Tag Archives: baseball

WHICH 1989 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS ARE WORTH THE MOST

Leave a reply

The 1989 Donruss baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic releases from the late 1980s and early 1990s. The designs and photography from the 1989 Donruss cards remain some of the most recognizable from that era. As with any vintage baseball card set, there is variance in the values of the individual cards. Here are some of the most valuable and sought after 1989 Donruss rookie and star player cards:

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card: Widely considered the crown jewel of the 1989 Donruss set, Griffey’s rookie card is by far the most valuable individual card from that year. In pristine Near Mint-Mint (NM-MT) condition, the Griffey Jr. rookie routinely fetches thousands of dollars. Recently, PSA-graded NM examples have sold for over $10,000. Even in heavily played condition, Griffey’s rookie commands three-figure prices due to the huge demand for this iconic card. The Griffey Jr. rookie was one of the earliest that really captured the attention of collectors and helped spark the baseball card boom of the early 1990s. Its monochromatic design also makes it very aesthetically pleasing to collectors.

Nolan Ryan Card #419: While not technically a “rookie” card since Ryan’s actual rookie year was way back in 1966, the 1989 Donruss Nolan Ryan card remains quite valuable for depicting one of the all-time pitching greats near the end of his historic career. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $2,000. Even heavily played copies usually sell for $100 or more. The Ryan card features a classic action shot of the fireballer in mid-windup that captures the intensity he brought during his 27 year MLB career.

Barry Bonds Card #125: Another hugely popular late-80s Donruss card, Barry Bond’s 1989 issue shows him in the early years of his overwhelming Hall of Fame career. PSA 10 Gem Mint copies have sold for well over $1,000. Heavily played versions still fetch $50+. The photography highlights Bonds’ athleticism in the field. Collectors appreciate having one of the premier sluggers from that era in high grade.

Greg Maddux Rookie Card #597: While not as widely known as some rookie cards, Greg Maddux’s first Donruss issue is highly sought after by collectors due to his legendary career. Maddux would go on to win 4 career Cy Young Awards and dominate for over two decades. PSA 10 editions have sold for $800-1000 depending on demand. Heavily played copies are still $50-100 due to his elite status. The rookie card captures the young, promising Maddux early in his career before he became one of the greatest pitchers in MLB history.

Rickey Henderson Rookie Card #382: Arguably the greatest leadoff hitter and base stealer ever, Rickey Henderson’s rookie card remains a highly valued piece from the 1989 Donruss set. PSA 10s regularly sell for $500-700. Heavily played examples can still fetch $50-100 based on his iconic playing career and huge base-stealing records. The photography shows Henderson demonstrating the blazing speed that made him a unique offensive weapon.

These are generally considered the five most valuable individual cards from the 1989 Donruss set when found in top pristine Gem Mint condition. There are several other notable star rookie and career defining cards that can carry substantial value as well depending on player, condition, and demand factors.

For example, Tom Glavine’s rookie card (Card #591) regularly sells for $150-300 in PSA 10 as he was a dominant 300-game winner. Kenny Lofton’s rookie (Card #608) can reach $200 PSA 10 due to his excellent career. Randy Johnson’s amazing transition year card (Card #601) when he switched from pitching to relief sells for $150-250 mint. Other chase cards include Mark McGwire (Card #119), Jose Canseco (Card #47), and Ozzie Smith (Card #267).

While condition and grading are major determinants, the 1989 Donruss set contains some of the most iconic and valuable rookie cards and star player issues from the late 1980s baseball card boom. Led by the Griffey Jr. rookie which is arguably the single most valuable mainstream baseball card, there are several elite pieces that continue to entice collectors and drive substantial prices when high quality examples change hands. The photography, designs, and ability to depict emerging legends make 1989 Donruss a truly memorable release that remains hugely popular with vintage card investors to this day.

HOW TO MAKE CUSTOM BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Making custom baseball cards allows you to design unique cards featuring your favorite players, teams, photos, and more. There are several materials and methods you can use to create professional-looking cards at home.

