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GOOD BASEBALL CARDS PACKS

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When it comes to opening baseball card packs, it’s important for collectors to choose packs with the best potential returns. While the hobby is definitely considered gambling to an extent, there are some packs that offer collectors higher odds of landing valuable rookie cards, autographs, and memorabilia cards compared to others. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top baseball card packs collectors should target.

Luxury high-end packs: For those looking to spend big money with a chance at ultra-rare cards, luxury high-end packs offer some of the best odds. Products like Topps Chrome Auditions, Bowman Sterling, and Topps Tribute feature very limited print runs and pack-outs exclusively tailored towards chasing autograph and memorabilia rookie cards of the game’s top young stars. While packs run anywhere from $100-$500 a box, the hit rates for cards numbered to only a few copies make them enticing to those chasing six and seven-figure cards. Limitations mean these products aren’t feasible long-term investment options, but they offer a true shot at greatness for deep pocketed collectors.

Flagship hobby boxes: The traditional spring season flagship releases from companies like Topps, Panini, and Leaf are always solid mainstream investment options. Products like Topps Series 1/2, Bowman, and Allen & Ginter offer robust and diverse checklists packed with both established veterans and rookie class autograph/memorabilia cards. While hit ratios are lower than high-end sets, the affordability of boxes around $90-150 a piece makes flagship brands sustainable for builders of long-term collections. Reselling duplicate base cards also helps offset costs.

Value box/hanger packs: Though not targeting premiere hits, value offerings from the major manufacturers provide an inexpensive entry point, fun breaks for kids, or background filler for sets. Boxes under $30 and hangers around $5 offer diversified samples of the main checklist without major financial risk. While rare cards are less common here, they offer acceptable variants, parallels and short prints for the cost. Products like Topps Series 1 value boxes, Stadium Club hangers, or Heritage Minors boxes satisfy lower-budget collectors.

Promotional partnership packs: Specialty boxed sets released through partnerships between card brands and sporting goods/apparel retailers add variety and can make unique finds. Traditionally seen through Dick’s Sporting Goods, Target, or Walmart exclusive releases, the limited distribution nets some hard-to-find parallels, memorabilia cards, or autographs. Products like 2021 Topps Project 70 boxes through Walmart or 2022 Topps Sterling boxes through Dick’s offer specialized variants unavailable elsewhere. Pack-outs rival flagship releases.

Blaster/fat packs of hot rookie classes: Because blaster boxes and fat packs provide a much higher count of packs compared to other offerings at a lower price point, they can offer a fruitful way to hunt down the stars of a hot rookie crop. Products released during breakout rookie seasons of superstars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Juan Soto, or Shane Baz see their lower-tier packs worth chasing. The larger number of overall packs in blasters/fats increases odds of finding desirable rookie variants or parallels.

Breakout rookie brands: Especially earlier in the careers of anticipated prospects, sets solely dedicated to rookie coverage offer a unique specialty collecting focus. Brands like Topps Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects or Bowman Draft feature exclusive looks at the next generation before their MLB debuts. Scarcity inflated by low print runs makes hitting a draft class parallel or ink autograph from sets like these a major coup for investors. They also provide an early building block for long-term PC collections.

Vintage/retro packs: For collectors seeking vintage card thrills, retro brands delivering recreations of classic designs provide fun breaks at lower risk than actual vintage wax. Modern brands releasing packs with period-themed designs, like this year’s Topps Fire and Topps Allen & Ginter, offer ‘vintage-style’ cards alongside specially manufactured parallels and autographs tied to historical checklists. They allow recreational opening of facsimile packs from the ’80s, ’90s, etc. at a fraction of vintage prices.

Online/LCG products: Unique online/LCG brands like Topps BUNT, Hootenanny or Inception offer distinct collecting advantages. Digital platforms deliver an experience similar to physical trading but at lower cost-of-entry, while sets use hybrid box break/LCG pack formulas to alter hit odds. BUNT/Hootenanny packs have cheaper per-pack costs than traditional wax, and Inception’s box sampling method increases rare pull potential. They provide alternate ways for collectors to get product without shelling out for expensive hobby boxes.

Through selective choicing of brands like flagship releases, promising rookie classes, or specialty products, collectors can maximize their chances of landing valuable hits while sustainably building collections long-term. Smart shopping across various price tiers ensures returns on investment while allowing periodic splurges on high-risk, high-reward products for true thrills. Careful consideration of pack-out structures and which rookies or parallels are featured on any given checklist informs the optimal packs for different collecting strategies, risk tolerance levels, and budgets.

GOOD BASEBALL CARDS FROM THE 90s

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The 1990s were a phenomenal decade for baseball cards. Following a boom period in the late 80s, the hobby continued to explode with innovation and star players emerging. Whether you primarily collected for players, sets, or investment potentials, there were always exciting new releases to look forward to. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the best and most valuable baseball cards from the 1990s.

1991 Stadium Club #1 Ken Griffey Jr: Widely considered the crown jewel of 90s rookie cards, Griffey’s stellar debut season made this one of the most iconic and desirable releases of the era. Characterized by stunning photography and premium stock, Stadium Club set the bar high for ultra-modern card design. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples now command prices well into the thousands. Even low-grade copies still hold significant value due to Griffey’s enduring popularity.

