Tag Archives: deck

BASEBALL CARDS UPPER DECK 1991

Leave a reply

The 1991 Upper Deck baseball card set was truly revolutionary for its time and helped propel the company to the top of the hobby. When Upper Deck first entered the baseball card market in 1989, they broke the mold by using superior printing techniques that resulted in higher quality photographs and card stock compared to the competition. The company’s focus on quality control and attention to detail paid off, as collectors took notice of the difference and demand soared.

By 1991, Upper Deck had firmly established itself as the premier brand in the industry. For their third baseball card release, Upper Deck took things to an even higher level with innovations in design, photography, and exclusive content. The 1991 Upper Deck set contained 792 total cards and featured every player on a Major League roster at the time. Some of the biggest stars to grace the cards included Nolan Ryan, Roger Clemens, Cal Ripken Jr., Barry Bonds, and Ken Griffey Jr. The photography and vibrant colors truly made these players “pop” on the card.

Upper Deck employed state of the art printing techniques on thicker, higher quality card stock compared to other brands. The photos were sharp and detailed, with some even featuring unique action shots not seen before on a baseball card. The borders were designed with a classic look inspired by vintage tobacco cards from the early 20th century. Top rookies and stars received specially designed “diamond” borders to distinguish them from the base cards. Glossy foil was used on higher parallel versions like “Gold” and “Gold Foil” inserts to add to the premium feel.

In addition to the base set, Upper Deck also included several exciting insert sets that became highly coveted by collectors. The “Diamond Kings” parallel featured 12 of the game’s biggest stars dressed in old-time uniforms with a royal treatment. Other popular inserts included “Team Leaders”, “Topps Tribute”, “All-Star Performers”, and “Diamond Anniversary” which honored the 25th anniversary of the 1966 MLB All-Star Game. Exclusive autograph and memorabilia cards of the game’s legends started to appear as well.

The 1991 Upper Deck set took collector interaction and involvement to a new level with several innovative bonus programs. The “UD Chase” offered collectors the chance to find serially numbered chase cards of Cal Ripken Jr. and Nolan Ryan inserted randomly throughout packs. Another bonus was the “Call To The Hall” program, where collectors could send in points from certain cards to vote for retired players to gain induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. This helped further engage collectors in the hobby.

While production numbers for the 1991 Upper Deck set were high compared to later years, demand was through the roof. The combination of superior quality, exciting photography, and innovative bonus programs made these cards a must-have for collectors both young and old. Prices soared in the secondary market as collectors scrambled to complete their sets. Mint condition examples of stars like Griffey, Clemens, and Bonds now command premium prices from dedicated collectors and investors.

The 1991 Upper Deck release took the sports card industry by storm and set the standard that others tried to follow. It showed that quality trumps quantity and helped grow the hobby exponentially. While production values have improved across the board since then, the 1991 Upper Deck baseball cards still hold a special place in the hearts of collectors as one of the most revolutionary and iconic sets ever made. Their innovations changed the hobby forever and cemented Upper Deck’s status as the top brand in baseball cards. To this day, the 1991 Upper Deck set remains a true classic and benchmark that other companies still aspire to match.

1994 UPPER DECK MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE

Leave a reply

1994 Upper Deck Minor League Baseball Card Price Guide

The 1994 Upper Deck minor league baseball card set was the only minor league issue from Upper Deck during their run producing baseball cards from 1989 to 1997. Compared to the massive output of major league sets Upper Deck produced each year, just one minor league set shows how niche those types of releases were considered at the time. Within the world of minor league card collecting, the 1994 Upper Deck minor league cards remain a highly sought after and valuable set to this day. Let’s take a closer look at the different players and cards from the 1994 Upper Deck minor league baseball card price guide.

The 1994 Upper Deck minor league set contains 216 total cards focusing on prospects playing in the minor leagues at the time with the goal of one day making an impact in the major leagues. Some of the top rookies featured like Jason Giambi and Nomar Garciaparra certainly lived up to their potential. But digging through the lesser known names is also part of the fun as many players show promise that doesn’t always pan out. Organized by team, the cards cover prospects playing in the rookie leagues, Single-A, Double-A, and Triple-A levels of the minors.

In terms of player distribution, the California Angels and Toronto Blue Jays led the way with 15 cards each devoted to their top prospects. Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers and San Diego Padres had the fewest cards at just 8 apiece. The heavy hitters from the player side included Jason Giambi (Cardinals), who would go on to be an MVP and all-star, and Nomar Garciaparra (Red Sox) in the early stages of Hall of Fame careers. Lesser known but still highly valuable names include Cliff Floyd (Marlins), who had a solid 13-year MLB career, and Jermaine Dye (Royals), a former all-star and Silver Slugger winner.

In regard to the card design, Upper Deck went with a clean white border look featuring the team logo at top and player stats and info on the reverse. Photo quality is excellent as expected from Upper Deck during this era. The front of the cards also tout each player’s position alongside their team. Rarity ranges greatly with the more established future stars having the lowest printed numbers around 500 copies. Meanwhile, depth players on bad teams could have over 10,000 printed. So card condition and centering quality makes a big difference in value.

