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SPORTSCARD PRO 1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS EBAY

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set was the 66th edition of Topps’ venerable flagship baseball card series. The set features 792 total cards and had some memorable rookie cards as well as fun oddball subset inserts. With its mix of stars, prospects, and oddities, the ’87 Topps set remains a popular vintage baseball card collection for enthusiasts. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the highlights and explore what 1987 Topps cards may be fetching on the popular auction site eBay.

One of the biggest storylines from the 1987 season was the emergence of 22-year old slugger Mark McGwire with the Oakland A’s. McGwire blasted 49 home runs in just his second MLB season and finished third in MVP voting. Not surprisingly, his coveted rookie card from the ’87 Topps set is one of the most sought after and valuable from the entire release. On eBay recently, PSA-graded examples of McGwire’s rookie card in mint condition have been selling for well over $1,000. High-grade copies in Near Mint to Mint condition seem to command prices consistently above $500 given McGwire’s legendary home run chase and place in baseball history.

Another compelling young star and rookie card from the set was Cardinals’ phenom Ozzie Smith. Nicknamed “The Wizard” for his glove work at shortstop, Smith was already an elite defender but was starting to show more pop at the plate. His rookie is highly collectible for Cardinals fans and sells regularly for $80-150 in raw Near Mint condition on eBay. Higher graded copies in the PSA 8-10 range have been moving for $250-500. Though not the biggest name, Smith’s playmaking abilities and 13 Gold Gloves make his rookie a favorite of vintage collectors.

Some other notable rookies and rising prospects featured rookie cards in the ’87 Topps set include Lenny Dykstra, Bob Welch, Fred Lynn, and Barry Larkin. All were established or breakout players that season. But one rookie that became a true legend was Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Joe Carter. Still early in his career in 1987, Carter’s Toronto rookie has blossomed into a highly sought after card, especially for Jays fans. Pristine PSA 10 examples of Carter’s rookie have cracked $1,000 on eBay. Even well-centered raw copies sell in the $50-100 range.

Beyond the rookies, the ’87 set also highlighted baseball’s biggest stars of the time. Hall of Famers like Rickey Henderson, Wade Boggs, and Roger Clemens all appeared near the front of the set in sharp horizontally formatted cards. On eBay, raw copies of their commons can routinely fetch $10-20 depending on condition. But for the true star cards, you’ll pay a premium. A PSA 9 Wade Boggs or PSA 8 Roger Clemens regularly reaches at least $100. And a PSA 10 Rickey Henderson would likely sell for well over $500 given his place as one of the game’s all-time great leadoff hitters and base stealers.

Unlike today’s inserts, oddball subsets from vintage sets often gave collectors strange and fun alternate cards to pursue. The 1987 Topps set featured subset cards devoted to “If I Were…” cards asking players to imagine what they would do in another profession. These lighthearted inserts featured legends like Pete Rose as an artist or Steve Carlton as a writer. On eBay, intact runs of the “If I Were…” subsets in Near Mint can often sell for $30-50.

1987 Topps also had short prints that were rarer than the regular issues. Cards like Joe Niekro’s short print are frequently bootlegged so it pays to do research. But authentic examples in good shape can pull in $15-30 based on recent eBay sales. Another specialty subset was the squad photo cards spotlighting full teams. These are highly coveted by franchise collectors and in Near Mint condition tend to sell above $50 individually depending on the club featured.

The 1987 Topps baseball card set remains an affordable and enjoyable vintage release for collectors. With a stars-studded lineup of HOFers and future stars mixed in with fun oddballs, there is a little something for everyone. Key rookie cards like McGwire, Smith, and Carter will always be in demand. But hunting lesser known stars, inserts, and short prints can make for an inexpensive yet engaging collecting project. And when sourcing on eBay, paying attention to details like centering, edges, and authenticity helps ensure the best deals and bargaining positions are found.

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EBAY APBA BASEBALL CARDS

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APBA baseball cards have been a collectible hobby for decades and are frequently traded on eBay. APBA, which stands for American Professional Baseball Association, first began producing baseball cards in the early 1930s as a way to enhance their baseball simulation card game. Over the years, APBA released sets featuring players from the major leagues as well as Negro League stars. While APBA cards were never as popular as Topps, Bowman, or other mainstream trading card brands, they developed a cult following among baseball card collectors interested in unique vintage issues.

APBA cards are unique from typical baseball cards in several ways. First, they were intended primarily as insets for the APBA baseball board game rather than standalone collectibles. As a result, many cards feature statistical information on the back that would be useful for simulating games, such as batting averages, home runs, and earned run averages. Additionally, APBA cards tended to use smaller photo sizes and have a landscape orientation compared to the traditional portrait style of most baseball cards. The card stock was also thinner and more prone to damage over time.

