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MOST VALUABLE GEORGE BRETT BASEBALL CARDS

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George Brett was one of the greatest third basemen in baseball history during his decades long career with the Kansas City Royals from 1973 to 1993. Brett established himself as a true hitting machine, winning numerous batting titles while cementing his status as an all-time great. Unsurprisingly, many of Brett’s vintage rookie and career defining baseball cards hold significant monetary value today for savvy collectors. Let’s explore some of the most prized and priciest George Brett cards.

1973 Topps #496 Rookie Card – Brett made his major league debut in 1973 with the Royals and was featured in that year’s Topps set. High quality PSA 10 or BGS 9.5+ graded versions of this iconic rookie card frequently sell for over $10,000. With its classic design, starring one of the best hitters of his generation, and the allure of a true rookie issue, the ’73 Topps Brett remains hugely desirable for collectors decades later. Condition is critical, as lower grade copies can be acquired for just a few hundred dollars.

1974 Topps #260 – Brett’s ascension continued in 1974 when he posted his first of many stellar seasons, batting .301 with 13 home runs and 71 RBI. This sophomore issue from Topps’ iconic design era regularly changes hands for $3,000-5,000 in top condition. Demand is strong for any mint condition vintage Brett cards from the mid-1970s as he began to establish himself as an offensive force. Solid mint copies can often be found for $1,000-2,000 even in lower grades like PSA 8.

1980 Topps Traded #T98 – Brett won his first of three career batting titles in 1980, leading the American League with a sizzling .390 average to capture his first AL batting crown. This coveted traded set insert features one of Brett’s most memorable seasons and is understandably quite collectible. High grade PSA 10 examples command $5,000+, with solid PSA 8s selling around the $1,500 mark. It remains among the costliest Brett cards from the early years of his all-star career.

1981 Donruss #132 – Brett followed up his 1980 heroics with another huge season in 1981, clubbing 30 home runs and driving in 118 runs while batting .303. This rare Donruss issue from the brand’s short-lived initial baseball card run immediately after Topps lost its baseball monopoly is one of the true Brett keys for collectors. An undefeated PSA 10 recently sold for nearly $10,000, though most grade out in the $1,500-3,000 range depending on condition. It’s a true Brett collector grail.

1983 Fleer #336 – Brett’s famous “pine tar” home run controversy occurred in 1983, adding to his already swelling legend and raising interest in cards from that historic period. This beautifully photographed Fleer issue of Brett swinging is enormously popular with fans and investors alike due to its subject matter. High grades routinely sell for $1,000-2,000, with a PSA 10 recently bringing over $5,000 at auction. Overall demand and appreciation for this defining Brett moment make it a core holding.

1984 Donruss #158 – Brett had another excellent season in 1984, batting .314 with 22 home runs and 80 RBI. This showcase issue features a classic Donruss Brett photo and design from the brand’s heyday in the early-to-mid 1980s. PSA 10 conditions are extremely scarce and have sold for up to $6,000. Even in lower grades like PSA 8 this key 1980s card can net $1,000 due to its scarcity and Brett’s enduring popularity.

1985 Donruss #256 – Brett followed up 1984 with yet another standout campaign, batting .318 with 17 home runs and 66 RBI and winning the inaugural Donruss Player of the Year award. This superbly centered snapshot may be the finest looking regular Brett issue from the mid-1980s. A recent PSA 10 brought nearly $5,000, but lower graded copies can often be found in the $500-1,000 range depending on condition. This defines high-end Brett cardboard from his prime playing days.

1986 Topps Traded #T100 Gold Border – Brett was traded to American League powerhouse Oakland toward the end of the 1986 season after 15 illustrious years with Kansas City. This extremely rare gold-border traded set parallel features Brett in his lone season with the A’s. It remains one of the toughest regular season Brett cards to acquire in any grade due to the parallel’s limited print run. The single PSA 10 graded thus far sold for a staggering $16,000 back in 2012. Needless to say, gold parallels are among the crown jewels of any Brett collection.

1991 Topps Traded #TT60H – Brett closed out his Hall of Fame career with the Royals from 1989-1993 after returning from his lone season in Oakland. This impressive holiday parallel depicts Brett during his farewell campaign and contains generous gold foilping bordering. Low pop PSA 10s of this insert sell in the $2,000 range, but even well-worn copies still carry value around $300. A fitting final prized Brett card to round out any vintage collector’s holdings.

High grade vintage issues of George Brett especially from the iconic 1970s/1980s period are among the most blue chip baseball cards one can own from that golden era. As one of the best hitters in MLB history and a true Kansas City icon, Brett cards from defining seasons and rare parallels will likely only continue climbing in value with time. Collectors would be wise to snap up the best conditioned examples they can find of these all-time great players’ seminal cardboard before they become even more unobtainable for the average fan.

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GEORGE BRETT BASEBALL CARDS

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George Brett had a legendary Hall of Fame career spanning from 1973 to 1993 that made him one of the most collectible and popular players among baseball card collectors. As the all-time leading hitter for the Kansas City Royals franchise with a .305 career batting average, Brett dazzled fans with his talent and produced some of the most iconic baseball card images from the 1970s through early 1990s.

