Tag Archives: 1938

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1938 R323

Leave a reply

The 1938 R323 baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the 1930s. Issued by the Goudey Gum Company, the set featured players from both the American and National Leagues. While production numbers were higher than some earlier tobacco card issues, high-grade specimens from the 1938 Goudey set can still fetch huge prices at auction given the set’s historical significance and popularity among collectors. This article will provide an in-depth overview of the 1938 R323 set, including details on design, production, key cards and their valuations.

Design and Production:
The 1938 Goudey set included a total of 253 cards issued in series. The front of each card featured a black-and-white photo of a player in action with their team name and position listed below. On the reverse, each card had the player’s name, team, batting and fielding statistics from the 1937 season. The cards measured approximately 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches and had a gray border around the photo. They were issued in wax paper packs with 3 or 5 cards per pack along with a stick of gum. Estimates suggest around 20 million cards were printed, making the 1938 set one of Goudey’s highest production runs. High grades are still scarce today due to the fragility of the thin cardboard stock used and over 80 years of wear and tear.

Key Cards and Valuations:
There are several key cards in the 1938 Goudey set that can fetch huge prices in top condition. Here are some of the most valuable:

Babe Ruth (R314): Considered the key card of the set, an PSA/SGC Gem Mint 10 grade Ruth is worth around $200,000-$300,000. Even lower graded copies still sell for tens of thousands.

Lou Gehrig (R312): As one of the most iconic players of the 1930s, a Gem Mint Gehrig can reach $50,000-$75,000. Lower grades still sell well into the thousands.

Jimmie Foxx (R313): Foxx was one of the game’s best power hitters and his card has gained value in recent years. A Mint 9 could sell for $15,000-$25,000 with lower grades around $3,000-$5,000.

Mel Ott (R321): The Hall of Fame slugger’s card has also appreciated well. Near Mint-Mint copies trade hands for $8,000-$12,000 depending on centering and corners.

Dizzy Dean (R323): The title card of the set, Dean won 30 games in 1934 and his card remains a popular one. Near Mint examples can reach $5,000-$7,000.

Joe DiMaggio (R308): A rookie card for the future Yankee Clipper, Mint 9 copies have sold for $4,000-$6,000 with lower grades less.

Hank Greenberg (R309): Another rookie card, a well-centered Near Mint Greenberg brings $3,000-$4,000.

Pricing Considerations:
As with any collectible, there are several factors that influence pricing beyond just the player and condition. Centering, corners and edges all impact grade and therefore value. Complete set sales versus individual cards also see different market levels. Authenticity is also critical given the value of these older issues – expert verification from grading services like PSA or SGC adds confidence. And of course, rarity of the higher grades has pushed prices up significantly over the decades. Overall the 1938 Goudey set remains one of the most beloved issues from the classic era of baseball cards. Even in lower grades, examples provide an accessible link to the history and nostalgia that makes the hobby so popular.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1938

Leave a reply

Baseball cards exploded in popularity in the late 19th century as printed cards inserted in tobacco products allowed for mass production and widespread distribution. While the early decades of the 20th century saw numerous baseball card sets released, the 1938 set stands out as a pivotal year that helped transform the hobby into what it is today.

Released by the American Caramel Company, the 1938 set is widely considered the first “modern” set of baseball cards. It featured cards of all 16 major league teams at the time neatly organized into team subsets. Each player’s photo was accompanied by their team, position, and batting average from the 1937 season printed on the back. This basic formula set the template for most baseball card releases that followed.

The 1938 set is also notable for being one of the last true “tobacco era” issues as the 1951 trading card ban phased out inserts in cigarettes. This scarcity makes high quality examples from 1938 quite valuable today. Here is an overview of pricing trends for different players and conditions from the seminal 1938 set:

Common Players (PRC 1-3) – Cards featuring less notable players from the era in Poor-Good condition can be acquired for $5-20. Notable examples include backups and role players.

Solid Veterans (PRC 4-6) – Established major leaguers who were past their prime fetch $20-50 in Good-Very Good condition. Think pitchers like Lon Warneke or position players like Joe DiMaggio.

Future Hall of Famers (PRC 7-8) – Rookie cards or early career cards of inductees command $100-300 in Excellent-Mint condition. Examples include Bob Feller, Ted Williams, and Joe Medwick.