The first step is selecting the image or images you want to feature on your custom baseball card. You’ll need a high resolution photo, either from a digital camera or downloaded from the internet. Make sure to only use images you have the rights to use. Collect photos of players in action, headshots, or team logos. You’ll want the main image to be around 2×3 inches to match regular card size.

Next, decide on card stock or material for the backing. Thicker card stock like 110lb cover weight paper creates a sturdier card that feels similar to a real trading card. You can find baseball card stock online or at craft stores. Basic white paper will also work but may not be as durable. Cut the card stock into sizes slightly larger than a standard baseball card, about 2.5×3.5 inches.

Now it’s time to design the layout. Decide where you want the main image placed as well as any other elements like the player or team name, stats, season highlights, or other details. Use graphic design software or a presentation app to create custom templates or leave space for handwritten text. Be sure to leave bleed area around any images that reach the edge of the card.

Once the design is complete, it’s time to print the front of the cards. You have a few options for printing depending on your setup. An inkjet printer with card stock setting works well for short runs. For higher volume, most print shops and online printing services can print on card stock. When printing photos, use high quality settings to ensure sharp detail. For blank templates, lower quality is fine.

After printing the fronts, it’s time to add any elements by hand. Use thin tipped permanent markers for writing small stats or details. For images, you can print directly onto the card stock or carefully cut out printed images and glued them onto the card. Avoid layers that add too much bulk. Glossy sealers or varnishes can provide a professional sheen once dry.

The backs of cards need text and sometimes images as well. Designate a standard back template with categories like team name, player stats and so on. Print or handwrite as needed. You can leave some cards blank for stats or notes too. Print or photocopy the back templates onto card stock and glue them to the backs, centering carefully.

Once everything is complete, it’s time for protective sleeves. Archival quality polypropylene sleeves are ideal as they protect from damage but still allow viewing the full card. Slide each custom baseball card carefully into a sleeve to complete them.

For storage and display, craft baseball card sheets, binders or boxes. Card sheets hold multiple cards for easy viewing. Binder sheets fit in ringed binders while boxes organize full sets. Consider placing completed custom baseball cards in toploaders for extra protection too.

With the right materials, templates and attention to detail, you can create custom baseball cards that look just like professionally printed trading cards. Display your unique sets proudly or even trade with other collectors. The process allows you to truly personalize cards in a fun, creative way.

WHERE TO AUCTION BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

eBay: eBay is likely the largest and most well known online marketplace for auctioning sports cards and memorabilia. Some key things to know about auctioning baseball cards on eBay:

Selling Fees: eBay charges an initial listing fee (usually around $0.35 for a basic sport card listing) and then takes a final value fee that is typically 10% of the final sale price, with a maximum fee of $750. So eBay takes a percentage of the final sale cost.

Auction Format: Most baseball card sales on eBay are done using an ascending auction format, where the price increases over the duration of the listing (usually 5-10 days). This allows for bidding wars that can increase the final sale price.

Promoting Listings: eBay provides tools to promote listings such as setting a reserve price, relisting unsold items, featuring listings to get them more visibility, and promoting through eBay’s advertising program. Sellers need to utilize promotions to get the best prices.

Competition: With the huge number of users on eBay, there is immense competition for selling sports cards on the site. Sellers need high quality listings with good photos, descriptions and title keywords to stand out among the many other baseball card auctions. It can also be hard to sell rare or valuable cards with reserve prices on eBay due to competition bringing the price down.

Buyer/Seller Protections: eBay has a money back guarantee for buyers and robust seller protection if problems arise. Items can be paid for with credit cards which adds another layer of protection. This alleviates risks for both buyers and sellers.

Selling to a Global Market: One advantage of eBay is the ability to sell to the huge global marketplace of over 300 million eBay users worldwide. This expands the potential buyer pool far beyond a local audience.

