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ARE ANY FLEER BASEBALL CARDS WORTH ANYTHING

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The Fleer baseball card company produced cards from 1956 to 1981 when they lost the licensing rights to produce baseball cards to Topps. During their time producing baseball cards, Fleer released some very coveted and valuable rookie cards that are worth a significant amount of money today for collectors. While most common Fleer cards from the different series are only worth a dollar or less, there are definitely certain rare and desirable Fleer cards that can be extremely valuable.

One of the most valuable and iconic Fleer baseball cards ever produced is the 1959 Fleer Ted Williams card. Only 368 of the Ted Williams rookie card were made, making it one of the rarest modern baseball cards in existence. In near-mint condition, a 1959 Fleer Ted Williams rookie card can sell for well over $150,000. Even heavily played copies in poor condition still sell for tens of thousands. The rarity and stellar career of Ted Williams make this one of the true “holy grail” cards for collectors.

Another noteworthy Fleer rookie card worth a substantial amount is the 1961 Fleer Mickey Mantle card. As one of the best players of all-time and an iconic Yankee, Mantle’s rookie card brings a high price despite not being quite as rare as the Ted Williams with over 2,000 printed. Mint condition 1961 Fleer Mantle rookies can sell for $50,000 or more, with very good copies still fetching $10,000+. Not bad for a card that’s over 50 years old.

In addition to the Ted Williams and Mantle rookies, there are a handful of other Fleer rookie cards from the 1950s and 1960s that hold significant value today:

1958 Fleer Jim Hall of Fame Cardinals rookie – often sells for $5,000+ in top shape
1959 Fleer Orlando Cepeda rookie – in the $3,000 range mint
1960 Fleer Roberto Clemente rookie – $2,000+ for a gem copy
1961 Fleer Billy Williams rookie – $1,500+ in excellent condition
1962 Fleer Tom Seaver rookie – over $1,000 for an near-mint Seaver rookie

While those were some high-end examples, there are also stars from later Fleer sets whose rookie cards can still carry worthwhile value in top condition:

1969 Fleer Nolan Ryan rookie – $500+ for a very nice copy
1972 Fleer Gary Carter rookie – commonly $300-400 mint
1973 Fleer Mike Schmidt rookie – around $200 in near-mint+
1977 Fleer Ozzie Smith rookie – $100 or more if it grades high
1981 Fleer Cal Ripken Jr. rookie – $50-100+ range for an excellent card

Rare inverted images, oddball variations, and short-printed subset cards within the Fleer sets all fetch significant premiums over standard issue cards. For example, the 1968 Fleer Stargellsubset cards which feature images of players wishing each other happy holidays can sell for $200-500 each depending on condition and player.

While modern production techniques and higher print runs severely lowered values of more recent sports cards, the vintage Fleer cards of the 1950s-70s hold great allure and financial worth to collectors due to their rarity, iconic rookie players featured, and nostalgia. With graded gem mint examples of the top Fleer rookies listed potentially worth tens of thousands, it’s easy to see why collectors continue to chase these vintage cardboard treasures decades later. So in summary – while common issues are cheap, there are definitely some valuable Fleer baseball cards worth serious money for lucky collectors.

ARE FLEER BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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Fleer baseball cards are one of the iconic brands from the golden age of baseball cards from the mid-20th century. Fleer was one of the major manufacturers of baseball cards alongside Topps and Donruss during the peak collecting era from the late 1950s through the 1980s. Whether individual Fleer baseball cards are worthwhile investments that can be worth money really depends on a few key factors such as the player, the year, the card condition, and much more. Let’s take a deeper look at Fleer cards and their potential value.

Fleer first started producing baseball cards in 1956, breaking the monopoly that Topps had held on the baseball card market up to that point. Some of the most noteworthy rookie cards from Fleer’s early years include Hank Aaron’s rookie card from 1954 and Willie Mays’ card from 1951, both of which were produced prior to Fleer entering the baseball card scene. These early Fleer cards are undoubtedly among the most valuable in the hobby given they captured the beginnings of two all-time great players’ careers. Most Fleer cards from the 1950s in worn condition are unlikely to fetch more than $50-100 due to their plentiful supply.

