SELL VINTAGE BASEBALL CARDS

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Selling vintage baseball cards can be a very lucrative hobby or business depending on the cards you have and how much effort you put into it. Some people amass large collections over many years and have rare vintage cards that could be worth thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. Others may just have a few older cards tucked away in a shoebox that could be worth a nice sum. If you have vintage baseball cards and are considering selling them, here are some tips to help you get top dollar:

Condition is key when it comes to valuing vintage baseball cards. Make sure to carefully inspect each card and note any flaws, creases, bends or signs of wear and tear. The sharper and cleaner a card looks, the more it will fetch. Get a magnifying glass to inspect for tiny flaws that aren’t visible to the naked eye. Grade the condition on a 1-10 scale to document it. Consider sending valuable cards to be professionally graded by companies like PSA or Beckett to get an official numbered grade which adds legitimacy and value.

Do your research on comps (completed sales of comparable cards) so you know the approximate value of each card based on the player, year, team, and most importantly the grade or condition. Sites like eBay enable you to search “sold listings” to see actual prices people have paid for similar graded and described cards. Look up value guidelines from industry sources like Beckett or PSA as well. Proper research prevents you from pricing items too high or low.

Photograph each card you plan to sell from multiple angles so buyers can see all sides to inspect for flaws. Take close-up shots of any notable imperfections. Natural outdoor light is best as it shows true colors and condition details. Make sure photos are sharply focused from a few inches away to showcase tiny defects. High quality photos inspire more confidence in buyers.

Listing vintage cards individually online through sites like eBay is usually the best approach, but you may also consider selling higher value complete sets or lots as a group. Set minimum auction reserves slightly below estimated values if auctioning so bids are more likely to reach your goals. Use proper keywords in titles like player name, year, team, card set and number along with condition details so people searching can find your listings.

Clearly describe each card listing in full including all relevant details buyers need to know like the player, team, card set and number, year, condition assessment, any flaws, previous grades if applicable, recent comp sale prices you’ve found to justify your asking price. Leave no question unanswered and buyers feel informed and confident in bidding or buying it now. Provide multiple high resolution photos from your camera as visual proof of condition.

Physically package cards carefully with acid-free holders like toploaders in rigid mailers or boxes appropriate for the value. Coins and sports cards can be shipped reasonably via First Class packages under 13oz as long as properly packaged. Consider registered mail or insured Priority boxes for higher value items. Communicate expected delivery timeframes to buyers. Package and ship securely to avoid damage during transit that could dampen the sale.

Consider selling vintage cards through established card galleries, auction houses, reputable local card shops or via online marketplaces that cater specifically to the hobby. Such venues tend to draw more serious collectors who are willing to pay top dollar. Consign your best cards to such sources and let the experts showcase and sell them through their established networks and buyer reach.

Vintage baseball cards provide an exciting connection to history along with significant potential financial returns when high quality examples change hands. Taking time to properly assess conditions, research values, photograph, describe and package listings is key to getting top dollar for your vintage sports card collections when putting them up for sale. With some effort vintage cards can become a lucrative return on a childhood hobby or passion project.

MOST VALUABLE TOPPS 1974 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1974 Topps set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the history of sports card collecting. While it may not be the highest valued set from the 1970s, it features several keys cards that still command premium prices today due to their historical significance and the iconic players featured. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable cards collectors seek from the ’74 Topps baseball release.

One of the most well-known and widely sought after rookie cards is the Nolan Ryan issued by Topps in 1974 as part of their base set. Ryan went on to become arguably the greatest strikeout pitcher of all-time and one of the most intimidating hurlers to ever toe the rubber. His rookie card, featuring the flame throwing Ryan in an Angels uniform, is the definitive key card from the set. In pristine Near Mint condition, a ’74 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie has recently sold for over $15,000. Even well-centered examples in Excellent condition can command $5-7k. The Ryan rookie’s appeal is enhanced by the fact not many examples survived in high grade due to the sheer volume printed and handled as kids in the 1970s.

