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PRICE GUIDE FOR 1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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1987 was a historic year for Topps baseball cards as the company produced their 75th anniversary set featuring special designs and photo variations to commemorate the occasion. Prices for cards from the 1987 Topps baseball card set vary quite a bit depending on the player, condition of the card, and specific variations. Certain star rookies and Hall of Fame players command top dollar while common players can still be found for under $1 in worn condition. Knowing which cards are rare and command the highest values is important when using price guides to value your 1987 Topps collection.

Some of the top price guide values for key 1987 Topps rookie cards in near mint to mint condition include Ken Griffey Jr. ($150-$250), Mark McGwire ($75-$125), Greg Maddux ($50-$100), and Trevor Hoffman ($30-$60). Griffey’s rookie is one of the most iconic and desirable of the 1980s which has helped drive up its price significantly over the years. Other stars whose Topps rookie cards carry four figure values include Tom Glavine ($1,000-$2,000), David Justice ($500-$1,000), and Michael Tucker ($300-$600).

Hall of Fame players who were already established stars in 1987 also have some of the higher valued cards, such as Wade Boggs ($100), Rickey Henderson ($75), and Ozzie Smith ($50) in mint condition. Rare short print variations that are tougher to find can push the Boggs, Henderson, and Smith values even higher. Special parallel photo variations of stars like Wade Boggs in a batting pose variation have recently sold for over $500 in graded mint condition.

Beyond the star rookies and veterans, there are several other categories of key cards that maintain strong demand and higher values in the 1987 Topps set. Error cards containing wrong photos, misspellings, or statistical errors are highly sought after. One such error is the Mike Witt card featuring fellow Angels pitcher Kirk McCaskill’s photo which has sold for over $800. Also popular are the career milestone or achievement cards relating to big career moments like Mike Schmidt’s 500th home run or Nolan Ryan’s 5000th strikeout. These anniversary parallel variations often sell in the $75-$150 range.

Subset cards like Golden Greats saluting all-time greats like Willie Mays, the Topps All-Star Rookies subset, and the League Leader subset also routinely fetch $20 or more for star players in pristine condition. One of the toughest cards to find from the league leaders subset is the Tim Raines stolen base leader parallel which could be worth $400 or more in a PSA 10 gem mint grade. Other key insert subsets include the Diamond Kings parallels commemorating diamond anniversaries like the 35th season additions.

Of course, predicting the prices for any vintage sports card set involves considering multiple factors like the individual players, specific variations,popularity trends over time, and overall condition and grading of the card. But price guides provide a general sense of the highest dollar values collectors are currently paying to obtain some of the most critically acclaimed and condition sensitive cards from the 1987 Topps football set in today’s market. With the hobby’s continued growth, prices for many of these key cards may climb even higher in the future as more collectors pursue complete vintage Topps sets from the 1980s.

When using price guides to value your 1987 Topps cards, it’s important to also check recent sales data on websites like eBay to account for natural ebbs and flows in the market. And always factor in the card’s true condition grade when comparing to the guide’s Near Mint or Mint price point listings. But guides are a solid starting resource for getting a general idea of which 1987 cards command the top dollar amounts from seasoned collectors and could prove to be wise long term investments.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1902 TO 1910

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Baseball cards exploded in popularity during the early 1900s as the sport grew across America. Between 1902 and 1910, several major card companies released sets that documented the stars and teams of the era. While many of these vintage cards can still be found in circulation today, their values have appreciated significantly over the decades. Here is an in-depth price guide for some of the most notable baseball cards issued from 1902 to 1910.

1902 W501-1 Old Mill Tobacco – This is one of the earliest tobacco card sets focused specifically on baseball players. It features 81 cards highlighting stars from the National League and American League. Some key cards include a Honus Wagner in a PSA 1 grade selling for around $2.5 million in recent years. A Christy Mathewson or Nap Lajoie in low grade can fetch $10,000-$15,000. Complete ungraded sets have gone for over $100,000 at auction.

1903 T206 Gold Border – Issued by the American Tobacco Company, this iconic 106 card set is one of the most valuable in the hobby. Key rare cards include an ungraded Honus Wagner selling for around $3 million. A PSA 1 Wagner set a record at $6.6 million in 2016. Other stars like Mathewson, Lajoie, and Cy Young in low grades can sell from $15,000 up to $50,000 depending on condition. Complete sets have sold for over $1 million.

1904-05 Sweet Caporal – This 171 card tobacco set featured players from both leagues on colorful embossed cards. Highlights include a Ty Cobb or Mathewson in low grade valued around $5,000-$8,000. A complete set can reach $15,000-$25,000 depending on condition of cards. Rarer short prints or errors can sell for much more to advanced collectors.

