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BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1948 R346

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1948 R346 Baseball Card Price Guide: Values for Mickey Mantle Rookie and Other Cards From the Set

The 1948 R346 Bowman baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues in the hobby, headlined by Mickey Mantle’s rookie card. This 86-card set from 1948 contained some of the biggest stars in baseball at the time, and many consider it to be the most historically significant cardboard release of all-time due to Mantle’s star power. Over 70 years later, high-grade examples of cards from this set continue to sell for impressive sums. Let’s take a deeper look at the 1948 R346 release and breakdown price guide values for some of its key cards.

What Made the 1948 R346 Set Special?

Released in 1948 by the Bowman Gum Company, the R346 set was notable for being the last full baseball card set issued before Topps gained exclusive rights to baseball cards in 1953. While many of the biggest players from the late 1940s are featured, the main attraction is Mantle’s rookie card, which ranks as one of the true Holy Grails in the collecting world.

Mantle went on to have a Hall of Fame career as a legendary slugger for the New York Yankees. His uncanny athletic ability and natural power at the plate made him an instant star in pro ball. Having such an iconic figure’s first card is a major reason why the 1948 R346 set holds so much significance. Beyond Mantle, stars like Ted Williams, Phil Rizzuto, Early Wynn, and Roy Campanella are prominent in the checklist as well.

1948 R346 Mickey Mantle Rookie Card Values

Without question, the centerpiece of any 1948 R346 collection is the Mickey Mantle rookie card. Even in low grades, it maintains a tremendous premium over other cards from the set due to the player’s significance in baseball history. Here’s a breakdown of Mantle rookie card values across different condition grades:

PSA 1 – Around $20,000
PSA 3 – $30,000-$40,000
PSA 5 – $75,000-$100,000
PSA 7 – $150,000-$200,000
PSA 8 – $250,000-$350,000
PSA 9 – $500,000+
PSA 10 – $2 million to over $5 million

As you can see, the scale tips dramatically with each incremental grade increase. A Gem Mint PSA 10 Mantle rookie is one of the most prized possessions in the hobby and has shattered auction records, with certain specimens selling for well over $5 million. Even low-grade examples still carry a premium in the five-figure range due to their incredible rarity and significance.

Other Key Cards from the 1948 R346 Set

While no other card comes close to matching Mantle’s allure, here are some notable players and their typical price ranges across different grades:

Ted Williams: $3,000-$8,000 in PSA 5; $15,000-$25,000 in PSA 7
Stan Musial: $1,000-$2,500 in PSA 5; $5,000-$10,000 in PSA 7
Bob Feller: $500-$1,000 in PSA 5; $2,000-$4,000 in PSA 7
Phil Rizzuto: $400-$800 in PSA 5; $1,500-$3,000 in PSA 7
Early Wynn: $300-$600 in PSA 5; $1,000-$2,000 in PSA 7
Whitey Lockman: $200-$400 in PSA 5; $600-$1,200 in PSA 7

Lower-tier stars and common players are still coveted by set builders due to the appeal and scarcity of 1948 cardboard. Even rank-and-file cards are valuable in top grades, routinely selling for hundreds of dollars each. Condition is paramount, as the fragile, 70+ year old material shows wear easily. Beyond PSA 7, values spike dramatically across the board.

In Closing: Iconic Status and Future Potential

The 1948 R346 set endures as arguably the most iconic release in baseball card history. Mantle’s inclusion as a rookie elevated the set to an entirely new level of significance. While mint examples fetch millions, there is something appealing about collecting any piece of this special set. Values are driven by scarcity as high-quality specimens from 1948 are few and far between after seven decades of surviving the tests of time.

Given Mantle’s legendary status and the set’s importance as the last true pre-Topps issue, the 1948 R346 cards are sure to retain their iconic status for decades to come. As time goes by, what is already a truly rare set will only gain further appreciation historically. For collectors of virtually any budget, owning a piece of this release is an exciting prospect. The 1948 R346 Bowman set defined the modern baseball card collecting phenomenon and will undoubtedly maintain its place as one of the true crown jewels in the hobby for generations to come.

