Tag Archives: 1936

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1936 R312

Leave a reply

The 1936 R312 Goudey baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets in the history of the hobby. Issued by Goudey Gum Company, the set featured over 150 players from both the American and National Leagues at the time. While production numbers are unknown, collectors estimate only a few hundred to a few thousand sets were produced in total making individual cards incredibly rare today.

One of the most notable aspects of the 1936 R312 set is the inclusion of legendary players like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Joe DiMaggio in their early careers. Ruth and Gehrig especially hold immense value as they were still in their prime playing years for the New York Yankees dynasty of the late 1920s-1930s. Getting a glimpse of these future Hall of Famers so early established the set as one to be remembered. Beyond the star power, the colorful art deco design scheme made the cards instantly collectible even in the 1930s.

In the early days of the hobby in the 1950s-60s, the 1936 R312 cards were readily available in dollar boxes and dime stores. As interest grew and the original collectors aged, these early treasures started disappearing from the marketplace. By the 1970s, the set had developed a strong cult following and individual high-grade copies of the most coveted players fetched hundreds of dollars. This marked the first time vintage cards reached four-figure prices and signaled their emergence as a true investment class of collecting.

In the modern era, the 1936 R312 set is among the pinnacle collections any serious vintage card investor hopes to acquire. Here is a breakdown of some of the most valuable and desirable individual cards from the set along with their estimated values in top near-mint to mint condition:

Babe Ruth: The king of the set, Ruth’s card routinely sells for well over $100,000 when high-graded. In pristine mint condition, it has reached $275,000 at auction.

Lou Gehrig: As one of the other legendary Yankees of the era, Gehrig commands big money. Near-mint copies have sold for $50,000 while a recent mint copy made $110,000.

Joe DiMaggio: Arguably the most coveted non-Yankee, Joltin’ Joe still brings top dollar. Near-mint recently hit $45,000 with higher grades bringing over $100,000.

Dizzy Dean: The flamboyant pitcher peaked collector interest outside of Yankees. Near-mint has reached $25,000 with a recent high grade copy making $60,000.

Jimmie Foxx: One of the game’s early power hitters, Foxx consistently sells in the $15,000-30,000 range for top copies.

Mel Ott: As a star for the New York Giants, Ott remains a blue chip. Near-mint recently sold for $18,000.

Lefty Gomez: The ace of the Yankees’ staff, Gomez sells near Lou Gehrig’s level around $50,000 mint.

Bill Dickey: The Yankees’ catcher sees about $10,000-15,000 for his top-graded copies.

Mickey Cochrane: The Tigers’ star commands $7,500-12,000 for his best-preserved cards.

Beyond the headliners, there are still numerous other stars from the era that can reach $3,000-7,000 depending on condition grading factors like centering, corners, edges and surface quality. Even common players set collectors at $500-1,000. With such low surviving population numbers, there is immense upside potential if an undiscovered gem copy were to surface in the future. The 1936 Goudey R312 set established the modern collectibles market and remains one of the true blue chip holdings for any serious vintage sports card investor. With iconic players and stunning visuals, it is a set that will always be in high demand.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1936

Leave a reply

Baseball cards from 1936 hold significant historical value as some of the earliest mass produced trading cards for the sport. The 1936 series marked the first year that cards were inserted in packs of gum, helping to popularize the modern concept of baseball cards. Understanding the rarity and condition of 1936 cards can help collectors properly value their holdings or find desirable pieces to add to their collection.

Topps released the only major set of 1936 cards, consisting of a total of 52 cards featuring players from the American and National Leagues. The cards had a distinctive yellow border around a black and white photo of each player. On the back was basic career stats and information. While not the first baseball cards ever made, the 1936 Topps set helped establish the template that card manufacturers would use for decades.

In mint condition, the rarest and most valuable cards from the 1936 Topps set can sell for over $10,000. Two of the true “grails” for collectors are the Honus Wagner and Babe Ruth cards. Only a handful are known to exist in pristine condition, making them extraordinarily rare and pricey. Even in poor condition, these cards can still fetch thousands because of their tremendous historical significance.