Some alternatives to eBay for auctioning baseball cards:

SportsCardForum.com – One of the largest online communities for sports card collectors and traders. Part of the site includes an online marketplace where members can open public auctions and classify collection listings for sale. Listings are free but the site charges a small selling commission fee on completed auctions, usually 8-12%. Key advantages are tapping into the site’s large established member base, no listing fees, and integration with the community forums. However final prices may be lower than eBay due to the smaller buyer pool.

Heritage Auctions – One of the world’s largest auction houses, specializing in collectibles, art, jewelry and more. Their weekly sports collectibles auctions allow consignors to submit rare and valuable game used memorabilia, autographs and vintage cards to be featured in Heritage’s famous catalog auctions. Advantages include high potential prices due to sophisticated bidders and international buyer reach, though consignment/buyer fees are much higher at 15-20% plus ongoing monthly storage/insurance costs if items don’t sell. Requires shipping valuable items which adds risk. Best for rare, game used pieces valued over $1000.

PWCC Marketplace – Formerly known as Legendary Auctions, PWCC is a leader in art, autograph and collectibles auctions. Their online sports card marketplace takes a slightly different model than traditional auctions, allowing open-ended “Buy It Now” listings in addition to standard auctions. Selling fees are very competitive at 8% plus nominal auction fees. Buyers and sellers are both rated to establish reputations. A solid option for collector-grade vintage cards over $500.

Twitter – Many sports memorabilia dealers, collectors and auctioneers actively sell rare baseball cards through their Twitter feeds and direct messages. Similar to a virtual card show or flea market, sales are often negotiated in real-time over photos and videos. No fees but building trust over time is important. Best for moving unique, one-of-a-kind vintage pieces worth over $2000 that have rich stories and condition details buyers can clearly analyze through social media.

While eBay remains a versatile top choice for most baseball card auctions of all values, alternative platforms provide appealing niches and may suit certain valuable or rare pieces better. Factors like target listings, fees, selling histories and buyer reach must all be weighed for each solution. With preparation and the right presentation on any of these respected marketplaces, sellers can garner top prices for their baseball card collections.

HOW TO DETERMINE VALUE OF OLD BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

There are several factors that determine the value of old baseball cards. The most important things to consider when assessing the value are the player, the year the card was printed, the card’s condition or grade, and any special characteristics.

The player featured on the card is hugely important to its value. Cards depicting star players tend to be worth more than role players. You’ll want to research the player’s career accomplishments and legacy to get an idea of their importance and popularity. For example, a mint condition card of baseball legend Babe Ruth could be worth thousands, while a similar card of a little-known player from the same year may only be worth a dollar.

The year the card was printed also impacts its value significantly. Vintage cards from the early 20th century prior to World War 2 tend to be the most desirable and expensive, as fewer survive in top condition due to their great age. The debut or rookie cards of famous players typically fetch the highest prices. For instance, a Honus Wagner T206 tobacco card from 1909 could sell for over $1 million. Cards from the 1950s-1980s may be worth hundreds, while those printed after the 1990s explosion in popularity and numbers produced are usually only valuable for rare autographed, numbered, or rookie versions.

Next, you must carefully examine the card’s condition or grade. Slight bends, scratches, stains or fraying can dramatically decrease a card’s value. The most prized are in pristine mint condition straight from the original pack. A grading scale of 1-10, with 10 being flawless, is used by professional services to assign a condition number and encapsulate top cards to preserve them. Ungraded mint cards of legendary players can still sell for tens of thousands, while well-worn condition or lower graded copies may be worth only a small percentage of that price.

There are also certain characteristics that can make otherwise common cards much more valuable. Autographed cards signed by the athlete featured are typically far more collectible, as are mint rookie cards, shortprinted or unusually designed “oddball” variations, serially numbered premium versions, and especially rare error cards missing statistics or featuring unusual mistakes. Cards that capture monumental events in sports history also tend to have additional interest and demand from collectors. Examples may include a card showing a player’s record-breaking achievement, World Series performance, or retirement season.

