Tag Archives: 1968

1968 TOPPS 3D BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

In 1968, Topps introduced a new innovation in baseball cards – 3D cards featuring stereoscopic images when viewed through the included viewer. This was Topps’ attempt to keep baseball cards exciting for collectors amidst increasing competition from other trading card companies. The 1968 Topps 3D Baseball card set included 330 total cards plus 10 manager/coach cards and was the only Topps set issued that year in the cardboard and paper holder format due to the inclusion of the 3D viewer.

The card design featured the player’s photo in the right half of the card with their profile view in a recessed area intended to produce the stereoscopic 3D effect when viewed through the red and blue anaglyphic topper/viewer that accompanied each series one wax pack. Statistics and a write-up about the player was on the left side. Another unique element was the “wheel” on the front containing samples of the 3D effects ranging from a baseball to a stadium. Reverse sides contained more stats and biographical information without 3D elements.

Part of what made these cards so innovative for their time was the optical science behind how 3D was achieved on the cards. By Printing the player’s photo twice in slightly different positions intended for the left and right eyes separately combined with the use of colored lenses (red and blue) in the Topper/viewer provided the needed stereo separation of the two overlapping images when a collector crossed their eyes to blend the two images into one 3D composite scene. This is the same basic stereoscopic 3D viewing principle that later powered formats like the early View-Master toys.

Though a flashy innovation, 1968 Topps 3D Baseball cards received a mixed response from collectors. Praised for really making the players “pop off the card,” criticisms included that the 3D effect was hard to see and not consistently pronounced across all cards due to printing limitations. The cards themselves were also more fragile than typical paper issues of the time. While they didn’t revolutionize the industry, the 1968 set proved 3D baseball cards were possible even if the technology wasn’t fully developed.

Promotional efforts by Topps called the 3D cards “the most exciting development in baseball cards since color.” A TV commercial had Yankee star Mickey Mantle enthusiastically praising the new 3D dimension. The commercial boasted how with the included viewer, collectors could “make the players leap right off the cards.” Though Mantle’s endorsement pushed sales, the 3D effect was ultimately a fleeting gimmick that failed to catch on long term with collectors.

While 1968 Topps 3D Baseball cards may not have been the smash hit Topps hoped, they remain one of the most innovating collectibles of their time and truly pushed the creative boundaries of what was possible with mass-produced sports cards. They attracted attention for attempting to bring baseball players to life in a whole new way at a time when simple cardboard photos were the norm. The technical limitations of the late 1960s restricted how fully realized the 3D could become but paved the way for future experiments in stereoscopic imagery on trading cards.

In the decades since, 3D technology has greatly advanced but 1968 Topps remains the single 3D issue from the classic collecting era. High-grade specimens from the extremely fragile original run have become quite valuable, regularly selling for thousands of dollars. Fans have grown to fondly look back at this visual curiosity as a snapshot of Topps wanting to stay ahead of the curve but perhaps being slightly ahead of its time. Though it didn’t stick, the 1968 Topps 3D Baseball set proved sports cards could aim higher and pushed collectors to see cards in new dimensions.

1968 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS CHECKLIST

Leave a reply

The 1968 Topps baseball card set was released during one of the most tumultuous years in modern American history. With civil unrest, anti-war protests, and racial tensions reaching a boiling point across the country, Topps approached designing the 1968 set with an eye towards simpler, brighter designs compared to previous years. There were still many notable players and moments captured in the 660-card series.

The 1968 Topps checklist featured future Hall of Famers Roberto Clemente, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Mickey Mantle on the front. This would be the last card produced for Clemente, who tragically passed away in a plane crash on New Year’s Eve 1972 while attempting to deliver aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. Clemente was only 38 years old at the time of his death but had already built a superb career including 4 batting titles and 12 Gold Glove Awards in his 18 seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Other notable future Hall of Famers included in the 1968 Topps set were Willie McCovey, Juan Marichal, Brooks Robinson, Tom Seaver, Al Kaline, Reggie Jackson, Gaylord Perry, and Bob Gibson. Gibson would have one of the most dominant pitching seasons ever in 1968, winning the National League MVP and posting a modern-era record 1.12 ERA. Gibson’s fearsome competitive fire and dominance on the mound made him one of the sport’s early superstars.

Topps also found ways within the seemingly simplified 1968 design to still spotlight major storylines and breakout stars from the ’67 season. Third-year Cardinals pitcher Bob Gibson’s card boasted “23-7 World Series Record” to highlight his dominant postseason performance in 1967 that helped lead St. Louis to a World Series victory. Rookie sensations Reggie Jackson and Tom Seaver both received attractive ‘Rookie Star’ decorated cards as well to draw attention to their high-caliber debut campaigns.