Another monster card from the 1974 Topps set resides in Hank Aaron’s final career card showing the future Hall of Famer with the Milwaukee Brewers organization. Aaron is of course best known for breaking Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record in 1974 with the Atlanta Braves, but Topps had already finalized and printed card #91 featuring Aaron wearing a Brewers uniform from his short stint with the team in 1975. Near Mint examples of Aaron’s final card recently sold for over $10,000, while Excellent copies trade in the $3-5k range. Like the Ryan rookie, Aaron’s final card saw tremendous distribution but high grades are rare today.

Mike Schmidt’s rookie card from 1974 Topps (card #481) also remains a tremendous key from the set. Schmidt went on to become a 3-time NL MVP and hold the Phillies franchise home run record for many decades. His slick looking rookie sports Schmidt batting from the left side in Phillies crimson red. Pristine Mint condition copies can bring $7-8k at auction currently while Near Mint grades sell within $3-5k range. Schmidt’s stellar career and the card’s iconic design continue to drive demand nearly 50 years later.

Other highly valuable cards from the 1974 Topps issue include Nolan Ryan’s astounding 383 strikeout season card (#419), which commonly fetches $2-3k in Near Mint. The set also features rookie cards of Hall of Fame sluggers Reggie Jackson (#162) and Dave Winfield (#553), which can each reach $1-2k in top condition. In addition, Rickey Henderson’s incredibly rare serialized rookie card #182S is perhaps the most valuable card in the entire set if graded at the pinnacle Mint 9 level. Just a handful are known to exist at such lofty condition with no recorded sales, implying an auction value well into the 5-figure range or greater.

Condition, of course, is paramount when valuation 1974 Topps cards. The set was distributed and used widely as a source of entertainment for kids in the mid-1970s before the rise of the collectibles market. As such, high graded examples above the EX-MT range are quite tough to find and hold significant scarcity value. The design has also aged very well compared to other vintage issues. Colors remain crisp and vivid on better preserved copies. Overall centering, perhaps the most crucial indicator of condition, tends to be decent but not as strong as later 1970s releases benefiting from newer printing techniques.

While not the costliest vintage set overall, the 1974 Topps baseball issue features several true investment-grade cards in today’s market due to starring future Hall of Famers, iconic rookie cards, and special career achievements. Keys like the Nolan Ryan, Hank Aaron, and Mike Schmidt rookies along with key Ryan and Jackson cards continue to see long-term appreciation and headline want lists of dedicated collectors. With all-time great players and stories alongside the classic rectangular design Topps used for decades, 1974 remains an essential set for builders of complete vintage collections.

1989 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE CARDS

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The 1989 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the late 1980s. While not quite as coveted as sets from the 1950s or 1960s, numerous high-price cards emerged from the 660-card 1989 Topps issue that was released more than 30 years ago. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable 1989 Topps baseball cards that still fetch impressive prices at auction today.

Perhaps the most well-known card from the ’89 Topps set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was one of the premier young prospects in baseball at the time and his rookie card became a highly-desired item for collectors. In pristine gem mint condition, graded MINT 10 by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), Griffey Jr.’s rookie card has sold for over $25,000 at auction. Even in lower, PSA 8-9 condition, it still regularly brings in $1,000-2,000. The card remains among the most valuable modern rookie cards from the late 20th century.

Other star rookie cards from 1989 that retain significant value include Frank Thomas, Gregg Maddux, Randy Johnson, and Barry Larkin. A PSA 10 Thomas rookie has sold for over $12,000. Top graded versions of Maddux, Johnson, and Larkin rookies have all exceeded $3,000 at times as well. These players went on to have Hall of Fame careers, fueling demand for their early basketball cards. The cards have sustained high valuations likely until the players have been enshrined in Cooperstown.

Beyond rookies, the hottest card from the ’89 set has been Nolan Ryan’s record-breaking 301st victory card issued after he surpassed Hall of Famer Walter Johnson’s hallowed career wins mark. Only two versions of this ultra-rare error card are known to exist. One in PSA 9 condition traded hands for a stunning $47,500 in a 2013 auction. The other, graded PSA 8.5, sold for $31,800 in 2009. What makes these cards so significant is that Topps rushed to produce them to commemorate Ryan’s historic feat before his next start, but made the mistake of putting him in an Angels uniform despite having just been traded to the Rangers.

