ALLEN GINTER BASEBALL CARDS

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Allen & Ginter baseball cards were produced from 1886-1889 as part of the company’s cigarette packaging. The cards featured images of baseball players as well as other notable figures from history and culture. They are considered some of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards in existence.

Allen & Ginter was a tobacco company based in Richmond, Virginia. In the 1880s, it was a common practice for tobacco companies to include promotional items or prizes inside cigarette and tobacco packaging to help boost sales. Allen & Ginter decided to include small printed cards featuring famous people as their promotional item. From 1886-1889 they produced a total of five different series of cards, with the 1886-87 series being the most famous and collectible.

The 1886-87 Allen & Ginter set included a mix of baseball players as well as other notable figures from history, arts, sciences and entertainment. Some of the baseball players featured included Cap Anson, Jim O’Rourke, Buck Ewing, Tim Keefe, and Amos Rusie. Non-baseball figures in the set included authors, artists, scientists, statesmen and more. Having such a wide variety of subjects made the cards very interesting and helped make them extremely popular. It’s estimated only around 60 complete 1886-87 Allen & Ginter baseball card sets still exist today in mint condition.

While the primary purpose of including the cards in tobacco products was to boost sales, they quickly took on a life of their own and became collectible in their own right. Children and adults alike enjoyed collecting and trading the colorful cards. The cards were printed using chromolithography, which allowed vivid, high-quality color images to be mass produced on paper. Each card measured approximately 2.5 x 3.5 inches. On the front would be a colorful illustrated portrait and on the back was usually a brief biography or other information about the subject.

In the late 1880s, the practice of including premium cards in cigarettes lost popularity due to concerns over marketing directly to children. So Allen & Ginter only produced cards in 1887, 1888, and 1889 series on a much smaller scale and variety of subjects. The 1886-87 series remained the most significant in terms of size, subjects featured, and subsequent collectibility.

Today, high-grade, well-centered 1886-87 Allen & Ginter cards in near-mint condition can sell for tens of thousands of dollars. Even heavily played examples still command thousands. The rarity and history behind these cards make them highly coveted by serious baseball card collectors. In 2007, a PSA NM-MT 8 graded example of the Buck Ewing card sold at auction for over $25,000. The card’s mix of baseball stars and historical figures, along with their colorful lithographic images, is a big part of what makes them so iconic and valuable.

The Allen & Ginter company itself had a relatively short run producing baseball cards but left an indelible mark on the hobby. They helped kick off the baseball card craze of the late 19th century when kids started collecting cards as a way to learn about their favorite players. While other companies like Goodwin & Co. and Old Judge would produce cards in the following years, Allen & Ginter’s 1886-87 set remains the most famous and influential early issues. Their cards were innovative for the time and helped shape baseball cards into the beloved collectibles they are today. Serious collectors continue to seek out and purchase what few high-quality Allen & Ginter examples remain over a century later.

In the world of early baseball cards which are already extremely rare, Allen & Ginter cards from the 1880s take prestige and value to an entirely new level. They represent the very earliest days of the baseball card collecting phenomenon and helped popularize including images of ballplayers as part of cigarette and tobacco promotions. The quality of their lithographic portraits also set a standard that future card manufacturers tried to live up to. For these reasons, Allen & Ginter 1886-87 cards remain among the most desirable acquisitions for any vintage baseball card collection. While examples still exist in lower grades, finding one in pristine near-mint condition would be a true once-in-a-lifetime discovery for any collector.Here is an 18,000 character article on Allen & Ginter baseball cards:

Allen & Ginter baseball cards were produced from 1887 to 1891 by the tobacco company Allen and Ginter. These early baseball cards were included as premiums or prizes in cigarette packs and tobacco tins to help promote sales. While they were not the first baseball cards ever made, Allen & Ginter cards are considered some of the most historically significant issues from the early years of the sport and remain highly collectible to this day.

Allen & Ginter was founded in Richmond, Virginia in the late 1800s by Julian Allen and William Ginter. In addition to manufacturing various tobacco products like chewing tobacco and cigarettes, Allen & Ginter became known for including premiums or gifts inside their tobacco packaging to entice customers. In 1887, they had the novel idea to include small photos of famous people from the worlds of sports, entertainment and politics as these premiums. This marked one of the earliest uses of trading cards or stickers as a marketing promotion by a company.

The earliest Allen & Ginter baseball cards were issued in 1887 and featured 29 different images of players and managers from that season. Some of the notable names included in that inaugural set were Cap Anson, Jim O’Rourke, Dan Brouthers and Mike Kelly. The cards measured approximately 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches and were printed using a lithographic process on thin cardboard stock. On the front was an image of the player, while the back was left blank. Each card was then trimmed closely around the image before being inserted into packs of cigarettes or tins of chewing tobacco.

In 1888, Allen & Ginter issued their second and most significant series of baseball cards. This set featured a whopping 200 different players and was the first large-scale baseball card issue. Some of the biggest stars of the late 19th century included were Roger Connor, Buck Ewing, Tim Keefe and John Montgomery Ward. The 1888 set established the tradition of including a new series of cards each season to promote sales. Over the next few years, Allen & Ginter would issue smaller follow-up sets in 1889 (65 cards), 1890 (48 cards), and 1891 (66 cards).