The 1968 checklist also memorialized several all-time great players who were in the twilight of their careers or had recently retired. Yankees legend Mickey Mantle received what would be his final Topps card at age 36 after battling numerous injuries. Chicago White Sox first baseman Dick Allen made the checklist in his breakout ’67 season where he led the league in home runs and won the AL Rookie of the Year award. However, Allen’s tumultuous relationship with Phillies management and fans led to his trade to St. Louis after only one season in Chicago.

The 1968 design used a mostly white border around each player photo with their team logo prominently displayed on the upper left. Each player’s batting and pitching stats from 1967 were neatly lined up on the bottom third of the card alongside their uniform number. Topps continued with functional black and white photos of the players in action shots or team posed portraits. While lacking some of the artistic flair of prior years, the simpler design allowed the talent and personalities of the players to shine through.

Some other notable cards and milestones highlighted in the 1968 Topps checklist included Nolan Ryan’s rookie card appearing late in the set around card #600 as he broke in with the New York Mets. A freshly minted 20-year old Ryan had shown dominant raw stuff in his brief MLB debut in 1967 with a 100 mph fastball. Atlanta Braves first baseman Orlando Cepeda also received an attractive ‘Diamond Kings’ designation card for his outstanding play and reign as the 1967 NL MVP.

With a massive 660 total cards, Topps’ 1968 baseball set remains one of the largest checklists in the classic pre-1970 era. It provided a glimpse at the state of the game during one of America’s most turbulent years while memorializing the accomplishments of baseball’s greatest stars, both established legends and rising talents. Even with simpler aesthetics than prior years, the ’68 Topps checklist shined a light on the raw ability and charisma of players that brought joy and national unity to fans during difficult times.

MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS IN 1968

Leave a reply

The 1968 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the history of the hobby. While it may not be the earliest or most scarce set, cards from ’68 hold significant value, especially for the rookie cards of future Hall of Famers and stars of that era. With 792 total cards in the base set, here are some of the most valuable baseball cards collectors seek from 1968 Topps:

Nolan Ryan RC (Card #574): As one of the greatest pitchers ever, it’s no surprise Nolan Ryan’s rookie card is highly coveted. While he didn’t become a star right away, collectors knew his talent and the Ryan RC started gaining value in the 1980s. In PSA 10 condition, it can sell for over $20,000. Even low-graded copies still trade for thousands.

Tom Seaver (Card #250): Seaver won the ROY award in 1967 and went on to have a Hall of Fame career as one of the best right-handed pitchers. The 1968 Topps is his true rookie, and high-grade examples recently sold for over $40,000. It remains one of the most iconic rookie cards for its subject’s accomplishments.

Carl Yastrzemski (Card #638): Yastrzemski had his career year in 1967, winning the AL Triple Crown while leading the Red Sox to the pennant. His stardom transferred well to collectors and his common ’68 Topps routinely sells for $1,000-$2,000 even in low grades due to popularity. Pristine copies have sold for over $25,000.

Johnny Bench RC (Card #650): Widely considered the greatest catcher ever, Bench’s stellar 21-year career immediately followed his rookie season. While he wasn’t a standout right away, the RC has always been highly sought and values have soared past $10,000 for top-graded examples in recent years.

Reggie Jackson RC (Card #666): “Mr. October” didn’t debut with the A’s until 1967 but is iconic for his postseason heroics. Low-end copies sell for $500-1000 while a PSA 10 can bring over $15,000. Future Hall of Famer status and championship pedigree add to its attractiveness.

Rollie Fingers RC (Card #691): One of the pioneering dominant relief pitchers, Fingers’ Hall of Fame career started with the A’s in 1968. Early value was modest but grades of 8+ now sell for thousands due to his significance in baseball history.

Don Sutton RC (Card #717): The durable righty won 324 games and is considered among the most underrated of his generation. While off the radar in the past, his rookie has climbed above $1,000 mark for singles in high grades.

Harmon Killebrew (Card #15): Already an established superstar by 1968, Killebrew’s powerful performance made him one of the biggest bats of the Sixties. Highly collectible for his excellence, typical grades trade between $500-1500.

Bob Gibson (Card #249): The Cardinals’ ace won over 20 games in 1967 and followed with a 1.12 ERA the next year, taking home MVP and Cy Young honors. Condition-sensitive but routinely hits four-figures.

Tom Seaver (Card #250): Abed second time but worth including again given his status at the time as a rising sophomore star and eventual Hall of Famer. As noted earlier, among the most valuable modern rookie cards in the set.

Another way 1968 Topps cards increased in value relates to the players’ post-1968 accomplishments and how they cemented legends. Hank Aaron continued his march up the career home run list and past Babe Ruth. Willie Mays played his last season in 1973, adding to his already legendary Cooperstown resume. Johnny Bench, Nolan Ryan, and Carl Yastrzemski played deep into the 1970s and 1980s, furthering the connections between collectors and these players from a childhood hobby into adulthood.