When assessing a card’s potential worth, be sure to research sold prices for comparable examples on websites that track auction results, such as eBay, PWCC Marketplace, or Goldin Auctions. Consider cards both with and without the desirable qualities mentioned to get a realistic sense of typical versus maximum attainable values within a given player, year and condition. Also factor in any flaws, centering/cropping irregularities, or accidental modifications like surface markings that could downgrade a card from its ideal description. With practice and market knowledge, you’ll gain the necessary expertise to reliably evaluate your collection and understand how best to sell, trade or hold individual pieces based on demand trends.

The most significant price determinants for old baseball cards are the player quality and fame, specific year printed, objective condition grade or numeric analysis of flaws/wear, as well as occasionally rarer characteristics like autographs, serial numbers, errors or event-capturing designs. Comparing your card to verified sales of near-matches on websites that document auction results will provide the baseline research and guidance you need to assess its overall value both currently and over the long run as a collectible investment. Taking the time for careful study of each piece’s features and relevance to the wider hobby will maximize returns and aid knowledgeable consignment if you choose to eventually sell your cards. I hope this detailed overview provides a clear framework for valuing memorabilia from your own or others’ baseball card collections.

DOES TARGET STILL SELL BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Target has maintained a presence in the baseball card aisle for many years, even as the popularity of sports cards has waxed and waned. While baseball cards may not receive as prominent shelf space as they once did in the 90s hobby boom, avid collectors can still reliably find new releases and value packs at many Target stores nationwide.

Target aims to carry a diverse selection of modern baseball card products from the major licensed brands like Topps, Panini, Leaf, and others. Browsing the trading card section, visitors will find everything from value jumbo packs under $10 to high-end hobby boxes over $100. Flagship brands like Topps Series 1, Topps Series 2, Topps Chrome, and Allen & Ginter can usually be found at Target a short time after initial release.

Beyond just the latest season’s offerings, Target also stocks up on previous years’ products that may have strong appeal to collectors looking to complete sets or target specific rookie cards. Visitors can usually find sealed wax boxes and blasters going back a few seasons. Vintage and retro sets are less common but do make occasional appearances on shelves or endcaps.

While the inventory can vary substantially between locations, most Target stores devote between one small to medium aisle section to trading cards of all sports. Within that space, there tends to be a focus on the major baseball brands that account for the bulk of sales volume. Collectors should be prepared for the possibility of occasionally empty shelves as hot products sell out before restocking. Target aims to maintain stocks commensurate with local demand but space limitations prevent deep reserves.

The quality and condition of baseball cards found at Target is generally quite good. With some rare exceptions, items appear factory sealed and storage conditions seem conducive to preventing damage over time in stock. Collectors should still carefully inspect wax packs, boxes, and individual cards for any flaws prior to purchase as with any retail outlet. Returns for factory defects are readily accepted though individual damaged or missing cards in sealed products cannot typically be compensated.

While the emphasis is on newer products, Target does also dedicate some shelf space to accompanied memorabilia, accessories, and collectibles related to baseball cards and collecting. Browse-rs may find items like magnetic stands and holders, snap-shot photographers, binders and pages, autograph certificates, and framed artwork spanning the history of the hobby. These adjunct offerings help Target promote baseball cards as an engaging collecting activity rather than just fleeting gambling purchases.

Overall, Target aims to be a convenient shopping destination for everyday baseball card collectors. With a solid selection of new releases and some vintage products, the chain remains a reliable retailer in the space despite the smaller footprint relative to dedicated card shops. Shoppers will find competitive pricing, streamlined stocking practices and an accessible store environment compared to specialty hobby stores. By maintaining ties to the trading card manufacturers and distributors, Target ensures its baseball card selection, while limited, represents the heart of the current market. As baseball card fandom endures across generations, Target positions itself as an introductory partner helping drive new interest in the hobby.

While the availability of every niche product cannot be guaranteed, Target grants hobbyists a broadly representative browse of the baseball card world under one mainline retail roof. With pricing and selection reasonably comparable to mass-market competitors, Target also builds goodwill as a welcome option for on-the-go or supplementary shopping. Whether adding a couple packs to a shopping trip or perusing the latest releases, Target strives to sufficiently serve browser​s and buyers alike with its accessible baseball card offerings.

