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COLLECTORS CHOICE BASEBALL CARDS

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Collectors Choice baseball cards have been a favorite among collectors for decades due to their high quality printing and focus on unique subject matter beyond just the standard rookie card or star player offerings from the major card companies. Founded in 1978, Collectors Choice sought to publish cards highlighting obscure players, special teams, unique photography and interesting card designs that expanded the hobby beyond the basics.

While companies like Topps, Fleer and Donruss dominated the mass produced side of the baseball card market in the 1970s and 80s, Collectors Choice carved out a niche with their premium, limited run sets that appealed to aficionados looking for something more specialized. One of their earliest and most iconic sets was 1979 All-Time Greats, which featured 50 cards highlighting stars from the deadball era through the 1970s.

Standouts from that set included cards of Cy Young, Honus Wagner, Babe Ruth and Ted Williams. What made the cards especially collectible was the inclusion of players long retired who hadn’t received modern cardboard tributes until that point. The crisp black and white photography also gave the cards an old-time baseball vibe that collectors loved. Sets like All-Time Greats helped establish Collectors Choice as a go-to brand for retrospective and unique subject baseball cards.

In the 1980s, Collectors Choice continued innovating with sets like 1983 League Leaders, which paid tribute to single-season statistical champions, and 1986 Record Breakers, honoring baseball’s all-time home run, hit and RBI record holders like Hank Aaron, Pete Rose and Babe Ruth. They also produced popular team-specific and league-themed sets beyond the standard rookie cards. Their 1984 American League Champions set highlighted stars of the 1983 AL pennant winners like Baltimore’s Eddie Murray and Jim Palmer.

Collectors Choice also delved into obscure areas of the game. Their 1981 Negro League Legends set brought recognition to stars from the Negro Leagues who were overlooked by the major manufacturers. Icons like Josh Gibson, Cool Papa Bell and Buck O’Neil got their due in the beautiful color cards. Other unique subjects included women in baseball, famous ballparks and special photographic themes. They established a reputation as the brand to turn to for specialized cardboard beyond the basics.

In the 1990s, Collectors Choice kept pushing the limits. In 1992 they published a set called Baseball’s Last Real Men highlighting old school players who played through pain without modern protective equipment like Bob Boone, Fergie Jenkins and Jim Kaat. Another standout was their extensive 1995 Field of Legends set honoring the all-time greats with over 100 cards featuring stunning action photography from famed baseball lensman Charles Conlon.

They also produced themed subsets within larger releases. Examples included 1994 Team Heroes highlighting individual club’s all-time best from the past and present and 1997 Diamond Kings focusing on each franchise’s most decorated players. Their cards regularly featured premium stock, sharp photography and creative designs that made them true collector’s pieces.

As the sports card industry boomed in the late 80s and 90s, Collectors Choice thrived releasing high-end sets in limited numbers. Examples include their ultra-rare 1987 Goudey Giant, a massive 15-card tribute to baseball’s biggest stars printed in an edition of only 3,000 packs. Their 1990 Diamond Kings set had inserts on luxurious metal stock that are among the hobby’s most coveted chase cards. These exclusive releases established Collectors Choice as a brand for the true aficionado.

In the 2000s and 2010s, Collectors Choice remained committed to their retro aesthetic and focus on specialized subjects. They paid tribute to turn of the century stars with sets like 2001 Deadball Era Giants. Memorabilia cards inserting swatches of jerseys and other items became more prevalent in sets like 2006 Diamond Kings Signature Edition. Patch cards with game worn material emerged as highly sought collector pieces.

Perhaps their most ambitious modern set was 2010 Legends of the Game, a massive project spanning over 500 cards across 5 series released throughout the year. It honored all-time greats from Babe Ruth to Derek Jeter with exquisite photography and bio details on each player rarely seen on a modern cardboard release. Sets like this showed Collectors Choice was still leading the way with premium specialty products tailored for dedicated collectors.