1905 W515 Old Mill Leaders – This 36 card set highlighted team captains and league leaders from 1904. Key singles include a Roger Bresnahan or Bill Dahlen valued $1,000-$2,000 in low grades. Complete sets have sold in the $3,000 range.

1907 E90 Allen & Ginter – This well-known 189 card tobacco issue is highly sought after by both vintage collectors and investors. Stars of the day like Mathewson, Wagner, and Cobb can reach $10,000-$20,000 even in very poor condition. Complete original sets have topped $150,000 at public sale.

1908-11 M101-1 & M101-4 White Border – Two separate issues by the American Card Company totaling 252 cards of NL and AL players. Singles of Mathewson, Wagner, or Lajoie can sell for $5,000-$10,000 depending on condition. Complete high-grade sets have exceeded $50,000.

1909-11 T206 Hassan Triple Folders – A rare 48 card tobacco set featuring 12 future Hall of Famers including Wagner and Mathewson. Even low-quality singles can sell for $3,000-$5,000 each. A complete set changes hands rarely but could top $100,000.

1909-12 T206 Sporting Life – A special 24 card tobacco issue highlighting stars of the day. Key cards like a Wagner or Mathewson can reach $15,000-$25,000 even in poor condition. A complete set would be a true trophy item valued well over $100,000.

1910 E90 Allen & Ginter – This classic 211 card tobacco set highlighted the best players and included puzzles and games on the reverse. Singles of Wagner, Mathewson, and Cobb can sell for $10,000-$20,000 depending on condition. Complete high-grade original sets have topped $250,000 at major auctions.

As you can see, some of the rarest and most significant baseball cards from 1902 to 1910 have appreciated tremendously in value. For the savvy collector or investor, locating high-quality singles or complete sets from these pioneering issues can provide an excellent long-term store of value. With rarity, condition, and pedigree all factoring into pricing, it pays to work with an experienced dealer when purchasing cards from this early and important era.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 1988 PRICE GUIDE

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1988 Topps baseball cards were released at the start of the 1988 baseball season and captured a unique moment in time for the sport. The 1980s were the peak years of the modern baseball card boom, before the market became saturated in the early 1990s. As one of the flagship issues from that decade, the ’88 Topps set remains a fan favorite and has maintained strong collector interest and secondary market prices.

The 1988 Topps base set contains 792 total cards. The design featured players’ photos on a solid color background with team logos at the bottom. Standout rookies included Ken Griffey Jr., Todd Hollandsworth, and Ivan Rodriguez. Griffey’s card is one of the most iconic and valuable rookie cards of all time due to his eventual Hall of Fame career and widespread popularity as “The Kid.” The design also featured “Traded” cards to indicate players who changed teams in 1987 or 1988 spring training.

Condition and grade greatly impact the value of any collectible card. The Beckett Grading Service (BGS) and Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) are the top two companies that professionally grade trading cards on a 1-10 scale. For 1988 Topps in near-mint to mint condition (PSA 8-10), here are the price values collectors can expect to pay for notable cards from the base set in today’s market:

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie (#316): Ungraded near-mint copies sell for $150-300. PSA 9 is $600-1,000, while PSA 10 Gem Mint examples have sold for over $5,000.

Barry Bonds (#150): $50-100 for ungraded near-mint. PSA 9 is $150-250 depending on year, PSA 10 around $400-600.

Rickey Henderson (#218): $30-60 ungraded near-mint. PSA 9 fetches $100-150, PSA 10 around $250-350.

Ozzie Smith (#189): Popular “Wizard” brings $20-40 ungraded near-mint, $75-100 PSA 9, $150-200 PSA 10.

Mark McGwire (#273): $15-30 ungraded near-mint. PSA 9 around $50-75, PSA 10 typically $100-150.

Roger Clemens (#299): $10-25 ungraded near-mint. PSA 9 is $30-50, PSA 10 around $75-100.

Beyond the base set, 1988 Topps also featured several specialty and insert series that added value and collector interest. The most coveted of these include:

Traded Set (T1-T16): Features 16 traded players with new team logos. Generally $10-25 each ungraded.

Record Breakers (#RB1-11): Highlights of 1987 stats and records. #RB1 Ozzie Smith is $20-50 ungraded.

All-Star Rookies (#R1-10): First Topps All-Star Rookie set. #R1 Gregg Jefferies $20-50 ungraded.

Mini Leaders (#L1-15): Mini cards under 1″ square with stats leaders. #L1 Don Mattingly $15-30 each.

Traded & Record Breakers Retail Rack Pack Pulls (#T17-24, #RB12-16): Scarcer parallels found one per hobby box.

Checklist (#C1): Popular since it validates a complete set. $10-20.

Condition sensitive inserts have even higher values when professionally graded. PSA 10 examples of rare ’88 Topps inserts like a Griffey All-Star Rookie can sell for thousands. And notable autographed or game-used relic rookie cards have reached five figures at auction.