What APBA cards lacked in production value they made up for in rarity and historical significance. Many early 1930s APBA issues featured players long before they appeared in sets from larger companies. Stars like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Jimmie Foxx had APBA cards when they were still relatively unknown. APBA was also ahead of the curve in recognizing Negro League stars, with sets from the 1930s honoring greats like Josh Gibson and Cool Papa Bell decades before the National Baseball Hall of Fame began considering their merits.

On eBay, complete APBA baseball card sets from the 1930s regularly sell for thousands of dollars, with key individual cards like a 1933 Babe Ruth sometimes reaching five figures. There are also plenty of affordable individual APBA cards to be found. Common players from the 1940s and 1950s can often be had for under $10, while stars of the era may cost $20-50 depending on condition. It’s also possible to build a collection by purchasing lots of assorted APBA cards for a few hundred dollars.

When browsing APBA cards on eBay, there are a few things collectors should pay attention to. Condition is very important given the fragile nature of the card stock. Even seemingly minor bends, creases or edge wear can significantly impact value. It’s also important to scrutinize photos for flaws, as APBA cards are small and defects can be hidden in poor images. Dates should also be noted, as earlier issues from the 1930s are far scarcer than postwar productions. Look at the seller’s feedback – experienced baseball card vendors will offer better quality control and authentication than new or unknown sellers.

APBA cards never reached the same iconic status as the output of the major card companies that followed in their wake. For dedicated baseball card collectors, APBA issues possess a charm, history and uniqueness that make them highly desirable finds on eBay. With a combination of value ranging from common to exceedingly rare, APBA cards continue to entice collectors both casual and intense decades after their original purpose aiding the APBA board game was long finished. For those willing to hunt and display patience, eBay remains full of opportunity to grow a collection featuring some of the earliest and most historically significant baseball cards ever produced.

1985 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS EBAY

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The 1985 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and sought after issues in the entire hobby. With 705 total cards, the 1985 set featured a classic design and included some of the game’s biggest stars and rookie talents from that season. 1985 was the height of the junk wax era but these cards remain popular with collectors decades later. Here is an in-depth look at the 1985 Topps set and what collectors can expect to find when browsing for these vintage cardboard relics on eBay.

The most notable rookie cards in the 1985 Topps set come from Hall of Famers like Barry Larkin, Barry Bonds, and Roberto Alomar. These rookie cards hold significant value, especially for those players in gem mint condition. On eBay, a Barry Larkin rookie PSA 10 can fetch well over $1,000. A PSA 9 Barry Bonds rookie often sells in the $300-$500 range. The Roberto Alomar rookie is slightly more common but still a key card for any collector, with PSA 10 examples around $200-300 online.

Other top rookies like Dwight Gooden, Wally Joyner, and Ripken Jr. also command higher prices than average. But the sheer size of the ’85 issue means there are plenty of other valuable stars to pursue as well, such as Don Mattingly, Ozzie Smith, Kirby Puckett, and Fernando Valenzuela sport their classic designs. Star and Hall of Famer returns on vintage are typically 70% or higher in top grades.

Condition is king when evaluating these cards from 1985. The size and paper quality made the cards prone to flaws so pristine copies are hard to come by. On eBay, be ready to pay a premium for cards graded Gem Mint 10 by authorities like PSA and SGC. Even a 9 can demand a 50% or more increase over a card in lower condition. For raw copies, ask for detailed photos of the edges and surfaces. Any soft corners or creasing will hurt the value.

Beyond the big stars, team and player set collectors also flock to the 1985 issue. Complete team sets of the Cardinals, Mets, Tigers, and others can cost a few hundred dollars depending on the grades. Individual team cards are reasonably priced as long as the condition is fair. Errors and variations are also highly sought. The Mark McGwire and Darryl Strawberry errors can reach into the thousands graded flawlessly.

New sealed wax packs and boxes from 1985 do turn up on eBay but are rare considering the huge print runs. An unopened case sold recently for over $5,000. Single wax packs go for $50-100 depending on perceived seal integrity. Boxes might reach $400-500. For most collectors, singles are the most realistic and affordable route into the amazing 1985 Topps set that kickstarted so many childhood card collections and memories.

Whether chasing Hall of Famers, entire teams, rare variations or simply wanting to add vintage classics to your PC, the 1985 Topps baseball card set offers something for every budget level collector or investor. Finding treasures from this storied issue is simply a matter of searching diligently through the marketplace on eBay, where samples can be readily found across all price points depending on condition, star power or other attributes. Over 35 years later, these cardboard snapshots from a golden baseball era remain as popular as ever.

VINTAGE BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE EBAY

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Vintage Baseball Cards for Sale on eBay

Since the early 2000s, vintage baseball cards from the late 19th and early 20th centuries have gained immense popularity among collectors. Whether it’s discovering old forgotten gems in their grandparent’s attic or searching auctions online, many people have developed a fascination with finding rare and valuable pieces of baseball history encased in a slab of paper. Today, eBay remains one of the top online marketplaces to find a wide selection of vintage baseball cards for sale from trusted sellers.

