the 1990 Fleer nicely bridge the gap between the “junk wax” era and golden age rookie cards of the 1980s. Loaded with all-time great talent and notorious print errors, it remains a highly collectible issue for fans of the era. Key rookie cards like Griffey Jr. and Bagwell top the value list but there are several other affordable stars and variations that can still be unearthed.

LOUPE FOR BASEBALL CARDS

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A loupe is an essential tool for any serious baseball card collector or investor. Loupes, also known as magnifying glasses, allow you to inspect cards in fine detail and check for subtle imperfections that can affect a card’s condition and value. With the right loupe, you can carefully examine key areas like the corners, edges, surface and centering to properly grade a card.

There are many different loupe options on the market at a variety of price points. When shopping for a loupe, it’s important to consider magnification power, lens size and quality, portability, lighting features and intended use. In this guide, we’ll break down the top loupe options for baseball cards and provide recommendations based on your needs and budget.

Magnification Power

Magnification power, also referred to as magnification times or x, indicates how much larger the image appears under the loupe compared to normal vision. Loupes for baseball cards typically range from 3x to 10x magnification. Lower power loupes around 3x-5x are good for a general inspection of large areas, while higher powers of 7x-10x are better for scrutinizing fine details.

Most experts recommend a mid-range loupe of 5x-7x magnification for grading baseball cards. This allows you to see imperfections clearly without distorting or darkening the image too much. Anything over 10x is generally too strong for cards, as slight hand movements will cause the image to shift dramatically.

Lens Size

Larger lenses allow for a broader field of view so you can examine more of the card at once. As a guideline, beginners should look for loupes with a lens diameter of at least 20mm, while serious graders may want one closer to 25mm or larger for efficiency. Lenses 10-15mm will see magnification but through a very narrow field.

Lens Quality

Cheap acrylic or plastic lenses may distort images or lack clarity compared to high-quality ground glass lenses. Loupes using Abbe condenser lens technology provide brighter, sharper magnification with minimal distortion. Coated lenses minimize glare and optimize light transmission.

Ergonomics and Portability

Look for a loupe that is comfortable to hold and use for prolonged grading sessions. Neck strap styles allow you to keep both hands free while magnifying. Compact folding loupes also make it easier to store and travel with your gear.

Lighting Features

Integrated lighting is essential for properly evaluating cards, especially older ones with faded colors. LED illumination allows you to see into shadow areas and detect issues not visible to the naked eye. Rechargeable options eliminate the hassle of replacing batteries.

Pricing and Recommendations

Basic plastic loupes can be found for under $10 but will show flaws and distortions. Mid-range acrylic models around $15-25 provide clearer magnification. For serious graders, expert-recommended loupes in the $30-70 range use ground glass Abbe condenser lenses, LED lights and larger fields of view. Additionally:

Vuecraft 5x Magni Loupe – Budget option with 5x magnification and 20mm lens. Good starter loupe around $15.

Carson MicroBrite LED 5x Magnifier – Mid-range choice with 5x magnification, 23mm lens and integrated LED lighting for $25.

Schmidt & Bender Collector 7x21mm Loupe – Professional-grade 7x magnification with 21mm glass lens, lighting and tripod compatibility for $70.

Brightech Pro 7x Magnifier – Feature-packed LED lighted loupe with 7x magnification, 25mm lens and rechargeable battery for $40.

With the right loupe, you can inspect cards down to the micron level to properly assess quality, condition and truly unlock their value. An investment in a quality loupe pays dividends by helping experts and amateurs alike make more informed grading and buying decisions.

BEST PLACE TO GET YOUR BASEBALL CARDS GRADED

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Getting your valuable baseball cards professionally graded is an important process that can significantly impact the value and collectibility of the cards. There are several professional grading services that experts recommend considering, each with their own reputation, grading standards, turnaround times, and costs. This comprehensive guide will explore the top grading options and factors to consider when choosing where to submit your cards.