One of the earliest and most desirable George Brett rookie cards comes from the 1974 Topps set, of which he has card #594. As a rookie that season, Brett showed flashes of stardom by hitting .282 with 13 home runs and 47 RBI in only 97 games played. It was in the following few seasons that Brett really started to emerge as a superstar, which is why his 1974 rookie card remains a key piece in any serious baseball card collection focused on Brett. In pristine mint condition, examples of Brett’s 1974 Topps rookie in a PSA/BGS 10 gem grade can fetch over $10,000 today.

The peak of George Brett’s card collecting popularity came during the late 1970s and early 1980s when he was dominating batting titles and the Royals were contending for championships. His 1977 Topps card #198 is one of the iconic images from that set, showing Brett in a head-on batting stance with his signature high socks. That 1977 season was Brett’s breakout, as he hit .333 with 23 home runs and 102 RBIs to finish third in MVP voting. High graded versions of his 1977 Topps card can sell for over $1,000.

Brett took home his first American League batting title in 1980 with a league-leading .390 average, making his cards from that season highly sought after. Whether it’s his 1980 Topps (#510), Donruss (#60), or Fleer (#288) issues, these capture Brett at the height of his abilities during one of his finest individual seasons. Mid-grade examples can be found for $200-500, while gem mint 10 copies can sell for thousands due to Brett’s undisputed excellence and popularity that season.

October 1980 also saw Brett produce one of the most iconic moments in postseason history with his “Pine Tar Incident” home run against the Yankees. While the home run was controversially taken away, the drama of that at-bat has live on forever, especially on the relic cards featuring game-used pine tar bat pieces from Brett’s iconic lumber. Even regular issue cards from later in the decade like his 1984 Topps (#98), 1986 Fleer Update (#U10), and 1988 Topps Traded (#T43-T59) remain popular for collectors due to Brett’s steady excellence.

The late 1980s was the twilight of Brett’s career, but he was still churning out All-Star caliber seasons. His 1989 Upper Deck (#146) and 1990 Score (#393) issues that showed Brett’s evolution into a veteran slugger still resonate today due to the quality of photography and rarity of those particular 1989-1990 releases. Brett would hit his 3000th career hit on September 29, 1992 to cemented his legacy as one of baseball’s trueIron Men of consistency and excellence at the plate. His final season cards in 1993 affirmed his once-in-a-generation greatness, like his final flagship Topps issue (#353).

Post-retirement, Brett’s legend lived on through commemorative and retro-style inserts specially highlighting his career. Popular modern issues include 1999 Topps Cooperstown Collection Century Set (#CC15), 2006 Topps Allen & Ginter Mini (#88), and 2013 Topps Update Heritage High Numbers (#132). Autograph and memorabilia cards of Brett from the past few decades also command strong prices due to his enduring fan popularity as a franchise icon for Kansas City and hitter of the game’s golden age in the 1970s and 1980s.

In summary, George Brett redefined consistency and excellence at the plate during his 21-year career. The remarkable longevity and production he exhibited has made him one of the most collectible players in the hobby from both vintage and modern issues. Brett’s array of iconic baseball cards perfectly captures the evolution of a true 5-tool Hall of Famer who was beloved by Royals fans and respected throughout the sport. Top graded examples from his 1974 rookie season through his final seasons in the early 1990s can demand prices of $500-$10,000 or more, while more common issues remain highly sought after by collectors even decades later due to “Stormin’ Norman’s” unparalleled talent and will to win. George Brett forever left his mark on the game, and his legendary card collection offers fans an affordable way to experience and remember that excellence.

GEORGE BRETT LIST OF BASEBALL CARDS

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George Brett had a long and illustrious baseball career spanning from 1973 to 1993 that saw him become one of the greatest third basemen in MLB history with the Kansas City Royals. Naturally, Brett’s on-field accomplishments translated to tremendous popularity and demand for his baseball cards throughout his playing days and beyond. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most significant and valuable baseball cards featuring George Brett over the years.

1973 Topps George Brett (Rookie Card) – Brett’s rookie card came in the 1973 Topps set during his first season in the majors. The card features a color photo of a young Brett in a Royals uniform. High-grade graded versions of this rookie card in mint condition have sold for over $20,000 in recent years, reflecting Brett’s status as a true baseball legend and Hall of Famer. Even well-worn copies still trade hands for several hundred dollars. This rookie card started the journey of chronicling one of the game’s great careers.

1980 Topps George Brett – Brett’s 1980 Topps card commemorates one of the finest individual seasons by a hitter in baseball history. In 1980, Brett batted an astounding .390 en route to winning the American League batting title. He became only the second player since Ted Williams in 1941 to hit over .390. High-grade versions of this iconic card have sold for over $4,000. It captures Brett at the peak of his powers and remains one of his most visually striking and historically significant cards.

1985 Topps Sticker George Brett – The 1985 Topps set featured “sticker” parallel cards that could be placed on surfaces. Brett’s sticker card from this issue stands out due to its unique sticker format and the fact it depicts Brett during one of his best seasons statistically. He batted .335 with 22 home runs and 99 RBIs. High-quality examples in near-mint condition have sold for over $500 given its novelty as a sticker parallel.

1989 Upper Deck #1 Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie / George Brett – This dual rookie card featuring Ken Griffey Jr. and Brett was the most sought-after card when the innovative Upper Deck brand shook up the baseball card industry in 1989. Brett was still contributing as the Royals’ all-time hits leader at this point. PSA 10 gem mint versions have changed hands for $3,000 or more over the years. It brought two all-time greats together in one historic rookie card issue.