1992 Bowman #1 Derek Jeter: While not quite as revered as Griffey’s rookie, Jeter’s debuted in the inaugural Bowman set and kickstarted a memorable Yankees dynasty. Known for its creative die-cuts and photographs, Bowman became a must-have for collectors. Though there were print runs in the millions, pristine Jeter rookies remain four-figure cards at minimum due to his storied career. Lower grades can still net a few hundred as well.

1993 Finest Refractor #121 Barry Bonds: The inclusion of refractors completely changed the landscape of modern card collecting, and Bonds’ prestigious Finest issue may be the most valuable from the entire technology’s early run. With stunning rainbow color shifts and short print counts, these pull rare gemgrades commanding well into the five-figures. Even moderately played copies hold value north of $1000. No true ’90s collection is complete without the benchmark “refractor rookie.”

1994 Select #1 Ken Griffey Jr.: Following his monstrous sophomore MVP campaign, Griffey once again graced the front of Select – then viewed as the crème de la crème above even Finest. Full of stunning wide-action photography on thick stock, these remain among the most aesthetically pleasing vintage cards ever made. Pristine copies are multi-thousand dollar cards befitting King Kenny’s crown. More played examples still easily fetch hundreds.

1995 Pinnacle #1 Derek Jeter: The flagship Pinnacle brand exploded in 1995 with dazzling holograms, blue refractor parallels, and amazing action shots throughout. Leading the charge was a unique Jeter “rookie” that was actually from his true ’92 Bowman season due to new MLB rules. Highly collectible and iconic from one of the biggest modern card companies.

1996 Finest Gold Medallion #121 Ken Griffey Jr: Finest outdid itself with stunning gold foil stamping, layered photography, and dynamic designs. Griffey once again anchored the brand with memorably dazzling chrome and crystal parallels alongside the base issue. Among the most visually lavish releases from the entire decade across any sport. Pricey but highly collectible showpieces for true ’90s enthusiasts.

1997 Ultra #1 Derek Jeter: While scarce true mint Ultra rookies eclipse the $10,000 mark, this elegant and premium issue showcased Jeter in an elegant pinstripe photography that remains a fan favorite today. Thick ultra stock and die-cuts gave each card real presence in a binder. Lower graded copies are still respectable investments north of $500 due to Jeter’s massive fandom.

1998 Bowman’s Best Refractory #1 Nomar Garciaparra: Arguably the crowning achievement of ’90s refractors, Nomar’s dazzling red parallel launch Bowman’s Best into the stratosphere. Between the ace photography, thickest stock ever used, and pull rarity alongside Nomar’s exciting debut, these are true holy grail cards worth escalating sums. Even low-grade, non-refractors still retain value around the $200 mark.

1999 Finest Refractor Gold Label Autographs: Finest saved some of its most groundbreaking advancements for the final year of the decade. Among them were incredibly rare gold label autographs serialized to /25 copies or less. Featuring superswatches of stars like Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, and Sammy Sosa, pristine examples now sell as high tag investments into the five-figure range. Sought after showpieces for true milestones achieved.

While print runs expanded wildly through the 90s boom, stars like Griffey, Bonds, Jeter established enduring legacies and connections with fans that make their best rookie issues phenomenally valuable decades later. Innovation abounded with technologies like refractors and parallels too. Whether a player collector, set builder, or long-term investor, this golden decade delivered some of the most iconic and investment-worthy baseball cards ever made. Top condion copies remain genuinely prestigious collectibles even today.

The 1990s unleashed untold excitement and creativity upon the baseball card collecting scene. Leaders like Finest, Stadium Club, and Upper Deck raised the bar with dazzling new frontiers in photography, stock, parallels, and autographs. Rookie supernovas like Griffey and Jeter anchored the decade with hall of fame careers and indispensable debut issues. Rare experimental technologies like refractors exploded onto the scene. For enthusiasts of the era, tracking down gems across the many incredible brands and releases remains tremendously enjoyable and rewarding decades later. The best cards from the 1990s without question hold a well-earned place among the most prestigious andinvestment-worthy items in the entire hobby.

BASEBALL CARDS GOOD INVESTMENT

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Baseball cards have long been a popular collectible item among sports fans of all ages. What started as simple cardboard collectibles handed out at ballgames has evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry. While baseball cards were initially just seen as fun items for kids, many savvy collectors now view them as potential investment opportunities. With the right cards purchased at the right price, a baseball card collection can appreciate significantly over time.

Of course, investing in trading cards does carry risks like any other speculative venture. Values can fluctuate greatly depending on the economy and popularity of the sport. When done properly with research and patience, building a baseball card portfolio can pay dividends. Here are some of the key reasons why baseball cards remain one of the most viable collectibles for long term investment potential.

Scarcity Drives Value

Much like rare coins or stamps, the scarcity of a particular baseball card plays a huge role in its potential value. Older cards from the 1950s and prior are extremely rare, since the sport was no where near as popular as it is today. Even common cards from the early days of the hobby have appreciated nicely due simply to limited surviving populations. Sets and individual cards from the late 1980s bubble era also hold value due to overproduction busting the direct-to-consumer market. Savvy collectors know to target cards and sets that only a few high-grade examples remain to maximize appreciation.

