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HOW MUCH ARE CHIPPER JONES BASEBALL CARDS WORTH

Chipper Jones made his MLB debut in 1993 and spent his entire 19 year career with the Braves from 1995 to 2012, establishing himself as a perennial All-Star and winning the National League MVP award in 1999. His elite performance and loyalty to one franchise have made Jones a beloved figure among Braves fans and baseball collectors.

One of Chipper’s earliest significant rookie cards is his 1993 Fleer Ultra #375 card from his partial cup of coffee season. This rare rookie card frequently sells for $100-300 in low grade copies but can reach up to $1,000 for high grade mint copies in Gem Mint 10 condition. Another notable early Jones rookie is his 1993 Studio #73 card that has sold for around $75-150 depending on condition.

Chipper’s true rookie star debut came in 1995. His flagship 1995 Fleer Update #U-65 rookie card remains one of the most iconic of his career. In well-worn Poor-Fair condition, this card can sell from $10-30 but mint copies in Gem Mint 10 grade have reached auction prices of $800-1,200. The 1995 Fleer Ultra #138 card and 1995 Ultra Series 2 #41 parallel also carry value as alternate rookie options, fetching $50-150 based on condition.

Two of Chipper’s most lucrative cards capture the height of his career success with Atlanta in the late 1990s. His 1999 Bowman’s Best Refractors parallel #BBR-CJ rookie refractor /25 is the true holy grail for super high-end collectors, with primarily just a handful known to exist. When one of these ultra-rare parallel cards hits the auction market, it routinely shatters records with sale prices upwards of $5,000. Even non-refractor versions of the 1999 Bowman’s Best rookie card can reach $400-700 depending on grade. Meanwhile, Chipper’s iconic 1999 Topps Finest Refractor #FR-C rookie refractoroften sells for $300-600 for high grades and $150-250 on average.

Chipper enjoyed many productive All-Star seasons that produced collectible cards. His standard rookie cards from 1996-1998 from sets like Upper Deck, Topps, and Score fall in the $10-50 range based on condition. Late career parallels and inserts from the 2000s have varying values. For example, his 2008 Topps Total #197 parallel /50 sold for $300-400. His 2004 Topps Total Memorabilia #TM24 jersey card fetched $150-250. A 2013 Topps Greats of the Game Auto 1/1 printing plate sold for over $800.

Perhaps Chipper’s most expensive post-rookie cards capture his achievements late in his career. His 2008 Topps Tribute Platinum Parallel #TP-CJ hits auction prices consistently between $400-600 for mint condition due to its parallel rarity of /99. Meanwhile, his 2008 Topps Triple Threads #29 Patch Auto /10 regularly sells online for $800-1,000 given both the patch and ultra-low serial number parallel. Several 1/1 printing plate cards from late in his career like 2008 UD Autobiography often make over $1,000 depending on the parallel.

In summary, Chipper Jones’ Hall of Fame career and consistency with Atlanta has made his rookie cards and parallel inserts highly sought after 25 years after his debut. While common issues may sell for $10-50, true mint condition copies of his earliest Flagship rookies like 1995 Fleer Update can reach up to $1,000+. Rare parallel inserts like 1999 Bowman’s Best Refractors are prizes worth thousands. For the true Chipper Jones card collecting connoisseur, finding high quality copies of his best rookie seasons and late career parallels will provide both top investment returns and enjoyment in one of baseball’s most accomplished third basemen.

HOW MUCH CAN BASEBALL CARDS SELL FOR

The player featured on the card – Cards featuring legendary or elite players will almost always have higher values than those picturing more average or role players. Players like Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, Mickey Mantle, and recent stars like Mike Trout often command the highest prices due to their iconic playing careers and historic significance to the game. Having a card of a star player from their rookie season or early career is especially valuable.

