Tag Archives: kellogg’s

KELLOGG’s 3D BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

Leave a reply

Kellogg’s began issuing 3D baseball cards in cereal boxes in 1985 as a promotion to attract young collectors. While the cards themselves were nothing particularly special at the time, today these vintage 3D cards have increased greatly in value among collectors. Let’s take a deeper look at the history and rarity of these cards, as well as factors that influence their current valuations.

The Kellogg’s 3D baseball card promotion ran from 1985 through 1987. During this time period, collectors could find mini 3D cards enclosed in specially marked boxes of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, Apple Jacks, Froot Loops and other popular cereal brands. Each box would contain 5 cards in total. The cards featured realistic 3D images of current MLB stars printed on thick, glossy card stock. Viewed without glasses, the images appeared blurred or doubled but would snap into vibrant 3D view when seen through the red and blue cardboard glasses included with select boxes.

Some of the most notable players featured on the 1985-1987 Kellogg’s 3D cards included Nolan Ryan, Wade Boggs, Kirby Puckett, Andre Dawson, Tony Gwynn, Cal Ripken Jr., and Ozzie Smith. Roster updates were issued each year to keep the featured players current. In total, there were approximately 250 different 3D players cards produced over the 3 year promotion period.

The limited production run and the fact they were inserted randomly in cereal boxes means not all 250 cards have survived to the present day in collectible condition. Some of the rarest include the 1985 Don Mattingly and the 1987 Jose Canseco “rookie” cards, with populations estimated under 10 copies known today. Even relatively more common cards command significant values, especially in top grades. For example, a 1986 Roger Clemens in near mint to mint condition recently sold at auction for over $1,000.

When initially issued in the 1980s, the Kellogg’s 3D cards held little inherent value beyond what a young fan might place on their favorite players. Without the benefit of hindsight, there was no indication these would evolve into a coveted niche within the larger world of sports memorabilia collecting. But as the players featured went on to Hall of Fame careers and the cards survived in exponentially fewer numbers than their 2D counterparts, values steadily increased decade after decade.

Today’s valuations are determined by a combination of several key factors. First is the player featured, with superstar names like Rickey Henderson, Kirby Puckett and Wade Boggs at the top of the demand scale. Next is the scarcity of the particular card issue, as mentioned some are known to exist in single digits. The highest grade examples in pristine “mint” condition out of the traditional 1-10 scale also earn strong premiums. Other considerations include the appearance of the card within the set (ie. earlier numbers tend to be scarcer for whatever reason). Lastly, recent auction records and a card’s uniqueness drives marketplace competition and pricing.

As an niche category within the larger baseball card collecting community, the Kellogg’s 3D inserts have developed an passionate, discerning customer base. This includes both vintage collectors seeking childhood favorites as well as savvy investors cognizant of the cards’ steady appreciation over the past 30+ years. While costs have grown high for true “keys” to completing sets, there are still affordable common options available as well that maintain nostalgic appeal. Regardless of a card’s individual value, together these 3D issuances hold a special place in capturing the peak era of 1980s sports card mania for those who grew up with the products at that time. As a rarity within the greater sports collecting world, demand for Kellogg’s 3D cards shows no signs of slowing.

In summarizing, while issued as trivial promotions nearly four decades ago, the full-color 3D baseball cards produced by Kellogg’s from 1985-1987 have evolved into a highly valued collectible niche appreciated by both vintage fans and savvy investors. Rarity, condition, featured players and strong underlying market demand have all contributed to significant increases in values over the years, with true “keys” of the series now trading hands at auction in the thousands of dollars. Of course, investments in trading cards always carry risks. But for those with passion, disposable income and foresight, Kellogg’s 3D cards remain a compelling historic micro-category within the sports memorabilia field to both collect and potentially profit from long term.

1980 KELLOGG’s 3D BASEBALL CARDS CHECKLIST

Leave a reply

The 1980 Kellogg’s 3D Baseball Card promotion was one of the most iconic and popular insert card programs in baseball card history. Kellogg partnered with Topps to produce a set of 49 3D cards that could be found inside specially marked boxes of Kellogg’s cereal. Children eagerly awaited finding their favorite players rendered in stunning 3D. The cards became hugely popular collectors items and fueled memories for many young baseball fans of the time.

The checklist included all Major League teams from 1980. Each card featured a color photograph of a player in the center with their name and team name printed in raised letters on either side. When viewed without 3D glasses, the image looked slightly blurred. But when positioned just right through the included red and blue stereo glasses, the players seemed to leap off the card in brilliant 3D effect.

Some of the biggest stars of the day were included, such as Willie Stargell (#16) of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Steve Garvey (#6) of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Mike Schmidt (#22) of the Philadelphia Phillies. But lesser known players also got the 3D treatment, preserving their place in baseball history. Future Hall of Famers like George Brett (#18) of the Kansas City Royals and Nolan Ryan (#40) of the Houston Astros were depicted in the their prime.