ARE MICRO BASEBALL CARDS WORTH ANYTHING

Leave a reply

Micro baseball cards first emerged on the collectibles scene in the late 1990s and early 2000s. They were produced by companies like Topps, Upper Deck, and Donruss to capitalize on the growing micro collection trend. These cards featured the same players and teams as normal sized cards but were much smaller, usually around the size of a postage stamp at around 1 inch by 1.5 inches or smaller.

When they first came out, micro cards were mostly seen as a novelty and not a serious collecting category. Over the past 20 years micro cards have developed their own following of collectors. While an individual common micro card may not be worth much, there are a few factors that can determine the value of a micro card:

Rarity – Just like normal sized cards, the rarer the player, team, or particular insert/parallel variation, the more valuable the micro card will be. Short printed players, stars, and special parallels command higher prices. Common base cards have very little value.

Condition – As with any collectible, condition is key. Micro cards are so small that even minor flaws or issues with centering, corners, or edges can diminish the value significantly. Near mint to mint condition cards hold their value best.

Serial Numbering – Many higher-end micro card products featured serial numbering, usually out of a set number like /99, /25, /10 etc. The lower the serial number, the more coveted and valuable the card. #1 serial numbered cards can be quite desirable.

Autographs and Memorabilia – Micro products also included memorabilia and autograph cards which feature game-used pieces of uniforms, bats, balls or player signatures. These considerably drive up the value compared to base counterparts.

Rookie Cards – First rookie card issues for stars sell for more than base cards. Examples include Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr, Mike Trout micro rookies.

Complete Sets – Having a complete factory set collection of a particular year and brand of micro cards holds additional value beyond individual loose cards.

Promos and Retail-Exclusive Variations – Special limited promo issues given out at live events or exclusive retail store variants tend to have a solid collector following and value.

Vintage and High-Grade Cards – As the micro card era gains more nostalgia, the earliest 90s/2000s issues hold desirability when graded high and encapsulated to preserve condition. Pristine Mints can sell for hundreds.

While the average common micro baseball card isn’t worth much at all and is more of a novelty, the right combinations of vintage year, player, serial numbering, autograph, and condition can make certain micro cards quite valuable to the right collector. Complete high-grade vintage or rookie card sets have sold for thousands. It’s a unique niche area that continues growing in popularity within the larger baseball card market. With care taken in preservation, micro collecting allows appreciating assets in a very small yet detailed form.

While an individual modern generic micro card holds little value, top rookie cards, autographed/memorabilia variants, rare serial numbered parallels, and pristine vintage issues can be very desirable to the micro collecting community. Condition is extremely important given the small size. With the right combination of factors, some micro cards have proven to retain or gain value as the category expands over time.

WHERE TO SELL BASEBALL CARDS IN PHOENIX

Leave a reply

Sports Card Traders – This is arguably the largest and most well-known card shop in the Phoenix area. They have two locations, one in Glendale and one in Peoria. Sports Card Traders buys, sells, and trades all types of sports cards and memorabilia. They have buyers on staff that can give you cash offers for your baseball card collections. They also run auctions through their website to help sellers maximize value. Their huge inventory of cards for sale and trade also makes it a fun place for collectors to browse.

A & G Sports Cards – Located in Mesa, A & G Sports Cards has over 30 years of experience in the hobby. They specialize in buying, selling, and grading vintage cards from the 1950s through the 1980s. They will also happily look at and make offers on newer cardboard from the 1990s to today. Their staff of experienced graders can also assess the condition and value of your vintage stars. They pay some of the highest rates in town for top-tier vintage and rare rookie cards in pristine condition.

C3 Comics – With two stores in Phoenix, one in Chandler and one in Scottsdale, C3 Comics is certainly worth checking out for baseball card sellers. While their primary focus is on comic books, they do maintain a large inventory and active buyer base for sports cards as well. They will look at full collections or individual key cards from any era. Being in a comic shop environment ensures collectors caring pricing for your cards.

