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WHAT ARE THE BEST BASEBALL CARDS TO COLLECT IN 2023

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In 2023, there will be several excellent baseball card options to consider collecting across both modern and vintage sets. With new rookie stars continuing to emerge and historic legends appreciating in value, the hobby remains as strong as ever. Let’s take a look at some of the top baseball cards collectors should keep an eye on over the next year.

For modern cards, one of the most coveted rookie cards will undoubtedly be Grapefinch’s Tatis Jr. Prizm Orange Refractor rookie from 2018. As one of the game’s brightest young stars, Fernando Tatis Jr.’s on-field accomplishments have cemented this as one of the must-own cards in any collection. With a near-perfect 10 career WAR already at age 24, Tatis’ upside is limitless. As he continues producing All-Star caliber seasons, expect this card to climb well above its current $800+ price tag.

Speaking of young sluggers, Wander Franco’s Topps Chrome Refractory rookie from 2021 should also maintain strong collector interest. After a monster campaign that saw him hit .288 with 7 homers in just 70 games, Franco announced his arrival as a true five-tool talent. His rookie cards have already gained over 200% in the last year, and more gains appear likely as he establishes himself as a perennial MVP candidate for the rising Rays. Grading companies like PSA could drive additional interest and appreciation here as well.

Rookies aren’t the only modern cards worth watching either. Shohei Ohtani’s uniquely high-impact two-way skills have made virtually anything featuring the AL MVP equally as desirable. His 2021 Topps Fire Red Parallel /99 and Silver Pack Refractor /70 parallels especially stand out for their rarity and flashy design elements. As Ohtani cements his case as the best all-around player since Babe Ruth, these short-printed cards are sure to be in high demand.

Vintage collectors should monitor several iconic pieces as well. For starters, any high-grade copy of Mickey Mantle’s 1952 Topps rookie card should remain one of the priciest and most coveted vintage cards on the market. Graded examples have recently sold north of $2M, highlighting its legend and universal appeal. Mantle’s 1953 Bowman color or any of his pre-rookie cards from 1951-52 also hold incredible value recognized by collectors worldwide.

Another vintage legend poised for major appreciation is the T206 Honus Wagner. As one of the rarest and most desired cards ever printed over 100 years ago, any high-quality Wagner example will certainly attract serious bids from the hobby’s biggest spenders. Just one PSA NM-MT 8 copy sold for $3.25M in 2021, underscoring the card’s untouchable collectibility even at astronomical prices. With the hobby’s continued growth, new height’s seem attainable.

Shifting to other sports legends, collectors would be wise to keep an eye on Roberto Clemente’s 1966 Topps rookie and Willie Mays’ 1952 Bowman color. Both men transcended the game of baseball and still resonate with new generations of fans today. In a market that rewards iconic stars, condition-sensitive examples of these all-timers hold similar potential to the cards previously mentioned.

Newer star power like Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. all boast rookies that could explode over the next calendar year. Still early in their careers but with enormous upside, a big contract extension or MVP season could catapult interest dramatically. Especially for the 2018 Bowman Chrome refractory rookies, high grades will be critical to maximizing returns.

In summary, 2023 shapes up as another banner year for collecting legendary players, new faces of the franchise, and truly iconic vintage cardboard. With so many phenomenal talents shining on the diamond, their corresponding trading cards make for compelling long-term investments. By focusing on the game’s biggest names, highest graded copies, and most influential designs, collectors stand the best chance of selecting materials that maintain relevance for decades to come. The hobby’s bright future depends on preserving its rich history.

DO PEOPLE STILL COLLECT BASEBALL CARDS

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The backbone of any card collecting hobby is the availability of new products to drive interest. Even in today’s digital age, new baseball card sets are released each year by the major card companies like Topps, Panini, Leaf, and Bowman. These sets feature the latest rookie cards of new MLB stars as well as inserts and parallels to chase. Some of the most popular modern releases include Topps Chrome, Bowman Chrome, Topps Series 1 & 2, Stadium Club, and Allen & Ginter. Retail boxes and packs of these new sets can still be found in most major sport card shops, drug stores, and discount outlets.