Star Power Matters

Without question, cards featuring legendary players tend to retain and increase in value better than most. Icons like Mickey Mantle, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, and Ty Cobb have long been blue-chip investments regardless of set or year. But star rookies and elite performers from any era can also gain value over decades. Rookie cards for Hall of Famers like Ken Griffey Jr., Chipper Jones, Derek Jeter, and Mariano Rivera that could be purchased for $50-100 in the 1990s are now worth thousands. With the right research, collectors can identify future star cards at affordable prices before they explode in the following years.

Grading Enhances Value

Third-party grading brings consistency, authenticity verification, and preservation to the hobby. A pristine, gem mint graded card will demand far more than a raw equivalent. Services like PSA, BGS, SGC provide slabbed protection from the elements while assigning objective numerical condition assessments. This gives investors confidence that a card they purchase will maintain its grade, unlike raw cards susceptible to damage. Top graded examples of major stars and rare vintage issues can appreciate by 500% or more in a bull market. Even common but high graded vintage cards from the 1960s-70s can 4x-5x in value every 5-10 years.

Market Forces & Scarcity Drive Cycles

Like all collectibles and investments, the baseball card market experiences natural bull and bear cycles over time. The late 1980s bubble is a perfect example, with overproduction causing a crash. The market recovered as those same cards became scarce. Now many 1980s stars hold significant value. Recent boom years in the mid-2010s saw vintage cards skyrocket before leveling off. Savvy collectors understand these market forces and look to accumulate quality cards during downturns for long term appreciation. Proper storage and a diverse portfolio approach can help mitigate risk over full market cycles.

Secondary Markets Boost Liquidity

Ebay, COMC, PWCC, Heritage Auctions and dozens of regional/niche auction sites provide efficient secondary markets for collectors. This liquidity allows investors to buy/sell cards easily as priorities or financial situations change. It also provides up-to-date comparable sales data to assess current market value trends. While the primary issue market dried up decades ago, robust online trading keeps the hobby thriving. Sites like Blowout Cards and Beckett even let investors essentially “flip” cards, buying undervalued and reselling at a profit with minimal risk.

Low Barrier to Entry

With affordable price points starting at $5-10 for most common vintage and $20-50 for star rookie cards, building a baseball card portfolio has a very low barrier to entry. Someone can construct a balanced, diversified collection targeting different eras and players for a few hundred dollars. Of course, the highest end vintage and rare cards require larger investments upwards of thousands. But overall the costs are reasonable compared to other collectibles. Novices can learn the market by making gradual purchases over time as their knowledge grows.

While baseball cards will never provide guaranteed returns, they present a relatively low-risk way to participate in a multibillion-dollar market. With diligent research of players, sets, grades, and market trends, the right long term investments can significantly appreciate. Those who understand baseball history and use disciplined strategies have found cards to be one of the most accessible collectibles for building wealth over decades. Patience, diversification and selling at peaks are keys to success in this alternative asset class.

GOOD 1970 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1970 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the top vintage sets to collect from the 1960s and 1970s era. Featuring 660 total cards spanning all the major league players and managers from the 1969 season, the 1970 Topps release contained several chase cards that are highly coveted by collectors today due to their historical significance, statistical achievements, and relative scarcity in high grade. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the best and most valuable 1970 Topps cards to seek out in a collection.

Perhaps the most iconic card from the 1970 Topps set is the Nolan Ryan rookie card. As one of the greatest pitchers of all time, Ryan made his Topps debut in 1970 after just one season in the major leagues with the New York Mets. While not entirely rare in terms of print run, high grade Nolan Ryan rookies have consistently risen in value over the decades to become truly legendary cards in the hobby. A PSA 10 example of the Ryan 1970 Topps rookie is currently valued over $35,000, showing just how important his early career cards remain to this day.

Another hugely significant rookie card found in the 1970 set is that of Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson. Known equally for his prodigious home run power and flair for the dramatic, “Mr. October” broke into the league the previous year with the Oakland A’s. Reggie’s impressive rookie season stats combined with his legendary five-home run performance in the 1977 World Series have cemented this as one of the true great rookie cards in baseball history. Like Ryan, high grade examples suitable for PSA/BGS slabbing fetch prices well into the thousands.

Continuing with the rookie theme, collectors should also target the 1970 debut issues of star pitchers Vida Blue and Tom Seaver. Blue would go on to win the 1971 Cy Young award as arguably baseball’s best arm, while Seaver achieved even greater feats winning three total Cy Youngs during his extraordinary career. Both Blue and Seaver rookies showcased on the mound in 1969, setting the stage for what was to come. Condition sensitive but still quite affordable in lower grades.

Moving beyond rookies, two particularly valuable regular issues found throughout the 1970 Topps set are those depicting iconic career milestones – Hank Aaron’s 715th home run and Willie Mays’ 3000th hit. Aaron’s chase and eventual passing of Babe Ruth on the all-time home runs list in 1974 was a massive cultural moment. Meanwhile, Mays becoming just the third player to join the 3000 hit club further cemented his place as one of the all-time greats. High grade copies of these milestone cards can sell for well over $1000 each.

