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1989 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE PRICE GUIDE

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The 1989 Topps baseball card set was released at the height of the baseball card boom of the late 1980s. With 792 total cards in the set, it featured superstar players like Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, and Nolan Ryan who were leading their respective teams to success. While not one of the most coveted vintage sets, the 1989 Topps cards provide a snapshot of the game during an exciting era and several key rookie cards that can hold value for collectors today.

Among the top draws of the 1989 set are the rookie cards for future Hall of Famers Ken Griffey Jr. and Greg Maddux. Griffey’s card, featuring him with the Seattle Mariners, has long been one of the most iconic and desirable rookie cards in the modern era. In near mint to mint condition, examples can fetch $100-$250 raw or $300-$500 graded by PSA or BGS in high grades. Maddux’s Atlanta Braves rookie is highly regarded as well, with mint copies valued around $50-$150 depending on grade.

Another noteworthy rookie is that of multi-time all-star Edgar Martinez. As a key member of the Seattle “Refuse to Lose” teams, his card remains popular with Mariners collectors. Martinez rookies in top condition sell in the $30-$80 range. Chicago Cubs pitcher Jamie Moyer, who pitched until age 49, also has a rookie card in the 1989 set worth $15-30 for high grades.

Amongst star veterans, the highest valued cards tend to belong to pitchers Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens. Both were absolute dominating forces on the mound in the late 1980s. A PSA 10 or BGS Black Label gem mint Ryan is potentially a $500+ card in today’s market. Clemens, winner of the 1988 AL Cy Young and MVP award, has 10 grade examples reach $150-300.

Other notable star cards include Ozzie Smith ($20-50 PSA 10), Wade Boggs ($15-30 PSA 10), and Rickey Henderson ($10-25 PSA 10). Keep in mind, condition is crucial – most raw copies of these star cards in worn, played condition may only fetch $1-5. Beyond the biggest names, many other star players have $5-15 values across the board in top grades as well.

For team collectors, there are several key rookie and star player cards that maintain strong demand. In addition to the Griffey, Maddux, and Martinez cards already mentioned, highlights include the Ken Oberkfell Reds rookie ($10-20 PSA 10), the Mark McGwire A’s rookie ($10-20 PSA 10), and the Nolan Ryan Angels veteran ($10-20 PSA 10). Seattle Mariners fans covet the Griffey, Martinez, and Jay Buhner rookies especially.

Beyond flagship rookies and stars, there are also several sought-after short prints and serially numbered cards in the 1989 Topps set that hold added value. Key serially numbered cards include the #1 Ken Griffey Jr. (est. $200-400 PSA 10), #350 Ozzie Smith (est. $50-100 PSA 10), and #700 Nolan Ryan (est. $40-80 PSA 10). Some of the scarcer short prints like Robin Yount and Mike Schmidt can reach $20-40 in top condition as well.

While not as iconic or valuable as some of the 1980s flagship sets, the 1989 Topps set remains an accessible and affordable vintage release for collectors. Like most older baseball card products, condition is king – with mint examples of stars and key rookies potentially worth 10x raw, worn copies in many cases. For teams outside the big baseball markets, there can also be hidden gems amongst franchise favorites as well. When searching to build a hobby collection or make an investment, keeping conditions and team/player collectibility in mind is important with the 1989 Topps set.

While the 1989 Topps set does not contain any true ultra-high end cards, it provides a great snapshot of the late 1980s MLB landscape with several Hall of Fame rookie cards and star veterans that retain affordable values even in top grades. For collectors looking to add a classic 1980s set to their collection or investors browsing for cost-effective vintage investments,1989 Topps baseball cards offer a great option. With desirable Hall of Fame rookies and low overall production costs, the set maintains relevance and carries valued cards over three decades later.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1918

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Baseball cards exploded in popularity in the late 19th century as tobacco companies began including them in cigarette and candy packages as premiums and incentives for consumers. The early decades of the 20th century marked baseball card’s golden age, with many iconic sets being released between 1910-1920. One of the most coveted and valuable vintage sets among collectors is the 1918 series. With over 100 years passed since their original distribution, let’s take a closer look at what makes the 1918 baseball cards so desirable and explore pricing trends for this historic issue.

The 1918 series was produced by the American Caramel company and included cards featuring players from the National League and Federal League. A total of 24 teams are represented across the 96 card checklist. Some of the most notable future Hall of Famers included are Walter Johnson, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Edd Roush, Eppa Rixey, and Jake Beckley. The cards featured single images of players in uniform with their team logo and name appearing beneath the photo. On the back, each card listed the player’s position and batting average from the previous season.

Condition is extremely important when evaluating the value of any vintage card, but especially so for the fragile 1918 issue due to their age. Only a small percentage of the original print run is estimated to still exist in high grades. The paper quality was thin and prone to damage from bending or other handling over 100+ years. Therefore, to receive top prices, a 1918 card would need sharp corners, solid color on the front image with no creases or stains. Even minor flaws can significantly decrease a card’s worth. Only the few 1918’s that have survived in near mint to mint condition with no defects command the highest auction prices.