The design and production values of the 1980 Kellogg’s 3D Baseball Cards set a high standard. With photography by renowned baseball photographer Marc Teichner, the images captured each player’s style and persona. The cards featured vibrant colors that really popped in the 3D effect. To ensure quality, Topps relied on their proven printing technology developed since the 1950s. The end result was a tremendously rich visual experience for kids opening their cereal boxes.

Some notable rookie cards can be found in the set as well. Players like Keith Hernandez (#24) of the St. Louis Cardinals, Steve Sax (#26) of the Dodgers, and Dave Righetti (#36) of the New York Yankees had just broken into the majors in 1980 and their rookie 3D cards remain highly collectible today. Owning a star player’s first licensed baseball card, especially rendered in such an innovative format, added immensely to the cards’ appeal.

In total, the checklist represented all 26 MLB teams of 1980. Only George Foster of the Cincinnati Reds is omitted from the numbering, likely due to an image rights dispute. Some clubs had multiple representatives like the Dodgers with Garvey, Sax, and Pedro Guerrero (#25). While most images depict each player in their respective league-affiliated team uniforms, a few like Don Sutton (#11) of the Astros are shown wearing their original team uniforms from earlier in their careers.

Condition and centering of the 3D images within the cardboard frame varied among productions runs. As part of the allure, finding a perfectly cut gem-mint example of a favorite player became an added challenge. Poorly centered cards were bound to happen during mass production but didn’t detract much from enjoyment. The overall design quality and popularity of the subjects outweighed minor flaws. Most examples seen today still showcase the stunning 3D effects even after 40+ years of handling and storage.

Though not as rare in lower grades, highly-graded quality 1980 Kellogg’s 3D Baseball Cards of the game’s greatest stars have become quite valuable. PSA/DNA POP reports of exemplary Mint and Gem Mint specimens show how conditioned-sensitive these are. Examples of Schmidt, Yastrzemski, Brett, Murray, and other stars in pristine states now sell for thousands of dollars. Still, even well-loved moderate condition examples hold significance as representations of a turning point in the evolution of baseball cards as a mainstream hobby.

The 1980 Kellogg’s 3D Baseball Card set proved hugely popular, igniting memories and passions while preserving a snapshot of the MLB in that season. Featuring the league’s top talents, both established legends and young stars, rendered in beautifully rich 3D thanks to innovative cereal packaging, these cards captured the era in a truly unique collector-friendly format. They became one of the most recognizable and coveted vintage inserts ever released, helping propel the baseball card craze of the 1970s and ’80s to new heights. Even 40 years later, the 1980 Kellogg’s 3D Baseball Cards remain a nostalgic symbol of childhood discovery and a pinnacle of baseball card design and production.

1978 KELLOGG’s 3D BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

In 1978, Kellogg’s cereal introduced 3D baseball cards as a marketing promotion inserted into cereal boxes. This set was groundbreaking as it was the first wide release of lenticular 3D printed cards. The cards featured images of notable Major League Baseball players from that season that would alter between two still images when viewed from slightly different angles, creating the illusion of motion. This innovative use of lenticular printing technology captured the imagination of baseball card collectors and cereal eating children alike.

Lenticular printing involves overlaying lenticular lenses, a type of magnifying lens, over strips of differing images. When viewed from side to side, the lenses catch different images beneath and flip between them, akin to a basic flip book. The 1978 Kellogg’s baseball cards were printed with a red and blue image underneath the lenses so that the cards would alternate between the two hues depending on the viewing angle. This basic 3D effect gave the cards an unprecedented sense of realism and motion compared to the static images found on traditional baseball cards up to that point.

At the time, Kellogg’s was one of the dominant breakfast cereal brands and their large marketing budget allowed them to experiment with new inserts meant to attract more customers. They knew kids loved collecting stuff and that baseball was hugely popular in American culture, so 3D baseball cards seemed like a surefire hit. The set featured 22 players split into 11 different cards, with each card featuring a pair of stars from that season. Some notable pairings included Reggie Jackson and Thurman Munson, Pete Rose and Johnny Bench, and Rod Carew and George Brett.

The production values on the 1978 Kellogg’s 3D cards were also a step above typical inserts of the era. They measured 3 1/2 inches by 2 1/4 inches, slightly larger than a standard baseball card. The cardboard stock was thick and of high quality. The lenticular lenses were precision molded and the multi-color offset printing produced crisp, vibrant images. Each card front also included baseball card staples like the player’s position, team, and stats from that season. On the back was a write up about each star along with some baseball trivia. Their detailed designs made them feel like true baseball cards and not just cheap cereal premiums.

When kids started finding these innovative cards in their cereal boxes in early 1978, it caused a sensation. Their basic hologram-like effects enthralled children who had never seen anything quite like it before. Older collectors were also amazed by the innovative lenticular printing technique. Within a few months, completing the full 22 card set had become a coveted hobby for young and old fans alike. The cards triggered widespread interest in the emerging field of 3D printing and specialized lenticular technology.