Condition is always key when considering older vintage cards like those from the 1970 Topps set. While tougher to grade 10 on the modern grading scales compared to later ’80s releases, pristine copies with sharp corners, clean surfaces and strong centering still demand big prices today. This includes true mint PSA/BGS 9 examples, which serve as equally desirable above average survivors from this era. Another characteristic of 1970s cardboard quality is the usage of thinner stock paper stock which is more prone to creasing/bends over time versus later cardboard.

In exploring the 1970 Topps set thoroughly, collectors would also be wise to target cards of other all-time great players near or at the height of their careers like Johnny Bench, Carl Yastrzemski, Tom Seaver, and multiple future Hall of Famers. High grades of any true superstars will perform well long term. While not necessarily the most acclaimed design, the 1970 issue marks an important transition point capturing stars of both the 1960s and those who would rise to dominance in the decade ahead. For these reasons, it remains one of the best vintage sets for investing in the rich history of baseball cards.

The 1970 Topps release commemorated the final season of the 1960s and contained several rookies and career highlights that have become seminal issues over the decades. Cards like the Nolan Ryan and Reggie Jackson rookies paired with the Aaron and Mays milestone cards lead the way in terms of all-time desirability and value. Condition sensitive copies of any true baseball legends featured throughout the 660 card checklist have great potential. For collectors seeking iconic pieces of the vintage collecting era, the 1970 Topps set deserves a strong look.

BASEBALL CARDS GOOD

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Baseball cards have been an integral part of American culture and the baseball experience for over 150 years. Originally included as advertisements in tobacco products in the late 1800s, baseball cards evolved into coveted collectibles that both casual fans and serious hobbyists enjoy accumulating and trading to this day. While some see them as merely pieces of cardboard with pictures, baseball cards provide numerous tangible and intangible benefits that make them truly good.

One of the most obvious ways baseball cards are good is they allow fans to physically collect and own pieces of the game they love. From rookie cards of current stars to vintage legends of the past, baseball cards transform players from distant athletes to possessions fans can admire on their own. This collecting aspect taps into humans’ natural instinct to gather and provides a tangible connection to baseball history. Cards also make statistical achievements, biographical details, and memorable moments come to life beyond just watching games. Fans can relive a player’s career just by flipping through their card collection.

Baseball cards are also excellent educational tools that deepen fans’ knowledge and appreciation of the game. Serious collectors inevitably learn fun facts, statistics, and trivia just from reading the backs of cards in their quest to obtain players. Cards from different eras show how the sport has evolved over generations in areas like uniforms, equipment, and cultural norms. Cards encourage learning about players even casual fans may be unfamiliar with to fill out sets. They spark curiosity about players past and present, leading to additional research. This makes baseball cards great for developing lifelong learning about America’s pastime.

Baseball cards are simply fun to trade, sort, and look at. The thrill of the chase of finding needed cards to complete sets provides enjoyable gameplay aspects for both children and adults. Trading with others allows fans to socialize and find cards they lack from others who may have extras. The variety of designs, photos, and stats across different brands, sets, and years ensures there is always something new to see, even in familiar players. This ongoing sense of surprise and discovery keeps the hobby fresh and exciting for dedicated collectors. Whether alone or with others, flipping through and admiring a collection brings a continual smile.

Sentimentality is another area where baseball cards excel, as they can invoke powerful nostalgia. For many fans who collected as kids, cards trigger fond memories of carefree summers and time with loved ones. Even casual childhood collections take on new meaning and value in adulthood. Well-kept childhood cards become a tangible link to the past and one’s younger self. Inherited or handed-down vintage collections from family members connect fans to previous generations who also loved the game. These sentimental associations give baseball cards an intrinsic quality that brings joy and perspective.

In terms of monetary value, baseball cards can also be quite good depending on certain variables. While common modern cards have little financial worth, some older and rare cards from the early 20th century known as “vintage” have increased exponentially in value as dedicated collectors drive up prices. Rookie cards of all-time greats like Mickey Mantle or rookie year cards can fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars in top condition from serious investors. Even average condition vintage cards hold value far better than most other collectibles. With patience and knowledge, it’s possible for collectors to turn modest card collections into significant assets over time.

For younger collectors just starting out, baseball cards can also teach valuable life lessons about patience, strategy, research, and responsible financial practices. Kids learn firsthand about supply and demand, appreciating assets, and negotiating through card collecting and trading. It instills habits like keeping cards organized and in protective sleeves to maintain maximum value. Learning the difference between common and rare cards and understanding what drives certain cards’ worth also imparts practical knowledge about specialty collecting. Card collecting encourages smart decision making and long-term thinking even at a young age.

At their best, baseball cards also have a way of bringing people together from varying backgrounds. Whether it’s two kids trading at the playground, a multi-generational family bonding over grandad’s vintage collection, or enthusiasts meeting at card shows, the hobby transcends typical divisions. The universal language of America’s pastime creates instant camaraderie and conversation starters. Online communities allow geographically distant collectors to share discoveries and expertise. In a fractured world, baseball cards represent one of the last truly inclusive pastimes that almost anyone can find common ground in.

