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ARE POST CEREAL BASEBALL CARDS WORTH ANYTHING

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Post Cereal baseball cards are collectible items that were included in boxes of cereal starting in the late 1880s and continuing through the 1980s. The value of individual Post cards can vary quite a bit depending on the player, the year, the condition of the card, and other factors. In general here is what we know about the value of Post cereal baseball cards:

One of the earliest known issues of Post Cereal baseball cards came in 1887, when sets featuring players from the National League and American Association were inserted into boxes of Post’s Grape-Nuts cereal. These early sets are considered the first mass-produced sports cards. Given their rarity and historical significance as the first baseball cards, complete 1887 Post sets in near-mint condition could be valued anywhere from $100,000 to well over $1 million today if they came on the market. Finding these original 1887 sets in collectible condition after over 130 years would be extremely unlikely.

Throughout the late 1880s and 1890s, Post continued to include baseball cards featuring current players in their cereal boxes. Sets from this era often featured players like Cap Anson, Buck Ewing, and Ed Delahanty. Individual cards from 1895-1899 in very good to near-mint condition can sell for $500-$1,500 depending on the player featured. More common players may go for $100-500, while a true star could reach $2,000-$5,000. Again, finding examples from this period that have survived 135+ years in high grade would be virtually unheard of.

In the early 20th century as baseball became more popular, Post increased production of their classic paper baseball cards. Sets from 1910-1939 are generally quite plentiful on the market today in circulated/well-worn condition. For common players from this era, a single card might fetch $5-20, maybe $50-100 for a star. In extremely nice “high-grade” condition of very fine or better, values jump significantly higher – a 1909 Honus Wagner is worth over $2 million while a 1937 Lou Gehrig recently sold for $79,500. So condition is everything.

The golden age of baseball cards arrived in the 1940s-1950s as the designs modernized and colors were added to cards. Stars like Ted Williams, Stan Musial, Jackie Robinson and Mickey Mantle became hugely popular on Post’s cards from this era. In poor/acceptable condition, a single 1940s-50s Post card might sell for $1-5 but could reach $50-100 for a true star. In high grades such as near-mint to mint condition, common players jump to $10-25 while legends could reach thousands – a 1952 Mantle sold for $144,000 at auction.

Production of Post cards declined some in the late 1950s and 1960s compared to the previous decades. However stars from this era like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Sandy Koufax remain popular. Their common Post cards sell for $3-15 depending on condition, perhaps topping at $50-100 for a true gem mint example. Rarer short print variations or error cards from the 1960s could be worth significantly more to serious collectors.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Post cereal maintained their tradition by continuing to include baseball cards in boxes, though the scarcity increased. Stars of that era like Nolan Ryan, George Brett and Mike Schmidt feature on these cards. Commons are just $1-5 today but a super high grade card could approach $20-50. The final 1980s/early ’90s Post issues remain quite affordable with even stars priced under $10 normally. Variation cards remain the most valuable from the end of the Post Card era.

While not as well-known as other vintage brands today, Post Cereal cards maintained an iconic presence in the cereal aisle for over 100 years and were instrumental in the growth of baseball card collecting as a popular hobby. Condition is critically important to value – even common 1890s-1940s players can be worth hundreds to over a thousand for true gems. The rarest examples from the earliest 1887 issues would command museum-level prices into the hundreds of thousands. With enough digging, hidden treasures could still remain in attics that could pay off somebody’s retirement many times over. Overall the long history of Post cards continues to attract a strong collector following across multiple generations.

POST CEREAL BASEBALL CARDS 1993

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In 1993, General Mills released its 39th and final series of collectible baseball cards inserted in boxes of cereal as part of its iconic Post Cereal Give-A-Show collectibles program. The 1993 Post Cereal baseball card series would mark the end of an era that spanned from 1955 to 1993 of providing young baseball card collectors affordable packs to build their collections included right in their favorite breakfast cereal.