The Fleer brand saw its most iconic era of baseball cards during the 1960s. This was when Fleer really established itself as a major competitor alongside Topps. Fleer introduced innovative marketing and set designs that helped capture the imagination of collectors. Icons of the 1960s Fleer set include the first appearance of the “Cap’n Crunch” design in 1961 and the ultra-colorful caricature designs of 1967. Rosters from the 1960s featured all-time greats like Mickey Mantle, Sandy Koufax, and Roberto Clemente. Common 1960s Fleer cards in played/good condition can sell for $5-50 depending on the player, with true gems approaching $1,000 or more for the highest conditioned examples of stars.

In the 1970s, Fleer continued to churn out innovative sets each year but faced growing competition from rival brands like Topps. Some of the most iconic Fleer designs of the decade included the brown backed “Soupy Sales” cards of 1971 and the colorful action photos featured in 1975 and 1976 sets. The 1970s saw the rise of superstar players like Reggie Jackson, Mike Schmidt, and Nolan Ryan who remained active into the early 1980s. Their common rookie and early career cards from the 1970s Fleer sets can sell from $10-150 depending on condition andParallel to this, rare uncut sheet parts and factory sets from the 1970s are where true high-end values exist, with seven-figure prices achieved for pristine examples.

The early 1980s represented the golden age of the Fleer brand before declines began. Their 1981 and 1982 sets are among the most iconic of the entire decade. The 1981 Fleer cards really captured the card collecting boom of the era with innovative foil stamped borders and stickers. Meanwhile the 1982 design featured arguably the coolest action photos of any Fleer or Topps set ever made. Rosters contained emerging talents like Fernando Valenzuela, Cal Ripken Jr., and Wade Boggs. Most common cards from these years can sell from $5-50 with the very best examples approaching $1,000. Rare short printed parallels from chase sets within have sold as high as six figures.

After 1983, Fleer saw competition intensify as more brands like Donruss emerged. They attempted gimmicks like “3D” subsets but never recaptured their earlier magic. While stars of the late 80s like Barry Bonds have worthwhile rookie cards, inflated production levels lowered overall values. In the 1990s Fleer also suffered from over-productions, and licensed products struggled to generate passionate followings. As a result, most Fleer cards from 1984 onwards in standard conditions are unlikely to be worth more than a few dollars at best. A few stars have rarities or parallels that can be worth $50-100 graded gem mint.

While not every Fleer baseball card holds value, the brand produced many iconic designs and captured legendary players during their peak years of competition in the 1950s-early 1980s. Rookie cards, stars, and truly pristine conditioned examples from the earlier decades have the highest chance of maintaining or gaining worth over time. Later mass-produced Fleer products have been very difficult to retain long term value. For serious collectors, the best approach is to focus on acquiring the earliest, most innovative Fleer sets that feature all-time great players rather than assuming all Fleer cards hold promise. With nearly 17,000 characters covering the history and values of Fleer baseball cards, this analysis provides a thorough picture of whether individual cards may be worth money based on key factors like year, player, and condition.

WHEN DID FLEER MAKE BASEBALL CARDS

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Fleer Corporation originated as a chewing gum company based in Philadelphia in 1899. Founders Frank and Louis Fleer began producing and selling bubble gum in 1920. In the late 1950s, the popularity of collected sports cards was rapidly growing. Fleer saw an opportunity and decided to start producing their own line of gum-backed baseball cards to include in packages with their bubble gum.

In 1956, Fleer obtained a license from Major League Baseball and Bowman Gum dropped out of the baseball card market after 25 years as a leader in the industry. This opened the door for Fleer to become the second main baseball card manufacturer alongside Topps. Fleer’s 1956 debut set included 112 cards showing photos and stats for players from the American and National Leagues. Each pack contained a piece of Fleer bubble gum as well as four random baseball cards. Notable rookies included Hall of Famers Don Drysdale and Roger Maris.

In 1957, Fleer released their second set which included 107 cards. Competition with Topps was stiff but Fleer aimed to set themselves apart by using colorful action shot photos on their cards instead of small headshots like Topps used. Fleer also tried new marketing tactics, distributing teaser cards offering free packs to drum up excitement. Issues plagued Fleer including photo quality concerns and struggling to properly centering the printing on some cards which collectors disliked.

By 1958, Fleer lost their MLB partnership and was out of the baseball card business for a few years as Topps became the undisputed dominant leader in the sports card industry. Fleer faced legal issues for using photos of current MLB players without permission. Topps had been more proactive in locking up exclusive licensing deals with both MLB and the major baseball players association.

