2nd and Charles is a well-known used book, music, and movie store chain that is also renowned amongst collectors for its large selection of sports cards. What began as a single store in Memphis, Tennessee has now expanded to over 30 locations across the Southeastern United States, providing treasure hunting fans the opportunity to dig through piles of memorabilia in search of valuable finds. While cards of all sports are offered, it is their baseball cards selection that draws in many collectors on a regular basis.

Stepping into any 2nd and Charles location is like traveling back to the 1980s and 1990s heyday of the sports card industry. Long boxes filled with wax packs and individual cards from that era sit stacked from floor to ceiling, an overwhelming sight for those who grew up collecting. In addition to these unopened products, dozens of glass display cases house organized binder pages and boxes of loose vintage and modern singles available for purchase. With such a massive inventory, it is truly a sports card enthusiast’s paradise.

2nd and Charles has perfected the used store model of buying large collections from sellers and then meticulously sorting, grading, and pricing each item individually. This process allows for a much more organized shopping experience compared to some stores that simply sell unsorted boxes. Customers can easily browse categories like “1975-1979”, “1980-1984”, etcetera to zero in on their desired era. The cards are also separated by sport, team, player, and condition. This extensive organization maximizes efficiency for those hunting specific cards.

In addition to unopened wax and loose vintage singles, 2nd and Charles also sells a variety of supplies to maintain collections. Toploaders, magnetic holders, binders, sheets, and other accessories are stocked to preserve finds. The stores also purchase intact vintage sets, often finding Goudey, Topps, Donruss, and Fleer team and player collections from the 1970s and 1980s that were meticulously put together and stored by the original collectors. Obtaining a complete high-grade vintage set all at once through 2nd and Charles can save a fortune compared to piecemealing it together elsewhere.

While the selection of common vintage cards is deep, it is the rarer premium vintage material that truly sets 2nd and Charles apart from other used stores. Their extensive network of consigners and ability to pay top dollar for entire collections frequently leads to true gems appearing in the cases. Over the years, cards like T206 Honus Wagner, 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth, 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle, and 1957 Topps Sandy Koufax rookie have all been offered in desirable grades. With the average collector unlikely to ever see some of these true holy grails elsewhere, 2nd and Charles gives a unique opportunity to admire and possibly acquire them.

In addition to singles, 2nd and Charles also consigns and sells complete vintage sets. Sets like 1909-1911 T206, 1912-1914 Cracker Jack, 1916 M101-4 Cigarettes, and 1951 Bowman have all been available intact in very presentable condition through their stores. The rarity and condition of these sets would be nearly impossible for the average collector to assemble. Being able to acquire the foundation of a vintage collection already finished is a huge advantage 2nd and Charles provides over other avenues.

For modern collectors, 2nd and Charles also has an excellent selection of 1990s and 2000s era wax packs, boxes, and singles. Categories are organized by year, set, and sport. In the trading card boom of the late 80s through 90s before the crash, 2nd and Charles was able to purchase massive stock from distributors going out of business. As a result, they still have inventory from flagship sets like 1992 Bowman, 1993 Finest, 1994 Select, and 1996 Ultra dating back to that era. Loose commons through superstars can be found in complete main set runs and specialty parallels from that decade.

Boxes of unopened wax from the junk wax era are also abundant and at very affordable prices compared to when first released. Being able to rip or search wax packs on the cheap from sets like 1991 Upper Deck, 1992 Studio, 1993 Stadium Club, and 1994 Collector’s Choice is half the fun of the vintage hunting experience. 2nd and Charles allows today’s collectors to experience the thrill of that era without astronomical vintage prices. They frequently have unopened cases of 2000s sets like 2003 Topps Chrome, 2004 Bowman Chrome, and 2007 Upper Deck SP Authentic still shrink wrapped as originally shipped from the manufacturer.