Baseball cards are simply good for myriad tangible and intangible reasons. More than just pieces of cardboard, they foster learning, memories, strategy, collecting enjoyment, community, and even potential financial assets. No other hobby so seamlessly marries America’s national pastime with tangible keepsakes accessible to both kids and adults. Whether casually or intensely, baseball card collecting has been providing fun, education, and connection to the game for generations. For these reasons and more, baseball cards deserve recognition as a true good in American culture.

VERY GOOD BASEBALL CARDS

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When discussing very good baseball cards, it’s important to note there is no single definition that encompasses all criteria collectors use to determine value and desirability. Things like physical condition, year of issue, player profile, and scarcity all factor greatly into what makes a card especially impressive in the eyes of many aficionados. With that said, here are some characteristics common to baseball cards often considered among the very best in the hobby across its long history:

Rookie cards for all-time great players tend to be extremely coveted given they capture an athlete at the earliest stage of their career. Examples include the 1909 T206 Honus Wagner, the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle, and the 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan. While condition is still key, these rookie introductions to someday Hall of Famers are tremendously sought after as a result. Similarly, early career issue cards can be highly valuable before a star has fully emerged. A 1959 Topps Willie Mays or 1961 Topps Roger Maris in top-grade would fit this mold.

Autograph cards that feature a signature embedded directly on the front of the card also amass great worth. Though printing techniques date these to the modern era beginning in the late 1980s, ones with the signed names of contemporary legends like Ken Griffey Jr. or Barry Bonds go for thousands in high state of preservation. Especially rare autographed examples from earlier decades easily shatter collector records at auction.

Low print run specialty sets create natural scarcity in the marketplace that often equates to lofty demand. Examples are 2001 Finest Refractors, the 1998 Topps Chrome Update series, or 1992 Bowman draft picks Parallels. With these niche insert sets numbering in the tens or hundreds for certain serial numbered cards, finding high quality copies complete with the tough-to-acquire statistical/memorabilia parallel versions is an achievement.

error cards or one-of-a-kind printing mistakes that ended up being inserted into sealed wax boxes also hold tremendous rarity. One such ticket is the 1997 Pinnacle Miguel Cabrera Printing Plate card, which features an empty front without any image – it is believed to be the sole sample created. Error cards excite collectors hunting oddities outside the normal boundaries of production.

Condition is king when discussing value across all sports cards. Perhaps no category is more fitting of the “very good” label than vintage cardboard preserved in high-grade Gem Mint style. Crisp, sharply-cornered examples without creases, scratches or handling wear from the earliest decades of the 20th century demand top dollar. A 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner graded PSA 7.5 could sell for over $1 million USD.

Team/league sets representing golden eras are a highlight. The 1916-17 B502 Baltimore News American set paid tribute to the deadball period. 1960 Topps immortalized the tail end of Integration. 2011 Topps Update captured the diamond’s modern apex before expansion. With these cohesive rosters preserved at their highest level, they function like time capsules of storied on-field moments.

Game-used memorabilia cards containing authentic athletic material swatch, bat, or ball fragments stand out for truly marrying cardboard with tangible relics. A 1998 SP Game-Worn Jersey card that has a detached stitch from Hank Aaron’s final season uniform incorporated into the design is awe-inspiring for collectors. Watching a flawless specimen like this cross the auction block commands intense focus.

Rare air investments at the very pinnacle come from specimen cards holding records as the finest known to the grading companies. A PSA 10 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle in pristine orange borders would qualify, as many believe it to be the most visually perfect iteration to exist in a set notorious for its processing flaws and damage over the decades. Pristine single cards like this achieve mythical status.

The key attributes shared by baseball cards often considered very good revolve around capturing all-time great players, creating unparalleled scarcity, preserving historical moments, marrying memorabilia to the cardboard, achieving perfect condition grades, and setting lofty standards that few other cards can attain. While rarity, grading, and individual criteria mean different things to varied collectors, cards exhibiting many of these prime characteristics are rightfully elevated as among the hobby’s finest.

GOOD BASEBALL CARDS

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When it comes to collecting valuable baseball cards, there are certain factors that determine whether a card will hold its value or appreciate over time. While recent cards from within the past couple decades may seem like they have potential, the cards that tend to be the best long term investments are classic cards from the late 1800s up through the 1980s. Here are some of the most important things to look for in a baseball card to determine if it qualifies as an especially “good” card from a collecting standpoint.

Rookie Cards – If a card features a future Hall of Famer in their rookie season, it nearly guarantees the card will become extremely valuable given enough time. Some of the most expensive vintage baseball cards ever sold are legendary players’ rookie cards like the 1909 T206 Honus Wagner, the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle, and the 1969 Topps Nolan Ryan. Even if the player didn’t have a long career, their rookie card still holds significance as the first trading card release featuring that athlete as a professional.

Star Players – When it comes to popular players who had lengthy careers filled with accomplishments, their base cards from almost any vintage set tend to appreciate in value over decades. Iconic stars like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and others have extremely valuable common cards that are attainable compared to their rare cards. Top players through the 1970s-1980s like Mike Schmidt, Reggie Jackson, and Ozzie Smith also have common cards worth hundreds to thousands now.