PSA is widely considered the gold standard in third-party baseball card grading. Founded in 2000, PSA pioneered the modern grading service and their slabs have top recognition among collectors and dealers. PSA uses a rigorous 10-point grading scale from 1 to 10 to objectively describe a card’s condition, from Poor to Gem Mint. They have the most experienced graders in the industry who thoroughly examine every aspect of a card under bright lighting and magnification. Turnaround times for regular service currently range from 3-6 months depending on volume, while rush options are available for faster returns. PSA is known for their consistency and is the most desirable grading label to find in a collection, which can yield a premium at resale. Their popularity also means higher submission fees compared to competitors.

BGS (Beckett Grading Services) is another top option that was founded in 1992. They use a similar 100-point grading scale from 1-100 to objectively describe a card’s condition and have an experienced team of graders. BGS slabs also carry strong brand recognition in the hobby. Turnaround times tend to be a bit faster than PSA at around 2-4 months currently. BGS labels can yield a similar value boost as PSA, though their brand may not be quite as universally recognized to casual collectors. Submission costs are also competitive with PSA. BGS is a great choice for serious collectors seeking an expert, impartial analysis of condition.

SGC (Sportscard Guarantee Corporation) has emerged as a popular lower-cost alternative to PSA and BGS in recent years. Founded in 2000, they use a simpler 1-4 grading scale to evaluate condition. While not quite as well-known a brand as the big two, SGC has made great strides in establishing credibility within the hobby. Turnaround times average only 1-2 months currently, the fastest of the major services. Submission costs are significantly lower than PSA or BGS, making SGC an attractive option when raw cards hold value based more on player/card than precise grade. Their slabs provide an impartial verification of condition at a lower price point.

There are also several smaller, regional grading services that can be worth considering depending on needs and budget. CSG (Collectible Supplies Group) offers economical grading with quick turnarounds, but their brand recognition lags the national companies. GMA (Global Marketing Alliance) specializes in vintage cards and offers tiers of service and certification. There are also local independent graders in some areas that provide a personalized experience at lower cost than the national firms. Their labels may carry less value in a resale setting due to limited brand awareness.

When choosing where to grade your cards, consider factors like turnaround needs, intended future use, and desired label/brand. For cards intended for long-term collection and resale, the national brands of PSA, BGS and SGC provide the top impartial verification and universal recognition. But for short-term holding, displaying, or value verification, regional and independent graders can suffice. Budget is also a factor, as submission costs vary significantly between services. Do your research to determine the right balance of these criteria for your specific cards and goals. With the right grading service, you can optimize and verify the value of your baseball card collection.

BASEBALL CARDS AT TARGET IN STORE

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Baseball cards have been a staple collectible for over a century. Whether it’s young kids just getting into the hobby or lifelong collectors chasing rare finds, baseball cards are a beloved part of sports culture. With Target now stocking baseball cards in their stores, more fans than ever have access to the latest releases and can experience the thrill of the hunt.

Target started rolling out baseball cards to select stores in 2021 after seeing rising interest and demand. They aimed to have cards available in the majority of their locations by the end of that year. Target recognizes that baseball cards appeal to a wide age range, from children to adults. Stocking cards was a strategic move to draw in more customers and give communities a reliable local option for the hobby.

What can you find in the baseball card aisle at Target? The assortment varies some between stores but generally includes the most popular modern releases. Target stocks mainly packs, boxes, and blasters from the current year. This means you can expect to see 2021 Topps, 2021 Bowman, 2021 Stadium Club and more. They also carry re-packs containing assorted cards from various sets and vintages. Target aims to restock these products on a regular basis to keep the shelves full for shoppers.

In addition, Target stocks some older wax packs and boxes dating back several years if they have extra inventory. You may come across 2019 Topps Update or 2020 Bowman Chrome Blasters that didn’t sell out right away. These classic sets make for fun nostalgia rips. Target also carries a smattering of miscellaneous baseball card merchandise like binders, toploaders and team sets in their trading card sections.

While Target’s assortment focuses on recent releases, they do make an effort to satisfy collectors seeking vintage cards too. Their trading card reseller partners occasionally provide Target with wax packs and boxes from the 1980s, 90s and 2000s for sale. These nostalgic products tend to move quickly but are a thrill for fans hoping to pull a star rookie or relic from years past. Target also stocks bargain bins with loose vintage and vintage-style cards at affordable prices.

