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WHAT DOES HTA MEAN IN BASEBALL CARDS

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HTA stands for “high-grade tobacco” and refers to a specific type of premium baseball card stock that was used by card manufacturers in the late 1980s through the early 1990s. Tobacco companies like Topps, Fleer, and Donruss were some of the biggest sponsors and licensors of baseball cards during this time period. In order to strengthen their marketing tie-ins with the tobacco industry sponsors, these card companies opted to use recycled tobacco packaging materials to create some of their premium baseball card issues.

The term “high-grade tobacco” refers to the specific tobacco packaging materials that were recycled to make the cardboard stock for these special baseball cards. Only the highest quality tobacco packaging materials from major cigarette and chewing tobacco brands were deemed suitable for transforming into ornate baseball card stock. The packaging materials underwent an intensive sorting and cleaning process before being finely milled and blended with virgin wood pulp to create a distinctive thick, glossy cardboard.

This HTA cardboard provided a luxury feel compared to the thinner, non-tobacco-based stock used for mainstream baseball cards. The tobacco derivatives added a subtle smoky, nicotine hue to the natural tan color of the cardboard. When held up to the light, the tobacco-infused stock had a noticeably different translucent quality compared to ordinary baseball card stock. The heavily recycled nature of the materials also gave HTA cardboard a distinctive texture – very smooth on the printed front but with a sandpaper-like feel on the unprinted back.

Card companies leveraged the exotic nature of the tobacco-derived stock to position HTA baseball card issues as ultra-premium collectibles. Sets like Fleer Ultra, Topps Finest, and Donruss Elite Extra Edition featured razor-sharp photography, intricate metallic foil accents, and elaborate embossed or die-cut logos specifically designed to really make the cards “pop” on the opulent HTA cardboard platform. Limited print runs and elaborate packaging further amplified the exclusivity of HTA-backed baseball card releases at the time.

While providing an unmatched luxury experience for collectors at the time of their release, the tobacco-infused nature of HTA stock has proven to be a bit of a mixed bag in terms of the longterm preservation of the associated baseball cards. On one hand, the heavy recycling and additional processing resulted in very durable cardboard that has held up quite nicely to the tests of time in many cases. The presence of residual tobacco derivatives sometimes leaves HTA cards more susceptible to staining, discoloration, or the development of an unpleasant “old cigar” type smell over decades of storage.

Environmental conditions also seem to more severely impact HTA baseball cards compared to ordinary issues. Wide swings in temperature and humidity can cause the tobacco-infused cardboard to expand and contract in problematic ways. This results in more cracking along the edges or even complete delamination of the cardboard over time relative to non-HTA stock. The exotic nature of the material also makes restoration or conservation of damaged HTA cards much more complicated.

In the end, while HTA baseball cards from the late 80s/early 90s era represent some of the most opulent and lavishly produced collector’s items ever released, the use of recycled tobacco packaging materials is a double-edged sword. While admired for their high-end aesthetics and connection to the history of tobacco sports marketing, the longterm preservation challenges associated with the tobacco derivatives mean HTA cardboard is not necessarily the most durable platform for enshrining the all-star players and iconic moments from that baseball era. But for condition sensitive collectors, finding high-grade examples of HTA issues like Ultra, Finest, and Elite in pristine shape remains the holy grail.

WHAT DOES THE CODE ON THE BACK OF TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS MEAN

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The back of Topps baseball cards feature codes that provide a variety of informative details about each specific card. These codes have been used by Topps since the 1980s to help catalog and identify their baseball cards. There are multiple pieces of coded information printed on the back of each card that collectors and retailers can use to better understand what is depicted on the front of the card.

One of the most prominent codes is the series number, which is always listed as “S” followed by two or three digits. This indicates what specific series the card is from within a given year. For example, a card with code “S101” would be from the 101st series Topps released that year. Topps puts out multiple series annually, usually sequenced throughout the baseball season. By including the series number, the timeline and release schedule for when that card entered circulation is evident.

Another important code is the card number, listed as “N” and then three digits filled with leading zeros if needed. This number represents where the card falls numerically within its series. A card with code “N004” therefore would be the 4th card in that series. Card numbers are critical for collectors trying to complete full sets by series or for the entire year.

Some older Topps cards also have a production code providing factory details. Punched with initials or numbers, this code identifies which Topps plant manufactured the card and the shift/time of day it was made. While niche information, production codes satisfy the curiosity of advanced collectors.

Perhaps the most significant code for identifying players is the registered trademark player ID code. Since the late 1980s, Topps has trademarked© and coded the likenesses of MLB players under individual three-letter codes as a security measure against counterfeits. A card with player code “BER01” shows the front image is of pitcher Clayton Kershaw, with the “BER” uniquely representing him. Having copyrighted player codes helps Topps legally protect their baseball card property.