In terms of sheer cosmetic condition, the crown jewel of the 1989 Topps set may be the gem mint PSA 10 Ken Griffey Jr. subject card that smashed records in 2018 when it sold for $90,000. It was the first time a PSA 10 card from the ‘89 issue broke the $10,000 barrier in a public sale. Additional PSA/DNA 10 versions of this card have since changed hands privately for over $100,000 each. Fewer than a dozen Griffey Jr. subject PSA 10s are even known to exist out of the millions of copies of this common base card produced. Condition is truly king when it comes to high-end modern sports card values.

Beyond rookie cards and error variations, other key ’89 Topps cards garnering big money include superstar inserts like the Nolan Ryan retirement tribute card, which has crossed $4,000 in top condition. Game-used memorabilia cards are also highly valued, such as the Steve Carlton jersey card ($3,000 PSA 10) and Dwight Gooden bat card (>$2,000 PSA/DNA 10). For teams, the Kansas City Royals and Oakland A’s team cards hit over $1,500 in pristine grades due to their popularity and success in the late 1980s.

While it may lack the true vintage appeal of 1950s issues, the 1989 Topps set still contains many prominent, investment-grade cards. Headlined by the legendary rookie cards of Griffey, Thomas, Maddux and others, along with one-of-a-kind errors like the Nolan Ryan 301st win card, values remain strong for elite conditioned copies. The sheer affordability and accessibility of these cards over three decades ago also means higher pop reports than older sets. But condition-sensitive premium cards from ’89 like the Griffey Jr. subject PSA 10 continue to demonstrate the potential for modern sports cards to appreciate substantially given the right circumstances of demand, rarity, and preservation over time.

2007 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS SERIES 2

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The 2007 Topps Baseball Card Series 2 was released in July 2007 as the second series of Topps’ flagship baseball card product for that year. Series 2 followed the initial Series 1 release from earlier in the year and contained several exciting rookie cards as well as updated stats and team information for established major leaguers from the ongoing 2007 MLB season.

Some of the top rookie cards featured in 2007 Topps Baseball Series 2 included Josh Hamilton, Joba Chamberlain, Brandon Phillips, and Troy Tulowitzki. Josh Hamilton’s rookie card in particular was highly sought after by collectors given his breakout season with the Cincinnati Reds in which he was named the National League’s Rookie of the Year. Hamilton’s emergence as a star player made his rookie card from Series 2 a valuable one for collectors.

Another notable rookie included was Joba Chamberlain, who had begun his ascendance through the Yankees farm system and was generating lots of hype. Chamberlain debuted with the Yankees in August 2007 and immediately showed electric stuff on the mound. His rookie card from Series 2 was among the most popular Yankees rookie cards released that year.

Brandon Phillips also had a rookie card in Series 2 despite having debuted in the majors back in 2002. This was because 2007 marked Phillips’ first season as an everyday starter in the big leagues after previous reserve roles. His breakout year with the Cincinnati Reds made his rookie card a highlight for collectors even though he wasn’t technically a true rookie.

Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki was another star player just beginning his career in 2007. Though he didn’t debut until late July with the Colorado Rockies, Tulo immediately impressed with his glove and bat. His promising rookie season translated to strong collector interest in his 2007 Topps Series 2 rookie card.

In addition to rookie cards, Series 2 also featured updated player cards for the game’s biggest stars through the first half of the 2007 season. Cards of Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Albert Pujols, and Ichiro Suzuki were among the most sought after veteran cards in the set as those players continued their stellar careers.

The design theme for the 2007 Topps Series 2 set paid homage to the classic 1966 Topps design. The colorful borders and team logo designs on the fronts of the cards had a very retro, 1960s baseball card aesthetic. On the backs, statistics were presented in a simple, easy-to-read layout. Collectors enjoyed the nostalgic yet modernized design approach Topps took for this series.

In total, the 2007 Topps Series 2 baseball card set contained 330 cards issued in factory-sealed wax packs. The standard base card design was used for the majority of cards, featuring various action shots of players. Additional insert sets within the product included “Topps Heritage” retro-style parallels and “Topps Treasures” memorabilia cards.

The release of Series 2 halfway through the 2007 season allowed for updated player stats and team affiliations, making the cards more accurate for the remainder of the year. Any trades that occurred in the first half were now properly reflected. This timely release helped maintain collector interest in the Topps flagship product throughout the entire baseball season.