Other highly valuable cards from the 1936 set include Lou Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx, Mel Ott, and Joe DiMaggio. In gem mint condition, these stars of their era can sell for $3,000-$5,000 each. Condition is absolutely critical, as even slightly played copies may only be worth a couple hundred dollars. Collectors are also willing to pay premiums for autographed or game-used copies of the top stars when documentation is provided.

For more common players in the set, prices vary widely depending on the grade. Solid near mint copies may sell in the $150-$300 range, while very nice exemplars could reach $500. Heavy play can drop a card to $50 or less. The 1936 series is quite fragile due to the thin cardboard stock used, so finding high grade copies in collection is quite challenging. As such, even average condition cards hold value just due to their rarity.

Beyond the superstars, there are still some lesser known but valuable cards to seek out. Cards featuring future Hall of Famers like Bill Dickey, Joe Cronin, and Dolph Camilli in top grades can reach $1,000-$2,000. The Brooklyn Dodgers team card is also highly sought after, potentially reaching $800-$1,200 in pristine condition due to the team’s iconic status in baseball history.

When valuing a collection of 1936 cards, there are a few key factors to consider beyond just the players featured:

Card condition is paramount. Even minor flaws can significantly cut into value. Have cards graded by PSA or SGC for an objective assessment.

Rarity of the specific players and their positions all impact price. Catchers, for example, tend to be more valuable than other fielders.

Complete or near-complete sets can demand premiums over loose singles since finding all 52 cards is very difficult.

Authenticity is also critical, as counterfeits have emerged. Reputable dealers can verify authenticity.

Prices may vary regionally, so research recent auction prices for accurate market valuations of your specific cards.

For collectors, putting together even a partially complete 1936 Topps set in high grades would be an incredible accomplishment due to the set’s great historical importance and rarity of top condition examples. Understanding the value drivers of these early 20th century cards is key to properly assessing one’s collection or finding desirable pieces to add. With proper handling, 1936s can retain their value for generations of baseball enthusiasts to enjoy.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1936 R314

Leave a reply

The 1936 R314 Goudey baseball card set is one of the most highly sought after and valuable vintage card sets from the early 20th century. Issued by the Goudey Gum Company as promotional inserts in packs of chewing gum, the 1936 R314 set featured over 150 players from the American and National Leagues at the time. While production numbers for individual cards are unknown, it’s estimated only around 500,000 complete sets were printed in total, making each card quite scarce today. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key details and valuation for specific cards from the coveted ’36 R314 set.

One of the most iconic and valuable cards in the set is the Babe Ruth card (#179). Widely considered the most famous baseball player of all time, any Ruth card is highly sought after by collectors. The ’36 R314 Ruth is particularly rare, with possibly less than 100 surviving copies in circulation today across all grades. In pristine Near Mint to Mint condition (grades 8-10 on the 10-point Sheets scale), a Ruth #179 has sold for over $200,000 at auction. Even well-worn low-grade copies still command prices in the thousands due to the extreme scarcity of this particular Ruth issue.

Another superstar with an extremely valuable card is Lou Gehrig (#139). As a member of baseball’s first famous “Iron Horse” duo with Ruth, any Gehrig issue holds prestige. Like the Ruth, fewer than 100 PSA/BGS graded examples are believed to exist. A Near Mint Gehrig recently sold for just under $100,000, while a low-grade copy may still sell for $5,000-$10,000 based on condition.

In addition to the headliners, several other Hall of Famers have highly valuable ’36 R314 cards as well. A PSA 8 Mickey Cochrane (#65) sold for $22,500. Highly graded versions of Jimmie Foxx (#117), Mel Ott (#146), and Lefty Gomez (#131) can each bring $10,000+. Even role players fetch big money, as a PSA 8 Heinie Manush (#145) went for $6,250 last year.

The set also contained several stars whose careers were cut short due to World War 2 military service, making their cards extra rare. A PSA 8 Hank Greenberg (#128) would be worth around $15,000. Similarly, a high-grade Joe DiMaggio (#150) could sell for $12,000-$15,000.

Not every card in the set commands huge five-figure prices of course. Many role players and pitchers can still be acquired for a few hundred to low thousands depending on condition. For example, a PSA 5 Rip Sewell (#154) recently sold for $375. A PSA 4 Van Lingle Mungo (#148) went for $550. But even these more affordable ’36 R314 options are great additions for any vintage baseball collection.