Ebay – Of course, one of the most popular online platforms for selling baseball cards is eBay. Taking photos of your collection and creating well-written listings that accurately depict the condition of each item provides access to a huge national and even global buyer audience. Researching recently sold listings of comparable cards helps sellers price their items competitively. The eBay platform allows for more exposure than local shops alone and provides built-in protections like buyer/seller ratings. Shipping cards properly and communicating well builds positive eBay store reviews over time.

Facebook Marketplace/Groups – While an online classifieds site rather than dedicated card shop, Facebook Marketplace and groups focused on cards have become a popular local selling method. Post detailed photos of complete teams, individual stars, or vintage lots with exact condition descriptions, clear asking prices, and your city location. Buyers in the Phoenix area can then inquire directly through Facebook messenger to arrange local meetups. Active card trading groups on Facebook also allow sellers to post entire collection photos to potentially spark wider interest.

Card Shows – In the Phoenix area, many spring and fall sports card shows are held on weekends at hotel convention spaces and big expo areas. These draws dozens of vendors, from professional dealers to casual collectors looking to turn cards into cash. With admissions around $5, it’s worth walking the entire show floor to get competitive offers from multiple attendees at once and find the best overall prices of the day. Bringing well-organized boxes makes your cards easy for busy dealers to review quickly. These events get a lot of local collectors hunting for deals.

Of course, another useful option for local baseball card sellers is asking around to trusted friends in the hobby if they know of any regular smaller card shop events, dealers wanting to make private collection buys, or nearby card swap meets not widely advertised. Sometimes the smaller venues can pay the best rates. Combining approaches like these popular local and online outlets gives sellers the ability to cast a wide net and find the highest returns available for their baseball card collections in the Phoenix area.

WHAT ARE THE CARDS THAT BASEBALL PLAYERS USE

Leave a reply

One of the main purposes of a baseball player card is to officially identify and distinguish each athlete who participates in organized professional or amateur baseball leagues. As such, each card contains the player’s legal name, along with their nickname if applicable. Date of birth is included to provide their age and year statistics were recorded. Place of birth is noted to give context to their origins and background. Physical attributes such as height, weight, batting hand, and throwing hand are listed to characterize the player’s physical profile and how it may impact their playing style or position.

In addition to basic identification details, player cards contain extensive career statistics for that individual. Batting statistics generally include games played, at bats, runs scored, hits, doubles, triples, home runs, runs batted in (RBIs), bases on balls (walks), strikeouts, batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage. Pitching statistics feature innings pitched, games started and relieved, wins and losses, earned run average (ERA), strikeouts, walks, complete games, and shutouts for hurlers. Fielding percentages and number of errors are listed for positional players as well. These core stats provide a snapshot of a player’s offensive, defensive, and overall career performance.

Beyond raw numbers, player cards routinely feature seasonal and career highlights for that athlete. This may include championship titles, league awards and accolades received, All-Star selections, notable single-game feats, pitching records set, and other achievements. Postseason performance is separately documented when applicable. Including career highlights and milestones on the card gives further context around a player’s legacy and place in baseball history beyond the surface-level figures.

While focused on individual players, cards also list their affiliated professional team and league(s). Minor league and independent ball club affiliations are covered in addition to “The Show.” Basic details about tenures, debut and retirement dates, transactions between teams, and how long they’ve actively participated in organized ball is shown. International players may have their country of origin and national team experience noted as well. Linking players back to franchises and leagues is essential for record-keeping across different levels of play.

Beyond just statistics and career outlines, additional interesting pieces of trivia are sometimes included on baseball cards as space allows. This could cover family backgrounds, favorite pastimes off the field, childhood memories, college careers, hobbies, superstitions or habits in the dugout. Humanizing anecdotes help flesh out players as people beyond their numbers. Cards may also feature headshot photos and full body action shots to help fans visually identify players they see in uniforms.

While digital databases have largely replaced physical cards for professionals, organized amateur levels still actively circulate printed cards for identification and statistical documentation purposes between schools, colleges, summer leagues and showcases. Player cards condense reams of records into snapshot capsules to facilitate easy access and sharing of career details across generations of baseball involvement. The foundational information included makes cards enduring tools for tracking, comparing and celebrating individual athlete careers and contributions to America’s pastime.