Let’s dive into some of the top graded gem mint PSA 10 population report prices for key cards from the 1994 Upper Deck minor league baseball set:

Jason Giambi (Cardinals) – PSA 10 Pop 2, Last Sold $2,000

Nomar Garciaparra (Red Sox) – PSA 10 Pop 3, Last Sold $1,500

Cliff Floyd (Marlins) – PSA 10 Pop 1, Last Sold $800

Jermaine Dye (Royals) – PSA 10 Pop 2, Last Sold $700

Travis Lee (Diamondbacks) – PSA 10 Pop 1, Last Sold $600

Ben Grieve (A’s) – PSA 10 Pop 3, Last Sold $500

Jason Kendall (Pirates) – PSA 10 Pop 2, Last Sold $450

Todd Helton (Rockies) – PSA 10 Pop 4, Last Sold $400

Moving to raw ungraded near mint to mint condition, here are some additional key cards to watch for:

Jason Giambi – $500-800
Nomar Garciaparra – $300-500
Cliff Floyd – $150-250
Jermaine Dye – $100-200
Travis Lee – $75-150
Ben Grieve – $50-100
Jason Kendall – $40-75
Todd Helton – $30-60

For the true depth players that printed in higher numbers, even mint copies can often be acquired for $10-20. But condition is still important, as a beat up version holds little value. As with any vintage sports card set, complete team and league sets command premiums over individual cards as well.

While produced in smaller numbers than modern minor league issues, the 1994 Upper Deck minor league baseball card set remains one of the most iconic and valuable within the collecting world due to the star power and proven track records many of the featured players went on to achieve. Combining the quality associated with Upper Deck cards from this era with a niche but passionate collector base ensures the 1994 minor league cards will retain strong demand and secondary market pricing for years to come. With careers still unfolding, there may be some relatively unheralded names from the set that could rise up rankings in the future as well.

2007 UPPER DECK BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

Leave a reply

The 2007 Upper Deck baseball card release is highly sought after by collectors over a decade later due to several very valuable rookie cards and short printed parallels. While the core set itself was rather unremarkable at the time, it featured rookie cards and prospects that have since become coveted by the hobby. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the cards from 2007 Upper Deck that are now amongst the priciest from that year.

Perhaps the most famous and valuable 2007 Upper Deck card is the Mike Trout rookie autograph card (#322). Trout went on to win American League MVP awards in 2014 and 2016 with the Los Angeles Angels while establishing himself as one of the greatest players of his generation. In 2007 he was still just a highly touted prospect in the Los Angeles Angels system. The Trout autograph was one of the rare “Hit Parallels” inserts in Upper Deck’s release that year with an extremely low print run. In near mint condition a PSA 10 graded version of this card recently sold at auction for over $400,000, making it effectively the most valuable mainstream release card from 2007. With Trout’s playing career still ongoing and his legend growing, this one could even further in price in future years.

Another Angels rookie that has gained tremendous value over time is Jered Weaver (#255). A reliable workhorse starter who threw a no-hitter and made an All-Star team, Weaver had a solid MLB career though fell short of superstardom. Still, his Ultra Diamond parallel from 2007 Upper Deck, serial numbered to just 25 copies, has sold for upwards of $8,000 in pristine condition. This is undoubtedly Weaver’s most desirable and valuable baseball card. Likewise, fellow Angel prospects Nick Adenhart (#325) and Trevor Reckling (#309) have gainedcollector interest due to their untimely deaths – Adenhart in 2009 and Reckling in 2008. Their rare parallels can surpass $1,000 each.

Speaking of tragic stories, one of the set’s most infamous cards is Josh Hamilton’s rookie (#270). Prior to his baseball success, Hamilton battled severe drug and alcohol addiction that derailed his career for years. Copies of his rookie signed directly after these struggles can reach $500-1000. Meanwhile, his rainbow foil parallel is one of the harder 2007 Upper Deck pulls and has sold for over $2,500 in gem mint condition. Hamilton reemerged as an MLB star and MVP award winner later in his career, adding to the significance and mystique surrounding this particular card issue.

While the Angels prospects garnered much attention, 2007 was also a big year for rookies on several playoff contending teams. Dustin Pedroia had a breakout season en route to AL Rookie of the Year honors for the Boston Red Sox. His Ultra Diamond parallel (#347) reaches the $1,000-2000 range. Elsewhere, Geovany Soto helped lead the Chicago Cubs to the playoffs while claiming NL Rookie of the Year. The limited Cubs parallels of his rookie card (#323) can exceed $500-1000 each as well. Meanwhile, short print parallels of pitchers like Cole Hamels (#304), Jonathan Papelbon (#306), and Justin Verlander (#333) routinely approach four figures due to their postseason success and World Series rings.

Aside from rookies, 2007 Upper Deck had several star veteran “Headliners” parallel inserts that have gained value as well. Rainbow foil parallels of Derek Jeter (#HL6), Chipper Jones (#HL9), and Albert Pujols (#HL13) frequently sell for $300-800 based on the player and grade. The set also included highly sought after 1/1 printing plate autographs of chase stars like Alex Rodriguez (#PLA7), David Ortiz (#PLA20), and Ichiro Suzuki (#PLA36) that can fetch tens of thousands when offered at auction in recent years.