When considering a purchase, grade is absolutely critical to value as even minor flaws can significantly impact price. It’s highly recommended submitting any valuable vintage cards to a professional grading service like PSA or BGS to verify condition under tight quality control standards. Slabs help validate authenticity and protect the long-term investment. Provenance paperwork is also important where possible to verify a card has not been tampered with over the decades.

The 1936 Goudey R314 set holds a special place in baseball card history as one of the earliest and most collectible issues ever produced. With fewer than 500,000 complete sets believed to exist today across all grades, finding high quality examples of the superstars like Ruth, Gehrig, and others will require deep pockets. But for savvy collectors, even affordable role players from this seminal set make for worthwhile additions to any collection. With rarity and nostalgia firmly on its side, the ’36 R314 is a set that will likely retain and grow its value for generations of vintage card enthusiasts to come.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1936 TOPPS

Leave a reply

1936 Topps Baseball Card Price Guide

The 1936 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the history of sports card collecting. Produced by the Topps Chewing Gum Company, the 1936 Topps set was the very first modern baseball card set released. It featured cards of major league players from that season and helped launch the booming baseball card collecting hobby. Given its status as the first, the 1936 Topps set holds significant historical value for collectors. Let’s take a closer look at the cards and pricing trends for this pioneering set.

The Set

The 1936 Topps set contains a total of 52 cards featuring players from the American and National Leagues. Some key details about the set include:

The cards measure 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches, smaller than modern cards. They have a blue border and player image on the front with stats and info on the reverse.

Topps obtained the rights to use player names and photos, a key step in legitimizing baseball cards as collectibles. Previously, cards often featured nameless or fictional players.

The set is split between AL and NL with 26 cards each. Some star players featured include Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Dizzy Dean, and Mel Ott.

Condition is especially important for these fragile, aging cards issued over 85 years ago. Even well-cared for copies show wear and discoloration compared to modern issues.

Pricing Factors

With such a small original print run and cards reaching extreme old age, condition is absolutely critical in determining 1936 Topps values. Even minor flaws can drastically reduce a card’s price. Other key pricing points include:

Centering – How perfectly centered the image is on the card. Off-center cards sell for far less.

Corners – Rounded or worn corners hurt grade and price significantly. Sharp corners demand a premium.

Edges – Heavily worn or damaged edges lower condition and value considerably.

Surface – Scuffs, stains, creases or other blemishes on the surface hurt the grade.

Photo/Back Condition – The image and stats on the back must be clear and intact.

Authenticity – Reproductions have no value. Original 1936 Topps cards must be verified authentic.

Pricing by Condition/Player

Taking all factors into account, here’s a look at average 1936 Topps pricing ranges in top grades:

GEM MT 10 (Near Perfect) – $10,000+ for common players, $50,000+ for all-time greats

EX MT 8 (Excellent) – $3,000-$7,000 range depending on center, $15,000+ for biggest names

VG MT 6 (Very Good) – $1,000-$3,000, $5,000+ for stars

G MT 4 (Good) – $200-$800, $1,000+ for best players

PR MT 2-3 (Poor-Fair) – $50-$300, $500+ for HOFers

Raw, ungraded copies typically sell for 50-70% less than graded prices. And of course, one-of-a-kind rarities could potentially sell for six figures in perfect condition.

Investment Potential

As the first modern baseball card set, 1936 Topps cards are an iconic part of the hobby’s history. Their scarcity and significance to the origins of card collecting make them a desirable investment for wealthy collectors. Some key points about their investment potential:

Prices have steadily risen 5-10% annually as the collector base grows and high-grade samples become increasingly scarce.

Major stars from the set like Gehrig, DiMaggio and Dean are “blue chip” holdings that tend to hold value best in the long run.

Condition is paramount—even minor flaws can drastically reduce an investment grade card’s long-term appreciation.

The set is a focal point for major auction houses, ensuring reliable price guidance and market liquidity for top-tier samples.

Professionally graded Gem MT 10 examples could realistically double in value every 5-7 years based on recent market trends.