Kellogg’s strategic release of the 1978 3D Baseball Card set was a major publicity coup and sales boon for the company. At a time when sugar cereal competitors like Lucky Charms and Frosted Flakes were gaining ground, Kellogg’s had reasserted themselves as the most exciting brand on shelves by inserting groundbreaking premiums kids wanted. The cards even achieved pop culture status appearing on shows like Diff’rent Strokes and Laverne & Shirley as symbols of childhood nostalgia. Their influence expanded baseball card collecting beyond just the hardcore demographics and brought in many new young female fans as well.

Unfortunately for collectors, the 1978 Kellogg’s 3D cards were inserted as limited time premiums and not produced in high enough quantities to meet skyrocketing demand. Within a few months, finding unopened boxes with fresh inserts became nearly impossible. As such, complete sealed sets now sell for thousands of dollars at auction. Even individual well-preserved examples can fetch over $100 each due to their historical significance and integrated lenticular technology. They remain one of the most recognized and desirable baseball card releases of all time due to their innovative technology, high production values and pop culture effects. The 1978 Kellogg’s 3D Baseball Card set broke new ground, captured imaginations, and became a watershed moment that expanded the cardboard collecting hobby beyond what many thought possible at that time.

1983 KELLOGG’s 3D BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

Leave a reply

The 1983 Kellogg’s 3D Baseball Card series was one of the coolest and most unique baseball card sets ever produced. Featuring cutting edge 3D lenticular technology at the time, these cards brought the players to life in a whole new way and captured the imaginations of kids across America. While they had mass production runs and were inserted in Kellogg’s cereal boxes, their novelty has made them highly collectible today for baseball card enthusiasts and those fascinated by the history of sports memorabilia and collectibles.

The set contained 50 total cards, with 25 players featured on the front and 25 action shots on the reverse. Some of the big names included were Robin Yount, Ryne Sandberg, Gary Carter, Tony Pena, Andre Dawson, and Goose Gossage. But it also highlighted stars of the era from all 26 MLB teams at the time. The photos on the front would pop out when tilted, seeming to leap off the cardboard. Similarly, the action shots on the back would change perspectives and angles as the card was moved.

This was an incredible technical feat for the early 1980s, as lenticular printing had only recently been perfected on a mass production scale. It allowed for multiple images encoded on film that could blend and transition between one another seamlessly based on the viewing angle. Kellogg worked closely with the printer Nashua Corporation to bring this ambitious vision to life via their new Reflexite Prismatic lenticular material and state of the art printing presses.

When first inserted into cereal boxes nationwide, kids were utterly amazed by the effect. The cards were an instant sensation and sparked countless hours of admiration and play as the images seemingly morphed before their eyes. They truly captured the essence and thrill of America’s pastime in a fresh, engaging new format. For collectors at the time, they represented the pinnacle of what a baseball card could be both in terms of technological achievement as well as aesthetic appeal.

As the years passed, the Kellogg’s 3D cards remained a fond memory for those who enjoyed them as children in the early 1980s. Their novelty factor and the relatively large distribution runs through cereal led many to be carelessly thrown away or lost to time. For those who held onto their collections or sought out complete sets later on, their value steadily increased. By the late 1980s and 1990s, they had become quite scarce and highly desirable amongst vintage card collectors.

Graded and encapsulated mint examples now commonly sell for hundreds of dollars online. But the true gems are rare uncut presses sheets still featuring 8-12 cards intact that can eclipse $1000 due to their unprecedented condition. Several uncut sheets have even been known to sell for well over $10,000 when offered at major card conventions and auctions. For someone building the ultimate 1980s card collection, a pristine 1983 Kellogg’s 3D set is considered one of the true crowning achievements.

Part of what makes high grade versions so valuable is just how delicate and easy it was for these cards to show wear over time. The coating applied during manufacturing could chip away from friction in pockets and binders. Creasing was also common. So to find a set with contours and textures still sharply defined after almost 40 years is a true testament to careful storage conditions. Plus, the population of survivors in top condition is estimated to be exceptionally low considering the vast numbers originally made.

A number of factors continue to drive demand and prices higher among serious vintage card collectors. First is the undisputed cool factor and nostalgia appeal that trumps many traditional cardboard releases. Second is the innovation in sporting a brand new display technology before most consumers had seen anything like it. And third is the impressive artwork, photo quality, and subject matter selection featuring the league’s top talent from a unique era.

While mass produced, the 1983 Kellogg’s 3D Baseball Card set has endured to become one of the true gems sought after by investors and enthusiasts. Few other issues can match the innovation, historical significance, and lasting appeal that these cards possess almost forty years later. Going forward, as the original consumers who delighted in them as children age, it seems inevitable prices will continue their steady rise for nice survivors which get harder to find with each passing year. The ability to bring baseball’s greatest stars popping right off the card in 3D will never cease to amaze.

KELLOGG’s 3D BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

In the late 1990s, Kellogg’s cereal introduced an innovative promotional concept – 3D baseball cards included inside specially marked boxes. These lenticular printed cards produced a stereoscopic 3D effect when viewed through the attached viewing glasses. It was among the first mainstream uses of this technology for a children’s collectible program and captured the attention and imagination of baseball card collecting kids.

