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FLEER BASEBALL CARDS 1987

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The 1987 Fleer baseball card set was a significant release that marked both change and continuity from previous years. It was the first year Fleer produced cards after losing the Topps license, so they had to establish themselves as a major baseball card company. At the same time, the set carried on many of the classic Fleer design elements collectors had come to expect.

With 405 total cards in the 1987 Fleer set, it was the largest release yet from the company. The size allowed for thorough coverage of both major and minor league rosters. Roster and team changes from the 1986 season were fully reflected. Notable call-ups like Mark McGwire and Barry Larkin received their rookie cards in the set after debuting in the big leagues the prior year. Veterans like Nolan Ryan, Wade Boggs, and Ozzie Smith anchored the collection with their star power.

Design-wise, the 1987 Fleer cards paid homage to previous aesthetics while incorporating some modern touches. The team logo was prominently displayed at the top in team colors. Player names, positions, and stats ran along the bottom border. Solid-colored borders separated the front image from any text. Photographs remained the primary focus, with crisp action shots that really let the players’ personalities shine through. Color was more vibrantly saturated than in earlier Fleer issues.

On the back, stats and career highlights received a clean, easy-to-read layout. Fleer’s trademark “Trading Card Checklist” ran along the right side, with players organized alphabetically to help collectors find specific cards. Glossy finish and thick cardboard stock maintained the premium feel collectors had come to expect from the brand. The classic yet refined design succeeded in maintaining Fleer’s identity independently of Topps.

Distribution of the 1987 Fleer set was a challenge initially without the backing of a major sports licensing deal. The sheer size of the set also presented issues for retailers. Many shops could not justify stocking all 405 unique cards. As a result, the most popular stars like Wade Boggs and Ozzie Smith proved quite difficult to obtain in the early going. Savvy collectors learned to trade duplicates with peers to complete their collections.

Over time, distribution and availability gradually improved. Fleer established new accounts with hobby shops and mass merchandisers. Promotional strategies like premium mail-aways helped drive demand. By the end of the 1987-88 offseason, most of the major card checklists could be fulfilled with diligent collecting or trading. The scarcity of the early release period only added to the allure and collectability of the set in subsequent years.

In the used market today, 1987 Fleer cards remain a staple for vintage baseball card collectors and investors. Rated among the top Fleer releases, the expansive team and player coverage is still appreciated. Hall of Fame inductees like Barry Larkin and Mark McGwire anchor the long-term value in their rookie cards. Star veterans like Wade Boggs and Ozzie Smith continue to command respect. Even commons from the set hold intrinsic nostalgia and remain widely obtainable for enthusiasts of any budget.

Grading and preservation has become increasingly important for high-end specimens of the 1987 Fleer set as the issue approaches its 35th anniversary. Gem Mint rookies like McGwire and Larkin regularly sell for thousands in top holders. Even commons can gain substantial value crossing the magic thresholds of MT-8 or 9. With its perfect balance of nostalgia, design, star power, and collectability—both then and now—the 1987 Fleer baseball set endures as one of the true classics and highlights of the vintage era.

1995 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1995 Fleer baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the modern era of the sport. While it did not feature any rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, the set from a quarter century ago still holds value for collectors due to the inclusion of many star players from the 1990s. Let’s take a deeper look at what cards from the 1995 Fleer set are worth today.

The 1995 Fleer baseball card release came during a time of increased competition in the trading card industry. Fleer and Topps were going head-to-head in a battle to sign players to exclusive contracts and produce the best rookies. While neither company landed any rookies that year who went on to the Hall of Fame, there were plenty of established stars showcased.

Ken Griffey Jr., who was consistently one of the most popular players in the world during the 1990s, unsurprisingly has some of the most valuable 1995 Fleer cards. His base rookie card can fetch around $10-15, while autographed and memorabilia cards signed by “The Kid” can sell for thousands. Another perennial All-Star outfielder, Barry Bonds, also has cards from the ‘95 Fleer set holding value near $10-20 given his huge popularity at the time as one of baseball’s best players.