The 1936 Topps set is truly a landmark issue that paved the way for the entire modern sports card industry. With its historical significance, condition challenges, and steady price increases, this pioneering set represents both a prized collectible and sound long-term investment for affluent collectors. But as always, condition remains king for a set reaching its centennial.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1936 DIAMOND STARS

Leave a reply

The 1936 Diamond Stars baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the early 20th century. Issued by Goudey Gum Company, the Diamond Stars set featured players from both the American and National Leagues in colorful photographic cards. With its vintage design aesthetic and capturing of legendary players, the 1936 Goudey set remains a highly sought after collection for both casual fans and serious card collectors.

Some key details on the 1936 Diamond Stars set that help provide context for its value and significance include:

The set contains a total of 165 cards split between the American and National Leagues. Each league has 80 common player cards and 5 manager cards for a total of 165.

Design wise, each card features a color photograph of the player against a tan background. The player’s name, team, and position are printed at the bottom in blue text. On the reverse, each card advertised various Goudey gum products.

Some of the legendary players featured include Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Mel Ott, Dizzy Dean, Jimmie Foxx, and many other stars of the 1930s. Capturing these all-time greats in their prime made the set immediately iconic.

Distribution of the set was originally through Goudey gum packs from 1936-1938. The gum itself was not very popular so production runs were limited, making completed sets quite rare today.

In terms of condition, high grade examples fetch a huge premium given the cards are now over 85 years old. Even minor flaws can significantly impact a card’s value. Top-rated PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 examples of stars can sell for well into the six figures.

The 1936 Goudey set established the template that would be followed by most subsequent baseball card releases – color photos, team identifiers, and an accompanying gum or candy product. It was truly innovative and collector-friendly for its time.

When it comes to pricing individual cards from the 1936 Diamond Stars set, there are a few key factors that determine value:

Player Prominence: Household name stars from the 1930s like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Jimmie Foxx have exponentially greater value than most others in the set. Low number cards also tend to be more valuable.

Condition: As mentioned, even moderate flaws can downgrade a card’s condition and price. Top-graded PSA/BGS Mint 9 or Gem Mint 10 examples are usually required to reach five-figure or greater prices.

Scarcity: The rarer the player’s card is in a high grade, the more valuable. For example, there are only a handful of PSA 10 Babe Ruths known to exist.

To give some examples of current prices in the vintage baseball card market:

A PSA 8 Babe Ruth in the $30,000-$50,000 range depending on auction activity and year. A PSA 9 could reach $100,000+.

A PSA 9 Lou Gehrig would sell between $15,000-$30,000. A PSA 10 could reach $75,000+ given its scarcity.

PSA 9 examples of other superstars like Jimmie Foxx, Mel Ott, and Dizzy Dean tend to sell in the $5,000-$15,000 range depending on the specific card and market.

Cards of less prominent but still notable 1930s players in PSA 8-9 condition typically sell from $500 to $3,000 range depending on the name, team, and position.

Even fairly common players can reach $100-$500 for high graded copies to serious vintage collectors.

The 1936 Goudey Diamond Stars set remains one of the most significant in the entire history of sports card collecting. As one of the earliest mainstream baseball card releases featuring color photos of the stars of that era, it established a design template that would be followed for decades. Combined with the limited production runs due to the unpopularity of the gum itself, finding high quality examples today is extremely difficult. With such a rich history and capturing legendary players in their primes, the 1936 set will always be a premier target for both casual fans and serious vintage collectors alike. Even relatively common cards hold value due to the set’s iconic status in the hobby.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1936 WHEATIES

Leave a reply

The 1936 Wheaties baseball cards are among the most coveted and valuable sets from the early 20th century. Produced by General Mills to promote their Wheaties breakfast cereal, the 1936 set is highly sought after by collectors due to its scarcity, historic significance, and the famous players featured on the cards.

In the 1930s, Wheaties began including baseball cards in their cereal boxes to help market the brand to young baseball fans. The 1936 set was only the second series of cards included with Wheaties, after a successful initial run in 1935. Production of the 1936 cards was much lower than the prior year for reasons that remain unclear to this day. Some speculate General Mills reduced quantities to increase demand and drive cereal sales. Others believe distribution issues led to fewer cards being included nationwide. Whatever the cause, the small print run makes 1936 Wheaties cards among the rarest and hardest to find from the pre-war era.