In subsequent years, many of the rookie cards from 2007 Topps Series 2 have grown substantially in collector value. As the careers of players like Josh Hamilton, Joba Chamberlain, and Troy Tulowitzki played out, their early rookie cards became highly valuable in the hobby. Even relatively short prints like the Brandon Phillips card hold value due to his breakout season.

The 2007 Topps Baseball Card Series 2 was a highly popular release that captured the ongoing 2007 MLB season. Rookie cards of future stars and updated stats of top veterans made it an important set in the annual Topps baseball card product line. Its retro design aesthetic also resonated well with collectors both young and old. The 2007 Topps Series 2 remains a memorable mid-season issue that documented a memorable year in baseball history.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1957 VARIATIONS

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1957 Topps Baseball Card Price Guide and Variations

The 1957 Topps baseball card set is one of the most popular and valuable vintage card issues of all time. With its iconic design and inclusion of legends like Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, and Willie Mays, the ’57 Topps set holds a special place in the hearts of collectors. Determining the value of specific 1957 Topps cards can be tricky due to the numerous variations that exist within the set. In this in-depth price guide, we’ll explore the most significant 1957 Topps variations and how they impact a card’s worth.

One of the most well-known 1957 Topps variations involves the positioning of the player’s photo on the card. On most ’57 Topps cards, the photo is centered near the bottom third of the card. On a select number of cards the photo is noticeably higher on the card. These “high number” variations are often much scarcer and can increase a card’s value tremendously. For example, a Mickey Mantle #221 with a centered photo might fetch $3,000-$5,000 in top-graded condition versus $15,000-$25,000 for the high number variation of the same card.

Another major 1957 Topps variation deals with the coloring of the team name box located on the left side of the card. On early print runs, this box was typically colored using a solid fill. Later printings utilized a screened or dotted pattern within the team name box. Screened name boxes are generally scarcer, making solid name box cards more valuable. The degree of difference in value depends on the specific player, but a solid name box card can often double or triple the PSA 9 value of its screened counterpart.

The positioning of the Bowman Gum advertisement on the reverse is yet another variable that impacts 1957 Topps card values. Most cards have the ad centered at the bottom, but on certain cards it shifts noticeably higher. Like the high photo variations mentioned above, cards with elevated Bowman ads are rarer and demand big premiums. The scarcer ad placements can increase a common player’s value several hundred dollars or make a star card worth thousands more. Experienced collectors pay close attention to ad positioning details on high-end ’57 Topps cards.

Beyond the core photography, team name box, and ad placement variations, there are a number of other variable factors that collectors consider for 1957 Topps. Card stock thickness, centering quality, and color fidelity all matter when determining a card’s true grade. Later printings tended to be on thinner card stock and exhibit more centering issues versus earlier runs. Top-graded examples command the most value, so even slight imperfections can impact price. Overall color vibrancy is also a consideration, as faded examples bring less at auction.

Of course, the specific player depicted remains the most important pricing element for 1957 Topps cards. Household names like Mantle, Mays, Aaron, and Ted Williams always demand premium prices relative to other players from the set. The rarest and most coveted rookie cards, such as Sandy Koufax and Bob Gibson, can sell for five figures even in low grades. More common players have much wider price ranges depending on grade, condition sensitivities, and presence of desirable variations. A thorough examination is needed to properly assess any ’57 Topps card’s true collectible worth.

The 1957 Topps baseball card set offers collectors a wonderful glimpse into vintage on-field stars and contains numerous nuanced variations that influence value. With several key design variables and the importance of grading details, finding an accurate comp and price requires careful study. This price guide has highlighted the most impactful 1957 Topps variations and considerations for determining a card’s real collectible value. Armed with this knowledge, enthusiasts can more confidently evaluate and enjoy these beloved pieces of sports card history.

FLEER BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1983

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Fleer baseball cards were first released in 1981 and quickly became a popular option for collectors alongside Topps and Donruss. By 1983, Fleer had established themselves as a major player in the baseball card industry. That year’s Fleer set is considered a classic among collectors and contains many valuable and desirable cards. Here is an in-depth price guide for Fleer baseball cards from 1983.