While 2007 Upper Deck had some flaws as a core product, it undoubtedly produced some of the most valuable modern-era cards around a decade later. Rookie stars like Trout and short printed parallels of former and future greats have made select issues hugely significant for today’s collectors. For those willing to invest and wait patiently, the set contained cards that have appreciation tremendously over time. It serves as a reminder that you never know when a simple pack or box purchase may yield a legendary rookie or parallel that could someday be worth many thousands.

1990 UPPER DECK COLLECTOR’s CHOICE BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

Leave a reply

The 1990 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice baseball card set marked Upper Deck’s first year issuing cards without a major sports league license. After losing the MLB license to Score, Upper Deck had to get creative to continue making baseball cards. What resulted was the Collector’s Choice set, filled with superb photography and creative designs that have made it a favorite among collectors to this day.

The set contains 216 cards and was issued without team logos or uniforms. Instead, each player is photographed in a casual uniform from head to toe. The photography and image quality sets this release apart from competitors. Upper Deck spared no expense, flying photographers around the country to capture each player on professional photography backdrops.

Rather than using basic stock photos like other producers, Upper Deck personalized each image. Some cards show unique poses or feature different expressions to capture each player’s personality. Many stars are pictured signing autographs or interacting with fans to make the images feel more authentic.

The fronts also lacked statistics, instead focusing on each player’s name and a quirky “nickname” like “Mr. Smile” or “Oh Henry” in a stylized font. On the backs, stats were provided alongside longer write-ups about career highlights and fun facts. The creative design obscured what team each played for, making the cards more timeless.

Key rookies included players like Jeff Bagwell, Jim Edmonds, Gregg Olson, and Todd Van Poppel who would go on to have great MLB careers. Others like Bo Jackson and Nolan Ryan served as veteran stars to round out the checklist. The set does not feature any true rookie cards since players were no longer affiliated with specific teams.

At release, the Collector’s Choice set retailed for $1.49 per pack with 12 cards inside (16 in a box). Despite lack of logos, the incredible photographs and creative design made these highly collectible. In the ensuing decades, many of these player images have become the most widely recognized in the hobby outside of their true rookie cards in other sets.

The condition of Collector’s Choice cards is also held to a higher standard by collectors than other issues from the era. Since these were not used in games and had no team logos to wear, pristine surfaces are often found even in opened packs from the late 80s and early 90s. Gem Mint 10 examples of stars like Bagwell and Bonds can sell for thousands today.

In the hobby, 1990 Collector’s Choice is considered the true beginning of the modern baseball card era. It was the first release without league licenses and set the mold for future “virtual” or unlicensed sets issued during contract disputes. Upper Deck raised the bar for photography, write-ups, and creative design, impacting the entire industry.

Today, complete factory-sealed 16-box cases of the 216-card set in perfect condition can sell for over $10,000. Individually, key rookies like Bagwell PSA 10s have reached anywhere from $300-$1000 depending on popularity at auction. Star veteran cards of Nolan Ryan and Ken Griffey Sr. also command three-figure prices in high grades.

Though lacking logos and true rookie status, the iconic photos and creative designs of Collector’s Choice give these cards a longevity beyond typical releases. They remain a staple in collections whether raw or graded and have only increased in value as the years pass. For influential innovation and unparalleled image quality, 1990 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice is considered one of the most important baseball card sets ever produced. Its effects are still seen influencing the creative standards of the industry today.

The 1990 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice baseball card set broke the mold by being the first unlicensed issue after Upper Deck lost MLB rights. Through brilliant photography, fun creative designs lacking uniforms, and longer write-ups, it raised the bar that still stands today. Lofty graded examples of star rookie cards like Bagwell remain some of the most expensive and desirable available from the vintage era, a true testament to the prestige and collectibility of this groundbreaking set.

UPPER DECK SP BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Upper Deck SP Baseball Cards: The Premium Rookie Card Release

Upper Deck Sport Premium or SP baseball cards have long been considered some of the most desirable rookie cards on the modern trading card market. The SP release started in 1992 and was Upper Deck’s attempt to bring back the premium feel of the high-end cards of the 1950s tobacco era. Upper Deck loaded the SP sets with unprecedented photo variations, serially numbered parallels, memorabilia cards, and autographs of the game’s biggest stars both past and present. The scarcity and exotic production techniques employed in SP sets immediately made them coveted by collectors.

Due to their limited print runs and superior card designs, Upper Deck SP rookie cards achieved iconic status and skyrocketed in value after players broke out. Some of the most acclaimed and valuable baseball cards ever produced have come from the SP series, including cards of Derek Jeter, Chipper Jones, Adrian Gonzalez, Carlos Beltran, and Josh Hamilton. For nearly 30 years, Upper Deck SP sets established the template for what modern premium baseball card releases should entail. They blended the nostalgia of classic designs with innovations in parallel variations and memorabilia insert sets.