1948 EXHIBIT BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1948 baseball season gave rise to one of the most unique and fascinating subsets in the history of the hobby – 1948 exhibit baseball cards. In 1948, two companies – Exhibits, Inc. and Wrigley Gum – produced sets of promotional cards featuring current major league players. These cards were unlike any that came before them.

Both Exhibits and Wrigley issued their 1948 sets solely as premiums to be given away at hobby, sporting, and collector shows. They were not sold commercially in packs or included in gum/candy products as most modern sets were. Instead, the cards would be distributed free to visitors at events like the New York Hobby & Collector’s Show. This unusual limited distribution method is why these subsets are referred to as “exhibit sets” today.

Exhibits, Inc. was a Chicago-based company that manufactured collectibles like tokens, medals, and other promotional items for events and shows. In 1948 they produced what is believed to be the first-ever set solely intended for distribution at trade shows and expositions rather than mass retail sale. The Exhibits set featured 50 total cards showing players from both the American and National Leagues.

Some key details about the Exhibits 1948 baseball exhibit set:

Card size is 2.125″ x 3.125″, slightly larger than modern baseball cards.

Black and white photos are used on a gray stock paper. Basic player stats are listed on the bottom.

No gum or candy included, as this was not a commercial product but rather a hobby show premium.

Players like Mel Ott, Hank Greenberg, and Enos Slaughter are some of the bigger names featured.

Production numbers were very low since these were niche premium items not mass produced packs. Estimates range from only 500-3,000 sets likely printed.

High grade specimens in near-mint to mint condition are exceedingly rare today due to the limited original print run and age. Even well-worn copies can be quite valuable.

The set established Exhibits as a pioneer in unique non-standard baseball card issues intended for trade shows rather than stores.

Also in 1948, Wrigley Gum produced their own Baseball Card Collectors Assortment, another 50 card exhibit set. Some notable differences versus the Exhibits issue:

The Wrigley cards used color photos on a thicker grayish cardboard stock.

Design features a red “Wrigley’s Baseball Card Collectors Assortment” banner across the top.

Production was likely on a slightly larger scale at 2,000 to 5,000 sets, but still an extremely low number for popularity and scarcity.

Includes superstars like Ted Williams, Stan Musial, and Joe DiMaggio, making complete high grade sets exceptionally valuable.

Wrigley had previously issued baseball cards but only within gum products. This was among their earliest non-gum inserted sets.

Both the Exhibits and Wrigley 1948 exhibit sets are key attractions for serious vintage baseball card collectors and exhibitors alike. Examples that grade high regularly sell for thousands due to their interesting limited origins.

While short-lived as merely a single-year novelty, the 1948 Exhibits and Wrigley exhibit baseball card sets laid important groundwork. They established the concept of specialized premium non-standard issues distributed at trade shows rather than markets. This helped shape the collecting hobby by appealing to a niche audience outside of mainstream retail customers. Their ultra-low print runs also guaranteed these early examples instant scarcity and long term appreciation. For these reasons, the 1948 baseball exhibit cards remain one of the most fascinating historical footnotes in the industry.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1948 BLUE TINT

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The 1948 baseball card season is one of the most iconic years in the history of the hobby. It was the first year that cards were mass produced by Topps, as they had taken over production from Bowman Gum. The 1948 set is filled with Hall of Famers and stars of that era. It also introduced one of the most sought after variations – the blue tint parallel.

The standard 1948 Topps cards featured vibrant color photos on a white background. For a small subset of the set, the photos were instead printed with a subtle blue tint overlaying the image. This created a softer, dreamier look compared to the standard issue cards. Only a small number were printed this way, making the blue tints incredibly rare and desirable for collectors.

Top collectors consider high grade examples of the 1948 blue tint parallels to be the holy grail of the vintage set. In gem mint condition, the right blue tint can sell for well into the six figure range and set new records. The exact print run is unknown, but specialists estimate there are likely fewer than 10 complete blue tint sets still in existence today.

Some key things to know about pricing the 1948 Topps blue tints:

The most valuable are the superstars of the era such as Mickey Mantle, Jackie Robinson, Ted Williams, and Stan Musial. High grade examples of their blue tint cards can reach $150,000+ individually.

Rarer players like Ed Stewart or Fred Martin can still fetch $5,000-$10,000 for their blue tints in top condition due to their scarcity.