Other star hitters with $5-10 base cards include Frank Thomas, Mo Vaughn, Jeff Bagwell, and Larry Walker. All were offensive forces in the mid-90s and have name recognition that maintains interest from collectors. Pitchers with similar $5-10 valuations consist of Greg Maddux, Pedro Martinez, Tom Glavine, and Randy Johnson. This fivesome dominated on the mound throughout the 1990s and captured multiple Cy Young Awards between them.

While most base cards from the 1995 Fleer set trade in the $1-5 range, there are exceptions. Rookies or top prospects signed to exclusive Fleer contracts that year have more scarcity which raises their values. Derek Jeter’s base card can reach $15-20 given his legendary career and items signed as a rookie are extremely valuable. Others like Jason Giambi ($10), Nomar Garciaparra ($8), and Ramon Hernandez ($5) also have increased values due to their reputations coming out of the 1995 season.

Parallel and insert sets are where collectors can find enhanced 1995 Fleer cards with greater values. The ‘Fleer Future’s Game’ parallel cards spotlighting top prospects are $8-15 each. SuperTraders autographed parallel cards signed by veteran stars can reach $50-100 depending on the player signature. Retired ‘Field Generals’ autographed parallel cards of retired legends command $25-50 prices. Other insert sets like ‘Diamond Kings’,’On-Deck Circle,’ and ‘Diamond Anniversary’ parallel cards range from $3-15 a card on average.

Although the 1995 Fleer baseball card release lacked any rookie cards that achieved true icon status in the hobby, there remains interest and solid value attached to many cards over 25 years later. With star players like Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, Frank Thomas, and others featured, the vintage set provides a snapshot of the sport during a transitional mid-1990s period. For collectors seeking cards from quality condition vintage issues at affordable price points, flipping through the 1995 Fleer baseball set can deliver plenty of recognized names at $1-10 values even today. While it may not have any true “gem” rookies, the diversity and star power on display ensures ongoing relevance for this particular Fleer release.

1992 FLEER ULTRA BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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The 1992 Fleer Ultra baseball card set is considered one of the more valuable issues from the early 1990s. Fleer Ultra was issued annually from 1991 to 1993 with the ’92 set grabbing significant interest from collectors due to several notable rookie cards and key variations that can be worth a decent amount of money in the right condition.

Released at the start of the 1992 MLB season, the Fleer Ultra set contains 198 base cards plus additional subset and parallel cards. Notable rookies included in the set are Ken Griffey Jr., Chipper Jones, Mike Piazza, Jeff Bagwell, and Derek Jeter. All of these players went on to Hall of Fame caliber careers making their rookie cards quite desirable, especially in high grades. Of these, Griffey and Piazza rookies tend to command the highest prices.

A PSA 10 graded Ken Griffey Jr. rookie from 1992 Fleer Ultra recently sold for over $10,000 while PSA 9 copies trade in the $1,000-$2,000 range. The Mike Piazza rookie in top PSA 10 condition has also surpassed $10,000 with most PSA 9s in the $1,500+ range as well. Chipper Jones, Bagwell, and Jeter rookies are also quite valuable depending on grade with PSA 10 Chippers reaching $3,000-4,000 and PSA 9 Bagwells and Jeters going for $500-800.

Beyond the star rookie cards, one of the main variants that makes the 1992 Fleer Ultra set valuable is the error “Missing Line” Frank Thomas card. Card #98 featuring Thomas’ headshot is missing the horizontal black bar that separates the image from the stats and background. This subtle error was only found in the early print run and examples in high grade can fetch $1,000+ on the secondary market.

Another sought after variation is the Greg Maddux “Wrong Font” card. On card #172 featuring the pitcher, his last name is printed using a script font instead of the block font used on the rest of the checklist. This has become the most valuable Maddux card from the ’92 Fleer Ultra set. A PSA 10 exemplar recently sold for just under $2,000 while PSA 9s trade in the $300-500 range.

Aside from star rookies and coveted mistakes, there are a handful of other players in the 1992 Fleer Ultra set whose cards can be worth serious money graded and preserved in top condition. A PSA 10 Ryne Sandberg, still considered one of the best fielding second basemen ever, has cracked $1,000 at auction. The Nolan Ryan insert parallel numbered to 99 from that year also receives substantial collector attention.