For baseball card consignments, 2nd and Charles has earned a stellar reputation of paying top dollar and working with collectors nationwide. Their buyer travels constantly evaluating and making offers on entire private collections. Whether a few hundred dollars worth or a six-figure collection, 2nd and Charles has the capacity and shopper network to move it. With a payment made promptly, consignors gain peace of mind knowing their lifelong collections will be properly sorted, marketed, and sold to eager collectors for maximum return through 2nd and Charles’ channels. This allows collectors to liquidate without the risk and legwork of trying to sell themselves piecemeal online.

In summary, 2nd and Charles stands out as one of the top destinations worldwide for vintage and modern baseball card collecting. Between their massive organized inventory, ability to also consign high-end collections, and store model optimized for hunting, the chain provides a uniquely memorable experience. Whether searching for childhood nostalgia, investment potentials, or to admire true iconic pieces of sports history, 2nd and Charles delivers the goods unlike any other used store or card shop. Their expanding footprint also means more collectors now have local access to this level of selection. For any fan of America’s pastime and the cardboard treasures that memorialize it, a visit to 2nd and Charles is an absolute must.

Baseball cards have been a beloved pastime for generations, allowing fans to collect pieces of their favorite players and relive memorable moments from America’s favorite pastime. The city of St. Charles, Missouri has long been a hotbed for baseball card collectors and traders, with its vibrant hobby shop scene catering to local fans’ passion for the cardboard treasures of the national pastime.

Located just 30 miles outside of St. Louis, St. Charles has been a baseball loving community for decades. Many locals grew up attending St. Louis Cardinals games and idolizing the greats who took the field at Busch Stadium. As baseball card collecting exploded in popularity during the 1970s and 80s, hobby shops in St. Charles proliferated to meet demand.

To this day, dedicated baseball card stores remain staples in the community. One of the most renowned is Bob’s Baseball Cards, located in the Mid Rivers Mall for over 30 years. Owner Bob Johnson got into the business in 1981 after realizing a passion for collecting led many in the area to seek out shops specializing in the niche product. “Baseball was and still is king around here,” Johnson notes. “I wanted to create a place for fans young and old to share in the hobby.”

Bob’s Baseball Cards became renowned locally and beyond for its immense inventory of vintage and modern cardboard. Using connections in the industry, Johnson amassed one of the largest back-catalogs in the Midwest spanning over a century of the sport. On any given day, collectors can find unopened packs and boxes from the earliest days of the tobacco era sitting alongside the latest Topps Series 1 releases. Bob also takes pride in maintaining a sizable collection of high-grade vintage stars, with numerous examples of T206s, 1909-11 T206 backs, and 1952 Topps dotting the inventory.

While Bob’s caters primarily to collectors, the shop also became a popular hangout for locals to trade and socialize around their shared love of the game. On Saturdays especially, the store bustles with fans of all ages comparing collections, completing sets, and swapping duplicates. “It’s really become a true community hub over the years,” Johnson notes. Regulars have formed tight bonds, traveling together to large shows regionally and beyond to expand their collections.

Another renowned destination is St. Charles Cards & Comics, located downtown on Main Street. Owned and operated by the Pfeiffer family since 1990, the intimate shop focuses its extensive inventory on baseball, basketball, and football cards from the 1980s onward. Like Bob’s, St. Charles Cards maintains an impressive backstock of unopened wax from that era for collectors seeking pristine sealed product to preserve and invest in long-term.

Beyond retail, the Pfeiffers organize some of the largest and most active card shows in the Midwest. Their annual winter and summer extravaganzas draw thousands of attendees from across Missouri and Illinois, with over 200 tables of vendors peddling everything from dime boxes to high-end autographs and game-used memorabilia. “The shows are really special for the community,” notes owner Steve Pfeiffer. “Fans come out to complete sets, look for PC cards of their favorite teams and players, and just enjoy talking baseball all day with others who share their passion.”