Common players are still highly valuable. A blue tint of someone like Earl Torgeson can sell for $3,000-$5,000 graded mint.

Condition is absolutely critical, as with any vintage issue. The difference between a PSA 8 and PSA 9 can be tens of thousands of dollars due to the rarity. A flawless PSA 10 is a true condition census card.

Prices have steadily increased over time. Records are regularly being broken, such as a PSA 9 Mickey Mantle recently selling for a record $240,000. Values will likely continue appreciating.

Complete blue tint sets in top grades have sold at auction for well over $1 million before. The record is a PSA-graded set that reached $1.2 million.

In addition to the blue tints, there are a few other notable 1948 Topps variations that can greatly increase a card’s value:

Inverted center (IC) error cards. These have the photo and text switched positions. Examples include Warren Spahn and Phil Rizzuto.

Missing signature variations. A small number of cards like Red Schoendienst and Tommy Henrich were printed without a signature.

Gum stains. Cards with original Topps gum residue are highly collectible, showing the card was perfectly preserved since new.

Printing errors. Miscuts, color anomalies, and other flaws can make error cards very valuable to specialists.

Autographs. Signed examples of the stars from the 1948 set can reach thousands extra depending on the signature quality and player.

The 1948 Topps baseball card set started the modern era of the hobby. Its beautiful photos and memorable players remain iconic today. But the true crown jewels remain the ultra-rare blue tint parallel issues. In top grades, they represent some of the most valuable vintage cards that can be found. For serious vintage collectors, finding high grade examples of the 1948 blue tints is the ultimate prize.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1948 R406 1

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The 1948 R406-1 baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the post-World War 2 era. Issued by Bowman Gum, the 1948 set featured players from both the American and National Leagues in their vivid color portraits. With its vibrant colors and focus on star players of the time, the 1948 Bowman set helped reinvigorate the baseball card market and reestablish the hobby’s popularity after a lull during the war years.

While production numbers for the original 1948 Bowman set are not precisely known, estimates suggest only about 200 complete unopened wax packs may still exist today, making individual cards extremely rare. The set includes a total of 72 cards issued in series ranging from R401 to R406. Within these series, the R406-1 subset featuring the set’s biggest stars in vibrant color portraits have become the most coveted and valuable cards for collectors.

Some key details on the iconic 1948 R406-1 subset that helped drive early post-war baseball card mania include:

The R406-1 subset featured 16 of the game’s biggest stars at the time, including Ted Williams, Stan Musial, Bob Feller, and Jackie Robinson in his rookie card year. Robinson’s appearance in the set was especially significant as one of the first widely distributed black baseball cards.

Cards were printed using a vivid four-color lithograph process that gave the portraits a bright, almost cartoon-like quality. This set the visual standard for many 1950s sets that followed in highlighting players’ facial features.

Production was limited, with experts estimating fewer than 50 examples survive in pristine gem mint condition or better for some of the superstar R406-1 cards. The rarity greatly multiplies their value today.

The cards had no statistics or biographical information on the back, instead featuring a simple “return address” style back with the Bowman Gum company information. This clean design allowed the focus to remain on the large color portraits.

When it comes to pricing some of the key 1948 R406-1 stars, the following details showcase just how significantly condition and grade can impact a card’s potential worth from a few thousand to over $1 million:

A PSA GEM MT-10 graded Jackie Robinson rookie in the R406-1 subset recently sold at auction for over $3.12 million, setting a new record price for a baseball card. Even a lower grade PSA 8 example could still fetch $200,000+.

A Ted Williams or Stan Musial R406-1 in PSA 8 condition would sell for $50,000-$100,000 depending on bidding activity. Still gems but in lower PSA 6-7 grades could go for $15,000-30,000.

Star pitchers Bob Feller and Warren Spahn in PSA 8 would sell in the $15,000-25,000 range, while a PSA 10 Feller could potentially break $100,000.

Lessor stars in the subset like Phil Cavarretta or Eddie Waitkus can still sell for $3,000-8,000 in top PSA 8-9 grades given their rarity. Lower grades would be $1,000-3,000.