While production values were still basic compared to modern standards, Allen & Ginter cards are notable for being some of the earliest attempts at comprehensive checklists of major league rosters from each season. They helped capture a snapshot in time of the players and teams that made up professional baseball in the late 1800s. The inclusion of so many obscure and lesser known players also makes Allen & Ginter sets valuable resources to baseball historians for researching the early years of the sport.

In terms of condition, finding intact and well-preserved Allen & Ginter cards from over 130 years ago in naturally a great rarity. The fragile cardboard stock and constant handling when inserted in tobacco products meant many were damaged, worn or lost over time. Population reports from grading services list only a small fraction of even the most famous Allen & Ginter cards in the highest grades. For those that have survived, their history and significance to the origins of baseball cards has made them highly valued by collectors.

Individual Allen & Ginter cards in top-graded condition have sold at auction for record prices. In 2007, a PSA EX-MT 5 graded 1888 Cap Anson card brought $93,750 at auction, setting a new record for any pre-20th century baseball card. Other elite examples like a 1888 Tim Keefe or 1889 Ezra Sutton have also topped $50,000. But for most collectors, even well-centered examples in lower grades are prized possessions due to the set’s immense historical importance. Reproduction sets from the 1970s onward have also captured some of the nostalgic appeal of these early tobacco era issues.

While cigarette trading cards fell out of favor in later years due to health concerns, Allen & Ginter played a major role in establishing baseball cards as a mainstream collectible industry. They helped fuel the growth and popularity of the sport during baseball’s formative years. Among early issues, Allen & Ginter baseball cards remain the most iconic, influential and valuable in the eyes of collectors today. Their inclusion as premiums in tobacco helped not only promote sales for the company, but also created a lasting legacy and captured a unique glimpse into the early days of America’s pastime.

HIGHEST VALUE BASEBALL CARDS 1970’s

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The 1970s were a seminal time for the baseball card industry. More and more kids were collecting and trading cards, which led manufacturers like Topps, Fleer, and Donruss to mass produce cards. This boom created many iconic and valuable cards that are sought after to this day by collectors. While the era produced tons of common cards that aren’t worth much, there were also some true gems that have become extremely rare and expensive over time. Here are some of the highest value baseball cards from the 1970s that could fetch five figures or more graded in Near Mint-Mint condition.

1971 Joe DiMaggio Goudey #:131 – Widely considered the crown jewel of DiMaggio’s career, the ’71 Goudey is undoubtedly his most valuable card. Only about 200 are known to exist in Near Mint condition. In high grades, examples have sold for $50,000 or more at auction. What makes it so desirable is that it captures DiMaggio at the very end of his Hall of Fame career with the Yankees.

1971 Mike Schmidt rookie card (Topps #94) – Arguably the best third baseman ever, Schmidt had a Hall of Fame career with the Phillies. His 1971 Topps rookie is the one collectors covet most. High grade versions routinely sell for $15,000 and up. Supplies are limited since it was produced during Topps’ transition between designs that year, making mint condition examples scarce.

1972 Nolan Ryan rookie card (Topps #500) – Along with Schmidt, Ryan’s 1973 Topps rookie was one of the most iconic and valuable issues of the 1970s. Capturing a young Nolan Ryan pitching for the Mets, it introduced kids to the future strikeout king. Ungraded examples in good condition still sell for $5,000. Higher grades can top $10,000 or more.

1973 Ozzie Smith rookie card (Topps #733) – While not quite as expensive as some others, Smith’s rookie is still highly sought after for “The Wizard’s” defensive wizardry at shortstop. Low population has kept prices stable in the $3,000 range for Mint copies.

1974 Hank Aaron 700th home run card (Topps #138) – This iconic card commemorated Aaron reaching MLB’s then all-time home run record in 1974 following an amazing career with the Braves. Near the top of every collector’s want list, examples have sold at auction for $10,000+. Only a few gem mint copies believed to exist.

1974 Reggie Jackson “Reggie! Reggie!” (Topps #218) – Capturing Jackson’s famous home run batting stance during the 1973 World Series, the card was dubbed “Reggie! Reggie!” by announcer Keith Jackson. Scarce in pristine condition, mint examples have sold for $8,000 due to their historical significance in capturing a signature postseason moment.

1974 Cal Ripken Jr. rookie card (Topps #627) – Widely considered one of the toughest 1970s rookie cards to find in high grade due to poor centering issues. Nonetheless, a meaningful issues as it introduced kids to the future Iron Man. An impressive career keeps demand high, with gem mint examples potentially reaching $15,000 one day.

1975 Joe Morgan MVP card (Topps #140) – Commemorating Morgan winning the National League MVP award in 1975 while with the Big Red Machine Reds, this issue has steadily grown in demand. Only a few dozen pristine copies are believed to exist. Value approaches $5,000 for top graded gems.

1975 Rod Carew batting title card (Topps #132) – Carew capturing the American League batting title in 1975 adds to this card’s allure. Scarce in high grade with noticeable centering problems. Near the $4,000 range for finest known specimens.

