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EBAY FEES FOR SELLING BASEBALL CARDS

eBay Fees for Selling Baseball Cards: A Comprehensive Guide

If you have a collection of baseball cards that you want to sell online, eBay is one of the largest and most popular marketplaces for collectors. With the convenience of eBay’s massive audience also comes fees you’ll need to pay as a seller. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down all the different eBay fees you can expect to pay when selling baseball cards and provide tips for minimizing costs.

Listing Fees
As a seller, you’ll pay a fixed fee for each listing you create on eBay regardless of whether the item sells or not. The standard listing fee for a basic auction or fixed price listing for a sports trading card is $0.30 for up to 50 listings per month. After 50 listings, the fee increases to $0.35 per listing. For a 30 day listing, you can promote it by choosing a featured or bold listing which ranges from $2 to $5 per listing.

Final Value Fees
In addition to the listing fee, eBay charges a final value fee on the total selling price of any item that is sold. For trading cards, the final value fee is generally 10% of the total sale price with a maximum fee of $250. The fee is reduced to 5% of the sale price if the item is shipped within 3 days of purchase. It’s important to factor in final value fees when determining your reserve price or “Buy It Now” price so you don’t lose money on the sale after fees.

Payment Processing Fees
If the buyer pays via PayPal, you’ll also incur a payment processing fee of 2.9% of the total sale price plus $0.30 per transaction. PayPal charges slightly higher fees than other payment methods but is very convenient for both buyers and sellers. Credit card transactions through eBay now also incur a 2.9% + $0.30 fee.

Additional Featured Listing Upgrades
To help items sell faster, eBay offers several listing upgrades that can boost visibility in search results. These include:

Best Offer – Lets buyers submit offers lower than your list price. Fee is $2 per listing.

Bold Listing – Text appears in bold in search results. $5 fee for 30 days.

Gallery Listing – Additional photos beyond the standard 12 included. $0.50 per photo.

Featured – Listing appears above others in category for 30 days. $5-25 fee depending on category.

Tips for Minimizing eBay Selling Fees
While eBay fees are unavoidable as a seller, there are some best practices that can help lower your overall costs:

Use 50 free listings per month before paying listing fees.

Ship within 3 days to qualify for reduced 5% final value fee.

Offer combined shipping discounts to encourage buyers to purchase multiple items.

Cross-promote listings on sports forums, blogs, and social media to attract off-eBay buyers.

Consider selling higher-priced, rare cards individually and common cards in discounted lots.

Leave positive feedback for buyers to maintain a high seller rating and attract return customers.

Look for coupon codes eBay periodically offers for new and existing sellers.

Upgrade selectively based on card value – don’t spend $25 promoting a $5 card.

Accept other payment methods like checks or money orders to avoid PayPal fees.

Selling baseball cards on eBay can be very profitable but only if you understand all the associated fees upfront and employ strategies to minimize your costs. With the right preparation and marketing, you can earn good returns even after eBay and other transaction expenses are deducted. Just be sure to factor fees into your pricing and sales strategy from the very beginning.

EBay offers unparalleled exposure and access to collectors worldwide but charges various fees that all sellers must account for. By leveraging free listings, shipping promotions, off-eBay promotion, and selective upgrades, savvy baseball card sellers can maximize sales while keeping their eBay expenses as low as possible. With the right approach, eBay can be a highly lucrative primary or supplementary sales channel for your baseball card collection.

1973 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS EBAY

1973 marked the 12th year of Topps’ hugely popular annual baseball card releases. The 1973 Topps set contained 714 cards and featured many of the game’s then-current superstars and future Hall of Famers. Even nearly 50 years later, 1973 Topps baseball cards remain highly coveted by collectors both for their nostalgic appeal as well as the talent featured on many of the cards. Unsurprisingly, complete and individual 1973 Topps sets and cards can still fetch premium prices on the popular online marketplace eBay.

Some of the notable rookies featured in the 1973 Topps set included Jon Matlack, Garry Maddox, Bake McBride, and Rick Reuschel. The real stars that year were established names like Hank Aaron, Nolan Ryan, Joe Morgan, Rod Carew, and Johnny Bench. Aaron’s card stands out as he was chasing Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record, which he would break that season. Other big names included Tom Seaver, Reggie Jackson, Steve Carlton, and Willie Stargell. The 1973 set also marked Gaylord Perry’s first card with the Cleveland Indians after being traded from the San Francisco Giants.