In terms of individual card values from the 1918 set in top grades, here are some examples of record sales that have been achieved in recent years:

Walter Johnson PSA 8 – $49,500
Grover Cleveland Alexander PSA 8 – $24,000
Edd Roush PSA 8 – $14,250
Eppa Rixey PSA 8 – $9,750
Jake Beckley PSA 8 – $7,500
George Cutshaw PSA 8 – $5,250

As you can see, star players and future Hall of Famers like Walter Johnson and Grover Cleveland Alexander in high condition bring the most money when they cross the auction block. There are also some key lesser known but still highly valuable rookie cards in the set. For example, a PSA 8 graded card of New York Giants pitcher Fred Toney sold for $15,000 in 2021. Toney went on to have a solid career but is relatively obscure compared to the household names above.

When it comes to more common players and stars in lower grades, here is a sampling of recent sales:

Walter Johnson PSA 5 – $3,000
Eppa Rixey PSA 5 – $1,250
Jake Beckley PSA 5 – $850
George Cutshaw PSA 4 – $650
Fred Toney PSA 4 – $550

As you move down the condition scale, values drop off precipitously. Still, even in poor condition, any authentic 1918 issue will sell for several hundred dollars at minimum due to their great historical significance. A PSA 1 graded card recently sold for $375.

The 1918 American Caramel baseball card set holds a hallowed place in the hearts of serious collectors due to the calibre of future Hall of Famers featured and the set’s status as one of the earliest widely distributed issues. With such a minuscule population of high grade survivors, condition is absolutely critical to realize top dollar for your cards. But for researchers, historians, and completists, even poorly preserved examples still hold value as a tangible link to the early days of our national pastime. After over a century since their original release, the 1918s remain one of the most in-demand and closely followed vintage issues.

2000 UPPER DECK BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE

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The 2000 Upper Deck baseball card set was released at the height of the baseball card boom of the late 1990s. Like many sets from that era, production numbers were very high which has led to most base cards from the set maintaining relatively low values over time. There are still some desirable rookie and star player cards that can fetch a decent price for collectors. Let’s take a deeper look at the 2000 Upper Deck set and get a sense of how to value some of the key cards from that year.

The 2000 Upper Deck set includes 525 total cards with the base cards featuring photographs of players from that season. The set has traded a bit less enthusiastically than some other vintage sets due to the large print runs suppressing collectability and scarcity. With the set now being over 20 years old, some cards are starting to climb modestly in price. The base cards remain quite affordable with most commons in near mint to mint condition selling in the $0.25 to $1 range.

Some of the more highly sought after base cards include stars of the day like Alex Rodriguez, Ken Griffey Jr, Pedro Martinez and Nomar Garciaparra. Their base cards in top condition can fetch $3-5. All-time greats like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle that appear in the Legends subset are also more valuable at $5-10 in top grade. Rarer variations like parallels, manufacturing flaws or one-of-one printing errors could be worth significantly more to the right collector as well.

One of the biggest rookie cards in the 2000 Upper Deck set is Francisco Rodriguez. As arguably the top rookie in the set, his card has seen the mostcollector interest over the past two decades. In near mint to mint condition, his base rookie now sells for $15-25. Fellow rookies like Derek Jeter, Jason Giambi and Alfonso Soriano also appear but are more common at $5-10 each. Two rookie short prints of pitchers Adam Wainwright and Freddy Garcia can fetch $25-35 due to the rarity.

The highlight inserts in 2000 Upper Deck include All-Time Fan Favorites, Diamond Kings and Hank Aaron Tribute cards. The Fan Favorite parallel subsets feature superstar images from the 1940s-90s eras. Mint condition examples of Babe Ruth, Ted Williams or Nolan Ryan can sell for $50-75. The Diamond Kings, meanwhile, focus on current stars shot in an elegant background. Griffey Jr and ARod Diamond Kings are valued around $20-30.

Perhaps the most coveted insert is the Hank Aaron Tributeparallel card serially numbered to 225 copies. This iconic image of Aaron from his 1973 season commemorates his record-breaking 715th home run. In top condition, it can sell for over $500 and is the key expensive card from the 2000 set collectors seek. Other popular inserts include Frames of Fame jersey relic cards numbering under 100 copies apiece. Examples featuring Babe Ruth or Lou Gehrig regularly sell for $150-250.

When it comes to grading 2000 Upper Deck cards, the larger print run means finding truly pristine mint condition examples can be difficult. To maximize value, collectors recommend only considering Near Mint or better grades from services like PSA or BGS. Lower grades hurt value significantly. It’s also important to note that many of the key cards experience jumps upwards after crossing milestones like PSA 10. While the base and common cards remain cheap, strategic collecting of star rookies and desirable inserts can still yield strong returns in the long run. For those just starting, 2000 Upper Deck provides an affordable vintage set to build a solid baseball card collection.