1992 SP Baseball – Series 1: The Debut

Launched in 1992, Series 1 of Upper Deck SP baseball was the inaugural release. It shattered expectations with its lush production values and exclusive photography. Only 350,000 total cards were printed, making nearly every card scarce. Rated rookies in the set included Derek Jeter, Chipper Jones, Nomar Garciaparra, and Todd Helton. Jeter’s iconic rookie card from this set in PSA 10 condition has sold for over $300,000, proving its status as one of the most coveted modern issues. Beyond the rookies, star veterans like Nolan Ryan and Ryne Sandberg received extravagant parallel and serially numbered treatment that was unprecedented at the time. SP ’92 set the bar incredibly high as the premium baseball brand.

1993 Upper Deck SP Baseball: The Expansion

Building on the foundation laid by Series 1, the 1993 SP set grew the concept further by introducing parallel photos for each card numbering /999 or less. Rated rookies like Jason Jennings, Eric Chavez, and Billy Wagner all had their iconic SP rookie introduced. The biggest card was arguably the Alex Rodriguez SP rookie /999 that has since changed hands for over $500,000. Printing numbers were also tightened to around 250,000 total cards. The ’93 release used even higher quality chrome stock that has maintained its luster far better than typical paper issues of the early 90s. It became clear that collecting SP sets was an investment in scarcity and premium craftsmanship.

1994 Upper Deck SP Baseball: Refining the Vision

By 1994, Upper Deck’s original vision for SP began to crystallize into its best realized form. Printing sank to a miniscule 125,000 total cards with insert sets further winnowing distribution of certain stars. Rated rookies included Nomar Garciaparra, Jason Varitek, and Kevin Brown – all of whom achieved superstar status. But the ’94 set also featured reimagined photography and additional parallels like the rare SP LIFETIME collection numbering /25. Significant rookie cards from this issue like Nomar have reached over $100,000 individually. It was the high water mark that set a gold standard which subsequent Upper Deck SP releases strove to match.

1995-1998 Upper Deck SP Baseball: Pushing the Envelope

Building on the success of the formative years, Upper Deck SP releases from 1995-1998 tested new premium concepts like dual player jersey memorabilia cards, dual autograph stamps, and 1/1 ultra rare parallels. Rookies included Johnny Damon, Todd Helton, and Lance Berkman while stars like Greg Maddux received regal treatments. The 1995 set saw printing numbers jump back up to a still exclusive 400,000 total cards produced. From there, numbering steadily declined further reaching ultrarare levels of /299 and /100 parallels by 1998. These late 90s sets laid even more groundwork for SP’s memorabilia-driven future while maintaining the heart of rating rookie talents and capturing iconic photography.

1999-2001 Upper Deck SP Baseball: Memorabilia Dominates

Entering the new millennium, Upper Deck leveraged the established prestige of SP by going all-in on groundbreaking relic memorabilia inserts. Sets from 1999-2001 contained serially numbered gem swatches, signature patches, fractal dual relics, and even game-used insert sets like Past Time that contained pieces of actual historical events. Rookies rated included Andy Pettitte, Carlos Beltran, and Magglio Ordonez while stars received exquisite 3D image cards. Printing dwindled to unprecedented numbers around 150,000 total cards as the sets became true showcases for hallowed relics of the game. These issues proved SP could innovate any concept while keeping scarcity and craft at the core.

2002-2005 Upper Deck SP Baseball: Passing The Torch

After dominating the premium baseball card universe, Upper Deck started to phase out SP production around 2002, with the final true set coming in 2005 paired with their purchase by The Topps Company. Notable rookie cards from these later years featured Jason Bay, CC Sabathia, and Jose Reyes. Printing jumped back up to the 300,000-500,000 range. Parallels became more common though highly-coveted Memorabilia Masterpieces and serially numbered patches lingered. While the exclusivity waned, these sets still captured signature photography and paid tribute to baseball’s enduring stars like Alex Rodriguez in his Yankees heyday. They marked a fitting conclusion to SP’s unprecedented multi-year reign.

Legacy of Upper Deck SP Baseball Cards

More than any other modern set, Upper Deck SP baseball cards captured lightning in a bottle by blending rookie cards, parallels, photography, and premium production into a collectible dream. They established the framework that all future high-end baseball releases aimed to emulate. Scarcity and artistic excellence were baked into every SP set from 1992 through 2005. Icons like Jeter, Rodriguez, and Jones had their legendary SP rookie issues chronicling their way to Cooperstown. While no longer produced today, Upper Deck SP baseball cards remain the example against which all others are judged due to their unmatched quality, innovation, and record of Enshrinement. They fostered a golden age of premium baseball collecting.

MOST VALUABLE 1997 UPPER DECK BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1997 Upper Deck baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable releases from the 1990s. While the era of mass production had begun to decrease scarcity and values of modern cards, several standouts from the ’97 Upper Deck set remain highly coveted by collectors. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable cards collectors search for from this nostalgic release over two decades later.