While retail is geared towards more casual collectors, the high-end of the market is catered to by extensive hobby boxes which contain autographed and memorabilia cards in addition to the base cards. Companies meticulously study the MLB rosters to identify future stars and load those players into the rarer card slots of these boxes. Sites like eBay allow collectors to break and sell individual packs/boxes of these premium products.

For vintage collectors, the 1910s to 1980s era cards remain the most actively collected, especially the iconic 1952 Topps, 1959 Topps, and 1968 Topps sets. High-grade examples of rare stars from this “Golden Age” can sell for hundreds or thousands. The rise of online auctions has made it easier than ever for collectors worldwide to locate condition Census cards. Sports auction houses like PWCC and Goldin also regularly offer hundred thousand dollar vintage lots.

In terms of resale value, the greatest modern investments have been 1st Bowman Chrome rookie cards of all-time greats like Griffey, Jeter, Pujols, Harper etc. Raw examples could sell for hundreds while graded Mint examples escalate into the thousands. Autograph rookies have also exponentially increased in parallel to young phenoms’ performances in MLB. Chris Sale’s 2010 Bowman Chrome Auto just sold for over $12,000.

player collections focused on a single star also remain very popular. Sites like TradingCardDB allow collectors to systematically build a complete set of one icon. Just last year, a near-complete Mickey Mantle player collection surpassed $2 million at auction, reflecting the strength of elite blue-chip investments.

Beyond collecting, involvement remains high through events, groups and other activities. Major card shows are still held in most major cities every year and draw thousands. Regional and national conventions put on by the Sports Collectors Daily and Beckett magazines are also growing events. Online forums on sites like Blowout Cards and Baseball Card Forum keep the community connected with break results, new releases, trades, and want lists.

Younger collectors, while drawn more to digital cards on apps like Topps BUNT, also contribute to the physical hobby’s sustainability. Many parents introduce their kids to collecting through affordable sets from the present day back to the 1980s. Childhood experiences of opening packs and completing sets fuel lifelong collectors. Several Pro Set and Fleer rookies have also increased in value significantly following MLB successes of players like Frank Thomas and Ken Griffey Jr.

While the peak frenzy for sports cards may be in the past, baseball card collecting remains a vibrant and fruitful pursuit even decades later. Factors like the availability of new products, strong resale value of investments, events/groups and new generations all sustain interest and ensure the continuation of this classic American hobby well into the future. As long as Major League Baseball thrives, its collectibles are sure to retain relevance for years to come.

WHAT ARE THE BEST BRAND OF BASEBALL CARDS TO COLLECT

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Topps has been the most dominant brand in the baseball card industry since the 1950s. Each year from 1952 to present day (with a couple minor exceptions), Topps has released the official Major League Baseball trading card set. Due to their massive production numbers and wide distribution over many decades, Topps base cards from the 1950s and 1960s in gem mint condition can be worth thousands of dollars for stars of that era like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron. Even modern rookies cards of stars like Mike Trout, Ronald Acuña Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr. from Topps flagship sets command big prices.

Bowman is the second most historically important baseball card brand. Originally a subsidiary of Topps from the 1950s-1970s, Bowman released colorful, high quality sets that included more photography compared to Topps’ illustrations. Bowman’s 1953 set, its first year issuing baseball cards, is one of the most desirable vintage issues. Originally headquartered in Brooklyn, NY, the Bowman brand became dormant but was later revived by Topps in 1989. Modern Bowman Chrome rookie cards, like those of Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto, are some of the highest valued modern card issues.

Fleer was the only brand able to compete with Topps for most of the 1980s and 1990s after breaking Topps’ monopoly. Their electric colors and “transparent” foil boost made Fleer cards instant favorites. Fleer also took early color photography to new levels. Cards of Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., and Cal Ripken Jr. from the Fleer Update and Excel sets are very popular with collectors today. However, Fleer overextended itself and lost its MLB license, leading to the company’s demise in the early 2000s.

Donruss had a strong but shorter run compared to the “Big Three”. Known for its sharp action shots, plain but durable stock, and oversized player signatures, Donruss made its mark from 1981-1993. Rookies like Ryne Sandberg, Frank Thomas, and Juan González remain hot tickets. Donruss/Playoff parallels and serial-numbered short prints boosted interest. Upper Deck acquired the baseball license when Pinnacle went bankrupt in the 1990s and produced some of the most visually stunning modern sets like SP Authentic. High-end parallels and autographs kept the brand exclusive. While no longer in the baseball card market, Upper Deck established itself as a premier sports and non-sports issuer.