The designs for the cards themselves are quite simplistic containing a headshot with Futura Heavy font lettering and a plain white border. The photography and action shots are extremely sharp giving the brand a iconic 90s baseball card aesthetic. The lack of intricacy in card design also means flaws are easier to spot for grading purposes which is good for potential value.

Set building for 1992 Fleer Ultra remains a challenge as it contains over 250 total cards when including inserts and parallels. There are sites like COMC that allow buyers to purchase individual cards to complete a set over time. Raw 1991 and 1993 Ultra cards are also somewhat affordable with the former set containing the Mariano Rivera rookie that is very popular.

While not quite as well known as the iconic 1988 and 1989 Fleer sets, 1992 Fleer Ultra holds value for premier rookie cards like Griffey Jr. and Piazza that debuted future Hall of Famers. Factor in the alluring error cards and parallels that emerge over the years and it becomes one of the more intriguing baseball issues from the 1990s collecting landscape worth exploring for enthusiasts. Graded gems showcased in a protective holder can net serious returns for patient collectors decades later.

FLEER BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1977

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Fleer baseball cards were first issued in 1956 and provided collectors with an alternative to the dominant Topps brand. By 1977, Fleer had established itself as the number two brand in the baseball card industry. That year’s Fleer set is considered a classic by collectors and contains many iconic cards that remain highly sought after. Here is an in-depth look at the 1977 Fleer baseball cards price guide and valuable cards from that set.

The 1977 Fleer baseball card set contains 132 total cards. The design featured a color team logo in the top left corner with the player’s name and position below. In the center is a large action photo of the player. The back provides career statistics and a brief bio. Like most 1970s Fleer sets, the cards have a distinctive pinkish hue.

The base cards from the 1977 Fleer set in near mint condition typically sell in the $1-$5 range depending on the player. There are some standout rookie and star player cards that command significantly higher prices. Here are some of the most valuable and sought after cards from the 1977 Fleer set based on the latest price guide:

Nolan Ryan (Card #126): As one of the greatest pitchers of all time, any Nolan Ryan card holds value. His 1977 Fleer rookie card in near mint condition averages around $150-$200. High graded copies in the PSA 8-10 range can sell for over $500.

George Brett (Card #28): Brett’s rookie card from this set is highly coveted. Near mint copies sell for $75-125. Higher graded versions in the PSA 8-10 range have sold for $300-500.

Dave Parker (Card #113): Parker won the NL MVP in 1978 and this serves as his true rookie card from his breakout 1977 season. Near mint copies sell for $50-75.

Don Baylor (Card #21): Baylor’s rookie card from his 1977 AL Rookie of the Year season. Near mint copies sell for $40-60.

Paul Molitor (Card #85): Molitor’s rookie card from his breakout 1977 season where he finished third in the AL Rookie of the Year voting. Near mint copies sell for $30-50.

Ron Guidry (Card #109): Guidry won the 1978 AL Cy Young Award and this serves as his true rookie card. Near mint copies sell for $30-40.

Mike Schmidt (Card #6): Considered one of the greatest third basemen ever, Schmidt cards from the 1970s hold value. His 1977 Fleer sells for $20-30 in near mint condition.

Jim Rice (Card #97): Rice won the 1978 AL MVP and Rookie of the Year. His rookie card from 1977 sells for $20-30 in near mint condition.

In addition to star rookie cards, the 1977 Fleer set also contains the cards of established Hall of Famers still in their prime like Reggie Jackson (Card #92), Pete Rose (Card #69), and Steve Carlton (Card #30). Near mint common versions of these star player cards sell in the $10-15 range.

The 1977 Fleer set also introduced the first cards featuring players from the newly-formed Seattle Mariners expansion franchise like Al Cowens (Card #31), Ruppert Jones (Card #83), and Dan Meyer (Card #104). Their rookie cards hold extra value for Mariners collectors.