While it lacked the scarcity of earlier decades, 1968 Topps featured the budding careers of future Hall of Famers and some of the most storied players to ever grace the diamond. Prices have exploded in recent years, driven by both fond nostalgia and sound collectible speculation. Limited reprints ensure the original vintage issue remains the definitive versions of these iconic cardboard pieces of baseball history.

1968 BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

Leave a reply

The 1968 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues of all time. While it may not produce the same astronomical prices as some earlier vintage sets, several key 1968 cards remain highly valuable due to the players featured and their condition. For collectors looking to potentially find monetary value in older cards, here are some of the top 1968s to keep an eye out for.

One of the most coveted and expensive 1968s is the Nolan Ryan rookie card. While he wasn’t recognized as the Ryan Express yet, this was the first Topps issue to feature the future strikeout king. High grade versions of this pivotal card in PSA Gem Mint 10 or SGC 10 condition can surpass $20,000. Even well-centered examples graded PSA 8-9 still sell for thousands. Not all rookie cards are created equal though. For example, the Tim Cullen and Jose Pena rookie cards are quite common and only worth around $5-10 even in top grades.

Hall of Famer Hank Aaron’s 1968 card is another highly valuable option from this set. As one of the most respected power hitters in MLB history and the all-time home run leader at the time of printing, collectors prize his cards. Graded PSA 10 specimens have cracked $10,000, with PSA 9s and 8s still carrying four-figure values. Another future hall of famer, Reggie Jackson, also has a sought-after 1968 issue while playing for the Athletics. Higher graded versions are still sought by devotees of Mr. October.

Condition sensitive 1960s Topps cards are especially challenging to grade, so solid eyes are needed to assess centering, edges, and surface quality. Error cards, oddball parallel printing varieties, and prominent image changes compared to the common versions provide additional opportunities. The Orlando Cepeda card featuring him in a Pirates uniform is an example versus the standard issue showing him as an Athletic. Other outliers to watch for could feature inadvertent color shifts, team name placement mistakes, and missing facsimile autographs.

When it comes to the big stars that carried Topps sales, few loomed larger than Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle. Their 1968 cards are crucial centerpieces for advanced collectors. Mantle’s longstanding status as the Mick and iconic switch-hitter photograph make his one of the true Americana hockey players. For consistent strong grades above eight, they can realize over $1,000 each still. Superficially clean Mint 9 examples have even surpassed $5,000 at auction when interest was high. Conversely, Willie Mays’ more common pose and playing career kept prices from reaching similar heights once graded.

Two other Hall of Famers with popular 1968s are Brooks Robinson and Roberto Clemente. As vital cogs for their respective championship franchises, demand endures for Robinson’s Orioles card and Clemente’s Pirates issue. Robinson cards above a grade of eight commonly sell for hundreds, with nine achieving over $1,000. Meanwhile, high grade Clemente cards reflecting “The Great One’s” accomplishments have broken the four-figure ceiling. Both remain attainable options for aficionados of 1960s baseball and the players’ legacies on excellent condition cards.

A dark horse that can pay off is spotting a Jim Lonborg card in pristine condition. While not a household name today, Lonborg took AL Cy Young honors that year after hurling a no-hitter for Boston. Finding his card well-centered with sharp corners and surfaces could yield lofty returns of over $1,000 in top grades due to his breakout season and limited subsequent output. Other potential condition-based gems include Roy White’s Yankee rookie, Ken Harrelson’s Red Sox card, or Dennis Bennett’s pitching changeDodgers issue.

The 1968 set overall boasts an iconic design with a vertical action photo format still fondly remembered today. With 792 total cards issued, there are also plenty of opportunities for completing the rainbow parallel print runs in their various hues for obsessive OCD collectors. While the biggest rarities may require a lofty investment, keeping an eye out for the top rookies, stars and errors can unearth hidden value still for savvy vintage hunters on a budget. With high grading coveted too, scouring shows, auctions and shops remains the surest way finding that valuable sought-after 1968 card to turn a profit.

The 1968 Topps baseball card set maintains strong collector interest thanks to the prominent rookie introductions, Hall of Famers, and breakout players featured within its 792 total cards. While condition is paramount for maximizing returns, top rookies like Nolan Ryan and stars from Willie Mays to Hank Aaron continue producing four-figure values. Meanwhile, error variants remain a fun chase. With patience and scrutiny, valuable hidden gems could still emerge after over 50 years to reward vintage enthusiasts in this iconic vintage issue.