While early print runs sold well in 1988, the massive wave of new collectors in the modern sportscard boom has significantly increased demand for high-grade vintage cardboard like 1988 Topps. As a result, near-mint raw examples that graded PSA 8 or higher have steadily risen in the collectors market over the past decade. Prices are likely to remain strong or continue climbing steadily for marquee ’88 rookies and stars as long as interest in vintage baseball cards from the height of the hobby thrives. Three decades later, the 1988 Topps set endures as a benchmark issue that defined 1980s sportscard design and chronicles some all-time player talents entering their early MLB careers.

The 1988 Topps baseball card set maintains iconic status among collectors and fans of 1980s cardboard. Key rookie cards like Ken Griffey Jr. and notable stars remain popular investment pieces – especially when professionally graded to precisely capture their true condition state. With Hall of Famers like Barry Bonds, Rickey Henderson, and Ozzie Smith as well insert chases and die-cut parallels adding scarcity, the ’88 Topps base checklist and supplemental issues deliver substantial nostalgia and enduring financial value.

1993 TOPPS GOLD BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE

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The 1993 Topps Gold series changed the baseball card landscape by introducing their Gold parallels in Series 1, 2, and Update. Featuring a retro design similar to the classic 1970s Topps cards, the Gold parallels quickly became some of the most coveted and valuable inserts in the hobby.

Each 1993 Topps Gold baseball card featured a gold-gilded image on a plain white card stock. Only one card per pack contained a Gold parallel insert instead of the standard base card for that player. This made pulling a Gold card an exciting chase for collectors at the time. With their flashy gold coloring and limited print runs, 1993 Topps Gold cards ignited collector interest that persisted long after the original series went out of print.

Now let’s take a look at the current price guide values for the distinctively gold 1993 Topps Gold baseball cards across their three original series:

Series 1 (released in 1993):

Ken Griffey Jr.: Gold parallels of The Kid are routinely among the most expensive cards from the 1993 Topps Gold set. In gem mint (MT 10) condition, a Griffey Jr. can fetch upwards of $2,000. Near mint to mint copies trade between $300-800.

Barry Bonds: Another star performer from 1993, Bonds’ explosive season makes his Gold parallel highly sought after. Expect to pay $150-500 for a nicely centered near mint or better version.

Cal Ripken Jr.: As one of baseball’s most popular players throughout the 90s, Ripken commands strong values. Near mint+ Copper cards sell in the $100-250 range.

Frank Thomas: Big Hurt was already dominating the league in ’93. Near mint copies are priced $75-150.

Other notables: Ken Caminiti, Paul Molitor, Roberto Alomar, and Dennis Eckersley – $50-150 based on grade.

Series 2 (released in 1993):

Rickey Henderson: The all-time stolen base king, a NM Rickey Henderson Gold fetches $150-300.

Craig Biggio: Even early in his career, Biggio commanded attention. Near mint copies sell around $75-150.

Jeff Bagwell: Bagwell emerged as a star in 1994 following a breakout ’93 season. His Gold parallel from Series 2 sells for $60-120 in top condition.

Tim Raines: One of the game’s most underrated players in the 1980s and early 90s. Near mint examples are found between $50-100.

Dennis Martinez: His perfect game in 1991 makes him a popular name. NM+ Martinez Golds sell around $40-75.

Update Series (released in late 1993/early 1994):

Robin Ventura: As a rookie coming off a monster 1993 season for the White Sox, Ventura Golds demand $150-300 for top copies.

Paul O’Neill: The fiery Yankees outfielder was a fan favorite. Near mint O’Neill Golds usually sell in the $75-150 zone.

John Smoltz: Arguably the best pitcher of the 1990s, early Smoltz cards hold value. NM+ examples go for $60-120.

Randy Myers: As a dominant closer in 1993, Myers’ Gold parallel maintains interest. Near mint copies sell around $50-100.

Pat Hentgen: Winning the 1996 AL Cy Young boosted interest in this early Hentgen issue. Near mint sell between $40-75.

Beyond the superstar rookies and veterans featured above, there are plenty of other viable mid-tier and lower-end options that can still carry significant price tags depending on the player and condition of the individual card. Series 1 generally carries the highest values overall given it was the original introductory issue. But the scarcity of any 1993 Topps Gold parallel, coupled with the flashy gold design that still excites collectors to this day, ensures the full set remains a highly valuable vintage release. Whether you’re beginning a collection or adding to an existing vintage hoard, the 1993 Topps Gold cards offer a mix of attainable mid-level options and high-end chasing cards of basketball’s greatest stars.