Baseball player cards serve several important functions through concisely presenting key identification information, statistics, accomplishments, affiliations and visual representations of each ballplayer. Distilling diverse details onto single standardized documents allows for convenient record-keeping, research and information-sharing regarding individual career arcs and placements within the broader history of baseball. While digital formats supplement paper cards today, the streamlined format continues effectively spotlighting athlete legacies for decades to come.

WHAT ARE THE MOST EXPENSIVE BASEBALL CARDS RIGHT NOW

Leave a reply

The top spot for the most expensive baseball card ever sold goes to a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA Gem Mint 10. This near perfect card of one of the all-time greatest baseball players was sold for $5.2 million by Heritage Auctions in January 2022, making it not just the most expensive baseball card but any trading card to date. What makes this Mantle rookie so expensive is the sheer rarity and condition, with analysts estimating only a handful were printed in this pristine a state. As one of the first Topps cards ever made and featuring “The Mick” in his rookie season before super stardom, this card holds incredible historical and nostalgic significance that still captivates collectors over 70 years later.

The second most expensive baseball card belongs to a 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card that went for $3.12 million at auction in 2016. The Wagner is arguably the most famous and coveted card of all time due to its rarity, with it believed only 50-200 were printed before the manufacturer bowed to Wagner’s request to stop production over unlicensed use of his likeness. Near perfect examples fetch multi-million dollar bids regularly thanks to the legend and mystique surrounding the card’s limited original print run over a century ago. Even beaten and damaged T206 Wagners can sell for hundreds of thousands, a testament to both the historical importance and collectible cachet bestowed on this singularly rare card.

Coming in third is a 1928-30 Goudey Sporting News Babe Ruth rookie card graded PSA Authentic AL-MT 8. This key Ruth rookie depicting “The Bambino” in his playing days for the Boston Red Sox sold for $2.88 million in January 2022. While more were printed than the ultra-scarce 1952 Mantle and 1909 Wagner, Goudey Sporting News Ruths in top grades like this example are still remarkably rare finds considering their age and the wear they’ve endured over nine decades. Featuring one of baseball’s two most iconic sluggers ever in his true rookie appearance makes this vintage card hugely significant todedicated collectors.

A card that recently skyrocketed up expensive lists is the 2009 Bowman Sterling Prospect Pre-Rookie Card Of Shohei Ohtani #BGS 9.5 GEM MT. This stunning rookie issue of the current two-way Japanese phenom Ohtani was purchased for $922,500 by collector Gary Cypres this year, shattering the record price for any modern card. At just 23 years old, Ohtani has already cemented himself as a legitimate 5-tool superstar and heir to Babe Ruth’s pitching/hitting throne. With his unprecedented dual talents and burgeoning career still ahead, analysts believe this Bowman Chrome card could ultimately attain Mantle/Ruth level prices down the road barring injury. For now, no active player card comes close to its lofty valuation among collectors eager to get in early on a potential generational talent.

The 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. rookie PSA 10 also routinely trades hands for high 6-figure sums when available. Considered the most coveted modern rookie after landing Junior on its inaugural printed set during his rookie campaign, perfect condition examples of this first widely available Griffey issue enter a very exclusive club. Widely regarded as the best all-around player of the 1990s who was also a ubiquitous presence in early sets, cards showing “The Kid” in his true first bow continue to be icons in the collector marketplace. When one crosses the auction block in pristine condition under extensive professional grading, bids are expected to approach or exceed $500,000 consistently for the sheer rarity involved.