The 1977 Fleer baseball card set provides a wealth of collecting and investment opportunities. Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Brett and Ryan remain the most coveted and valuable. But there are also solid mid-range investments to be found in the rookie cards of other 1970s stars like Parker, Baylor, and Molitor. For collectors, this Fleer set serves as a portal back to a great era of the game featuring many beloved players.

FLEER 1990 MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1990 Fleer baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues from the junk wax era of the late 1980s and early 1990s. While the cards themselves held little value at the time due to overproduction, certain rare and coveted rookie cards have grown exponentially in worth. The following details some of the most valuable and sought-after cards from Fleer’s 1990 offering.

Perhaps the most well-known card from the set is the Frank Thomas rookie card. As one of the best right-handed hitters of his generation, Thomas went on to have a Hall of Fame worthy career that saw him hit .301 with 521 home runs and 1,704 RBIs over 19 seasons. His 1990 Fleer rookie is the key card for White Sox collectors and has increased greatly in demand in recent years. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples now sell for $3,000-$5,000, while raw near-mint copies can bring $1,000-$2,000.

Another highly valuable rookie is Ken Griffey Jr’s 1990 Fleer issue. Considered one of the best all-around players of all time, Griffey was a fan favorite known for his sweet swing and effortless defense in center field. His rookie card is iconic from the junk wax era, but examples in top condition have soared in price. A PSA 10 Griffey rookie will fetch $10,000+ at auction, with raw near-mint copies selling in the $3,000 range. Even well-centered examples in PSA 8 condition sell for over $1,000.

While not rookies, the 1990 Fleer cards of Barry Bonds and Roberto Alomar also hold great value for collectors. Bonds went on to shatter the all-time home run record and is considered one of the best pure hitters in MLB history. His 1990 Fleer card has increased in parallel to his legendary career, with PSA 10’s now selling between $2,000-$3,000 and raw near-mint copies bringing over $500. Roberto Alomar enjoyed a Hall of Fame career mostly with the Blue Jays and Orioles, winning 10 Gold Gloves at second base. His 1990 Fleer is one of his key rookie cards, with PSA 10’s selling for around $1,000 and raw near-mint copies going for $300-$500.

Two other stars whose 1990 Fleer rookie cards have grown substantially are Jeff Bagwell and Moises Alou. Bagwell enjoyed 15 all-star seasons primarily with the Astros, winning an MVP in 1994. His rookie card has increased greatly in the PSA 9-10 range, where examples can sell for $800-$1,200. Moises Alou had a solid 17-year career, but his rookie is particularly valuable for Expos collectors. PSA 10 examples trade hands for $600-$800, with raw near-mint copies selling closer to $300.

While the above cards featuring future Hall of Famers and all-time greats carry the highest values, there are other key 1990 Fleer rookie cards that hold significance. Todd Hundley had 42 home runs in 1996 for the Cubs and Mets, and his rookie has risen to $200-$300 in PSA 9-10 condition. Chuck Knoblauch enjoyed success with Minnesota and New York, and his rookie sells for around $150 graded PSA/BGS 9-10.

While the 1990 Fleer set was produced in enormous numbers that prevented most cards from gaining value initially, certain rare and coveted rookie cards have seen astronomical price increases in recent decades. For key players like Frank Thomas, Ken Griffey Jr, Barry Bonds and others, their 1990 Fleer issues are iconic from the junk wax era and hold great significance for serious baseball card collectors and investors. With the passage of time, as these players enter Cooperstown or their careers are further celebrated, their rookie cards from this set will likely continue climbing in price for years to come.

FLEER BASEBALL CARDS 2022

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Fleer baseball cards have a long and storied history in the hobby, being one of the original manufacturers along with Topps. In 2022, Fleer continues its run producing high quality cardboard for collectors.

Fleer was founded in 1891 and got into the baseball card business in 1956. They produced sets alongside Topps for decades in a back and forth competition for licenses. However, Fleer’s parent company lost the MLB license to Panini in 2020. Despite losing official MLB rights, Fleer still produces sets through alternate means such as independent licensing of player images.