The condition and grade of the card – A card’s condition, whether it is cleanly cut, is creased or worn, etc. makes a huge difference in its value. The grading scale most often used by experts in the sports card industry is the 1-10 BGS/PSA/SCCS scale, where 10 is gem mint and 1 is poor. A card graded at a 9 or 10 can be exponentially more valuable than the same card at a 5 or 6 due to its state of preservation. Professional grading helps authenticate condition and increases collectibility.

The year and company that produced the card – Older vintage cards from the early 1900s up through the 1980s tend to have higher values due to their scarcity and historical importance as the earliest mass-produced baseball cards. Especially rare are the older tobacco cards from brands like T206 and Sweet Caporal issued prior to World War 1. Modern cards have value too, but are much more plentiful in collectors’ hands. Top issuers like Topps, Bowman, and Fleer are generally preferred over lesser-known brands.

Specialty or limited print run factors – Promotional cards, parallel or short-print variations, autograph or memorabilia cards, and especially rare error or one-of-a-kind cards can sell for significant amounts. Exclusive cards inserted randomly in packs at far lower print rates become quite valuable to collectors trying to ‘complete the set.’ Autographed cards personally signed by a star player are routinely more collectible.

Population report statistics – Services like PSA track the number of a certain graded card known to exist in collectible condition. A card that is both highly graded and has an extremely low population report will be remarkably scarce and demand higher prices from enthusiasts. Having a true “only one in existence” graded card can make it invaluable to a dedicated collector of that player.

General collector/hobby market influences -Like any collectibles market, overall supply and demand also impacts values. Periods where interest and player collections are thriving lead to increased bidding wars and price spikes. Emergence of new interested buyer pools internationally has expanded the market in recent years. Major sports/event occasions also create short-term price bumps around things like the MLB postseason, Baseball Hall of Fame induction weekends.

With all these factors combined, the range that baseball cards can sell for is extremely wide, from mere dollars all the way up into the millions. Common modern cards in bulk lots might go for a penny each. But the all-time record sale remains the iconic 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card, rated as one of the rarest in existence, which sold for over $3 million back in 2016. Other benchmark high sales include a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie that reached $2.88 million in 2021. While those stratospheric prices are exceptions, it’s common for elite vintage stars or prized rookie cards of current greats to trade hands in four and five figure territory too. The baseball card market continues evolving rapidly each year as new collectors join the hobby. With proper grading, context, and strong demand around a specific player item, virtually any cardboard piece of baseball history could have immense value for the right collector.

While the exact sales price of a baseball card depends on a multitude of intertwining elements to consider – from the all-important player, to the specific details of its issue and physical condition over time – the potential range remains enormous, varying from modest to truly astronomical figures. Properly understanding and accounting for all the factors that define scarcity, quality preservation, and collector passion among other variables is central to appropriately evaluating a card’s long term value and investment potential within this expansive, yet nuanced market.

HOW MUCH ARE 1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH

The 1987 Topps baseball card set is one of the most highly sought after and valuable sets from the late 1980s. It was the 66th set released by Topps and contains photos from the 1986 MLB season. There are 792 total cards in the base set, which included regular season and All-Star players as well as manager, league leader, and rookie cards.

In terms of valuation, there are several key factors that determine the value of individual 1987 Topps cards. One of the most important is the player featured and their career accomplishments. For example, rookie cards of Hall of Famers or superstar players from the 1980s will always demand a higher price. Cards featuring players like Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Frank Thomas, Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine as rookies can be worth thousands in near mint condition today given how their careers played out.

Another major determinant of value is the player’s autograph status. Signed or autographed cards from the 1987 Topps set fetch a huge premium. Getting an elite player’s autograph on their original rookie card is incredibly rare, so these pieces tend to sell for five figures or more depending on condition and pedigree. Unsigned versions are still highly sought after, but the autograph takes it to another level in terms of collecting and investment.