The 1993 Topps Gold baseball card set broke new ground by offering flashy gold parallel inserts alongside the standard base cards. This inspired new collector interest that persists to this day. Whether featuring all-time legends or rising young stars, 1993 Topps Gold cards remain a premier vintage release. With hand-selected examples of the set’s most in-demand athletes, builders of this collection are sure to enjoy steady appreciation both visually and financially for years to come.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1988 FLEER

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1988 Fleer Baseball Cards Price Guide

The 1988 Fleer baseball card set was the second series issued by Fleer after they regained the license to produce baseball cards in 1986. The set contains 264 total cards and features players from both the American and National Leagues. While not as iconic or valuable as some other Fleer and Topps sets of the late 80s, the 1988 Fleer cards provide a snapshot of the game at that moment in time and include several stars who were in their prime. In this in-depth price guide, we will explore some of the top rookies and stars from the 1988 Fleer set and provide estimated price ranges for high-grade versions of key cards.

One of the top rookie cards in the 1988 Fleer set is that of Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Jesse Barfield. Barfield had established himself as an elite power-hitting outfielder by 1988 after hitting 27 home runs in 1987. His rookie card, card #53 in the set, typically sells in PSA 10 Gem Mint condition for $150-200. Another star rookie is Oakland Athletics pitcher Bob Welch on card #150. Welch won the American League Cy Young award in 1990 and his rookie is valued around $75-100 in PSA 10. Cardinals pitcher Joe Magrane on card #238 is also a sought-after rookie, valued at $50-75 in top grade.

Some of the set’s biggest stars in their primes include Toronto’s George Bell on card #11, Chicago Cubs first baseman Mark Grace on card #74, and Oakland slugger Jose Canseco on card #131. All three were MVP candidates in 1988. High-grade versions of their base rookie cards from other sets command the highest prices, but their flagship cards in the 1988 Fleer set still carry value. A PSA 10 of the Bell would sell for $50-75, a PSA 10 Grace around $40-60, and a PSA 10 Canseco $30-50 based on recent sales data.

Another star who had broken out in 1987 was New York Mets pitcher Dwight Gooden, seen on card #99. “Doc” Gooden won the 1985 NL Rookie of the Year and Cy Young awards and was still in his early prime in 1988. His card typically sells for $25-40 in top condition. Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kirk Gibson, on the mend from a back injury in 1988 but still a star when healthy, can be found on card #122. A PSA 10 of his card would sell for $15-25. And Boston Red Sox star Wade Boggs, in the midst of a decade+ of batting titles, is featured on card #138. His card has a PSA 10 value of $10-15.

The 1988 Fleer set also provides a first-look at future Hall of Famers like Toronto’s Roberto Alomar on card #2, Atlanta’s Tom Glavine on card #115, and Cincinnati’s Barry Larkin on card #171. While their rookie cards came in other sets, their early Fleer cards still hold value. A PSA 10 of the Alomar would sell around $25, the Glavine $15-20, and the Larkin $12-18 based on recent sales. The set also gives a glimpse of future stars like San Diego’s Gary Sheffield on card #230, Seattle’s Ken Griffey Jr. on card #244, and Oakland’s Terry Steinbach on card #258 – all of whom went on to great careers after 1988.

In terms of chase cards at the very top of the set’s price guide, the 1988 Fleer Update issue card of Oakland’s Jose Canseco, where he is shown flexing after a home run, on card #U15 is the most iconic and valuable in the base set. A PSA 10 recently sold for over $1,000 due to its rarity and subject matter. Chicago Cubs superstar Andre Dawson, in the midst of his 1987 NL MVP season and on card #1, also commands big prices. The combination of his on-field dominance and low card number make a PSA 10 worth $300-500.

While not in the same class as the classic 1986 or 1987 Fleer sets, the 1988 Fleer baseball cards provide a fun look at the game during that season. Rookies and stars from the set like Barfield, Welch, Magrane, Bell, Grace, and Canseco remain collectible and hold value, especially in top grades. And cameo cards of future Hall of Famers like Alomar, Glavine, and Larkin add to the set’s nostalgic appeal. For collectors and investors, the 1988 Fleer cards represent an affordable vintage baseball card set with solid long-term appreciation potential.

PRICE OF 1970 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1970s were a pivotal decade in the baseball card collecting hobby. After booming in popularity during the 1950s and 1960s, the baseball card market took some significant turns in the early 1970s that changed the collectibility and value of cards from that point forward.

Heading into the new decade, the 1960s were considered the golden age of baseball cards. Iconic sets like Topps and Fleer dominated the market and cards of sluggers like Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, and Willie Mays were incredibly popular with collectors. Mounting production costs caused card companies to reconsider their business models for the 1970s. In response, Topps and Fleer began experimenting with new card designs, sizes, and production methods in an effort to cut expenses.