Lenticular printing works by layering image slices behind lenticular lenses – thin vertical lines of lens material. As the card is tilted or rotated, different image slices are visible to each eye, allowing it to perceive depth. For the 3D baseball cards, full front and side pose motion sequences were encoded. When viewed with the red and green lenses of the glasses, the cards appeared to have a real 3D model of the baseball player popping out.

The cards featured current Major League players from that season and were inserted randomly into boxes of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, Frosted Flakes, Froot Loops and Apple Jacks cereals. Approximately 10% of cereal boxes contained the prize 3D cards. Collectors had to buy multiple boxes hoping to find the chase cards of their favorite players. The 1998 and 1999 series each contained 24 different players.

Some of the biggest star players featured in the inaugural 1998 set included Ken Griffey Jr., Cal Ripken Jr., Greg Maddux, Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire amidst the epic home run chase between McGwire and Sosa that captivated the nation. Rarer “hologram” parallel variants of some stars like Griffey and McGwire were also available at a much lower print run, exciting collectors. The 3D rendering was a remarkable technical achievement at the time to feature detailed action shots of contemporary stars.

While earlier technologies like flicker cards provided some depth illusion, the quality and realism of the lenticular 3D effect was a revelation. Kids were awestruck being able to see their favorite players appear to leap off the card through the special viewing glasses. The added dimension made these less like static baseball cards and more like moving mini-holograms. It was a novelty that generated a lot of excitement among young collectors.

In 1999, Kellogg’s continued the campaign with another series, again showcasing the top players and stars of that MLB season. Names in the 1999 assortment included Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Pedro Martinez, Ivan Rodriguez, Chipper Jones and Jeff Bagwell. The serial numbering also continued from the 1998 cards. Bonus insert cards featuring larger 3D images were included as super short print parallel versions.

The 3D baseball cards were an undeniable hit that struck a huge pop culture nerve. They successfully captured kids’ imaginations by bringing baseball heroes to life in a three-dimensional visual form never seen before in a trading card. The added display and interaction of using the red/green viewing glasses created a true collectors experience. While collecting normal baseball cards had been a longtime hobby, the 3D variation took it to an innovative new level.

Like many specialty insert sets, their print runs were limited which has caused values to rise significantly for key cards over decades. Near mint Griffey Jr. and Sosa rookies from 1998 in particular can fetch hundreds of dollars today. Other star players from McGwire to Bonds also command high prices. Even common players from both series have gained considerable nostalgic appeal and value as the first lenticular 3D baseball cards ever produced.

For collectors who enjoyed the cards as kids, they remain a treasured memory of childhood summers spent collecting and appreciating the hobby. Their revolutionary 3D playback quality was cutting edge for baseball collectibles at the late 1990s height of the sport’s popularity. While today’s technological marvels may seem more advanced, the Kellogg’s 3D cards were genuinely astounding for fans of their generation. They created a great promotional vehicle that married cereal, baseball and the emerging lenticular printing technique into a truly innovative collectible experience.

The subsequent pop in value of these recalled cards is also a testament to their cultural significance and staying power. After initially being meant as a throwaway prize inside cereal boxes, the Kellogg’s 3D cards have become an important commemorative item immortalizing the stars and seasons they depicted. Their marriage of sports, science and nostalgia has ensured they remain a cherished piece of history for 1990s kids and collectors today. Even two decades later, the magic of seeing ballplayers seemingly leap off the cards is still recalled fondly by those who enjoyed this groundbreaking series when first released.

The Kellogg’s 3D baseball cards were an unprecedented use of lenticular printing technology that captured kids’ imaginations by bringing baseball heroes to realistic life. While collectibles have become more advanced, the innovative spirit that drove these cards’ creation still inspires new applications of the lenticular technique across memorabilia today. From their nostalgic cultural staying power to the technical achievement they represented, the 1998-1999 Kellogg’s 3D baseball card sets deserve recognition as pioneering creative works that married sport, science and memory into a truly revolutionary collectible experience.

1992 KELLOGG’s CORN FLAKES ALL STAR BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1992 Kellogg’s Corn Flakes All Star Baseball card insert set was included in boxes of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes cereal from February to July of that year. Like many baseball card promotions of the time, Kellogg’s included these premium cards to drive cereal sales. The 1992 set featured 20 baseball all stars from the American and National Leagues. Each card depicted a different player along with stats and career highlights on the back. Though not particularly valuable today as a complete set, the 1992 Kellogg’s cards provide a glimpse into the great players of that era and serve as a nostalgic reminder of childhood baseball card collecting experiences for many.

The 1992 season was a pivotal year in Major League Baseball. It was the first year both leagues would field an equal number of teams and divisions after the addition of the Colorado Rockies and Florida Marlins as expansion franchises. It was also a year that saw star players like Barry Bonds, Cal Ripken Jr., Kirby Puckett, and Dennis Eckersley at or nearing the peaks of their impressive careers. Not surprisingly, many of these superstars made the cut for inclusion in the 1992 Kellogg’s set. Rookies like Jeff Bagwell also earned a spot after impressive debut seasons. In total, the set featured 11 National Leaguers and 9 American Leaguers in the prime of their careers.