In terms of condition, most 1973 Topps cards that survive today are well-worn from a half-century of being opened, played with, and traded among enthusiastic young baseball fans. Near mint to mint condition copies in protective sleeves are quite scarce and sell for premium prices. The most coveted cards in any condition usually feature the superstars of that era like Aaron, Jackson, Bench, Ryan, and Carew. But other more obscure or rookie cards can pique collector interest too depending on specific team affiliations or player accomplishments after 1973.

On eBay, complete 1973 Topps baseball card sets in well-kept condition frequently sell in the $150-350 range. Very nicely centered near mint sets can reach into the low $500s. Individual star player commons from the set commonly sell from $1-5 but true gems graded mint or better by services like PSA or BGS can reach $50-100 depending on the player. Key rookies like Matlack, Maddox, or McBride in top condition may sell for $10-30 each. Superstar rookies or cards are predictably more expensive – a PSA-graded GEM MT 10 Nolan Ryan rookie would sell for well over $1,000.

Other specific 1973 Topps cards that often demand higher prices on eBay include the Hank Aaron record breaker card (in pristine condition over $150), the card picturing Jackson stealing home ($15-40 depending on condition), Bench’s card ($15-50), and any of the cards showing perfect pitching performances that season like Seaver’s 10-strikeout card ($15-40). Each team’s complete team set can sell for $40-150 depending on the franchise and condition of the rubber-stamped issue cards included. For investors, sealed unopened 1973 Topps wax packs are true prizes that can be resold for many multiples of their original $0.10 cost.

Error and oddball 1973 Topps cards tend to attract higher prices than commons too since they represent irregularities or unusual variations from the standard issued cards. For example, Hank Aaron’s card mistakenly listing his team as the Milwaukee Brewers instead of the Atlanta Braves is highly sought after from collectors. Another oddball is a test promotional card picturing Thurman Munson that was mistakenly included without a team logo and is quite scarce. Often these unusual fringe issues from the 1973 set can sell for over $50 on eBay depending on their significance and survival population estimates.

The 1973 Topps baseball card set remains a hugely popular and recognizable vintage release even after nearly 50 years on the market. Notable for featuring stars of that generation like Aaron chasing history and young future Hall of Famers like Ryan just starting out, complete or individual 1973 Topps cards can often fetch high prices from dedicated collectors on eBay. Whether bidding on a full mint set, rare refractors, autographs, or singular star player cards, 1973 Topps continues to excite bidding wars on the website as collectors pursue the iconic cardboard of their childhood summers at the ballpark. Keeping condition, star power, and any unusual variations or error factors in mind will serve buyers well seeking investment-worthy 1973 Topps cardboard to enjoy or potentially resell for profit later on.

NOLAN RYAN BASEBALL CARDS EBAY

Nolan Ryan is considered one of the greatest pitchers of all time and his legendary career has made his baseball cards some of the most sought after and valuable in the hobby. Over the course of 27 MLB seasons from 1966-1993, Ryan dominated on the mound like few others, establishing records that may never be broken. He holds the all-time records for no-hitters with 7 and strikeouts with 5,714. With such incredible accomplishments and marvelous longevity, it’s no surprise that Nolan Ryan cards, especially from his early years, have become highly treasured by collectors and frequently sell for big money on auction sites like eBay.

Let’s take a deeper look at some of Ryan’s most noteworthy baseball cards and explore eBay sales data to understand what kind of prices these prized pieces of memorabilia fetch in today’s market. One of the holiest of grails for any baseball card collector is Ryan’s 1966 Topps rookie card, the first card issued of the future Hall of Famer. Only about 100 mint condition copies are believed to still exist according to the Sports Collectors Daily, making it extremely rare. On eBay, PSA/BGS graded mint copies in the 8-10 range often sell for well over $10,000. One BGS 9.5 gem mint copy sold for a staggering $27,850 in January 2021. Another PSA 9 copy went for $17,500 that same month.