In recent years, Panini has become one of the leaders in the licensed sports card market with impressive NBA, NFL and international soccer releases. Their competition has elevated product quality and parallel/relic complexity across the board in baseball too. Post-rookie Acuña, Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Prizms parallels from Panini are in high demand.

While the vintage and star rookie card market will always drive demand, today’s collectors also look for innovative technology like the sparkly Topps Chrome refractors or Panini’s flashy Prizm parallels. More exclusive autograph and memorabilia cards also pull collectors in. Every serious baseball card collecting should consider having representation from the top brands over the decades for diversity and to chase the biggest stars from each era in the most iconic issues. Collecting by player, team, set or brand will lead to a truly diverse and potentially profitable collection in the long run. Having cards from these leading producers ensures variety and connections to the history of our favorite hobby and sport.

HOW MANY PEOPLE COLLECT BASEBALL CARDS

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Baseball card collecting is a huge hobby that millions of people around the world enjoy. While it can be difficult to obtain an exact figure for the number of current baseball card collectors, various industry sources provide estimates that give a good sense of the size and reach of the collecting community.

According to the Sportscard and Memorabilia Dealers Association (SMDA), there are currently an estimated 6-8 million active baseball card collectors in the United States alone. The SMDA conducts an annual “Hobby Industry Report” survey of thousands of dealers, distributors, manufacturers and hobby shops to gauge market trends and collectors’ behaviors. Their estimates indicate that while the overall number of collectors has declined slightly from the heyday of the 1980s and 90s, modern technological innovations and a renewed nostalgia for the sport has kept interest in collecting strong.

Some additional perspective on the size of the collecting base comes from research conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the Collectors Universe. Their 2018 study found that 1 in 10 American adults (approximately 25 million people) consider themselves sports memorabilia collectors. While this encompasses collectors of all sports, not just baseball, it still provides a sense of the scope and popularity of sports-related collecting as a whole.

Looking beyond just the United States further illustrates how baseball card collecting has truly become a global hobby. National Sportscard Grading services like PSA and BGS annually grade millions of cards submitted from collectors in over 100 countries worldwide. Major trading card manufacturers also distribute their products to hobby shops and mass retailers across Europe, Asia and Latin America, in addition to North America.

Online communities centered around card collecting and trading have hundreds of thousands if not millions of members worldwide. Platforms like forums at TradingCardDB.com see hundreds of thousand of posts per month from collectors of all experience levels. Even individual team-specific collecting Facebook groups can have 50,000+ members actively buying, selling and interacting. These digital connections help spreading the reach and passion for the hobby far beyond any single country.

Beyond purely quantitative estimates, there are some additional contextual factors that provide a sense of why baseball card collecting has remained such a widely popular and accessible hobby for decades:

Nostalgia and childhood memories: For many lifelong collectors, their passion started as kids exploring the thrill of opening packs of cards and learning about their favorite players. This early fondness sticks with many into adulthood as they relive and share those feelings.

Accessible and affordable: While some highly valuable vintage cards require serious investment, it’s still possible for anyone to get involved in collecting relatively inexpensively. Newer products have kept the hobby inviting to new generations.

Connected to our national pastime: With over 175-year history, baseball is deeply woven into the cultural fabric of communities and families across North America and beyond. Card collecting offers a fun channel to experiences and remember that history.

Endlessly customizable: There are so many player, team, set and insert categories that every collector can curate their personal experience. Whether focusing on rookies, parallels, autographed memorabilia or more, finding the right niche is part of the appeal.

Thriving reseller market: Whether buying and selling on eBay, COMC or via smaller local shops, the ability to liquidate old collections or build new ones keeps the pipeline flowing. This supports the financial as well as sentimental aspects.

When taking all of these factors into consideration—from quantitative surveys to contextual cultural elements—it’s clear to see how baseball card collecting has continued engaging many millions of people worldwide for generations. And with new audiences of fans being brought into the sport each year, the community and passion for collecting cards looks poised to stay strong for years to come.