Some of the bigger star names that Kellogg’s selected for the 1992 set included Barry Bonds of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Ken Griffey Jr. of the Seattle Mariners, Dennis Eckersley of the Oakland A’s, Cal Ripken Jr. of the Baltimore Orioles, Kirby Puckett of the Minnesota Twins, and Ryne Sandberg of the Chicago Cubs, all legitimate superstars at that point in the early 90s. Lesser known at the time but still young standouts chosen included Jeff Bagwell of the Houston Astros in just his rookie season, as well future Hall of Famers like Tom Glavine of the Atlanta Braves. Veteran presences included Dave Stewart of the A’s, Jack Morris of the Toronto Blue Jays, and Tony Gwynn of the San Diego Padres.

Design-wise, the 1992 Kellogg’s All Star cards were fairly straightforward. Each featured a headshot photo of the player on a solid blue background with their name across the top in white block letters. Team logos and the Kellogg’s name were prominently displayed on the front as well. Statistics like career batting average, home runs, RBIs and earned run average depending on the position were listed on the back along with a short blurb highlighting some of the player’s career achievements up to that point. The cards utilized a standard 3.5″ x 2.5″ size common for many baseball sets of the early 90s. Production values were good overall though not quite on par with the premium flagship sets from companies like Topps, Fleer or Upper Deck.

While not considered especially rare or valuable individually in the collector world now, the 1992 Kellogg’s All Star baseball cards still hold nostalgic significance for those who remember pulling them from cereal boxes as kids in the early 90s. For baseball card investors as well, the complete 20-card insert set in high grade can still fetch $30-50 on the secondary market depending on condition, showing there is still some demand. Beyond monetary value, the cards serve as a reminder of that specific year in baseball when superstars like Barry Bonds, Cal Ripken Jr. and others were performing at the peak of their Hall of Fame careers. For those who grew up collecting in the early 90s, flipping through the 1992 Kellogg’s All Stars is a nice walk down memory lane.

While cereal and baseball card promotions were common then, Kellogg’s has generally stayed out of the official licensed baseball card business in the decades since. Some other memorable Kellogg’s sports card inserts from the 90s included 1992 World Series Heroes, 1994 MLB All Century team cards, and 1997 All-Star ballot cards. But none reached the scale and player selection quality of the 1992 MLB All Stars issue. For both casual baseball fans and dedicated card collectors of a certain age, the Kellogg’s Corn Flakes All Star Baseball cards from 1992 hold a special place, representing the great players and a peak era of the national pastime. Though the cards themselves may not retain huge monetary value, they still evoke fond memories of childhood summers enjoying cereal and baseball card collecting decades later.

KELLOGG’s BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

Leave a reply

The Kellogg’s baseball card series has become famous among card collectors for the unique promotions and scarcity of the cards produced between 1938 and 1952. During a time when cereal was widely becoming a breakfast staple in American homes, Kellogg’s capitalized on the rising baseball card craze by including premium sports cards in their cereal boxes. The limited print runs and short production windows of many issues have made complete sets quite valuable over the decades.

One of the earliest Kellogg’s insert sets was produced in 1938. Only a small number of cities were targeted for the promotion that year, with Chicago being the main location seeing over 1.5 million cards distributed. The 1938 set featured stars such as Lou Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx, and Gabby Hartnett. Top condition examples of these scarce pioneer cards can fetch over $10,000 each today for the true key cards. Other early issues from the late 1930s-1940s like the 1946 set are also extremely valuable due to the limited coverage areas and numbers printed. Near complete or complete flagship sets from the earliest years routinely sell for $50,000+ due to their immense rarity.

Perhaps the most iconic of all the Kellogg’s sets is the 1952 Topps set. Topps had lost the baseball card license in 1951, so instead included 162 black and white player photos as cereal box inserts to satisfy the baseball card demand. Each card featured a player portrait and stats on the front, with the Kellogg’s cereal and team adcopy on the back. Iconic stars of the era like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Duke Snider are all included in the set numbering only 1-162 with no variations. They come with some of the toughest grading demands of any card set due to the fragile cereal box paper stock. Top graded 1952 Kellogg’s in high grades can bring six figure prices or more at auction today due to their massive significance in the industry.

Continuing into the 1950s, there were several short print Kellogg’s issues that also have great collector value today. The 1953 Topps redesign set brought a new look but continued the cereal box promotion pattern of the year before. Sets from 1954-1957 also featured both regular Topps design cards as cereal premiums, providing a unique paper stock platform for the Topps flagship releases in those years as well. Well preserved high graded examples from the 1950s cereal runs tend to sell in the thousands to tens of thousands each depending on the player, condition, and scarcity within the specific set. They don’t tend to reach the astronomical values that 1952 routinely does due to higher print runs in comparison.