Card condition is also critical – with near mint or mint copies being worth exponentially more than played, damaged, or worn examples. On the PSA or BGS grading scale from 1-10, 1987 Topps cards that grade NM-MT 7 or above can be worth 10x more than raw, lower graded copies. Receiving professional third party authentication and a high “gem mint” rating brings top dollar and is essential for high value pieces.

Beyond the base set, there are also numerous insert and parallel subsets that hold value such as Glossy Sendbacks, Glossy All-Stars, Action All-Stars and Camo parallels. Rarer rookie variations, error cards, and one-ofs are truly prized by advanced collectors. The value depends mostly on the player, condition, and specific parallel involved. These specialty 1987 Topps cards can often command prices well into the thousands.

The 1987 Topps rookies of future Hall of Famers and stars grade 7 or higher are worth anywhere from $50-$1000+ each today depending on the player pedigree. The true elite rookie gems like a PSA 10 Bonds or McGwire can achieve values above $10,000. Complete sets in excellent shape will range from $500-$2000 on the current market. And coveted autographed pieces may sell for sums exceeding $10,000 if it’s a true superstar signing. With baseball’s increased popularity among collectors in recent decades, the appeal and demand for 1980s vintage like 1987 Topps remains strong. Condition sensitive premium content from this classic set continues to gain value with time for savvy long term investors.

The 1987 Topps baseball card set remains an iconic and investment-worthy release over 30 years later. Valuations are directly tied to player performance and career arch, autograph status, condition grades, and parallel/insert rarity. Key rookie gems and complete near-mint sets can provide an excellent long term collectible hold, while signed legends and error cards have potential to appreciate substantially based on baseball memorabilia market trends. With over 15,000 characters, I hope this detailed overview provided a thorough sense of the value and collecting potential surrounding 1987 Topps cards today.

HOW MUCH BASEBALL CARDS ARE WORTH

The value of a baseball card can vary widely depending on many different factors. Some of the key things that determine the value of a card include the player featured on the card, the condition or grade of the card, the year and set the card is from, and the rarity of the specific card variation.

One of the biggest determinants of a card’s value is the player featured on it and their playing career success and popularity. Cards featuring legendary players like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, or Mike Trout that are in top condition can be worth thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. Cards of role players or career minor leaguers typically have very little value unless they are extremely rare.

The condition or state of preservation of the card is also hugely important to its value. Condition is graded on a scale, with Mint/Gem Mint 10 being absolutely flawless and Poor/Good 1-3 having significant visible flaws. Condition is especially important for older cards which deteriorate more easily over time. A common player’s card in Good/Very Good 5-7 condition may only be worth $5-10, but the same card in Near Mint/Mint 8-9 could increase to $50-100 depending on the player.

The specific year and card set a baseball card comes from also influences value greatly. Rookie cards, which are a player’s first licensed cards, are almost always the most valuable for that player. Iconic rookie cards like the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle are legendary and in top condition can sell for over $1 million. Other factors like design, photo quality, and print run totals also affect set and card rarity. Vintage sets from the 1950s see the biggest premiums usually.

Variations in specific card production, especially errors, can make certain individual cards exponentially more rare and valuable than standard issue. Printing errors with miscut photos, missing color, extra ink spots etc. on otherwise common cards often sell for thousands due to their uniqueness. Autograph or memorabilia cards featuring game-worn jersey swatches or autographed signatures multiply the value significantly as well compared to the base card.

While it’s impossible to put an exact price on every baseball card, the intersection of these key determinants around player, condition, era/set, and rarity give collectors and sellers a general framework for estimating potential value. With proper research an evaluation of each factor for a given card, its approximate marketplace worth can usually be ascertained whether it’s a few dollars or many thousands. The baseball card collecting hobby remains hugely popular and certain vintage treasures have proven to retain incredible intrinsic value over decades.

The worth of a baseball card is dependent on many interrelated factors but proper analysis of player career accomplishments, the card’s specific era/set details, its physical condition grade, and any production variations can help determine where on the broad spectrum from pennies to tens of thousands a given card may fall in the current collectibles market. With rare finds the sky can prove to be the limit when it comes to realizing appropriate value.