Superstars (PRC 9-10) – Iconic players in their prime like Hank Greenberg, Mel Ott, and Jimmie Foxx can bring $300-1000+ in pristine Near Mint-Mint condition, especially for their rarer team issues.

The condition and eye appeal of the card is paramount to pricing. Even common players jump up significantly in higher grades. The 1938 set is also notable for containing the rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Bob Feller, Ted Williams, and Joe Medwick. Their cards are especially valuable, with a PSA 10 Williams rookie bringing over $500,000 at auction.

While star rookies and future legends dominate the high-end, the 1938 set as a whole remains very collectible and affordable for most budgets. Even common players can be found for just pennies in lower grades. This accessibility along with its historical significance make it a perfect set for any baseball card collector just starting out or looking to fill in an older set from the pioneering tobacco era. Its simple yet iconic design also ensures the 1938s will always have strong nostalgic appeal among hobbyists.

The 1938 baseball card set was hugely influential as one of the first “modern” issues. Over 80 years later, it remains a cornerstone of the collecting hobby both for its affordability across all player tiers and scarcity as a true tobacco era release. Condition is paramount, but examples can be found to fit any budget. The 1938s established many of the traditions still seen in baseball cards today and deserve their place as one of the most important sets in the long history of the hobby.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1938 WHEATIES

Leave a reply

The 1938 Wheaties baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues in the history of the hobby. Issued by General Mills to promote their Wheaties cereal, the 1938 set featured cards of Major League Baseball stars from that era. While production numbers were high for the time at around 200 million printed, very few of these cards have survived in high grade due to the fragile nature of the cardboard stock they were printed on. The scarcity of well-preserved examples makes the 1938 Wheaties set highly valuable today.

The set contains 72 total cards, with each player photographed in action and stats listed on the reverse. Some of the biggest stars featured include Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Dizzy Dean, and Mel Ott. The front of each card prominently displays the Wheaties logo and brand name. The backs have a blue border and orange banner with the General Mills copyright. Condition is absolutely critical to value when pricing these vintage cards. Even minor flaws can drastically reduce a card’s worth.

For the highest graded 1938 Wheaties cards, prices start at $500-$1,000 for common players in Near Mint to Mint condition. Stars in similar grades will command $1,000-$3,000. The true gems that grade Gem Mint 10 can sell for astronomical sums. A 1938 Lou Gehrig graded PSA NM-MT 8 recently sold at auction for over $27,000. The all-time record is a 1938 Joe DiMaggio PSA Gem Mint 10 that sold for an unbelievable $396,000 in 2016. Condition is everything for these delicate 80+ year old cards.

While the true condition census cards bring top dollar, there is still value to be found in lower graded examples as well. 1938 Wheaties cards grading Fine to Very Fine can be acquired for $100-$500 depending on the player. Even heavily played copies in Poor to Fair condition from prominent stars will sell in the $50-$150 range. Common players in rougher condition may go for under $50. So there are affordable options for collectors interested in just owning a piece of cardboard history.

The huge production numbers from 1938 mean finding raw, ungraded Wheaties cards in your average card collection is not impossible. But it’s still rare given how much handling and damage they’ve endured over eight decades. Professionally graded examples provide a level of certainty about condition that gives collectors and investors peace of mind. The population reports from services like PSA and SGC also help establish true scarcity and value.

In addition to single cards, 1938 Wheaties are also found in uncut sheets. These were printing errors that left multiple cards connected without being cut apart. High grade examples with 10 cards or more can reach $5,000-$10,000 at auction due to their impressive eye appeal. Uncut sheets provide a different experience from solitary cards by allowing you to see the original printing layout. They are a major trophy piece for advanced Wheaties collectors.

When considering prices, take note that certain stars from the 1938 set have larger followings which creates more competition and demand. Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, and Dizzy Dean tend to be the most expensive due to their playing careers and fame endured to this day. But other Hall of Famers like Mel Ott and Lou Gehrig also maintain strong collector interest driving up prices. Condition is still the ultimate factor, but player preference does impact values as well.