Condition is absolutely critical when evaluating Kellogg’s sets due to the fragile paper on which they were originally printed over 60-70 years ago. Even seemingly high graded cards in the 7-8 range typically exhibit problems like rounded edges, creases, or stains that buyers heavily scrutinize. Perhaps no set demands a sharper eye for flaws more than the 1952s. Even marginal flaws can significantly diminish value quickly, so accrued condition census skills are vital when considering bidding on or pricing vintage Kellogg’s issues properly. The cereal stocks also tend to yellow or amber more dramatically over time versus the later glossy cardboard issues.

Complete flagship Kellogg’s sets have changed hands for record prices at public auction over the years. In 2019, a PSA-graded 1951 post-season set featuring All-Stars like Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays achieved a world record $657,250 price at an MJC Auctions sale. Other high auction marks include a PSA-graded run of the 1952s setting over $500,000 in other past Heritage and Goldin sales. With the surging interest in vintage cards over the last decade from wealthy collectors, it would not be surprising to see prices for some superior conditioned flagship Kellogg’s groupings or individual cards to continue pushing up over the six or even seven figure mark levels in future auction appearances among the most affluent bidding pools.

For collectors looking to add affordable highlights from the set to their collections, individual high graded Kellogg’s cards from short print years or of notable Hall of Famers from the early runs can still be obtained in the $500 up to few thousand range. Mid-range stars and role players from the sets can be found for a couple hundred dollars or less, making it possible to build a modest set over time without needing auction warchest funding. The 1952s are predictably the most expensive chasing due to being the most significant set, but even singles at the lower reaches of investment grading can hit four figures. Ebay currently features a nice selection of singles, cut strips and small starter runs from across the Kellogg’s years at wide price points for those starting a collection on a budget.

The Kellogg’s baseball card specialty holds enduring appeal and investment potential for serious vintage collectors and investors today. Condition will always be the #1 priority, but even well preserved mid-range cards and cut strips serve as an affordable entry point to obtain pieces of cardboard history from this hallowed cereal box promotion era. Completist 1950s flagship sets represent the pinnacle achievements and great long term holding vehicles if the financial means allows, with the iconic 1952 Topps issue reigning supreme as one of the most famous card sets ever produced. With no signs of slowing interest, the classic Kellogg’s runs will surely maintain their place as a blueprint of the industry’s roots for decades to come.

KELLOGG’s 3D BASEBALL CARDS 1976

Leave a reply

Kellogg’s 1976 3D Baseball Card Promotion

In 1976, Kellogg’s cereal launched one of the most innovative and memorable baseball card promotions of all time – 3D baseball cards. Included in specially marked boxes of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, Frosties, Apple Jacks, and Rice Krispies were foil packets containing twelve 3D baseball cards. When viewed through the red-blue 3D glasses provided, the cards popped out of the page with true three-dimensional effects. Featuring stars from all 26 Major League Baseball teams at the time, the 1976 Kellogg’s 3D Baseball Card set was an immediate hit with kids and collectors alike.

The technology behind the 3D images was nothing new, having been used in comics, books, and cards for decades prior. However, Kellogg’s brought this novelty format to the mass mainstream market by including them in one of the biggest cereal brands. Adding excitement and visual wonder to the traditional baseball card collecting hobby, the 1976 3D cards helped spark new interest in the pastime at a time when it was beginning to decline in popularity among younger generations. Over 100 million 3D card packets were distributed that year, leaving an indelible mark on 1970s pop culture.

Each foil packet contained 12 randomly inserted cards showcasing a variety of baseball’s biggest stars from both the American and National Leagues. Top players featured included Hank Aaron, Pete Rose, Rod Carew, George Foster, and Reggie Jackson among many others. A few uncommon “variations” also existed, such as 3D managers’ cards of Billy Martin and Sparky Anderson. Team logos, uniforms, and unique posed action shots brought the players to life like never before when viewed through the special red and blue lenses.

On the front of each card was the player’s photograph and stats on the reverse. But it was only when placed underneath the thin transparent red and blue overlay “viewers” that the real magic occurred. Depending on which lens was used, different layers of the card’s image would appear to rise up off the surface or sink back into the card. For many kids in the 1970s, it was their first true experience with 3D photography and a technology previously only known through 3D movie theaters.

To maximize the visual effect, Kellogg’s urged consumers in promotionalmaterials to “flip the lenses back and forth to make the players really POP out at you!” Varying the lens revealed distinct foreground, mid-ground and background layers to create realistic depth and dimension. Batter swings, pitcher winds, and fielder dives seemed to break free of the flat card stock. It was unlike any baseball card experience prior and captured the imagination of children and grown collectors alike.

While manufacturing and distribution costs were high, Kellogg’s saw the promotional campaign as hugely successful. Not only did it significantly boost cereal sales that summer, but it helped reconnect America’s favorite pastime with a new youth audience. The scarcity and visual novelty of the 3D cards also spurred a resurgence of interest in the growing sport card collecting hobby. In the following years, other companies like Topps, Donruss and Fleer would experiment with 3D and lenticular technologies to varying success, but none matched Kellogg’s groundbreaking 1976 introduction.