1977 George Brett rookie card (Topps #571) – One of the more affordable 1970s star rookie cards on the market. Even so, gem mint 10 copies command $3,000 due to Brett’s spectacular career with the Royals. Population remains low for true investment grade copies.

While star rookies drive most of the value from the 1970s, select cards commemorating milestone achievements or featuring all-time greats in action also carry comparable prices. Condition is critical, as even minor flaws can diminish value significantly when talking about five and six figure cards. For collectors, owning a high grade example of any of these iconic 1970s issues would be a true trophy piece.

BEST 1993 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1993 Fleer baseball card set was one of the most iconic releases of the 1990s. While not quite as valuable as some other vintage sets today, it contained rookies and stars from the golden era of baseball that have stood the test of time. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top cards from the 1993 Fleer set that collectors still seek out.

We’ll start with arguably the most coveted rookie card from the set – Ken Griffey Jr. Card #416, Griffey’s rookie is one of the most iconic in the modern era. Junior was already well on his way to superstardom in 1993 with back-to-back AL Rookie of the Year awards in 1989-1990. His sweet left-handed swing and effortless style in center field made him a fan favorite. While production variations keep true mint condition copies scarce, well-centered Griffey rookies still fetch hundreds of dollars even in worn condition. Finding one in a PSA/BGS 10 gem mint is the holy grail for many collectors.

Another rookie card that holds tremendous value is Frank Thomas on card #444. The “Big Hurt” was just getting started on his Hall of Fame career in 1993 but was already showing his incredible power potential. Like Griffey, even low-grade Thomas rookies demand a premium price. High-end PSA/BGS 10 specimens can sell for over $1000. What makes both of these rookies so desirable is that they captured two true superstars right at the beginning of their careers.

For star power, you can’t do much better than card #1 – Barry Bonds. Already a three-time NL batting champ in 1993, Bonds was in his prime and on his way to being arguably the greatest player of all time. His card remains one of the most iconic in the modern era. Condition is more important for Bonds than many other stars since there are no true scarce production variations. But a pristine PSA/BGS 10 example can still sell for $500+.

Another future Hall of Famer who shined bright in 1993 was card #420, Greg Maddux. The crafty righty was in the midst of one of the greatest pitching careers ever, already with three straight Cy Young awards to his name. Condition is again key for Maddux, but a true gem could fetch $300-400. His impeccable control and consistency made him a fan favorite as well.

Rookies weren’t the only young stars on the rise in 1993. Chipper Jones’ sophomore card on #457 began to gain recognition as the switch-hitting third baseman started displaying his five-tool talents. Jones went on to have a Hall of Fame career himself and his 1993 Fleer is a nice middle ground between a true rookie and established star in terms of value, with high-grades bringing $150-250.

Veteran superstars also had desirable cards, like card #78 “Nails” Nolan Ryan in a Rangers uniform. At age 46, Ryan was still overpowering hitters on sheer will alone late in his career. Any Ryan card is a fan favorite, but one showing him in his iconic Rangers togs has added value. Pristine copies can reach $150-200.

Card #308 Kirby Puckett was always a fan favorite as the affable Twins center fielder. He was coming off back-to-back WS MVP awards and remained in his prime. Like many veterans, condition matters most for Puckett and true gem copies can sell for $100-150.

Rookies and stars weren’t all 1993 Fleer had to offer either. The set also included memorable traded player variations that can spike interest. For example, card #399 showed Dennis Eckersley in an A’s uniform, his first year with Oakland after being acquired from the Cubs. Key traded player variations from the likes of David Justice (#431), Todd Zeile (#468), and Doug Drabek (#473) also attract collectors.

While not the most valuable vintage set, 1993 Fleer had true superstar rookies and veterans that remain icons of the era. The cards of Griffey, Frank Thomas, Barry Bonds, Maddux, and others will always be popular with collectors. With such big names and a memorable design, it’s easy to see why 1993 Fleer endures as one of the most beloved releases from the junk wax era of the early 1990s. Finding high-grade copies of the stars and key rookies ensures these cards remain relevant with collectors today.

BASEBALL CARDS WITH THE MOST VALUE

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Baseball cards have been around since the late 1800s and early 1900s, with companies like American Tobacco Company and Goodwin & Company producing some of the earliest baseball cards as promotional inserts in cigarette packs and bartered goods. Over the decades, certain baseball cards have increased tremendously in value based on their rarity, condition, and historical significance. Here are some of the most valuable baseball cards that can fetch hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars depending on attributes like grade and state of preservation.

1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner – The Holy Grail: Without question, the most coveted and valuable baseball card ever printed is the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card. Produced by the American Tobacco Company between 1909-1911 as part of its landmark T206 series, it is estimated only 50-200 of these rare Wagner cards were ever printed due to the player’s alleged refusal to allow his image to be used to promote tobacco. In pristine mint condition, one of these elusive cards could sell for over $6 million at auction. Even well-worn low-grade examples in Poor 1 condition have still sold for over $200,000.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – The First Topps Rookie Card: The 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card is one of the most iconic in the hobby. As the first Topps baseball card of “The Mick” and one of the earliest Topps cards ever made after the company broke into the baseball card market, it remains hugely desirable for collectors and investors. High grade PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 examples have sold for over $2.88 million, with most graded NM-MT 7s bringing $100,000-$250,000 at auction. Even worn lower grade copies still command five-figure prices.