Their 2022 flagship release is called Fleer Ultra, continuing a set name inherited from their purchase of Pacific trading cards assets in 2007. The set uses creative photography and design to highlight today’s stars. Rookies like Bobby Witt Jr. and players like Shohei Ohtani receive extra attention in the insert sets. While no longer licensed by MLB, Fleer has worked to secure deals with individual players associations to use likenesses.

Like many modern sets, Fleer Ultra includes parallels and variations to entice collectors. The base cards come in the standard black border. Silver packs contain silvers parallels numbered to 99. Gold parallels are numbered to 25 and come one per box. Green Foil parallels are a super short print numbered to 10. Ultra Premium parallels feature extended black borders and are numbered to 5. The rarest are 1/1 Printing Plates, essentially a blank front card with only the registration mark on the back certifying it as one of the set’s printing plates.

insert sets within Fleer Ultra showcase various players and themes. The franchise favorites set features a player from each team in a special border. Future Five highlights five top rookie prospects. Awards and Achievements honors individual stats and milestones. Flashbacks recreates iconic photos from the past. While no longer holding an MLB license, Fleer continues to work hard to secure individual player rights to maintain authenticity in their sets.

Beyond the flagship, Fleer produces several other 2022 offerings. Fleer Tradition honors the legacy of the brand with vintage-styled designs in a tribute to their 1960s and 70s designs. Fleer District captures the fun and passion fans bring to stadiums through artistic snapshots. Fleer Inception focuses on today’s emerging stars with a sci-fi futuristic theme. Fleer Holiday delivers a Christmas-inspired design for winter release. And Fleer Update provides ongoing rookies and veterans in a traditional Fleer style postseason release.

The company also has a strong international presence with sets featuring stars from other countries and leagues. Fleer Greats USA highlights American players abroad while Fleer Greats International spotlights standouts across global baseball. Fleer also holds trademarks for legendary set names like Score and Donruss, which they may revive as new product lines in future years.

While no longer officially licensed, Fleer continues to forge partnerships that allow their creative vision. Boxes of 2022 Fleer Ultra can still be found at major hobby shops and online retailers. The brand still conjures nostalgia for collectors who grew up with their older 70s and 80s designs. And the quality and attention to parallels/inserts keeps hardened investors engaged as well as casual fans looking for affordable vintage-styled cardboard of today’s players. Whether chasing superstar rookies or parallel short prints, Fleer Ultra and their other 2022 releases provide enjoyable hunts for collectors of all levels. With perseverance and creative licensing, Fleer looks to carry on their rich baseball card tradition for many years to come.

2006 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 2006 Fleer baseball card set was the final Fleer brand baseball card release before Upper Deck acquired the Fleer trademark and license from Bubbco/Card Pro later that year. While not quite as desirable or highly sought after as some other vintage sets, the 2006 Fleer issue does contain several valuable cards collectors seek after today.

Released in March of 2006, the base set featured 331 cards of current Major League players as well as past stars and coaches. Some of the biggest names included Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, Albert Pujols, and Derek Jeter. The base cards have a relatively low value compared to Parallel, Autograph, and Rookie cards from the set that feature star players. Complete base sets in near mint to mint condition can usually be acquired for $30-50.

One of the most valuable cards in the 2006 Fleer set is the Miguel Cabrera Superfractor Parallel #/10. Cabrera was already well on his way to a Hall of Fame career at age 23 during the 2006 season when this card was released and remains one of the game’s top hitters today. Numbered to only 10 copies, mint condition specimens of this rare parallel regularly sell for $1,000 or more on auction sites. Another highly sought after parallel is the Alex Rodriguez Autograph Parallel #/25 which often fetches $400-600.

Rookie cards tend to be the most valuable cards in baseball sets aside from rare parallels. The 2006 Fleer issue introduced cards for several players who went on to stardom including Ryan Braun, Jonathan Papelbon, and Andre Ethier. The Braun rookie remains among the most valuable at around $50-75 in near mint condition given his 2011 NL MVP award and status as a franchise cornerstone for the Brewers. Papelbon’s rookie holds value at $15-30 due to his successful career as a closer, winning a World Series with Boston in 2007. Ethier’s rookie clocks in around $10-20.