When factoring in things like a player’s fame, the importance of their 1948 performance, and overall population statistics, the 1948 R406-1 subset became the true blue chip vintage cards that could sustain or increase in value over time. While condition is critical, simply owning any example from this hallowed 66-year old set is a true highlight for any serious baseball card collector. With its place in memorabilia history secure, the 1948 R406-1 cards will assuredly remain a pinnacle that many aspire to in building their collections.

BASEBALL CARDS 1948

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The year 1948 was a pivotal one for baseball cards. Following World War II, the baseball card industry was undergoing major changes that would help define the modern era of the hobby. Several new sets were released that year that captured the post-war excitement around the national pastime and helped spark renewed interest in collecting baseball cards.

Topps released their first post-war set in 1948 after taking over production from Bowman Gum. This set featured players from both the American and National Leagues and is considered one of the most iconic vintage issues. The 1948 Topps set contained a total of 67 cards featuring individual player photos on the front with basic stats and team information on the back. Some of the stars featured included Ted Williams, Stan Musial, Bob Feller, and Phil Rizzuto. The 1948 Topps set marked the company’s first year as the dominant baseball card manufacturer.

Bowman Gum had produced baseball cards continuously since 1933 but suspended production during World War II due to rationing of supplies. When they re-entered the market in 1948, they released their final set which contained 82 cards. This set featured a mix of team photos and individual player portraits. Notable players included in the 1948 Bowman set were Joe DiMaggio, Jackie Robinson in his second year, and pitcher Warren Spahn. The 1948 Bowman issue would be the company’s last foray into baseball cards before exiting the market permanently.

1948 also saw the release of the first post-war set from Leaf Trading Card Company titled “Leaf 1948-49.” This set contained 72 cards with individual player photos on the front and stats on the back similar to Topps. Notable rookies in this set included future Hall of Famers Roy Campanella and Willie Mays in his first card appearance. The Leaf 1948-49 set helped re-establish the company as an alternative to Topps in the baseball card market.

In addition to standard baseball card issues, 1948 saw the release of some innovative specialty sets. Bell Brand, known for their gum and candy products, released a unique 48 card set titled “Bell Brand 1948 All American Baseball.” Unlike typical player cards, each card in this set featured an action photo of a baseball scene or play on the front along with player names and stats on the back. This set helped popularize the use of action shots and team themes on cards rather than just individual player portraits.

1948 also saw the release of the first major league team-specific sets. Both the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants issued their own 24 card team sets that season through the Leaf Candy Company. These sets featured individual photos of players from each respective team. They helped popularize the concept of dedicated team sets among collectors that remains popular today.

In terms of the baseball season itself, 1948 saw the continued integration of African American players in the major leagues. Jackie Robinson of the Brooklyn Dodgers had a breakout season, batting .296 with 12 home runs and 124 RBIs while also stealing home plate 12 times. The Cleveland Indians won the World Series, led by pitcher Bob Feller and second baseman Lou Boudreau.

The 1948 baseball card releases helped reinvigorate the hobby following World War II. Topps, Bowman, and Leaf all issued innovative new sets featuring the sport’s biggest stars. Specialty sets like those from Bell Brand also expanded the potential for creative card designs. Increased focus on specific teams through sets like those from Brooklyn and New York also helped evolve the collector experience. The 1948 season was a landmark year that helped define many modern aspects of the baseball card industry.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1948 R406 3

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1948 Bowman Gum Baseball Card Price Guide – R406-3

The 1948 Bowman Gum baseball card set, identified as R406-3 in price guides and checklists, represented a major shift in the baseball card collecting hobby. It was the first card set released by Bowman Gum after WWII, during which baseball card production had largely halted. With 161 total cards across 16 teams, 1948 Bowman introduced full color photographs on the fronts of cards for the first time. This innovation established the template that would come to define the classic postwar baseball card era of the 1950s.

Given its historical significance and collectability, 1948 Bowman cards remain highly sought after by vintage baseball card collectors. Condition and specific player/card variations have a major impact on estimated values. To research pricing details for individual 1948 Bowman cards, collectors should consult an authoritative price guide such as The Tuff Stuff Standard Catalog of Vintage Baseball Cards or Beckett Baseball Card Price Guide. This article examines key characteristics and value drivers for the complete 1948 Bowman set according to those leading guides.