The Origins of Baseball Cards

The earliest precursors to modern baseball cards began appearing in the late 1880s as promotional incentives included in packs of cigarettes and other products. The American Tobacco Company issued the first true baseball cards in 1886 as part of its cigarette brand called Old Judge. These tobacco era cards from the late 1880s through the early 1910s featured individual player portraits with no stats or uniform images. The most famous early issues included Allen & Ginter in 1888 and 1890, Mayo Cut Plug in 1889, and Play Ball in 1890.

After the American Tobacco Company lost its lawsuit over inclusion of baseball cards in cigarettes for targeting children, the era of tobacco cards ended. Bowman Gum and Topps Chewing Gum then emerged as the pioneers of modern baseball cards included in gum and candy from the 1920s onward. These post-tobacco issues went beyond basic portraits to also include each player’s team, position, batting average, and other relevant stats. Some highly coveted Bowman and Gum, Inc. issues from the 1920s-1930s include 1927 and 1929 Goudey, 1930 and 1933 Goudey, 1933 Sport Kings, and 1939 Play Ball.

The Golden Age of Baseball Cards

The 1950s are often seen as the golden age of baseball cards when interest in collecting reached new heights. Iconic sets were released annually by the three main manufacturers Topps, Bowman, and Fleer. Topps dominated the baseball card market from the late 1940s until Fleer and Bowman began significant production in the mid-1950s. Topps maintained exclusive licensing deals with Major League Baseball from 1956-1980, producing classic sets like 1952 Topps, 1954 Topps, and their highly acclaimed rookie card issues of the late 1950s.

Bowman resumed production in 1948 and had breakthrough years in 1954 and 1955. The debut Fleer set in 1956 featured the first modern gumless cards in plastic wrappers. Some of the most coveted and expensive vintage baseball cards hail from the 1950s golden age, including Mickey Mantle’s iconic 1952 Topps rookie card. Players who starred in this era like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Sandy Koufax have rookie and early career cards that attract immense interest from collectors today. The design styles also evolved greatly, transitioning from drab team photos on early ’50s issues to colorful action shots and custom uniforms by the late 1950s.

Sports card values escalated dramatically through the late 1970s-1980s as the hobby began to emerge nationwide. An early influential force was the 1979 book “The Baseball Card Price Guide” by Dave Prosky which helped establish standard reference valuations. This created a more organized market and collecting scene that started to treat vintage cards as serious collectibles and investments. The influx of disposable income in the booming post-World War II economy also allowed more people to pursue hobbies like card collecting.

Finding Vintage Cards on eBay

On eBay, the most desirable vintage baseball cards that are highly contested in auctions include the following:

T206 tobacco cards from 1909-1911 featuring early star players like Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson, and Walter Johnson. In top graded gem mint condition, a Honus Wagner T206 can sell for over $1 million.

Early 19th century cabinet cards and lithographed cards showing various minor league teams and players from the formative amateur baseball period before major leagues began. These antique pre-1890 issues are remarkably scarce.

High-grade specimens from pioneering gum and candy issues such as 1909-1911 E90 and E92 sets produced by American Caramel Company.

Top rookie cards from the great players of the 1950s, like the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle (graded PSA/DNA 10), which have broken auction records above $2 million. Other top ’50s rookies include Stan Musial, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron.

Complete vintage sets, especially in pristine mint-graded condition, from the tobacco and early 20th century period before 1925 when designs were still basic team photos with no player stats or uniform designs. Sets uniformly graded by PSA or BGS bring big prices.

Early Bowman and Gum, Inc. cards between 1921-1938 featuring the stars of 1920s-1930s like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Jimmie Foxx. Anything predating the modern post-World War II design era has solid collecting interest.

When searching on eBay, use specific card titles, set names, player names, and publication years to narrow relevant results. Check seller feedback scores and only purchase from established power sellers to avoid any risks of reproductions or other issues. Paying a small grading premium for authenticated and upper-mint cards is usually worth it considering the values are much higher than raw ungraded specimens long-term. With some patience and research, collectors can add gems to their collections through vintage baseball cards for sale on the leading online marketplace.

EBay remains a top destination for enthusiasts and serious investors to find a broad selection of coveted vintage baseball cards spanning the earliest tobacco and gum period issues up through the iconic releases of the golden 1950s era. With prudent shopping and grading authentication, collectors can acquire historic pieces of the national pastime that will retain and potentially increase greatly in value for years to come. The hobby of seeking these vintage relics that simultaneously showcase America’s favorite pastime and document baseball history is truly a unique collecting pursuit.

HOTTEST BASEBALL CARDS ON EBAY

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The hottest baseball cards on eBay are constantly changing based on various factors like recent player performance, milestones reached, team success and even pop culture influences. There are usually some consistent cards that generate a lot of bidding wars and big bucks. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most sought-after and valuable baseball cards currently in the trading card market on eBay.