1991 Score George Brett “Final Season” Career Summary – Brett’s final major league season was 1991 at age 38. Score commemorated the occasion with this “final season” career retrospective card looking back on Brett’s career highlights to that point. It marks the official end of one of baseball’s great third basemen. Higher grade copies have sold for around $150-$200 given its significance as a bookend to Brett’s Hall of Fame career.

1997 Pacific Wrestling Legend George Brett – In a bizarre footnote, Pacific trading cards produced a series dedicated to “Wrestling Legends” in 1997 that included Brett. While humorous given Brett’s actual sport, the card is a true oddity. Brett himself even found it amusing and signed examples for fans. A signed copy would certainly be a conversation piece for any collector.

2001 Upper Deck Legends George Brett – Released a decade after Brett’s retirement, this card was part of an Upper Deck tribute set honoring legendary players from past eras. It encapsulates Brett’s incredible career accomplishments as one of the Royals’ most prolific hitters and a true ambassador of the game. Higher quality PSA/BGS graded versions have traded hands for $100 or more.

2006 Topps Allen & Ginter Mini George Brett – Topps paid homage to Brett with this mini card parallel released in the premium 2006 Allen & Ginter set long after his playing days. Measuring a mere 1″ tall, it’s more of a novelty but still features one of Brett’s classic early Royals photos. Even low-grade copies can fetch $20-30 based on Brett’s name value alone.

In summary, George Brett’s iconic playing career and Hall of Fame credentials have translated to tremendous interest and secondary market value for his baseball cards across different decades and brands. While his 1970s rookie cards and peak 1980 Topps issue command the highest prices, virtually any card featuring Brett retains collector interest. He remains one of the most celebrated and collectible players of his era. Tracking the visual chronology of Brett’s career through his vintage and vintage-style cards is a compelling journey for any baseball card enthusiast.

BASEBALL CARDS GEORGE BRETT

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George Brett is widely considered one of the greatest third basemen in Major League Baseball history. He spent his entire 21-year career with the Kansas City Royals from 1973 to 1993. Brett was an extremely consistent and durable player who put up Hall of Fame worthy numbers. Not surprisingly, he has been featured prominently on numerous baseball cards over the years.

One of Brett’s earliest baseball cards came from his rookie season in 1973 when he was featured in the Topps set. This was during the early stages of Brett’s career when he was still establishing himself in the big leagues. The 1973 Topps Brett card shows him in a Royals uniform from the waist up with his batting stance. It captured a young Brett at the beginning of what would become a legendary career. This rookie card of Brett is still popular with collectors today given it was one of the first to feature him as a big leaguer.

Perhaps Brett’s most iconic baseball card appearance came on his 1980 Topps card. This was arguably the peak of Brett’s playing career as he was coming off winning the American League batting title in 1980 with a stellar .390 batting average. The 1980 season is still considered one of the greatest individual offensive campaigns in MLB history. Brett’s 1980 Topps card reflected his superstar status at the time by featuring a close-up head shot of him in full Royals uniform. It highlighted his intense competitive expression that baseball fans had become familiar with over the years. This particular Brett card from 1980 remains one of the most sought after and valuable in the hobby given it memorialized one of the game’s all-time great seasons.

Another extremely popular George Brett baseball card was issued in 1981 by Topps. This card came on the heels of Brett’s historic 1980 season and captured him in the midst of continuing his outstanding production at the plate. The 1981 Topps Brett card showed him from the waist up in his batting stance with his trademark high socks. It exemplified the smooth lefty swing that made Brett such a feared hitter for nearly two decades in the big leagues. This card further cemented Brett’s status as a true superstar and is still a highly collectible item for fans and investors.

In addition to his regular issue Topps cards throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Brett also made several notable appearances in the annual Topps Traded set. These traded cards were inserted randomly in wax packs and featured key players photographed with different uniforms or in unique posed shots. Brett received Traded cards in 1979, 1982, 1983 and 1984 from Topps that showcased alternative images outside of his typical Royals batting stance. The 1979 Traded Brett pictured him signing autographs while dressed in street clothes. Meanwhile, the 1982, 1983 and 1984 versions had Brett modeling various Royals jerseys in posed shots. These Traded cards added to the Brett collection and intrigue for devoted fans and collectors.

Brett achieved several major career milestones in the late 1980s that garnered special recognition on baseball cards. In 1985, he collected his 2,000th career hit which Topps commemorated with a special sticker card insert. Then in 1987, Brett slammed his 300th career home run and Topps issued a separate highlighted card to mark the occasion. Perhaps most notably, Brett’s 1989 Upper Deck card celebrated him reaching the 3,000 hit plateau, making him just the second player ever to accomplish the feat. These milestone cards captured Brett achieving some of the game’s most exclusive and historic records.

While primarily known for his Topps cards in the 1970s-80s, Brett also had a few memorable appearances in other brands over the years. He was featured in the 1981 Fleer set wearing a Royals batting practice jersey in an action shot at the plate. Then in 1992, the final year of his career, Brett’s baseball cards could be found in the Stadium Club and Leaf sets in portrait and action photos. Even after retirement, Brett continued to be included in annual tribute sets by Topps and others honoring his legendary career.