While perhaps not as rare as the rookie, other early Ryan cards such as his 1969 Topps, 1970 Topps, and 1972 Topps are still hugely valuable banners from Nolan’s formative years pitching for the Mets and Angels organizations. Near mint to mint copies of the 1969 usually sell in the $2,000-$5,000 range. High graded versions can hit $10,000 or more, like a recent PSA 9 copy that sold for $12,050. Similarly, the 1970 regularly fetches $1,500-$3,500 and $5,000+ for gems, with one PSA 9 copy making $7,050. The 1972 is quite valuable too considering it shows Nolan winning the MLB strikeout title in 1972 with 329, setting a new single season record. Near mint copies trade hands for $750-$1,500 and graded gems go for $3,000 and up, with a recent PSA 9 copy selling for $4,050.

Moving into Ryan’s later playing days with the Angels, Astros, and Rangers, finds several other popular and sought after baseball cards from the 1970s and 80s. One is his 1973 Topps card, a very aesthetically pleasing action shot of Nolan on the mound that remains a fan favorite to this day. Near mint ’73s sell between $400-800 fairly often. Higher graded copies command more substantial prices, with PSA 9 examples reaching the $1,500-2,000 range. Another iconic Ryan card is his 1975 Topps issue, which features one of the colossal right-hander’s many no-hitters. This one highlights his July 15th no-no against the Twins. NM-MT ’75s bring $250-500 with potential to fetch over $1,000 for strong grades.

Two other noteworthy cards are Nolan’s 1981 Donruss and 1984 Fleer Update issues from his later playing days with the Astros and Rangers. The 1981 Donruss stands out for its artistic painting-like style photo versus the standard action shots. Near mint copies can be found for $100-250. Strongly graded versions climb above $500 consistently. Meanwhile, the 1984 Fleer Update was one of the first Star Cards – a premium subset highlighting MLB superstars. Considering Ryan’s legendary status and how this was one of his last active seasons, NM-MT copies trade hands for $75-150 regularly. GEM Mint 10 specimens have sold for over $600 before.

In summary, Nolan Ryan’s legendary baseball career and hurler accomplishments have made his vintage cards incredibly sought after collectibles, especially in high grades. While his ultra rare 1966 rookie remains prohibitively expensive for most, other early 70s flagship Topps issues and iconic cards from his later playing days can still be found in mint condition for thousands on the secondary market if you’re willing to spend. Regardless of the specific issue, any card featuring the immortal “Ryan Express” is a prized piece of memorabilia for collectors that should hold or gain value long term. Keeping an eye on eBay is a great way to stay on top of current Nolan Ryan card prices and possibly find a gem of your own to cherish.

EBAY 1980 BASEBALL CARDS

The early days of eBay and the boom in collecting 1980s baseball cards:

In the late 1990s, a new website called eBay was starting to gain popularity as a platform for buying and selling all sorts of collectibles online. One of the hottest collecting categories on the nascent eBay marketplace was 1980s baseball cards. Cards from sets released in the early 1980s had been largely overlooked by collectors for years but were about to experience a surge in demand and skyrocketing prices.

Several factors contributed to the sudden interest in 1980s baseball cards on eBay in the late 90s. Many kids who collected cards in the early 80s were now young adults with more discretionary income. They were looking to reconnect with their childhood hobby and wanted to rebuild sets they may have incomplete as kids. Stars from the 1980s like Rickey Henderson, Wade Boggs, and Roger Clemens were still active players generating new interest.

A key 1980s set that was driving a lot of eBay sales was the 1981 Topps baseball card release. This set featured rookie cards of Hall of Famers like Fernando Valenzuela, Rollie Fingers, and Nolan Ryan. But for years, the 1981 Topps set had largely been ignored. In the early 1980s, the 1979 and 1980 Topps sets were considered much more desirable among collectors. But by the late 1990s, people were realizing that stars from the 1981 rookie class had Hall of Fame careers. This led demand and prices for 1981 Topps cards to surge.

Another factor was the internet itself. eBay gave collectors an easy way to browse through thousands of baseball cards being auctioned online from all over the world. You no longer had to rely on your local card shop’s inventory or visiting shows and flea markets to find certain cards. This massively increased liquidity in the market. Sellers also had access to a huge pool of potential buyers. The combination of increased interest in 1980s players plus the reach of eBay was a perfect storm that supercharged prices.