Among the most historic and historically important baseball cards ever is the 1909-1911 T206 Honus Wagner card, which is both one of the rarest and most valuable collectibles in the world. Part of the immense value and allure of this legendary card comes from the story behind its rarity. In the early 20th century, the American Tobacco Company created promotional cards as incentives to sell more of their products. Featuring prominent baseball players of the day, the T206 set became one of the most widely distributed in the sport’s history at the time. However, Wagner, a superstar shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates, demanded his card be removed from production out of objections to having his likeness used to promote tobacco. As a result, far fewer Wonger cards were printed than any other in the set, with experts estimating maybe 50-200 were created before the order was stopped. Simply put, this makes the Wagner one of the rarest trading cards in existence. But its value is also intrinsically tied to the player himself. As a cornerstone of the early Pirates dynasty and one of the first true baseball superstars, Wagner’s legend and place in sports history only add to the immense interest whenever one of his fabled cards emerges for sale. In recent years, examples in lower grades have still fetched millions, while the finest specimens to ever appear on the market have changed hands for record prices above $3 million. With no new discoveries likely after over a century, unopened T206 Wagners will probably remain amongst the most expense baseball, card, or trading cards in the world for the foreseeable future.

While prices and individual cards may rise and fall over time, what determines the most expensive baseball cards will always center around the perfect storm of rarity, condition, player pedigree, and historical importance. Iconic rookie cards like the 1952 Mickey Mantle and 1909 Honus Wagner may never be topped due to their sheer scarcity and being ground zero for two legends’ beginnings. But newer star cards can ascend to their heights as well, as Shohei Ohtani’s already has, by capturing lightning in a bottle with a potential generation’s Ruth or Mays. As interest and demand grows collectively in the collecting marketplace, coupled with so few highly-graded examples surviving decades of potential wear and tear, baseball cards answering all those criteria will consistently rewrite value record books.

HOW TO SHIP BASEBALL CARDS CHEAP

Leave a reply

When shipping baseball cards, choosing the right shipping method and packaging materials is important to ensure the cards arrive safely while keeping costs low. First, determine if you will ship within the US or internationally as this dictates what shipping carriers are available to you.

For domestic US shipments, the US Postal Service (USPS) generally offers the most affordable baseball card shipping rates. Their First Class package rates start at around $3-$5 depending on the size and weight of your package. For larger card collections that weigh over a pound, USPS Priority Mail rates are competitive too and provide faster delivery times than First Class. Make sure to factor in the cost of supplies needed like boxes, bubble wrap, and tape when comparing rates.

Overseas shipments need to go through carriers that offer international delivery like USPS Global Post, UPS, or FedEx. These options tend to be more expensive than domestic USPS rates but still affordable depending on the destination country. Be aware of any customs/import fees the recipient may have to pay too. Always insure international baseball card shipments in case of loss or damage during transit.

Once you’ve selected a carrier, it’s time to properly package your baseball cards for the safest transport possible. The key is using multiple layers of cushioning to prevent bending orIndentations from occurring. Start with a bubble mailers or cardboard base laid flat to distribute weight evenly. Then wrap each individual card or small stack in paper or plastic to isolate them from direct impact.

Leave some space between wrapped groups and fill empty areas with air pillows, crumpled paper, or bubble wrap to minimize movement during transit. For larger card collections, consider using a rigid cardboard box lined with bubble wrap or foam sheets on all interior surfaces for 360-degree protection. Seal boxes securely with packing or duct tape. Proper labeling and insurance are also recommended.

When taking baseball cards to ship in-person, ask for advice like asking for “value packaging” to help ensure proper handling. Avoid perceived high-value brands like the USPS Flat Rate boxes which sometimes face greater risks of theft or loss. Weigh packages to avoid surprises and get accurate shipping quotes. Whether shipping yourself online or at a shipping counter, take advantage of carrier discounts for multi-package or regular customer shipments when possible to save extra dollars in the long run.

Regularly trading or selling baseball cards online requires investing some money upfront in supplies, but doing it right saves much more in preventing potential damage claims down the road. Be sure to photograph your packaging process as extra proof of proper preparation if any issues do arise. Proper preparation and choosing affordable carriers can allow you to ship even substantial baseball card collections for reasonable rates, keeping the hobby inexpensive and fun for collectors everywhere. Let me know if any part of the baseball cards shipping process needs more explanation!