In addition to his standard issue cards, Brett garnered special limited edition releases later on that were highly sought after by collectors. In 1999, Upper Deck issued a gold parallel card of Brett’s iconic 1980 season numbered to just 1980 copies. Then in 2000, Playoff Premium produced a 1/1 plate card featuring a regal portrait of Brett in a Royals uniform that was hand numbered and autographed. In 2009, Topps released five exquisite rookie signature cards of Brett that were hand signed, encapsulated and numbered to only 5 copies each. These ultra-premium Brett cards commanded enormous price tags given their extreme scarcity and historical subject.

While no longer an active player, George Brett’s legacy and impact on the game of baseball continues to be recognized. In 2007, he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame receiving 98.2% of the vote in his first year of eligibility. This cemented his status as one of the all-time greats. Brett’s baseball cards from his playing days in the 1970s and 80s remain some of the most iconic and valuable in the hobby. They captured all the excitement and history from one of the greatest third basemen to ever play. As long as baseball endures, George Brett’s accomplishments and featured cards will always have a cherished place among fans and collectors. He is truly one of the most memorable and decorated players to be spotlighted on cardboard over the decades.

GEORGE BRETT BASEBALL CARDS WORTH

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George Brett is considered one of the greatest third basemen in Major League Baseball history. The Hall of Famer spent his entire 21-year career with the Kansas City Royals from 1973 to 1993. Brett was an elite contact hitter who won American League batting titles in 1976, 1980, and 1990. He also drove in over 100 runs five times and topped the league in doubles twice. Given his legendary status and longevity in Kansas City, George Brett cards hold significant value, especially for his early career and rookie cards.

One of the most desirable George Brett rookie cards is his 1973 Topps card. This is considered his true rookie as it was his first issued baseball card appearing in a Topps set during his rookie season. In mint condition, graded MINT 9 or higher byProfessional Sports Authenticator (PSA), 1973 Topps George Brett rookie cards can sell for $10,000 or more. Even in EX-MT condition at a PSA grade of 5, these rookie cards still trade hands for $2,000-$3,000. The 1973 issue had a standard design and photo of Brett in a Royals uniform from that season.

Another coveted early Brett card is his 1974 Topps card. While not officially a rookie card, it captured Brett early in his career before his breakout seasons. PSA 10 examples have sold for $6,000, with PSA 8 copies reaching $1,500. The 1974 design differed from 1973 with quad photos and team logos above the players’ heads. This card documented Brett’s continued progress as he played in 102 games his second season.

Brett’s true breakout season came in 1976 when he batted .333 to win the American League batting title at age 23. This established value for his 1976 Topps and other 1976-77 issued cards. A PSA 10 1976 Topps Brett in pristine condition can bring as much as $1,800. In rougher condition the card still retains value of a few hundred dollars even at lower PSA grades.

In fall 1976, Topps released its seventh series featuring the playoff and World Series teams after the regular season ended. The 1976 SSP Topps George Brett is one of his scarcest and most challenging to find in high grade. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $4,000, showing the cachet of Brett cards depicting his peak playing years and success.

Brett’s most acclaimed season came in 1980 when he hit .390, becoming the first player since Ted Williams in 1941 to finish a qualification season over .390. This cemented Brett as a true superstar and elevated the value of his contemporary baseball cards, especially from 1979-80. In PSA 10 condition, his 1979 Topps Brett can fetch around $1,000. But it’s his iconic 1980 Topps Brett, graded PSA 10 of course, that commands the highest prices – recently selling for around $7,500. Even at PSA 8, the 1980 Topps Brett goes for $800 or more.

The ultra-rare 1980 O-Pee-Chee Brett rookie/rookie variation also gained greater recognition after 1980. Considered a true rookie even though Brett debuted in 1973, high-grade examples with the correctuniform reversal fetch north of $12,000 in PSA 10. This parallel Canadian issue pictured Brett wearing a button-down chest protector instead of the normal pullover style. Only an estimated 100 copies are extant in pristine 10 condition.

Brett continued producing at an All-Star level throughout the 1980s. His 1985 Topps Starr Rookie Reprint parallel portrays Brett from an iconic 1981 Topps card in a Redux style. PSA 10 versions have brought around $1,500, reflecting renewed interest in this insert over a decade after Brett’s big season. Similarly, Brett’s 1984 Fleer Update card sold for $750 in PSA 10 condition given its scarce printing quantities and depiction of his enduring greatness for Kansas City.

In 1990 at age 38, Brett produced one of the unlikeliest feats of his career by batting .329 to claim his third career AL batting title. To honor this late-career resurgence, Upper Deck released a special “1990 Batting Champion” parallel card numbered to 1990 copies. Pristine PSA 10 specimens realize $400-$500 in the market. Brett’s standard 1990 Upper Deck issue also holds value reflecting this batting title season, reaching $150 in PSA 10 NM-MT condition.

The record 3,154 hits Brett accumulated made him a lock for the Baseball Hall of Fame class of 1999. To commemorate his induction, various manufacturers issued special Brett Hall of Fame parallel cards. A PSA 10 1999 Upper Deck Hall of Fame Inductee parallel sold for around $250. A 1998 Industrial Nation Hall of Fame Parallel numbered to 1,000 copies brought $150 in PSA 10 as well.