Some key 1980s baseball cards that saw enormous price spikes on eBay in the late 1990s include Rickey Henderson’s 1981 Topps rookie card, Wade Boggs’ 1982 Topps rookie, and Nolan Ryan’s 1968 Topps rookie. Henderson and Boggs cards that may have sold for $5-10 in the early 1990s were now commanding $50-100 on eBay. The ultra-rare 1968 Nolan Ryan rookie jumped from $500 to $5,000.

The increased activity and price gains caught the attention of mainstream media. Articles started appearing that documented the unexpected revival in interest in 1980s cards. This further fueled speculation and demand as more collectors wanted to get in on the action. Soon, it seemed like every sports card collector had an eBay account and was scouring listings for deals.

By the late 1990s, the 1980s card boom was in full swing. Entire sets from 1981 Topps, 1982 Topps, and 1983 Topps that may have been completeable for $100-200 just a few years earlier were now costing collectors thousands to finish. Individual key rookie and star cards were reaching five figures. The sudden parabolic rise understandably caused concerns that a speculative bubble had formed. But strong demand continued through the late 90s-early 2000s as the core group of 1980s stars remained active players.

The growth of eBay allowed the market for 1980s baseball cards to reach new heights. It gave both casual collectors and intense speculators easy access to pursue sets and rookies from their childhood that were suddenly hot commodities. While prices have settled down from the late 90s peak, 1980s cards, especially key rookies, remain a strong segment of the sports card market today. The early days of eBay fueled one of the most unexpected booms in the hobby. It supercharged demand that made 1980s cards a major asset class for collectors.

EBAY SINGLE BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE

Selling individual baseball cards on eBay is a popular way for collectors to buy, sell, and trade cards. Whether you have a rare rookie card you want to sell, or you’re looking to build your collection by purchasing singles, eBay is a massive marketplace to find the specific cards you want. With millions of listings on eBay at any given time, it’s important to understand some key things about selling baseball cards as singles to have a successful transaction.

To start, you’ll want to take high-quality photos of the front and back of any card you list for sale. Make sure the photos are clear and in focus so buyers can inspect the condition and authenticity of the card. Poor lighting or blurry photos could turn potential buyers away. When taking photos, lay the card on a solid dark surface like a tabletop to provide good contrast. Also take extra close-up photos of any flaws, corners, or edges so buyers fully understand the condition.

In the listing title and description, be very clear and honest about the grade or condition of the card. Use terms like “near mint,” “excellent,” or “played” that collectors understand in terms of wear and tear. You can also list the exact grade if the card has been professionally graded, like a PSA 9 or Beckett 8.5. Accurately portraying condition up front avoids disputes after a sale. Measure centering on the front of the card and note if it favors one side. Mention any flaws, creases, or damage.

It’s also a good idea to include the year, set, and any notable player information for identification purposes. For example, “1998 Topps Chrome Refractor #138 Ken Griffey Jr.” provides all the key details in a simple listing title. You can then elaborate more on the player bio and significance of the card in the description. Be sure spelling and facts are correct to establish credibility.

When pricing your baseball card, research recently sold listings on eBay for comparable graded and ungraded versions to find a fair starting price. Consider factors like the specific player, year, condition, and demand. You may need to price strategically to spark bidding wars or price competitively to sell quickly. Be willing to accept reasonable offers as well through the “Best Offer” option.

Secure packaging is crucial to avoid damage during shipping. Toploaders or penny sleeves protect cards, then place inside a rigid case or cardboard between stiff pieces of cardboard cut to size. Seal the package securely with packing or shipping tape. USPS First Class Mail is a budget-friendly option for most cards, but register or insure valuable items. Provide tracking information and keep buyers updated on shipping status.

As the seller, leave positive feedback for buyers upon successful delivery to maintain your seller rating. Respond promptly to any questions from interested buyers before the sale. After the sale, address any issues courteously. Most disputes can be avoided with clear, honest communication and packaging care upfront. Building a history of positive eBay transactions helps attract more card collectors to your listings over time.

For buyers, do your research on the seller’s feedback score and history before bidding. Ask any questions you have about condition, authenticity or other concerns. Make sure international or calculated shipping costs are clear, as are return policies. Pay promptly upon winning an auction or accepting an offer to avoid issues. Inspect the card closely upon arrival and contact the seller immediately with any problems. Honest, transparent transactions benefit both buyers and sellers of individual baseball cards on eBay long-term.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector looking to sell duplicates and upgrades or a new seller debuting your cards, following best practices helps your baseball cards find good homes on eBay. Take pride in accurately portraying the items, being responsive to buyers, and building your reputation over time. The online marketplace offers a huge audience of collectors always hunting for their next addition to their personal collections of favorite players from baseball’s storied past and present eras. With diligence, even rare, valuable cards can change hands smoothly between collectors via eBay’s platform for trading sports collectibles.

