Throwing Away Old Baseball Cards – Things to Consider
Most collectors have boxes of old baseball cards tucked away in their attic or basement gathering dust. While looking through old memorabilia can bring back fond memories of collecting as a kid, you may be wondering if it’s time to finally get rid of those bulky cardboard boxes taking up valuable storage space. But before trashing a collection you’ve accumulated and held onto for many years, there are a few things you’ll want to consider.

Sentimental Value
For many collectors, their baseball card collection holds significant sentimental value as it reminds them of enjoyablesummer days spent collecting with friends or family members who introduced them to the hobby. Throwing cards away could mean getting rid of treasured memories and connections to people who have since passed on. Taking the time to carefully look through cards and reminisce may make you want to hold onto at least some for the nostalgia.

Potential Monetary Value
While many common cards from the 1980s and 1990s have little monetary value today, there could be hidden gems mixed in that are worth something to collectors. Rookies cards of star players, especially those who went on to have Hall of Fame careers, can be quite valuable depending on the year, condition and sport popularity cycle. Taking the time to research card values online before tossing could uncover surprise finds like rare errors, unique parallel cards or autographed rookie cards. Even common cards from the very earliest decades of the 1900s may have gained value as vintage collectibles over decades.

Condition is Key
Condition is extremely important when it comes to the monetary value of any old baseball card collection. Heavily played cards that are faded, creased or damaged won’t be worth much to collectors no matter who is featured. But mint or near-mint conditioned cards, especially of stars, have the greatest chance of retaining or increasing in value as investments. Taking the time to carefully sort through conditions can allow you to cull out valuable protected cards versus those too far gone to have marketability. PSA or BGS professional grading could maximize a rare find’s resale price potential down the road.

Organize Before Culling
Rather than tossing everything in one fell swoop, taking the time to carefully organize the collection may allow you to make wiser decisions about what to keep or part with. Sorting by year, sport, team, player or set allows for easier research and evaluation of each card’s potential worth. Photographing serial numbered rare cards is recommended before removing them from protective cases or sleeves if selling. Documenting the collection in this detail makes it much easier to recall and prove ownership down the line should a valuable find surface later.

Donating for a Tax Deduction
Rather than simply throwing cards in the trash, donating usable collections could provide a tax write-off while allowing other collectors to enjoy and preserve the pieces of sports history. Schools, libraries, local card shops, hobbyist groups and museums may be receptive to contributions that help grow their offerings or archives – and you get a receipt for contributing to a charitable cause. Items should be in good clean condition to have the best chance finding a new home.

Selling Online or to Local Shops
If there are cards you’ve deemed not valuable enough to personally hold onto long term but still in good shape, consider exploring sale options before trashing. Online auction sites allow posting individual cards, lots or full collections. Local card shops may buy in bulk without the fees, even if just recouping a small amount is the goal versus throwing away for nothing. This gives the cards a chance at a “second life” in another collection versus the landfill. Just be aware of current market conditions and realistic value expectations.

Carefully examining sentimental value, researching potential monetary worth based on condition, organized sorting, donation opportunities and local sale options are all worthwhile steps prior to tossing out an old baseball card collection accumulated childhood and stored for many years. Taking the time for proper evaluation may allow keeping priceless memories while identifying rare gems worth holding onto a while longer.