In conclusion, George Brett established himself as not only a Kansas City Royals icon but one of the best offensive Third Basemen in MLB annals. The longevity and accolades attained in his career translate to value for virtually all of his vintage baseball cards from the 1970s and 1980s. Brett’s earliest rookie cards and issues from his statistical crowning achievements in 1976, 1980 and 1990 tend to command the highest prices today, often reaching the thousands of dollars in top PSA 10 condition for truly investment-grade specimens. But across the board, George Brett cards represent a worthwhile baseball collectible with strong enthusiast demand.

PSA BASEBALL CARDS 1975 TOPPS GEORGE BRETT

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The 1975 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic releases in the entire history of the hobby. It was during this era that superstars like Pete Rose, Hank Aaron, and Reggie Jackson dominated the sport. One rising star shone exceptionally bright – that was Kansas City Royals third baseman George Brett. Brett burst onto the MLB scene in 1973 and immediately established himself as one of the premier players in the American League. By 1975, the 23 year old Brett was coming off his first All-Star appearance and looking to cement his status as the face of the Royals franchise for years to come. It is Brett’s impressive rookie card from the revered ’75 Topps set that has become one of the hobby’s most coveted and valuable pieces.

Brett’s eye-catching rookie card features a clean photo of him standing in his bright powder blue Royals uniform with the team name arched above his head. He has a serious but determined expression on his face as he prepares to step up to the plate at Kauffman Stadium. The minimalist yet photogenic design established Brett as a budding superstar even before the stats on the back of his card could tell his story. In only his third MLB season in 1975, Brett hit .282 with 17 home runs and 77 RBI. He also stole 13 bases showing off his burgeoning five-tool talents. While certainly impressive numbers, they were just the beginning of what would become a Hall of Fame career for arguably the greatest third baseman in Royals history.

As Brett’s legend grew over the next decade, so too did interest and demand for his flagship Topps rookie card. Every additional All-Star appearance, batting title, and standout postseason performance only served to increase collectibility. Brett would go on to capture the American League batting crown in 1976, 1980, and 1990. He won the World Series with Kansas City in 1985 and established himself has having one of the sweetest swings in baseball. By the late 1970s, Brett’s ’75 rookie was becoming a highly sought after and prized piece for collectors looking to invest in the latest emerging superstars. The limited print run from over 45 years ago means finding high grade specimens in mint condition is no easy feat.

Factors like poor centering, edges that are worn, and color-faded photos drastically impact the condition and corresponding price tag on these delicate cardboard treasures from the 1970s. In a PSA/DNA Gem Mint 10 grade, Brett’s rookie currently holds a book value well into the five-figure range or higher depending on recent auction comparables. Even a lower graded copy in the PSA 8-9 range can still fetch thousands to the right collector looking to add this cornerstone piece to their collection. Demand has never truly waned as each new generation of fans looks to acquire iconic cards from stars from their childhood and the early days of the hobby. Brett’s star power, Hall of Fame career, and iconic first card in the coveted ’75 set combine to make it one of the true crown jewels for any collector.

A pristine mint condition example in a protective sleeve and holder is a sight to behold – the colors are as vivid as if it was printed yesterday rather than over 45 years ago. Under a strong light, the surface does not feature any blatant flaws that detract from such an important rookie. With a career batting average well over .300 along with over 3,000 hits when he retired in 1993, Brett cemented his legacy as not just a Kansas City Royal for life, but one of the best pure hitters of his generation. Stats like those only served to increase demand for collectors chasing cards from the players they grew up idolizing.

According to Beckett Almanac price guides, a PSA 10 Brett rookie has an estimated retail value of $30,000 in 2018. With each passing year, as more high grade specimens are removed from the marketplace and enter institutional collections or behind protective slabs never to resurface, that price continues to climb higher. Just a few years earlier the same card had a Beckett value of around $15,000 showing impressive annual appreciation rates. While the vast majority of issued Brett rookies will never achieve perfect grades, even well-centered examples scoring 8s and 9s still have mid-four figure estimates. As one of the true icons of the 1975 Topps set, George Brett’s flagship rookie will remain in high demand and increasingly out of reach for most collectors going forward.

Whether you PC Hall of Famers, Kansas City Royals stars, or just love the aesthetic designs from the 1970s, a PSA/DNA graded George Brett rookie is one of the true blue chip vintage cardboard investments. Few other individual cards can match the story, enduring mystique, and impressive long term financial returns that have defined this piece for over 45 years running. Rarer than most modern parallels and short prints combined, every on-card signature only boosts the already immense value and demand. Even a casual browser flipping through a price guide can appreciate the perfect storm factors that transformed Brett’s ’75 Topps rookie into one of the true untouchable grails of the entire collecting hobby. Few cards ever achieve this type of unimpeachable legacy status, making it a true prize for any vintage or investment collection.

BASEBALL CARDS ST GEORGE UTAH

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Baseball cards have been a beloved pastime for collectors nationwide for over a century. In the small southern Utah city of St. George, baseball card collecting remains a vibrant hobby for both casual fans and serious enthusiasts. With a warm climate and long growing season, St. George provided the ideal environment for America’s pastime to take root in this desert community.