The 1993 Post Cereal baseball card series featured 330 total cards issued in wax packs containing 9 cards each. Some of the big stars featured included Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripken Jr., Ken Griffey Jr., Robin Yount, Ozzie Smith, and Tony Gwynn. With the dominance of the Montreal Expos and Toronto Blue Jays in the early 1990s, the 1993 Post Cereal card set also had a strong representation of players from those clubs like Larry Walker, Moises Alou, Dennis Martinez, Roberto Alomar, and Pat Borders.

One of the unique aspects of the 1993 Post Cereal baseball card set was the inclusion of retired players cards for the first time. Legends such as Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Sandy Koufax, and Bob Gibson all had cards spotlighting some of their career highlights. This was a nod to Post’s long tradition of documenting the history of America’s Pastime through its baseball cards inserted in breakfast cereals.

In addition to the base card checklist of 330 total cards, General Mills also inserted short print and autograph cards randomly in packs that provided an extra bonus for collectors. Some of the highly sought short print parallel cards in the 1993 Post Cereal baseball card set included Ken Griffey Jr. at #280SP, Roger Clemens at #175SP, and Barry Bonds at #329SP. These short print parallel cards were much scarcer to pull from packs and thus held premium value for collectors.

Perhaps the most coveted and valuable insert cards from the 1993 Post Cereal baseball card set were the 18 autograph cards inserted at extremely low odds. Some of the all-time greats who had autographed cards include Nolan Ryan, Wade Boggs, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, and Ozzie Smith. Because they were signed by the players themselves and inserted so rarely in packs, these autographed cards carried immense value and prestige for collectors lucky enough to find them.

In addition to the base player checklist and inserts, the 1993 Post Cereal card set also contained 20 team cards highlighting that year’s American League and National League clubs. These provided a nice visual summary of each team’s starting lineup and pitching rotation which added to the educational aspect of collecting the Post cards as a kid.

While many young collectors at the time were beginning to transition to the more mainstream brands like Topps, Donruss, and Fleer that were sold in stores, Post Cereal cards still held a nostalgic appeal due to their long association with breakfast. Their smaller size also made them very affordable and easy for children to carry and trade amongst their friends.

Sadly, with changes in the cereal market and preferences of collectors, the 1993 Post Cereal baseball card series would be the final installment of the fabled Post cards after 39 consecutive years of production from 1955-1993. They remain a cherished bridge from the early childhood days of many collectors who grew up eagerly awaiting to see what classic or star player cards they might pull from their morning boxes of cereal. The 1993 Post Cereal set serves as a fitting finale and commemorates the golden era when America’s favorite pastimes of baseball and breakfast intertwined each other.

1961 POST CEREAL BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1961 post cereal baseball card series is one of the most unique and collectible vintage card issues. First inserted randomly into boxes of Kellogg’s and Post cereal in 1961, the cards featured iconic players from that era. While production numbers were high for the time, over 50 years of circulation and play have left many of the 384 total cards from the 1961 Post cereal issue highly scarce in top condition today. For collectors, the value of individual 1961 Post cards varies greatly depending on the player, condition, and completeness of the set being assembled.

Issued by Post Cereal Company (a division of General Foods) alongside their new “Rookie” brand of cereal in 1961, the 36 card series featured 24 rookie cards and 12 stars from that season. The production run placed around 5-7 cards per box of cereal, with no wrappers or gum included unlike Topps issues of the same time. This random placement led to many cards surviving in poor beaten up condition over the decades as kids enjoyed and traded the players within the boxes. Therefore, locating high grade1961 Post cards today can prove very challenging for advanced collectors trying to finish the full set.

The most valuable 1961 Post cards tend to be the star players, especially if they can be found in near mint to mint condition. A highlight is the rookie card of Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson. In pristine gem mint 10 condition, a 1961 Post Reggie Jackson RC has sold for over $10,000 at auction. Another top value card is the rookie of Hall of Famer Tom Seaver, with a mint 9 copy reaching $3,000.Other stars like Willie Mays and Whitey Ford can reach $500-1000 depending on condition for their non-rookie 1961 Post issue cards.