EBAY T206 TOBACCO BASEBALL CARDS

The T206 tobacco baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets in the history of sports card collecting. Issued between 1909 and 1911 by the American Tobacco Company, the T206 set featured photos of baseball players from that era on small rectangular cards that were included in packs of cigarettes and other tobacco products. Given their age, scarcity, and significance in the hobby, high-grade T206 cards in excellent condition can sell for hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars at auction.

Because of their immense value, eBay has become a popular marketplace for collectors and investors to buy and sell rare T206 cards. The eBay market for these vintage cards also comes with risks, as there are plenty of opportunities for unscrupulous sellers to pass off damaged, altered or even fake cards. For those new to collecting T206 cards or venturing into the high-stakes world of rare tobacco card auctions, it’s important to do thorough research, inspect cards carefully, and know the warning signs of potentially problematic listings.

Grading and condition are absolutely crucial when determining the value of any T206 card. The most expensive examples typically grade PSA NM-MT 8 or higher on the well-known PSA grading scale. Even a single grade point can separate a card worth $50,000 from one worth $500,000. On eBay, images and descriptions aren’t always enough to properly assess tough grading calls or subtle condition issues, so first-time T206 buyers need to exercise caution. Asking sellers for additional photos from multiple angles is recommended before bidding large sums on rare cards sight-unseen.

Alterations that artificially boost grades are also a concern. Some unscrupulous sellers have been known to clean cards too aggressively, pressing out creases or attempting to “improve” original gum, only to damage the long-term stability and appeal to serious collectors. Overly shiny cards that just don’t look “right” compared to other examples may have been tampered with in such ways. Vintage tobacco cards are over 100 years old, and naturally show signs of age – too perfect often means not original.

Outright fakes also circulate on eBay, especially for the most valuable T206 stars. Some forgers have gotten very good at recreating facsimiles, so even experienced collectors need to compare details under high magnification. Authentic examples will show tiny printing inconsistencies and surface texture that forgeries lack. Dead giveaways include glaring color mismatches, incorrect card dimensions, or telltale flaws in the image that a real photographer from 1909 wouldn’t have made.

Price can be a red flag too – if a rare Honus Wagner or Eddie Plank is priced far below comparable examples, it likely has flaws not represented. T206 cards are also sensitive to environmental damage, so those offered from damp basements or attics may suffer mold or water damage invisible in photos. Asking sellers to explicitly state where cards were stored can help rule out potential problems.

For experienced collectors, eBay remains a good marketplace to find reasonably-priced T206 common players to fill sets. Just avoid auctions with no returns accepted, no photos of the back, or generic descriptions that don’t inspire confidence. New collectors are best served starting with graded examples from respected auction houses until gaining experience spotting fakes and condition issues themselves. With care and research, even the rarest T206 cards can change hands safely on eBay. For a century, these tobacco cards have captured our national pastime – protecting their integrity and authenticity honors that legacy.

While eBay provides access to the iconic T206 set, buyers must take precautions due to risks of problematic listings. Careful inspection, comprehensive photos, and seller reputation are paramount when pursuing examples through online auction. For new collectors, partnering with a reputable third-party grading service offers additional confidence until gaining expertise on the nuances that truly separate real from forgery in this highly collectible, early sports card set. With knowledge, today’s fans can experience the thrill of owning cards that entertained Americans over a century ago.

1983 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS EBAY

The 1983 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the golden era of the sport. Featuring 660 total cards including rookie cards of Hall of Famers like Ryne Sandberg and Eddie Murray, the ’83 Topps set has remained a popular target for collectors nearly 40 years later on the secondary market website eBay.

Some key things to know about 1983 Topps baseball cards on eBay:

Overall Set Checklist and Design: The 1983 Topps set included 660 total cards spanning all 26 MLB teams at the time. The distinctive red, white and blue color scheme pays homage to the American flag. Most cards featured individual player photos on the front with stats on the back.