The 1936 set featured cards for 22 Major League Baseball stars of the day. Some of the biggest names included Lou Gehrig, Dizzy Dean, Mickey Cochrane, and Lefty Gomez. Most of the players depicted were active All-Stars or future Hall of Famers. This lends the 1936 Wheaties cards much of their significance, preserving images of legends on the cusp of their great careers. The cards were also ahead of their time in featuring action shots rather than formal portraits. Full-bleed images spilled to the very edges of the thick card stock in a highly collectible artistic style.

In the decades since their original distribution, 1936 Wheaties cards have become some of the most in-demand issues for dedicated baseball memorabilia collectors. With extremely low survival rates estimated at less than 1% of the original print run, high grade specimens are exceedingly rare. Even poorly-centered or damaged copies can fetch huge sums when they surface. In the prolific modern market for vintage cards, 1936 Wheaties have developed a legendary aura that drives intense collector interest and competition.

Graded examples in top-pop MINT condition regularly break records. In recent years, a PSA-graded 9 Lou Gehrig has sold for over $100,000. Similarly high grades of Dizzy Dean, Mickey Cochrane, and Lefty Gomez have reached the $50,000-75,000 range. Most collectors will never realistically expect to own a true GEM MINT example, as the set is simply too rare in top condition. More realistically, Very Fine or lower-end EXCELLENT copies may sell in the $10,000-30,000 range depending on the player and demand factors. Even badly-worn cards still trade hands for thousands due to their historical importance.

For collectors on a budget, lower grades and less prominent players provide an opportunity to at least own a piece of cardboard from the famed 1936 issue. Cards graded Poor-Very Poor 1-3 can be acquired for $1,000-5,000, though condition is often extremely rough. Common players may fall into the $2,000-4,000 range at the lower end of the scale. No matter the grade, 1936 Wheaties represent the pinnacle of the classic tobacco era and are a worthy investment-grade addition to any collection. With such small surviving populations, values seem destined to steadily rise with time and increasing collector wealth.

The 1936 Wheaties baseball card set holds a hallowed place in card collecting lore. With an incredibly small original print run and images of some of the sport’s earliest icons, these cards have developed immense significance that is reflected in their astronomical prices today. Even in less-than-pristine condition, 1936 Wheaties remain a highly-coveted trophy for dedicated memorabilia investors. Their rarity, history, and subject matter combine to make this one of the most elite and valuable issues from the early decades of the hobby.

1936 GOUDEY BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1936 Goudey Baseball Card set is one of the oldest and most beloved issues in the history of baseball card collecting. The set marked several important firsts and contains some of the earliest baseball cards that collectors still chase today. Issued during the Great Depression, the 1936 Goudey cards offered affordable entertainment for kids at a time when most other forms of recreation were out of reach financially. Though production values were low by today’s standards, the set captures a golden era of the sport and ignited the baseball card collecting craze that remains extremely popular to this day.

The 1936 Goudey set was the first baseball card issue to be officially licensed by the National League and American League. Prior sets from companies like American Caramel had produced cards without league approval. By obtaining this licensing, the cards gained legitimacy that helped collectors take the hobby more seriously. The set also featured the first modern size and cardboard construction for baseball cards. At 2.5 x 3.5 inches, the size was close to what would become the standard for decades to come. Earlier tobacco insert cards were often much smaller.

Goudey produced two series of cards in 1936 that totaled 272 individual cards when combined. The first series had 101 cards featuring current major leaguers as well as a few retired stars. The second series added another 171 cards and included players from the American Association, a minor league at the time. Both series utilized a color photo of each player on the front with basic career stats printed on the back, establishing a formula followed by card makers for the rest of the 20th century.

Unlike previous issues, Goudey cards first assigned uniform numbers, making it easier for young fans to identify their favorite players. They are also notable for being the earliest baseball cards to feature action shots rather than posed portraits. Many of the photos have players swinging a bat or throwing a pitch. This added energy and excitement compared to staid poses of before. The 1936 Goudey set also showcased the relatively new lifestyle of players chewing gum, an important tie-in for Goudey’s source of financing baseball card production.

