Tag Archives: 2015

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 2015

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Baseball cards have been a popular collectible for decades, with kids and adults alike enjoying assembling complete sets and finding rare, valuable cards. The baseball card market fluctuates annually based on supply and demand factors as well as the performance and popularity of current players. This baseball cards price guide provides a detailed overview of values for the 2015 season.

The biggest names in the game will always carry premium prices. A near mint condition Mike Trout rookie card from 2009 could fetch over $100, while a rare Babe Ruth card from the early 1930s may sell for thousands. There are also plenty of affordable options for collectors just starting out or looking to build their collections. Commons and base cards from the current year typically sell for $0.10 to $1 depending on the player. These provide a cheap way to assemble sets while enjoying the hunt for stars.

Upper deck, tops and bowman are the three main manufacturers that produce licensed MLB cards. Each brand carries its own appeal – Upper Deck cards tend to hold their value best while Tops brand has more retro designs. Bowman is known for issuing the true rookie cards of future stars each year. Within each manufacturer’s sets, there are parallel and short printed “hit” cards that are much harder to find which drives up their values. These can range from $5 for a basic short print to over $100 for rare parallel rookie cards.

Flagship sets from the big three brands include Topps Series 1 & 2, Upper Deck Series 1 & 2 and Bowman. These contain the most complete rosters and base card designs. With hundreds of cards to collect in each, the base commons are very affordable at around $0.10 each. Star rookie cards or popular veterans may sell for $1-5. Insert cards featuring special photo variations or themed designs add variety and hold values of $5-15 typically. Complete base sets in near mint condition sell in the $20-50 range on the secondary market.

Some key rookie cards to watch out for in 2015 products include Kris Bryant, Addison Russell, Carlos Correa and Noah Syndergaard. These young stars made their MLB debuts and all had strong seasons. Their flagship rookie cards could be worth $10-20 each right now but have serious long term appreciation potential. Correa in particular had a Rookie of the Year caliber campaign to boost interest in his cards. Parallels and short prints featuring any of these rookies would carry premiums over the standard base rookie values.

Vintage sets from the late 80s, 90s and 2000s have developed strong collector demand in recent years which has driven up prices. The 1987 Topps set is especially coveted by investors. In top graded gem mint condition, stars like Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire and Ken Griffey Jr rookies can sell for hundreds. But there are also many affordable vintage cards to be found – common players from the junk wax era sell for under $1 and complete sets can be had for $20-50. Vintage insert sets like Topps Finest and Upper Deck SP Authentic also offer creative retro designs at reasonable prices.

When it comes to vintage cards from the pre-war era through the 1970s, condition is absolutely critical to value. Even a small crease or corner ding can decrease a rare card’s worth significantly. The most expensive vintage cards are in pristine mint condition – a T206 Honus Wagner is valued over $2 million while a near mint 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle tops $100,000. There are also many affordable vintage cards in played/good condition that collectors enjoy for under $20. Carefully going through old collections can uncover hidden value cards worth $50-100 even in worn state.

While sports cards will always be collected primarily for enjoyment of the players and nostalgia, there remains a thriving investment market. Complete rookie card sets of stars like Trout, Harper and Kershaw that are acquired in pristine mint condition right away have shown strong long term appreciation. Vintage cards in top grades from the pre-war through 1960s era are considered a reliable store of value by many collectors. Researching population reports, recent sales data and general baseball card price guides can help collectors determine which cards and years hold the most potential going forward in 2015 and beyond. With careful collecting focused on condition, there are investing opportunities for every budget among the exciting world of baseball cards.

BASEBALL CARDS 2015

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Baseball cards have been a beloved hobby and collectible for over a century. The 2015 baseball card season saw several major card companies releasing new sets featuring the biggest stars and top rookies from that year. While digital platforms have become more popular ways to follow the game, physical baseball cards remain hugely popular with collectors both young and old. Here’s a more in-depth look at some of the most notable 2015 baseball card releases.