Rookie Cards of Future Stars: Major rookie cards in the set included Ryne Sandberg (#144), Eddie Murray (#241), Ozzie Smith (#492), Dwight Gooden (#157), Darryl Strawberry (#551), and Don Mattingly (#184). These players would go on to have Hall of Fame careers and their rookie cards are highly sought after today.

Scarcity of High Grades: Very few 1983 Topps cards remain in pristine mint condition due to the fragility of the cardboard stock used at that time. Gems grades of 9s and 10s on the 10-point scale from grading services like PSA or BGS are quite rare for this set.

Strong Vintage Player Demand: Standout stars of the 1980s like Mike Schmidt, Wade Boggs, Rickey Henderson, and Roger Clemens are consistently in high demand thanks to their iconic status from that era. Graded examples of their flagship or rookie cards regularly sell for thousands.

Hot Rookie Cards: One of the hottest modern performers whose rookie continues to escalate is Fernando Tatis Jr. His 1983 Topps #597 RC has appreciation tremendously since his breakout in 2021. Other emerging young star cards like Juan Soto and Ronald Acuña Jr also pull a premium.

Condition Thresholds for Profit: To really maximize returns, collectors on eBay generally need to focus their searches on 1983 Topps cards in graded gem mint 8s or better from the major authenticators. Raw or lower graded copies are available much cheaper but have limited long term upside.

Current Market Pricing: Based on recent eBay sales data, here are the approximate valuations in PSA 10 for some of the set’s most popular cards:

Ryne Sandberg RC: $2,000-$3,000

Eddie Murray RC: $1,500-2200

Ozzie Smith RC: $800-1200

Darryl Strawberry RC: $500-$800

Don Mattingly RC: $400-$600

Mike Schmidt: $250-350

Roger Clemens: $150-250

Prices can increase significantly for iconic cards graded higher than a PSA 10 gem mint or that have additional scarce variations. Factors like autographs, inscriptions, printing errors, etc. can also boost values tremendously.

When shopping the popular 1983 Topps baseball set on eBay, savvy collectors aim for lesser-known stars, prospects, and variation cards that could appreciate due costs. Emerging players on playoff teams are strong short term bets. It’s also wise to use Buy It Now selectively and focus on auctions to find potential bargains versus immediate best offer prices. Proper case storage and insurance are recommended for high-end vintage as well.

Four decades after their original release, the 1983 Topps baseballs cards maintain an enthusiastic collector base and strong resale market momentum. Many view them as an accessible “budget” vintage set compared to flagship issues of the 1970s. For clever buyers who understand conditions, rookies to follow and market trends, the 1983s offer an affordable pathway to building a blue-chip collection with plenty of long term appreciation potential. Steady eBay browsing and strategic purchasing decisions are the proven formula for maximizing returns on this iconic set over the decades to come.

EBAY UNOPENED BASEBALL CARDS

When it comes to collecting baseball cards, there is nothing more exciting and potentially valuable than finding unopened packs and boxes from years past. Being able to hold a piece of cardboard in your hands that has been factory sealed for decades brings collectors a thrill that is difficult to match.

While it can be challenging to track down unopened baseball cards locally, eBay has become the premier marketplace for finding vintage wax in pristine condition. With collectors from around the world browsing daily, just about every notable release from the past several decades can be found on the site if you are patient and willing to pay market value.

Some of the most sought-after and expensive unopened items on eBay include:

1959 Topps Baseball Wax Box – Often considered the holy grail of unopened cards, sealed 1959 Topps boxes in top condition can fetch over $100,000 at auction. The condition is everything for these ultra-rare boxes from baseball’s early post-war era.

1952 Topps Baseball Wax Pack – While not quite as valuable as the full box release, sealed 1952 Topps packs still command immense sums. In top-rated condition with bright colors and sharp corners, $25,000+ sales have been recorded.

1969 Topps Baseball Wax Box – The year of the Mets’ miracle World Series win and one of the most iconic designs in baseball card history. Full boxes in the coveted “unsearched” state can bring in $15,000+ depending on overall appeal.

1987 Topps Baseball Factory Sealed Rack Packs – Considered the peak of the junk wax era, sealed ’87 packs remain quite collectible. Intact full rack packs can reach $500-1000 and up based on condition.