The biggest changes came in 1971. For the first time, Topps issued cards in the smaller 2.5 inch by 3.5 inch size that is standard today. Gone were the larger “cigarette card” sized issues of the past. Photographic quality and card stock thickness was decreased. While collectors grumbled about the changes, Topps was able to significantly reduce costs. Fleer soon followed suit and adopted the smaller standard size as well. Across the industry, production shortcuts became the new norm.

These alterations impacted the collectibility and longer term value of the new smaller size 1970s cards. Without the superior craftsmanship and materials of earlier decades, condition and centering variances became more prevalent right from the pack. Over time, environmental factors like dust and handling also took a higher toll on the thinner 1970s card stock. As a result, high grade specimens from this era can be difficult to uncover in collections today.

Within the 1970 set itself, iconic rookie cards like those of Thurman Munson, Bobby Murcer, and Dock Ellis made their debuts. Production numbers were far higher than golden age sets as card companies raced to lower costs. The 1970 Topps set had an estimated print run of over 126 million cards. While desirable rookie cards from the set can still carry value today due to their popularity, scarcity isn’t as much of a driving force in the price compared to earlier decades.

The 1970 Topps set in particular saw brisk initial sales but prices fell fast after release. A decade earlier, a near-complete 1960 Topps set could be had for just a few dollars out of the original packing. By the 1970s, the novelty was starting to wear off for many casual collectors. As interest declined, the collectible card market began experiencing ups and downs that have continued to this day. Still, strong demand persisted for star rookies and the highest graded vintage specimens.

Today, the 1970 Topps set holds value more as an important historical set rather than a scarce vintage issue. Near-complete common runs typically sell in the $100-150 range in Good/Very Good condition on the secondary market. Top rookie cards like Munson (#533), Murcer (#555), and Ellis (#565) have found renewed interest from collectors and can reach $50-100 each depending on grade. stand-out gems with strong Eye Appeal or centering can surpass $1000 for the trueCondition is critical – even small flaws significantly impact 1970s card prices.

While not as valuable as their predecessors, 1970 baseball cards remain an essential part of the vintage collecting landscape. As one of the first smaller standard size issues, they marked a transition to the modern card era. Iconic rookie debuts and insight into the dynamic changes shaping the industry give 1970s cards enduring significance and appeal to baseball card historians. Graded high-end specimens with true integrity remain closely followed when they cross the auction block.

The 1970 baseball card market saw significant shifts that reset supply and demand dynamics going forward. While scarce pre-war and golden age cards from earlier decades continue appreciating rapidly, 1970s issues hold more historical than scarce value on the whole. Regardless, close examination of individual cards is key – the right 1970 rookie or standout specimen still has room to deliver for discerning collectors.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE FINDER

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Finding the value of your baseball card collection can be tricky. There are many factors that determine a card’s worth such as its condition, player, year printed, and more. Thankfully, there are several reliable baseball cards price finder tools available online that can help you research estimated values.

When using a price guide, it’s important to choose one that is frequently updated and has a large database of past sales to draw pricing data from. Two of the most trusted and comprehensive guides for baseball cards are Beckett Baseball Card Price Guide and BaseballCardPedia.com. Both sources allow you to search by player name, team, year, set, and card number to find similar or identical cards that have recently sold.

Beckett has been around since the 1980s and provides guidebook editions as well as an online price guide subscription. Their data is compiled from major auction houses and shows the average sales price for cards in various grades. Beckett grades cards on a 1-10 scale with 10 being mint condition. Knowing the grade of your card compared to sold comps is key for an accurate price estimate.

BaseballCardPedia takes a different approach by only listing records of actual sales from the previous year. They pull this sales data from websites like eBay so you know the prices listed are what cards recently exchanged hands for, not just an average. Their database, while large, may not have as many examples for extremely rare cards as Beckett.

When using either price guide, be sure to closely examine any sold comps listed for similarities and differences that could impact value like autographs, inscriptions, printing errors, etc. And keep in mind that the very best or worst condition examples could sell for significantly more or less. Grading consistency is also important. Prices shown are meant as a guide only – the ultimate value is what a willing buyer agrees to pay.

For vintage cards printed prior to the 1980s when production and documentation was not as standardized, pricing can be even more variable. In these cases, it’s best to consult with experienced vintage card dealers and auction results from companies like Heritage Auctions to get a sense of estimated ranges. Factors like the card’s historical significance and eye appeal take on added importance for extremely rare pre-war tobacco cards.

Once you’ve found comps through a price guide, it’s a good idea to double check recent eBay “sold” listings of the same card to get a real-time sense of current market demand. Be sure the auctions have actually closed, as asking prices are not reliable indicators. Also watch out for professionally graded examples which may carry a premium. For common modern cards in lower grades, check bulk lots being sold by the thousand on sites like COMC.com and Sportlots.com to understand their lower end values.