Target aims to make the baseball card shopping experience seamless whether browsing online or in stores. Their website displays the trading card inventory and availability at each location. Shoppers can check if their local Target has 2021 Topps Series 2 Blaster Boxes in stock before making a trip. Target also price matches to keep their baseball card prices competitive with other retailers. And as with all products, Target offers same-day pickup or shipping options for any cards ordered online.

The layout of Target’s baseball card sections is generally consistent chain-wide for easy navigation. New release packs, boxes and blasters are stocked together at eye-level for easy browsing. Re-packs, loose packs and value bins are below. Above are any available vintage wax items. Target displays the current year on shelves and endcaps to help shoppers locate the latest and greatest products. Well-lit signage promotes the trading card area to draw in curious customers.

Target aims to keep their baseball card sections fully stocked and organized. As with any hot hobby product, certain items do sell out quickly after restocks. Popular rookie cards, autographed memorabilia boxes and limited edition products tend to fly off the pegs upon stocking. But Target works hard to fulfill reorders and get more inventory on shelves as fast as possible. Their trading card specialists also work to curb reselling and scalping in stores to ensure fair access for collectors.

While Target’s baseball card assortment may not rival the vast selections of hobby shops, their presence has been a boon for the community. It gives many an easy local option to pick up a pack or two alongside their grocery list. Children can experience the thrill of the rip without extra trips. And Target shoppers now have a better chance at finding the latest releases before they sell out online. Above all, Target aims to share the joy of baseball cards with fans new and old across America. Their growing sections have reignited passion for the hobby and ensured its popularity continues for generations to come.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1965 RARE

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1965 was a pivotal year in the history of baseball cards as it marked a transition from the classic tobacco era designs to the modern cardboard collectibles produced by Topps that we know today. While 1965 Topps cards may not command the same lofty prices as the seminal 1952 and 1954 sets, there are still plenty of scarce and valuable gems to be found that can fetch impressive sums for savvy collectors. Let’s take a closer look at some of the rarest and most expensive cards from the 1965 Topps baseball set and explore what factors drive their desirability and price tags.

The most coveted and costly card from the 1965 Topps set is undoubtedly the Mickey Mantle #311 card. In pristine mint condition, this iconic Mantle rookie card can sell for well over $100,000. Even in worn condition it still commands thousands. What makes this Mantle card so special is that it features one of the game’s greatest players in the sunset of his career. 1965 was Mantle’s final 100 RBI season before injuries derailed his performance. Combined with his legendary status, the fact this was among the last Mantle rookie cards produced fuels heavy demand.

Another extremely rare and valuable card is the Sandy Koufax #142. Considered one of the best left-handed pitchers ever, Koufax’s career was also cut short by injuries. The 1965 Topps card captures Koufax at the peak of his dominance when he won 3 Cy Young awards. In a near-mint PSA 8 grade, a Koufax #142 recently sold for $22,000. Higher grades approaching mint can sell for five figures or more. Like Mantle, the scarcity of capturing a superstar at the height of his powers on the cusp of retirement makes this a must-have for serious collectors.

The 1965 Topps set also featured the final card for another pitching legend, Early Wynn #234. Wynn was an intimidating 300-game winner and like Koufax’s, his 1965 offering shows him in the glow of success late in his career. High grade Wynn rookies have sold in auction for around $10,000. The fact that it was one of the last Wynn cards before he hung up his cleats adds to its cachet. Other scarce veteran cards that can reach four figures include Nellie Fox (#28), Bob Gibson (#116), and Juan Marichal (#238).

Rookie cards are always in high demand and 1965 was no exception. One of the most coveted and pricey rookie cards is the Johnny Bench #581 issue. As arguably the greatest catcher of all time, Bench’s rookie card is a cornerstone for collectors. High grade PSA 9+ examples can sell for $15,000 or more. Another huge name that debuted in 1965 was Reggie Jackson with his #591 card. Like Bench, Jackson would go on to have a Hall of Fame career. Near-mint Jackson rookies have sold for $8,000.