Lastly, the copyright date is displayed on the back with standard copyright symbol © followed by the year. This notation asserts Topps’ ownership rights over that card’s intellectual property and confirms the season it was officially released into the market. Collectively, all the coded metadata ensures each Topps baseball card can be precisely classified in the extensive lineup the company has produced since 1954.

Through consistent use of numeric and letter codes printed clearly on the reverse side, Topps enables easy organization and identification of individual cards for both casual collectors and serious hobbyists. The coded system provides essential details about production specifics, placement within sets and series, roster info for depicted players, copyright dates and more. It is a simple format that affords collectors a wealth of contextual insights into the cards that has kept the Topps Baseball brand a leading standard bearer in the sports card industry for more than sixty years running.

WHAT DOES THE NUMBER ON BASEBALL CARDS MEAN

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The most prominent number printed on baseball cards is the player’s uniform number. In baseball, each player is assigned a uniform number that they will wear for their career, allowing fans and others to easily identify them. Having the uniform number printed on cards helps correlate the image on the card with the actual player on the field. Uniform numbers were first introduced in the late 1920s and became standardized in baseball by the 1930s, so their inclusion on early cards was important for identification.

Today, uniform numbers still hold significance. Certain numbers have attained iconic status association with legendary players like Babe Ruth’s #3, Jackie Robinson’s #42 (now retired across MLB), Mickey Mantle’s #7, and Roger Maris’ #9. Fans like collecting cards featuring their favorite player’s iconic uniform number. From a statistical perspective, noting a player’s uniform number allows researchers to better track their career stats indexed by individual numbers.

In addition to the uniform number, modern baseball cards also include the player’s positional abbreviations. Typically printed directly below the uniform number, these 1-2 letter codes indicate what position(s) the player plays. Common abbreviations include P for pitcher, C for catcher, 1B for first baseman, 2B for second baseman, SS for shortstop, 3B for third baseman, LF for left fielder, CF for center fielder, and RF for right fielder. For players with multiple eligible positions, multiple codes may be listed like 2B/SS. This extra context provides collectors and fans more specific information on a player’s role.

Below the uniform number and position abbreviations, cards will commonly feature the player’s career batting average. For pitchers, their career earned run average (ERA) is instead prioritized. Having the career .BA or ERA concisely printed informs the card holder of how that player has performed at the plate or on the mound historically. It provides a quick stat to gauge their career success and gives additional meaningful data beyond just images, names and numbers.

For modern rookie cards or cards issued early in a player’s career, their age may also be included. Knowing the debuting player’s age at the time helps collectors understand where they are at in their development. It provides an estimate of the years of playing time still potentially ahead of them. Age can be a good relative indicator of upside and longevity before stats are fully established.

When applicable, specialty stats may get highlighted too. For example, a home run hitter’s career home run total may be printed. Or for a pitcher, their career wins or saves tally could be recognized. These specialized statistical accomplishments give a more complete snapshot of what the player has achieved to date in their strongest categories. It adds more relevant info beyond basic counting stats.

In terms of card set details, the specific card number is commonly listed bottom center. This number signifies where in the sequence the current card falls. It allows the set to be categorized and completion status to be tracked. High serial numbers become more elusive for completing a set. Card year is also indicated, confirming when the specific image and info was produced and circulated.

By printing meaningful uniform numbers, positional info, stats and other relevant details directly on the cards themselves, it allows the richest possible context and identification to be abundantly clear with just a quick glance. The numbers aim to celebrate players and their contributions in digestible formats complimenting any images or text on the card. In that sense, the assorted numbers found on modern baseball cards carry true historical significance for compiling the richest understanding of players, their eras and collective baseball history.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO SELL BASEBALL CARDS ON EBAY

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There are a few different costs involved with selling baseball cards on eBay. The main costs are eBay listing fees, payment processing fees, and shipping costs. Let’s break down each of these fees:

eBay Listing Fees: Whenever you create an eBay listing to sell an item like baseball cards, eBay charges an insertion fee. For trading cards and collectibles like baseball cards, the insertion fee is normally 35 cents per listing if the starting price is under $10. If the starting price is $10 or higher, the insertion fee is 50 cents per listing. In addition to the insertion fee, eBay also charges a final value fee on the total selling price of the item including shipping costs. For trading cards and collectibles, the final value fee is generally 10% of the total sales price. For example, if you sell a baseball card for $10 with $3 shipping, the total sale price is $13. eBay would charge you a 10% final value fee of $1.30 on that sale.