One of the premier rookie cards and arguably the single most valuable baseball card is the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner. Widely considered the rarest and most coveted card of all time, there are only around 50-100 known examples in existence according to the Sporting News. The card is so coveted because the legendary Honus Wagner refused the production of his card by the American Tobacco Company, making his inclusion in the set a mistake and his T206 one of the first errors in sports cards. In 2016, a PSA NM-MT 8 example sold for $3.12 million, setting records. More recently in 2021, a PSA Mint 9 fetched $6.6 million in a private sale. With such paltry population numbers and iconic subject matter, T206 Honus Wagner cards will likely always be crown jewels in collections.

For Mantle rookies, the top cards are obviously the 1952 Topps, 1953 Bowman and 1953 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie cards. The 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA Gem Mint 10 sold for $2.88 million in January, 2021, making it the most valuable post-war baseball card. A PSA 8 sold for over $1 million just months later. Mantle’s rookie status and prolific Hall of Fame career make any of his early cards highly sought after, but the quality and condition of the 1952 Topps cards really set the bar in terms of value. The ’53 Topps is viewed as a more affordable Mantle rookie option in the $100,000+ range even for high grades.

Perhaps the biggest modern day rookie phenom was Ken Griffey Jr., so it comes as no shock that his 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card is one of baseball’s most expensive modern cards. Widely considered the best looking and most high-end baseball card design ever created, Griffey’s explosive rookie season and “The Kid” moniker made this card iconic from the start. PSA 10 examples have sold for as much as $346,000 and raw Near Mint copies still fetch five figures due to Griffey’s popularity and nostalgia. A 2009 BGS Mint 9.5 sold for $101,650 showing the card’s lasting demand.

The 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth is a card with tremendous history and rarity that earns top dollar on eBay. Only 23 of these elusive cards have received the highest BVG/PSA/SGC Mint 9 grade or above. The last two record sales saw a PSA 8 go for $425,000 in 2021 and a PSA 9 fetch an incredible $1,265,000 back in 2019. Ruth’s mammoth success and legendary status in baseball history alone would make this card a grail, but its extreme scarcity against a sea of competing cards from the past century makes a Goudey Ruth absolutely unobtainable to all but the wealthiest collectors.

Sandy Koufax’s pristine 1955 Topps #122 rookie card remains as one of the scarcest and most valuable cards from the 1950’s on eBay. In April 2022, a PSA Gem Mint 10 sold for a staggering $405,240, setting records and highlighting just how mythic an investment grade Koufax rookie has become. Even PSA graded Mint 9 examples now trade in the high five-figure territory. Making Koufax’s rookie even more rare is the fact that 1955 Topps was the first mass-produced modern baseball card set. With Hall of Fame stats and just over 100 known PSA 10 examples, a perfect Koufax ’55 rookie is firmly in the crème de la crème territory of the sports card world.

Moving into the 1970’s, the most sought-after vintage rookie on eBay right now is the 1971 Topps Nolan Ryan. Only 10 of the cards have achieved PSA’s coveted pristine Mint 10 grade. A near-perfect PSA 9 sold in January 2022 for $479,500, showing how Ryan’s record-setting career sustains demand for this scarce rookie. Complicating the Ryan ’71 Topps is that Topps used different photo variations, each with their own scarce population, ensuring the card retains attention from completionists as well. With over 200 wins and 5,714 strikeouts as a Major Leaguer, Ryan’s dominance is immortalized in cardboard.

While mantle and koufax led the way card value-wise from the 1950’s, the 1980s produced perhaps the premier investment cards on eBay to this day from Upper Deck’s pioneering 1989 release. Outside of the Griffey, the 2 biggest movers are the Barry Bonds and Ken Griffey Sr. rookies from that iconic set. The Bonds rookie has always been chased for its subject but has taken off even more since his home run records. A PSA 10 just sold for $188,150, nearing the $200k marker. The Griffey Sr. has also appreciated immensely given his scarcity as an unorthodox modern rookie and patriarch to the game’s most marketable player ever in Ken Griffey Jr. A BGS 9.5 recently traded hands for $73,000.

No list of the hottest cards on eBay would be complete without including some of the premiere modern rookie cards of the current generation of stars. Top cards include 2009 Bowman Chrome Mike Trout PSA 10’s now nearing $400,000, 2018 Bowman Chrome Ronald Acuña Jr. PSA 10’s over $50,000, 2015 Topps Update Juan Soto PSA 10’s at $20,000+, 2017 Bowman Chrome Vladimir Guerrero Jr. PSA 10’s pushing $10,000 and 2019 Topps Update Pete Alonso PSA 10’s closing in on $5,000. With the unprecedented popularity and social media reach of today’s players, their flashy rookie card designs are seeing unprecedented interest, appreciation and investment potential while the players are still active.