Vintage Sets (Pre-1970) – The older the set, the more desirable and rare the cards are due to age and surviving population. High-value vintage sets to seek out include T206 (1909-1911), E90s (1890s), American Caramels (1907-1912), and 1909-1911 M101-5 tobacco cards. The 1952 and 1957 Topps sets are also excellent investments from the post-war vintage era that experienced multiple print runs in vastly different quantities. Condition is key, as worn vintage cards are worth exponentially less.

Rarity – Certain serially numbered parallels, autograph cards, and 1/1 specimens hold tremendous value thanks to their sheer rarity. Examples include the 1933 Goudey Jimmie Foxx portraitVariation-E, the 1985 Fleer Update Ben McDonald autographed card, and 1992 Leaf Limited Barry Bonds autograph rookie. Upper Deck’s serially numbered patch and auto “The Chromium Collection” insert cards from the 1990s also attract serious dollars.

Error Cards – Miscuts, missing strips of colors, upside down images – different production errors that create true anomalies are endlessly collectible. The most expensive error card ever is a 1909-11 T206 “White Border” Mordecai Brown that sold for over $100,000 due to a noticeable error in the artwork. Any error is interesting to a top-level card collector.

Negative Stats – While not traditionally “valuable,” cards portraying players with horrible stats or unfortunate milestone numbers can be surprisingly eye-catching. An infamous example is the 1989 Topps Bart Giamatti card boasting a .167 batting average printed right on the front. For the novelty, error cards and cards like this with offbeat, hard-to-find stats hold a place in collections.

Graded Cards – Third party grading companies like PSA, BGS, SGC significantly increase a card’s value by authenticating it and assigning a numerical grade between 1-10 based on its condition and state of preservation. Higher grades are exponentially more valuable than raw, ungraded cards due to the oversight and assurance of quality. Even common players’ cards in PSA 10 or BGS/SGC Gem Mint 9.5 status sell for thousands.

Prominent Brands – Companies like Topps, Bowman, and Fleer, which launched iconic sets starting in the 1950s, hold more prestige and stability in the marketplace versus lesser known brands. While oddball or regional issues have their place, Topps flagship rookie cards and classic designs tend to be the most widely accepted staples of the hobby. Upper Deck entered the scene in 1989 and profoundly shook things up with major innovations in modern sportscard releases.

Condition – A card’s condition is everything. Even a desirable vintage card is worth a fraction of its potential value if worn, creased, or damaged. Mint condition examples demand huge premiums due financial rarity and visual appeal. The most expensive cards that break records are consistently high-grade specimens protected since their original packaging and distribution. Holding a flawless piece of history carefully handled through generations is a true luxury within the collectibles world.

Story/Memorabilia Cards – Specialty insert sets focused on player biographies and achievements connected to specific career moments or artifacts have gained prominence. Examples include cards with swatches of jerseys, game-used bats, signature patches, etc. Although mass-produced today, true vintage autographs or relic cards tied to legendary figures maintain elite statuses. A special story enhances any historical collectible.

When seeking the baseball cards that hold true long-term appreciating value and grabbing power in the hobby, the ideal specimens fuse several of these qualities together. Right player, right vintage, highest possible condition grade, and an element of captivating visuals or narrative place a card in a class by itself. With patience and discerning selection, a collection of only the best baseball cards stand to handsomely reward their owners with profitability and lasting admiration over many generations to come.

GOOD QUALITY BASEBALL CARDS

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When collecting baseball cards, the quality of the cards is extremely important. Collectors want high quality cards that will stand the test of time and hold their value. Here are some of the key factors that define a good quality baseball card:

Centering – One of the most important aspects of card quality is how well the image on the front of the card is centered within the borders. Poorly centered cards with images close to or even touching the edges significantly decrease the value and perception of quality. Ideal centering has balanced and even margins all around the image.

Corners – Sharp, unfrayed corners that are not rounded, bent, or damaged boost a card’s condition grade. Dinged, folded over, or rounded corners diminish the card’s appeal. Corners should be crisp with 90-degree angles meeting cleanly.

Edges – The edges of the card should be clean and finished smoothly without nicks, dings, scratches or bumps that cut into the surface. Ideal edges have a uniform finish and color from top to bottom without flaws.

Surface – The cardboard surface should be smooth and unmarked without any wrinkles, creases, scratches or disturbances that disrupt the look or integrity of the card face. Dents, indentations, and scuffing lower the quality rating.

Color – For older printed cards, vibrant colors that have not faded over time depict a card maintained in a superior state of preservation. Colors should be true to how they originally appeared without discoloration.

Registration – This refers to how accurately the layers of ink and color are aligned on top of each other during printing. Poor registration results in images not lining up correctly and blurring details, detracting from aesthetics.

Corners and edges that are well-rounded without nicks or dings maintain a card’s structural integrity and reduce the risk of further damage from wear over time in collectors’ hands. Card surfaces should also be smooth and free of wrinkles, creases or other distortions that detract from pristine condition. Centering, colors and registration are additional factors that denote production quality, and cards with optimal attributes in these areas tend to hold value through higher perceived condition grades.