Set Details:

Produced by Bowman Gum Co. in Philadelphia
16 teams each with 10 player cards (160 total cards)
1 blank back “premium” card
Full color photos on the front, black and white stats on the back
Size: 2 1/8″ x 2 3/4″
Card stock: Thin, soft, grayish paper

Condition is extremely important for 1948 Bowman cards due to the fragile card stock. Even minor edge/corner wear or creasing can significantly reduce a card’s value. Top grades of Near Mint (NM) or Mint (MT) are required to achieve high prices. Some scarcer or star player cards can demand over $1,000 in top condition.

Among the most valuable cards in the 1948 Bowman set:

Hank Aaron RC (Braves) – NM+: $2,500-$3,000
Willie Mays RC (Giants) – NM+: $5,000+
Jackie Robinson RC (Dodgers) – NM: $2,000-$2,500

Other stars that command $500+ in top condition include Stan Musial, Ted Williams, Johnny Mize and Enos Slaughter. The majority of common players fall in the $50-$200 range depending on condition when graded NM.

The 1948 Bowman set also included several variations that increase rarity and value:

Reverse printing error cards (players’ positions are reversed)
Blank back “premium” card instead of stats
Printing flaws such as missing signatures

These scarce variations can often sell for multiples of a standard card’s value. The biggest keys to high prices are superlative condition grades (MT or Gem Mint 10) paired with a desired star player or scarce variation. Even at lower grades, condition remains paramount – a VG-EX card may sell for only $20-50 depending on the player.

While a complete 1948 Bowman set in high grade could demand over $10,000 today given its barrier to entry, most collectors specialize in acquiring individual cards that fit their collection needs and budget. Condition census data shows fewer than 10% of surviving 1948 Bowman cards grade higher than EX. It remains one of the most iconic and important sets from the early modern baseball card era. Over 70 years later, it continues to captivate collectors with its historical firsts and desirable investment-caliber cards.

Condition reigns supreme when pricing individual 1948 Bowman cards or evaluating potential set value. High grade examples of rookie stars like Aaron, Mays and Robinson lead the way in demand and price appreciation. Scarce variations offer enhanced rarity and value potential as well. As the first true “modern” design, the 1948 Bowman set established a template that defined the historic post-war baseball card boom – solidifying its place as a true heirloom collecting treasure.

1948 LEAF BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1948 Leaf baseball card set is regarded as one of the rarest and most iconic issues in the entire hobby. Produced by the Leaf Candy Company of Philadelphia, the 1948 set featured over 160 player portraits on gum/candy wrappers. Despite only being released regionally in the Northeastern United States, the 1948 Leaf set has continued to fascinate collectors for decades due to the elite rookie class it showcased and various printing errors found within.

At the time of issue in 1948, the Major League Baseball landscape was undergoing some monumental changes. Jackie Robinson had just broken the color barrier as the first African American in the majors the prior season with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Meanwhile, an endless stream of players were returning from military service in World War II looking to resume their baseball careers. This post-war influx led to immense rookie talent joining big league rosters all at once.

Fittingly, the 1948 Leaf set captured photos of these debuting stars, including future Hall of Famers like Roy Campanella, Earl Weaver, Nellie Fox, Harvey Kuenn, Early Wynn, and Del Crandall. Perhaps most notably, the rookie card of Dodgers’ legend Jackie Robinson is one of the true holy grails for collectors. Robinson’s influence and success in integrating baseball is immortalized on this rare early issue card. In addition to these future Hall of Famers, the 1948 Leaf set also featured other notables like Yogi Berra in one of his earliest baseball cards.

Despite the treasure trove of rookie talent showcased, production and distribution problems plagued the 1948 Leaf set from the beginning. The Leaf Candy Company had only minor previous experience producing baseball cards prior to 1948. As a result, errors occurred such as misspellings of players’ names and the inclusion of non-major leaguers from the minors and negro leagues. These mistakes actually add mystique to the set today as each printing anomaly is recognized as a unique variation by enthusiasts. They demonstrated the lack of quality control for Leaf’s initial large baseball card undertaking in 1948.

Distribution was also an issue, as the 1948 Leaf cards mainly saw release confined to shops in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and New England. The limited regional accessibility guaranteed that many players’ rookie cards from that year’s standout rookie class would not reach a wide audience. This resulted in the 1948 Leaf set having extremely low survival rates compared to Topps, the dominant card maker of the postwar modern era. Only an estimated 10-20 complete 1948 Leaf sets are known to still exist today out of the millions originally produced. Single cards are even more uncommon.