The 1938 Wheaties baseball card set holds a special place in card collecting history as one of the original classic issues. Even in lower grades, examples provide a tangible connection to the golden age of the game from the late 1930s. Condition is critical, so carefully weigh an individual card’s quality when considering a purchase. With patience and diligence, it’s possible to add a piece of this iconic set to a collection within many budgets. Condition census gems will remain out of reach except for the most well-heeled investors. But the 1938 Wheaties cards ensure there is value and collecting opportunities for all levels.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1938 TOPPS

Leave a reply

1938 Topps Baseball Cards Price Guide

The 1938 Topps baseball card set was the very first series of modern gum cards produced by the Topps Chewing Gum Company. These vintage cards featured individual photos of major league players from that season on a gray background. The set contains a total of 75 cards numbered from 1 to 75. While production and distribution of the cards was relatively small compared to later decades, the 1938 Topps set remains highly coveted by collectors today due to its status as the first in the modern era of baseball cards. This comprehensive price guide will provide collectors with valuable information on valuation, grading, and desirability of each card in the landmark 1938 Topps set.

The most coveted and expensive card in the 1938 Topps set is the Mickey Mantle rookie card #67. In pristine near-mint to mint condition (graded NM-MT 8 or higher), Mantle rookie cards can fetch astronomical prices upwards of $2 million or more at auction. Even well-centered examples in excellent condition (EX 5) will still sell for six figures. The Mickey Mantle card is one of the true Holy Grails for any sports card collector and remains the single most valuable baseball card ever produced. Other highly valuable and sought-after cards from the set include the Joe DiMaggio #5 (>$100k NM), Ted Williams #28 (>$50k NM), and Lou Gehrig #47 (>$25k NM).

Condition is absolutely critical when determining the value of any 1938 Topps card. Even minor flaws or imperfections can significantly decrease a card’s worth. The set is quite fragile and examples that grade higher than EX 5 are extremely rare. Most surviving cards grade no higher than fair to good condition (G-VG 3). For common players, well-centered cards in EX 5 can still fetch $500-1000. In VG 3 condition, values will typically range between $100-300 depending on the player featured. For more obscure players, a card in EX 5 condition may only sell for $100-200.

Beyond the star players and rookie cards already mentioned, here are estimated price ranges for some other notable 1938 Topps cards in top-graded condition:

Hank Greenberg #10 – $15,000 NM, $5,000 EX

Mel Ott #11 – $8,000 NM, $3,000 EX

Jimmie Foxx #12 – $7,500 NM, $2,500 EX

Dizzy Dean #13 – $6,000 NM, $2,000 EX

Bill Dickey #14 – $5,000 NM, $1,500 EX

Lefty Gomez #15 – $4,500 NM, $1,250 EX

Joe Medwick #16 – $4,000 NM, $1,000 EX

Gabby Hartnett #17 – $3,500 NM, $900 EX

Ernie Lombardi #18 – $3,000 NM, $800 EX

Charlie Gehringer #19 – $2,500 NM, $700 EX

Some other key factors that can affect 1938 Topps card values include player pose and photo quality, centering, and the condition and completeness of the original gum. Cards with intact gum in EX 5 condition can often sell for a 20-30% premium over otherwise identical cards without gum. Backing/surface issues are also much more problematic for 1938 cards compared to later vintage sets due to the fragile paper stock used. Even minor issues such as creases, edge-wear, or discoloration can significantly downgrade a card.

The 1938 Topps set was truly groundbreaking as the first modern era of baseball cards. While examples in high grade are exceedingly rare today, the cards remain a cornerstone of the hobby for their historical significance. Values are primarily driven by player, condition, and completeness. The Mickey Mantle rookie continues to be the undisputed crown jewel and most valuable card in the set. With such a small original print run and fragile paper, collectors should expect condition sensitivities to remain very high for 1938 Topps well into the future. This price guide provides valuable insights to help collectors properly assess and value their holdings from this landmark set.

1938 GOUDEY BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1938 Goudey Baseball Card set was truly groundbreaking for the hobby of baseball card collecting. Produced by the American Card Company and featuring photographs from the National Pastime News Service, the 1938 Goudey set became one of the most iconic issues in the early decades of baseball cards. With its innovative design choices and featuring some of the true legends of the game, the 1938 Goudey set helped elevate baseball cards from mere promotional items into a true collector’s commodity.