Two other noteworthy 1965 rookie cards that can reach five figures are Rick Monday (#578) and Joe Torre (#500). Monday is best remembered for snatching the American flag from protesters in the outfield at Dodger Stadium. Torre meanwhile had a long, successful playing career before an acclaimed managerial tenure. Both cards showcase these players at the dawn of promising big league careers. PSA 8 versions of the Monday and Torre rookies have topped $10,000 at auction.

Beyond star players, there are also several scarce and pricey short prints from the 1965 Topps set. Arguably the most valuable is the Jim Ray Hart #598 SP card, which is erroneously numbered and believed to have an print run of only 10-20 copies. An example once sold for $32,000 in graded NM-MT 8 condition. Other short prints that can reach four figures include Bob Aspromonte (#2), Bob Lillis (#70), and Jimmie Hall (#123) issues. Their rarity compared to the standard run of each player’s base card makes them highly-coveted by collectors.

The 1965 Topps set remains a treasure trove for finding high dollar baseball cards, even decades after the set’s original release. Star players captured at the ends of their careers like Mantle and Koufax will always be blue-chip investments. Scarce rookie cards foretelling future Hall of Famers are equally sought after. And remarkably rare short prints provide the ultimate thrill of the hunt. By understanding the historical context and scarcity factors, savvy collectors can uncover hidden gems still priced reasonably compared to their potential worth.

PRICING FOR BASEBALL CARDS TOPPS 1979

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The 1979 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the iconic issues from the 1970s. It marked Carlton Fisk’s first card as a member of the Chicago White Sox after spending his first several seasons with the Boston Red Sox. It also included Nolan Ryan’s record fifth no-hitter on the bottom corner of his card. Several factors influence the pricing of individual 1979 Topps baseball cards ranging from the player, the condition or grade of the card, and particular variations or errors that make certain cards more valuable than others.

One of the most influential players when it comes to pricing is of course, Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith. Known as “The Wizard” for his acrobatic defensive skills at shortstop, Smith debuted with the San Diego Padres in the 1979 season and had his rookie card in the ’79 Topps set. High grade versions of Ozzie Smith’s rookie card in near-mint to mint condition can fetch prices anywhere from $100 to well over $1,000 depending on factors like centering and corners. Another highly sought after rookie is Don Mattingly’s card, given his prolific career mainly with the New York Yankees. A PSA 9 or BVG 9 version of Mattingly’s 1979 Topps rookie in near-mint to mint condition has sold for over $500.

Hall of Famers with accomplished careers like Nolan Ryan and Reggie Jackson also command strong prices from collectors for their ’79 Topps cards. One of Ryan’s most notable pitching accomplishments is mentioned on the bottom of his 1979 card, which notes his record fifth career no-hitter. Top graded versions of this notable Nolan Ryan card can sell for $250-$500+. Meanwhile, a PSA/BVG 9 graded Reggie Jackson card from the ’79 set has sold for around $150-250 depending on the day. Other star players that maintained strong careers like Mike Schmidt and Dave Winfield also attract buyers willing to pay $50-$150 for high grade versions of their ’79 Topps cards depending on condition.

Beyond rookie cards and stars, there are also various errors, variations, and parallels in the 1979 Topps set that create niche demand and increase certain card values. One example is card #652 featuring Yankees outfielder Reggie Jackson, which has an error where the team logo is missing from the cap. This error variant has sold for over $3,000 in gem mint condition. Another significant parallel is the black border version cards, which were accidentally printed with a thicker black border on the front. Examples of these thicker black border parallels for high-demand stars like Ozzie Smith have sold for $600-$1,000 in top grades.

The condition or grade of a 1979 Topps card also strongly influences its current market value. On the collector scale, a PSA/BVG/SGC/Beckett grading of gem mint (10) or mint (9) can increase a card’s worth by 5-10x compared to a well-worn near-mint (7) or average-looking near-mint (8). Top graded examples of stars in 10 can reach the thousands, while mint 9s are usually in the 100s. Meanwhile, raw near-mint 7s or 8s of prominent players may sell in the $20-$50 range depending on centering and edges. Cards in poorer condition of fair (4) or lower have little value outside ofCompletists looking to finish sets.