Additionally, Fleer in 2006 produced insert sets including ‘Hitting Heroes’, ‘Fleer Futures’, and ‘Diamond Kings’. The ‘Hitting Heroes’ set is the most collectible and features parallels of offensive stars like Bonds, Rodriguez, Pujols, and Manny Ramirez. Complete ‘Hitting Heroes’ inserts sets go for $30-50 while singles can be had for $2-5 depending on the player. Notable parallels include a Barry Bonds Superfractor #/10 that is valued near $200.

Compared to some other Fleer issues of the early 2000s like 2003 and 2005 which contained rookie cards of players like Josh Hamilton, Johan Santana, and Troy Tulowitzki, the 2006 Fleer set isn’t quite as highly regarded. It does mark the last release under the Fleer brand before Upper Deck took over and remains a fun set from that late 90s/2000s period rich in baseball card history. While base cards possess little value long term, the parallel and rookie cards of stars continue to attract collectors. While not the most valuable vintage set, the 2006 Fleer release does offer several obtainable cards that hold meaningful value for today’s collectors.

1988 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS SET

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The 1988 Fleer baseball card set was the 19th annual issue of cards produced by the Fleer Corporation. It marked a transition between the company’s period of dominance in the 1970s and 1980s and the increasing challenges it would face from rival producer Topps in the late 1980s and 1990s. The 1988 set would be one of Fleer’s last truly mainstream and popular issues before losing substantial market share.

The 1988 set contained 262 total cards and featured a mix of rookie cards, stars of the day, and retired legends of the game. Some key rookie cards included in the set were Mark McGwire, Rickey Henderson, Greg Maddux, Eric Fox, and Kevin Maas. Veteran superstars profiled included Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Kirby Puckett, and Dwight Gooden. The set also featured “Turn Back The Clock” subset cards honoring retired greats like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Sandy Koufax, and Stan Musial.

Design-wise, the 1988 Fleer cards had a very clean and classic look that helped them remain appealing to collectors for decades. The predominantly white borders and team logo at the top left created an open and airy feel. Player names were listed prominently at the bottom in bold black font. Statistics appeared on the back alongside a short career synopsis. Photo quality was generally sharp and clearly displayed each player in action. The red “Fleer” logo at the bottom centered the brand identity without being too distracting.

Distribution of the 1988 Fleer set was wide, with boxes readily available in most hobby shops, department stores, grocery stores and elsewhere. The sheer size of the set made completing a full run very challenging. Several short printed and elusive cards emerged that drove collector demand, including the Mark McGwire rookie. The popularity of rookie cards was also escalating rapidly during this period, highlighting promising young players as targeted chase cards.

While 1988 marked one of Fleer’s later truly iconic modern issues, challenges were already building on the horizon that would interrupt the company’s MLB card dominance. That same year, Topps rebounded strongly with a highly popular set featuring Ken Griffey Jr.’s widely recognized and valuable rookie card. Topps also gained a competitive edge by securing exclusive MLB player likeness rights beginning in 1989. Meanwhile, the marketplace was becoming increasingly segmented as collectors developed narrower areas of specialty like team sets or subsets.

For serious vintage collectors today, 1988 Fleer cards remain a highly coveted part of the modern era. Sets in pristine mint or gem mint condition can fetch thousands of dollars depending on specific cards included. Key rookies like McGwire and Henderson especially maintain strong historical value as precursors to their Hall of Fame careers. The accessibility of the base set also means completed runs in well-centered near mint to mint condition often trade in the $100-300 range online. Individual commons are readily available raw for under $5.

While 1988 would be one of Fleer’s last true hits before losing market leadership, the design, distribution and rookie card presence ensured it endured as a beloved issue. It marked the start of a transition in the card industry but still served as a widely collected encapsulation of the era’s biggest stars. For collectors and investors alike, 1988 Fleer baseball cards remain a prized vintage link between the pre-modern and modern collection eras. Their widespread appeal and availability, coupled with blue-chip rookies, secure the set’s place as a pillar in the history of the licensed sports card industry.

FLEER 1986 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1986 Fleer baseball card set was one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the golden era of the 1980s. It marked Fleer’s return to the baseball card market after a four-year absence. The set featured an array of stars from the era as well as several short printed and rare cards that have become highly coveted by collectors.