While the sports card market has seen ups and downs over the decades, Collectors Choice has endured through their focus on quality, nostalgia and unique subject matter. From pioneering releases in the 1970s and 80s to their modern era innovations, they’ve consistently produced collector’s choice material for fans seeking something beyond the box store basics. Top players, obscure histories, retro design themes and premium production techniques have kept Collectors Choice at the forefront of the hobby even as larger companies come and go. Their commitment to specialized sets remains their brand identity and what keeps collectors coming back for more.

1997 UPPER DECK COLLECTOR’s CHOICE BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1997 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice baseball card set was a highly anticipated release from the popular trading card manufacturer. Upper Deck had revolutionized the baseball card industry when they first entered the market in 1989 and Collector’s Choice was one of their premier annual sets every year. The 1997 edition contained 264 total cards and featured current major league players, prospects, and retired baseball legends. While not quite as valuable as some previous Collector’s Choice sets from the early 1990s rookie card boom, the 1997 cards still hold significance for collectors decades later.

One of the most prominent rookies featured in the 1997 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice set was pitcher Kerry Wood of the Chicago Cubs. Wood had an electrifying rookie season in 1998 where he struck out 20 Houston Astros in a single game and finished third in rookie of the year voting. His rookie card from the 1997 Collector’s Choice set is among the most sought after from that year. In near mint to mint condition, Wood’s rookie fetches around $30-50 raw but can sell for upwards of $100 graded gem mint by PSA or BGS. Any card that captures a player’s first major league appearance holds added nostalgia and demand.

Another notable rookie from the 1997 Collector’s Choice set is current Los Angeles Dodgers manager and former catcher Dave Roberts. Unlike Wood, Roberts did not have flashy stats as a player but he developed into a valuable role player and pinch runner known for his speed and base stealing abilities. As a rookie manager guiding the Dodgers to a 2020 World Series title, interest and prices in Roberts’ rookie card from 1997 have spiked. Raw copies in good condition can be found for under $10 but a PSA 10 gem mint could sell for $75-100 given his new popularity from managing. Nostalgia for players combined with future successes often boosts values of rookie cards years later.

One of the highlighted veteran players showcased is Baseball Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. of the Seattle Mariners. Griffey was consistently one of the best players in baseball throughout the 1990s and remained a fan favorite for his smooth left-handed swing. His cards from Upper Deck sets regularly command a premium to this day. The 1997 Collector’s Choice Griffey is no exception, with a mint raw copy valued at $15-20 and a PSA 10 grade fetching $50-75. Any iconic slugger from the late 20th century maintains strong collector interest long after retiring from play.

Aside from star players, the 1997 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice set is also notable for featuring retired legends in their later career or post-retirement phases. One example is Los Angeles Dodgers and Brooklyn Dodgers pitching great Don Drysdale on card #126. Drysdale was a few years removed from his playing days but remained a revered figure for Dodgers fans and baseball collectors. In well-centered, near mint condition a Drysdale from 1997 can sell for $5-7 raw whereas a professionally graded PSA 8 copy may draw $15-20 at auction from dedicated collectors. Cards that memorialize all-time greats maintain value appreciation over the decades.

Overall team collection and chase aspects also add to the popularity and replay value of the 1997 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice baseball set. Cards like #1 featuring a team checklist or the #260 “UDA Finale” parallel sketch cards become Holy Grails for collectors seeking to complete their album. While relatively common in circulation two decades later, raw near mint examples of these higher numbered “hits” could sell for $3-5 with significant rarer parallel versions like “Golden” parallels fetching upwards of $25-50 graded gem mint. The 1997 Collector’s Choice set rewards those who piece together a full team or parallel run.

condition is always a key factor when assessing the monetary worth of any older trading card. For the 1997 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice basketball set, well-kept examples in near mint to mint condition still trade hands regularly between $1-3 each for common players through online marketplaces like eBay. More valuable rookie cards or stars from the set in comparable condition may command $5-10 individual prices. Cards that have been professionally graded bring a significant premium. A PSA or BGS 10 championship-caliber “gem mint” grade can multiply the value ten times or more depending on the individual card and level of preservation. This is why condition sensitive collectors are willing to pay grading certification fees to authenticate the condition of their prized cardboard.