The 1983 Fleer set contains 232 cards and was sold in wax packs containing 5 cards each. Some of the key things collectors look for with this set include rookie cards, star players, and unique parallels. One of the most coveted rookies is Cal Ripken Jr.’s card. As the future Hall of Famer and one of the greatest shortstops ever, his rookie card from the ’83 Fleer set is highly sought after. In near mint to mint condition, Ripken’s rookie fetches prices from $150-$250 depending on centering and corners. Another top rookie is Darryl Strawberry who had a Hall of Fame caliber career. Strawberry’s ’83 Fleer rookie in NM-MT condition averages $75-125.

Other star players that command premium prices include Mike Schmidt, Reggie Jackson, and Nolan Ryan. Schmidt’s card as the reigning NL MVP can sell for $40-65 in top shape. “Mr. October” Reggie Jackson, even in the declining stage of his career, still has strong name recognition driving his ’83 Fleer card to $30-50 range. And Nolan Ryan, already a legend in ’83, has steady demand that values his card at $25-40. Two other notable veterans are Tom Seaver at $15-25 and Steve Carlton at $12-20. Both pitchers were future Hall of Famers still performing near their peaks.

A key parallel set found in ’83 Fleer is the “Traded” subset highlighting players who were traded within the previous year. These traded cards are sprayed with a blue tint and are quite scarce. The most valuable of the traded cards is Rod Carew who was dealt from the Twins to the Angels prior to the ’83 season. Carew’s blue tinted traded card in top condition can sell for $150-250. Other notable and pricey traded cards include Dave Parker ($75-125), Joe Morgan ($60-100), and Gary Carter ($50-75).

Rookies, stars, and parallels make up the most in-demand ’83 Fleer cards, but there are also several oddball short prints that attract collectors. One is the card for pitcher Rick Sutcliffe featuring an action photo instead of a standard posed shot. Sutcliffe’s action photo variation has been known to sell for $50-75. Another oddity is the card for relief pitcher Dan Spillner which is missing the Fleer logo found on the rest of the set. The Spillner variation without the logo commands $30-50.

Condition is extremely important when evaluating the value of any vintage baseball card. For the ’83 Fleer set, near mint refers to a card with sharp corners and edges with no creasing or surface defects. The front and back should be clean and not faded. This NM condition brings the strongest prices. Simply mint cards will have perfectly centered fronts without even the slightest corner wear. Such mint examples are quite rare and can double or even triple the prices mentioned.

As with any collectible, demand also plays a key role in a card’s value. Stars from playoff contending teams or those in the news tend to see short-term spikes. Conversely, cards of unremarkable players on non-playoff teams may stagnate or even decline over decades. General inflation is another factor influencing the rising prices. What may have sold for $5-10 in the ’80s regularly commands 10-20 times that amount today among dedicated collectors.

The 1983 Fleer set remains a cornerstone of the vintage baseball card era. Keys like the Ripken, Strawberry, and Carew rookies along with stars and oddballs make it an intriguing collection. But condition is king, and finding high-grade examples of these 35+ year old cardboard treasures is no easy task. For those willing to hunt and spend, the ’83 Fleer set continues to deliver memorable cards at investment-worthy prices.

BASEBALL CARDS 1990

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The 1990 baseball card season marked the beginning of a new era in the hobby. While the 1980s were dominated by the “Junk Wax Era” of mass produced cards with little resale value, collectors and manufacturers were looking for ways to make the cards more interesting and scarce again starting in 1990.

Some of the biggest card sets released in 1990 included Donruss, Fleer, Score, Topps, and Upper Deck in its inaugural year. Donruss featured players’ photos on a colored background for the first time. Fleer traded in its traditional white borders for team-colored ones. Score released cards with action photos and player stats on the back.

Topps’ flagship set again featured the standard design it had used for decades, but card quality and production values were declining after years of overproduction. Many viewed 1990 as the beginning of the end for Topps’ multi-decade monopoly on the baseball card market.

The biggest development was the entrance of Upper Deck. Founded by entrepreneurs Richard McWilliam and The Fleer Corporation, Upper Deck shook up the industry by utilizing cutting edge printing techniques that made the photos and designs look sharper than ever before. The card stock was also of much higher quality paper than competitors.