As you can see, the sports card hobby is as exciting as ever on eBay with iconic vintage cards still setting records and modern stars cementing their own legacies in cardboard at a rapid pace. Condition, player performance milestones, supply and demand forces all impact which cards are hottest at any moment. Savvy collectors are always looking to add the rarest and highest quality examples from every era to their collections, so competition for big name rookie cards, special parallels, autographs and memorable moments stays fierce among an expanded and global base of passionate collectors.

1988 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS ON EBAY

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1988 Donruss Baseball Cards On eBay – A History and Overview of the Popular Vintage Set

The 1988 Donruss baseball card set holds a special place in the hearts of many collectors and fans of the hobby. As one of the most iconic vintage issues from the late 1980s, the 1988 Donruss cards captured the sport during one of its most exciting eras and feature some of the game’s biggest stars from that time period. Over 30 years later, these cards remain highly collectible and can still be found listed frequently on the popular online marketplace eBay. Let’s take a closer look at the history and key aspects of the 1988 Donruss baseball cards and explore what types of listings are common for this vintage set on eBay today.

Donruss had been producing baseball cards since 1981 but really hit their stride in the mid-1980s. By 1988, they had gained a solid reputation among collectors for creative and appealing card designs coupled with quality photography. That year’s flagship set followed in that tradition, utilizing a heavy black border around each player photo along with team logo artwork at the bottom. The cards had a classic, traditional feel while also seeming modern for their time. Ranging from #1 to #780, the set featured every Major League player along with manager, coach, and rookie cards inserted throughout.

Some of the biggest stars and future Hall of Famers included in the 1988 Donruss set were Wade Boggs, Steve Carlton, Ryne Sandberg, Mike Schmidt, Ozzie Smith, and Robin Yount. Rookies like Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, and David Justice were making their card debuts as well. The design captured these players with crisp close-up photos, showcasing their uniforms, gear, and personalities. Iconic images from the late 1980s MLB season were memorialized in cardboard, making the cards a welcome annual tradition for both kids and adults at the time.

Now appreciated as a piece of baseball heritage from a memorable era in the sport’s history, 1988 Donruss cards remain hot commodities on the secondary collecting market. On eBay, it’s common to find individual common cards from the set listed raw for $1-3 each or complete commons/uncommons sets for $25-50. Higher-end stars can sell from $5-15 depending on condition while ultra-rare cards like the #1 Ken Griffey Jr. rookie can reach into the hundreds. Ripped wax packs and unopened boxes are also available but tend to command much higher prices, often several hundred dollars or more.

Naturally, the condition and grading of vintage 1988 Donruss cards is another huge factor in their eBay prices. Lightly played near mint copies will sell for significantly less than professionally graded gems in mint condition. A PSA 10 1988 Ryne Sandberg, for example, could easily list for over $100 due to his iconic status and the rarity of finding his cardboard perfect after three decades. Condition and third party authentication are major selling points for these cards today. Buyers want to be assured they are receiving pristine, true examples of the classic set designs.

When it comes to vintage 1988 Donruss cards on eBay, there are a few additional notable categories beyond individual cards. Complete team sets, compiling all players from a given franchise, are sought after. Multi-card lots grouping stars or rookie cards together offer fans an affordable way to add iconic pieces to their collections. Autograph additions have also increased popularity since stars from that era are no longer active players. Whether unsigned “relic” jersey/memorabilia parallels or true on-card autographs acquired via private signing events, modern collectors value these one-of-a-kind pieces from their childhood heroes.

As one of the most recognizable brands from the 1980s baseball card boom, Donruss’ 1988 flagship set remains hugely popular with vintage fans and investors alike. eBay is an ideal marketplace to locate everything from common singles to scarce investment-grade gems from the coveted 700+ card checklist. With crisp photography, timeless designs, and names that defined the late ’80s MLB landscape, these cardboard collectibles serve as a treasured connection to sports history. Over 30 years after their original release, the 1988 Donruss baseball cards continue to bring fans and that special era back to life each time they change hands on eBay.

EBAY AUCTION BASEBALL CARDS

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Collecting baseball cards is a beloved hobby for many Americans. With a long and storied history dating back over 100 years, baseball cards have captured our imagination and provided a connection to the game and players we love. In today’s digital age, eBay has become a major marketplace for collectors to buy, sell, and trade baseball cards. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, eBay auctions offer a fun and accessible way to build your collection.

The variety of cards available on eBay is vast, from vintage cards from the early 20th century to modern rookie cards. You can find commons from the junk wax era up for just pennies or rare vintage gems that fetch thousands of dollars. Condition is key when determining a card’s value, so eBay lets sellers clearly describe the grade and any flaws. Be sure to scrutinize photos closely or ask sellers questions before bidding if condition is important to you.