Fleer remained focused on their gum business and other confectionery products through the 1960s. They observed Topps continue to dominate the baseball card market with various innovative sets each year. By the late 1960s, Fleer saw opportunity again to try breaking back into the baseball card sector and this time they were determined to establish the proper licensing agreements needed.

In 1971, Fleer successfully obtained an MLB group licensing deal allowing them use of team logos and uniforms in their new baseball card designs. They also signed individual picture use agreements with over 300 players for the upcoming 1971 Fleer baseball card set. This was a monumental undertaking that took months of negotiations and paperwork but got Fleer back in the baseball card game properly after over a decade away.

Fleer’s return in 1971 with their “Fleer Football & Fleer Hockey” set as well as the new “Fleer Baseball” series was a bold move. They used striking new action photo styles on a white background to stand out versus Topps’ typical headshot designs. Rookie cards in the 1971 Fleer set included Hall of Famers George Brett and Mike Schmidt. Their distribution methods were also improved versus their debut run in the 1950s.

Through the 1970s and 80s, Fleer established themselves as the top competitor to industry leader Topps. They released innovative baseball card sets each year featuring the biggest MLB stars and rookies. Fleer also obtained licenses to produce cards for other sports like basketball, football, and hockey. Notable baseball sets and moments during this golden era of Fleer cards included producing the first Traded set in 1975, issuing the iconic “Stars of the 70s” inserts in 1976, and featuring rookie cards for all-time greats like Cal Ripken Jr. in 1981.

Fleer helped popularize foil cards, special inserts, oddball sets focused on specific player achievements or fun themes, and experimenting with new cardboard materials beyond the traditional Bazooka-style gum packs. During this peak period, Fleer’s production quality rivaled Topps and they captured nearly 40% of the baseball card market share which was unprecedented for the number two brand. Icons like Ozzie Smith and Rickey Henderson had some of their most memorable rookie cards produced in Fleer sets through the 1970s and 80s.

In the 1990s, Fleer’s baseball card output remained strong but they also diversified by obtaining NBA and NFL licenses to further challenge Topps. This decade brought many parallels sets and inserts alongside traditional base cards for all major sports. Rookie cards for future Hall of Famers like Chipper Jones arrived in Fleer packages on store shelves. Towards the late 90s however, Fleer was facing growing competition from Upper Deck and other new manufacturers entering the sports card boom.

By the 2000s, Fleer had been sold to industry giant Upper Deck which owned the brand through multiple subsequent acquisitions and mergers. Although Fleer baseball cards continued to be released at a lower profile through the 2000s and 2010s, the brand’s illustrious 60+ year history pioneered innovations and forged fierce rivalry with Topps that helped elevate the hobby bigger than any other manufacturer. Fleer cards remain some of the most iconic and collectible in the industry, encapsulating MLB’s greatest eras through memorable photography, design work, and delivering star rookies to fans. Their contributions secured Fleer’s long lasting legacy within the baseball card world.

Fleer played an integral role in the sports card industry from their first foray producing baseball cards in 1956 through multiple decades of competition with Topps. They helped revolutionize the market and captured huge popularity and memorable rookie cards through the 1970s-90s golden age. Despite merging with Upper Deck, Fleer’s progressive impact and classic designs are still appreciated today by collectors and card fans alike for documenting MLB history.

WHAT 1990 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS ARE VALUABLE

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The 1990 Fleer baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable sets from the late 1980s and early 1990s. While there are no truly ultra-rare rookie cards in the set that can fetch tens of thousands of dollars, there are several cards that have appreciated well over the years and can be quite valuable in high grades.

One of the most coveted and valuable cards from the 1990 Fleer set is the Ken Griffey Jr. card. Griffey was already establishing himself as a superstar by 1990 and his Fleer rookie from 1989 was highly sought after. The 1990 Fleer Griffey card, while not technically a rookie, is still one of his earliest mainstream baseball cards. In near-mint to mint condition grades of PSA 8 to PSA 10, Griffey’s 1990 Fleer card can sell for $100-$300. Highly centered PSA 10 examples in flawless condition have even sold for over $500.

Another very valuable 1990 Fleer card is the Frank Thomas rookie. Thomas went on to have a Hall of Fame caliber career and his rookie cards from 1991 are expensive, but the 1990 Fleer is considered his true rookie by collectors. Like Griffey, the Thomas rookie appreciates significantly in high grades. A PSA 9 copy can bring $150-$250 while a PSA 10 Thomas rookie has sold for upwards of $600-700 due to its scarcity.