While not quite as valuable as early 1990s iterations during the hobby’s peak, the 1997 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice baseball card set remains a nostalgic release sought after by collectors two decades later. Headlining rookie cards of Kerry Wood and Dave Roberts coupled with retired legend and active star appearances give the set lasting pop culture appeal. With care taken to preserve cards in pristine near mint to mint condition, common issues can still beflipped for $1-3 each while key cards may realize $10-100+ based on player,parallels, and professional grading certification. For accumulator sets from the 1990s boom era, the 1997 Collector’s Choice baseballs cards represent a comparatively affordable collecting challenge.

MOST VALUABLE 1995 UPPER DECK COLLECTOR’s CHOICE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1995 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice baseball card set holds a special place in the world of sports collecting. Released at the height of the trading card boom in the mid-1990s, the Collector’s Choice cards featured premium quality cardboard, photography, and designs that made them stand out among the sea of new baseball card releases each year. While most sets from that era have lost significant value over time, many of the rarest and most sought-after 1995 Collector’s Choice cards have retained and even increased in worth due to their low print runs and the superstar players featured on the fronts.

Perhaps the most iconic and valuable card from the 1995 Collector’s Choice set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Often considered one of the greatest players of his generation, Griffey was already well on his way to legendary status by 1995 withseveral All-Star and Gold Glove awards to his name in just his first few MLB seasons with the Seattle Mariners. His Upper Deck rookie card, featuring superb action photography of “The Kid” in his signature follow-through batting stance, has long been viewed as one of the crown jewels of the collector’s card hobby. What makes the Griffey Collector’s Choice rookie even more rare is that it was only inserted in hobby boxes at an extremely low rate of 1:96 packs. As a result, graded mint condition examples often fetch tens of thousands of dollars when they surface for auction.

Another record-holding 1995 Collector’s Choice card is the Derek Jeter rookie. As the longtime captain and shortstop for the dynastic Yankee teams of the late 90s-2000s, Jeter cemented himself as not just a star but a true icon of America’s pastime. His stellar rookie season helped kick off an eventual Hall of Fame career. Much like Griffey, Jeter’s Collector’s Choice rookie was scarce, appearing around 1:120 packs. High grade Gem Mint Jeter rookies have broken the $100,000 price barrier in recent years, evidence of his enduring popularity and the rarity of this specific cardboard issue.

Superstar pitchers also made their Collector’s Choice rookie debuts in 1995. Randy Johnson, nicknamed “The Big Unit” for his imposing 6’10 frame and 100 mph fastball, was already in his 7th MLB season but had yet to emerge as the dominant force he would become. As a result, his 1995 Collector’s Choice rookie remains one of his key early vintage cardboard issues. Likewise, Pedro Martinez debuted with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1995 and showed flashes of the brilliance that would lead to three Cy Young Awards. Both the Johnson and Martinez rookies were also quite scarce pulls from Collector’s Choice packs. Top-graded versions often sell for over $10,000 when they surface.

In addition to future Hall of Fame players, the 1995 Collector’s Choice set featured cards of current and past baseball greats. For example, an near-mint condition Ken Griffey Sr. “Father & Son” insert card which features a photo of both Ken Griffey Sr. and Jr. side by side sold for $15,619 at auction in September 2021. The card has additional rarity and popularity due to the family connection between the two all-star outfielders.Similarly, iconic stars like Cal Ripken Jr., Tony Gwynn, Barry Bonds, and Greg Maddux had spectacular “Best Of” parallel inserts in Collector’s Choice highlighting some of their top career accomplishments at that point. These parallel inserts, found around 1:4 packs, have attained considerable value in the secondary market.

While stars drive the high-end prices, the 1995 Collector’s Choice base set also features many other key rookie cards and early-career issues that remain affordable for most collectors. For example, Jim Edmonds, Troy Percival, and Bobby Higginson all made their debuts and went on to enjoy productive MLB tenures. Prospects like Ben Grieve, Paul Konerko, and Aaron Boone had cards that have grown in nostalgic value. Workhorse veterans like Mark McGwire, Bret Saberhagen, and Dennis Eckersley lent their star power to the release as well. This breadth of MLB talent over 650+ cards made 1995 Collector’s Choice highly coveted during the trading card boom.