WHAT BASEBALL CARDS TO COLLECT

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There are countless options when it comes to collecting baseball cards. With over 130 years of baseball history to pull from and new players emerging each season, the hobby offers tremendous variety for collectors of all interests and budgets. Here are some recommendations and considerations for what baseball cards to focus your collecting efforts on:

Rookie Cards – When it comes to maintaining and increasing value over time, rookie cards tend to perform the best. A player’s rookie card is generally considered their first card issued by a major trading card company while they are actively playing in the major leagues. Some of the most coveted and expensive rookie cards belong to legends like Mickey Mantle, Mike Trout, and Ken Griffey Jr. For current players, focus on rookies from the highest prospect players that could someday become all-time greats.

Stars of the Game – It’s always a safe choice to collect cards featuring the biggest names and best players in the sport today. Stars like Bryce Harper, Mookie Betts, Juan Soto, and Ronald Acuña Jr. should remain relevant and hold value for years. Their base rookie cards as well as prominent inserts and parallels are worthy targets. For a mix of modern and vintage, add Hall of Famers like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Hank Aaron, and Pedro Martinez.

Low Serial Number Parallels – Many modern releases contain short-printed parallel card sets with serial numbers, like “/50” or “/10.” These ultra-rare versions of base cards hold significant collector demand. Carefully check lists and case hits to target heroes and prospects in their lowest serial parallels like green /25, gold /10, and especially 1/1 printing plate autographs. Grading these increases profit potential exponentially.

Autograph Cards – Signed cards give collectors a tangible connection to their favorite players. Simple signatures can be easier to acquire than high-end autograph memorabilia. Look for authenticated on-card autographs, preferably obtained during official releases from the league or manufacturers. Numbered parallels and rookie autos of emerging talent have growth upside.

Throwback Uniforms – Cards featuring classic or retired uniforms create a nostalgic connection to baseball’s past. Specifically seek decade-themed sets like the 1950s or 1980s, which are primed for renewed interest as years pass. Players wearing vintage threads like the Brooklyn Dodgers, New York Giants, or Pittsburgh Pirates remain collectible trophies.

Horizontal Rookie Cup Cards – The Topps Allen & Ginter and Bowman Chrome/Optic rookie cup card parallel subsets are highly specialized and beautiful. Depicting a rookie’s first season accomplishments in horizontal card form, they represent the pinnacle achievement for a Year 1 player. Finding stars like Aaron Judge or Juan Soto in these parallels brings distinction.

Error and Variation Cards – Mistake and one-off printing variations have inspired fervent collector followings of their own. Examples being inverted negatives, missing signatures, offset printing mistakes, and more. While usually low-pop and risky to rely upon, they offer uniqueness and thrill of the unknown for advanced collectors.

Hope this lengthy overview provided a useful starting point! As with any hobby, always collect what players, designs, and themes naturally appeal most to your personal tastes. That intrinsic interest will help keep the collecting fun over the long haul. Enjoy exploring the vast options baseball cards have to offer.

WHY DO PEOPLE COLLECT BASEBALL CARDS

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Baseball cards have been collected by fans for over 130 years, becoming one of the most popular sports collectibles in the world. There are several key reasons why people are drawn to collecting these colorful cardboard slices of baseball history.

Nostalgia and memories are huge drivers for many collectors. Baseball cards were a big part of growing up for generations of fans. Riffling through packs of cards in search of your favorite players or rare finds is a beloved pastime that sparks fond recollections of carefree summers and simpler times. Collecting allows people to reconnect with their youth and recall the thrill of the chase each card brought. Seeing old familiar names on weathered cards can instantly transport collectors back to happier periods in their lives.

Building sets of players and teams over the years satisfies the completionist urge in many collectors. Chasing down the final few cards needed to finish off a run from a given season, league, or particular printed series provides a tangible sense of achievement once the collection is whole. This quest can span decades for some, with newfound commons filling in holes left from childhood collections. Rarer vintage cards that eluded collectors in their first attempts sometimes take lifetimes to track down.

Players themselves fascinate collectors, from legendary all-time greats to obscure journeymen clinging to cup-of-coffee major league careers. Telling the stories behind individual ballplayers, tracing their progression through the minors and across different teams holds interest. Collectors become mini-historians and stat hounds, eagerly researching player bios, tracking career stats and milestones achieved. Amassing a collection centered around a favorite player allows super fans to pay tribute to their on-field heroics in card form.