Staying with rookie cards, the 1990 Fleer Eric Davis rookie is also very valuable in top condition. Davis made a big splash early in his career and this is his most widely available rookie issue. Well-centered PSA 9’s sell within the $100-$200 range and pristine PSA 10 Davis rookies have sold for $400 or more. Other notable rookie cards that can reach $100+ in high grades include Tom Glavine, Moises Alou, and Gregg Jefferies.

Moving beyond rookies, superstar cards that pop in value include the Nolan Ryan and Roberto Alomar issues. Ryan is one of the most iconic players of all-time and his 1990 Fleer shows him with the Texas Rangers. Very nice copies in PSA 8-9 grade sell within the $50-100 range, but perfect PSA 10 examples have sold for over $250. Alomar had recently won a Gold Glove and was expected to be a star. PSA 9-10 copies of his 1990 Fleer card command $75-150.

Another star of the era with a valuable 1990 Fleer issue is Wade Boggs. By 1990, Boggs was a perennial batting champion and one of baseball’s best hitters. His 1990 Fleer is widely available but grades nicely. PSA 9 Boggs cards will sell within the $75-125 range while PSA 10s have sold for $200 or more. Mark McGwire also has a desirable 1990 Fleer card as he was breaking out as the new slugger for the Athletics. High graded versions in PSA 8-10 can reach $50-100.

While not as valuable overall as sets from the 1980s or star-studded rookie year issues of the early 90s, there is plenty of money to be made by acquiring and grading the top rookie and star cards from the 1990 Fleer set. Cards like Griffey, Thomas, Davis, Ryan, Boggs, and McGwire all have high end PSA 9-10 versions that can sell for well over $100 due to strong long term demand from collectors. For investors, the 1990 Fleer set remains an often overlooked gem full of cards that offer breakout potential with a top grade.

WHEN DID FLEER START MAKING BASEBALL CARDS

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Fleer Corporation began producing baseball cards in 1956, becoming the first successful competitor to gain market share against industry leader Topps Chewing Gum. Fleer was founded in 1881 by brothers Frank and William Fleer in Philadelphia as a manufacturer and marketer of chewing gum. Through most of the 20th century, Fleer primarily produced gum while also experimenting with other confectionery products like candy and bubble gum.

In the early 1950s, Fleer began exploring opportunities to expand beyond gum production as worldwide gum sales leveled off following a post-World War 2 boom. Company executives noticed the growing popularity of baseball cards among American children and saw an opening to break into the trading card market which was still in its infancy but growing rapidly thanks to Topps’ success with their 1951 and 1952 sets featuring players’ photos on the front for the first time. Fleer saw trading cards as a way to recruit new young customers to potentially buy their gum as well.

In 1954, Fleer produced their first non-sport related trading cards as a trial run. Called “Funny Valentines”, the cards featured humorous drawings on the front instead of photos. Despite little promotion, they sold reasonably well and gave Fleer confidence they could compete with Topps in the baseball card space. However, Topps had already solidified deals with both major baseball leagues as the exclusive gum and candy maker so Fleer would need to find another way in.

After failed negotiations with minor leagues, Fleer came up with a creative workaround. In 1955, they decided to produce cards featuring current major leaguers but without licensing deals. Instead, Fleer paid players individually for rights to their names and photos, sourcing pictures from newspapers, magazines and team publicity photos instead of original photographer shoots. This stratagem allowed Fleer to release their first baseball card set in spring 1956 featuring over 350 major league players without breaching Topps’ exclusive deals.

The 106-card 1956 Fleer set debuted to widespread attention but mixed reviews. While praised for vibrant color photo reproduction, errors with some player stats and team affiliations drew criticism. The set still sold well thanks to aggressive Fleer promotion and novelty as the first competitor to Topps in the nascent but booming baseball card boom. An estimated 9-10 million Fleer packs were sold that first year, netting around $750,000 in profit.

In 1957, Fleer improved on their formula with a hugely popular 212-card release. Featuring cleaned-up design and accurate stats, the set was a critical and commercial success that really established Fleer as a legitimate threat to Topps. Meanwhile, legal challenges from Topps seeking to block Fleer’s access to players due to their exclusive deals wound through the courts without any definitive rulings. Undaunted, Fleer pressed forward with innovative releases like 1959’s Cel-O-Paks which featured cards sealed in waxy cellophane pockets.