Some of the earliest baseball cards circulating in St. George date back to the late 1880s, when cigarette companies like Allen & Ginter and Goodwin & Co. began inserting illustrated baseball players into their tobacco products. As baseball grew in popularity across the United States in the early 1900s, St. George residents eagerly snapped up these early tobacco cards depicting stars of the day like Nap Lajoie, Cy Young, and Honus Wagner. Local general stores sold loose packs of these baseball cards to young collectors.

By the 1930s, when gum companies like Goudey and Play Ball started inserting baseball cards as incentives to purchase their products, baseball card collecting really took off in St. George. Kids could be seen trading and comparing their newest cards on street corners and school playgrounds. Some of the most coveted cards from this era included legends like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Joe DiMaggio. During World War II, baseball card production was suspended due to rationing, creating a lull for collectors. But the hobby roared back to life after the war ended.

In the postwar 1950s, the golden age of baseball cards arrived. More kids than ever were collecting, and the quality and design of cards improved dramatically. Iconic card sets from Topps, Bowman, and others featured the biggest stars of that era like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron. Kids in St. George rode their bicycles to the local drug store, grocery store, or baseball card shop, hoping to find packs of the newest releases to add to their collections. The release of each new set was a highly anticipated event.

By the late 1950s, a thriving baseball card shop scene emerged in St. George. Harry’s Baseball Cards was the largest and most prominent shop, located downtown on St. George Boulevard. Harry’s was like a mecca for local collectors, where they could browse long boxes of cards, inquire about the latest releases, trade duplicates, and stay up-to-date on the latest baseball card news. Other popular shops included Bob’s Baseball Heaven and Joe’s Sportscards. These local shops helped cultivate the baseball card hobby in St. George.

In the 1960s, the first generation of serious adult collectors began to emerge in St. George. Wealthier collectors sought out high-grade vintage cards to showcase in protective holders. Local card shows also started popping up, where collectors could buy, sell, and trade with dealers and other collectors. The rise of sports card conventions in larger cities also inspired St. George collectors to take road trips to network with the wider collecting community. Prices for rare vintage cards started appreciating significantly during this decade.

The 1970s saw several new developments in the baseball card market. Major League Players Association strikes and new copyright restrictions caused Topps’ monopoly to end, resulting in fierce competition between brands that drove creativity and production quality to new heights. Color photography became standard. Newer sets from the 1970s featuring stars like Reggie Jackson, Mike Schmidt, and Nolan Ryan became instant classics. In St. George, collecting expanded beyond just kids – adults, teenagers, and entire families got involved in the hobby together.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the baseball card boom reached new extremes. Speculation ran rampant, with some collectors simply looking to flip rare cards for profit rather than enjoying the actual hobby. The influx of investors drove prices of vintage stars through the roof. In 1991, a 1909 Honus Wagner card sold for a then-record $110,000. Meanwhile, the sheer number of brands and sets overwhelmed the market. While the boom years were great for local card shops in St. George, the bubble eventually burst in the mid-1990s. Many shops went out of business as the speculator frenzy died down.

Today, baseball card collecting remains a popular pastime among both casual and serious collectors in St. George. While the market is not as frenzied as during the boom years, dedicated collectors continue to build complete sets, chase rare vintage cards, and trade with their local network. Stores like Dixie Cards and Comics have emerged to serve the present-day hobby. Local card shows are still organized for collectors to buy, sell, and meet face-to-face. And the youth baseball and softball leagues provide the next generation of potential collectors to carry on the tradition. Through its ups and downs over decades, baseball card collecting has endured as an integral part of sports fan culture in St. George.

GEORGE BRETT BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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George Brett was one of the greatest third basemen in Major League Baseball history and had an illustrious 21-year career playing for the Kansas City Royals from 1973-1993. Brett was an excellent power hitter and clutch performer who won numerous awards, made 13 All-Star appearances and helped lead the Royals to a World Series championship in 1985. Given his legendary status and longevity in the game, George Brett baseball cards from his playing days in the 1970s through early 1990s can be quite valuable, especially his rare and high-grade rookie cards. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key George Brett cards that are worth money for collectors.

1973 Topps #520 Rookie Card – Brett’s true rookie card is one of the key rookie cards from the 1970s and in high-grade it can be worth thousands. In PSA Gem Mint 10 condition, the 1973 Topps Brett rookie has sold for over $15,000. Even in excellent centered Near Mint-Mint 8 condition, it has sold for around $2,000. This was Brett’s first major league card issued and the design and photo really capture the young phenom at the start of his career. It’s clearly one of the most desirable George Brett cards.

1974 Topps #188 – Brett’s second year card is also a significant one for collectors. Like his rookie, this card in high grades of PSA 8 or above can fetch thousands. In a PSA 10 perfectgem state, a 1974 Topps #188 Brett card recently sold for nearly $9,000. Even in PSA 8 or PSA 9 condition examples have sold for $1,500-$3,000, showing strong collector demand for high grade copies of this key mid-1970s Brett issue. The photo and design progressed nicely from his rookie look.

1975 Topps #180 – Brett established himself as an All-Star caliber player by 1975 and this card appropriately shows him in the Midsummer Classic. PSA 10 copies in perfect condition have topped $2,000 at auction in recent times. In PSA 9 Near Mint condition, 1975 Topps #180 Brett cards can still sell for $500-$800. This marked Brett emerging as a true superstar and remains a very collectible issue, especially for Royals fans and vintage set builders.