1933 Goudey Babe Ruth – The Bambino’s First: Released during the golden age of baseball cards in the 1930s by the Goudey Company, the 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth is one of the most significant pre-war cards. It was among the first cards ever produced featuring “The Great Bambino” Babe Ruth, who was arguably baseball’s first superstar. Pristine PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10s have sold for over $5 million, with most graded 7s still bringing in $150,000-$500,000 depending on bidder interest and economic conditions.

1909-11 T206 Joe Jackson – Shoeless Joe’s Iconic Rookie: Like the Wagner, the 1909-11 T206 Joe Jackson rookie card was part of the legendary American Tobacco T206 set released from 1909-1911. Unlike the Wagner which was scarce from the beginning, it’s believed the Jackson rookie was more widely distributed until the player’s alleged involvement in the infamous 1919 “Black Sox” game-fixing scandal. Still, high-grade specimens in PSA/BGS 8-10 condition with the iconic “Shoeless Joe” photo have reached over $500,000 at auction.

1913 E90-1 Walter Johnson – The Big Train’s Rare Early Card: One of the rarest pre-war cards is the 1913 E90-1 Walter Johnson card issued by the American Caramel Company. Only about 50 are known to exist today in all grades. Featuring future Hall of Famer and pitching legend Walter Johnson in his early career with the Washington Senators, examples in top PSA/BGS 8-10 condition have sold for $250,000-$450,000. Even worn lower graded copies still bring five-figure sums.

1909-11 T206 Christy Mathewson – Matty’s Key Early Card: Like his peers Walter Johnson and Shoeless Joe Jackson, star hurler Christy Mathewson had his likeness featured in the hallowed T206 tobacco set from 1909-1911. High-grade specimens of “Big Six’s” iconic early card in PSA/BGS 8-10 condition have reached $150,000-$300,000 at auction. His status as a pitching legend and member of the inaugural Hall of Fame class adds to the card’s prestige and value.

1948 Leaf Jackie Robinson – Jackie’s First Card: Issued a year before Topps in 1948 by Leaf Gum Company, the Jackie Robinson rookie card was the Brooklyn Dodger pioneer’s first ever baseball card produced during his rookie season when he broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier. Pristine PSA/BGS 10 specimens have reached over $650,000 at auction, with most graded 7s still selling in the $150,000-$300,000 range. Even low-grade survivors still attract five-figure prices.

1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank – Rare HOF Pitcher’s Early Card: Future Hall of Fame pitcher and member of the famed $100,000 Infield of the Philadelphia A’s, Eddie Plank is featured in the T206 set. High-grade specimens in PSA/BGS 8-10 condition of this scarce early Plank card have sold for $75,000-$150,000 at public auction.

1909-11 T206 Sherry Magee – Ultra Rare Phillies Star Card: The 1909-11 T206 card of Philadelphia Phillies star infielder Sherry Magee is one of the true unicorns of the T206 series. Only a small handful are believed to even exist in collectors’ hands today across all grades. A PSA/BGS 8 copy sold in 2014 for over $200,000, showing how the extreme rarity can drive up prices for lesser known but exceedingly scarce early 20th century cards.

1913 E90-1 Nap Lajoie – Baseballs “Napoleon” in Rare Early Card: Like the Walter Johnson above, the 1913 E90-1 card of future Hall of Famer and second member of the infamous $100,000 Infield, Nap Lajoie, was issued during the Deadball Era by American Caramel. The Lajoie is also extremely rare, with under 50 known to exist. Top PSA/BGS 8-10 examples have reached $100,000-$200,000.

1933 Goudey Dizzy Dean – Diz’s Key Early Gum Card: Star pitcher Jay “Dizzy” Dean came to prominence in the 1930s and his 1933 Goudey card is one of the most significant from that classic pre-war set. High-grade PSA/BGS 8-10 Dizzy Dean specimens regularly sell in the $75,000+ range.

1909-11 T206 Ed Walsh – Rare HOF Pitcher’s Early Tobacco Issue: Hall of Fame spitballer and winningest pitcher of the first decade of the 20th century, Ed “Big Ed” Walsh, has his likeness featured in the hallowed T206 set. PSA/BGS 8-10 examples of this key Walsh early card have reached $50,000-$100,000.

This covers some of the most historically valuable and sought-after baseball cards that can fetch hundreds of thousands to over $1 million depending on set, player, year, condition and other attributes. As the hobby continues to grow and new generations enter the collecting scene, the prices and demand for these elite rare cards will likely remain very strong. Condition is absolutely critical to maximizing value, with high-grade specimens achieving record prices. Even lower grade survivors still hold value though based on their place in card history and significance to the sets and players depicted.

MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS FROM THE EARLY 90s

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The early 1990s were a transformative time for the baseball card industry. Following a massive surge in popularity and rising card values throughout the late 1980s, the early 90s saw the peak of the “junk wax era” as overproduction flooded the market. Even amidst this era there were certain highly coveted rookie cards and star players that have stood the test of time and remain extremely valuable today. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable baseball cards from the early 1990s.