Kicking off our list at the #5 spot is none other than the legendary Ken Griffey Jr. card. Widely considered one of the most talented and exciting players of his generation, Upper Deck captured Griffey in his prime Seattle Mariners days on card #1. While it doesn’t feature one of his most iconic rookie cards, Griffey’s star power and on-field excellence translated to strong demand for his base rookie card in the ’97 set. Several years after retirement, PSA 10 Gem Mint copies of this card still fetch $100-150.

Taking the #4 spot is Atlanta Braves superstar and future Hall of Famer Chipper Jones’ base rookie card on #497. As the hometown kid who spent his entire career in Atlanta, Chipper developed a huge fanbase in the Southeast. His combination of strong stats, postseason success, and regional popularity have made his ’97 Upper Deck RC a staple in Braves PC collections. In top PSA 10 condition, expect to pay $150-200 today.

At #3 is another no-doubt future Hall of Famer, catcher Mike Piazza. Regarded as the best hitting backstop in MLB history, Piazza was already well on his way in 1997 with the Dodgers. His sweet left-handed swing and prodigious power made him a fan-favorite, and demand has never waned for his ’97 Upper Deck base card on #177. High-grade PSA 10 copies consistently sell in the $200-250 range.

Taking the second spot is none other than the great Ken Griffey Jr, but on a much more elusive card variation. Card #630 featured an “Upper Deck Griffey Jr. Update” with a unique photo and design compared to his base card. Only serial-numbered to /1990 copies, this parallel version captures peak-career Griffey in an iconic Mariners uniform. In top condition its rarity and Griffey legacy demand a huge premium, with PSA 10’s auctioning for $300-500.

And finally, the undisputed crown jewel and most valuable 1997 Upper Deck baseball card is number one draft pick and superstar pitcher Kerry Wood’s rookie card on #331. After striking out 20 Astros over 9 innings in just his 5th career start in 1998, Wood became a national sensation and one of the most hyped rookies ever. Such excitement created massive demand that has endured for his ’97 UD RC to this day. Receiving a PSA 10 Gem Mint grade is extremely difficult due to centering issues, but those few elite specimens trade hands for $1000-2000 dollars or more.

While stars like Ken Griffey Jr., Chipper Jones, Mike Piazza, and Kerry Wood dominate the top of the value rankings, several other noteworthy ’97 Upper Deck cards can bring six-figure sums in mint condition as well. Future Hall of Famers Tom Glavine #159, Greg Maddux #165, and John Smoltz #173 are consistently in demand for Atlanta Braves PC collectors. Rookie cards of Tony Womack #593, Luis Gonzalez #646, and Scott Rolen #751 also reside in the $100-300 range in top grades.

Lower in the set, prospects who didn’t pan out like Darren Dreifort #234, Todd Hollandsworth #235, and Juan Gonzalez #639 are casualties of pre-internet hype but still coveted by team and franchise collectors. And error cards like the Matt Williams autographed “Signed” sticker variation #66A and Mike Piazza/Roberto Alomar printing plate parallels #178 and #185 attract card nerds for their uncut sheet oddities.

In the end, the 1997 Upper Deck baseball set lives on as one of the all-time classics from the “junk wax” era. While mass-produced at the time and not scarce on the original release date, a special mix of stars, rookies, and obscure parallels have endured to maintain strong demand from collectors 25 years later. For dedicated PC builders and investors, hunting elite conditioned copies of stars like Junior, Chipper, Piazza, Wood, and others guarantees this vintage release stays one of the most valuable modern sets to collect.

2000 UPPER DECK BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

Leave a reply

The 2000 Upper Deck baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable releases from the legendary card maker in the late 90s and early 2000s. While it did not have the star power of sets from the late 80s and early 90s, there were still many valuable rookie and serially numbered cards that have stood the test of time. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable cards collectors search for from the 2000 Upper Deck baseball release over two decades later.

Kerry Wood Rated Rookie (#178) – Kerry Wood had one of the most dominant rookie seasons in baseball history in 1998, striking out 20 batters in a game. His rated rookie card remains a key chase for Cubs fans and collectors of star pitchers. High grade PSA 10 examples have sold for over $500 in recent years. PSA 9 copies still fetch around $100-200 depending on the market.

Vladimir Guerrero Rated Rookie (#256) – Vlad the Mad Russian burst onto the scene in 1996 and was one of the most exciting young players in baseball during the late 90s/early 2000s. His rated rookie is one of the tougher Upper Deck cards to find in high grades. PSA 10s have sold for $300-400, with PSA 9s in the $75-150 range.

Brad Lidge Rated Rookie (#287) – While he didn’t emerge as a star closer until later in his career, Lidge’s rookie card has grown in demand due to his memorable postseason moments both positive and negative. High grade PSA 10s have topped $150 with most PSA 9s $50-100 based on recent eBay sales.

Derek Jeter #350 Gold Parallel (#/2002) – Jeter was already a 5-time All-Star and 4-time World Series champ by 2000, so this serially numbered parallel caught the attention of collectors. Only 2002 copies were printed in gold. High grade PSA 10’s have reached the $500-700 range in recent group breaks and auctions. PSA 9’s are $150-300.