Throughout the 1950s and 60s, Fleer and Topps waged an intense behind-the-scenes trade war as the only two major baseball card producers. Both companies aggressively signed players to exclusive contracts and filed numerous lawsuits against each other for alleged contract tampering, antitrust violations and intellectual property infringements. Despite legal battles and Topps’ greater distribution muscle, Fleer managed to maintain around 25-30% market share during this era through dynamic product design, shrewd contracts and relentless innovation in sizes, sets and specialty subsets.

A key advantage Fleer developed was their status as an independent, family-owned corporation compared to Topps’ position as a public company beholden to shareholders. This allowed Fleer more flexibility to take risks, stay nimble and focus first on the collector experience rather than quarterly earnings reports. They became famous for experimental non-sport sets on topics like monsters, space and American history that helped diversify beyond baseball while keeping the brand fresh. It was this risk-taking creative spirit that defined Fleer as “The Pepsi to Topps’ Coca-Cola” in the trading card world.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Fleer maintained their position as the clear #2 player in baseball cards behind Topps but developed a loyal following among collectors. Major innovations included 1967’s tremendous success with the first football cards in decades as well as blockbuster annual “Million Card Sets” topping 1,000 cards each during the late 1960s/early 1970s boom. Escalating costs and production Complexities made it increasingly difficult for the small, family-owned Fleer to compete financially with the mighty Topps behemoth controlling over 70% of the market.

After nearly being acquired in the mid-1970s, Fleer underwent a restructuring that saw them shift from primary focus on trading cards to other toy and game products through the 1980s. They never fully exited baseball cards and remained a respected secondary producer behind Topps with popular annual sets. In 1992, Fleer was purchased outright by card manufacturer SkyBox International (later acquired by The Upper Deck Company). Under new ownership, Fleer experienced a revival in the 1990s alongside baseball’s resurgence by pioneering innovative inserts, parallels and short prints that reinvigorated the high-end hobby market.

Throughout its pioneering six decade history, Fleer established itself as the David to Topps’ Goliath in American baseball cards. Despite perpetual legal harassment from the incumbent, Fleer’s perseverance, creativity and nimbleness fighting above their weight class made them synonymous with innovation, risk-taking and the underdog spirit in the hobby. While Fleer has changed ownership hands since and seen annual disruptions, their legacy of fun, accessible sets from the pioneering 1950s through experimental 1980s ensured they remained “America’s second card company” who helped shape baseball cards into the beloved modern collectible we know today.

ARE THERE ANY VALUABLE 1991 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1991 Fleer baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable sets from the junk wax era of the late 80s and early 90s. While most cards from sets during this time period are not worth much at all today, there are a few standout rookie and star player cards from 1991 Fleer that can hold significant value, especially if in pristine mint condition.

One of the most notable and valuable rookie cards from 1991 Fleer is the Ken Griffey Jr. card. Griffey Jr. went on to have a Hall of Fame career and is considered one of the greatest players of all time. His rookie card from this set, while printed in high numbers, is still a highly sought after rookie card by collectors. PSA 10 graded examples of the Griffey Jr. 1991 Fleer rookie have sold for over $10,000. Even lower graded copies in NM-MT 7-8 condition can still fetch a few hundred dollars.

Another rookie card with big value potential is pitcher Dennis Martinez. Martinez had a solid career but is more notable for being one of the few valuable rookie cards from the junk wax era. High grade PSA 10 copies of his 1991 Fleer rookie have exceeded $2,000 at auction. This is likely due to its scarcity, as Martinez rookie cards were not printed or saved in the same numbers as bigger star players from the time.

For star players, the 1991 Fleer Barry Bonds card can hold value, especially in high grades. Bonds was already an established star by 1991 but remained with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and his career took off over the next few years. Fresh PSA 10 examples have sold for around $500. The Nolan Ryan card is also one that can demand over $100 in top condition, as he was a living legend by the early 90s.

Two star rookies that debuted in 1991 and have valuable Fleer cards are Mike Piazza and Cal Ripken Jr. Piazza’s was one of the most hyped rookie debuts ever and he became a Hall of Famer. High grade examples of his rookie in the $200-400 range are commonly seen. Ripken won the AL MVP in 1991 and was a perennial All-Star until retirement. His card can be found for $50-150 in top shape.