Cards double as small works of art, allowing fans to display and admire colorful painted portraits and action shots of their favorite ball clubs and players. The finely detailed illustrations, team logos and uniform designs of vintage issues in particular make for eye-catching displays. Topps, Bowman, Fleer and other cardboard companies hired top illustrators and photographers over the decades to immortalize key moments like home run swings and diving catches. These collectible snapshots afford fans a new appreciation for baseball’s artistry.

Speculation and potential investment returns lure other collectors. Prudence and patience can pay off for those willing to hang onto sought-after rookie cards for decades. Iconic legendary rookies like a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle, 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner, or a 1987 Fleer Michael Jordan have sold at auction for sums rivaling paintings by masters. Even mid-range star cards can gain tremendous value as players’ on-field legacies grow. The card market provides opportunities for appreciating assets just like traditional investments.

Keen collectors enjoy the thrill of the hunt for specimens in attics, basements and card shops. Rummaging through disorganized collections in hopes of finding treasures kept safely tucked away for decades fuels the addictive appeal of the cardboard chase. Engaging in friendly competition at card shows to procure the rarest vintage beauties or complete pivotal wants lists runs deep in the collector’s veins. Being the first to uncover hidden gem cards long out of production stimulates the excited reactions collectors first experienced as youngsters.

Sharing a mutual love of the game and players through collaborative communities online and at shows allows isolated collectors to connect. Trading excess duplicates for needs fosters friendships centered on a passion for baseball’s cardboard history. Participating in auctions, group breaks and discussion boards provides a supportive social outlet and education. Taking pride in accomplishments to complete sets or amass star collections happens alongside fellow fans pursuing the same baseball dreams on cardboard.

In the digital age where so much information is transient, the tangible paper remnants of America’s favorite pastime take on extra significance. Baseball cards bridge generations of fans through their visual historical records of the greats who graced the diamond. Their staying power as prized collectibles shows no signs of stopping as newcomers discover the nostalgic joy and speculative intrigue of this classic hobby with roots dating back well over a century.

WHAT ARE THE BEST 2022 BASEBALL CARDS TO COLLECT

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There are many exciting baseball card options to consider collecting in 2022. The vintage rookie cards of players who are establishing themselves as stars are always in high demand. Some of the top rookies from recent years who have cards worth pursuing include Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr., and Ronald Acuña Jr. Their rookie cards hold tremendous value and will likely continue increasing in the coming years if they live up to their potential.

Soto’s 2018 Topps Chrome RC and Tatis Jr.’s 2019 Topps Series 1 RC are alreadyfetching thousands of dollars in mint condition as they are establishing themselves as two of the faces of baseball. Guerrero Jr.’s 2019 Topps Series 1 RC and Acuña Jr.’s 2018 Topps Series 1 RC should also be on collectors’ radars. While these 2019-2021 rookie cards may be pricey, they are solid investments in the long run for players with superstar upside still ahead of them in their careers.

Vintage cards of current stars still in their primes are also wise targets, like Mike Trout’s 2009 Bowman Chrome RC, which has mint PSA 10 copies going for over $10,000. Trout remains the best player in baseball and should continue producing at an elite level through at least the rest of the decade. Other coveted modern star cards include cards from Mookie Betts’ 2014 Bowman Chrome rookie year, cards from Shohei Ohtani’s 2018 Topps Series 1 rookie set in his true MLB debut year with the Angels, and cards from 2019 rookies like Pete Alonso, who smashed an MLB rookie home run record in his debut season.

While veteran stars carry greater risk if they start declining, guys like Bryce Harper, Manny Machado, Aaron Judge, and Yordan Alvarez are still young enough that flagship RCs of them are worthwhile long-term collectors’ items. For example, Harper’s 2010 Bowman Chrome Superfractor RC in a PSA 10 grade recently sold for over $350,000, showing the incredible return potential of top cards of active superstars. Harper is signed long-term with the Phillies and still producing at a superstar level in his late 20s.