Over the following decades, the 1948 Leaf set earned a legendary status among serious collectors. As the iconic rookie seasons of players like Robinson, Berra, Campanella, and others were cemented in baseball history books, demand rose for seeing their earliest cardboard appearances. The true rarity of surviving 1948 Leaf cards was also realized as the vast majority had long since been chewed, destroyed, or lost to the ages. Prices escalated dramatically, with a Jackie Robinson rookie fetching over $250,000 in recent auctions. Even common players regularly command thousands due to their immense historical significance.

In the modern collecting boom, the 1948 Leaf set has taken on almost mythical proportions. Reproductions and facsimiles are not allowed to be produced under MLB and Topps’s strict Memorabilia and Authentication Program. This ensures that only the genuine articles retained real value. Seminars and guidebooks have been written to help enthusiasts understand the many variations and errors within the set. Full registries showcase every known player issue from 1948 Leaf. Without question, the allure of owning tangible pieces of baseball’s integration period has cemented this underproduced regional gum wrapper issue as one of the crown jewels of the hobby. The unprecedented rookie class and scarceness combine to make 1948 Leaf baseball cards a truly legendary release.

BOWMAN GUM BASEBALL CARDS 1948

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The 1948 Bowman Gum baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic vintage issues in the history of the hobby. Issued as promotional inserts in packs of Bowman Gum, the 1948 cards introduced color photography to the set for the first time and featured many of baseball’s biggest stars from that era. The set contains a total of 72 cards featuring players from both the American and National Leagues and is highly sought after by collectors today due to its historical significance and the fact that it captures a unique snapshot in time for the sport.

Some key things to know about the 1948 Bowman Gum baseball card set include:

Introduction of Color Photography: Prior to 1948, baseball cards were primarily produced using black and white photography. The 1948 Bowman issue was the first major set to utilize color photography across all cards. This made the players and uniforms really pop compared to previous monochrome issues.

Icons of the Game: The 1948 Bowman set features legendary players like Ted Williams, Stan Musial, Bob Feller, Warren Spahn, Johnny Mize and many others who were among the game’s biggest stars during that era. Collectors love owning vintage cards of all-time great players in their prime.

Rarity of High-Grade Cards: Because the cards were distributed as a gum insert set nearly 75 years ago, high-grade specimens from 1948 Bowman in mint or near-mint condition are exceedingly rare today. The fragile cardboard stock and acidic gum substance took their toll over the decades.

Legacy of the Bowman Brand: The 1948 issue helped further cement Topps’ Bowman brand as the premier producer of baseball cards during the post-war period. Their innovative use of color photography set the standard that other companies tried to emulate.

Historical Significance: The 1948 set serves as an important historical artifact documenting the players and uniforms from that unique point in MLB history as the sport was recovering from WWII. Seeing the classic home and away uniform designs in color adds greater context.

Strong Player Imagery: The brightly-colored photos on the 1948 Bowman cards provide crisp, clear depictions of each ballplayer. Fans enjoy how the images really capture the personalities and talents of stars from yesteryear.

Iconic Design Elements: Elements like the team logo watermarks, Bowman Gum banner at the top and player stats listing on the back have become synonymous with vintage baseball card aesthetics. The 1948 design template influenced many future issues.

In terms of production and distribution details, the 1948 Bowman Gum baseball cards were printed by the Brown & Bigelow company and issued as 5-card wax wrapped packs inserted randomly in Bowman Gum packages. It’s estimated only around 50-100 complete sets survive today in high grade due to the fragile nature of the cardboard over seven decades. The most valuable and desirable cards include short prints like Red Schoendienst (Card #61) and early Hall of Famers like Williams, Musial, Feller and others. Graded specimens above a PSA/BGS 7 are extremely scarce.

While the 1948 Topps/Bowman Gum set didn’t have any true short prints or errors compared to later vintage issues, it remains highly significant from a historical perspective. Seeing the who’s who of 1940s MLB immortalized in colorful cards was a huge innovation that changed the hobby forever. Even at a very young age, collectors could admire their baseball heroes in full living color. Prices have steadily climbed in recent years as vintage card popularity has surged. A complete high-grade 1948 Bowman Gum set would command a significant six-figure price at auction if one ever became available.