To sum up, the 1979 Topps set remains a highly collectible issue from the 1970s. Key factors that influence pricing include the player featured, the card’s rarity through errors/variants, and most importantly – its state of preservation through rigorous grading. While commons and fillers aren’t too valuable, rookie cards, stars, and significant parallels maintain strong demand that is reflected in the secondary market pricing forty years after their initial release. For dedicated collectors, the 1979 Topps set offers both nostalgia as well as lucrative long term investment potential.

TOPPS 2023 BASEBALL CARDS SET

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The Topps company has been creating official Major League Baseball trading cards since the early 1950s, and their 2023 baseball card release continues this beloved tradition. The flagship Topps base set consists of 384 total cards, with each of the 30 MLB teams represented by 13 cards. Players featured include both veteran stars and the game’s hottest rookies and prospects. As with past years, the base cards utilize a consistent color palette and design style that make them familiar and appealing to collectors both young and old.

While the base cards are the backbone of any Topps set, it’s the numerous inserts and parallels that add excitement for enthusiasts looking to collect their favorite players in alternate formats. This year’s inserts run the gamut from unique “Record Breakers” highlighting milestones to fun “Topps Now” crowd-sourced cards capturing memorable on-field moments. Veteran collectors will appreciate nostalgic “Turn Back The Clock” flashbacks to classic uniform designs of yesteryear. Rookie collectors have plenty of cool inserts to hunt like “The Rookies” and “Bowman’s Best” highlighting top prospects.

In addition to standard base cards, Topps also produces various parallel and short-print versions at different rarities to add chase and excitement to the set. The ever-popular “Chrome” parallels feature a modern holographic refractor design that pops in hand. More specifically for 2023, Topps introduced a green /499 parallel variation of the base cards available in packs and hobby boxes. For the ultra-premium high-end collector, Topps produced a rare 1/1 “Gold Label” parallel available only in very limited cases or hand-collated master cases.

While the majority of collectors will enjoy opening retail value packs, blasters, or hobby boxes of the 2023 Topps flagship set, the true high-end releases are always the prized jewels. This year’s “Tier One” luxury product stands out with only 100 hand-collated master cases produced worldwide, each guaranteed to contain rare autograph and memorabilia cards. Individual Tier One boxes can fetch $1000 or more due to the remote odds of landing a single-player patch card or dual-signature relic.

For those seeking a true VIP experience, Topps’ “Tier Two” collection represents the pinnacle release. Featuring possessions-used memorabilia with on-card autographs, only 10 of these coffins-sized display cases were created in total. Prized cards found exclusively here include 1/1 game-used bat knob autographed cards of superstars like Shohei Ohtani or Aaron Judge easily worth over $10,000 each. Simply owning a full master set from Tier Two places collectors amongst the most elite in the hobby.

While the base cards, inserts, and parallels provide the foundation, it’s Topps’ robust and sought-after autograph and memorabilia cards that drive excitement for the high-end collector. This year saw Topps secure rare signatures from freshly retired legends in “Farewell Prints” sets as well as extensive game-used memorabilia substrates like bats, jerseys, and even cleats. Top young talents signed attractive on-card rookie autographs for their fledgling fanbases as well. Overall, Topps once again delivered the most comprehensive and prestigious representation of MLB’s top stars through cardboard in their 2023 release.

For decades, Topps has shaped the baseball card collecting hobby through expansive sets, innovations in parallel and autograph formats, and by securing the game’s most prized player-used memorabilia. Their 2023 flagship release maintains this standard of excellence while introducing new inserts, parallels, and high-end products to fuel interest across both new and veteran collectors alike. Whether enjoying affordable retail packs or seeking the ultra-rare gems of Tier Two, Topps 2023 offers something for every baseball and collecting fan. Their partnership with Major League Baseball ensures this tradition will continue engaging fans for generations to come.