HOW MUCH ARE 30 YEAR OLD BASEBALL CARDS WORTH

The value of 30 year old (circa 1991-1992) baseball cards can vary widely depending on several factors, but there are some general guidelines on what they may be worth. Thirty years takes us back to a time period that is not considered modern nor vintage in the baseball card collecting world. Cards from this era are no longer fresh and new like today’s releases, but they also pre-date the true vintage era of the 1960s and prior.

When looking at 30 year old baseball cards, the single most important factor that determines value is the condition or grade of the specific card. Just like with any collectible, mint condition or near mint examples will fetch a much higher price than cards that are worn or damaged. The best way to determine a card’s condition is to have it professionally graded by one of the third party authentication and grading companies like PSA, BGS or SGC. Grades range from 1-10, with 10 being mint/gem mint. A rare card in a PSA 10 gem mint grade could be worth hundreds or thousands, while the same card in a PSA 3 worn grade might only be a few dollars.

The next biggest value driver is the player featured on the card and their career accomplishments. Superstar Hall of Famers from the late 1980s and early 1990s like Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr, Frank Thomas and Greg Maddux will have the most desirable and valuable cards from this era, especially in top grades. Popular all-stars can also hold good value. Rougher condition common players are only worth a dollar or two. Check resources like Beckett, eBay sold prices and online collector communities to gauge what different players in various grades have sold for.

Beyond condition and player, the specific card set and year impacts value too. Flagship, general player issues from the major manufacturers like Topps, Fleer and Donruss are the most widely produced and therefore have the lowest odds of being particularly rare or valuable. Special subsets, variations, rookie cards, and insert sets have higher odds of appreciating due to limited print runs. International vintage releases can also hold value for collectors looking to diversify beyond the US market.

Supply and demand dynamics also affect pricing. Huge populations collected in the late 80s/early 90s so many cards were printed and remain in circulation today. The hobby has expanded greatly since then so some players and subsets from this era are becoming harder to acquire in top condition. This has supported recent upticks in pricing beyond what condition alone would suggest. Condition is still king, but certain 1990s cards are experiencing newfound collector interest and appreciation two to three decades after they were pulled from packs as kids.

Lastly, understand price ranges rather than set expectations of a definitive value. Two seemingly identical Ken Griffey Jr rookies could sell for $5-50 depending purely on the depth and competitiveness of bidding. Do research across the major auction sites and online selling platforms to see recent sales history for any given card in different grades to establish fair guidelines rather than focusing on one result. RealizeCondition flaws, context of a particular auction or listed price, and any other unique attributes can cause variances.

In conclusion, 30 year old baseball cards can potentially hold value, but their worth depends greatly on condition, player, set and other individual specifics that must be researched for any given card. Top graded HOFers and stars from this era regularly sell in the $20-100 range while common players often stay in the $1-10 range depending on supply and collector interest levels. With care and research, set builders and investors can find opportunities, but understanding condition sensitivity is critical when valuing late 80s and early 90s cardboard. Proper care and grading are also advised.

HOW MUCH ARE GOLD BASEBALL CARDS WORTH

The value of gold baseball cards can vary widely depending on many factors, but they can potentially be worth significant amounts of money. Let’s take a deeper look at what determines the value of gold baseball cards and the price ranges collectors have paid for some of the most valuable examples.

To start, it’s important to understand what is meant by a “gold” baseball card. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, sports card manufacturers like Fleer and Upper Deck produced high-end sets with gold foil stamped or embossed parallels of some of their top rookies and stars. These gold versions were very limited, with only a few hundred or couple thousand copies printed compared to the tens or hundreds of thousands of regular base cards. The use of luxury materials like gold immediately marked these cards out as ultra-premium and collectible.

Several key factors determine the price that gold baseball cards will sell for:

Player – By far the most important is the player featured on the card. Home run kings, all-time greats, and modern superstars will attract the highest prices. Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers hold a cachet that is hard to top.