Payment Processing Fees: Whenever a buyer pays for an item on eBay using PayPal, eBay charges PayPal fees on the transaction. For domestic U.S. payments via PayPal, PayPal charges a fee of 2.9% of the total sale price plus a flat fee of 30 cents per transaction. For example, on a $13 transaction as mentioned above, PayPal would charge 2.9% of $13, which is about 38 cents, plus the 30 cent transaction fee, making the total PayPal fee 68 cents on that transaction. These PayPal fees apply to electronic payments from U.S. domestic buyers. There are also international transaction fees if shipping internationally.

Shipping Costs: In addition to eBay and PayPal fees, sellers are responsible for the costs of shipping each item to the buyer. Shipping baseball cards usually averages $2-5 for standard First Class Mail service within the United States, depending on the size/weight of the package. Sometimes Priority Mail shipping is needed for larger card lots and that can cost $6-10 typically. Factoring in packaging materials like penny sleeves, toploaders, cardboard and bubble mailers, average shipping costs tend to be $3-7 per order within the U.S. for baseball cards. International shipping tend to cost significantly more, usually starting around $10-$15 for simple First Class International shipments.

Other Costs: There are a few other smaller costs involved as well. First, sellers need supplies like penny sleeves, toploaders and other packaging materials to properly ship cards. These supplies typically run $0.10-$1 per item depending on what’s needed. Second, sellers pay for their eBay seller fees (10% fee on final value up to $250 per month) which allows them to list up to 250 items per month for free. Larger volume sellers may go over the 250 item limit and pay extra insertion fees. Third, banking/payment processing services like Coinbase charge around 1-2% to move funds from PayPal to bank accounts. Fourth, sellers may spend time listing items which has an opportunity cost of their own labor.

To summarize all the average potential costs of selling baseball cards on eBay:

eBay Insertion Fees: $0.35-0.50 per listing
eBay Final Value Fees: 10% of total sale price
PayPal Transaction Fees: 2.9% + $0.30 of sale price
Shipping Costs: $3-7 average within US
Supply/Packaging Costs: $0.10-1 per item
Seller Fees: 10% fee up to $250 monthly limit
Payment Processing Fees: 1-2% to transfer funds

Factor in all these potential fees and costs, the breakeven point to profit from selling a single baseball card on eBay is around $5-8 typically after fees. Sellers need to aim for profit margins of a few dollars on each transaction to account for these eBay, PayPal and shipping related expenses. High volume sales help improve profitability by spreading the fixed listing/seller fees across more transactions. Sourcing cards cheaply through auctions and estate sales can also boost margins. With careful pricing and cost management, baseball card selling can be a profitable venture on eBay.

There are various fees and costs involved with selling collectibles like baseball cards on eBay. Understanding these potential expenses upfront is important for setting profitable listing prices and managing expectations. With the right cards, pricing strategy and sales volume, sellers can earn good returns after accounting for all the eBay and PayPal fees and shipping costs.

DOES KOHL’S SELL BASEBALL CARDS

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While Kohl’s is primarily known as a department store that sells clothing, footwear, home goods, and other general merchandise items, they do occasionally sell trading cards, including baseball cards, within certain stores and during specific promotions. Baseball cards in particular can be found at Kohl’s under the following circumstances:

During major sports card collecting periods and releases, such as those surrounding the start of a new baseball season or major card company promotions, Kohl’s may choose to stock a limited selection of recently released baseball card products within their trading card sections. These sections are usually located near the front registers or electronics departments in many Kohl’s stores. The selection tends to be small, focusing on popular brands and sets from companies like Topps, Panini, Leaf, and Upper Deck. Individual booster packs, blasters, and hobby boxes may be available during these times. Supplies are limited and promotional periods are usually short-lived, often lasting no more than a month or two.

In some larger Kohl’s locations that have wider trading card and collectible sections, a more permanent assortment of baseball cards may be maintained on shelves year-round. This core selection is typically stocked with value packs, factory sets, and discounted older card lots rather than brand new seasonal releases. The goal is to have a consistent baseball card presence for collectors rather than temporary season-specific inventory. These locations also sometimes dedicate wall facings or end caps to sports memorabilia and collectibles during major baseball events like the World Series to increase visibility.

From time to time, Kohl’s may also run limited-time online promotions featuring certain baseball card brands, products, or player lots at discounted prices to expand their card offerings beyond physical store inventories. These digital deals are promoted through emails, social media, and on the Kohl’s website sports collectibles pages. Shipping is usually free on qualifying online baseball card orders over $25 when such e-commerce promos are active.