Fleer obtained the license to produce baseball cards again in 1986 after Topps had monopolized the baseball card industry for several years. They sought to make a big splash with their return by designing flashy and innovative cards that would capture the attention of the young collectors who were just becoming interested in the hobby.

The set featured 382 total cards with 330 commons and 52 short printed cards that were much harder to find in packs. Some of the biggest star players featured included Don Mattingly, Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, Dwight Gooden, Ozzie Smith, and Kirby Puckett. The true gems of the set were the short printed cards that have gained legendary status among collectors to this day.

Two of the most famous short prints in the entire hobby come from the 1986 Fleer set – the Mike Schmidt card (#373) and the Nolan Ryan card (#330). These cards were printed in extremely low numbers, making them exceedingly rare pulls from packs. Both command prices well into the thousands of dollars today for high graded mint condition copies.

Another notoriously scarce card is the Tim Raines rookie (#181) which was also short printed. His rookie card from the 1983 Fleer set is also very valuable, but the 1986 Fleer version takes the prestige to another level due to its rarity. Other short prints like the Ozzie Smith (#338), Dwight Gooden (#288), and Jack Morris (#312) are also in high demand.

The design aesthetic of the 1986 Fleer set broke new ground compared to previous issues. The cards featured bold colors, fun cartoon-like artwork, and a unique die-cut effect around the borders. This gave each card a distinct look that popped out of the pack. The innovative style was a big hit with the emerging generation of young collectors.

The die-cut borders also served a practical purpose – they helped prevent the gum stains and damage that often plagued the cardboard in the era before premium protective cases and sleeves. This preservation factor added to the long-term appeal and gradeability of the 1986 Fleer cards compared to some earlier sets.

While the set is most famous for its legendary short prints, there are also many other notable rookie and star cards that remain popular. The Kirby Puckett rookie (#413) is a classic. The Don Mattingly starring as the “Hit Man” (#144) is a highly iconic card image from the time period. And the Ozzie Smith backflip card (#61) perfectly captures the Wizard’s signature defensive flair.

In the decades since, the 1986 Fleer baseball set has taken on an almost mythical status. The innovative design, iconic players, and extreme rarities have all contributed to its legacy. Pristine high-grade examples of the key short prints can sell for over $100,000. But there is also strong collector interest in complete common sets and even lower-grade versions of stars like Schmidt, Ryan, and Raines.

For those who collected cards as kids in the 1980s, the 1986 Fleer issue holds a special nostalgia. And a new generation of collectors has also come to appreciate its significance in the development of the modern baseball card industry. The perfect storm of stars, style, and scarcity has cemented the 1986 Fleer set as one of the most coveted and valuable in the entire hobby. Its legacy and collectibility will surely continue to grow for decades to come.

1991 FLEER BASEBALL KEY CARDS

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The 1991 Fleer baseball card set was the last Fleer baseball card set produced before Upper Deck acquired the MLB license in 1992. While not as iconic or valuable as some other Fleer orTopps sets of the late 1980s and early 1990s, the 1991 Fleer set does contain some highly sought after cards that have increased in value in recent years. With 762 total cards in the base set plus additional insert sets, the 1991 Fleer set featured many of the game’s biggest stars and future Hall of Famers. Several key rookie cards and short printed variants make certain 1991 Fleer cards very valuable for collectors today.

One of the most famous and valuable 1991 Fleer rookie cards is the Chipper Jones card. As the #1 overall pick in the 1990 MLB draft and an eventual Hall of Famer, Chipper Jones went on to have an illustrious career primarily with the Atlanta Braves. His rookie card from the 1991 Fleer set, which features him as a member of the Pawtucket Red Sox minor league affiliate, has steadily increased in price in recent years. Near mint to mint condition Chipper Jones rookies in a PSA 10 gem mint grade have sold for well over $1000. Even low graded copies in PSA 5 fair condition sell for $100 or more due to Jones’ popularity and the card’s increasing scarcity over time.