Speaking of rookies to watch this season, the highest profile prospects expected to debut in 2022 include Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., Spencer Torkelson, CJ Abrams, Marcelo Mayer and Jack Leiter. Their flagship Topps RCs are sure to attract significant attention and demand from collectors. While risky as prospects sometimes don’t pan out, superstar potentials like Rodriguez, Witt and Torkelson in particular have cards that could appreciate tremendously if they reach their ceilings. Even cards from prospects that don’t stick as regulars can retain value as rare modern rookie issues.

For investors focused more on short-term gains, the top-selling rookie cards of call-ups from 2021 who exceeded expectations may cool off after their introductory seasons but could still hold value for a few years, like Jonathan India, Jeremy Peña, Bobby Dalbec, Shane Baz and Patrick Sandoval. In particular, India had such a strong debut that his 2021 Topps Series 1 RC remained one of the most coveted rookie cards throughout the year. His cards appear poised to hold value in 2022 barring major sophomore struggles.

Along with rookies and young stars, certain parallels and refractors of big name veterans have potential to command high prices years down the line. The most popular include Rainbow Foil parallels, which utilize different colors on the foil backdrop for each card in the parallel subset. Ultra-premium parallels like gold sparkle, gold wave, or 1/1 black parallels could hold long-term blue chip status as the rarest modern issues of legends like Albert Pujols, Clayton Kershaw or Justin Verlander.

Similarly, highly-refracted parallels like Topps Chrome, Bowman Chrome, and Topps Finest are sought after across a player’s career due to their flashy look on-card. Refractors of stars who’ve retired but hold Hall of Fame status could appreciate sharply in the years following their retirement, as recent examples have shown with Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and Chipper Jones cards.

When it comes to full sets, the most coveted in 2022 will likely be the Topps Flagship products like Topps Series 1 & 2, which feature the biggest stars, rookies and parallels in the base set. High-end products like Bowman, Topps Chrome and Allen & Ginter that provide the best rookie cards, autographs and patch options across multiple sports also have collector interest growing year after year. For low-risk/high-upside modern sets, heritage releases like Topps Heritage and Archives reproduce the vintage look on new cards and checklists and bring strong long-term demand.

On the vintage front, high-grade and iconic cards from the pre-war Tobaccos, early Bowmans, 1933 Goudeys, 1953/68 Topps sets, and vintage rookie cards remain blue-chip collectors’ items. Mantle, Mays, Clemente, Robinson and other legends have key vintage cards in these sets worth pursuing across varying price points. But beware of forgeries and condition issues from handling cards several decades old. Authenticated vintage rookie cards from Honus Wagner to Ted Williams can sell for hundreds of thousands depending on condition.

I hope this detailed overview has provided insight into some of the top baseball card options collectors may wish to pursue in 2022 across multiple categories from rookies to stars, modern inserts to vintage relics. The ever-growing collector market has made baseball cards a smart long-term investment for patience speculators, but it also remains an affordable hobby to enjoy through building sets or focusing collections. Proper storage and researching values online together with the wise chasing of the best young talents ensures collectors have accessible targets that stand to rise significantly with the players’ future successes.

WHAT KIND OF BASEBALL CARDS TO COLLECT

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One of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards that any collector should seek is the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card. Widely considered the holy grail of sports cards, it is one of the earliest commercial issues and features Hall of Famer Honus Wagner. Only about 60 genuine T206 Wagner cards are known to exist today in various conditions. Just a few years ago, one in excellent condition sold at auction for $3.12 million. Even heavily played examples can fetch over $100,000.

Another top choice would be cards of other early 20th century stars from the classic T206 set. Some that can potentially be worth six figures or more in top condition include the Eddie Plank, Napoleon Lajoie, and Christy Mathewson. These dazzling artwork cards released from 1909-11 by the American Tobacco Company established the modern concept of baseball cards and memorabilia. Obtaining any high grade example would be a major coup for any collector.

For the modern era, rookie cards for all-time greats like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Tom Seaver, and Ken Griffey Jr. from the 1950s-80s are extremely valuable. Mantle’s 1952 Topps rookie in pristine condition has sold for over $2 million. His 1953 Topps is also desirable. Many consider Mays’ 1954 Bowman rookie to be the most aesthetically pleasing card design ever. Top rookies for Griffey and Seaver can reach five figures.