As the 1970s progressed, 3D effects faded from the mainstream. The cards themselves became beloved nostalgic relics of childhood memorabilia for a generation. In thecollector marketplace, 1976 Kellogg’s 3D cards are among the most sought after and valuable vintage issues. Complete sets in near mint condition can fetch thousands of dollars today. Individually, key stars like Aaron, Jackson, Ruth, and Yastrzemski consistently trade hands for hundreds due to their unprecedented visual impact and historical significance within the hobby.

Over 45 years later, Kellogg’s 3D Baseball Card promotion of 1976 still stands as one of the most innovative uses of sports memorabilia to engage fans both young and old. By blending cereal, baseball, and true 3D photography ahead of its time, it sparked new interest in the sport during a pivotal period for MLB. For many collectors and fans today, the cards represent a unique connection to the past that “pops out” as vividly as the first time viewed under those now retired red and blue lenses. Their lasting legacy is a true testament to the power of novelty, technology, and childhood nostalgia within popular culture.

1978 KELLOGG’s 3D BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

Leave a reply

The 1978 Kellogg’s 3D Baseball Card series was one of the earliest examples of lenticular imaging being used on consumer products to create the illusion of motion or depth. Included in specially marked boxes of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes and other cereals, these innovative cardboard inserts featured full color images of Major League Baseball stars that seemed to leap off the card when viewed from side to side. Nearly 50 years later, these memorable promotional items remain highly sought after by collectors and nostalgia enthusiasts.

The cards were produced during the height of the Cold War space race between the United States and Soviet Union. At this time, new technologies like 3D cinema, holograms, polarized glasses and lenticular printing were sparking wide public interest. Kellogg’s marketing department cleverly tapped into this fascination with emerging optical illusions by developing special baseball cards that could be viewed in three dimensions without any extra viewing apparatus. Each card featured a single posed MLB player on the front with their name, team, position and stats. More rudimentary lenticular printing techniques of the late 1970s resulted in the 3D effects being somewhat coarse and flickery compared to later iterations.

The 1978 Kellogg’s 3D Baseball Card series was available in specially marked boxes of cereal like Corn Flakes, Frosted Flakes and Apple Jacks from January through June of that year. A total of 24 different players were featured across the American and National Leagues, including superstars like Reggie Jackson, Rollie Fingers, Steve Garvey and Nolan Ryan. Rosters included a good mix of hitters and pitchers representing many of the top MLB franchises from both the AL and NL. The cards had no gum and measured a standard 2.5 x 3.5 inches in size, slightly smaller than modern baseball cards. The cardboard stock was also somewhat thicker and more rigid than typical inserts from that era.

The condition and completeness of 1978 Kellogg’s 3D Baseball Cards can have a huge impact on their collectible value today. Grading services like PSA and BGS now assign quality designations to encapsulated examples. Gem Mint PSA 10 or BGS Black Label 9.5 cards in absolutely flawless condition can be worth thousands of dollars to the right buyers. Most surviving examples show at least moderate wear and issues due to over 40 years of handling. Even poorly centered, dinged or creased low grade cards still appeal to nostalgic collectors for under $10 in about Fine-Very Good condition. Incomplete or lacking the all-important lenticular lens, values plummet significantly. It’s also important to note that the cards were inserts, not the main product, so finding full unopened cereal boxes with sheets still intact is a true rarity.

While many of these innovative cards ended up shuffled, played with, stuffed in attics or thrown out, a dedicated community of collectors spends years searching estate sales, shops, shows and online auctions trying to track down examples, especially for players they admire. The allure is not purely financial – there is genuine nostalgia and appreciation for an especially creative and technically groundbreaking baseball card concept from abygone era. As one of the earliest examples of lenticular printing being used on consumer packaging, these 1978 Kellogg’as 3D inserts also hold historical significance. For dedicated collectors, acquiring a gem mint Reggie Jackson or Nolan Ryan to admire up close can provide lasting joy and memories of a childhood spent collecting cards and appreciating America’s pastime.

While values fluctuate with availability and condition like any collectible, mint 1978 Kellogg’s 3D cards in third party holder grades of PSA 8 and above still routinely sell for $50-$150 each online. Top stars in absolute pristine PSA 10 or BGS Black Label 9.5 grades can bring several hundred dollars or more from the most avid collectors. Condition is paramount, and with so few examples surviving in top shape, prices continue rising slowly overall for this niche yet innovative set over time. Variety and completeness also add value – a full run of 24 different players would be a true prize. For researchers, historians or those with a passion for the earliest applications of lenticular printing, high grade examples remain worthwhile acquisitions.

Nearly a half century after their original appearance, the innovative 1978 Kellogg’s 3D Baseball Card promotion rightly endures as a pioneering pop culture artifact and highlight for dedicated MLB memorabilia collectors. Though rudimentary by today’s standards, these cardboard snapshots seemed almost magical in capturing the illusion of movement without need for special glasses. They sparked young imaginations and fueled a passion that continues today. For finding a fresh, fun new way to promote America’s pastime through emerging technology, Kellogg’s 3D baseball cards deserve their place in the history books. Condition sensitive but carrying nostalgia and historical significance, prices remain reasonable for most examples – ensuring another generation can experience the magic of cards that seem to leap off the pack.