1994 Collector’s Choice Baseball Factory Sealed Box – High-gloss photography and embossed logos made Collector’s Choice a standout in the ’90s. Sealed full boxes have reached $2,000 with room to appreciate long-term.

2003 Topps Chrome Baseball Factory Sealed Box – An early refractors-focused release before Chrome became a flagship set. Sealed boxes in pristine condition have topped $1,000. Future cult classic potential.

2007 Topps Update Series Factory Sealed Box – Contained some of the biggest rookie cards of the Pujols/Bonds era. Sealed boxes around the $500-750 range based on appeal. Sleeper vintage potential.

When browsing unopened items on eBay, there are a few things collectors should keep in mind to ensure they are purchasing authentic, high-quality merchandise:

Condition is king – Look for factory seals that are bright and intact without any tears, creases or discoloration. Box corners should be sharp.

Proper factory wrapping – Authentic vintage packs were shrink-wrapped or contained in wax paper, not modern plastic. Know what to expect based on the release year.

Reputable seller – Check seller feedback and history. Established card shops and full-time collectors will offer the best customer service and returns policy.

Inspect photos closely – Multiple high-resolution images from all angles are ideal to properly assess condition before bidding. Ask sellers for additional photos if needed.

Verify contents – Listings for sealed boxes should clearly state if they are unsearched with randomized contents still intact. Resealed items lose much value.

Consider a grading service – Especially for high-end boxes and packs, a professional grading from PSA or SGC can help validate authenticity and condition for serious buyers.

Patience is key – Very rare vintage material can take weeks, months or longer to surface. Be willing to wait for “the one” to avoid overpaying in auctions or to impulse buyers. Sign up for email alerts from sellers.

While there is always an inherent risk in purchasing anything unopened, especially vintage cardboard decades old, reputable eBay sellers provide buyer protection and a way to add truly one-of-a-kind sealed collectibles to a baseball card collection. With patience and diligence, finding buried treasure is certainly possible in the online card collecting marketplace.

OLD BASEBALL CARDS EBAY

Vintage baseball cards are a relic of America’s pastime that continue to fascinate collectors decades after their initial release. While some of the sport’s earliest cards date back to the late 1800s, the modern baseball card collecting craze really took off in the 1950s as more cards found their way into the hands of young fans.

Today, those same cards from the middle of the 20th century have developed a devoted following of collectors seeking out rare and valuable finds from the earliest years of modern card production. With its vast marketplace of collectibles from sellers around the world, eBay has become a top destination for those hunting treasures from the past.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector looking to add gems to your personal collection or just starting your journey with vintage cards, eBay offers a wide selection of baseball cardboard to choose from across different eras, players, and conditions. Here’s a brief overview of some of the most popular and valuable old baseball card categories you may find on eBay auctions and buy it now listings.

Pre-WWII Era (late 1800s-early 1940s)

The earliest era of baseball cards predates Topps, Bowman, and other iconic modern brands. Produced as promotional inserts or premiums in cigarettes, candy, and other consumer products, these antique cards can fetch huge sums when rare examples surface on eBay. Key names to watch for include Honus Wagner, Nap Lajoie, Ty Cobb, and Babe Ruth from the T206 White Border set. Condition is absolutely critical for these fragile century-old paper relics. Even well-worn high-grade examples can sell for tens of thousands.

Post-War Golden Age (1946-1959)

The post-World War II period saw an explosion in the popularity of baseball cards as part of the sport’s rise in American culture. Iconic sets like 1947 Leaf, 1949 Bowman, and 1951 Bowman dominated production. Stars of the era like Jackie Robinson, Willie Mays, Ted Williams, and Mickey Mantle are always in high demand. Popular on eBay are high-number cards, since they were often discarded as less desirable by collectors at the time. Even run-of-the-mill common cards can sell in the $10-50 range.

1960s

The 1960s represented baseball’s last golden age before expansion diluted talent levels. Topps dominated the market but rivals like Fleer and Post also produced memorable sets. The 1961 and 1962 Topps sets are forever linked to the glory years of the New York Yankees and are prized by collectors. Mickey Mantle and Roberto Clemente rookies in particular command premium prices. Condition sensitive era but common high-number stars can sell affordably.