1991 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. RC #1 – Widely considered the most iconic and valuable baseball card of the early 90s, Griffey’s iconic upper deck rookie card image of him smiling in a Mariners uniform is one of the top rookie cards of all time. With its superior photography, design and highly limited print run compared to other sets of the era, the 1991 Upper Deck Griffey RC became the de facto standard for all future baseball cards. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples regularly sell for well over $10,000 today and there is always huge demand for this card in any grade.

1992 Bowman Ken Griffey Jr. RC #221 – While not quite as iconic as the ’91 Upper Deck RC, Bowman’s Griffey rookie from 1992 is still an extremely valuable and desirable card due to its rainbow foil parallel design. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $4,000. Any high grade Griffey rookie from this era remains a key chase card for collectors.

1992 Bowman Chipper Jones RC #93 – Like Griffey, Chipper Jones emerged as a superstar for the Atlanta Braves in the 1990s and his ’92 Bowman rookie is one of the most iconic and valuable cards from that set. High grade PSA 10 examples typically sell in the $3,000-$5,000 range. Even well-centered PSA 9 copies can still fetch over $1,000.

1992 Bowman Alex Rodriguez RC #640 – A-Rod’s rookie card may not be as legendary as some others, but it remains quite valuable nonetheless as he went on to have a Hall of Fame career. PSA 10 Gems sell for $2,000-3,000 while PSA 9s trade in the $500-$1,000 range.

1991 Fleer Ultras Chipper Jones RC #30U – While Chipper’s Bowman rookie gets more attention, his ’91 Fleer Ultra RC is also quite valuable for collectors. PSA 10 copies routinely sell for well over $1,000.

1990 Score Barry Bonds RC #364 – Bonds emerged as perhaps the most dominant hitter of the late 90s/early 2000s era and any early Bonds rookie holds significance. The ’90 Score design remains a classic and PSA 10 examples sell for $1,500-$2,000.

1992 Leaf Mike Piazza RC #91 – Arguably the greatest hitting catcher of all-time, Piazza’s early career Leaf rookie remains a coveted chase card for collectors. PSA 10 Gems trade hands for $1,000-1,500.

1991 Upper Deck Frank Thomas #64 – “The Big Hurt” had a monster career and his iconic ’91 UD rookie remains a highly sought after card. Thomas became the face of the White Sox franchise and a Hall of Famer. PSA 10 examples sell for $800-1200.

1989 Bowman Chipper Jones RC #514 – While not nearly as common or high-profile as his ’92 rookie cards, Chipper Jones’ ultra-short printed ’89 Bowman RC from when he was just a high school draftee is exponentially rarer and thus much more valuable – PSA 10 Gems have sold for over $15,000.

1991 Upper Deck Griffey Jr. Screen Gem Variation #1VG – The elusive ‘Screen Gem’ parallel version of Griffey’s ’91 UD rookie holds special significance for collectors as it was accidentally overlooked during production. PSA 10 examples can fetch $3,000 or more.

There were certainly other valuable rookie cards and star players from sets of this era as well such as Matt Williams, Larry Walker, Jim Thome and more. These particular cards stood the test of time and have proven to be some of the most iconic, investment-worthy cards ever produced. Even amidst the massive overproduction of the early 90s, the allure of capturing a future Hall of Famer’s rookie card retains tremendous longterm value.

1986 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS VALUES

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The 1986 Donruss baseball card set is considered by many collectors to be one of the top rookies card sets of all time. It features rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine. While the designs of the cards were fairly basic compared to today’s standards, this set holds significant historical value due to the star players it captured at the beginning of their careers. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top cards from the 1986 Donruss set and what they might be worth today depending on the grade:

Barry Bonds Rookie Card (#469) – Widely considered the crown jewel of the entire 1986 Donruss set, Bonds’ rookie is one of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards ever printed. In pristine near-mint to mint condition (grades of 8-10), authenticated Bonds rookies in top pop reports have sold for $50,000-$100,000 each. Even well-centered examples in excellent condition (grade of 7) can fetch $5,000-$10,000. For a simply “near-mint” (grade of 6-7) Bonds, expect to pay $1,500-$3,000.

Greg Maddux Rookie Card (#463) – Like Bonds, Maddux went on to have a Hall of Fame career and his rookie is highly sought after. In gem mint condition (9-10 grade), authenticated Maddux rookies have sold for $10,000-$15,000 each. Near-mint to mint graded examples (8-9 grades) have sold for $5,000-$8,000. Well-centered copies in excellent condition (7 grade) usually sell in the $2,000-$3,000 range. Expect to pay $500-$1,000 for a “near-mint” Maddux rookie around the 6-7 grade range.

Tom Glavine Rookie Card (#436) – Another future Hall of Famer, Glavine’s rookie is one of the more valuable commons from the set. Mint condition (9-10 grade) Glavine rookies have sold for $3,000-$5,000 each. Graded near-mint examples (8 grade) usually sell in the $1,500-$2,500 range. Well-kept copies in excellent condition (7 grade) often sell for $800-$1,200. Near-mint Glavine rookies around a 6-7 grade usually sell for $300-$500.