Upper Deck only featured 144 total cards in its debut set rather than the 600-800 cards that had become the standard. This scarcity sent collectors into a frenzy and immediately elevated the brand above its peers. The company marketed its cards as the “Ferraris” compared to competitors’ “Ford Tauruses.”

Some key rookie cards from 1990 included Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, Gregg Jefferies, Chuck Knoblauch, and Bobby Witt. But none were more coveted than Griffey’s Upper Deck card, which is still considered one of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards ever made due to his superstar career and the brand’s cachet.

The 1990 Topps Traded set also featured the debut card of a rookie named Jeffrey Leonard Maier who infamously interfered with a fly ball in the 1996 ALCS. His inclusion in the set as a “fan interference” added an element of humor. Other inserts in 1990 included Topps Sticker cards and Upper Deck Minis that could be collected in parallel to the base sets.

While the overproduction of the 1980s hurt values for many stars from that era like Wade Boggs and Rickey Henderson, several 1990 rookies like Griffey and Thomas would go on to have Hall of Fame careers. This has kept collector interest high in their debut cards to this day. The 1990 Upper Deck Griffey rookie in a PSA 10 gem mint condition has sold at auction for over $100,000, setting records for modern-era cards.

In addition to rookies, collectors sought after stars of the day like Nolan Ryan (in his final season), Roger Clemens, Jose Canseco, and Ozzie Smith. Expos fans tried to complete sets featuring the “Baby Boomers” lineup of Delino DeShields, Moises Alou, and Marquis Grissom. The A’s “Swingin’ A’s” lineup led by Rickey Henderson was also a popular subset to collect.

While the glut of the late 80s hurt short-term values, many stars from that era have seen renewed interest from collectors in recent years. This is due to both increased nostalgia as fans who grew up with those players get older, as well as the fact that most 80s stars have been enshrined in the Hall of Fame by now. As a result, mint condition cards of stars like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, and Don Mattingly from the late 80s have climbed steadily in secondary market prices in recent auctions.

In summary, 1990 marked a pivotal transition year for the baseball card industry. It saw the rise of innovative brands like Upper Deck that reinvigorated collecting passions. Iconic rookie cards like Ken Griffey Jr. debuted and have stood the test of time. While overproduction hurt short-term values in the 1980s, many stars from that era are now appreciated for their place in baseball history. The 1990 season set the stage for greater quality, scarcity and collector interest that has sustained the hobby to the present day.

KING OF COMMONS BASEBALL CARDS

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The “King of the Commons” is considered one of the most coveted and rare sets of baseball cards in the industry. Cards from the 1886-1887 N172 Old Judge tobacco cigarette brand are especially legendary for their age, scarcity, and importance in the early evolution of sports cards.

The evolution of baseball cards in America began in the late 19th century as companies sought innovative ways to advertise and promote their tobacco products. In 1868, the first cigarette cards surfaced from the Allen & Ginter tobacco company of Richmond, Virginia featuring non-sports topics to entice new customers. These early cards helped plant the seeds of what would become a multi-billion dollar sports memorabilia industry.

In 1886, the manufacturers at Goodwin & Co. in New York realized the untapped potential of baseball as the new national pastime and decided to feature leading big league players of the day on a new series of cigarette cards inserted in packs of their Old Judge brand. This made the Old Judge set the first dedicated sports card series in the collectible card world. The cards were quite narrow in size at 1 1/4 inches by 2 1/4 inches in a vertical rectangle shape.

Quality reproductions were still quite limited in the 1880s photography era, so the Front of the cards featured small mugshot-style black and white portraits while the Back of each card contained a whimsical rhyme about the player alongside brief stats and accomplishments. Some notable HOF players included in the landmark 1886 Old Judge set were Mike “King” Kelly, Tim Keefe, Jim O’Rourke, John Clarkson, and Pete Browning.

For over 100+ years, the nickname “King of the Commons” has been bestowed upon the scarcest and most iconic card from the seminal 1886-1887 N172 Old Judge set – the card famous Chicago White Stockings (Cubs) outfielder Mike “King” Kelly. At only an estimated 10-12 surviving copies in existence today, the Kelly card is the prize possession for any serious baseball card collector or investor.