For commons and less heralded rookies from the set, prices are more attainable even in higher grades. Location conditioned examples of any card still proves quite challenging. An near mint 7.5 common rookie may sell for $50-100, while a gem mint 10 of an otherwise ordinary player could still command $250 due to rarity. The true condition sensitive nature and randomness of the 1961 Post issue makes ungraded examples much more affordable starting around $5-10 even for stars.

Completion of the full high grade 1961 Post set presents an immense challenge, as doing so would require locating dozens of elusive pristine graded rookies and stars. A full near-mint 7 set with critical cards graded even higher could conceivably sell at auction for $25,000 or more. For dedicated collectors with patience and means, finding and assembling legendary vintage rookie cards like Jackson and Seaver in top 1961 Post shapes remains the Holy Grail. Over 50 plus years since issue, the scarcity and nostalgia ensures values generally increase annually for the icons captured within this special cereal box baseball card memory.

The 1961 Post Cereal baseball card issue remains one of the most famous and collectible among vintage card series due to the star-studded rookie talent featured. While common examples can be affordable for most collectors, locating individual keys or completing the set in highest grades presents a lifetime challenge. Exceptional condition singular cards or highly completed sets will continue appreciate in value given the randomness of the original cereal box distribution decades ago that has led to extensive scarcity today. For those willing to search diligently or spend big, the nostalgic rewards of finding 1961 Post baseball history in pristine form makes the series a fascination for generations of collectors to come.

POST CEREAL BASEBALL CARDS 1961

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In 1961, Post Cereal continued their long-running tradition of including collectible baseball cards in boxes of cereal. First introduced in 1958 and produced each year thereafter, these cardboard prizes were eagerly awaited by kids hoping to build their baseball collections. The 1961 Post cards featured highlights from the previous season and statistics for many of the league’s top players.

There were 150 total cards in the 1961 Post issue, spanning both the American and National Leagues. Some of the most notable stars featured that year included reigning AL MVP Mickey Mantle of the New York Yankees, NL MVP Frank Robinson of the Cincinnati Reds, Hank Aaron of the Milwaukee Braves, Roberto Clemente of the Pittsburgh Pirates, and Sandy Koufax of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Several rookie cards also made their debut, such as Don Schwall of the Boston Red Sox and Dick Stuart of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The design of the cards was fairly simple but colorful. A horizontal photo of the player taking a swing, pitching motion, or fielding pose was displayed prominently on a white background with their name and team name listed below. Black borders trimmed the edges and statistics like batting average, home runs, and RBIs from 1960 were listed on the back. Advertisements for Post cereal products like sugar crisps, bran flakes, and shredded wheat rounded out the reverse sides.

While not as valuable today as the inaugural 1958 issue, the 1961 Post cards are still a highly collectible vintage set. They captured a snapshot of Major League Baseball during one of its most exciting eras branded by power hitters like Mantle, Aaron, and Robinson who dominated the long ball. Those rookie cards also added to the cards’ future appeal by commemorating the debut seasons of players who went on to solid careers.

In terms of condition, the cards from cereal boxes tend to be well-worn after years of handling by young collectors. Mint condition specimens graded high by authentication services like PSA can still fetch hundreds of dollars for the most desirable stars. More typically preserved examples in fair to good condition still sell in the single digit price range. Compared to the high prices commanded by legendary vintage issues from Topps and Bowman, this remains a fairly affordable set for collectors on a budget to track down.

Beyond their collectible value, the 1961 Post Baseball Cards provide a historical record of the league during a pivotal post-expansion year. The newly-formed Continental League had just folded, leading to the birth of new NL franchises like the Houston Colt .45s, New York Mets and expansion teams placed in Los Angeles and Washington. Player transactions had also shaken up many rosters, with notable trades sending players like Harvey Kuenn from Detroit to Cleveland. The cards put individual stats and feats into the broader context of these shifts that defined the era.