Ozzie Smith (#487) – While not officially a rookie card, Ozzie Smith’s iconic 1986 Donruss card is one of the most valuable commons in the set and a must-have for any collector. Graded gem mint (9-10 grade) Ozzie Smiths have sold for $1,000-$3,000 each. Near-mint to mint graded copies (8-9 grades) usually sell in the $500-$1,000 range. Excellent condition (7 grade) examples often sell for $250-500. Near-mint Smiths around a 6-7 grade typically sell for $100-$250.

Dwight Gooden (#412) – As one of the biggest pitching stars of the 1980s, Dwight Gooden’s card holds value despite not being considered his true rookie season. Mint condition (9-10 grade) Goodens have sold for $800-$1,500. Near-mint to mint graded copies (8-9 grades) often sell for $400-$800. Excellent condition (7 grade) versions usually sell in the $200-$400 range. Near-mint Goodens around a 6-7 grade typically sell for $100-200.

Other Notable Rookies – Mark McGwire (#362), Will Clark (#396), and Chuck Knoblauch (#412) were all rising star rookies in 1986 that hold value today. Top graded examples of these rookies in near-mint to mint condition often sell in the $200-$500 range depending on the player and exact grade. Ungraded well-kept copies usually sell for $50-$150.

Commons & Stars – Other star players like Kirby Puckett (#444), Bob Welch (#455), and Eddie Murray (#472) have mid-range value for the set in high grades. Near-mint graded examples of these commons typically sell for $50-$150. Ungraded well-centered copies usually sell for $20-50. Solid team and player sets in lower grades (5-6) often sell for $0.50-$1 each.

While production numbers for the 1986 Donruss set were high, the star power of rookie cards like Bonds, Maddux, and Glavine have cemented this set’s place in baseball card history. Even 35+ years later, graded gems and important stars/rookies still command strong prices. For collectors, picking up affordable commons and mid-range stars makes for an accessible vintage set worthwhile holding long-term. Condition, of course, is key – so be sure to only purchase from reputable sellers with a return policy. The 1986 Donruss baseball cards remain a highly valuable and memorable release for investors and fans alike.

TARGET 2022 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2022 Topps baseball card series is one of the most anticipated rookie card releases in recent years. With budding star rookies like Julio Rodríguez, Bobby Witt Jr., and Jeremy Peña emerging on MLB rosters, collectors are eager to track down packs and boxes of 2022 Topps cards at major retailers like Target. Let’s take a deeper look at what collectors can expect to find from the 2022 Topps baseball card product lineup at Target stores and online in the coming months.

2022 marks the 70th anniversary of Topps baseball cards, and the company is celebrating in a big way with its flagship product. The 2022 Topps base set will feature 132 cards as always, but collectors will notice some upgrades to the design from years past. Most noticeably, the team logo on the front of each card has been removed, emphasizing the player photo instead. Borders have been tweaked to provide a cleaner look overall. As with recent Topps Series 1-2 releases, parallels and inserts will be plentiful beyond the base cards.

The prized rookie cards in 2022 Topps will be the likes of Julio Rodríguez (Mariners), Bobby Witt Jr. (Royals), Jeremy Peña (Astros), Spencer Strider (Braves), and Hunter Greene (Reds). These young stars are already producing on the field and their Topps rookie cards are sure to be hot commodities. Keep an eye out for parallels and autographed or memorabilia card versions of the top rookies that could spike in value quickly.

Series 1 will hit Target shelves first in late March/early April. Hobby boxes can be found for around $90 each, containing 12 packs with 18 cards per pack. Loose packs will also be stocked for $4.49 MSRP each. Target exclusives in Series 1 include an All-Star Border parallel limited to /2022 copies and 87 Topps Traded variations with Target red coloration. The highly anticipated update Series 2 release will follow in July, adding additional rookies and stars from midseason call-ups.

Beyond the flagship Topps base sets, Target will carry an array of specialty Topps baseball products as well. Chrome and Diamond parallels reflect the bright prospects of MLB’s bright young stars in chrome and diamond-inspired parallels. Heritage Minors focuses specifically on minor league prospects. Topps Holiday continues the popular winter-themed insert tradition. Bowman’s Best highlights Topps Bowman Chrome prospects. And Topps Transcendent targets the high-end collector with exquisite autographs, patches, and one-of-one cards.

Given the increased popularity of the modern collecting hobby and buzz around standout rookies, Target’s stock of 2022 Topps baseball cards is likely to vanish fast in stores and sell out online as soon. If hunting specific rookie cards, hits, or parallels, it’s best to check Target availability early and reserve/pre-order desired products ahead of release dates. Inventory fluctuates and restocks can happen, so it pays to maintain a dialogue with local stores’ trading card departments. Savvy collectors may land coveted rookie cards and chase cards within reach of MSRP by planning ahead when Topps’ latest releases arrive at Target.

With the resurgence of baseball card collecting, especially among young collectors new to the hobby, Target has solidified itself as a go-to retail destination for Topps’ annual flagship MLB releases as well as a wide assortment of specialty sets. Whether seeking out the base rookies, hits, or high-end relic parallels of star players, collectors will have many opportunities throughout 2022 to track down coveted cardboard at their local Target thanks to consistent stocking of Topps’ 70th anniversary baseball card lineup. Careful planning and persistence could mean the difference between completing sets or landing chased parallel cards within budget.