1970s

The 1970s saw a continued boom in card production as the hobby flourished. The glut has also left this era with more saturation. Still, rookie cards of Reggie Jackson, George Brett, and Nolan Ryan hold value. The 1973 Topps set is iconic for its photo variations. Condition is still important but deals can be found on stars graded as EX-MT or better. Errors and puzzle pieces are also intriguing subsets.

1980s

The junk wax era of the 1980s mass produced cards on a never before seen scale. But this period also introduced future legends like Cal Ripken Jr., Kirby Puckett, and Barry Bonds to the hobby. The iconic 1984 Topps Traded set and 1987 Topps set are perennial favorites. While not as collectible as earlier decades in lower grades, pristine vintage 80s rookies and stars can still draw solid bids on eBay.

In Conclusion

Whether aiming high with a T206 Wagner or moderate with a 1960s Clemente rookie, eBay provides a vast marketplace to source vintage baseball cardboard from trusted sellers. Just be sure to scrutinize listings for details on centering, edges, and authenticity. And remember – condition is key when valuing these fragile survivors from baseball’s past. With diligent searching of completed auctions for price guidance and buy it now current listings, eager collectors can build their own piece of sporting history one eBay find at a time.

1956 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS EBAY

The 1956 Topps baseball card set is among one of the most iconic and desirable vintage issues in the hobby. Even 65 years after they were originally produced and distributed, 1956 Topps baseball cards remain extremely popular with collectors and command high prices on the secondary market on eBay and elsewhere. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key things to know about these classic cards.

The 1956 Topps set was the third baseball card release from Topps after starting their baseball card line in 1951. It contained a total of 382 cards and included players from both the American and National Leagues. Some of the biggest stars featured included Hank Aaron, Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Ted Williams. Rookies included future Hall of Famers like Luis Aparicio and Richie Ashburn.

Design-wise, the 1956 Topps cards continued with a similar look to the previous two years with a team logo across the top and the player’s photo and stats below. There were some notable changes. For the first time, Topps incorporated color into the borders and team logos rather than having everything in a single color (usually gray). They also added the position of the player under their photo.

In terms of production, the 1956 Topps baseball cards came in two series. Series 1 was released in March of 1956 and contained 250 cards numbered from 1-250. Series 2 followed in August and contained the remaining 132 cards numbered from 251-382. The cards within each series were not sequentially numbered, further adding to the allure and mystery for collectors seeking to complete the renowned set.

When it comes to the condition and grades of 1956 Topps baseball cards that trade hands on eBay today, generally anything graded NM-MT 7 or above by services like PSA or BGS are considered very desirable and can command enormous sums. Even well-loved copies in lower grades often sell for thousands as diehard collectors simply want any example they can get their hands on.

Naturally, the biggest stars and most iconic rookie cards carry the highest prices. On any given day you can find Mint 9+ examples of Mickey Mantle’s legendary card listed well into the five-figure range or higher. The rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Frank Robinson, Luis Aparicio, and Richie Ashburn typically sell for multiple thousands in top condition as well.

There are certain short-print and error cards within the 1956 Topps set that bring astronomical sums due to their extreme scarcity. For example, the “bat” back variation of Hank Aaron’s primary card (#76), which was mistakenly printed on the backs of 45 other cards instead of the normal back design, is considered the rarest error card in baseball history. In Mint condition, it would undoubtedly sell for well over $100,000 online today.

Though expensive for most collectors to acquire individually, some seek to complete the sprawling 1956 Topps baseball set via group breaks hosted on eBay. In these, a sealed original wax box or case is broken open live with participants randomly receiving predetermined cards or hitting big chase cards included as bonuses. It adds an exciting element of the original pack-breaking experience.

Whether chasing individual keys, building a set, or hoping for hits in breaks – there is no denying the universal appeal and significance of the 1956 Topps baseball card release remains as strong as ever 65 years after their creation. Their classic design, inclusion of the era’s greatest players, and low original print numbers have cemented these cards’ place as some of the true crown jewels in the entire trading card collecting hobby. As interest continues to grow each new generation, their place in sports collectibles history is assured.

The 1956 Topps baseball card set holds a legendary status with collectors and consistently achieves amazing prices in the competitive marketplace of eBay. Even well-loved low-grade examples still trade hands for thousands due to the set’s mass popularity and status as a cornerstone release in the early years of modern trading cards. For the serious vintage baseball card collector, owning a piece of the 1956 Topps puzzle is considered a must.