For young fans of the time who snapped these cards out of their boxes of cereal, they represented a thrilling connection to the players and teams they cheered for on the diamond. Part of the appeal was the surprise element – you never knew which new addition might emerge from the packet. Now over half a century later, the 1961 Post cards continue to bring back nostalgia for vintage baseball collectors seeking a reminder of childhood summers spent discovering the stars of yesteryear over a morning bowl. Their affordable prices also ensure these cardboard pieces of pennant race history remain within reach of today’s fans to enjoy.

POST CEREAL BASEBALL CARDS 2001

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In 2001, Post Foods launched their latest series of baseball trading cards inserted randomly into boxes of cereal. This series, like previous Post card inserts of the 1990s, featured current MLB players and was wildly popular among young collectors. The 2001 Post cards contained 60 total cards in the base set as well as additional promotional inserts randomly found, continuing Post’s long history of including baseball cards in their cereal boxes dating back to 1909 with their renowned T206 set.

Top players featured in the 2001 Post base set included Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, Cardinals first baseman Mark McGuire, Braves pitcher Tom Glavine, and Cubs second baseman Ryne Sandberg among many others. Rosters featured were for the 2000 MLB season. Design of the cards remained similar to past Post issues with a vertical shape, player photo on front, stats and career highlights on back. Special foil stamped parallels were also published at a ratio of 1:24 packs. The cards measured 2.5″ x 3.5″ and were printed on thick card stock.

While inserts in past Post issues focused primarily on team logos, this series upped the ante by including prolific players in short print parallel formats. Rare “Gold” parallels were inserted at an extremely limited 1:1000 packs and featured superstars such as Ken Griffey Jr., Sammy Sosa, and Roger Clemens. Other parallels included “Silver” at 1:250 and “Red” at 1:100 and highlighted the same elite talent. Special jersey and autograph cards showcasing pieces of game worn uniforms were produced at minuscule ratios making them enormously difficult to obtain.

In addition to parallels, Post issued promotional inserts highlighting specific MLB teams, ballparks, and special events. “Diamond Kings” paid tribute to the best players on each franchise throughout history. “This Day in Baseball History” revisited memorable dates and achievements. “Pride of the Park” zoomed in on iconic ballpark attractions. But the true novelty inserts were award winners. “All-Star MVP” and “World Series MVP” recreated great playoff performances on fancy card stock with embossed logos and foil add-ons making for true showcase pieces.

Another major highlight of the 2001 Post issue were rare retiree cards featuring baseball legends recently inducted into the Hall of Fame or having just called it quits. This included the last Ted Williams, Nolan Ryan, and Carlton Fisk cards ever produced while they were still active players from just a season prior. Having their likeness immortalized one final time on wax made these some of the most collected retiree cards in the hobby. A special “Farewell to the King” Ted Williams issue was particularly well-received among collectors.

The 2001 Post cards were an instant smash with fans. With updated rosters, sleek designs, and coveted inserts, they reignited the cereal box card craze of the 1980s and 1990s amongst a new generation. The excitement of not knowing what rare parallel or legendary insert might be found inside stirred collectors of all ages. While print runs weren’t publicly disclosed, the scarcity of parallel pulls suggested these issues were not overproduced. Scarcity, coupled visual pop and collector appeal, cemented the 2001 Post cards as one of the defining baseball card releases of the early 2000s among the hobby. Even after 20 years, mint examples still command premium prices from enthusiasts. The 2001 Post cereal cards remain a high watermark in the long tradition of inclusions that started over 100 years ago and sparked countless childhood memories at the breakfast table.

POST CEREAL BASEBALL CARDS 1994

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In 1994, General Mills continued its long tradition of including baseball cards in boxes of their popular Post cereals. The 1994 Post cereal baseball card series highlighted another exciting season in Major League Baseball and featured some of the game’s biggest stars on the cards packaged with Fruity and Cocoa Pebbles, Alpha-Bits, Golden Crisp and other popular cereals.

The 1994 Post cereal baseball card collection consisted of 132 total cards printed by Chicago-based printer Donruss. Donruss had been producing the Post cereal baseball cards since 1990 after taking over production from Topps, which printed the cards from 1961 through 1989. The 1994 Post cereal baseball card set focused exclusively on Major League players and managers rather than including any minor leaguers or retired stars as previous sets had.