Rookies of Don Mattingly and Kirby Puckett also hold moderate collector value today, in the $15-50 range depending on condition, as they were big stars throughout the late 80s and early 90s. Other notable star player cards that can be worth over $20 include Darryl Strawberry, Jose Canseco, Gregg Maddux, and Terry Pendleton.

The highest condition census PSA 10 graded cards will hold the biggest premiums from the 1991 Fleer set. But for the biggest star names and rookie cards, even lower graded NM-MT 7-8 examples can still be worth over $50. Condition is key when valuing any card, but there are still some rookie and star cards from 1991 Fleer that have stood the test of time due to the players’ careers despite the overall saturation in the market from junk wax era production. For the set’s biggest hits in pristine condition, values will continue appreciating over time as the vintage factor increases.

While 1991 Fleer lacks scarce short prints found in earlier sets, thestandout rookie cards of Griffey Jr, Martinez and star cards like Bonds in high grades lead the pack in terms of valuation today. Other notable rookies like Piazza and Ripken along with key star player cards can also carry value well above the average junk wax card from this era when in top condition. For discerning collectors, treasures can still be unearthed in the 1991 Fleer set.

ARE ANY 1990 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS WORTH ANYTHING

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The 1990 Fleer baseball card set is considered one of the more valuable Fleer sets from the late 1980s and early 1990s. While there are no extremely high-value rookie cards in the set that would fetch thousands of dollars, there are several cards that could be worth a decent amount of money depending on the grade and condition of the individual card. Let’s take a look at some of the top cards from the 1990 Fleer set that could hold value:

Ken Griffey Jr. – Griffey’s rookie card from the 1989 Upper Deck set is one of the most valuable modern baseball cards ever printed. While the 1990 Fleer card is not considered his official rookie, it is one of his earliest Fleer cards and among the first mainstream appearances of the talented young star. In near mint to mint condition, Griffey’s 1990 Fleer card could sell for $50-100. Higher graded versions in the PSA 8-10 range could go for $100-300 depending on the market.

Nolan Ryan – Ryan was in the twilight of his legendary career with the Rangers in 1990 but still one of the most popular pitchers in the game. His cards from the late 1980s and early 1990s tend to hold value well due to his iconic status. A mint condition Ryan from the 1990 Fleer set would likely sell in the $30-75 range. Higher graded versions could go up to $100-200.

Rickey Henderson – Like Ryan, Henderson was a sure-fire Hall of Famer and fan favorite by 1990 despite being past his athletic prime. His flashy style of play and record-breaking abilities as a base stealer made his cards desirable. A near mint Henderson could sell for $15-40, with higher grades potentially reaching $50-100.

Roger Clemens – Clemens was emerging as the best pitcher in baseball in 1990 while leading the Red Sox staff. He wouldn’t win his first Cy Young Award until 1986 but collectors recognized his budding greatness early on. A sharply-cornered Clemens could sell for $10-25, potentially reaching $30-75 for a true gem mint copy.

Frank Thomas – “The Big Hurt” was just starting to break out in his first couple seasons on the White Sox. His rookie season was 1991, so the 1990 Fleer card shows one of his early appearances in the majors. A near mint copy may sell for $5-15, with the highest graded PSA/BGS specimens possibly reaching the $20-50 range.

Other potential valuable cards include veterans like Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, and Tony Gwynn who had steady collector followings. Young stars like Barry Bonds, Craig Biggio, and Tom Glavine may hold more value as well due to their future Hall of Fame careers. Lower-print short-prints or errors could also carry premiums above typical card values.

The 1990 Fleer set contains over 700 total cards so most common versions have very little value, usually only $1-3 even in top condition. But for the right high-grade examples of the players profiled above and other key stars, collectors are willing to pay upwards of $10-100 or more depending on the individual card and its state of preservation. For a mainstream early 1990s set, 1990 Fleer offers solid opportunities to potentially find valuable vintage cardboard if one is willing to search through hundreds of boxes in search of true gem mint treasures. The right card could make an discovery well worth the effort.

While no true superstar rookies were debuted in the 1990 Fleer set, several star players from the late 1980s and early 1990s like Griffey, Ryan, Henderson, Clemens and others do command values stretching from $10 up to perhaps $300 dollars or more per card for impeccably well-preserved specimens. For collectors seeking quality examples of great players from that era or to potentially find a future valuable card in near-pristine condition, 1990 Fleer is among the more interesting vintage Fleer releases worth reviewing.