Top brands like Topps, Bowman, Fleer and more have been producing baseball cards since the early 1950s. The late 1980s and early 90s saw an explosion in production, known as the “junk wax era”, which flooded the market with cards now more available and affordable for collectors. The 1990s also heralded the rise of premium and parallel card inserts with short print runs and autographs that drove collector interest.

Vintage cards from the early 20th century predating World War 2 are among the most coveted and expensive. High-grade T206 cards from the early 1900s in the hands of legendary players like Honus Wagner can sell for millions. Other iconic vintage sets include the 1909-11 T205 White Border set and 1951 Bowman set, which featured the rookie cards of Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays. Coins and stamps are about the only other collectibles that can rival the value of pristine vintage baseball cards.

While vintage rarities understandably fetch top dollar, savvy collectors know value is found across all eras. Rookie cards of modern stars like Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Mookie Betts and more from the late 2000s and 2010s are prized by today’s collectors. Complete your favorite old or new sets through auctions of common cards at affordable prices. And don’t sleep on the 1980s – stars like Donruss Ken Griffey Jr. and Topps Traded Darryl Strawberry rookies from that era can still be had for reasonable sums.

Whether you’re a player collector following your favorite team or individual stars, auction sites are a great resource. Search by team name, player, set, or card number to zero in on the exact cards you want for your collection. You may even find bargain lots containing multiple commons or duplicates a seller is eager to offload. Check frequently, as new listings are posted constantly across all price ranges.

In addition to individual cards, you’ll frequently find team and specialty lots on eBay containing a variety of cards from one player, team or set. This is an efficient way to quickly add cards to your collection if you’re not picky about condition or specific cards. Breaking lots up and reselling extras is also a strategy savvy collectors use to build their inventory.

Autograph and memorabilia cards that combine a player’s signature or piece of uniform with their regular issue baseball card became popular inserts starting in the 1990s. Especially for modern stars, these unique cards command premium prices. Be sure any autograph has been authenticated by a reputable third party service like PSA/DNA or JSA before bidding to avoid forgeries.

Whether you’re a long-time collector looking to find needs, flip duplicates, or add a key vintage card, or just getting started in the hobby, eBay is a can’t-miss marketplace. Take time to research sold prices, inspect photos closely, ask questions of sellers, and be wary of items that seem too good to be true. Following some basic guidelines will help you build an impressive collection and have fun participating in the online baseball card community on eBay. With a little patience and strategy, you’re sure to uncover hidden gems and bargains to fuel your passion for the hobby.

1993 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS EBAY

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The 1993 Topps baseball card set is one of the most popular and collectible issues from the 1990s. This was the first Topps set issued after the debut of Upper Deck in 1989 shook up the baseball card industry. As a result, the 1993 Topps set had a smaller print run compared to previous years as collectors now had multiple brands to choose from. Due to the smaller print run and strong vintage appeal of early 1990s cards, 1993 Topps cards remain a popular target for collectors on eBay nearly 30 years later.

The 1993 Topps set contains 792 total cards and includes current stars, rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, and memorable snapshots from the 1992 MLB season. Some of the top rookie cards from the set include Derek Jeter, Jason Giambi, Nomar Garciaparra, Jeff Bagwell, Trevor Hoffman, and John Smoltz. All of these players went on to have outstanding careers and their rookie cards from the 1993 Topps set are highly sought after by collectors. On eBay, raw copies of these Topps rookie cards in Near Mint to Mint condition can fetch $50-$150 depending on the player. Graded Gem Mint 10 copies by PSA or BGS frequently sell for $500+ due to their rarity and investment potential.

In addition to star rookies, the ’93 Topps set featured vital stats and career highlights on the back of each card. This added valuable information for collectors at the time before the internet made player stats easily accessible. The colorful card designs also incorporated various action photos blended with team colors and logos. This made for an aesthetically pleasing set that has aged very well. As a result, intact runs or complete factory sealed wax boxes of 1993 Topps sell strong on eBay since the set remains a visual favorite amongst vintage collectors. Sealed wax boxes have sold for over $1,000.

One of the more notable aspects of the 1993 Topps release was the inclusion of serially numbered parallel ” variations”. These included the rare “Finest Gallery” parallel numbered to 175 copies or less featuring enhanced photography. Other inserts included “Topps Tek” refractor parallel numbered to 25 copies and “E-X2000” extended stats parallels numbered to 10 copies. These parallels fetch substantial eBay premiums, with PSA/BGS graded examples of the number-to-10 “E-X2000” cards achieving prices over $1,000. Even ungraded copies still manage to sell for a few hundred dollars.

In terms of individual high-dollar players from the 1993 Topps base set,Ken Griffey Jr. and Frank Thomas are usually at the top of collectors’ want lists due to their superstar status and Hall of Fame careers. Near Mint to Mint copies of their base cards routinely sell for $20-50 each. But graded PSA/BGS Gems have sold for over $1,000 apiece. Hot rookie pitchers like Pedro Martinez and John Smoltz also command big money, with their BGS/PSA 10 rookies selling in the $500-1,000 range.