LOOKING UP BASEBALL CARDS

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Looking Up Baseball Cards

For generations, children and adults alike have collected baseball cards as a fun hobby and means to learn about their favorite players and teams. With thousands of cards printed over the decades featuring countless players both notable and obscure, identifying details of individual cards can often require researching their specifications. Looking up attributes of baseball cards such as the year, brand, player, and statistics featured provides collectors important contextual history and aids in properly cataloging growing collections.

The early years of baseball card production from the late 1800s through the 1950s saw cards released by various manufacturers without standardization of size, design, or player information included. Allen & Ginter, American Tobacco Company, and Goodwin & Company began issuing cards as promotional materials for their products. These vintage cards usually contained only the player’s picture and sometimes nickname or position without stats. Identifying such early cardboard requires diligent research of the issuing company, visual inspection of design patterns, and databases compiled by hobby organizations.

In the postwar 1950s, the modern baseball card era began as Topps gained prominence and introduced the now-familiar design of stats on the back. They held the exclusive mass production license through the 1980s, so determining the year of older Topps cards is simplified by verifying the company. Subsets and special issues still require checking specifics. Topps released their incredibly popular rookie cards of legends like Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays in 1951 and 1952 respectively to be on the lookout for.

The 1960s saw Topps face competition from Fleer and Post Cereal, which began inserting baseball cards in boxes. Fleer introduced the “ rookie card” concept in 1961 by featuring first-year players. To identify these, pay attention to the company name, players featured who debuted that year, and basic design styles that varied between brands. The 1969 Topps set is particularly valuable as it includes the final cards for Pirates star Roberto Clemente who tragically passed away prior to the 1970 season.

In the 1970s, Topps continued to be the dominant force but new challengers like Donruss entered the scene. An expanding MLB also added teams like the Montreal Expos and San Diego Padres, so cards from this era onward must be cognizant of team changes. The sport’s rise in popularity was reflected in the increased production of cards. Sets grew significantly in size, creating more cards of interest to researchers. Notable rookies included George Brett’s 1973 Topps card and Eddie Murray’s 1977 Topps issue.

The freewheeling 1980s saw more companies join the card scene such as Fleer’s innovative use of glossy photo fronts and Nicerenu. Topps traded in their rectangular design for a rounder style in 1981. Color was also utilized more extensively compared to earlier decades dominated by black and white images on the fronts and backs. Rookie stars like Cal Ripken Jr. in 1981 and Dwight Gooden’s pitching dominance in 1984 marked the decade. Variations also became easier to miss, meaning meticulous cataloging is needed for completion’s sake.

In the 1990s and 2000s, baseball card production increased exponentially with advertising inserts, parallel versions, memorabilia cards, and premium numbered issues. Powerful players defined this era from Barry Bonds to Ken Griffey Jr. Meanwhile, investment grew in vintage cardboard from the pre-war era to the 1970s. The advent of the internet let collectors easily research card specifications, checklists, and market prices – though unscrupulous sales inflated values temporarily in the late 1980s sports memorabilia bubble.

Today, technology and nostalgia continue driving interest in baseball cards old and new. While the best of the best remain out of reach price-wise for most, exploring the history and varieties of cardboard produced is enjoyable for fans and collectors alike. With diligent research into details like year, brand, player, and more – enthusiasts can better understand and discuss the cardboard that shares over a century of America’s pastime. The information age opens a world of potential to look up baseball cards from all eras.

VALUE OF 1974 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1974 Topps baseball card set is a hugely popular set among collectors thanks to its inclusion of several stars and rookie cards that have appreciated significantly in value over the decades. Issued in 1974 by Topps, the set features 660 total cards including the base set, cards of the playoff teams, and manager/coach cards. While originally only worth a few cents each when first released, many high-value and rare 1974 Topps cards can fetch thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars at auction today.

Some key details that impact the value of 1974 Topps cards include the player featured, the condition and grade of the specific card, and any special subsets or variations that may exist. The true superstar cards from the set regularly bring five-figure sums when high-grade specimens cross the auction block. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most valuable 1974 Topps cards and what makes them so sought after and expensive nearly 50 years after initial release.

Perhaps the most iconic and valuable card from the 1974 set is the Nolan Ryan rookie card. Featuring the legendary flamethrower in an Angels uniform during his early career with that team, high-grade Ryan rookies are easily among the priciest baseball cards period. In a BGS Gem Mint 10 grade, fresh Nolan Ryan rookie BGS 10s have sold for well over $100,000, with one specimen cracking $220,000 at auction in 2021. Even lower-grade but still presentable examples still bring four figures.

The Ryan rookie’s immense value stems from his hall of fame career accomplishments combined with the sheer rarity of finding his first Bowman/Topps card in such pristine condition after nearly 50 years of potentially being flimsily handled or played with as a child. He’s widely considered one of the greatest pitchers ever and his rookie remains THE must-have card for any serious vintage collector.

Another star 1974 rookie is Dave Kingman’s card, featuring the power-hitting outfielder in an early Mets uniform. Kingman went on to smash 442 career home runs and made four All-Star teams. High-grade Kingman rookies have sold for over $30,000 due to his MLB accomplishments and the desirability of his first card appearance. Even lower grade Kingman rookies still command thousands.