Topps had another massive year in 2015, continuing their dominance as the industry leader. Their flagship Topps Series 1 set featured 324 total cards as always, with players and managers from all 30 MLB teams represented. Some of the top rookie cards that year included Carlos Correa, Kris Bryant, and Noah Syndergaard. Veterans Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw, and Andrew McCutchen again received some of the most coveted base cards. As with previous years, Topps also released Series 2 and Update sets later in the season to feature new players and stats. Their Chrome and Allen & Ginter sets provided collectors with shiny refractors and oddball parallel designs as well.

Panini had another strong year with their Donruss and Contenders brands. The Donruss Optic set stood out with its hyper-colorful parallels and refractors, making for some truly eye-catching cards. Contenders featured on-card autographs of rising stars like Joc Pederson and Carlos Rodon. Perhaps most notably, Panini acquired the exclusive MLBPA license beginning in 2015, meaning they could use active players’ names and likenesses on cards going forward. This was a huge shift that threatened Topps’ long-held monopoly. Both companies would continue to battle for collector dollars and licenses in the years ahead.

Bowman had an exciting year as the prospect card leader. Their flagship Bowman set and Bowman Chrome versions featured future stars like Corey Seager, Byron Buxton, and Francisco Lindor as rookies. For vintage collectors, the 2015 T206 set recreated the iconic tobacco era design on today’s players. Upper Deck also released strong sets like Black, which offered parallels and memorabilia cards of current stars. The 2015 Leaf Metal Universe set stood out for its etched foil parallels and retro designs inspired by classic tobacco era sets.

Collectors in 2015 had many exciting new products to choose from. In addition to traditional sets, companies experimented with more innovative concepts. Topps released high-end limited products like Archives Signature Series with on-card autographs. Panini offered short-print heavy sets like Impeccable full of rare parallels. Limited-edition releases hand-numbered to specific print runs became more popular, especially autographed and memorabilia cards. These exclusive “hits” drove interest in breaks, group breaks, and individual box/case purchases online.

The rise of YouTube unboxing videos also exploded the popularity of group breaks in 2015. Fans could watch cases being ripped live and potentially share in the reward of hitting rare cards without the risk and cost of buying multiple boxes themselves. Several prominent YouTube personalities like Chris Bierman, Steel City Collectibles, and Blowout Cards gained huge followings cracking wax and reviewing new releases. This further engaged new and younger collectors who may have been intimidated jumping into the hobby alone.

While digital platforms like MLB Showdown and Hearthstone attracted some fans, physical baseball cards proved their staying power. The vintage boom continued as well, with legendary sets from the 1950s seeing strong demand and steadily rising prices at auction. Iconic stars of that era like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron remained hugely popular with collectors seeking pieces of history. Upper Deck even released limited reprints of the ultra-rare 1952 Topps set to celebrate its historic design and players.

In summary, 2015 showed the baseball card industry remained as strong as ever despite digital competition. Established brands released exciting new products while finding growth avenues like group breaks. New licenses and innovative concepts kept the hobby fresh. Rookies from that season like Bryant and Correa have since become household names, making their early cards all the more desirable. And the vintage boom showed collector passion for the cards’ role in documenting MLB history remained as keen as ever. With each new season comes a new crop of stars on the horizon for collectors to chase.

2015 BASEBALL CARDS UNOPENED

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Baseball cards have long been a favorite collectible item for both casual collectors and investors alike. The 2015 season saw another exciting year in Major League Baseball that was documented through the release of various baseball card packages and sets. For those who purchased boxes and packs of 2015 cards but left them unopened in mint condition, these sealed collectibles could prove quite valuable in the coming years.