1980 Topps Traded #56T – Brett continued his excellence in the late 1970s and was featured in the new Topps Traded set series in 1980. The Traded issues were produced mid-season and offered rarer player photo variations. Brett’s Traded card shows him batting left-handed and is considerably tougher to find in high grade than his regular issues. A PSA 10 recently sold for $1,375 while PSA 9s have brought $350-550. Very nice examples for those seeking a condition graded Brett card from this era.

1981 Fleer #378 – The first Fleer set issued since the 1950s featured current stars like Brett. This crisp action photo captures Brett fielding at third base. Finding a PSA 10 of this coveted 1981 design is extremely difficult but they have topped $2,000 when they surface. PSA 9 copies in excellent shape still sell for $400-800 showing strong collector interest in the Fleer Brett issued during his peak years. Condition is critical, though, as lower grades are far less valuable.

1985 Donruss #77 – This card commemorates Brett winning the 1985 American League batting title with a .335 average to help lead the Royals to a World Series victory. His defining season and championship success makes high graded examples especially collectible. A PSA 10 recently sold for over $1,300 while PSA 9s have brought between $300-600. It captures a treasured moment for Royals fans and Brett collectors alike during the height of his career.

1992 Score #644 – Brett’s final regular season card before retiring. It marks the end of an incredible two-decade Royals career and shows him in the classic late-career Royals blue pinstripes. This nostalgic final image of Brett remains very popular. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $700 while PSA 9s trade between $150-300. Even in lower PSA 8 grade, they have sold for $100 proving demand for any final Brett issue in collectors’ hands. A true icon of the franchise immortalized here.

1991 Fleer Update #U-53 – Brett’s final Fleer card issued after he broke into the 3,000 hit club cements his place among the game’s all-time great hitters. This scarce updated subset features a rare posed action shot. In the highly coveted PSA 10 perfect condition, it has reached over $650 at auction. PSA 9s still sell for $200-350 showing their allure to vintage card collectors. While tough to grade high, it represents Brett’s incredible hitting achievement at the end of his career.

While there are many other notable George Brett cards that perform well in the collecting marketplace, this sampling showcases some of the true key vintage issues that can be worth large sums of money, especially when earning high numerical grades from services like PSA. With each representing milestones in Brett’s Hall of Fame career and tremendous success with the Royals, these graded examples continue to enthral collectors. As one of the sport’s finest third basemen and consistent star players, George Brett cards, particularly his classic 1970s and 1980s issues, will likely retain and potentially increase in value over time for astute investors. Whether you root for the Royals or simply admire Brett’s greatness, these graded gems make for superb long-term holdings in any collection.

GEORGE WRIGHT BASEBALL CARDS

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George Wright was an American pioneer professional baseball player in the 1860s and 1870s who became one of the first true stars of the sport. Considered one of the best players of the 19th century, Wright revolutionized the game through his skill and strategic vision. He was also influential in the development of early baseball cards featuring professional players.

Born in 1847 in Manhattan, New York, Wright grew up playing street games that would later evolve into the game of baseball. He showed an early talent for the sport and by age 16 was playing for top amateur clubs in New York. In 1868 at age 21, Wright signed with the Cincinnati Red Stockings, becoming one of the first paid professional baseball players.

The Red Stockings embarked on an unprecedented championship season in 1869, going 57-0 while outscoring opponents 17-1, a stark contrast to the haphazard play of earlier amateur teams. The performances of Wright at shortstop were a major part of Cincinnati’s dominance, demonstrating his elite batting and fielding skills that set the standard for his position. Wright utilized sliding, cutoff plays, and other strategic techniques that were ahead of their time.

Wright’s success with the Red Stockings made him one of the first true baseball celebrities. Fans wanted to know more about the lives and exploits of their favorite players. In 1869, the popular American printing company Currier and Ives produced a set of lithographed cards featuring individual players from the top professional teams, including Wright of the Red Stockings. These cardboard pieces each featured a lithographic portrait of a player and some basic stats, and are considered the earliest ancestors of modern baseball cards produced on a mass scale.

The limited production run of an estimated few hundred sets established the concept of using cards to promote professional baseball and its stars. While not as extensively collected or preserved as later card sets would be thanks to their lower print numbers, the Currier and Ives cards established Wright and others as among the first baseball celebrities promoted through cards. They provided an early model that card companies would build upon in the decades to come as baseball grew into America’s pastime.

After two undefeated seasons with the Red Stockings, Wright helped form the first all-professional team, the Boston Red Stockings, in 1871. He served as the team’s captain/manager and continued demonstrating his skills as one of baseball’s first true stars. In 1875 at the age of 28, Wright retired with a career batting average of .318 and establishment as one of the premier shortstops and strategists in baseball’s early years.

Wright became even more influential after his playing career ended, as he helped introduce baseball to the United Kingdom. He coached the English national team and organized some of the earliest pro exhibition tours to England in the 1870s. This helped spread the sport’s popularity overseas. He also co-managed the Boston Red Caps professional team alongside his brother Harry from 1878-1882, winning championships and further developing the business and strategy of the professional game.

In later life, Wright lived in Boston and continued involvement in the sporting goods industry he helped pioneer. He served as secretary and treasurer for the sporting goods company he co-founded, Wright & Ditson. The company was an early major manufacturer and supplier of baseball equipment. Wright also volunteered as an umpire and league advisor in New England well into his 60s. He passed away in 1894 at the age of 47, having established himself as a true pioneer and innovator in the early years of professional baseball.