The condition of your cards is obviously crucial for an accurate price evaluation. Make sure to examine them closely under good lighting for any creases, corners/edges worn, staining or discoloration that could impact the grade. Have a knowledgeable friend also inspect to get additional perspective. Professionally graded examples through services like PSA, BGS or SGC provide a consistent, trusted assessment that buyers rely on. But this costs money and may not be worth it for most common cards.

Once you’ve done your research, estimated prices should only be a starting point. Factors like current market trends, the economy, popularity of the player and other demand variables will impact final sale prices. And condition is still subjective – one person’s “Near Mint” could be another’s “Excellent.” But with diligent use of reliable price guides, recent sales comps and your own judgment, you’ll be well equipped to understand approximate values for your baseball card collection. From there, the choice is yours whether to hold, sell individually or in bulk lots. Proper research upfront pays off down the road.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE FREE

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INTRODUCTION

Topps baseball cards have been a beloved collectible for decades and the prices they fetch vary greatly depending on the player, year, condition and many other factors. With so many variables that impact value, it can be difficult to determine what a particular card might be worth. That’s where price guides come in handy. While some guides require a paid subscription, Topps has provided a helpful free price guide on their website for collectors to research card values. This comprehensive guide will explore the Topps baseball cards price guide free and how to use it to learn about estimated values.

USING THE GUIDE

The Topps baseball cards price guide is available online at www.topps.com/priceguide. It allows users to search for cards by set year from 1951 onward. Simply select the year from the dropdown menu to view cards included in that set. Each card listing displays the player name, team, photo and a condition grade from Poor to Gem Mint. Condition greatly impacts value, so being able to filter by grade is an important feature.

For each card condition, a price range is provided in both raw (ungraded) and graded formats. PSA and BGS slabs are the two most popular third-party authenticators for vintage cards. Having prices for both raw and graded cards gives collectors a sense of how much authenticating and grading might affect estimated values. The prices listed are meant to reflect the average recent sales for that card in the suggested condition, though individual sale prices can always vary.

While the guide aims to provide reasonable valuation benchmarks, factors like specific player pedigrees, autographs or errors can cause individual rare copies to sell for much higher or lower amounts outside the given ranges. Condition is also subjective, so the same card could realistically grade higher or lower. Still, it is a helpful free resource for getting ballpark estimates on thousands of different Topps issues without having to search through the sold listings of online auction sites.

USING COMPARABLES

When using the price guide, it is also a good idea for collectors to do further research using recent sales comps, or comparable sold listings, to cross-check values. Websites like eBay allow users to search “sold” listings of a given player and year to view exactly what similar copies recently went for at auction. This gives a live look at current market demand and prices, versus the general estimates provided in the Topps guide.

For very rare and valuable vintage cards, it is especially important to search actively sold comps, as individual mint samples could sell for many multiples of the guide’s suggested range. Things like a record-setting auction or a newly discovered error variation could also cause short-term market fluctuations above typical values. Doing extra legwork with active comp searches helps paint a fuller picture of what a unique card holds in current collector interest and demand.

ROOKIE CARDS

Within the Topps guide, rookie cards tend to warrant premium pricing over standard base issue cards due to their significance in a player’s career debut. Examples of legendary rookies that often demand top dollar include the 1952 Mickey Mantle, 1954 Hank Aaron, 1957 Willie Mays, and more recent stars like the 1994 Ken Griffey Jr., 1998 Sammy Sosa, or 2003 Albert Puhols rookies. Even if not graded gem mint, these debuts from all-time great players can potentially sell for thousands due to their historical importance.

The prices given for top rookie cards also do not always reflect the potential for sealed unopened rookie sets, which frequently sell at auction for far above typical individual card values. Low printed runs and sealed collectors drive huge enthusiast interest in intact original issue boxes and packs with coveted first cards enclosed. Factoring in potential sealed set premiums is another area this free guide does not fully capture for estimating epic rare rookie prices.

ERRORS AND VARIATIONS

Another category not thoroughly outlined in the Topps price guide is errors and variations, which are notorious for carrying significant markups over standard printed versions. Examples include the famous 1959 BazookaJoe bubble gum variation cards, 1970/1971 errors lacking team logos, and more recent parallel and SP image swap mistakes. These uncommon finds can potentially sell for tens of thousands depending on the rarity and condition, far surpassing even the most generous grade ranges suggested in Topps’ reference.

For these special anomaly cards, active market research through major auction sales is imperative for collectors hoping to understand fair market value. While the basics covered in the free online guide serve as a foundational starting point, it does not substitute for deep research on condition sensitive oddball pieces. Careful comp hunting is needed to truly gauge estimated prices on the rarest errors eligible to set new auction records.