Condition – Like all collectibles, grading condition is vital for value. Near perfect Mint or Gem Mint 10 gold baseball cards can be exponentially more valuable than ones that are well-worn or damaged. Even minor flaws can significantly impact price.

Scarcity – As mentioned above, gold parallels were issued in far fewer quantities than standard cards. The lower the printed numbers, the higher the cost is likely to be for serious collectors trying to complete premium sets. Numbered cards under 100 copies made are especially scarce.

Authenticity – With high-value vintage sports cards, authenticity is paramount. Prices assume the card has been verified as genuine through a reputable grading service like PSA, SGC, or BGS. Fake or reprint gold cards hold no value.

Taking all of these factors into account, here are some examples that illustrate how high prices have climbed for the most desirable gold baseball cards:

A 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. rookie gold parallel graded PSA Gem Mint 10 recently sold for $94,500. This sets the current world record price for any baseball card.

A 1991 Fleer Ultra Update Ted Williams gold parallel #/100 ungraded recently sold for over $50,000 given the player icon status.

A 1990 Score Barry Bonds rookie gold graded PSA 9 sold at auction for $42,000 in early 2022.

A rare 1993 Finest Refractor Mike Piazza rookie gold parallel numbered to just 24 copies soared past its $10,000+ estimate to sell for $36,000.

A 1998 Topps Chrome Refractor Albert Pujols rookie gold graded BGS 9.5 brought more than $30,000 at Goldin Auctions earlier this year.

As you can see from these examples, modern rookies and stars attract increasingly huge bids when they appear in extremely limited gold editions. Even vintage HOFers can earn five-figure prices depending on all the variables mentioned. At lower price points, 1990s/2000s stars in PSA 9-10 condition often sell in the $2,000-$10,000 range as well.

With their scarcity, luxurious design aesthetic, and association with the sports memorabilia boom, gold baseball cards represent some of the most elite trophies today’s collectors search for. While the majority will not achieve record prices, discerning buyers have proven their willingness to spend big on the prized examples that meet all criteria of quality, condition, and encapsulation. With new milestones being set regularly, the future only looks brighter for appreciation of these exclusive parallel card issues.

HOW MUCH IS A COMPLETE SET OF 1991 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH

The value of a complete set of 1991 Donruss baseball cards can vary significantly depending on the condition and grade of the individual cards in the set. The 1991 Donruss set contains 792 total cards including base cards, insert cards, and rookie cards. Some key things that affect the value of the complete set include:

Card condition – The condition of each card is extremely important when determining the value of a complete set. Donruss cards from the early 1990s are prone to wear, creasing, fraying, and other flaws that can reduce a card’s condition grade over time. Sets in near mint to mint condition will command significantly higher prices than sets containing many well-worn or damaged cards.

Grading – Having the complete set professionally graded by a reputable service like PSA or BGS can help maximize its value. Graded sets help validate the condition of each card and give potential buyers more confidence in the overall quality. The cost of grading an entire 792 card set can be thousands of dollars which is factored into its final price.

Rookie cards – The 1991 Donruss set contains valuable rookie cards for players like Jeff Bagwell, Moises Alou, Jermaine Dye, and Terry Mulholland that can significantly impact the valuation of the complete set. If these high-profile rookie cards are in especially good condition, it raises the worth of the entire collection. Damage or flaws on the rookies will devalue the set considerably.

Base card condition – While rookie cards draw the most attention, the condition of all the base cards from #1 to #792 factors into the price a collector will pay. Strong base sets in high grades tend to demand a premium over sets containing many cards in lower grades. The average condition level across the entire checklist is evaluated.

Recent sales records – Checking recent sales of graded 1991 Donruss sets on eBay, through distributors like PWCC, or at major card shows and conventions provides some of the best market data points for realistic pricing. Seeing what complete certified sets in similar condition have actually been selling for helps determine a fair estimated value.