The 1948 Bowman Gum baseball card set was truly groundbreaking and serves as a fascinating historical artifact. Its colorful cards captured the personalities and talents of baseball’s greatest players from over 70 years ago in a way that had never been done before. Today, collectors are willing to pay top dollar to own these fragile pieces of cardboard that document an important turning point for the sport and the hobby. The 1948 issue will always have a special place in the hearts of vintage enthusiasts for what it represented – the dawn of a new colorful era in baseball cards after the trials of World War II.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1948 R406 2

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1948 Bowman Gum Baseball Card Price Guide – R406-2

The 1948 Bowman Gum baseball card set, known by the catalog number R406-2, was issued during the 1948 season as part of Bowman Gum baseball card packs. The set featured 162 total cards highlighting players from both the American and National Leagues. While not as iconic or valuable as some of the more famous vintage sets like the T206 and 1933 Goudey cards, the 1948 Bowman set remains highly collectible among vintage baseball card enthusiasts. This comprehensive price guide will explore the history of the 1948 R406-2 set and provide estimated values for each card in various grades of condition.

Background and History

Issued by the Bowman Gum Company, the 1948 R406-2 baseball card set marked the first time that cards were produced featuring every player on every major league roster. Prior Bowman sets had focused on star players and fan favorites but this was the initial “complete” set highlighting every player. The cards featured black and white player photos on the front with no writing or statistics on the front. On the reverse, each card listed the player’s position, batting average, home runs and runs batted in from the previous season.

The cards measured approximately 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches and were issued as part of wax paper wrapped gum packs containing around 15 cards each. Production numbers were high for the time with millions of packs produced. High production also meant many of the cards ended up in poor condition over the decades as they were heavily used, abused and stored improperly. Finding high grade examples of most 1948 Bowman cards remains challenging.

The 1948 Bowman set is considered the first “modern” design for a complete baseball card set as it featured a card for every player rather than just stars. It helped pave the way for the expansive complete sets that have been the standard since the 1950s. While not as iconic as some earlier vintage issues, the 1948 R406-2 cards remain an important part of the early post-war baseball card era and hold significance as the first true “complete” set.

1948 Bowman Card Values by Player and Condition

To give collectors an idea of estimated current values, below is a sampling of prices that some key 1948 Bowman cards in different condition grades may command on the current vintage baseball card market:

Ted Williams (BOS)

PSA NM-MT 8: $800-1000
PSA EX 5: $400-600
PSA VG-EX 3-4: $150-250

Stan Musial (STL)

PSA NM-MT 8: $500-700
PSA EX 5: $250-350
PSA VG-EX 3-4: $100-150

Bob Feller (CLE)

PSA NM-MT 8: $450-600
PSA EX 5: $200-300
PSA VG-EX 3-4: $75-125

Jackie Robinson (BRO)

PSA NM-MT 8: $350-450
PSA EX 5: $150-250
PSA VG-EX 3-4: $50-100

Joe DiMaggio (NYY)

PSA NM-MT 8: $300-400
PSA EX 5: $150-250
PSA VG-EX 3-4: $50-100

Warren Spahn (BRA)

PSA NM-MT 8: $200-300
PSA EX 5: $100-150
PSA VG-EX 3-4: $30-50

Roy Campanella (BRO)

PSA NM-MT 8: $150-250
PSA EX 5: $75-125
PSA VG-EX 3-4: $25-50

Hank Aaron (BRA)

PSA NM-MT 8: $100-150
PSA EX 5: $50-75
PSA VG-EX 3-4: $20-30

Bob Lemon (CLE)

PSA NM-MT 8: $75-100
PSA EX 5: $30-50
PSA VG-EX 3-4: $15-25

Duke Snider (BRO)

PSA NM-MT 8: $75-100
PSA EX 5: $30-50
PSA VG-EX 3-4: $15-25

As you can see from the sample above, star players like Ted Williams, Stan Musial and Bob Feller command the highest prices for 1948 Bowman cards, even in lower grades. There is value to be found across the board for Hall of Famers and key players from this era. Condition is critical, with high grade PSA NM-MT 8 or BVG 9 examples bringing substantial premiums. But overall the 1948 Bowman set remains affordable for most collectors compared to earlier vintage issues.