SEASONAL MARKET MOVEMENTS

Seasonal card market trends are not accounted for in the Topps price guide, which provides static estimates. Generally speaking, winter and early spring are considered lower demand periods for cards, while late summer leading up to the fall trade deadline seeing heightened collector interest and bidding wars driving prices up. Holiday buying seasons around Black Friday and Christmas also often correspond to short-term spikes above typical estimated values.

For rare high-value cards privately listed for auction during peak enthusiasm times, final sales prices can remarkably exceed the given reference ranges. Timing an online sale to align with periods of increased overall market activity has proven effects on realized sums. The guide is static, but card prices are a fluid entity reacting to collector behaviors and baseball calendar events. Seasonal swings represent another area the free resource does not directly factor into its long-standing estimates.

MODERN MARKET CONSIDERATIONS

When it comes to cards produced in the last 20 years, the Topps guide helps provide baselines but the market has also evolved in new ways. Parallel colored printing techniques have exploded modern sets with countless licensed retail and hobby variations. Autograph and memorabilia card inserts pull extra value beyond traditional base rookies. Online authentication with companies like PSA, BGS, SGC bring grading to the masses.

All these contemporary collectibles dynamics mean actual recent sales are even more important to reference when weighing the prices of modern era cards. The guide at least furnishes starting points before zeroing in on active confirmed transactions. But for estimating anything produced after 2000, up-to-the-minute market knowledge is king over the generalized free reference work compiled by Topps years in advance.

CONCLUSION

While not perfect, the Topps baseball cards price guide provides a very useful free resource for collectors looking to estimate values across six decades of its iconic issues. Factoring in all the auxiliary market factors covered helps users make smarter assessments. As a baseline, it allows exploring thousands of different cards without needing paid subscription access to elsewhere. With supplemental research of active comps, especially for rare keys, the guide really shines as a starting point for discovery. For the breadth offered without cost, it serves hobbyists extremely well as a primary valuation reference.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1989 DONRUSS

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The 1989 Donruss baseball card set was released at the tail end of the junk wax era, but still contained some valuable rookie cards and stars of the day that have held their value well over 30 years later. Let’s take an in-depth look at the key cards from the ’89 Donruss set and what they tend to sell for based on grade and condition.

The biggest star and most valuable card from the 1989 Donruss set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of if not the best rookie card of all time, even low graded Griffey Jr. rookies command big money. In a PSA 10 gem mint condition, the Griffey Jr. rookie has sold for well over $10,000. In a PSA 9 near mint condition, it still fetches $1,000-2,000. Even in a PSA 8 very good condition, the Griffey Jr. rookie will sell for $300-500. For a PSA 7 good condition, expect $150-250. In lower grades of PSA 6 or below, the Griffey Jr. rookie is still worth $50-100 due to its iconic status.

Another highly valuable rookie card from the ’89 Donruss set is Greg Maddux. Like Griffey Jr., even lower graded Maddux rookies hold significant value. A PSA 10 Maddux rookie has sold for over $3,000. In a PSA 9, it sells for $500-800. A PSA 8 will go for $200-300. PSA 7 is around $100-150. Lower PSA grades of 6 or below still sell in the $50-75 range for the Maddux rookie card.

In addition to rookie cards, stars performing well in 1989 also carried premium prices. Perhaps the biggest star of that season was Ken Griffey Sr. of the Seattle Mariners. While not as valuable as his son’s rookie, Griffey Sr.’s 1989 Donruss card still holds value. A PSA 10 sells for $150-250. PSA 9 is $50-75. PSA 8 goes for $25-35. PSA 7 is around $15-20.

Another star of 1989 was Oakland A’s slugger Jose Canseco. Known for his mammoth home runs and muscular physique, Canseco was one of the most popular players of his era. His ’89 Donruss card commands a premium as well. A PSA 10 sells for around $75-100. PSA 9 is $30-50. PSA 8 goes for $15-25. PSA 7 is $10-15. Even a lowly PSA 6 Canseco will sell in the $5-8 range.

Two other stars whose 1989 Donruss cards retain value are Nolan Ryan and Ozzie Smith. Ryan was still in his twilight years with the Texas Rangers but was legendary for his fastball and strikeouts. A PSA 10 1989 Ryan Donruss sells for around $50-75. PSA 9 is $25-35. PSA 8 is $15-20. PSA 7 goes for $10-12. On the other hand, Ozzie Smith was in his prime as the Wizard of Oz and a 13x Gold Glove shortstop. His ’89 Donruss PSA 10 sells for $35-50. PSA 9 is $15-25. PSA 8 is $10-15. PSA 7 goes for $7-10.