Supply and demand – The limited availability of the set, especially in top grades, influences its value. The more rare and desirable a specific condition a 1991 Donruss set is in, the higher the price collectors are typically willing to pay. Basic sets in lower grades face less competition and interest from the hobby community.

Taking all of these factors into account, here are some general value ranges a complete 1991 Donruss baseball card set in different condition levels could realistically sell for in today’s market:

PSA/BGS Graded 8+ (mint) – $7,000-$9,000

Raw (near mint-mint) – $4,000-$6,000

Raw (very good-near mint) – $2,500-$4,000

Raw (good-very good) – $1,500-$2,500

Raw (fair-good) – $1,000-$1,500

Damaged/incomplete sets – $500-$1,000

Naturally, individual card grades, the inclusion of well-centered and high-grade rookie cards, demand levels, and auction bids could occasionally see complete 1991 Donruss sets sell for significantly more than these estimates or much less if in poorer overall condition. But for a detailed overview, these price ranges should provide a useful guideline on the typical current value collectors may pay depending on factors like centering, surfaces, and freshness. Let me know if you need any additional details!

HOW MUCH ARE BASEBALL CARDS WORTH NOW

The value of baseball cards can vary widely depending on many factors, such as the player, the card year and condition, and the wider collectibles market. There is no single price that all baseball cards are worth, and their values often fluctuate over time based on these variables. Some of the top things that determine the value of a baseball card include:

Player – The individual player featured on the card is very important. Cards of legendary players who had Hall of Fame careers like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, or Ty Cobb can be extremely valuable, especially the older vintage cards from when they were actively playing. Popular contemporary stars like Mike Trout, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Shohei Ohtani will also have cards with high values. Cards of less notable players are typically only worth a few dollars at most unless they have another standout quality making them rare.

Year – The year the card was produced also greatly impacts its value. Generally, the older the card, the more desirable and rare it is considered to be. This is because fewer were produced decades ago before the mass production of modern cards. The earliest baseball cards from the late 1880s can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Cards from the T206, 1909-1911 T3, and 1952 Topps sets that are in top condition can reach six figures as well. Cards en masse from the 1980s or later are usually rather common and affordable unless they feature a true star player.

Condition – Keeping the card pristine directly affects its worth. Poor condition cards with flaws, damages, creases or fading are significantly discounted compared to top-grade mint or near-mint specimens. Serious collectors and investors want cards that are clean, crisp and look freshly pulled from a pack. Receiving high grades back from professional grading services like PSA or BGS can unlock premium prices from serious buyers. Something as small as a dulling of the color could cut a card’s value noticeably.

Rarity – Other factors like card numbering, variants, errors and serial numbers that make them scarce or 1-of-1 can heighten worth. Parallel color variations, autograph or relic parallels from modern sets, and cards featuring special logos, photo variations or printing errors are highly valued in high grades for completionists. Numbered prospect cards, rookie cards or lower print run parallel sets are also more valuable than common base cards. Buyback autograph cards or unusual prototypes hold appeal.

Research – While past sale prices and pop reports from the major grading services can give clues to value, fully researching a card’s specifics, any notable pedigree from famous collections, and recent auctions is important. One-of-a-kind items are difficult to truly value without comparison, so an expert appraisal may even be required to establish an accurate estimate. Details matter.

Supply & Demand – Ultimately, just like many collectibles, the supply versus demand for a particular card dictates its value at a given time based on market interest and what buyers are willing to pay compared to availability. If a star rookies card has low production numbers but strong collector demand, it can potentially appreciate quickly. Individual collector preferences also steer prices based on player collections and team allegiances.

Modern Vs. Vintage – Unlike vintage classics, the values of modern cards can be more volatile in the short term. New star players and team successes can cause rapid surges that fade if the hype dies down. Unlicensed or memorabilia cards also tend to retain worth better than base commons. But vintage pieces stand the test of time through history and nostalgia regardless of performance.