The set consisted of a total of 231 cards issued over the course of the 1938 season. What made the 1938 Goudey set so notable was that it marked the first time that baseball cards featured individual player photographs on the fronts of the cards rather than team action shots or illustrations. Previously, most baseball cards had some variation of an overall team photo or a posed group shot on the front. By placing individual player mug shots on each card, the 1938 Goudey set helped establish the iconic baseball card design standard that still exists today of one player per card.

The player photographs were all acquired from the National Pastime News photo archives. This meant each image had a consistency in look and feel. In contrast to prior years where images may have varied more widely between different photographers, the 1938 Goudey set had a uniform photographic quality that added to its appeal. The card backs also included certain details about each player that were compiled by the leading sports authorities and publications of the time to ensure accuracy.

From a statistical standpoint, the 1938 Goudey set is also notable for featuring some true legends of baseball even in the early stages of their careers. This included Joe DiMaggio in his second season posting a .322 average and 146 RBI. That DiMaggio card in particular near- mint condition is valued in the tens of thousands today. The set also included legends like Mel Ott, Dizzy Dean, and Hank Greenberg early in their Hall of Fame careers. For collectors, having future all-time greats featured in one of their rookie or early career sets adds tremendous historical value.

Beyond the star power and iconic design, the production quality of 1938 Goudey cards was also a cut above prior issues. The stock was of a high quality thick cardboard. The vibrant colors and sharp details of the photographs popped off the cards. The uniform borders and clean layouts made for an attractive and visually pleasing finished product. Distribution was also aimed beyond just youth consumers. The higher production values suggested Goudey viewed the cards as collectibles for both children and adults. This helped build baseball cards into a true hobby and not just a passing promotional fad.

As one of the earliest mainstream baseball card sets to gain widespread popularity and availability, its legendary status grew over the decades. Near complete or gem mint sets from 1938 now fetch six-figure prices. Even lower-grade common players can sell for thousands. Individual rookie cards of legends like DiMaggio are among the most valuable cards in the entire hobby. While supplies of intact 1938 Goudey sets dwindle with each passing year, their impact and prestige seems only to grow stronger with time within the collecting community.

In retrospect, it’s clear to see how ahead of their time and innovative the creators of the 1938 Goudey Baseball Card set truly were. By making the simplist, yet most significant changes like individual player photography and higher production values, they helped elevate baseball cards from mere novelty to cherished collectible. In securing the first ever photos of legends like DiMaggio, Greenberg, and Ott, they documented some of the first steps of future Hall of Fame careers. Because of this confluence of factors, the 1938 Goudey Baseball Card set has become one of the true “crown jewels” and most iconic issues in the entire history of the hobby. Its history, star power, and sheer magnetism seem ensure its legacy will endure for generations of collectors to come.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1938 R328

Leave a reply

The 1938 R328 Goudey baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the history of the hobby. With its simple yet elegant design featuring photos of players from that era, the cards managed to capture the nostalgia of America’s pastime like few other sets have. Even over 80 years later, the 1938 Goudey set remains highly coveted by collectors and continues to influence the baseball card market with some of its stars fetching huge sums at auction. Here is an in-depth look at the set and what collectors can expect to pay for cards from the 1938 R328 series according to recent price guides and sale prices.

The 1938 Goudey set marked the company’s return to the baseball card scene after a brief hiatus. Like many early 20th century issues, the cards utilized a simple black-and-white photo design with minimal text. The front of each card featured a square portrait of the player along with their name and team. On the back was the player’s hometown and brief career stats. In total, there were 109 players featured across the set, with serial numbers ranging from R1 to R109.

Condition is key when it comes to value for 1938 Goudey cards. Even top stars from the set in worn, damaged condition may only fetch a few dollars. There are plenty of gems that have survived in excellent shape due to careful storage over eight decades. For collectors looking to acquire high grade examples, be prepared to pay premium prices. According to the latest Beckett Baseball Card Price Guide and recent auction sales, here is the value range you can expect to pay for some of the top stars and key cards from the 1938 R328 Goudey set in Near Mint to Mint condition:

Lou Gehrig (R101): Arguably the most iconic card from the set, a Near Mint to Mint Gehrig can sell for $15,000+ due to his status as one of the game’s all-time greats.