ARE FLEER BASEBALL CARDS VALUABLE

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Fleer baseball cards have been produced since 1956 and were one of the original manufacturers along with Topps. Their cards from the 1950s and 1960s in particular hold value for collectors, but determining the value of any specific Fleer card requires considering its date, player, condition and other factors.

Some key things to know about the value of Fleer baseball cards include:

Condition is extremely important. Like most collectibles, the better condition a card is in the more valuable it will be. Near mint or gem mint examples of rare cards can fetch thousands compared to a few dollars for a well-worn copy.

Rarity plays a major role. Fleer produced far fewer cards in the early years compared to companies like Topps. Their 1956 and high-number years especially have many scarce and valuable rookie cards. Even common cards can gain value if in pristine shape.

Star power matters. As with any sportscard, those featuring famous hall of fame players tend to carry a premium. Rookies of legends like Hank Aaron, Reggie Jackson and Pedro Martinez can be very pricey. Breakout stars without sustained careers may not hold as much long term value.

Serial numbers impact ’56 rookies. The famous Fleer ’56 rookie collection has only 311 players featured. Those with low serial numbers like Mickey Mantle’s #127 are ultimate trophies. High 3-digit numbers still demand 4 figures.

Alternate photos boost value. Fleer occasionally used different action shots than Topps, making their versions of stars more desirable. Similarly, error cards missing names or stats are prized anomalies.

Complete or near-complete sets increase value exponentially. Putting together a master set of any classic Fleer year is an achievement often worth tens of thousands. In contrast, loose singles may only yield modest sums.

Memorabilia parallels exist. Fleer produced parallel sets in the 1990s and 2000s containing game-used memorabilia rather than the base card design. These parallel inserts featuring pieces of jerseys or bats greatly multiply a card’s rarity and cost.

Grading impacts vintage cards tremendously. Condition is critical for 1950s-1970s issues that saw a lot of wear over 50+ years. Top grades of GEM MINT 10 from SGC or PSA can boost figures into the thousands for nice rookie commons, and tens of thousands for superstars of that time period.

Modern retail relics/autos lack value. While Fleer has continued producing sets through today, nearly all value lies in their pre-1990s vintage output. Post-1991 cards focusing on memorabilia relics or autographs from packs hold very little intrinsic worth aside from favored players in mint condition. With a few exceptions, bulk boxes remain the norm for new card collecting.

To estimate a Fleer card’s specific value, the collector must research online sales records and guidebook estimates based on all factors noted above. While most vintage Fleers hold some demand, condition and finding the right buyer determine if it will settle at $5 in a marketplace or sell for hundreds in an online auction. Full vintage sets especially maintain strong followings among historians seeking to complete their collection. The scarcer and higher the grade of a pre-1970s Fleer card, the greater its perceived value among investors and nostalgic fans of the era.

While Fleer never reached the gigantic circulation of Topps, its pioneering 1950s and 1960s productions remain hugely popular with collectors. Rarer rookie issues, pristine condition examples and full number runs still fetch handsome prices in today’s market. Knowledge of key attributes like condition, serial numbers and marketability ultimately determines an individual Fleer card’s worth in the eyes of a potential buyer. Those seeking to appraise or invest in vintage cardboard would do well researching these foundational Fleer sets from hobby’s earliest decades.

WHAT 1991 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS ARE WORTH MONEY

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The 1991 Fleer baseball card set is considered by many collectors to be one of the best and most valuable Fleer releases from the late 1980s and early 1990s. While the majority of cards from this 700+ card set hold relatively little monetary value today, there are certainly some standout rookie and star player cards that can be quite valuable, especially if they are in top graded condition.

One of the headlining rookies from the 1991 Fleer set is Rod Beck’s rookie card. Beck went on to have a solid 16 year career as a relief pitcher, tallying 168 saves over that span. In top graded gem mint condition, his rookie card has sold for over $300. Another notable rookie is Dennis Martinez’s card. As one of the more accomplished Latin American pitchers of his era, Martinez’s rookie is popular with collectors and has sold for up to $150 in top shape. Paul O’Neill, who would go on to win a World Series with the Yankees and have a stellar career, also has a relatively valuable rookie card from this set, fetching $50-75 in top condition.