1968 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PSA VALUES

Leave a reply

The 1968 Topps baseball card set is one of the most popular vintage issues among collectors. Not only was it the first post-expansion set following the addition of four new franchises in 1961 and 1962, but it also featured flashy color photography on every card for the first time. With 714 total cards issued, the 1968 Topps set provides collectors with opportunities to build complete rainbow sets showcasing every team and player variation.

While building a complete raw 1968 Topps set is an ambitious goal, the highest valued cards in the set are those that have been professionally graded and encapsulated by PSA. Founded in 1991, PSA/DNA Authenticators is the leading third-party grading service for trading cards and is the official authenticator and grading company for Topps. By submitting their cards to PSA, collectors can receive an impartial grade of the card’s surface and ensure authenticity. Graded cards trade for significantly higher prices due to PSA’s reputation for accuracy and consistency in the hobby.

At the top of the 1968 Topps food chain are the ultra-rare gem mint PSA 10 graded rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Nolan Ryan, Reggie Jackson, and Tom Seaver. Even in lower mint grades of PSA 8 or 9, these rookie cards command eye-popping prices due to their significance in the development of these all-time great players’ careers. A PSA 9 Nolan Ryan rookie in a recent Goldin Auctions sale brought over $105,000, while his PSA 10 gem is considered one of the Holy Grails of the set and would sell for well over $250,000 if one ever became available.

Another rookie cornerstone of the set is the Reggie Jackson card, with copies in PSA 9 often selling for $20,000 or more based on recent sales. The card captures Reggie during his time with the Kansas City/Oakland A’s before his monster home run performances in postseason play with the New York Yankees cemented his Hall of Fame credentials. High-grade PSA versions of the Tom Seaver rookie are similarly valuable, with the tens of thousands of dollar price range the norm for examples grading PSA 8-9.

In addition to rookie standouts, the 1968 Topps set contains several other notable short prints and serially numbered parallel issues that increase in value with higher PSA grades. One is the Buck O’Neil card, which was produced in extremely limited quantities and has become one of the most coveted variations in the set. Graded PSA 9 examples have changed hands for over $30,000 due to the story and legacy behind O’Neil, who broke barriers as the first Black coach in the Majors and played a key role in the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.

Other highly sought short prints include those featuring players like Hoyt Wilhelm, Joe Torre, Eddie Mathews, and Tommy Davis. These were produced in far fewer quantities than standard base cards and show significantly higher prices graded and preserved in PSA holders. Similarly, the 1968 Topps Dell/Photo Variations, which feature different photos than the standard issue, jump in value with professional authentication. Even third-tier stars from the era command five-figure prices if their cards are encapsulated PSA Gems.

While vintage gems will likely remain financially out of reach for most collectors, building a complete high-grade 1968 Topps set is a pursuit collectors of all budget levels can enjoy. Locating and upgrading common cards to mid-tier PSA 8s is an achievable long-term goal that can be slowly chip away at over time without breaking the bank. And for those with deeper pockets, snapping up the true legendary rookies and variations at auction provides tangible memories from one of the most iconic seasons in baseball history preserved forever in plastic. Graded examples ensure condition, authenticity, and strong resell potential for any collector looking to preserve the history captured in the vivid photography of the 1968 Topps issue.

While raw 1968 Topps are readily available online and at local card shops at affordable prices, it is the elite PSA-holders featuring the set’s most significant rookie stars, short prints, and serially numbered parallel issues that define the highest values of the set in today’s thriving vintage sports card market. Obtaining these true condition census-toppers is a long-term goal that requires careful planning, strategic bidding, and perhaps no small amount of luck. But for dedicated collectors, nothing compares to having famous pieces of cardboard enshrined for all to recognize their quality by the leading third-party authentication company.

1968 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUES

Leave a reply

The 1968 Topps baseball card set marked many historical achievements and events that shaped the game during that era. Understanding the context and details around the 1968 season can provide valuable insights into the lasting value and appeal of these classic cards decades later.

The 1968 season was an epic year that saw pitching dominate as the mound was lowered to its current height of 10 inches. Legendary hurlers like Bob Gibson, Denny McLain, and Don Drysdale had monster seasons. Gibson led the National League with a miniscule 1.12 ERA and posted a modern-era record 13 shutouts en route to winning both the Cy Young Award and the National League MVP. McLain became the last 30-game winner, going 31-6 for the Tigers.

Topps captured these pitching brilliance with vivid portraits on the cards. Gibson’s intense stare, Drysdale’s intimidating windup, and McLain’s wide smile as he dominated with his blazing fastball are memorable to this day. Great pitching will always hold value in the hobby. The historically significant seasons of these aces in 1968 make cards like Gibson #250, McLain #500, and Drysdale #139 very desirable for collectors.