Joe DiMaggio (R31): Much like Gehrig, DiMaggio’s rookie card holds legendary status. Near Mint to Mint examples have sold for $10,000+.

Dizzy Dean (R53): As one of the game’s top pitchers of the 1930s, Dean’s card remains highly sought after. Near Mint copies have sold for around $3,000-$5,000.

Jimmie Foxx (R90): Foxx was a power hitter who smashed 500 career home runs. His card in top condition has sold for $2,000-$3,000.

Mel Ott (R97): The Hall of Famer’s card has sold for $1,500-$2,500 in Near Mint.

Lefty Gomez (R72): One of the premier pitchers of the 1930s, Gomez’s card has sold for $1,000-$1,500 in Near Mint.

In addition to stars, there are also several key short prints that are highly valuable to collectors:

Mickey Cochrane (R12): Considered the rarest card in the set, only 10-12 are known to exist. In Near Mint, it would sell for $15,000+.

Gabby Hartnett (R23): Another short print with only around 20-25 known. Near Mint examples have sold for $8,000+.

Jimmie Wilson (R109): The last card in the set is also a short print, with only 15-20 in collectors’ hands. Near Mint copies have sold for $5,000+.

For more common players in the set, prices drop off significantly even in top grades. Most regulars and role players in Near Mint can be acquired for $100-$300. There are still deals to be found on certain players if a collector is willing to accept a card in Excellent or lower condition. There are usually more affordable options for complete set collectors, as putting together a lower grade set is more feasible budget-wise compared to chasing pristine individual cards.

In terms of investment potential, the 1938 Goudey set stands out due to the history and nostalgia associated with it, along with the relative scarcity of high grade specimens that have survived in the decades since production. While individual cards at the top of the market have seen some short-term volatility, most experts agree that properly graded examples from the set will continue their long-term appreciation over decades as more collectors are drawn to the vintage baseball card market. The iconic stars of the 1930s enshrined in these cards ensure the 1938 R328 Goudey set will remain a cornerstone of the hobby for generations to come.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1938 DIAMOND STARS

Leave a reply

The 1938 Diamond Stars baseball card set is one of the most coveted issues among vintage baseball card collectors. Produced by Diamond Stars Gum Company, the set features players from the American and National Leagues in colorful photographic cards. With its iconic stars of the late 1930s and rarity, the 1938 Diamond Stars set holds significant value today.

The 1938 Diamond Stars set contains a total of 96 cards featuring players across the two major leagues at the time. Some of the biggest names included are Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Dizzy Dean, and Hank Greenberg. The photography is of high quality for the era, with each player headshot displayed against a colorful team banner backdrop. On the reverse, each card lists the player’s position, batting average, and other stats from the 1937 season.

Condition is extremely important when assessing the value of these 80+ year old cards. They were meant to be given out as incentives to purchase gum, so many were thoroughly played with and handled over the decades. The scarcity of high grade specimens drives prices up significantly. In top Near Mint to Mint condition, common players may sell for $100-200 while true stars can reach thousands.

One of the most iconic cards in the set is Lou Gehrig’s (#61 NYY). As one of the game’s greatest sluggers and most popular players at the time, his card carries extra allure. In PSA 8 condition, a 1938 Lou Gehrig Diamond Stars card recently sold for $15,000. The same card in PSA 6 condition went for $4,000, showing how condition impacts value. Other star cards that command big money include Joe DiMaggio (#38 NYY), Dizzy Dean (#28 STL), and Hank Greenberg (#25 DET).

Rookies and lesser known players from 1938 can still hold value depending on the player and grade. For example, a PSA 8 of Dolph Camilli’s (#59 Bkn) rookie card sold for $3,500. Camilli went on to have a solid career and his rookie is quite rare in top condition. Another 1938 rookie of note is Bobo Newsom’s (#93 Bkn) card. High graded examples of Newsom’s debut issue have sold in the $1,000-2,000 range.

Completing a full 96 card 1938 Diamond Stars set in high grade would be a monumental achievement, as it’s estimated less than 10% of the original print run still exist in collectible condition today. A few years ago, a PSA-graded set achieved a record-breaking auction price of over $250,000. For most collectors, acquiring complete common runs or individual stars in grades of EX-MT is the realistic goal.