In addition to carrying cards themselves, Kohl’s often stocks baseball card supplies that may interest collectors, such as magnetic holders, penny sleeves, toploaders, binders, boxes, and card collecting accessories. Card merchandising displays are also assembled featuring related Funko Pop! vinyl figures, jerseys, helmets, signed memorabilia, and other sports fan gear that enhance the overall baseball card shopping experience at Kohl’s.

During the busy holiday shopping season from late November through December, Kohl’s commonly expands its baseball card assortment even further to appeal to gift givers. Gift sets that bundle factory cards with merchandise or gift cards are prominently displayed. Some of the higher priced cards signed by star players may also be offered exclusively through Kohl’s during this period.

While the selection varies significantly between stores and across seasons, many Kohl’s locations have developed strong relationships with local card collectors and teams by providing a convenient retail outlet for the baseball card hobby within their communities. Associates in these sports card sections can usually offer collectors knowledgeable customer service and recommendations tailored to their interests as well.

In short, while Kohl’s involvement in the baseball card market is more ancillary compared to dedicated hobby shops and online retailers, savvy shoppers will find that Kohl’s does stock an assortment of mainstream brand new release cards, supplies, and gift items throughout the year – especially surrounding major on-shelf dates, holidays, and card company promotions. Checking with local store trading card departments regularly is recommended for those interested in supplementing their collections through Kohl’s occasional baseball card offerings. With over 1,100 stores nationwide, it remains a viable general merchandise outlet for casual collectors and fans.

BASEBALL CARDS WHAT DOES PSA MEAN

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PSA is one of the most well-known and respected third-party authentication and grading companies for collectibles like sports cards, comic books, and memorabilia. The acronym PSA stands for Professional Sports Authenticator. They have been in business since 1991 and are headquartered in California.

PSA pioneered the modern collectibles authentication and grading service that is now common across many industries. Their goal was to bring standardized, impartial, and trusted third-party assessment to the collectibles marketplace. Before companies like PSA, there was no widespread way for buyers and sellers to independently verify the condition, authenticity, and quality of rare collectibles. This lack of transparency made the marketplace risky, especially for high-value items.

PSA’s authentication and grading process involves carefully examining each item under high-powered magnification by trained experts. They analyze factors like centering, corners, edges, surface, and more for cards. They also verify authenticity by checking for tampering, fakes, or alterations. Each collectible receives a numerical grade on the PSA grading scale from 1 to 10 based on its condition compared to other examples.

Cards that receive the highest grades of Gem Mint 10 or Mint 9 are considered pristine, often still in the plastic they were packed in from the manufacturer. Lower numbered grades down to About Good 3 show increasing levels of wear. A grade of Poor 1 would be badly damaged. PSA also designates special labels for unique attributes that may increase or decrease value like miscuts, errors, autographs, or patches.

In addition to the grade, PSA encapsulates each card in a tamper-proof plastic holder that protects the card and allows buyers to easily verify the authenticity of the grade. This holder with the grade securely affixed has become the gold standard worldwide for collectibles authentication. Having cards professionally graded and authenticated by PSA adds immediate credibility and transparency to any transaction.

The PSA population report is another valuable resource they provide. This details exactly how many other examples of each particular card or parallel they have graded, helping collectors understand rarity and estimate value. High grades of rare vintage cards can sell for hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars at auction. Common base cards in low grades might have very little value above their paper cost.

While PSA charges submission fees for their services, the added value of an impartial third-party certification often far outweighs the cost, especially as values increase. The PSA brand has become synonymous with the gold standard of quality assurance in the sports card industry and beyond. Their population reports are referenced in price guides and online marketplaces as the most objective way to understand condition scarcity.

In the early days, PSA mainly focused on vintage baseball cards from the 1950s-1980s, but they have since expanded their services to include modern sports, non-sports trading cards, comics, memorabilia, and other collectibles. In the 2010s, PSA began offering various value-added services like autograph verification, special label designs, and express rush grading options. They have also certified rare unopened packs and boxes to preserve provenance.

While PSA remains the dominant force, competitors like BGS, SGC, and others have emerged in recent decades. However, PSA graded cards still command the highest prices due to their longer history and larger population databases providing the most comprehensive market comparables. Smart collectors focus first on condition, story, and eye appeal over strictly chasing the highest PSA grade. But there is no question that third party certification from companies like PSA adds immense value for collectors at every level.

If you see “PSA” referenced related to sports cards, comic books, or other collectibles, it stands for Professional Sports Authenticator. They were the pioneering company that established impartial third-party authentication and grading standards across collecting hobbies worldwide. A PSA grade gives buyers and sellers an objective, trusted, and transparent assessment of an item’s condition, history, and relative scarcity value in the marketplace.