Beyond just physical attributes, certain production years, sets and specific card issues within those sets intrinsically convey a higher level of quality due to their scarcity, historic significance or association with legendary players. Some examples of cards that routinely command top prices due to their inherent quality include:

1952 Topps – Widely regarded as the most valuable set in existence due to its status as Topps’ first major baseball card release which spawned the entire postwar boom in collectibles. High-grade examples regularly sell for over $100,000.

1963 Topps Hank Aaron rookie card – One of the most coveted and iconic rookie cards in the hobby, especially high-grade specimens, given Aaron’s career accomplishments and Hall of Fame induction. PSA 10 Gem Mint copies have broken auction records above $1 million.

1954 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card – Mantle is regarded alongside Babe Ruth as one of the two greatest switch-hitters ever. His rookie card from Topps’ iconic ’54 set is the pinnacle for Yankee fans and collectors worldwide. PSA 8s trade hands for six figures.

1969 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie card – Ryan stands alone as the all-time leader in no-hitters and strikeouts, making his rookie issue a truly prestigious find, even more so in pristine PSA 10 condition. Many consider it the finest among all his Topps cards.

1909-11 T206 baseball portfolio cards – The inaugural large “portrait” size cards were manufactured on finer paper stock and have thicker, higher quality card surfaces compared to typical tobacco era issues. The more elite production enhances their enduring appeal.

The top characteristics of a truly premium quality baseball card are sharp corners, clean edges, vivid colors, precise centering within the frame, an unblemished smooth surface and accurate registration of the inked layers. Beyond condition attributes, cards from certain scarce vintage production years, sets or starring Hall of Fame players intrinsically possess historic significance boosting their quality level and desirability above others in the collecting marketplace long-term.

GOOD BASEBALL CARDS FROM 1987

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The 1987 baseball card set was a memorable one that featured some of the game’s biggest stars and future Hall of Famers. While not quite as iconic or valuable as some earlier sets from the 1970s, there were still many exciting rookie cards and cards of established stars that have held their value well over the years. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top players and cards collectors sought after from the 1987 set.

One of the most notable rookies from 1987 was catcher Benito Santiago of the San Diego Padres. His rookie card showed promise of what was to come as he went on to have an excellent 19-year career hitting over 200 home runs. Santiago’s defensive prowess earned him five Gold Glove awards and his rookie card remains quite collectible today among Padres and rookie card collectors. Another rookie to debut in 1987 was slugging first baseman Mark McGwire of the Oakland A’s. Little did anyone know at the time that McGwire would go on to smash 583 career home runs and break baseball’s single season home run record. His rookie card also showed him sporting his classic number 25 jersey and remains one of the most valuable and sought after rookie cards from the 1980s.

On the pitching side, the 1987 set featured the rookie cards of future Cy Young winners Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux, both of the Atlanta Braves. Glavine went on to rack up 305 career wins and 2 Cy Young awards while Maddux won 4 Cy Youngs of his own while developing into one of the best control pitchers ever. Their rookie cards carry substantial demand. Also debuting in 1987 was future 300-game winner David Cone of the New York Mets. Cone’s card showed promise of what was to come as he became a durable starter and postseason star over his 17-year MLB tenure. Each of these 1980s rookie pitching cards hold significant modern day value.

The 1987 set also included the baseball cards of many established superstars who were entering their primes or viewed as future Hall of Famers. One was burgeoning superstar Jose Canseco’s card from his breakout 1986 40-40 season with the Oakland A’s. Knowing what unfolded with the “Bash Brothers” era of Oakland baseball in subsequent years adds intrigue to Canseco’s rising star status captured on his ’87 card. Future Hall of Famer Don Mattingly’s card from his MVP caliber 1985 season with the New York Yankees remains a highly coveted piece from the set as well. The smooth swinging Mattingly was in the midst of a dominant stretch and his card invokes nostalgia for the Yankee dynasty teams of the 1980s.

Speaking of dynasties, the 1987 set also included cards for Boston Red Sox stars Roger Clemens and Wade Boggs, whom were in the midst of helping lead the BoSox to the American League East crown. Clemens’ card showed him in the process of cementing his status as one of the game’s most intimidating aces while Boggs’ card depicted the relentless hitting machine as he chased .300 season after .300 season. Both played key roles in the Red Sox’ reemergence as contenders and their cards remain very popular selections from the 1987 Topps set. Dodgers ace Orel Hershiser also had an incredibly valuable card from 1987, the year after he won 23 games and the NLCS MVP award while leading L.A. to a World Series title.

Rickey Henderson, one of the game’s most electrifying players, had perhaps the most iconic card from the 1987 set as well. Captured in mid-steal with his bat swinging, Henderson’s card spoke to the position he held as baseball’s premier base stealer and catalyst during his 25-year career. Other highly coveted cards included those of Red Sox star Dwight Evans, Phillies All-Star Mike Schmidt, and Yankee slugger Don Baylor, who each had memorable seasons in 1987. Hall of Fame reliever Dennis Eckersley also had a noteworthy card as he made the transition from starter to closer with the Red Sox.