Wright left an indelible mark on the game through his skill, accomplishments, and keen strategic mind that helped transform baseball into a more refined sport. His star performances for Cincinnati and Boston in the 1860s and 1870s made him one of the first real baseball celebrities known to thousands of fans. His inclusion in the pioneering 1869 Currier and Ives lithographed card set helped establish that baseball cards could be used to promote teams and players to even wider audiences. Though few survive today, those early Wright cards represent the beginning of how the collectible card industry would recognize and memorialize iconic ballplayers for generations of future fans. Wright thus played a seminal role in developing the professional game and its business both on and off the field through his 19th century accomplishments and notoriety. He set the standard as one of baseball’s first true stars in the sport’s formative early decades.

VALUABLE GEORGE BRETT BASEBALL CARDS

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George Brett had a Hall of Fame baseball career that spanned from 1973-1993 as he established himself as one of the greatest third basemen to ever play the game. Brett was an 18-time All-Star, won the American League batting title a record five times, and hit over .300 thirteen times in his career while playing his entire career for the Kansas City Royals. Unsurprisingly, Brett’s iconic baseball career has led to some of his vintage baseball cards becoming extremely valuable collectors items today. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most valuable and sought after George Brett baseball cards.

One of the holy grails for any George Brett card collector is his 1973 Topps rookie card. Brett’s rookie card featured him as a member of the Royals organization even though he had not yet made his MLB debut. Only about 50 of the 1973 Topps George Brett rookie cards are graded Mint or Near Mint condition by professional grading companies like PSA or BGS today. The high demand from collectors combined with the slim supply of Gem Mint graded 1973 Brett rookie cards has pushed the value of this iconic card up significantly over the years. A PSA 10 or BGS 9.5 graded 1973 Topps George Brett rookie in pristine condition would easily fetch $25,000-$35,000 or more at auction depending on the market. Even lower graded versions in the PSA 8-9 range still command prices well over $1,000.

Another key George Brett card that is highly valued is his 1975 Topps card. Brett’s 1975 Topps card was his true rookie card as it was the first card issued after he broke into the Majors in 1974. Similar to his 1973 rookie, only a very small number of the 1975 Topps Brett rookie cards still exist in top condition today. A Mint PSA 10 1975 Topps Brett rookie in unbelievable state of preservation could sell for $15,000+ at the right auction. Near Mint PSA 9 copies still trade hands for $4,000-$7,000 depending on demand. The 1975 Topps Brett rookie is one of the true iconic cards from the 1970s era and remains a must-have for serious Royals and Brett collectors.

Speaking of iconic 1970s cards, Brett’s iconic 1979 Topps Traded card stands out as another hugely valuable piece in any collection. Brett absolutely exploded onto the national scene in 1979 by winning the American League batting title with a record .390 batting average. His epic season led Topps to issue a traded variant featuring Brett in a different uniform pose. Only about 150-200 PSA 10 Gem Mint graded copies are believed to exist of the ultra-tough 1979 Topps Traded Brett card. When a PSA 10 surfaces at auction, it often realizes prices north of $10,000. Even well-centered PSA 9s still trade in excess of $3,000. Brett’s magnificent .390 batting average season is immortalized on this iconic card.

Card collecting truly reached new heights during the 1980s era. As such, several of Brett’s most valuable and significant card appearances came during that boom period. One such examples is his 1981 Donruss card where Brett is pictured in a classic batting stance. Only a small population of the 1981 Donruss Brett cards still grade PSA 10 Mint, and when one crosses the auction block it can potentially sell for $7,000-$9,000. Another monster 1980s Brett card is the iconic 1985 Topps card that features Brett in a Royals away jersey. Fewer than 10 PSA 10 grades are believed to exist of this incredibly tough Brett card to preserve in pristine condition. But when one does surface for auction, it often realizes over $5,000 due to its extreme rarity and representation of Brett in the mid-1980s.

The late 1980s and early 1990s saw Brett winding down his HOF career but still providing epic moments. His incredible 1990 score rookie phenom card that came as part of the set’s Diamond Kings subset stands out. Only a tiny population of the 1990 Diamond Kings George Brett card still grade PSA 10 Gem Mint today. Being one of the final notable Brett rookie type cards issued as he neared retirement, along with its premium Diamond Kings parallel status, a PSA 10 1990 Brett commands over $3,000 at auction due to its prestige and rarity. Brett also had a memorable 1989 Upper Deck card that features a unique bronze style parallel. Well-centered PSA 9 copies in great condition still sell in the $1,000 range showing this final chapter Brett card also holds strong value.

In conclusion, George Brett’s Hall of Fame career and iconic status with the Kansas City Royals franchise has translated into tremendous collector demand and value for many of his vintage baseball cards over the years, especially those in pristine preserved condition. Cards like his rare 1973 and 1975 Topps rookies along with the 1979 Topps Traded, 1981 Donruss, and prized 1980s/90s issues represent the true creme de la creme for Brett collectors. With Brett’s legacy continuing to grow after his retirement, the rarest and highest graded examples of his classic cards will likely maintain their coveted statuses and premium price tags for dedicated George Brett collectors.