Ichiro Suzuki Rated Rookie (#351) – Ichiro took MLB by storm in 2001 by breaking the single season hits record. His rookie card remains the key card for Mariners fans and collectors of the Japanese star. Gem mint PSA 10’s have exceeded $1000. Near mint PSA 9’s command $250-500 based on recent verified sales.

Angel Berroa Rated Rookie (#492) – Berroa won AL Rookie of the Year honors in 2003 after a hot start to his career with the Royals. While he didn’t sustain that success, his rated rookie card experienced a surge in demand from Royals PC collectors. PSA 10’s have topped $300 with most PSA 9’s in the $75-150 range.

Jason Giambi #589 Gold Parallel (#/2002) – Giambi was already an All-Star and MVP by 2000 after breaking out with Oakland. Like the Jeter, only 2002 copies were printed in gold. High end examples have changed hands for $400-600 slabs. Most PSA 9’s fall in the $150-300 range.

Brad Wilkerson Rated Rookie (#606) – The 1998 first overall draft pick showed promise early in his career playing for Montreal. His rookie is a favorite for Expos collectors. PSA 10’s have brought over $150 with most PSA 9’s $50-100 dependent on year.

Bobby Abreu Rated Rookie (#697) – Abreu emerged as a gold glove outfielder and consistent .300 hitter over a long MLB career. His rated rookie has grown in demand from Phillies PC collectors. PSA 10’s have topped out near $250 with most PSA 9’s fetching $75-150.

Juan Gonzalez #799 Gold Parallel (#/2002) – Gonzalez was a two-time AL MVP and arguably the most feared power hitter in baseball during the 90s. The gold parallel remains a high-end chase. PSA 10 examples have sold for north of $600. Most PSA 9’s in the $200-400 range.

There are also several low print parallel and memorabilia cards from 2000 Upper Deck that can exceed $1000 PSA 10 value like the Ben Sheets Autograph (#/250) and Derek Jeter Autograph (#/999). The 2000 release remains a go-to set for collectors two decades later thanks to popular rookies, serially numbered parallels of stars, and general scarcity of high grade examples overall. While it lacks the rookie class of earlier sets, there are still many valuable chase cards that excite collectors today.

MOST VALUABLE 92 UPPER DECK BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1992 Upper Deck baseball card set was one of the most highly anticipated releases of the early 90s. With its premium stock, unique designs, and ultra-limited print runs, the ’92 Upper Deck set contained many of the hobby’s most valuable rookie and serially numbered parallel inserts. Even 30 years later, many consider it one of the holy grails for collectors.

While any complete set holds value due to its scarcity, here are some of the single most valuable cards from the 1992 Upper Deck baseball release:

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie (#1) – Widely considered the crown jewel of the set, Griffey’s rookie is the pinnacle for many collectors. Extremely limited print runs coupled with Griffey’s eventual hall of fame career have rocketed this card beyond the $10,000 price point for high-grade copies. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $100,000, making this the most valuable regular issue card in the entire set.

Chipper Jones Rookie (#91) – As one of the few third year rookie cards produced by Upper Deck, Jones’ debut is hugely sought after. Not only did he become a perennial all-star and MVP winner, but PSA 10 copies are tremendously rare. Graded examples in Gem Mint 10 fetch $4,000-$6,000 with some sales reaching over $10,000 for pristine copies.

Frank Thomas (#158) – Though not technically a rookie card, Thomas’ stunning debut for Upper Deck launched his hall of fame credentials. Renowned for its photo and production quality, high grade copies command $1,000+ due to the card’s overall appeal. Mint 9s have sold for $3,000 while a single PSA 10 sold for an astounding $16,000 back in 2015.

Todd Van Poppel SP (#125) – One of the rarest serially numbered parallel inserts from ’92, only 100 copies of Van Poppel’s short print were produced. Though he never lived up to expectations on the field, this 1/100 card holds tremendous allure for completionists. Just a few clean examples have sold privately in the $15,000 range in recent years.

Tim Salmon & Jason Giambi SPs (#148, #149) – Along with Van Poppel, Salmon and Giambi’s short prints were limited to a miniscule print run of 100 copies each. While not quite as expensive, PSA 9 versions can still bring $2,000-4,000 due to their extreme rarity and status as some of the lowest serialized cards from the brand.

Ben McDonald SP (#94) – Rounding out the notorious short printed parallels, McDonald’s 1/100 issue is amongst the most difficult SPs to acquire in sharp condition. A reliable $3,000-5,000 purchase for a high grade copy in recent eBay sales.

Sammy Sosa Rookie (#165) – One of the more visually striking and historically notable rookies, Sosa’s first card achieved new heights as his career took off. PSA 10 copies hover around the $2,000-3,000 range due to high demand despite larger print numbers compared to the above.

Tommy Lasorda / Orel Hershiser Manager/Player (#109) – An iconically colorful subject pair captured in a captivating on-field photo. Hundreds were pulled by enthusiasts as one of the set’s most visually pleasing regular issues. Graded 9s realize $500-800 due to consistent collector popularity.

While PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 examples of most 1992 Upper Deck cards remain unrealistic for most collectors due to their investment-caliber costs, there are still many affordable yet exceptionally preserved high graded copies to be found across the set’s entire 514-card checklist. With its stunning photography, rich production quality, and legendary rookie class, Upper Deck’s sophomore baseball effort remains one of the crown jewels of the modern era. Savvy collectors continue cherry picking affordable stars and parallels to appreciate for years to come.

While any complete 1992 Upper Deck baseball set retains value, the above cards including Griffey, Jones, Thomas, and unique parallel short prints define the true high-end desirables of the set after three decades. Condition remains critical, with pristine PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 versions of star rookies commanding five-figure sums. Overall, Upper Deck’s 1992 effort has withstood the test of time as one of the most historically important and valuable mainstream issues in the modern era.

BEST BASEBALL CARDS 1991 UPPER DECK

Leave a reply

The 1991 Upper Deck baseball card set was truly revolutionary and is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets of all time. Upper Deck broke into the baseball card industry in 1989 and completely changed the game with its unprecedented quality, attention to detail, and focus on the collector experience. By 1991, they had solidified themselves as the premier brand and their second flagship set took the hobby to new heights.

Some key things that made the 1991 Upper Deck cards so special and desirable included the thin glossy stock they were printed on, sharp colorful photography, and premium feel in the hand. Upper Deck also pioneered modern security features like holograms, 3D embossing, and microprinting that made their cards very difficult to counterfeit. Perhaps most importantly, they had exclusive licenses with MLB, the MLBPA, and the players’ union which meant they could use players’ names and likenesses.

While there are many highly sought after rookie and star cards from the set, here are some of the most notable:

Ken Griffey Jr.: Widely considered the crown jewel of the set, Griffey’s rookie card showcases him in glorious action photography swinging the bat. Its rarity, Griffey’s iconic status, and the card’s pristine condition and visual appeal have all contributed to it regularly selling for well over $10,000 in gem mint.

Frank Thomas: Another star rookie, “The Big Hurt” looks determined in his portrait shot. Thomas went on to have a Hall of Fame career and his card remains a top chase for White Sox collectors. Near mint copies trade hands for $3,000-5,000.

Nolan Ryan: Iconic photo of the flamethrower winding up is paired with his then-record 5,000th career strikeout milestone on the back. Even in well-worn condition “The Ryan Express” card commands $500-800 due to his legend status.

Cal Ripken Jr.: Clean and classic full body action shot highlighting Ripken’s smooth defensive skills. As the iron man and one of the most respected players of all time, his card remains a steady $300-500 even after all these years.

Kirby Puckett and Dave Winfield: Both all-time great outfielders are captured in beautiful action photography on their ’91 UD cards. In top grades their cards can reach $1,000+ due to their championships and Hall of Fame careers.

Don Mattingly: Clean cut portrait of the ’85 MVP shows why he was one of the most popular players of the late 80s. High grade “Donnie Baseball” cards trade between $500-800.

Mark McGwire: Powerful full body image foreshadows “Big Mac’s” record breaking home run chase later in the decade. His rookie card in gem mint can reach $800-1,000 for dedicated collectors.

While stars on winning teams like the Braves, Blue Jays and Twins are most coveted, there are also some more obscure gems to be found:

Darren Daulton: Iconic action shot of the heart and soul Phillie blocking the plate. In sharp condition it can reach $300-500 due to sentimental Philly collectors.

Bret Saberhagen: Close up portrait of the ’85 Cy Young winner. Near mint copies can be found for under $100 but demand may increase as Royals contenders gain new fans.

Jeff Bagwell: Clean image highlights Bagwell’s smooth swing during his early Astros days. High grade copies trade in the $150-250 range with room to appreciate as his Hall of Fame case strengthens.

Chuck Knoblauch: Action photo captures his speed and skills. Twins collectors have pushed near mint examples up to $150-200 in recent years.

Omar Vizquel: Full body shot shows smooth defender’s range. Very tough to find in high grade but could gain more collector interest as one of game’s best fielders.

While players like Clemens, Bonds, and A-Rod may be more controversial today, their ’91 UD rookies remain some of the most visually striking and dynamically captured rookie cards ever. For dedicated collectors, finding high quality examples of any of these stars from the 1991 Upper Deck set is a true thrill and crowning achievement. Over 30 years later, it remains one of the most beloved releases that still has the power to excite hobbyists of all ages.

1990 UPPER DECK BASEBALL BEST CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1990 Upper Deck baseball card set was groundbreaking in the sports card industry and featured some of the most iconic and valuable sports cards ever produced. Upper Deck disrupted the standard baseball card manufacturing process by using higher quality card stock and inserting additional security features to combat counterfeiting. These innovations helped spark new interest in the hobby and reset consumers’ expectations for what a modern baseball card could be.

The 1990 Upper Deck set is considered by many to be the best and most coveted baseball card set ever made. It featured 792 total cards including regular issues, traded variants, and special subset cards. While many of the regular base cards can be acquired cheaply in mint condition today, there are several chase cards from 1990 Upper Deck that have rocketed to immense value and desirability over the decades. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most noteworthy hits from the set that still captivate collectors to this day.