For the junk wax era, rookie cards aren’t as coveted but complete sets from the late 80s like 1987 Topps, 1988 Donruss, and 1989 Upper Deck are becoming increasingly hard to find in high grade and can be worth thousands intact. Serial numbered parallel cards from this period for star players also hold collector value. For example, rare “1-of-1” printing plates that depict the player but have the photo cut off fetch bids in the multiple thousands.

Modern rookies of all-time greats like Ken Griffey Jr (1989 Upper Deck), Chipper Jones (1991 Leaf), Derek Jeter (1992 Bowman), and Mariano Rivera (1993 Donruss) remain consistently expensive nearing or exceeding $1000 each for gem mint copies. Rookies for active superstars like Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Mookie Betts and Fernando Tatis Jr. are also highly sought after by today’s collectors, though prices have dipped some during the virus economc slowdown.

Autograph cards provide another tier of highly valuable collecting. Exceedingly rare autographed examples of the old HOFers like the Honus Wagner T206 fetch hundreds of thousands. Modern autographs of major stars in their rookie season can reach five figures, especially serial numbered parallels. Game-used memorabilia cards featuring patches of jerseys or swatches of gloves worn by icons maintain strong collector demand as well.

For the budget minded collector, there are plenty of classicCommons from the early 1950s Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays era through the late 1980s that can be obtained in high grades for a few hundred dollars or less. These offer a chance to possess cardboard featuring the sport’s all-time greats without breaking the bank. Complete common sets from the vintage 1960s and 1970s are also affordable today compared to the star cards.

Whether a collector seeks vintage stars from the pioneer tobacco era, iconic rookies of the post-war greats, complete sets showcasing the junk wax Era, autographed and memorabilia cards, or affordable commons – there are many compelling options to build a lifelong baseball card collection celebrating America’s pastime. With intelligent shopping, patience and perseverance, any fan can assemble a personalized hoard that will bring them joy for years to come.

HOW TO COLLECT BASEBALL CARDS 2023

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Collecting baseball cards is a fun hobby that has been enjoyed by people of all ages for decades. With the start of a new baseball season in 2023, here are some tips for how to get started or expand your collection in the new year.

The first step is to determine your budget and collectable focus. Baseball cards come in all price ranges. Budget-friendly options include current year retail packs from brands like Topps, Panini, Leaf, and Donruss which can be found at most drug stores, supermarkets, and hobby shops. Each pack usually contains 5-20 cards and retail for $1-5. For a larger upfront investment, hobby boxes containing 36 packs can be purchased directly from manufacturers or local card shops. Vintage cards from the late 1800s to 1980s in higher grades can fetch substantial prices, so researching condition and demand is important if pursuing those.

Once you have decided on a budget, the next step is following the upcoming release schedule. Major brands like Topps, Panini, and Leaf release new baseball card products starting in late January/February leading up to opening day. These include flagship sets, specialty inserts, autograph and memorabilia cards. Pre-order deals are common where hobby shops offer bonus packs/hits. Mark release dates on your calendar and check with local shops for availability. Maintaining an open dialogue with retailers is helpful for restock notices.

Scouring card shows is another great way to build a collection. Many cities host monthly or bi-weekly baseball card and memorabilia shows with hundreds of vendors. Admission is usually $3-10 and allows access to unopened boxes, singles, autographed items and more. Using a show checklist ahead of time can help identify targeted cards and players. Always inspect condition closely and negotiate if possible for the best deals. Major national card shows in late winter/spring offer the most selection.

Online group breaks are now a popular alternative for those who don’t have a local shop or can’t attend shows regularly. In a group break, multiple participants pay an equal share to have a randomized spot in a box/case break that is live streamed. Any hits pulled are shipped to card owners. This spreads out costs while still allowing chances at rarer cards. Research reputable breakers through references on trading/selling platforms.

Speaking of platforms, the most heavily used sites for buying, selling and trading cards are eBay, COMC.com and Twitter. eBay has the largest volume of daily listings but requires sale prices while the other two primarily offer “Want Lists” of specific cards/players users are looking to trade or purchase. Building references helps increase buying/selling limits over time. Consider joining baseball card enthusiast forums as well which have Classifieds sections.

Properly storing and organizing your growing collection is important. Ultra Pro and BCW supplies make affordable binders, boxes and toploaders to showcase hits and protect cards from damage. Organizing by sport, set, player or year issued keeps everything easy to browse. Display cases are great for high-value vintage cards or autographed memorabilia pieces. With a plan and dedication to the hobby, your baseball card collection has strong potential to become a long-lasting collection.