Another top rookie from the 1991 Fleer set is the Derek Jeter rookie card. As arguably the most famous Yankee of the late 90s dynasty teams, Jeter’s star power and on-field success have made his rookie cardboard one of the marquee rookie cards across all sports trading card releases. Higher grade Jeter rookies in PSA 9-10 condition command $1000+, but even well-worn copies still sell for $50-$100 based on collector demand for anything related to the Captain. His 1992 Score Definitive Collection rookie and 1993 Finest Refractor parallel are likely more valuable, but the 1991 Fleer Jeter remains a must-have for any baseball card collection.

Ken Griffey Jr.’s rookie card from the upper deck set is considered the most valuable modern-era rookie card in existence. However, Griffey also had an exceptionally rare and sought after rookie in the 1991 Fleer set during his early days with the Seattle Mariners. The Griffey Jr. rookie was part of Fleer’s ‘All-Rookie Team’ insert set within the base 1991 release. Numbered to only 100 copies, this ultra-short print Griffey rookie is THE key card from the 1991 Fleer collection. Fewer than 10 high-grade specimens are known to exist, and intact copies with proper centering and no flaws have sold at public auction for amounts approaching $10,000. Simply put, a Griffey Jr. ’91 Fleer All-Rookie Team rookie in PSA/BGS 9+ condition would be a true holy grail find for any collector.

Another legendary hitter with a valuable 1991 Fleer issue is Barry Bonds. Already a three-time All-Star and Gold Glover in 1991, Bonds’ power surge was still on the horizon. And of the 4 or 5 different Bonds rookie/star cards in 1991 Fleer, one stands out – the ‘Players Club’ insert parallel card. This special parallel featured select stars in a different uniform design within a 13-card ‘Players Club’ insert set that was exceedingly rare compared to the base cards. High grade Bonds ‘Players Club’ parallels are elusive and valued around $500-1000 depending on condition. Lower graded examples still sell for over $100 if centered and intact. Any vintage Bonds issue holds value exceptionally well owing to his all-time home run record and PED controversy surround his later career.

The massive scope of the 762 card 1991 Fleer base set naturally provides opportunities for variations and parallels beyond the aforementioned rookies. Three particular ‘short prints’ stand out for their scarcity and premium among collectors. Clay Jones (#616) from the Angels is considered one of the most difficult SP’s to obtain from the set, with well-centered examples valued near $100 even in low grades like PSA 5. Another elusive short print is Brett Butler (#492), and high grade specimens in PSA 9+ can reach upwards of $300 due to the difficulty finding this SP in pristine condition after decades of searching packs. Lastly, the Jose Uribe (#576) short print is tough to locate as well, as fewer than 10 are known to exist at PSA 9 or above. Properly authenticated specimens can easily cross $500, perhaps more if offered to a dedicated Uribe collector.

Beyond singles, the 1991 Fleer set also offers several valuable parallel insert variations. The ‘Diamond Kings’ parallel subset featuring foil stars is quite scarce complete, with a full 13-card PSA 10 mint set valued around $1000-1500. The ‘All-Time Heroes’ parallel insert of greats like Ted Williams and Stan Musial were printed on a rare metallic foil, and popular Hall of Famers like Frank Robinson and Brooks Robinson from this parallel command prices up to $50 a card in high grades of 9+ today. The 33-card ‘Triple Crown Club’ parallel was inserted rather scarcely, and full PSA/BGS 9.5-10 sets have topped $2000 once or twice at industry auctions. The combination of low print runs and iconic players make these 1991 Fleer parallel sets irresistible to collectors.

While not at the top of the hobby value pyramid, the 1991 Fleer baseball card release nevertheless contains several true star rookie cards and short print variations that hold tremendous importance and high prices for dedicated collectors today. Headlined by rookie gems of future Hall of Famers like Chipper Jones, Derek Jeter, and Ken Griffey Jr., along with other valuable first-year issues and parallel sets, the 1991 Fleer cards remain fascinating over thirty years after production. With its mix of future legends, scarce serially numbered parallels, and elusive short prints, the 1991 Fleer set shows no signs of weakening collector demand or interest from the vibrant trading card community anytime soon.