Outside of a SGC-graded PSA 1 copy that sold for $200,000 in 2016, no other Kelly card has been professionally authenticated and graded by the major third-party authenticators. Given the card’s extreme age and condition challenges, ungraded examples rarely trade hands either. As a result, the true statistical rarity of the fabled “King of the Commons” remains mostly a mystery to all but the handful who can definitively claim ownership of college.

Some key facts that help explain the Mike “King” Kelly card’s extreme scarcity and legendary status over 135+ years:

As one of the set’s most popular players of the 1880s, his card was pulled and kept at a much higher rate compared to lesser stars which increases survival odds. Yet only a tiny fraction remain.

Cigarette cards were meant to be smoked, traded, played with as a child, or simply discarded over time which has destroyed the vast majority of the original print run.

The fragile paper stock and small size of these early cards also made longevity much more challenging before the advent of protective sleeves and holders.

Natural disasters, fires, flood and other environmental factors over a century eliminate cards not already lost to other means.

As the first sports star cards, collectors of the time did not grasp the importance of preserving mint condition which has made top-grades impossible to attain.

Intense interest in the cards from the earliest collectors onward has likely led to further loss from multiple re-mounts/removals over the decades in attempts to showcase.

For such a legendary figure in baseball’s early growth, one would expect more of his iconic rookie card to have survived by sheer dint of his popularity alone.

The unbelievably low survivor rate of the Mike Kelly “King of the Commons” card has led most experts to estimate the true original print run was probably just a few hundred copies at most. While heapshot photos could not properly capture the larger-than-life “King” Kelly’s incredible talent and charisma, his pioneering cardboard has become one of the most valuable in the world due to its tremendous historical importance and statistical rarity. After 135+ years, the dazzling King still reigns supreme as the undisputed ruler of a collectible kingdom unto himself.

ARTIST PROOF BASEBALL CARDS

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Artist proof baseball cards are unique collectible items that have grown in popularity among serious baseball card collectors in recent decades. Unlike typical mass-produced trading cards, artist proof cards are handmade in limited quantities by the original card artists themselves. They offer a special opportunity to own an original work of art from the creators of some of the most iconic baseball card designs in history.

At their core, artist proof cards serve as proofs or samples produced by the card artists to demonstrate how a particular card design will look prior to the mass production process. When Topps, the major baseball card manufacturer, would commission an artist to illustrate new card designs, the artist would hand paint sample cards showcasing the designs for Topps to review and approve before moving forward with mass printing. These original samples became known as “artist proofs.”

Only a handful of each artist proof design would be produced, sometimes as few as 10 copies or less. They allowed the artists and Topps to work out any kinks or desired changes to the designs before investing in printing thousands of the final trading cards. Once the designs were approved, the proofs were no longer needed for their original purpose. Some artists would keep a few proofs for themselves, while others would offer any extras to their most dedicated collectors.

This scarcity is a big part of what makes artist proofs so desirable among collectors today. While the mass-produced versions of cards may have print runs in the millions, the proofs exist in numbers less than 100 copies in many cases. Pricing for artist proofs reflects their rarity – even common player proofs can sell for hundreds of dollars or more depending on the artist, condition, and other factors. Proofs of superstar players illustrated by top artists can command prices in the thousands to tens of thousands of dollars.

Some of the most iconic and valuable artist proofs were created in the 1950s-1970s during the golden age of hand-painted baseball cards. Artists like Woody Gelman, Dick Perez, Frank Naples, Ted Klobuchar, and Bill Gallo are among the most sought-after names by collectors today. Gelman in particular was one of the premier sports card artists of his era, known for his vibrant illustrations of players for Topps sets in the 1950s and 1960s. His proofs showcase his immense artistic talent and are truly one-of-a-kind collector’s items.

While rarity drives much of the value, the quality of craftsmanship and artistic merit inherent in these handmade samples also contributes to their appeal. Unlike mass-produced cards which can vary slightly in dimensions, centering, and printing flaws, artist proofs were meticulously painted one at a time. The cards capture every tiny detail and nuance that the artists intended in their designs. Holding an original Gelman or Perez proof in hand is a unique experience that transports collectors back to the golden age of the artists who helped shape the baseball card industry.