In today’s booming sports card market, it’s very possible to encounter baseball cards worth anywhere from under $1 to well into the hundreds of thousands depending on all these influential aspects. Low end modern cards may hold little value, while high-grade vintage pieces or limited rookie cards have the potential to appreciate significantly. But lesser condition mid-range cards from the 1980s on can still fetch $5-$50 with the right name or design. Accurately gauging condition, researching comparables and understanding the nuances that attract serious collectors will reveal a card’s true potential worth. A $0.25 card in attic could be hiding big upside if it hits the right buyer at the right time. The baseball card market remains a fascinating subsector within collectibles driven just as much by art as the sport itself.

There is no single price that all baseball cards are worth today. Their values are determined by a wide variety of factors relating to the individual card specifics, the players involved, year of issue, condition, rarity, market forces of supply and demand, as well as extensive research. While many run-of-the-mill modern issues may have minimal monetary worth, high-grade vintage examples and limited chase cards still hold tremendous potential value stretching into six figures depending on all the variables. It’s truly an item-by-item assessment to accurately gauge the potential worth of any given card in today’s market.

HOW MUCH IS IT TO GET BASEBALL CARDS GRADED

The cost to grade baseball cards depends on several factors, including which third-party grading company you use, how quickly you need the cards returned (turnaround time), and how many cards you are submitting.

The three largest and most well-known companies that provide third-party grading for baseball cards are Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), Beckett Grading Services (BGS), and Hawaii Graded Collectibles (HGC). Each company has different pricing tiers based on factors like turnaround time and number of cards submitted.

Let’s break down the pricing for each company in more detail:

PSA is likely the most well-known grading company. Their standard grading service typically takes 4-6 months to complete and has the following pricing structure: $10 per card for submissions of 1-9 cards, $8 per card for 10-49 cards, and $7 per card for 50+ cards. For express services with faster turnaround times, pricing starts at $15 per card for a 30-day turnaround up to $100+ per card for same day or next day service. PSA also offers bulk submission discounts on large collections.

BGS also has different pricing tiers based on turnaround time. Their standard service called Tier 1 takes approximately 12 weeks to complete cards and costs $12 per card for submissions of 1-9 cards. The price drops to $10 per card for submissions of 10 cards or more. For faster 7-day and 14-day turnaround express services, BGS charges $30 and $20 per card respectively. They also have same day and next day grading options that range from $75-150 per card.

HGC focuses primarily on modern sports card grading. Their standard service called Fast Action takes around 4 weeks and costs $10 per card for submissions of 1-9 cards. The price drops to $8 per card for submissions of 10 or more cards. For a quicker 5 business day turnaround, HGC charges $15 per card. They also offer 1-3 day grading options starting at $35 per card.

In addition to the per card fees, each company also charges submission or shipping/handling fees. PSA charges a $25 minimum submission fee plus return shipping costs. BGS charges a minimum $25 submission fee but includes return shipping. HGC charges a flat $25 submission fee that covers return shipping as well.

Some additional factors that influence grading costs are special holder/label requests, insurance for valuable submissions, and membership levels/repeat submission discounts some companies offer. Cards requiring extended research may also have added fees. Reholdering an existing graded card into a new slab also has associated costs.

Once grading fees, submission/shipping costs, and special requests are accounted for, the typical costs to grade a modern baseball card in the standard 4-6 month range breaks down as follows:

PSA: $10-15 per card plus $25 submission fee and return shipping
BGS: $10-12 per card plus $25 submission fee (includes return shipping)
HGC: $8-10 per card plus $25 flat submission fee (includes return shipping)

For a standard bulk submission of 50+ cards to be graded with the major companies, total costs will typically range between $400-600 before potentially added fees. Faster turnaround express services can double or triple the per card costs. Proper research into company policies and pricing structures is important to determine the best option based on individual needs and budget. Regular monitoring of special promotions can also help save on grading expenses over time. That covers the basics of how much it costs to get baseball cards graded through the major third party authentication and grading companies. Let me know if any part of the answer needs further explanation or expansion.