Some other notable events from the 1968 season reflected on the cards include McLain completing a successful “Wunderseason” by leading Detroit to the World Series over St. Louis. The Cardinals roster on those ’68 cards included hall of famers like Bob Gibson, Lou Brock and Orlando Cepeda in their last seasons with that franchise. Topps immortalized that star-studded team with quality full bleed photos.

The 1968 set also marked the last seasons for all-time greats like Willie Mays with the San Francisco Giants and Hank Aaron’s first year with the Atlanta Braves after breaking Babe Ruth’s home run record. Their moving on to new teams and eras resonated with collectors and helped raise the lasting value of their Topps cards, like Mays #280 and Aaron #500. In fact, Hank Aaron cards from 1968 through 1974 in high grade now command prices well into the thousands due to his historical significance.

Rookies included future Hall of Famers Reggie Jackson, Joe Morgan, and Tom Seaver. Their rookie cards like Jackson #507, Morgan #250, and Seaver #592 remain highly sought after in the set by investors and milestone collectors. In gem mint condition, mint 9 examples of Jackson and Seaver rookies today sell for upwards of $10,000 while a pristine Morgan can exceed $5,000.

One of the biggest stars in the 1968 Topps set was Boston’s Carl Yastrzemski, who won the American League Triple Crown by leading in batting average (.326), home runs (44), and RBI (121) en route to the MVP award. His accomplishments are remembered on the impressive photo used for his card #1, which today can reach over $1,000 in high grades due to its scarcity and starring one of the game’s all-time greats at the peak of his career.

While most of the 660-card regular issue from 1968 have modest values ranging from $1-10, there are several short print and error cards that attract much higher prices. Cards like Felipe Alou #640, which has an upside down image, and Nate Oliver #660, the set’s final short print, can each reach over $500 in top condition due to their rarity. Perhaps the most valuable regular issue card though is Bobby Murcer’s #492, which was printed with the wrong team listed. Only 10 are known to exist, and in pristine mint condition it has sold at auction for well over $25,000.

In addition to these rare singles, there are also 95 variations of the promotional/bonus cards inserted randomly in wax packs that year. The most notable is the gold bordered Luis Tiant Incense Co.ad card, of which it’s believed fewer than 10 specimens survive. At auction, a perfect gem mint example would likely sell for $50,000+.

In summarizing, the perfect storm of historical seasons, rookie debuts, player milestones, photographic excellence, short prints, and scarce variations make the 1968 Topps baseball card set highly cherished and actively collected today. For avid investors, cards that feature the superstar achievements of Yastrzemski, the pitching brilliance of Gibson and McLain, and the rookie cards of Reggie Jackson, Joe Morgan or Tom Seaver maintain strong long term value prospects due to their irreplaceable connections to an iconic year in baseball history. More than half a century later, the 1968 Topps set still captivates collectors around the world and prices continue their steady climb for its most significant and coveted components.

BEST BASEBALL CARDS 1968

Leave a reply

The 1968 baseball season was a historic one. It was the first year of divisional play in Major League Baseball following the expansion of both leagues to 12 teams each. With the introduction of the AL and NL East and West Divisions, pennant races became more competitive than ever. It was also a year that saw legends of the game like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Roberto Clemente in their prime. Not surprisingly, the 1968 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues of the vintage era. With 792 total cards featuring the biggest stars and top rookie players, the 1968 set had no shortage of memorable and valuable cards for collectors. Here’s a look at some of the standout cards from that year considered among the best of the 1968 baseball card offerings:

Hank Aaron (#1) – Arguably the most coveted card from the 1968 set is the Hank Aaron card. As Aaron was chasing Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record at the time, his card carried significant historical importance. Aaron would go on to break the record in 1974. In gem mint condition, the #1 Aaron card can fetch thousands of dollars today. Even well-worn copies in played condition sell for hundreds.

Willie Mays (#20) – “The Say Hey Kid” was in his 17th season with the San Francisco Giants in 1968. The Mays card shows him in the familiar Giants uniform that made him such a fan favorite on the West Coast. Like Aaron, Mays was a first ballot Hall of Famer still producing at an elite level. High grade Mays cards also demand top dollar for collectors.

Roberto Clemente (#28) – Tragically, 1968 was Clemente’s next to last season before his untimely death in a plane crash on New Year’s Eve 1972 while attempting to deliver aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. Clemente was already a 12-time Gold Glove winner and 1960 World Series MVP playing his entire 18-year career for the Pittsburgh Pirates. His inspiring career and humanitarian work only added to the card’s significance over time.

Tom Seaver (#250) – As a rookie who won 16 games and struck out 246 batters for the Miracle Mets in 1967, Seaver’s #250 rookie card was one of the most sought-after in the 1968 set. Seaver went on to have a Hall of Fame career and his cards from this era are consistently some of the highest valued. In top grades, a Seaver rookie can sell for five figures or more.