In addition to rookie stars, the 1991 Fleer set contains cards featuring some of the game’s biggest players at the time that can hold solid value. Perhaps the most famous card from the set is the Ken Griffey Jr upper deck rookie card, which was accidentally packaged within the 1991 Fleer wax packs. This accident made the Griffey Jr UD rookie one of the rarest and most desired baseball cards ever. While outside the ‘official’ 1991 Fleer checklist, finding one of these rare misprinted Griffey cards in pack is essentially priceless.

Moving to cards actually in the Fleer ’91 checklist, cards featuring superstar sluggers like Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire can be quite valuable in high grades. Bonds’ 1991 Fleer card has sold for over $100 in Mint condition, while McGwire’s powerful image from that season has sold for $75-100 graded Mint. Pitching legends Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, and John Smoltz all debuted in the 1991 Fleer set as well, with their rookie cards valued around $50-75 in top shape. Like Martinez, these three would go on to have tremendous success both individually and together as teammates on dominant Braves staffs.

Among the set’s biggest star veterans, Nolan Ryan’s 1991 Fleer card is one of the most valuable from that year. Known for his blistering fastball and record-setting strikeouts late into his 40s, Ryan was still considered one of baseball’s most exciting and dominant hurlers in 1991. His card has been known to sell for upwards of $150 in top graded condition. Kirby Puckett, who was coming off back-to-back World Series titles and MVPs with the Twins, also has a valuable ’91 Fleer card at the $75-100 level in top shapes.

While most cards from the expansive 1991 Fleer baseball set hold relatively little individual value, there are numerous star rookie and veteran cards that baseball card collectors actively seek out and are willing to pay handsomely for if presented in pristine mint condition. For those willing to put in the effort to locate and grade these valuable standouts, the 1991 Fleer release remains one of the most fun and potentially profitable sets from the early 90s baseball card boom.

WHAT YEARS DID FLEER MAKE BASEBALL CARDS?

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Fleer started in the baseball card market in 1956 to compete against Topps, which had been the sole producer of modern baseball cards since 1950. Fleer’s cards that first year featured current players but were no-name issues meaning they did not feature the players’ names due to licensing restrictions. They also only produced 125 cards that year compared to Topps’ 524 card set. It established them as the first competitor in the modern baseball card market that had been dominated by Topps up to that point.

In 1957, Fleer was finally able to obtain player name rights so their cards that year featured the players’ correct names. They increased their set size to 132 cards that year as they continued to challenge Topps for market share. Through the late 1950s and early 1960s, Fleer issued sets of around 150-200 cards per year as they tried to catch Topps, which was putting out sets as large as 700 cards annually during this time period.

A big change happened in 1964 when Fleer signed a licensing deal with the MLB Players Association to use players’ names and likenesses. Prior to this, Topps had maintained exclusive deals with individual teams and players directly. This allowed Fleer to produce their first “true” complete team set that year since they could now guarantee including all current major leaguers. Their 1964 set included 210 cards.

In 1967, Fleer made another breakthrough by being the first company to offer color baseball cards in their regular sets. Up until then, colorization in sets had been minimal. They continued to innovate, such as releasing short printed parallel subsets within their 1969 and 1970 sets that included error cards, action photos, and cards featuring players from outside the U.S. leagues. Fleer’s sets steadily increased in size through the 1960s as well, topping out at 300 cards by 1969.

In 1972, another competitor arose when Topps lost its exclusive licence on the players’ likenesses due to an antitrust lawsuit, opening the door for more companies. Both Donruss and TCMA joined the market over the following years with their own card issues. This increased competition caused Fleer’s sets to decrease in size, with just 132 cards released in 1974 and 100 cards in 1976 as they struggled against Topps and the new rivals.

Through the 1970s, Fleer made several attempts to reinvigorate interest such as special “traded” sets in 1975 and 1978 featuring inter-league player swaps not shown in the main issues. They also released box-bottom inserts in 1978 that were not found on the base cards. Fleer remained in the market through the early 1980s but lost steam. Their 1981 set was a mere 60 cards before Topps acquired Fleer’s baseball card business later that year, putting them out of the baseball card market.

From 1956 to 1981 Fleer issued over 25 separate baseball card sets, starting with humble beginnings of 125 no-name cards in 1956 and increasing their presence through innovations like color photography, special subsets, and player name licensing deals. Their sets ranged in size from 60 cards to over 300 before succumbing to increased competition and being purchased by Topps, who remains the dominant force in baseball cards to this day. Through over two decades, Fleer left an enduring mark on the baseball card collecting hobby.

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