Several key players had their earliest known baseball cards produced in the 1936 Goudey set. Hall of Famers like Joe DiMaggio, Bill Dickey, and Dolph Camilli made their card debuts among many others who went on to have storied careers. Other rookie standouts included Hank Greenberg, Charlie Gehringer, and Jimmie Foxx before they achieved stardom and champions. Many consider the 1936 Goudey rookie card of DiMaggio to be the most valuable trading card in existence. In gem mint condition, examples have sold for well over $500,000 given his iconic status in the sport.

Condition is extremely important for 1936 Goudey cards given how long ago they were produced. Even slight bends, creases or edge wear can drastically cut into a card’s value. Although over 270 million cards were initially printed according to Goudey’s records, the surviving population in high grades is minuscule which has contributed to their steep prices. Professionally graded examples in Mint or Near Mint condition routinely sell for thousands of dollars even for non-rookie common players. A PSA 10 DiMaggio rookie would be worth millions on today’s market.

The 1936 Goudey set defined the basic blueprint for the American pastime on cardboard that survives in baseball card sets of today. Its significance cannot be understated as both an early licensed product and the formative years that showcased future legends in pristine photos lovingly preserved along the way. As one of the first sets that sparked imaginations and created connections between fans and their favorites, 1936 Goudey cards will always have a hallowed place in the history of sports memorabilia. Whether completing a whole set or adding scarce vintage superstars to a collection, chasing 1936 Goudey cards remains an epic quest and true test of dedication for baseball enthusiasts of all ages.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1936 GOUDY

Leave a reply

The 1936 Goudy baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the early 20th century. Produced by the Goudy Gum Company, the 1936 Goudy set featured players from the American and National Leagues in colorful artwork designs. With its vintage nostalgia and historic significance, the 1936 Goudy set remains a highly sought after collection for serious baseball card enthusiasts and investors.

The 1936 Goudy set contains a total of 75 cards that were inserted in packs of Goudy gum. With no statistics or biographical information included on the cards, the focus was solely on depicting each player through stylized illustrations. The artwork varied in quality but overall featured bold colors and whimsical poses that captured the spirit of 1930s baseball. Top stars of the day like Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, and Dizzy Dean were among those featured.

In terms of condition, the cards were fairly fragile given their thin cardboard stock. As a result, finding high grade examples in pristine Near Mint or better condition has always been challenging. Even well-cared for vintage collections from the 1930s are likely to contain 1936 Goudy cards with minor bends, creases or edge wear. Only the most pedigreed examples directly pulled from sealed packs and immediately sleeved could attain true gem mint status.

When it comes to pricing a 1936 Goudy collection, there are several key factors that determine value such as the player, condition, and completeness of the set. A general overview of 1936 Goudy card values across different grades is as follows:

Poor 1/0 – Poorly worn cards with heavy creasing, staining or tears typically sell for $5-20 depending on the player. Such low grade cards are mostly of interest to collectors looking to complete a set affordably.

Fair 2/3 – Cards with visible edge wear, small creases or light staining can sell in the $25-75 range depending on the star power of the player. Solid short prints or more sought after names will be toward the higher end.

Good 4/5 – Cards showing clean surfaces but with moderate edge wear or light creasing would sell between $50-150. Top rookie cards or Hall of Famers start to fetch over $100 in Good condition.

Very Good 6 – Sharp, bright cards with minimal edge wear and no creasing generally sell from $100-250. Keys to the set like Joe DiMaggio or Dizzy Dean rookie cards can exceed $200.

Excellent 7 – Near perfect surfaces with just a hint of wear at the edges. Ex-Mint 7 graded 1936 Goudy cards range from $150-500 depending on player demand and scarcity.

Mint 8 – Pristine surfaces with full gloss and sharply-cut edges. High grade examples of stars like Lou Gehrig or Ted Williams can sell for $300-1000+ in Mint 8 condition.

Gem Mint 9 – About as perfect as it gets for 80+ year old cardboard. Only the most elite 1936 Goudy cards qualify for true Gem status above a Mint grade. Hall of Famers like Mel Ott or Bill Terry would sell over $1000 in this lofty grade.