Perhaps the most iconic card from the 1993 Topps set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie “refractor” parallel numbered to only 100 copies. This hyper-rare Griffey rookie refractor is the crown jewel for any vintage collector and examples almost never come up for sale. Back in 2018, a PSA 10 copy achieved a record-setting price of $255,500 on eBay, making it one of the highest prices paid for any individual 1990s card. Even raw but high-graded copies still reach five figures. Clearly, the Ken Griffey Jr. 1993 Topps rookie refractor sits at the very pinnacle for collectors of this classic baseball card issue.

The 1993 Topps baseball card set remains tremendously popular with collectors nearly 30 years after its original release. Due to a smaller print run compared to previous years, intact examples hold their value very well. The inclusion of future HOF rookie cards like Jeter, Bagwell, and Smoltz also gives the issue strong long-term appeal. While raw cards are affordable for most budgets, high-grade examples of star players or short-printed parallels can sell for thousands. As one of the iconic early ’90s releases, 1993 Topps is always in high demand on eBay from collectors both seasoned and new. This makes it a great vintage set to build or speculate on for the foreseeable future.

UNOPENED BOXES OF BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE ON EBAY

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Buying unopened boxes of baseball cards on eBay can be an intriguing way to build a collection or discover valuable vintage cards. It also carries risks that potential buyers should be aware of before purchasing. Let’s take a deeper look at what buyers may encounter and need to consider when shopping for sealed wax boxes of baseball cards on the popular auction and retail website.

When browsing eBay for unopened boxes of baseball cards, buyers will find listings spanning many different baseball card brands, sets, years and conditions. Some of the most commonly found boxes for sale include:

Topps wax boxes from the 1950s-1980s ranging in price from hundreds to tens of thousands depending on the exact year and scarcity of the included set. Boxes from the early vintage years like 1952, 1956 and 1957 usually fetch the highest prices due to the ultra-rare Hall of Fame cards they may contain like Mickey Mantle and Hank Aaron rookies.

Fleer wax boxes from the 1980s, usually several hundred to a few thousand depending on condition and year. Rarer Fleer boxes may contain sought-after stars like Roger Clemen’s rookie card.

Donruss and Upper Deck wax boxes spanning the late 1980s through 1990s, priced generally between $50-$500 depending on the specific year and player checklist popularity. These boxes could harbor rookies of Greg Maddux, Frank Thomas and Ken Griffey Jr.

Modern wax boxes from the 21st century featuring current stars like Mike Trout, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Ronald Acuña Jr. Prices range greatly based on year but generally under $100.

So whether a buyer is seeking vintage or modern treasures, eBay offers appealing unopened baseball card box options. There are important factors one must consider before bidding or buying to avoid disappointment or wasted money.

One major risk is the authenticity and condition of vintage boxes being sold. While raw cardboard from 50+ years ago may look untouched, internal tampering or resealing is possible. Savvy scammers have been known to carefully crack vintage wax packs, remove any valuable hits, then reseal the box skillfully to later profit off unsuspecting buyers. There is no easy way to verify contents without opening.

Modern boxes carry less authenticity concern but condition issues still apply. Over time, sticky residue or moisture inside plastic wrapping can damage fragile cardboard and loosen factory seals. Sun-fading of colors on boxes is also common. Photos may not fully represent true condition.

Another consideration is the box filling. While factory-sealed, distributors occasionally shorted wax packs inside or substituted commons for chase hits as quality control slipped. Empty spaces or resealed packs could be hiding in an otherwise pristine looking box. Without knowing exact fill counts, value is uncertain until opened.

Potential shipping damages must also be accounted for with fragile cardboard boxes. Even with careful packaging, rough carrier handling during transit potentially leaves boxes crushed or wax liquefied inside heat-softened plastic. “As-is” return policies then leave buyers empty-handed.

Beware of inflated estimates on box expected value returns. Hype around vintage rookie cards drives unrealistic projections for unopened box profits, but dumb luck still rules card pack odds. Even guaranteed hits provide no assurance of grading gem mint specimens worth thousands. Most boxes yield far less in practical sellable cards.

While unopened baseball card boxes on eBay present intriguing discovery potential, many risks exist that require cautious inspection and realistic expectations. Authenticity, condition concerns, fill counts and shipping damages all threaten value. Do thorough research, scrutinize listings closely and understand return policies before bidding to avoid disappointment down the road. With care and luck, hidden treasure still may emerge from decades-old cardboard to spark a collection. But for each success story, many other boxes likely only bore common cards worth pennies. Let the buyer beware remains wise advice in this speculative category.