One of the noteworthy aspects of the 1994 Post cereal baseball card series was its focus on relatively recent players rather than stars of past eras like previous sets sometimes included. The oldest active player featured in the 1994 Post cereal baseball card series was Nolan Ryan, who was then in his 27th and final MLB season at age 47. This highlighted how the series concentrated on highlighting the current season’s rosters.

Some of the biggest stars and most popular players who were featured prominently in the 1994 Post cereal baseball card series included Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, Cal Ripken Jr., Frank Thomas, Roberto Alomar, Jeff Bagwell, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, Pedro Martinez and Randy Johnson. These were some of the true superstars and most recognizable names in baseball at the time. Griffey, Bonds, Ripken and Thomas in particular regularly appeared on many of the chase cards in factory packs due to their widespread popularity.

In addition to photos of current players, the card designs for the 1994 Post cereal baseball card series incorporated some fun retro baseball elements. The fronts of many cards featured decorative baseballs or baseball seams around the borders. Some cards even utilized old-timey typefaces to give the cards more of a vintage baseball feel. Stats and career highlights on the back of the cards also highlighted how the players were performing that current 1994 season.

Factory card packs contained in boxes of Post cereals generally included a mixture of common base cards along with semi-rare “extended” series cards showing additional photos or stats and rare “chase” cards of the biggest stars. Insert cards were also occasionally included spotlighting various player accomplishments or retirees. While the checklist was never published, through collectors opening thousands of packs, the full 132-card roster was determined. The vast majority of cards were of current Major League players but a few managers and retired stars like Brooks Robinson and Sandy Koufax made cameo appearances as well.

For young baseball card collectors in the 1990s, the Post cereal baseball cards were highly coveted additions to breakfast. Along with providing a fun, affordable way to build a collection on a budget, the cards also served as a connection to Major League Baseball during the season. While the sets focused more closely on currently active players than previous decades, the cards still embodied the nostalgia and tradition of baseball card collections found in cereal over half a century. Though Post cereal baseball cards were discontinued after 2001, the 1994 series stands out as representing the prominence and excitement of MLB during a memorable year for the national pastime.

1961 POST CEREAL BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE

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The 1961 Post Cereal baseball card sets issued that year remain extremely popular with collectors today. These vintage cardboard collectibles featured photos of star players from both the American and National Leagues at the time. With the rise of interest in retro memorabilia, complete sets or even just single cards in good condition command strong prices.

A little history – Post Cereals began including baseball cards inside boxes and packages of their popular cereal brands starting in 1958. The main sets issued annually were known as the “Post Cereal All-Star Baseball” series. These early post cereal cards mixed marketing with nostalgia by showcasing Major League stars during the heyday of the national pastime.

The 1961 edition featured 100 total cards issued over multiple series. Notable rookies included future Hall of Famers such as Roberto Clemente, Bill Mazeroski, and Juan Marichal. Other stars prominently featured were Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Harmon Killebrew, and Bill White. The color photography and vertical format card design became iconic of the Post card era in the late 1950s and 1960s.

Fast forward to today – thanks to their provenance from a mid-20th century American brand and star subjects, collectors continue eagerly seeking 1961 Post cards in high grades. On online auction sites like eBay, individual cards in Near Mint or better condition will commonly sell for $5-$20 each depending on the player featured. Slabbed and graded Gem Mint examples can fetch over $100 apiece for the most desirable stars.

But where the real money is at is in finding complete sets still tightly together in the original post cereal box packaging. Maintaining the cards as originally issued in pristine condition is the holy grail for collectors and greatly increases value. Closed post boxes with a 1961 100-card run are incredibly rare to surface on the market today. When they do, prices regularly blast well past $1,000 due to strong demand.

In January 2022, a sealed 1961 Post Cereal 100-card box sold for an astounding $7,320 through online auctioneer Memory Lane Inc. The cards were crisply centered within the cardboard holders and box showed no signs of wear. Such high sales prices reinforce the blue-chip status 1961 Post cards have achieved as vintage sports collectibles. Condition is paramount for maximizing returns, so lower graded examples can often still fetch a few hundred dollars or more from motivated buyers.