Johnny Bench (#507) – While Bench didn’t make his MLB debut until 1967, 1968 was his first full season in the bigs and a sign of what was to come – 27 home runs and 95 RBIs as a 22-year-old catcher. Bench collected his first of 10 Gold Gloves and two NL MVP awards in 1970. His rookie card established him as a rising star at the time. High grade copies in and near-mint condition have sold for over $10,000 in recent years.

Rod Carew (#573) – Carew’s sweet left-handed swing made him a career .328 hitter over his 19 seasons, mostly with the Minnesota Twins where he won 7 batting titles. In 1968, he hit .292 as a 21-year-old and the potential for greatness was evident. Carew cards from the late ’60s have increased steadily in value thanks to his Hall of Fame career and popularity.

Don Drysdale (#660) – One of the most intimidating pitchers of his era, Drysdale’s late-career card in the 1968 set shows him as a member of the World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers. He won 209 games over his career and remains one of the most accomplished power pitchers in history. Drysdale cards are a staple in vintage collections.

Reggie Jackson (#679) – Though still early in his career with the Athletics in 1968, Jackson’s prodigious power was evident – he hit 27 home runs as a 23-year-old. His card foreshadowed the stardom and “October Hero” reputation he would later earn. High grade Jackson rookie cards now sell for thousands.

Nolan Ryan (#732) – Ryan’s early career was spent with the New York Mets and his 1968 card captured “The Ryan Express” at age 21 before he became the all-time strikeout king. Ryan cards from the late ’60s are highly valuable, especially when graded and centered well. Even well-worn copies hold value due to Ryan’s iconic status.

In addition to these headliners, the 1968 Topps set included other future Hall of Famers like Carl Yastrzemski, Brooks Robinson, and Juan Marichal still making their mark in the late 1960s. Rookies like Reggie Smith, Matty Alou and Bobby Cox also had their first baseball cards issued. Factors like a player’s performance that season, their eventual career achievements, and the card’s overall scarcity and condition all contribute to a 1968 card’s collectibility and value over 50 years later. For vintage baseball enthusiasts, the 1968 Topps set remains a highly coveted piece of cardboard history from one of the game’s most memorable eras.

VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS 1968

Leave a reply

The 1968 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the history of the hobby. While it may not be the most valuable set on average, it features several highly valuable rookie and star player cards that continue to attract interest from collectors decades later. Some of the most notable expensive cards from the 1968 Topps set include:

Nolan Ryan Rookie Card #546
Nolan Ryan’s rookie card is arguably the crown jewel of the 1968 set and one of the most coveted baseball cards of all time. Often ranked as a top-3 rookie card in the industry, an ungraded example in excellent to mint condition can fetch $20,000-30,000. High-grade PSA/BGS Gem Mint examples have broken the $100,000 price point in recent years, with a PSA 10 recently hitting a record $240,500 in a Goldin Auctions sale. Ryan went on to enjoy a Hall of Fame career spanning 27 seasons from 1966 to 1993, establishing himself as perhaps the greatest power pitcher in MLB history with over 5,000 career strikeouts.

Reggie Jackson Rookie Card #497
Reggie Jackson’s rookie card is another highly sought after 1968 issue, with ungraded near mint to mint copies trading hands in the $6,000-10,000 range. Higher graded PSA/BGS examples in the 8.5-9.5 range can reach $15,000-35,000 or more for a true flawless gem. “Mr. October” established himself as a bonafide superstar slugger and five-time World Series Champion over a 21-year career spent primarily with the Athletics and Yankees. His iconic October heroics have cemented his rookie card as a must-have for any serious baseball collection.

Tom Seaver Rookie Card #574
The 1968 Topps Tom Seaver rookie is considered right alongside the Ryan as one of the holiest grails from the set. High-quality examples in PSA/BGS 8.5-9 gem condition are valued at $8,000-15,000 but can surpass $25,000 for true pristine “black label” 10 grades. Seaver went on to win 311 career games and claim three Cy Young Awards, cementing his Hall of Fame credentials as one of the greatest right-handed pitchers in history for the “Miracle” Mets and Reds. His rookie card remains a cornerstone in the portfolios of even the most elite vintage card investors.

Orlando Cepeda #138
A true batting champion and MVP, Orlando Cepeda boasted impressive power from the left side during his career. His 1968 Topps issue can be acquired for $3,000-5,000 in top-graded PSA/BGS 9-9.5 condition but has approached the $10,000 plateau for rare pristine “black label” 10 grades. Cepeda was a career .297 hitter with 379 home runs and four All-Star appearances over 15 seasons primarily with the Giants and Cardinals in the 1950s-60s. Like Seaver and Ryan, he currently stands enshrined in Cooperstown.