Regional differences and store promotions also impacted print numbers for certain players. Cards of Brooklyn Dodgers players like Newsom and Camilli are scarcer than their New York Giants or Yankees counterparts. Finding high grade Dodgers from 1938 often requires deeper pockets. Condition census data from grading services helps provide a sense of comparative rarity between players and guides pricing expectations.

While the 1938 Diamond Stars set may seem out of reach price-wise for most collectors just starting out, there are still affordable options. Lesser stars or commons in EX-VG grades can often be found in the $50-100 range. These make for decent “player collectors” options to build a partial set over time. The iconic design and legendary players also give 1938 Diamond Stars cards strong potential to appreciate further if taken care of properly long term.

For dedicated vintage baseball card investors or advanced collectors, a 1938 Diamond Stars high grade collection represents a true blue chip holding. The combination of iconic stars, superb photography and design, and rarity has cemented this issue’s status as one of the most valuable from the pre-war era. Condition is critical, and pricing is determined by supply and demand for each individual card. But for those willing to pay top dollar, the 1938 Diamond Stars set offers a classic piece of sports card history.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1938 GOUDY

Leave a reply

The 1938 Goudy baseball card set is one of the most coveted issues among vintage baseball card collectors. Produced by the Goudy Gum Company, the 1938 Goudy set featured players from the American and National Leagues in a smaller 2.5″ by 1.5″ size compared to modern cards. With its nostalgic artwork and memorable players from baseball’s Golden Era, the 1938 Goudy set remains a highly sought after issue over 80 years later.

The 1938 Goudy set consists of 133 total cards that were inserted in packs of Goudy gum. Some of the notable Hall of Famers featured include Mel Ott, Hank Greenberg, Dizzy Dean, Jimmie Foxx, and Lefty Grove. Roster changes and call-ups resulted in several variations for some players. The cards featured colorful patriotic artwork on the fronts with player stats and positions on the backs. The smaller size and thinner cardboard stock of Goudy cards from the late 1930s make them more fragile than later issues.

In terms of condition, the 1938 Goudys are graded on the same 1-10 scale used by services such as PSA and SGC. Mint condition 9’s and 10’s from the set can be worth thousands due to the set’s age and limited surviving population in top grades. Even well-centered examples in Good 6 condition still carry value due to demand. The high-grade population reports from third-party grading companies provide collectors a sense of each card’s surviving quantity.

Some of the most valuable and sought after cards from the 1938 Goudy set include the following:

Lou Gehrig (#1): Considered the key card of the set. PSA 10 grades have sold for over $30,000. Even low-grade examples still fetch hundreds due to his iconic status.

Joe DiMaggio (#65): Another highly valuable rookie card. PSA 10’s have sold for over $20,000. Low-grades still hold value due to his fame and the set’s scarcity.

Dizzy Dean (#48): Iconic Cardinals’ hurler. PSA 10’s have sold for over $10,000. Low-grades still sell for multiple hundreds.

Mel Ott (#18): Hall of Fame slugger for the Giants. PSA 10’s have sold for over $7,500. Low-grades still sell for a few hundred.

Hank Greenberg (#37): Power-hitting Tigers’ first baseman. PSA 10’s have sold for over $5,000. Low-grades still sell for a few hundred.

Jimmie Foxx (#17): Hall of Fame slugger known as “Double X”. PSA 10’s have sold for over $5,000. Low-grades still sell for a couple hundred.

Lefty Grove (#19): Legendary A’s southpaw. PSA 10’s have sold for over $5,000. Low-grades still sell for a couple hundred.

Stars like Joe Medwick, Charlie Gehringer, Bill Dickey, and Dolph Camilli also carry value depending on condition. Rarer variations of players like Mel Ott and Jimmie Foxx with different uniform numbers can be especially valuable to advanced collectors.

When pricing a 1938 Goudy card, there are several factors to consider such as the player, condition, eye appeal, and centering. Top stars in PSA 9 or 10 condition can be worth thousands, while the same players in low-grades still hold value often in the $100-200 range. More common players may be worth $50-100 in top-grades. Even though 80+ years old, strong demand has kept 1938 Goudy prices relatively stable. With such classic designs and memorable players, this iconic set remains a blue-chip holding for vintage card collectors.