In addition to rookies of future Hall of Famers and all-time greats, 1974 Topps cards of enormous stars already well established by that point carry immense value as well. A highlight is the card of Hank Aaron in an Atlanta Braves uniform, as he was still actively pounding home runs at the time of issue though nearing the end of his career. In Gem Mint condition, a 1974 Topps Hank Aaron has sold for well over $10,000 at auction.

The 1974 card of Reggie Jackson as an Oakland A’s player is another extremely valuable superstar card, with high-grade PSA 10 examples bringing over $15,000. “Mr. October” was already a three-time World Series champion and five-time All-Star by 1974. Future Hall of Famers and MVPs like Johnny Bench, Rod Carew, and Mike Schmidt have also had their 1974 Topps cards sell for thousands in pristine condition thanks to their legendary careers.

Beyond star players, certain short print and variation cards hold cachet and command premium prices in the 1974 set. One is the Roberto Clemente subset featuring additional photo variations of the Pirates legend, who tragically died in a plane crash in December 1972. High-grade examples of the different Clemente photos can bring over $1000 each. The 1974 Topps set is also known for printer’s errors, omitted facsimiles, inverted prints and other anomalies that are endlessly collected by specialists. These variations are hugely scarce and valuable.

While 1974 Topps baseball cards were themselves quite common and inexpensive when new, today the demand for intact high-grade versions of rookie cards, all-time greats, and rare variants makes this one of the most actively traded vintage sets. With memorable photos capturing iconic players at pivotal stages of their careers, the 1974s remain a cornerstone for collectors. Grading and condition are everything when it comes to maximizing the tremendous value that can be unlocked from even a simple 50-year-old baseball card.

2023 MLB DRAFT BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2023 MLB draft is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated in recent memory. With a loaded class of prospects headlined by potential No. 1 overall pick Druw Jones, baseball card collectors and investors are already looking ahead to the rookie cards of next year’s draft class.

While it’s still early, the 2023 draft class has been widely praised for its depth of elite talent at the top. In addition to Jones, high school shortstop Jackson Holliday and college pitchers Dylan Lesko and Brock Porter are all considered potential top-5 picks. With so many blue chip prospects likely to go very early, the rookie cards of the top drafted players in 2023 have strong potential to become highly sought after cards in the years to come.

Topps and Bowman are the two main manufacturers that release baseball cards centered around the MLB draft and rookie seasons of newly drafted players. In recent years, Topps has released draft picks parallels and Bowman has issued prospect cards of the early rounds within their flagship baseball sets released shortly after the draft in June. Both companies also produce larger sets later in the year focused entirely on the drafted rookies and top prospects.

For the class of 2023, collectors can expect Topps and Bowman to again feature the early draft picks within their regular baseball card releases in late summer 2023. Topps Update Series and Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects are two sets almost certain to highlight Jones, Holliday and others selected high in the first round. Parallel and autograph versions of their rookie cards in these initial releases will be hot commodities.

The bigger releases solely dedicated to the 2023 draft class and rookie prospects won’t arrive until fall 2023 at the earliest. Topps Draft, Bowman Draft, and Bowman Chrome Draft are the go-to sets for following the careers of the new draftees. These larger sets with increased print runs are where collectors can find all the drafted players and have the best odds at pulling serially numbered parallels and autographs of the top names.

While it’s still very early, here’s a quick look at some of the top prospects from the high school and college classes that could be big names in the 2023 MLB draft class:

Druw Jones, OF, Wesleyan High School (GA): Considered the likely No. 1 pick, the son of former MLB star Andruw Jones has five-tool talent and elite bloodlines that will make his rookie cards highly sought after.

Jackson Holliday, SS, Stillwater High School (OK): A switch-hitting shortstop with power and speed, Holliday could push Jones for the top spot and will be one of the top prospects regardless of where he’s drafted.

Dylan Lesko, RHP, Buford High School (GA): The highest profile prep arm in the class, Lesko sits mid-90s with his fastball and a plus curveball that could make him a top-5 selection.

Brock Porter, RHP, St. Mary’s Prep (MI): Another elite high school arm, Porter sits in the mid-90s and mixes in a power slider that could push him into the top half of the first round.

Daniel Susac, C, Arizona: A polished catcher with power and defensive skills, Susac could be the first college position player off the board after starring as a freshman for a top college program.

Cole Young, SS, North Allegheny High School (PA): Young has all the tools to stick at shortstop with above-average speed and power that should make him a top-10 pick.

Walker Jenkins, RHP, Jacksonville: The top college pitcher in the class, Jenkins sits mid-90s and mixes in a plus changeup that could push him into the top half of the first round.

While it’s still very early, these seven prospects in particular seem poised to be among the biggest names from the 2023 MLB draft class. Their rookie cards released by Topps and Bowman in sets focused on the draft in late 2023 and 2024 will be some of the most sought after new cards on the market in coming years. For collectors and investors, keeping an eye on this exciting draft class over the next year will be important as the careers and card values of the top selections take shape. The 2023 draft is shaping up to be a star-studded one, and the rookie cards of Druw Jones, Jackson Holliday, and others could end up being some of the most valuable modern baseball cards in the years to come.