Whether pursuing individual cards of your favorite old-time players or the thrill of possibly unearthing a complete factory sealed set hidden away for 60+ years, 1961 Post baseball cards remain a premiere vintage baseball collectible. Their enduring popularity with both casual fans and serious investors means strong continued demand and appreciation in values moving forward for many years to come. While finding investment-grade examples priced reasonably may require diligent searching, savvy collectors have shown that 1961 Post items hold intrinsic worth more than just their face value in the cereal aisle of yesteryear.

In closing, if you’re in the market for 1961 Post cereal baseball cards for sale, be prepared to open your wallet whether shopping singles or a full box set. Condition, condition, condition will be paramount in determining price – but the market has decisively spoken that great survivors from sport’s golden era will garner top dollar from collectors. With the passage of time, pristine 1961 Post cards are cemented as cherished pieces of baseballAmericana enjoying a multi-generational appeal.

1963 POST CEREAL BASEBALL CARDS CHECKLIST

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The 1963 post cereal baseball card inserts were included in boxes of Kellogg’s cereals like Corn Flakes, Bran Flakes, and All-Bran during that season. These cardboard collectibles featured individual player photos on the front with short bios on the back. The complete 1963 post cereal baseball cards checklist contained 74 total cards celebrating baseball greats from both the American and National Leagues.

Some of the biggest names to be included in the 1963 post cereal baseball card series were Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Roberto Clemente, Sandy Koufax, and Mickey Mantle. Aaron had just hit his first of a record 30+ home runs in 1962 with the Milwaukee Braves so he was one of the more popular cards that year. Mays, the Say Hey Kid, was in his prime with the San Francisco Giants racking up MVP awards and Gold Gloves. Clemente was an emerging star for the Pittsburgh Pirates while Koufax and Mantle were legends for the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees, respectively.

In addition to the superstars, the 1963 post baseball cards featured up and coming young players as well as established veterans. Cardinals pitcher Bob Gibson, who would go on to win the 1964 World Series MVP, was included just after his breakout season. White Sox first baseman Don Mincher made the cut after a 30 home run year in 1962. Other notable rookies on the checklist included Pete Rose of the Reds and Dick Radatz of the Red Sox, who would become one of the first dominant relief pitchers. Veteran hurlers like Early Wynn, Bob Veale, and Camilo Pascual also earned spots on 1964 post cards after solid careers.

The 1963 set was divided evenly between the National and American Leagues with 37 cards dedicated to the NL and 37 for the AL. All 16 MLB teams at the time were represented. The Cincinnati Reds, who won the 1961 and 1962 NL pennants, led the National League portion of the checklist with five total players featured including Frank Robinson, Vada Pinson, and Wally Post in addition to Rose and Bob Purkey. Catching up to the dominant Reds was the Giants and Dodgers with four cards apiece highlighting their stars like Mays, Marichal, Koufax, and Drysdale.

In the American League portion of the 1963 post baseball cards, the reigning 1962 AL champion New York Yankees predictably had the most representatives with six. In addition to Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, and Tony Kubek, lesser known Yankees like Hank Bauer, Marshall Bridges, and Jim Bouton earned spots. The Minnesota Twins, coming off back-to-back AL pennants in 1961-1962, placed four players on the checklist headlined by Twins greats like Harmon Killebrew and Camilo Pascual. Other AL clubs like the Orioles and Indians each saw three of their players featured.

The 1963 Post Cereal baseball card inserts provided a snapshot of America’s pastime at that moment in the early 1960s. From established veterans continuing their careers to young future stars just beginning, the checklist reflected the balance of experience and emerging talent that defined baseball during that era. For collectors and fans, the cards served as an affordable way to learn about players across the major leagues and admire the photos of legends like Mays, Aaron, and Mantle included in boxes of their favorite breakfast cereals. Six decades later, the 1963 Post cards remain a noteworthy part of baseball and collectibles history from that storied period of the national pastime.