While the internet has allowed for expansion of the collecting community worldwide, the local shops of St. Charles still thrive thanks to their personalized service and sense of community. For generations of baseball fans in the area, stopping by their friendly neighborhood card store remains a beloved tradition and a way to stay connected to the game’s history. With the shops’ expertise and passion for the hobby, it’s ensured St. Charles will remain a hotbed for cardboard collecting for many years to come.

Ed Charles was a star third baseman in Major League Baseball who played for the Kansas City/Oakland Athletics and New York Mets from 1959 to 1973. While Charles did not achieve the individual accolades of some other stars, he was a consistent and reliable player who made multiple All-Star teams and helped the Athletics win 3 straight World Series titles from 1972 to 1974. Charles left behind a legacy as one of the finest defensive third basemen of his era and a true leader in the clubhouse.

As a player who had a long MLB career spanning the 1950s through the early 1970s, Ed Charles has a wide variety of baseball cards that were issued during his playing days and in the years since. Some of the more notable and valuable Charles cards include:

1959 Topps #264 – Charles’ rookie card, this is one of the key early cards collectors look for. The 1959 Topps set is highly popular and desirable. Low print runs make high grade examples quite scarce. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $1000. Even well-centered copies in PSA 8 condition can fetch $150-200.

1961 Topps #382 – One of Charles’ better looking cards from the early years. It shows him batting from the left side with nice action and a clear image. High grade copies have sold for $75-150 depending on condition. Still obtainable for $20-30 in average centered PSA 8 shape.

1964 Topps #362 – Charles is featured prominently on this card in his Athletics uniform. It is one of the more visually appealing designs from the 1960s issues. PSA 10 copies have sold for $250-350 given the rarity of high grade 1964 Topps in general. More common PSA 8 versions can be acquired for $50-75.

1972 Topps #597 – As a member of the 1972 World Series champion A’s, this card is quite desirable for team and winner collectors. It shows Charles receiving congratulations from teammates after a victory. PSA 10 “Gem Mint” copies have reached $500-600 at auction. Well-centered PSA 8 copies still command $125-175.

1973 Topps #554 – Charles’ final regular season card as he retired following the 1973 season. It pictures him batting for the Mets and is one of the more iconic 1970s designs. PSA 10 examples have topped $300. Most PSA 8 copies can be found in the $75-125 range. Still a key card for any Charles or Mets collection.

1978 SSPC Ed Charles – The first true “retired player” card issued for Charles by SSPC (Superior Sports/Private Collections). It features a nice action pose and is one of the earliest examples of a post-career trading card. High grades can reach $150-250 given the rarity. Most graded copies sell in the $50-100 range.

1991 Upper Deck #377 – One of Charles’ earliest modern era cards from the hugely popular Upper Deck set. It uses a nice action shot and design aesthetic. PSA 10 “Gem Mint” copies have sold for $150-250. Most graded PSA 8 versions trade hands for $30-60.

2000 Fleer Greats of the Game #94 – A sharp looking retro-style card as part of Fleer’s tribute set to baseball history. It recreates Charles’ 1959 Topps rookie design. PSA 10 copies have reached $75-125. Most PSA 8 versions sell in the $25-50 range.

2009 Topps Allen & Ginter Mini #AG87 – A popular modern mini card issue picturing Charles. It carries a retro design sensibility. Even low-numbered PSA 10 versions have sold for $50-75 given the set’s popularity. Most PSA 8 copies trade for $15-30.

In summary, Ed Charles had a solid MLB career and has developed a strong following among vintage baseball card collectors in the decades since his playing days. His rookie card from 1959 Topps remains one of the key cards for Athletics and vintage collectors. Issues from his World Series years in the early 1970s also carry premiums. While not in the same star category as some legends, Charles has developed recognition as a true leader and defensive standout that warrants representation in collections. With care and research, affordable examples of his varied baseball cards from the 1950s through modern issues can be located to represent this underrated star.