Hank Aaron #140
Hank Aaron came so close to breaking Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record in 1968, ending the season just behind the Bambino with 713 lifetime dingers. Considered one of the cleanest and most attractive cards from that vintage, high-end PSA/BGS 9’s can be found in the $6,000-10,000 range but true flawless gems at the PSA 10 level have crossed $20,000 at auction. Hammerin’ Hank authored one of the greatest offensive careers in baseball history while dealing with intense racism throughout the 1960s-70s. His rookie cards remain treasured holdings for collectors.

Johnny Bench #593
Johnny Bench wouldn’t debut in the majors until 1967, but his rookie card is still sought after for the 1968 Topps set due to his Hall of Fame credentials established across 19 seasons behind the dish for the Big Red Machine. PSA/BGS 8.5-9 examples can be found in the $2,000-4,000 range, while true pristine PSA/BGS 10 grades have cracked five-figures amid Bench’s iconic status as perhaps the greatest catcher in baseball annals. The 14-time All-Star and 2-time NL MVP was the heart and soul of Cincinnati’s golden era dynasty teams.

Besides the above headliners, other notable high-dollar cards from 1968 Topps include a Mickey Mantle #258 ($2,000-5,000 PSA 9), Willie Mays #282 ($3,000-6,000 PSA 9), Sandy Koufax #310 ($1,500-3,000 PSA 9), and Roberto Clemente #479 ($1,000-2,500 PSA 9) among others. The set as a whole maintains strong collector interest given its perfect storm of star players, Hall of Famers, and truly iconic rookie cards that went on to define their entire eras. While conditions and grades will always be determining valuation factors, certain 1968 issues now qualify as genuine rarities and can cross well into the five-figure territory with top certification – cementing their legacy as among the most prized and valuable baseball cards of the 20th century.

1968 TOPPS BASEBALL ROOKIE CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1968 Topps baseball card set ushered in a new era for the sport and the hobby, featuring several star rookies who would go on to Hall of Fame careers. While not quite as iconic or valuable as the 1952 Topps set that introduced players like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Sandy Koufax, the 1968 Topps rookie class remains one of the most recognizable in the hobby’s history.

Topping the list of rookies from 1968 Topps is Nolan Ryan, whose #575 card kicked off one of the most impressive pitching careers in baseball history. Still holding numerous strikeout records over 50 years later, Ryan would go on to tally 5,714 total strikeouts and pitch until he was 46 years old in 1993. His rookie card today can fetch over $1,000 in near mint condition showing just how storied his career became. Also making their Topps rookie card debuts in 1968 were Reggie Jackson, Joe Morgan, and Johnny Bench, all future Hall of Famers.

Jackson’s #577 card shows him as a Kansas City Athletics player before being traded to the Baltimore Orioles and then achieving superstardom with the New York Yankees of the 1970s. “Mr. October” put together a remarkable MLB career hitting 563 home runs and is one of the most clutch postseason performers of all-time. In pristine condition, Jackson’s 1968 Topps RC has sold for over $6,000. Second baseman Joe Morgan’s #326 card featured him as a member of the Houston Astros, the team he broke out with on his way to 12 All-Star selections and two World Series rings with the Big Red Machine Cincinnati Reds of the 1970s. Darryl Strawberry and Cal Ripken Jr. also made their cardboard debuts in 1968 Topps, before their great careers had really begun.

But the biggest star rookie of the entire 1968 Topps set was undoubtedly Cincinnati Reds catcher Johnny Bench, whose #110 card introduced “Johnny Bench” to the hobby in his true rookie season. Bench went on to win a record 10 Gold Gloves as a catcher in the National League to go along with two MVP awards and parts of two decades shaping arguably the greatest defensive catcher of all-time. His 1968 Topps RC today regularly fetches over $10,000 in top grades due to his immense playing career and the smaller population of high-grade examples that have survived since 1968. Bench holds a special place in the hearts of Reds fans and the hobby alike as one of the true superstars emerging from the 1968 Topps set.

While the stars above received the most attention and value today, several other notable players had their cardboard coming out parties in the 1968 Topps baseball issue. Hall of Famer Tom Seaver’s #210 card featured his debut with the “Miracle Mets” who shocked baseball by winning the 1969 World Series. Future 300-game winner Don Sutton’s #432 card showed him as a 20-year old pitching prospect for the LA Dodgers. Catchers Bob Boone (#145) and Ted Simmons (#309) both had decades-long MLB careers after their rookie introductions in 1968 Topps. Outfielder Bobby Bonds’ #158 card previewed a power-speed combination that would make him a perennial All-Star in the 1970s. And Pirates first baseman Willie Stargell’s #229 card pictured the man who would help lead Pittsburgh to two World Series championships in the 1970s.