The 1938 Goudy baseball card set is without question one of the most historically significant issues due to its stars, artwork, and place in card collecting lore. Even in lower grades, examples retain value due to the set’s limited surviving population after eight decades of collecting. Condition is critical, as are the bigger stars like Gehrig, DiMaggio, Dean, Ott, Greenberg and Foxx. But the entire 133 card checklist carries value. The 1938 Goudy cards are a true high point of the pre-war era and remain a highly coveted target for dedicated vintage collectors.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1938 PLAY BALL

Leave a reply

The 1938 Play Ball baseball card set is one of the most popular and valuable vintage card issues from the 1930s. Produced by the American Chicle Company as a promotion for their chewing gum, the 1938 Play Ball set is the last major baseball card release before World War II disrupted production. With its colorful artwork and capturing of legends like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig in their primes, the 1938 set remains a highly collectible part of baseball card history.

The 1938 Play Ball set contains a total of 364 cards issued over the course of the season. The cards feature photos of major and minor league players from both the American and National Leagues on the front, with stats and career highlights on the back. Some key things that make the 1938 Play Ball set stand out include:

Hall of Famers: The 1938 set features over 50 future Hall of Famers, including legends like Babe Ruth (Card #1), Lou Gehrig (#2), Jimmie Foxx (#5), Mel Ott (#6) and many others. Getting a high grade example of a star from this era in their prime is extremely desirable.

Final Season for Legends: 1938 was the last season before retirement for all-time greats Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Their cards hold extra significance as some of the last portrayals of these legends in action before leaving the game.

Colorful Design: Bright colors and illustrations make the 1938 Play Ball set really pop visually compared to drabber tobacco era issues. The artwork attracted young collectors at the time and remains a big part of the set’s appeal today.

Rarity of High Grades: Very few examples of 1938 Play Ball cards have survived in top-graded Near Mint or higher condition due to the fragile cardboard stock and over 80 years of potential damage. High grades are exceptionally rare and valuable.

Complete Sets Still Elusive: With 364 total cards, putting together a fully intact 1938 Play Ball set in high grades is an extremely difficult task. Even incomplete sets with many key stars demand top dollar.

When it comes to individual card prices in the 1938 Play Ball set, there are several prime examples that routinely sell for five-figure sums or more:

Babe Ruth (#1): In PSA/SGC 8 or above, Ruth routinely brings $50,000+. A true gem mint grade could reach $100,000+.

Lou Gehrig (#2): Much like Ruth, eight-figure sums are not unheard of for a PSA/SGC 8+ graded Gehrig in this set.

Jimmie Foxx (#5): Foxx is one of the most valuable non-Ruth/Gehrig cards in the set. PSA 8s have sold for $15,000-30,000.

Mel Ott (#6): As a Hall of Famer, Ott cards also crack the five-figure range starting at PSA 8.

Joe DiMaggio (#17): An early DiMaggio as a young star player can net $10,000+ in top condition.

Hank Greenberg (#21): High grades of this future Hall of Famer routinely sell for $5,000-10,000.

Ted Williams (#43): One of the last Ted Williams cards before his epic career. PSA 8s have reached $15,000.

Bob Feller (#47): The young Feller’s card can reach $5,000 for PSA 8s as well.

Johnny Mize (#56): A star first baseman, PSA 8 Mizes have sold for around $4,000-5,000.

Beyond the true star cards, there are also plenty of valuable short prints and oddball parallel variations that can spike 1938 Play Ball prices even further:

Error Cards: Cards like an error back Ted Lyons (#240) or front image swapped Johnny Rizzo (#339) can reach five figures for top collectors.

Parallel Back Variations: Around two dozen cards have variations in the stats or text on the backs, making high grade matched number/back pairs extremely scarce.

Printing Variations: Things like different color uniforms, borders, or stats positioning make some cards much harder to obtain in top matched condition.

Short Prints: Scarcer players like Johnny Allen (#144) or Jim Weaver (#321) have far lower print runs and command premiums even in lower grades.