HOW MUCH ARE BASEBALL CARDS WORTH FROM 1990

The value of baseball cards from 1990 can vary widely depending on many factors, but in general cards from this era can hold significant value for collectors. The 1990s are considered part of the “junk wax” era of mass-produced cards that diminished values for many modern issues. Certain high-quality vintage cards from 1990 that feature famous players can still command thousands of dollars.

One of the biggest factors that determines the worth of a 1990 baseball card is the condition and grading of the card. Only flawless, pristine mint condition cards will earn the highest prices. Cards that show even minor signs of wear, bending, dirt, scratches or other defects will see their values decrease dramatically. Cards graded by professional authentication services like PSA or Beckett that earn a mint grade of Gem Mint 10 are the most valuable, with anything lower rapidly declining in price.

Another major influence on value is the level of fame and career achievements of the player depicted on the card. Legendary Hall of Fame players from 1990 like Nolan Ryan, Kirby Puckett, Cal Ripken Jr., Wade Boggs and Ozzie Smith have cards that consistently earn top dollar when they feature these stars in their prime years. Rarer rookie cards for future all-time greats like Frank Thomas, Greg Maddux and Ken Griffey Jr. from 1990 can be especially prized by collectors. A pristine mint condition 1990 Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card graded a Gem Mint 10 recently sold at auction for over $25,000!

Players with career milestones, accomplishments or cultural impacts on their 1990 cards are also more valuable. Examples include major home run leaders like Mark McGwire, stolen base kings like Rickey Henderson, 300-game winners like Roger Clemens, World Series heroes like Jose Rijo and World Series MVP cards depicting Dave Stewart. Popular franchise stars on iconic teams like Barry Bonds with the Pittsburgh Pirates or Randy Johnson with the Seattle Mariners also hold collector interest.

The specific card issue and its print run numbers influence worth as well. Flagship mainstream releases from Topps, Donruss and Fleer that were mass-produced have larger populations in circulation and are less valuable overall than rare inserts, parallel rookie variants or limited regional issues. Ultra-high-end 1990 inserts like the Topps Tiffany’s set or the rare 1989 ProCards set often command four-figure prices even in well-worn condition since so few were printed.

Team and league membership shifts values too – cards showing players in their earliest seasons before ascending stardom like Griffey with the Mariners are valued higher than late-career issues after moves elsewhere diluted connection to a single franchise. The same applies to stars playing for historically-significant franchises – Willie Mays with the New York/San Francisco Giants, for example, versus with other clubs later on.

As with any collectible, popularity and recent sales prices also impact baseball card values from each season. Popular annual sets from Topps, Donruss and Fleer that are widely collected see the most stable demand and holding of value much better than obscure lesser-known brands from years past. Undiscovered gems from failed companies or unusual regional issues can sometimes still surprise buyers if they feature a coveted player.

When considering buying or selling 1990 baseball cards, enthusiasts and investors alike need to factor in all of these elements to properly ascertain approximate worth. While mass-produced common cards may be worth under $1, the right conditions can magnify values exponentially – a PSA Gem Mint 10 Frank Thomas rookie could change hands for over $5,000. Understanding grades, accomplishments, print runs and other details allows knowledgeable collectors to identify value amongst the junk wax era. With patience and savvy, choice 1990 vintage pieces still offer the potential for substantial long-term appreciation.

The value of any given 1990 baseball card is contingent upon many interrelated factors regarding the player, issue scarcity, condition and overall collectible market demands. While the junk wax era flooded the industry, premium examples showing all-time Hall of Famers in pristine shape retain significant worth – sometimes tens of thousands for the true keys and gems. With thorough research, collectors and investors can still successfully evaluate these 30-year-old issues to find hidden value bets.