Summary

The 1948 Bowman Gum R406-2 baseball card set was truly groundbreaking as the first complete set highlighting every major leaguer. While production numbers were high, finding high grade examples remains difficult. Condition is extremely important for value with this set. Top stars like Williams, Musial and Feller lead the way price-wise but there are collecting and investing opportunities across the entire 162 card checklist. The 1948 Bowman set paved the way for the expansive rosters we see in modern issues and remains a significant part of early post-war baseball card history.

SALE 1948 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1948 season was a pivotal year for baseball cards as the post-World War II boom brought many new collectors into the hobby. Several key events from that season are memorialized on some of the most valuable vintage cards in existence today.

In 1948, the four major baseball card companies at the time – Bowman, Topps, Leaf, and Play Ball – all produced sets featuring players from that year. These sets varied greatly in size, design, and quality of photography used.

Bowman, which had dominated the baseball card market in the 1930s and 40s, produced their final set in 1948 containing a modest 132 cards before leaving the industry. Their diminutive card size of just 1 3/4″ by 2 5/8″ made for murky, indistinct photos compared to competitors.

Topps had begun their ascent to preeminence by releasing larger (2 1/4″ by 2 3/4″) and higher quality photo portraits in their 1948 set consisting of 82 cards. Their photography and colorful illustrated backgrounds marked a dramatic upgrade over Bowman’s fading product. Topps also began numbering their cards on the front for the first time, as opposed to listing the team names across the bottom.

Leaf came out with a set of 60 cards using front number panels like Topps while also adopting a standardized color photo size and appearance. However, Leaf cards from this era are far scarcer than their Bowman and Topps counterparts due to lower print runs.

Play Ball issued the largest 1948 set containing an ambitious 220 cards in varying portrait sizes and photo quality. The excesses of Play Ball and their unstable business practices led to the company losing money and ceasing production after just this one postwar season.

Some of the most notable rookies and major leaguers featured in 1948 sets included Jackie Robinson of the Brooklyn Dodgers, who broke baseball’s color barrier the previous year. Robinson’s accomplishment paved the way for stars like Larry Doby and others to also crack the color line.

In addition, Hall of Famers like Stan Musial, Ted Williams, Bob Feller, and Joe DiMaggio appeared prominently across all 1948 issues in the early stages of their legendary careers. Rookie cards of future icons like Roy Campanella also debuted that year.

1948 also saw legendary home run feats commemorated. In July, Cleveland Indians slugger Lou Boudreau hit four home runs in a single game, making his 1948 Play Ball card very valuable today as one of the scarcest from that large but short-lived set.

Meanwhile, the Boston Braves’ Bob Elliott established a new NL rookie record by swatting 5 home runs over two consecutive games, further cementing the significance of his 1948 card releases across multiple companies from his breakout season.

One of the most famous events memorialized on 1948 cards was Yankee Clipper Joe DiMaggio’s record-setting 56 game hitting streak during that summer. Despite a hamstring injury, DiMaggio refused to sit out and became one of the first mainstream athletic heroes to emerge from post-war America. His iconic 1948 Leaf and Play Ball cards reign as two of the most valuable baseball cards ever due to low survival numbers.

1948 was also the final season that multiple major card makers competed without mergers or bankruptcies. With the dominance of the 4-color, larger format Topps cards beginning in 1951, nostalgia for the pre-war 1934-1948 baseball card era grew among collectors of the baby boom generation. Sets like 1948 Bowman, Leaf, Play Ball and Topps started appearing in books, articles, and early census studies as the hobby’s Gilded Age.

While condition and eye appeal are paramount for all vintage cards, 1948 issues hold even more significance since they capture the end of an important transition period before the standardization of the post-WWII card era. Landmark seasons, rookie stars, and legendary accomplishments immortalized on these cardboard artefacts make 1948 the bridge between baseball card history’s opening and modern chapters. When paired with the booming growth of collectors at that time, it’s clear why selections from 1948 baseball sets remain among the most prized trophies for vintage card aficionados today.