POST CEREAL BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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Post Cereal Baseball Card History and Value

Post Cereal baseball cards were inserted in cereal boxes from 1961 to 1981 as a fun, free prize for kids enjoying their breakfast. Over the years, these cards featured popular MLB players from the time period and helped grow interest in baseball among younger generations. While the cards themselves held little value when first obtained, some have become quite valuable collectors’ items today thanks to their nostalgic appeal and limited production runs. Let’s take a closer look at the history of Post Cereal baseball cards and explore what various cards from different years and featuring different players can be worth in today’s market.

Post first included baseball cards in their cereal boxes in 1961 as licensing deals between cereal companies and MLB teams became more popular ways to market to kids. The 1961 Post cards featured 89 players from across the American and National Leagues on standard size cards without gum. These inaugural Post issues had larger print runs and thus lower scarcity than future years. Today in worn condition a full 1961 set might fetch $50-100 while a well-preserved full set could reach $200-250 depending on demand. Individual high-graded rookie cards from 1961 like Sandy Koufax have sold for over $1000.

In 1962 Post changed to smaller 3″ x 4 3/4″ card size that became their standard going forward. Print runs were reduced for sustainability which started increasing scarcity and secondary market value. Still lacking gum inserts, complete 1962 Post sets in average condition sell for $125-175 while a pristine Near Mint set could bring over $500. Superstars like Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle and Roberto Clemente from 1962 are routinely valued over $100 individually. 1963 saw Post’s first inclusion of gum with cards. Although print runs remained similar to 1962, the added nostalgia of chewing gum with cards has elevated 1963 Post cards in value. Complete sets sell for $200-300 with exceptionally nice specimens reaching $750-1000 range.

From 1964 through the late 1960s, Post cereal box inserts continued dwindling print runs making cards from this period highly sought after by collectors. 1964 Post sets in average condition change hands for $250-400 depending on centering and condition of stars. Near Mint or better 1964 sets can realize multiples of that price tag. Top rookie cards from this year like Dick Allen are valued $150-250+. 1965 Post cards saw the introduction of color photo fronts, increasing appeal. Complete 1965 sets usually sell from $300-500 with best condition examples reaching upwards of $1000-1500. Individual stars like Sandy Koufax and Harmon Killebrew routinely garner $100-200 each.

Print runs shrank further still for the 1966-1967 issues. As a result, finding any complete Post cereal box baseball card sets from these years in decent condition is a challenge. When they surface on the market, a typical 1966 set will sell for $500-800 while a pristine 1967 set could demand $1000-1500. High-grade individual cards like Roberto Clemente and Carl Yastrzemski from 1966-1967 regularly sell for $150-300 depending on the player’s career achievements and collecting demand. The late 1960s Post issues represent some of the most valuable series for dedicated vintage cereal box card collectors.

Into the 1970s, Post cereal continued reducing production of included baseball cards and included fewer cards per issue, further concentrating sets’ rarity. 1970-1971 Post cereal box baseball card sets are considered among the most valuable of the entire Post run with complete 1970 sets selling for upwards of $1000-1500 in average condition. Grading a perfect 1970 Post cereal box baseball card set could potentially realize $3000-5000+ pending auction market conditions. Even individual 1970 rookie cards like Reggie Jackson and Thurman Munson in high grades can exceed $300+ each. 1971 Post sets usually change hands from $1200-2000 for average quality specimens but a flawless 1971 set could pull $3000+.

The Post cereal baseball card inserts of the mid-1970s saw further decreases in included card quantities and distribution. As such, finding complete 1972-1974 Post sets is an especially challenging rarity. When they surface, a typical 1972 set might garner $1500-2500 depending on condition assessment and centering issues. 1973 sets often demand $2000-3500 while the rarest 1974 Post issues usually sell for $2500-5000. Individually, graded 1970s rookie cards like George Brett, Nolan Ryan, Dave Winfield range $150-500+ in high grades.