Whether chasing superstars or completing the set, the 1995 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice baseball cards still fascinate collectors today with brilliant photography, premium production, and a who’s who of baseball greats. While the Griffey Jr. and Derek Jeter rookies remain truly unobtainable for all but the deepest of pockets, others cards from the set surprisingly hold steady and have even increased in price due to the recognition of players like Randy Johnson and Pedro Martinez in Cooperstown. For collectors and investors alike, the retrospective lure of 1990s sports cards and stable value of the Collector’s Choice releases continue to make this one of the most iconic baseball sets ever produced.

1995 COLLECTORS CHOICE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1995 Collectors Choice baseball card set was an interesting intermediate release between the larger flagship issues from companies like Fleer and Topps and the smaller specialty sets. Issued at a time when the baseball card market was beginning to explode again after a drop in the early 90s, the 1995 Collectors Choice set captured some big name stars from the 1994 season in a unique photograph-focused presentation.

Containing 330 cards in total, the 1995 Collectors Choice set didn’t have any parallels, serial numbered cards, or inserts like some other issues from that year. Instead, it focused on traditional baseball card photography featuring current major league players. Some of the biggest stars included in the set were Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, Greg Maddux, Barry Bonds, Cal Ripken Jr., and Roberto Alomar. Most cards also featured each player in their team uniforms from the 1994 season.

In terms of design, each card had a colorful modern style layout. The player photograph took up the majority of the front of the card in large vibrant color. Below this was the player’s name and that season’s team. At the very bottom was the Collectors Choice logo and set identification. Unlike some other releases, no stats were included on the front. On the rear, each card featured a player biography highlighting career stats and accomplishments to that point. This was written in a larger font and easy to read typesetting.

When it came to production, Collectors Choice cards were printed on a high quality thicker stock paper compared to some other mainstream issues. This gave each card a heftier feel in the hand that was appreciated by collectors. The card photography itself also utilized detailed high resolution images. Some examples include particularly sharpaction shots of Barry Bonds and Cal Ripken Jr. really showing each player’s skills. Overall the photography and printing methods resulted in cards that still look great even after 25 years.

While certainly not as coveted as rare serial numbered inserts, the 1995 Collectors Choice set did include several key rookie cards that have grown in value and interest over the decades. Stars like Derek Jeter, Jeff Bagwell, Manny Ramirez, Chipper Jones, and Todd Helton all had their first major league cards in this release. In pristine unworn condition, examples of these rookie cards today can fetch $50-$100 each. Looking back, the 1995 Collectors Choice set stands out as one providing an early glimpse of some true baseball legends.

For collectors at the time, the 1995 Collectors Choice issue offered an attainable full set alternative to the larger flagship releases. A full set could often be found for around $20-$30 through the hobby shops and card shows popular in the mid-1990s. This put a complete run within reach of many young collectors just getting started in the hobby. Even with over 25 years of appreciation since, intact sets can still be found listed today in the $50-$75 range on online auction sites.

One unique aspects that made the 1995 Collectors Choice cards appealing was the lack of oddball parallel or serial numbered variations that dominated many other sets that year. This allowed novice collectors to focus purely on assembling the 330 standard card checklist without fears of missing esoteric parallel subsets. At the same time, the vivid photography and eye-catching style made each card hold up as an individual piece even outside of a full set.

For advanced collectors of star players, the 1995 Collectors Choice release has value both in highlighting top talents from 1994 like Bonds, Ripken and Big Hurt as well as preserving their early career appearances in sharp detailed photos. Full or partial team sets centered around franchises like the 1990s Braves, Indians, and Yankees using primarily Collectors Choice cards can make for attractive displays or investments. And of course, the aforementioned rookies of Jeter, Bagwell and others ensure this set will remain a staple in discussions of vintage 90s cardboard for decades further.