Some of the most notable 2015 baseball card releases included flagship products from the biggest three manufacturers – Topps, Panini, and Upper Deck. Topps’ main 2015 baseball set featured veteran stars like Miguel Cabrera, Clayton Kershaw, and Mike Trout on the base cards along with prospects like Kris Bryant and Carlos Correa showcasing the next generation of talent. This set remains one of the most widely collected in recent memory. Upper Deck’s 2016 release featured a modern design along with popular parallels and inserts highlighting milestone statistics.

Meanwhile, Panini held the MLB license for the second year in a row after losing the coveted license to Topps for decades. Their 2015 Prizm set became a fan favorite due to the innovative ‘prismatic’ foil stamping on many cards. Prizm also featured coveted rookie cards for players like Correa, Bryant, and Noah Syndergaard that quickly gained value. With Panini being the underdog manufacturer at the time, their cards held more mystique which led collectors to voraciously pursue their release.

Expanding on the core card manufacturers, niche and luxury brands also flourished in 2015. Few hobby companies push the limits of extravagance quite like Exquisite, a high-end product that packs dazzling autos and memorabilia cards into ultra-luxurious presentations. Their 2015 Exquisite Collection featured 1/1 cards signed and worn by the games’ true superstars. Meanwhile, smaller independent companies like Leaf produced popular parallel sets with ornate color variations and embossed autographs.

When it comes to sealed 2015 product, the investment potential varies widely depending on the specific box or pack. Core flagship releases from Topps, Panini, and Upper Deck carry less risk being widely distributed but also see modest long term value gains. Meanwhile, less produced sets hold more volatility – prizm boxes could either sit untouched for years or explode in demand. Luxury boxes tend to gain steadily as affluent collectors covet ultra-rare 1/1 hits. Still, any unopened sealed pack or box carries inherent preservation of the cards inside and allows future appreciation based on how the 2015 rookie class and star veterans perform.

Two of the biggest 2015 rookie busts that could impact unopened product value are Byron Buxton and Addison Russell. Both were top prospects who struggled in their initial MLB time but have since turned it around with strong recent seasons. Their early cards carry an aura of risk but holding sealed packs allows the collector to benefit if they breakthrough. Correa, Bryant, Syndergaard, and others have mostly lived up to expectations so far, maintaining interest in their early issues. But there’s always uncertainty until careers fully play out.

When considering vintage baseball as an investment, condition is paramount. Sealed wax boxes and factory sets hold mint status indefinitely assuming proper storage out of direct light in a temperature controlled environment. This allows future grading of the enclosed packs and helps justify premium pricing decades later compared to raw loose cards available today. Topps flagship and specialty sets from the 1950s through 1980s routinely sell for thousands per box as the sealed wrapper maintains the integrity and mystique and locks in the inclusion of scarce short prints and errors.

While modern products may never reach those lofty valuation heights, the 2015 season had all the makings of a memorable year that could produce some worthy long term holds. Between the debuts of future stars and key performers, an exciting postseason played out culminating in the Kansas City Royals first championship in 30 years. All of these storylines further cultivate interest and nostalgia that may drive demand higher over the next 20+ years as today’s youth who witnessed 2015 come of age as collectors themselves.

For those who can resist the temptation to rip open fresh wax in search of hits, the patience of storing unopened boxes and packs intact serves as an affordable entry to the vintage baseball market. Proper storage ensures these sealed collectibles stay in pristine condition to someday be appreciated by a whole new generation of fans. The 2015 season saw tremendous young talent emerge that could captivate card collectors for decades as their careers progress. Only time will fully reveal the long term investment potential still locked away in factory-sealed memories from that memorable year. But for savvy card collectors, leaving some product unsearched allows capturing history in its purest form.

2015 TOPPS UPDATE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2015 Topps Update Baseball set was released on August 26, 2015 and featured cards highlighting the second half of the MLB regular season. As with previous Topps Update sets, the 2015 edition incorporated retired players, prospect cards, key rookie cards, and player performance parallels from the summer months. Containing 340 total cards, the 2015 Topps Update set provided baseball card collectors with a fun and engaging way to commemorate the late-season performances and storylines from around the league.