WHAT KIND OF BASEBALL CARDS SHOULD I COLLECT

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There are many different types of baseball cards that make for interesting collections. When starting out, it’s best to focus on cards from a specific era, team, or player to keep your first collection manageable. As your interests and knowledge grows, you can branch out into other areas. Here are some top baseball card types and eras to consider collecting:

Vintage/Rookie Cards (pre-1970s): Some of the most legendary and valuable baseball cards were produced from the late 19th century through the 1960s. This early period saw the birth of modern baseball card production by companies like T206, Sweet Caporal, and Topps. Cards from this era featuring all-time greats like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Mickey Mantle in their rookie seasons are truly one-of-a-kind collectibles. High quality vintage cards can be expensive to acquire. A more affordable option is to target common players from this time to build a representative collection.

1970s-80s Stars: The 1970s and 80s were the golden age of baseball when stars like Reggie Jackson, Nolan Ryan, and Ryne Sandberg were in their prime. Complete sets from the 1970s produced by Topps, Fleer, and Donruss chronicle this exciting era and feature many of the game’s immortal players. Individual star cards from this period can also be obtained affordably. Another unique subset is the late 70s/early 80s Fleer/Donruss stickers which have a very distinct retro design.

Rookie Cards of Modern Stars: In the Internet age, it’s now possible to obtain rookie cards for current superstars like Mike Trout, Christian Yelich, and Ronald Acuña Jr. while they’re still playing. Holding rookie cards for active greats is a way to start an investment collection. Also consider chasing rare parallels, autographs, and memorabilia cards issued by modern companies like Topps, Bowman, Panini, and more.

Single Team Collections: Building a complete collection focused on your favorite MLB franchise allows you to learn the history of that club. Example include collecting all Topps cards featuring the New York Yankees from the 1960s or putting together a home team set like the 1990s Toronto Blue Jays rookie stars. For dedicated fans, team-specific collections provide great enjoyment and display opportunities.

Player Collections: Instead of randomly assembling packs of cards, focus your collection on one particular athlete you admire. Example player collections could include Chicago Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg from his 1984 rookie season onward or Houston Astros slugger Jeff Bagwell from 1991 to 2005. Player collections allow you to track stats and milestones throughout a career.

Themed/Insert Sets: In recent decades, card manufacturers have produced numerous insert sets highlighting anniversary logos, award winners, career milestones, and unique parallel variations. Examples are Topps Sterling, Topps Chrome, Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects, and Topps Opening Day. Hunting for particular insert sets tied to your favorite themes diversifies modern collections.

Complete Runs: For dedicated collectors, it’s very satisfying to try and put together an entire unbroken run of cards from a flagship brand like Topps’ yearly baseball releases spanning multiple decades. A life goal could be obtaining every Topps card from 1952 to present. Of course, this would require a major long-term commitment and deep pockets!

Autograph/Memorabilia Cards: In today’s market, signed cards and pieces of uniform swatches or bats have become very popular. While pricier than common cards, autographed relics from lesser known players can give new collectors exposure to this niche segment. Over time, as budgets allow, higher end autographs from the game’s icons can then be targeted.

Budget Collections: If strictly sticking to a budget, it’s still certainly possible to build fascinating focused collections targeting common bulk players, sets, and team subsets without spending a lot. An example could be a collection of Oakland A’s stars from 1970-1980 or Chicago Cubs from 1987. With patience, even affordable collections can become very complete over the long haul.

Quarter Boxes/Team Bags: Many online retailers and card shows also offer economical “quarter boxes” and ungraded team bags containing several hundred random assorted cards for around $25. These mystery mixes allow new collectors to pick up larger quantities of cards spanning many ages to flesh out collections without breaking the bank.

No matter your budget or space constraints, with some planning it’s very enjoyable to dive into the vibrant hobby of baseball card collecting. Starting small with a clearly defined goal in mind and expanding your interests over time is key. Enjoy the thrill of the hunt and growing understanding of the rich history of America’s pastime through cards old and new. Let your personal interests and the affordability of your targets guide you as you start your collection journey.