In the immediate years following its issue, the 1995 Collectors Choice baseball card set didn’t receive as much attention or acclaim as flagship brands. But persisting interest from collectors has shown its photographic focus and affordable collectability achieve their own lasting appeal amongst fans of 90s cards. For today’s investors or those simply wishing to explore baseball from a quarter century ago, the 1995 Collectors Choice release remains a worthy standalone set fully deserving of its place in the yearly checklist. Its classic straightforward style has perhaps been appreciated even more with the passage of time.

1991 COLLECTOR’s CHOICE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1991 Collector’s Choice baseball card set celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2021 and remains one of the most coveted issues from the junk wax era for collectors. With 756 total cards covering all major and minor league players as well as manager and coach cards, the 1991 Collector’s Choice set stands out for its memorable photography, die-cut shapes, and a wide array of parallel and insert subsets that captured the interest of collectors at the time and have maintained value decades later.

Some of the most notable aspects of the 1991 Collector’s Choice set that have endured its popularity over the years include the innovative card designs that went beyond the traditional card shape. Collector’s Choice featured many cards with die-cut shapes such as rookie stars cards in the shape of stars, all-star cards in the shape of baseballs, and league leader cards in the shape of trophies. These unique shapes were a novelty at the time that attracted collectors and they have maintained their appeal to this day for collectors seeking cards that stand out from the standard rectangle.

The photography featured on the 1991 Collector’s Choice cards is also widely praised by enthusiasts. Featuring crisp, colorful action shots primarily from the previous 1990 season, the set captures many iconic players from the era such as Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, Cal Ripken Jr., and Roberto Alomar in their athletic primes. Collectors appreciate the way the photography transports them back to that period of the late 80s/early 90s and how it has aged better than static posed portraits seen in many other issues. Combined with the die-cut shapes, the memorable photos help many of the cards retain strong collector demand.

In addition to the base card set, Collector’s Choice in 1991 was among the early adopters of insert sets within issues that became a hallmark of the junk wax era. Notable subsets included Glossy Sendbacks, Stars of the Game, League Leaders, Celebrity Foldouts, and Team Cards. The Glossy Sendbacks captured the biggest stars of the day in a glossy foil parallel numbering to 50 copies or less that are extremely rare to find in high grade today. The Celebrity Foldouts featured likenesses of sports and entertainment stars of the time such as Mark McGwire, Wayne Gretzky, and Roseanne Barr.

Perhaps most significantly, Collector’s Choice in 1991 introduced what would become the most iconic insert set of the era – Stadium Club. The original 61 card black-and-white photograph Stadium Club set within the 1991 Collector’s Choice is one of the most sought after subsets from the junk wax era. Featuring award-winning action photography and a slick, premium presentation, it established The Stadium Club brand that would continue as a popular separate annual set for many years. Rookie cards of players like Griffey Jr., Chipper Jones, and Todd Helton are extremely valuable finds from the 1991 Stadium Club set today.

While produced during the peak of the early 90s junk wax bubble, the 1991 Collector’s Choice managed to stay relatively scarce compared to many other issues. The sheer volume of parallel and insert sets combined with uniformly strong photography helped inflation-proof many of the cards to a degree. Condition-sensitive inserts like Glossy Sendbacks rarely appear on the secondary market today in high grade. Though produced in the millions like most 1991 sets, finding a complete high grade set of the 660 base cards and various subsets poses a challenge for collectors.

For younger collectors just getting started in the late 2010s and beyond, the 1991 Collector’s Choice has proven an attainable vintage set that can still deliver affordable star rookies and parallel cards while capturing the visual drama and player selection from a pivotal time in the sport. Vintage players like Barry Larkin, Will Clark, and Dennis Eckersley remain fan favorites alongside young stars like Griffey, Bonds, and Ripken capturing their early primes. The unique card designs and photography have sustained the set as one of the most visually interesting from the overproduced era.

Whether sought for investments, team collections, or enjoyment of the photography and gameplay moments preserved, the 1991 Collector’s Choice baseball card set stays popular among vintage collectors decades later. Its innovative designs and parallel subsets made it stand out when new while maintaining affordable access points for collectors just entering the hobby. For capturing a specific season and roster of talent on engaging cardboard, 1991 Collector’s Choice endures as one of the landmark sets representing the peak of the early 90s trading card boom.