Some of the key aspects that made the 2015 Topps Update set compelling included numerous rookie cards for players who made their MLB debuts or had breakout seasons in the second half. For example, highly-touted prospects José Fernández, Kris Bryant, and Carlos Correa each had their first Topps rookie cards in the Update set after getting called up to the big leagues. Other impact rookies like Noah Syndergaard, Steven Matz, and Miguel Sano also received their first Topps cards highlighting their emergence onto the MLB scene down the stretch. Veteran pitchers Jake Arrieta and Zack Greinke also had cards prominently featuring their dominant late-season performances that propelled them to the NL and AL Cy Young awards, respectively.

In addition to the variety of rookie cards and career-highlight inserts, the 2015 Topps Update boasted several unique parallels to chase after that provided additional layers for collectors. The most coveted was likely the 1-of-1 printing plates, which featured an uncorrected square from the master set sheet. Other chase parallels included Gold parallels (/50), Silver parallels (/75), Refractors (/199), and Refractors Gold parallels (/50). The Update set also continued Topps’ recent tradition of including ‘Hits’ parallels featuring swatches of game-used memorabilia. Numbered to /25 and highly popular with collectors, the Memorabilia Hits cards added another premium layer to the product.

From a design perspective, the 2015 Topps Update cards maintained the clean and classic aesthetic that Topps has become known for over the decades. While not overly flashy or innovative, the straightforward photography and team logo layout provided an understated yet timeless look befitting the tradition of the sport. For collectors preferring retro designs, Topps also included ‘Flashback Friday’ insert cards patterned after the look of older 1970s and 1980s sets. Nostalgic for many hobbyists, the Flashback inserts were a fun nod to baseball card history within the modern Update release.

In addition to the base cards and numerous parallels and inserts, the 2015 Topps Update included a popular ‘Allen & Ginter’-styled mini box within the product. Featuring cards from various sports and topics outside of just baseball, the A&G-themed box injected some creativity and cross-collection appeal. Cards in the mini box ranged from ones focused on pop culture and U.S. presidents to players from other sports like basketball and hockey. While a bit unconventional compared to standard baseball releases, the A&G box was widely seen as a creative highlight that kept the Update set fresh and intriguing for collectors.

When it came to chase cards within the entire 2015 Topps Update collection, autos and memorabilia cards of stars like Bryce Harper, Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw headlined the premium end. Rarer 1-of-1 parallels of young talents like Carlos Correa and Kris Bryant were also tremendously popular. Countless other mid-tier rookie cards and player performance highlights provided affordable excitement that kept the entire set buzzing both at release and in the subsequent resale market. Whether chasing parallels, building full sets, or going for specific players, the 2015 Topps Update provided a full second-half baseball card experience that has become a staple for the hobby. Several years later, the cards continue to bring back fun summer memories for collectors and remind fans of pivotal moments from what was a truly memorable MLB season.

The 2015 Topps Update Baseball set achieved what made the annual issues so popular – giving collectors a chance to encapsulate and appreciate the stories and performances from the latter stages of the season. Featuring a balance of rookies, stars, and insert cards across a wide variety of parallel versions, the 2015 release satisfied casual and avid collectors alike. While largely maintaining Topps’ signature understated design, creative touches like the Allen & Ginter mini box also injected some clever non-baseball elements. The 2015 Topps Update set commemorated an exciting year of baseball and provided a rewarding chase for hobbyists to enjoy long after the final out of the World Series. The blend of traditional and innovative components firmly cemented the set among the most acclaimed Topps Updates in recent memory.

BEST 2015 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2015 Topps baseball card series was another highly anticipated release from the flagship baseball card company. With photography and designs that captured the essence of the 2014 MLB season, the 2015 Topps set featured cards of the game’s biggest stars and most promising rookies. While every year brings new exciting rookie cards and short prints to chase, here are some of the standout cards from the 2015 Topps baseball release that collectors enjoyed hunting for.