Completing a 1936 Goudy set in any grade presents a major challenge and significant investment due to the scarcity of many key cards. A full run collection in Good-Very Good condition could easily top $10,000 or more depending on the availability of short prints. For the rarest and most sought after rookie cards, individual prices can escalate dramatically above typical guidebook values.

The 1936 Goudy set remains one of the pinnacles of the classic tobacco era and an iconic symbol of baseball’s early decades. With its brilliant artwork, connection to legends of the game, and place in cardboard history, the 1936 Goudy cards are a benchmark for any serious vintage baseball card collection. While finding high grade examples is a tall order, owning any piece of this seminal set is a thrill for those who appreciate the origins of the modern trading card phenomenon.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1936 R313

Leave a reply

The 1936 R313 baseball card set is one of the most coveted and valuable sets from the early 20th century. Produced by the Goudey Gum Company, the 1936 R313 set featured players from both the American and National Leagues. With its vibrant color images and historic significance, the 1936 R313 set remains a highly sought after collection for both casual and serious baseball card collectors.

The 1936 R313 set contained a total of 253 cards that featured players, managers, and umpires. What makes this set so unique is that it was the first baseball card set to use color lithography to print the player images in vivid shades. Prior to 1936, most baseball cards used simpler monochrome printing techniques that did not showcase the players and uniforms as realistically. By using the advanced color lithography process, the 1936 R313 cards brought the players to life in a way never seen before.

In terms of condition and grading, the 1936 R313 cards are quite fragile due to their age. Truly high grade specimens in Mint or Near Mint condition above a grade of 8 are exceptionally rare. Even well-centered cards in Excellent-Very Good condition between grades 5-7 hold significant value. The cardboard stock used in 1936 was not as durable as modern card materials. As a result, issues like centering, edges, and corners tend to be problematic even for lightly played examples. Professional grading is highly recommended to accurately assess condition and preserve long-term value.

Some of the most valuable and desirable cards from the 1936 R313 set include the following:

Lou Gehrig (#53) – In PSA Gem Mint 10 condition, this card has sold for over $100,000 due to Gehrig’s iconic status. Even well-centered examples in PSA 8-9 grade bring thousands.

Babe Ruth (#159) – As the greatest player of all-time, Ruth’s 1936 card is exceptionally rare in high grades. PSA 10s have reached $150,000 at auction. Near Mint 8s still sell for $15,000+.

Joe DiMaggio (#175) – Prior to his legendary 56-game hitting streak, DiMaggio’s rookie card is a key piece of memorabilia. PSA 10s have sold for $50,000. Even lower graded copies retain value.

Mickey Cochrane (#42) – The Hall of Fame catcher’s card is quite scarce in top condition. A PSA 9 recently sold for over $20,000 at auction.

Lefty Grove (#93) – One of the most dominant pitchers ever, high grade examples of Grove’s 1936 card are rarely available. Even PSA 8s sell for $5,000+.

Dizzy Dean (#138) – As another pitching great, Dean’s card is quite valuable. PSA 10s have sold for $15,000 while lower grades still reach thousands.

Bill Dickey (#64) – The Yankee catcher is highly sought after. A PSA 9 of his card achieved $10,000 at auction.

Carl Hubbell (#126) – The Hall of Fame lefty’s card holds value due to his iconic pitching ability. PSA 8s have sold for over $5,000.

Schoolboy Rowe (#183) – The Tigers flamethrower has a very rare card in top condition. A PSA 9 recently sold for $12,000 at auction.

In addition to individual star cards, there are several other factors that influence 1936 R313 prices:

Complete Sets – Obtaining a full 253 card collection in lower grades is still a six-figure achievement. PSA/SGC verified sets in grades of Good to Very Good have sold for $150,000+.

Team Sets – Groupings of cards for notable franchises like the Yankees, Red Sox, Tigers, etc. hold premium value, especially in higher grades.

Rookie Cards – First year issues for future Hall of Famers will always be in high demand. Examples include DiMaggio, Williams, Feller, etc.

Authenticity – As the set ages, fakes and reprints become an issue. Professional authentication either through grading or verification is essential for high value transactions.

Grades – Even small differences in condition between PSA 7 and 8 can mean thousands of dollars. Professional grading provides consistency in the marketplace.