While the biggest stars and rookies drive the highest prices, there are also several other notable players whose 1989 Donruss cards have retained collectible value based on player performance and career milestones:

Tom Glavine Rookie (Braves): PSA 10 ($150-250), PSA 9 ($50-75), PSA 8 ($25-35)

Randy Johnson Rookie (Mariners): PSA 10 ($100-150), PSA 9 ($40-60), PSA 8 ($20-30)

Barry Bonds Rookie (Pirates): PSA 10 ($75-100), PSA 9 ($30-50), PSA 8 ($15-25)

Mark McGwire Rookie (A’s): PSA 10 ($75-100), PSA 9 ($30-50), PSA 8 ($15-25)

Cal Ripken Jr. (Orioles): PSA 10 ($35-50), PSA 9 ($15-25), PSA 8 ($10-15)

Wade Boggs (Red Sox): PSA 10 ($25-35), PSA 9 ($10-15), PSA 8 ($7-10)

Kirby Puckett (Twins): PSA 10 ($25-35), PSA 9 ($10-15), PSA 8 ($7-10)

While 1989 Donruss cards on the whole hold little value outside of high grades for stars, there are still numerous rookie cards and stars from that season that collectors actively seek out and are willing to pay premium prices for based on the player pedigree and scarcity/condition of the individual card. The Griffey Jr. and Maddux rookies especially continue to be bright spots in an otherwise dim era of baseball card production and remain must-have cards for enthusiasts of the era.

1990 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PSA PRICE GUIDE

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The 1990 Topps baseball card set is among one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the “junk wax” era of the late 1980s and early 1990s. While ungraded examples of most 1990 Topps cards can be acquired for just pennies on the dollar today, graded gem mint examples certified by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) tell a very different story.

The 1990 Topps set features cards for all 26 Major League Baseball teams from that season. Some of the biggest rookie cards and star player cards from 1990 that hold value even today include Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, Gregg Jefferies, Sandy Alomar Jr., and Jeff Bagwell. The design features a bright white border around each card with team logos across the top. Photo quality and centering varied greatly during printing for the over 700 card set.

For collectors looking to understand true mint condition prices, it’s important to consult the official PSA Population Report when valuing any pre-1980s or early 1990s sportscards in top grades. PSA is the leading third-party grading service, authenticating and encapsulating trading cards in protective slabs assigned numerical grades of 1-10 based on centering, corners, edges and surface quality. Here’s a breakdown of estimated PSA Gem Mint 10 sale prices for some of the top 1990 Topps rookie cards and stars based on recent sold auction prices:

Ken Griffey Jr. (card #1): Unarguably the most coveted and valuable card from the set. In a PSA 10 slab, this rookie card has consistently sold above $1,000 with a recent sale reaching $3,000. Only 12 copies have achieved the perfect 10 grade so far.

Frank Thomas (card #91): Big Hurt’s rookie card has seen prices steadily climb in recent years. A PSA 10 now sells in the $750-1000 range, with just 18 received the prestigious black label.

Greg Jefferies (card #101): As one of the top shortstop prospects at the time, demand has grown for his rookie. A PSA 10 has sold for $400-500, with 28 earning the highest grade.

Jeff Bagwell (card #691): Bagwell’s rookie debuted late in the set but recognition of his Hall of Fame career has boosted prices. A PSA 10 recently auctioned for over $300. Only 32 exist at the Gem Mint level.

Sandy Alomar Jr. (card #109): A quality catcher on a World Series team, the popular Alomar rookie in a PSA 10 has a current market value around $200-250 range. 22 copies hold the top PSA grade.

Tim Belcher (card #541): One of the surprise rarities from 1990. The Royal’s starter rookie has achieved a PSA 10 grade only 3 times. Recent auctions have seen this ultra-rare 10 grade card sell above $800.

For star players beyond their rookie seasons like Barry Bonds, Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripken Jr. and others, their 1990 Topps cards can still command premium prices if centered and graded pristine by PSA. A PSA 10 of Cal Ripken’s card from 1990 (#201) recently sold for over $400 given his huge fanbase and legendary consecutive games played streak.

The condition of a card is crucial, as even off-center or with corner/edge flaws a mint Ken Griffey Jr. rookie could sell for just a few hundred dollars graded PSA 8 or 9. It takes true perfection to achieve the elusive black label of a PSA 10 designation. For collectors chasing condition census rarities, low pop 1990 Topps cards graded gem mint by PSA provide an opportunity to own iconic early career cards in their finest state of preservation.

While 1990 Topps cards make up one of the largest sportscard sets ever printed, PSA population reports show remarkably few examples achieve the Mint condition required for the respected PSA 10 grade. With the vintage card market continuing its meteoric rise, examples of flagship rookie cards and stars certified pristine by the leading third-party authenticator are sure to retain and grow their value for the foreseeable future. Consulting up to date PSA price guides is essential for collectors valuing their 1990 or 1991-era investment holdings in the years ahead.