In more recent decades, as interest in vintage cards and related collectibles has surged, many modern artists have also produced limited edition artist proofs alongside their work for the major card companies like Topps and Upper Deck. Artists such as Ralph Kiner, Dick Perez, and Phil Dixon have created new proof sets paying homage to their classic 1950s and 1960s styles. These modern proofs still capture the hand-painted aesthetic and are produced in low quantities, making them highly valuable to collectors.

Whether from the vintage era or modern recreations, owning an authentic artist proof is a true highlight for any serious baseball card collection. They represent original works of art from some of the most legendary creators the hobby has ever known. While priced out of reach for most collectors, a few high-quality proofs of all-time great players can serve as centerpieces and conversation pieces for collections. For those willing to invest, artist proofs are some of the rarest and most prized possessions attainable in the baseball card collecting world.

1971 OPC BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1971 OPC (O-Pee-Chee) baseball card set was the 8th edition of the Canadian equivalent to the Topps baseball card set produced each year in the United States. OPC held the license to produce cards for the Canadian market from 1952 through 1981. At a time when baseball card collecting was at an all-time high during the early 1970s, the 1971 OPC set helped fuel that passion north of the border.

The 1971 OPC set featured cards for 714 total players and managers. Like the equivalent Topps set of that same year, the checklist was extensive in its coverage of both Major League ballclubs and Minor League affiliations. Some of the notables included from that season include future Hall of Famers Hank Aaron, Harmon Killebrew, Juan Marichal, Willie Mays, and Brooks Robinson. Rookies included Dave Cash, Mike Cuellar, Reggie Jackson, George Hendrick, and Fergie Jenkins all made their cardboard debuts as well that year in both the Topps and OPC releases.

Design wise, the 1971 OPC cards utilized a very similar template to that year’s Topps issue. A solid color team logo appeared on the upper left of the front of the card with the player’s picture below. The player’s name and that season’s stats were listed below the photo. On the back, in addition to the standard career statistics and biographical information, OPC included ads for other products by the parent company like bubble gum, stickers, and hockey cards.

One subtle difference from Topps was that the OPC copyright line was printed in both English and French. Being a Canadian produced item meant both languages had to be supported. Also, team logos were occasionally slightly modified from their Topps counterparts to avoid any trademark conflicts across the border. For example, the Philadelphia Phillies logo lacked the team’s full name on the OPC cards.

In terms of rarity and desirability among collectors today, certain 1971 OPC cards stand out. Due to the larger reach of the Canadian manufacturer, many Minor Leaguers received OPC cards who did not in the parallel Topps set. This makes their OPC rookie cards much scarcer to find in high grade. Short print and error cards also bring big premiums. Perhaps the most valuable is the #1 Joe Niekro card which was accidentally printed without a team name or logo on the front. Only a handful are known to exist in pristine condition.

Condition is also harder to come by for 1971 OPC cards compared to other vintage issues. Being produced for the rigorous Canadian climate and young collectors means many endured lots of handling and wear over the years. Mint specimens gradeable by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) or Beckett Grading Services (BGS) frequently sell for three to four times raw, ungraded copies. Encapsulating also protects rare error variations that are prone to further deterioration if left outside of protective holders.

The 1971 OPC set is highly reflective of a time period that saw baseball at the peak of its popularity in Canada. Full of emerging talents and veteran superstars, it captures an entire season on cardboard. While rarer than their Topps counterparts, 1971 OPC rookies of Jackson, Jenkins, and others remain icon collectibles within the hobby sought after by both Canadian and international investors alike. Their storied history as the backbone of baseball card fandom north of the border during the sport’s golden age ensures these cards retain tremendous nostalgia and market demand even 50 years later.

The 1971 OPC baseball card set was the definitive Canadian release during one of the hobby’s most ambitious eras. Featuring future legends in their early careers and rare error variants, it established many rookie “OPC” cards as the pinnacle for collectors. While condition challenges exist, graded examples still affordably preserve this pivotal slice of sports memorabilia heritage for generations of fans to enjoy. The extensive checklist, regional nuances, and historical context make 1971 OPC a true encapsulation of baseball dominance across North America during that summer five decades ago.