Population Reports – Understanding census data on population statistics at each grade level helps determine relative scarcity and value.

The 1936 R313 Goudey baseball card set revolutionized the industry as the first true “modern” issue. Nearly 90 years later, it remains one of the most iconic collectibles in the sports world due to its colorful images, historic player selection, and limited surviving population. Condition is critical, and professional services are highly recommended for high value specimens. Condition census data and recent sales are the best indicators for pricing valuable 1936 R313 individual cards and complete sets.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1936 EDITION

Leave a reply

The 1936 edition of the T206 tobacco baseball cards price guide holds a special place in the history of sports collectibles. Published during the Great Depression era, the 1936 guide provides historians and collectors alike with valuable insights into the emerging market for vintage baseball cards in the early 20th century United States.

By 1936, it had been over 25 years since the famous T206 series of baseball cards were originally released by the American Tobacco Company between 1909-1911 as promotional inserts found in packs of cigarettes and chewing tobacco. In the intervening decades since their release, the T206 cards had slowly transitioned from disposable promotional items to a new status as prized collectibles amongst a small but growing community of baseball memorabilia enthusiasts.

While organized collecting of vintage baseball cards was still in its infancy in the mid-1930s, several key developments helped spark greater mainstream interest in assigning monetary values to the historic T206 series cards that were beginning to re-emerge on the collectors market after spending decades tucked away in attics, basements, and family photo albums across America.

First, the centennial anniversary of the founding of modern professional baseball in 1934 helped trigger a wave of nostalgia for the sport’s earliest stars and greatest players from the deadball era. Second, the economic hardships of the Great Depression likely drove some families to part with their collections of old baseball cards for much-needed cash. Third, pioneering publications like the 1936 price guide helped establish standardized reference points that allowed collectors to properly assess the scarcity and demand for specific T206 cards on the emerging secondary market.

The 1936 edition of the T206 price guide, published by the New York City based firm of Jefferson-Burdick, represented one of the earliest attempts to comprehensively catalog and assign monetary values to each of the approximately 530 unique baseball cards found in the landmark T206 series released a quarter century prior. With cards organized alphabetically by player, detailed production data, and suggested price ranges listed for each in Near Mint, Very Good, Good, and Poor condition, the 1936 guide set the template for how modern baseball card price guides are still structured today.

Some of the key things we can learn about early vintage baseball card collecting and values from studying the 1936 price guide include:

The rarest and most desirable cards even in the 1930s brought significant sums. For example, the iconic T206 Honus Wagner card, one of the most sought after in the hobby, was listed in Near Mint condition from $50-$75, which would be over $900-$1,350 in today’s dollars.

Condition was already seen as paramount even in the early collecting days. The suggested prices dropped off dramatically based on even minor flaws or wear. A Wagner in “Poor” condition was estimated at just $5-$10 in 1936.

Superstar cards from the game’s earliest eras commanded the highest values. Beyond Wagner, other top cards included Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, and Christy Mathewson.

Rookie and common player cards had very low values. Many were estimated at just pennies even in top condition back in the 1930s. This shows how the scarcity dynamic has always driven baseball card prices.

The guide helped validate the cards as a true collectible category rather than just childhood memorabilia. By establishing standardized condition scales and price ranges, it gave collectors and dealers a framework for establishing a functional market.

Regional player preferences were already impacting values. Cards of star players from major metropolitan areas like New York, Boston, and Philadelphia tended to have higher estimated values than their contemporaries from smaller markets.

The guide helped fuel greater public interest in collecting vintage baseball cards through the 1930s and beyond. By bringing structure and legitimacy to the emerging hobby, it helped attract a new generation of collectors even during difficult economic times.

The 1936 edition of the T206 baseball cards price guide can be seen as the foundational reference that helped establish the modern sports collecting industry. By serving as an early blueprint for systematically cataloging, grading, and valuing vintage cards, it played a pivotal role in transforming childhood memorabilia into a bonafide financial asset class that remains a multi-billion dollar industry worldwide today. For both historians and collectors alike, studying this pioneering guide offers a fascinating look into the earliest stages of what would become America’s largest and most enduring hobby.

YouTube player