Beyond the star talent featured, the 1968 Topps set itself was a transitional year for the design and production process. At 660 total cards, it was the largest Topps baseball issue to date and also featured the last of the classic black-bordered design that had been a staple for several years. Topps would embrace more colorful designs and borders starting the following year. The1968 set also began Topps’ transition toward using action photos instead of basic posed portraits for many cards. Though still crude compared to today’s technology, it showed a willingness to evolve the on-card design beyond the basic headshot style. Gumless cards which made up the higher numbers were also introduced, doubling as a “Premium” subset to the main644-card run found with gum.

As one of the first mainstream mass-produced baseball card issues of the post-war era, the 1968 Topps rookie class reached a broad audience of young collectors just starting to enjoy the hobby. These now 55-year old cardboard introductions remain touchstones for veterans who collected them as kids and newcomers to the pastime just discovering the origins of so many all-time great players. While the condition of surviving ’68 rookie cards varies widely, their cachet in the hobby ensures the big names like Bench, Ryan and Jackson will retain value for generations of fans and collectors to come.

1968 TOPPS BASEBALL DEANS CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1968 Topps baseball card set is most famous for featuring the original “Dean’s Cards.” This novel marketing promotion involved including unlicensed cards of former longtime baseball star Dizzy Dean as an insert in random packs of the standard cards. While not technically part of the official Topps set, these inserts became immensely popular and their nostalgic portrayal of Dean increased interest in both collecting baseball cards and appreciating vintage players from another era.

The origins of the Dean’s cards idea came from the creative minds at Topps. In 1967, former Cardinals pitching great Jay “Dizzy” Dean had begun doing color commentary for Atlanta Braves telecasts. His entertaining southern drawl and witty sayings resonated with many new younger baseball fans who had not seen Dean play over 30 years earlier. Topps’ marketing group realized there was retro appeal in spotlighting Dean and his iconic pitching career from the 1930s. They sketched crude back-of-the-napkin designs for extra Dean cards to surprise collectors.

Topps gained Dean’s verbal approval to use his likeness without a formal licensing agreement. They printed approximately one Dean’s card for every 10-12 packs of the standard 400-card 1968 baseball set. These unnumbered extras were distributed at random throughout production from January to March 1968. Excitement built as cards started surfacing from surprised youth opening packs. While not true “short prints,” these inserts created scarcity buzz before inserts and parallels became commonplace.

Each Dean’s card featured a portrait photo of the older, recognizable broadcaster on the front. The back contained statistics from his 17-year Major League career as both a pitcher and outfielder/first baseman. It outlined some of his accomplishments like 150 career wins and his election to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1953. Also highlighted were his colorful nicknames like “Ol’ Diz” and “Cotton Pickin’ Pitcher” alongside famous sayings attributed to him.

The fact that Topps printed the cards without official MLB Properties approval meant they were technically not authentic MLB-licensed cards. But this also added to their mystique as wacky bonus inserts unique to 1968 Topps. Their crude yet nostalgic design channeled trading cards from the 1930s-1950s when the industry was just taking shape. Collectors coveted finding a Dean insert in the midst of regular cards from current stars like Hank Aaron, Mickey Mantle, and Sandy Koufax.

While estimates vary, card historians generally agree Topps printed approximately 50,000 total Dean’s cards inserted randomly into the 1968 set. With original packaging long discarded, there’s no definitive counts. But surviving examples offer a unique time capsule look at Dizzy Dean near the end of his life in 1968 before his passing the following year. The cards served as a reminder of baseball’s earlier eras for many younger collectors just getting introduced to the hobby.

In the ensuing decades, the 1968 Topps Dean’s cards developed a cult following. Like early 1950s Topps cards before modern grading, their crude charm was appreciated more with age. Finding high grade specimens in pristine condition became the ultimate treasure hunt for dedicated collectors. While not literally rare, the cachet of opening an old pack and encountering a Dean insert sparked imaginations.

Prices increased steadily as fewer uncirculated examples survived in attics and basements. By the 2010s, a gem mint PSA 10 Dean’s card could fetch $1,000 USD or more at auction due to their unconventional, almost home-made retro appeal. The inserts represented a unique time-capsule moment when Topps experimented outside the lines by spotlighting a baseball pioneer without official sanction. They sparked the collector mindset of treasuring history found inside inexpensive childhood hobbies.

The 1968 Topps Dean’s cards left an indelible mark on the collecting industry for creatively honoring a baseball hero of yesteryear. While not “real” cards per se, their charming nostalgia as insert bonus items captured imaginations. Topps took a slight risk by slipping them unlicensed into packs but reaped rewards in engendering goodwill. The inserts became cherished nostalgia pieces treasured far out of proportion to the company’s original modest intentions. They showed how surprise promotions could make the mundane extra special for both young fans and those remembering baseball’s earliest innovators.