SOLD BASEBALL CARDS ON EBAY

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Selling Baseball Cards on eBay: A Comprehensive Guide

Baseball cards have been a popular collectible item for over a century. With the prevalence of online marketplaces like eBay, collectors now have an easy way to buy, sell, and trade cards from the comfort of their home. eBay remains one of the largest marketplaces for sports cards of all kinds, with thousands of new listings added daily. If you have a collection of baseball cards you’re looking to liquidate for extra cash, selling them on eBay can be a highly lucrative option – but it does require some strategy and knowledge to maximize your profits. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to successfully sell baseball cards on eBay.

Photographing and Listing Your Cards

The first step to selling baseball cards on eBay is to inventory what you have and get high quality photos of each individual card or lot. Take the photos in a well-lit area against a plain white or black background for best clarity. Use a smartphone camera, point-and-shoot, or DSLR set to its highest resolution. Closely inspect each card under good lighting for any flaws, creases, or edge wear and note these clearly in the listing description.

When creating the listing, be sure to include 5-10 clear, cropped photos showing the front and back of each card. List rare, expensive singles individually and common cards or duplicates in logical lots. Include all relevant details such as the player, year, set, grade if applicable, and any flaws. Accurately describe the condition using standard card grading terms like Near Mint, Excellent, Good, Poor, etc. A well-written description leaves no questions unanswered for potential buyers.

Researching Prices and Grading Cards

Before listing your cards, do thorough research to determine fair starting prices. Check recently sold listings on eBay as well as online auction sites and sports memorabilia price guides to see what comparable cards in similar condition have sold for. Be competitive but don’t undervalue your items. You can potentially earn more by setting a higher starting price and letting buyers bid the price up through an auction.

For especially valuable vintage cards or those in top condition, consider sending them to a reputable third party grading service like PSA or BGS prior to sale. Professionally graded cards command a considerable premium and larger overall sales prices. The upfront grading costs are worthwhile for high end cards but not practical for common cards in lower grades. Do the math to determine if a specific card is grading-worthy based on its expected post-grade market value.

Shipping and Payment Details

Clearly state your shipping policies such as whether the handling cost is included in the price or an added charge. Most eBay sellers offer either calculated shipping rates based on the item weight or a fixed rate for First Class, Priority, or Express Mail options within the US. Require payment within 3-5 days of auction end or purchase and only accept payment through eBay/PayPal to ensure buyer protection on both sides. Promptly ship items once payment clears with tracking included.

Promoting and Managing Listings

To spread awareness, promote your new listings on forums, social media, collector groups, and via email newsletters if available. This can yield valuable early watchers and inquiries before the item listing expires. Refresh hot button cards like rare rookies or HOF player autos at regular intervals to keep them visible. Reach out to serious buyers who ask questions with additional photos or details. Provide excellent customer service. Positive feedback is key for building a trusted selling history and higher selling limits on eBay over time.

Shipping and Return Policies

Always carefully package cards in penny sleeves, toploaders or other approved protection before sealing in sturdy mailing materials like bubble mailers, envelopes, or boxes. Over-packing is never a bad idea. Consider requiring signature delivery for high value ($100+) packages for peace of mind on both ends. Clearly state “no returns accepted” in the listing since cards are considered “as-is” collectibles and any damage during transit is out of the seller’s hands. But offer refunds for significant inaccuracies in the item description itself.

Taxes and Fees

Keep eBay and PayPal insertion fees and final value fees in mind when pricing items. Both assess charges on the total sale amount. Be sure to collect sales tax if required in your state when applicable. Maintain thorough records of all sales, revenues, expenses, shipping costs for tax reporting purposes at year’s end to the IRS. Consult with a tax professional if needed for compliance based on total income from card sales in a given tax year.

Maintaining Strong Feedback

Focus on delivering an excellent buying experience through prompt communication, careful packaging and fast shipping. Respond to any buyer messages or inquiries thoughtfully and offer refunds or exchanges for truly faulty items as required. In all cases aim for positive buyer feedback once a transaction concludes to build seller ratings over time. This will increase trustworthiness and demand for future listings.

Patience and Persistence

Selling collectibles is a long game that may require months of consistent listing and re-listing efforts until the right buyers discover key items. Be diligent in photographing new acquisitions and adding them fresh to your profile monthly. Market conditions fluctuate and sets or players that weren’t moving one quarter could spike in values later on. With regular effort and time, your baseball card listings on eBay can turn into a steady side income over many selling cycles. Stay dedicated to provide the best possible service until cards find new appreciative homes.

By carefully following the guidance outlined above, collectors can maximize the ROI on their baseball card collections through strategic listings on eBay. With diligent photography, description-writing, pricing, promotions and customer service, selling cards online provides an efficient channel to capitalize on the enduring historical collectibles market. eBay establishes a seamless platform for buyers and sellers globally while protecting both parties through its safe payment and listing tools. With enough inventory and consistency, sports card sales through eBay present viable income potential for dedicated collectors or resellers alike.