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card (#1)
Arguably the most iconic modern rookie card ever printed, Griffey’s debut Upper Deck issue introduced the young phenom to the hobby world. With his impeccable swing and vibrant personality on full display, Griffey would go on to become one of the most popular and talented players of his generation. His 1990 Upper Deck rookie remains one of the most sought-after and valuable cards on the market today. In pristine mint condition it can fetch tens of thousands of dollars or more at auction, a true Holy Grail for any baseball card collection. Griffey’s marketing prowess helped elevate the fledgling set to new heights of mainstream popularity.

Frank Thomas Rookie Card (#284)
Like Griffey, Thomas burst onto the scene in 1990 with eye-popping stats that promised a lengthy future Hall of Fame career. While not quite reaching the stratospheric hype of the Kid, Big Hurt’s rookie card has grown in stature over the decades as well. Thomas went on to assemble one of the most dominant run productions in baseball history and his 1990 Upper Deck rookie is a centerpiece for White Sox collectors worldwide. Higher grade examples with a flawless surface can clear five figures nowadays.

Nolan Ryan Express Poster Insert (#646)
This huge 2′ x 3′ poster insert featuring the legendary Ryan in the midst of his blazing fastball windup was a standout bonus in 1990 Upper Deck packs. Only 31 are believed to exist in pristine condition still sealed in the original wrapper. It’s arguably the ultimate Nolan Ryan collectible and is seldom made available on the open market. Condition-sensitive examples have changed hands for $50,000 or more.

Roberto Alomar Traded Variation (#T92)
In a sign of things to come for the advent of specialized parallel and variations in the card industry, 1990 Upper Deck included a limited run of traded player updates in select packs towards the end of its print run. One of the most significant was this swapped version of Blue Jays all-star Alomar, showing him in a San Diego Padres uniform after being dealt late in 1990. Scarcer than the base issue, it’s become a priority for Alomar and traded/variation collectors.

Ken Griffey Jr. / Frank Thomas ‘Telegraph’ Insert (#674)
This insert paired promising young stars Griffey and Thomas in a mock telegram announcement of their arrival in the big leagues. It epitomized the fresh optimism for the next generation of sluggers in 1990. While not quite the rarity of some other inserts, it remains a standout short print from the set coveted by fans of the two future Hall of Famers.

Nolan Ryan Record Breaker Inserts (#512, #528, #544)
Celebrating Ryan’s all-time pitching records at the time, these three separate insert cards recognized his marks for career strikeouts, no-hitters, and shutouts. Lavishly illustrated, they brought added prestige and spotlight to the Ryan legend. Each individual issue as well as the complete trio are targets for Ryan collectors today.

Ozzie Smith Error Variation (#649)
Through some strange error in production, a small number of Ozzie Smith cards were printed improperly showing him in a Cardinals helmet with a backwards and upside-down team logo. To this day, the origin of this bewildering mistake remains a mystery. But for error collectors, it’s become one of the most significant aberrations in the modern card era due to its place in the legendary 1990 Upper Deck set.

Barry Bonds Rookie Card (#91)
Overshadowed in retrospect by Griffey’s true rookie card, Bonds’ debut offering has grown in stature as his legacy cemented him as perhaps the greatest pure hitter of all time. A future seven-time MVP and countless record holder, Bonds electrified fans from the early days of his career. High grades of this pivotal Bonds issue currently sell in the four-figure range.

Tom Glavine Rookie Card (#312)
The future Hall of Famer’s first card portended great things to come for the Braves lefty on the mound. While not as iconic or hyped as other huge rookie cards in 1990 Upper Deck, Glavine’s debut issue has earned respect as one representing one of the sport’s most consistent hurlers who would lead Atlanta to a championship era. Mint examples can reach $1,000 or more in price.

Additional standout rookie cards in the 1990 Upper Deck set beyond the monsters included players like Todd Helton (#652), Craig Biggio (#648), Lance Johnson (#617), Moises Alou (#666), and Frank Castillo (#611) who all had productive MLB careers. But it was the megastars featured at the onset of this article that truly propelled the set to its longstanding legendary status among collectors.

From a production standpoint, 1990 Upper Deck brought the hobby into a new realm with its unparalleled focus on security and presentation. A stamped serial number, scratch-off authentication code under each card’s flap, and premium coated stock set new precedents. The set would go on to have one of the longest print runs in cardboard history at over 1 billion cards produced, yet demand flooded in and supply dried up rapidly.

Today, in the ultra-modern card collecting era of the 2020s, 1990 Upper Deck retains its place as the set that started it all. Prices have steadied or risen on virtually all the top cards over the past decade as nostalgia grows. Its significance is cemented not just as the best and most important baseball card set ever, but as one of the true cultural touchstones and collectors items from the late 20th century mainstream. The legends, rookies, and innovations it introduced changed the course of the hobby permanently. Over 30 years later, 1990 Upper Deck continues to captivate new generations of fans with its historic greatness.