In terms of overall rarity and valuation today, some of the most expensive 1987 cards to acquire include the rookie cards of McGwire, Glavine, and Maddux in high grade. The Canseco, Clemens, and Henderson cards also demand top dollar. But there are also plenty of affordable star cards and rookie cards to be found that still hold importance for collectors. All in all, the 1987 baseball card set was bursting with talent and its cards serve as a great reminder of some of the biggest names who played the game during a memorable decade for baseball in the 1980s. Given all the Hall of Famers and stars it featured, the 1987 Topps set remains a highly collectible and nostalgia-inducing set for fans and collectors alike.

LOTS OF GOOD BASEBALL CARDS

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Baseball cards have brought joy to collectors for generations. From the earliest tobacco cards of the late 1800s to modern inserts and parallels, there has always been a strong market for the sport’s top talents immortalized in paper form. While every card has a story to tell, some stand out as particularly valuable or desirable for collectors. Here is an in-depth look at lots of good baseball cards from over the decades that any collector would be thrilled to find in their collection.

One of the most iconic and sought-after baseball cards of all time is the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner. The legendary shortstop of the early 1900s was already a superstar by the time the American Tobacco Company featured him in their series. However, Wagner demanded his inclusion be pulled, likely due to his disdain for tobacco. As a result, only around 60 of the famed cards are known to still exist today in various conditions. In mint condition, a T206 Wagner regularly fetches well into the millions of dollars at auction. Even heavily played examples still sell for six figures. No serious baseball card collection is complete without owning a piece of this seminal issue.

Another extremely valuable early tobacco card is the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle. As one of the first “modern” designs that resembled post-WWII cardboard, the ‘52 Topps set became a must-have for collectors at the time and has remained hugely popular ever since. Mantle was already a budding superstar when featured prominently as the #307 card in the set. High grade versions rarely change hands but still command huge sums, like the PSA 10 example that sold for over $2.88 million in 2021. Even well-worn copies retain significant value due to the card’s iconic status in the hobby.

Jumping ahead several decades, most experienced collectors consider the 1988 Topps Traded Nolan Ryan no-hitter card #T-88 perfectly encapsulates the late 80s/early 90s baseball card boom. It captured The Express mowing down batters for the Houston Astros just months after being traded from the Mets in 1987, a dominant performance even in his 40s. Topps rushed the “Traded” set insertion to show this milestone, emphasizing the red-hot player collection trend at the time. Pristine grades demand 5 figures, though most examples hold value due to the nostalgia of opening packs during the peak card-collecting era.

The ’90s produced many desirable modern vintage issues as the industry reached new heights. Most notable are perhaps the seminal 1991 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. and the classic 1992 Leaf Mike Piazza rookie cards. Griffey was already a megastar for the Mariners but his Upper Deck debut became the definition of the modern baseball card craze. PSA 10’s reach the stratosphere at auction but even well-graded common versions command thousands due to sheer popularity. As for Piazza, his oft-parodied yet classic Leaf pose introduced him as the future Mets and Dodgers star catcher. High-end PSA/BGS grades bring huge money for the iconic card.

The 1990s also heralded inserts and parallels unknown in previous decades. Among the most revered are 1997 Fleer Metal Universe Refractors, 1998 Finest Refractors, and 1999 Stadium Club Chrome Refractors like the Chipper Jones. Printed on revolutionary foils with pristine surfaces, these rare pullable inserts sparked fierce pack searching. Top examples are true trophy pieces for any collection, often five-figure cards unto themselves. 1999 Excel #78 Chipper Jones and #38 Pedro Martinez also pioneered the “extended” size rookie concept that persists today and are iconic 1990s rookies.

Into the 2000s, premium baseball cards remained exciting hot commodities as the MLB player pool grew more international in scope. For example, the 2001 Bowman Chrome Ichiro Suzuki was printed as an ultra-short print variation refractor and established this future Hall of Famer as an early Pacific trading card sensation. Pristine copies command north of $10,000. Top prospects like the 2003 Bowman Chrome Justin Verlander also set the stage. Some consider the coveted 2003 Topps Chrome Refractors like the #87 Albert Pujols to be the high point of the decade in terms of design, rarity, and popularity.

Today’s modern game supplies a steady stream of new fan favorites and prospects to potentially join the ranks of cherished collectibles. Among these, the 2009 Bowman Draft Chrome Mike Trout claims the top spot due to his eventual ascension as perhaps the best all-around player of his generation. Copies carrying a PSA/BGS 10 grade auction well into six figures. Similarly, the 2012 Bowman Chrome Christian Yelich and 2013 Bowman Chrome Freddie Freeman heralded future MVPs as prized bowling prospects. At the MLB level, cards like the 2012 Topps Chrome Mike Trout and 2015 Topps Update Bryce Harper have long been icons of the current generation.

With so many great baseball card designs, exciting rookie cards, and hall of famers featured over decades, any collector benefits from keeping an eye out for these premium issues to form the backbone of an elite collection. Whether a vintage tobacco gem, ‘90s insert, star prospect, or modern star roster, certain cards prove their staying power by capturing a seminal moment and player that inspire memories and demand top dollar from enthusiasts decades later. With new additions to the pantheon still being made each season, it remains part of the hobby’s constant thrill to uncover such prestigious cards that could become future reference standards.