By 1976, Post had slimmed down baseball card inclusion to roughly 6-8 cards per box. With such limited distribution, 1976 Post cereal box baseball card sets are considered among the most coveted and valuable of the entire vintage cereal box card era. 1976 rookies like Mark Fidrych also hold perennial collector interest. Complete 1976 Post sets routinely sell for $3500-5500 today. Single Hall of Fame caliber stars from 1976 like Pete Rose and George Brett can exceed $300+ individually depending on condition.

The brief 1977-1978 Post issues marked the twilight of their long-running baseball card insert program. Complete 1977 sets trade hands for $4000-6000 today while 1978 Post sets push the $5000-8000 range when they surface, underscoring their rarity. High-graded rookie cards from these shortened final runs like Don Sutton and Dave Parker maintain value over $200-300 each when available.

Post discontinued baseball cards in cereal boxes after 1981, but their earlier 1960s-1970s issues remain highly sought after centerpieces of vintage baseball card collections. Strict print run control throughout the years concentrated sets’ scarcity and nostalgia keeps demand high. While conditions vary today’s secondary market values demonstrate how valuable completing a Post cereal box baseball card set from any year 1960s-1970s can be as a piece of pop culture history and investment. With care and research, set building or investment in key Post rookie cards offers collectibles enthusiasts an avenue to appreciate the memorabilia associated with America’s pastime.

1962 POST CEREAL BASEBALL CARDS

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In 1962, General Mills introduced the popular Post Cereal baseball card promotion, causing a frenzy among young baseball fans across America. Included in boxes of Wheaties, Kix, Trix, and Cocoa Puffs cereals, these colorful cardboard collectibles featured photos and stats of Major League players and became one of the most iconic sports card sets ever produced.

At the time, Topps was the reigning baseball card company, holding a near monopoly on the industry since winning an antitrust lawsuit several years prior. Cereal giant General Mills saw an opportunity to appeal to the growing demographic of baby boomer children by including baseball cards in breakfast products. They knew this promotion would drive cereal sales and expose a new generation to America’s pastime. The timing was perfect, as baseball’s golden age was in full swing in the early 1960s.

General Mills contracted the photo studio sets from Topps to produce the cards, ensuring high quality, accurate imagery. Each box of cereal contained five or six cards packaged randomly in a plastic wrapper. There were a total of 132 cards in the set, encompassing both the American and National Leagues. The front of each card featured a color photo of a player in action, along with their name, team, position, batting average, home runs, and other relevant stats from the previous season.

On the back, a black-and-white headshot of the athlete accompanied more comprehensive stats as well as a brief biography highlighting their career accomplishments up to that point. Notable rookie cards in the 1962 set include Hall of Famers Roberto Clemente, Dick Allen, and Willie Stargell. Other stars featured included Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, and Sandy Koufax among many others. The cards were a hit with kids, who eagerly awaited whatplayers they might find in each box of cereal.

Collectors started paying close attention to the Post Cereal issues during this time as well, given their high production quality and inclusion of coveted rookie cards. Despite General Mills only printing the cards for three years between 1962-1964 before Topps regained exclusive rights, they remain one of the most recognizable vintage sets today. In the decades since, the 1962 Post cards have increased tremendously in value. Graded mint condition examples of rookie superstars like Clemente or Koufax can sell for thousands of dollars.

The popularity of the Post Cereal cards also helped breathe new life into the entire baseball card collecting hobby. Younger fans who first got hooked on the cards as kids in the 1960s would grow up to join the robust marketplace. Even those without complete 1962 Post sets still cherish whatever few cards they were able to acquire in cereal boxes decades ago. The nostalgia and memories attached to finding these collectibles as a child added to their mystique over the years.

While not as extensive as Topps’ flagship issues from the same year, the 132-card Post Cereal set captured a golden moment in baseball history. Featuring many of the era’s iconic players and teams, they offered a perfect snapshot of the 1962 Major League season. By cleverly packaging cards with popular breakfast foods, General Mills introduced legions of American youth to the joy of collecting at a time when America’s pastime was truly the national pastime. They created an innovative new channel to promote both cereal and the sport that remains indelible in our culture nearly sixty years later.