As one of the most iconic and collectible pre-war baseball card sets ever produced, the 1938 Play Ball issue continues to entice vintage collectors nearly a century after its original release. With its timeless photos and artwork combined with the legendary players and scarcity of high grades, the 1938 set shows no signs of losing value and demand over time. For dedicated collectors, pursuing a complete set or chasing individual star cards in pristine condition offers the thrill of obtaining true American pop culture treasures with a rich history in the game of baseball.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1938 GUM INC

Leave a reply

Baseball cards were first included as incentives in chewing gum and cigarette packaging in the late 19th century, with manufacturers Frank Henry and Don Clendon attempting some of the earliest insertions. It was the launch of Goudey Gum Company’s 1938 baseball card series that really cemented the baseball card collecting craze that has persisted for generations. Including a range of vividly illustrated images of Major League Baseball stars from that era, the Goudey cards included in their gum packs still hold immense nostalgia and value for collectors today.

Goudey Gum, based in Boston, was far from the first company to include small promotional cards or images within products like gum and cigarettes. Baseball cards had been appearing sporadically in various inserts since the 1880s. The Goudey release took the concept to a new level in terms of production quality, uniformity of size and format, and its scope of coverage of the professional baseball landscape at that time. Produced on thicker card stock than previous issues, with vibrant color illustrations and bronze PhotoGravure printing, the Goudey cards made collecting a more standardized and visually appealing pursuit.

The set totalled 219 cards and was issued in several series over multiple years from 1938 to 1939. Highlights of the roster included the likes of Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Jimmie Foxx right at the peak of their Hall of Fame careers. Other notables featured were Hank Greenberg, Joe DiMaggio and Dizzy Dean. What made the collection especially popular was that it covered players from across the American and National Leagues, whereas previous issues had focused on just one league or a handful of teams. This wider representation helped collectors build out comprehensive albums rapidly as the cards circulated.

In terms of monetary value, the most prized 1938 Goudey cards nowadays are the harder-to-find short prints and one-of-a-kind errors that were mixed into packs back in the late 1930s. Popular individual cards fetching six-figure prices at auction include the famous Babe Ruth ‘dock’ card, showing him pointing, which has been known to surpass $500,000. Other ultra-rare variations like the reverse-image Joe DiMaggio card can sell for over $200,000 in mint condition. There is big money to be made even with more common cards in pristine preserved state. A mint Lou Gehrig can sell for $8,000-15,000 online.

The design and printing quality of the 1938 Goudey set helped drive its popularity immensely. Featuring headshots or action poses of players, vibrant colors popped off the bronze photo images. Uniform sizing and positioning of stats on the back cemented it as the real start of standardized modern baseball card collecting. The cards’ durable thick stock enabled many to survive in mint condition after over 80 years encased in albums or stuck safely in attics or basements. This longevity of condition plays a huge role in the premium prices paid today by diehard collectors.

While the Goudey series only lasted from 1938-39 before World War II paper shortages halted production, its impact was huge and long-lasting. Not only did it drive the baseball card collecting craze into a nationwide phenomenon, the classic designs and roster have influenced many subsequent retro re-issues. The T206 cigarette series is considered the earliest true sports card set but it was the Goudey gum releases that established the blueprint as we know it. Their inclusion in affordable packs of chewing gum made amassing a collection an attainable hobby for many fans during a time of few diversions.

In the decades since, the 1938 Goudey cards have become some of the most prized possessions of vintage sports memorabilia enthusiasts. Often highly graded and preserved in protective sleeves, a complete PSA-graded Goudey set recently sold at auction for $2.88 million, underscoring their immense value. With online databases now cataloging each printing variation, anomalies are even more closely analyzed. This has enabled individual cards to appreciate rapidly based on scarce variations or unique production errors that place them in a class of their own. The financial potential and historical appeal ensure that Goudey cards from 1938 and 1939 will rightfully remain some of the most alluring issues in the entire sports collecting universe.

The 1938 Goudey gum company baseball card series was a true watershed moment in the establishment of baseball cards as a mainstream collecting pastime. By standardizing size and format while covering players from across the major leagues, Goudey captured the first true “set” that enabled rapid collecting. Their durable design and production quality has allowed many pieces to survive in excellent condition to this day, demanding top prices for even common Hall of Famers. While short prints and bizarre errors make headlines, the whole 1938-39 Goudey releases retain immense nostalgia and remain sought-after targets for new and veteran collectors alike due to their fundamental role in shaping the baseball card landscape.