1981 KELLOGG’s 3D BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1981 Kellogg’s 3D Baseball Cards were a groundbreaking promotions released by the Kellogg Company in partnership with Major League Baseball. The set included 29 MLB players depicted in stereoscopic 3D images stored on the front of wax-covered cereal box fronts. Kellogg’s was attempting to capture the attention and imagination of young children with this innovative new card promotion by allowing kids to view the players leaping off the card in 3D. The promotion was a massive success and is still fondly remembered today by those who collected and enjoyed the cards as kids in 1981.

The 3D baseball card craze was started in 1977 when Kellogg’s included lenticular 3D baseball cards in Frosted Flakes and Corn Flakes boxes. These early 3D cards were limited to only 8 players but helped introduce the revolutionary technology to kids. By 1981, Kellogg’s and graphics technology had advanced enough to produce a much more extensive 29 card 3D baseball set featuring some of the biggest stars in baseball at the time. Companies like View-Master were also releasing 3D reels around this period, fueling interest in 3D stereoscopic images. For kids in 1981, being able to see these iconic baseball heroes seemingly jump out of the cereal box in front of their eyes was simply magical.

Some of the biggest star players featured on the 1981 Kellogg’s 3D Baseball cards included Reggie Jackson, George Brett, Dave Winfield, Steve Carlton, Nolan Ryan, and Robin Yount. Each card depicted the player in action, whether it be swinging a bat, throwing a pitch, or fielding a ball. When viewed through the lenticular lens atop the cereal box front, the 3D stereoscopic images created the illusion of depth and parallax as the cards were shifted from side to side. Inside the boxes, instructions taught kids how to get the best 3D effect by holding the cards at different angles and distances from the eyes. For collectors and kids even today, the imaginative aspect of these cards still holds fascination.

In addition to innovative 3D technology, Kellogg’s upped the production value for the 1981 version compared to earlier attempts. The cards featured vibrant color reproductions and a high degree of detail and likeness capturing the exact stances and expressions of the ballplayers. The cards also included statistics and information about each player on the reverse side. To encourage kids to collect the entire 29 card series, point values were assigned that could be redeemed for small baseball related prizes offered in special coupon mail-away offers. This gamified the card collecting experience and further increased interest and demand.

The 1981 Kellogg’s 3D Baseball Card promotion was a resounding success. For kids across America in 1981, finding these innovative new cards inside their morning cereal boxes was a highly anticipated thrill. Trading and collecting amongst friends became a daily pursuit. The magical ability for kids to see their favorite superstar MLB players seemingly jump out directly from the cereal box and into their bedrooms, fueled endless wonder, imagination, and childhood memories. Even for adults today who collected these cards as kids, the memory of that first experience viewing the 3D illusion remains sharply etched in the mind.

From a business perspective, the promotion was also successful in driving cereal sales and brand loyalty for Kellogg’s. By creatively leveraging the existing fandom for baseball, Kellogg’s was able to tap into the desires of kids and families in a revolutionary new way. The collaboration with MLB resulted in free widespread marketing and advertisement as well. As collectibles, the cards also gained value with time which further cemented their staying power in the minds of those who grew up with them. The widespread success and cultural impact of the 1981 Kellogg’s 3D Baseball Cards laid the groundwork for future sports card insert promotions by Kellogg’s throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

While 3D technology has advanced significantly since the early 1980s, the 1981 Kellogg’s 3D Baseball Cards still hold a nostalgic place in the hearts of many collectors today who remember receiving them as children. On online auction sites, complete 1981 Kellogg’s 3D Baseball Card sets in mint condition can fetch prices well over $100. Individual high-valued stars from the set like Dave Winfield or Nolan Ryan often sell for $10-20 each depending on condition. For collectors and fans alike, the cards continue to symbolize childhood imaginations and memories of a simpler time. They also serve as an important historical artifact documenting the dawn of the 3D card collecting craze of the late 1970s and early 1980s. The innovative 1981 Kellogg’s 3D Baseball Cards were a defining sports promotion that still fascinates many decades later.

The 1981 Kellogg’s 3D Baseball Card promotion was a cultural touchstone that still captivates collectors today with its groundbreaking use of innovative 3D stereoscopic technology. By partnering with MLB to feature iconic baseball stars of the era, Kellogg’s was able to tap into the passions of kids through an immersive collecting experience unlike anything seen before. Both from an entertainment and marketing standpoint, the promotion succeeded wildly in driving cereal sales while fostering lasting childhood memories. Collectors continue to reminisce fondly about finding these magical cards among their morning cereal and experiencing that first “wow factor” of seeing their heroes seemingly leap off the cardboard. The 1981 Kellogg’s 3D Baseball Cards left an indelible mark as one of the most imaginative and beloved sports promotions in history.