One of the most sought after rookie cards in the 2015 Topps set was that of Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager. Seager had a breakout 2014 season, hitting .337 with 12 home runs and 41 RBI in just 184 at-bats at the Double-A and Triple-A levels. He was considered one of the top prospects in baseball and was poised to make his MLB debut in 2015. The photo on Seager’s card shows his smooth left-handed swing in action. With his five-tool talent and pedigree as a first round draft pick, Seager’s rookie was highly coveted by collectors. His card would prove to be a wise long term investment as Seager went on to win 2016 NL Rookie of the Year honors.

Another rookie card that caught the attention of collectors was that of Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant. Like Seager, Bryant had an outstanding 2014 minor league campaign, hitting .321 with 43 home runs and 110 RBI combined at Double-A and Triple-A. He was named Minor League Player of the Year and was considered one of the top prospects in baseball. Bryant’s smooth lefty swing is captured on his rookie card along with his confident batter’s box presence. Bryant would go on to win 2015 NL Rookie of the Year and help lead the Cubs to their first World Series title in over 100 years, making his card an iconic piece of baseball history.

Mike Trout had established himself as the best player in baseball by 2015, and collectors loved the photo and design of his base card in the flagship Topps set. The card shows Trout unleashing his powerful right-handed swing in mid-motion, with his sculpted muscles and intense focus on full display. As the reigning two-time AL MVP, Trout was the most coveted star card in the set. His on-field dominance and young age ensured his Topps cards would remain a staple in collections for years to come. Even Trout’s common base card holds value due to his status as one of the greats of the modern game.

Clayton Kershaw had cemented his status as the best pitcher in baseball by 2015 with two Cy Young Awards already on his mantle. Topps commemorated Kershaw’s greatness with a card featuring him mid-windup, his left arm cocked high and tight as his body contorts into his powerful delivery. Kershaw’s intense focus and muscular physique are on full display. As one of the faces of the MLB flagship set for years, Kershaw’s cards are must-haves for any collection. This powerful action shot captured the essence of what made Kershaw the most feared pitcher of his generation.

While star cards are always popular, collectors also loved chasing after elusive short prints and parallel cards in the 2015 Topps series. The most coveted were the 1-of-1 card variations, with their serial numbers adding immense rarity and value. These included printing plates, where the blank card stock used to create the printing plates is autographed, and sticker autographs, which are stickers with serial numbering affixed to a standard base card. The autographs could feature any player in the set, from stars to prospects, making each 1-of-1 card a true one-of-a-kind treasure.

Additional popular parallels included the popular Topps Chrome refractors, which feature a colored refractory coating to make the image shimmer under light. The most sought after were the red and blue refractor parallel cards numbered to only 50 or 25 copies respectively. Other limited parallels included the Gold parallels numbered to only 10 copies, adding immense scarcity. Rainbow foil signature cards featuring autographed player photos on card stock with a rainbow-like foil pattern were also hotly pursued.

While every card in the flagship Topps set held value due to the brand’s prestige, collectors especially loved the unique photo and action shots featured on short print and parallel cards. These included behind-the-scenes Spring Training shots, action images from key at-bats or defensive plays, and artistic close-up headshots. The varied imagery beyond the standard posed photography made these harder-to-find cards real showstoppers and conversation pieces in any collection.

Whether collecting stars, rookies, short prints, or parallel cards, the 2015 Topps baseball release had something to excite fans and fuel the chase. Strong rookie classes, iconic star cards of the game’s best, and a variety of elusive parallel cards made it one of the most popular and collectible Topps series in recent memory. Cards from this classic set featuring key players from the 2014 and 2015 seasons remain staples in collections today due to their iconic photography, memorable moments captured, and representation of a special time in baseball history.