While large production numbers mean the 2000 Upper Deck base rookie cards won’t achieve the same heights as lesser printed 1980s sets, there is still solid value to be found throughout the inserts and parallels after two decades. With the hobby still actively engaging new generations of collectors, certain vintage cards will continue their slow ascent in value as scarcity increases. For investors, 2000 Upper Deck remains a reasonably priced starting point and the landmark rookie cards of stars like Rodriguez are solid long term holds. Understanding the key differences between common and scarce cards will help collectors strategically pick out the most worthwhile pieces to include in their collections.

PRICE LIST FOR 1989 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1989 Topps baseball card set was one of the more iconic and popular releases of the late 80s. Produced at the height of the baseball card boom, the 1989 Topps set featured future Hall of Famers and rising young stars on every team. As with any vintage release, the popularity and condition of specific 1989 Topps cards can cause values to vary greatly. Below is an in-depth look at price guides and valuation for many of the top cards from the ’89 Topps set.

The most valuable and sought after card from the ’89 Topps set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of if not the greatest rookie cards of all-time, the Griffey Jr. is the crown jewel of any vintage baseball card collection. In near-mint to mint condition, ungraded examples often sell for $500-1000 or more. PSA/BGS graded 10 examples have sold at auction for upwards of $10,000 due to the extreme rarity and desire for a “black label” Griffey rookie.

Other highly valuable rookie cards from 1989 Topps include Frank Thomas, Barry Larkin, Gregg Maddux, and Randy Johnson. All have averages in the $75-200 range for raw near-mint copies, with graded gems approaching $1000+ each. Mark McGwire’s rookie is also on the more expensive side for ’89 at $50-150 raw. Star rookie cards for Robin Ventura, Moises Alou, and Gary Sheffield tend to trade hands in the $25-75 range depending on condition.

The headliner veteran stars that drive the value of the entire ’89 Topps set are Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, Nolan Ryan, and Roger Clemens. All four future Hall of Famers have common Near-Mint cards worth $10-25 each, graded EX-MT versions at $50-100, and PSA/BGS 10 gems soaring up to $500 or more depending on the specific player popularity.

Other notable expensive ’89 Topps regular issues include the #1 graded PSA 10 Kirby Puckett ($400-700 range), #75 PSA 10 Darryl Strawberry ($150-300), #150 PSA 10 George Brett ($150-250), and #249 PSA 10 Don Mattingly ($125-225). All high grade flagship cards of superstar 80s players carry hefty price tags.

The ’89 Topps Traded set, while much lower print run, does not contain the rookie phenoms that drive the regular issues. Key cards like Nolan Ryan’s record-setting 300th win (#T18 PSA 10 $125-200) and Ozzie Smith’s 15th consecutive Gold Glove award (#T143 PSA 10 $100-150) still hold value. Other 1989 Topps Traded cards worth $25-75 in top grades include Kirby Puckett, Rickey Henderson, Wade Boggs, and Roger Clemens.

Beyond the traditional card values, there are also two major chase cards that cause prices spikes – the Ken Griffey Jr. Tiffany parallel and the Allan Wiggins error card. The ultra-rare Griffey Tiffany parallel in PSA/BGS Gem Mint condition fetches upwards of $5000-10000 at auction. And the Allan Wiggins error card, where his name is incorrectly misspelled “Allans” on the back, has sold for over $1000 even in lower grades due to its one-of-a-kind status.

When putting together an complete 1989 Topps set, common player cards outside the stars usually go for $1-5 depending on condition. Due to the massive size of the set at 792 total cards, rounding out a high grade master set is no small financial undertaking. A PSA/BGS 9-10 graded 1989 Topps master set has an estimated value well over $10,000 once all the keys cards are obtained in topcondition.

While the 1989 Topps set lacks some of the true superstar rookie cards of prior years, the presence of the all-time excellent Griffey Jr. rookie along with other young phenoms like Frank Thomas and Barry Larkin guarantee this set stays a cornerstone of the vintage baseball card market. With strong single prices across the board for the veteran stars as well, the 1989 Topps set provides a full vintage experience for collectors of the 1980s card boom.

SWELL BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE

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Introduction
Swell Baseball Cards is a relatively new baseball card company that was founded in 2019 by two friends that saw an untapped market for higher-end baseball cards. While they have only been in business for a short time, Swell has quickly gained popularity with collectors due to their innovative card designs, limited print runs, and exclusive content. As with any collectible, understanding how to assess Swell card values is important. This guide will provide collectors with a comprehensive overview of Swell Baseball Cards and insights into how to determine the price of various Swell cards on the current market.

What are Swell Baseball Cards?
Swell Baseball Cards differentiates itself from other card companies in several key ways. First, Swell only features current Major League Baseball players. No retired players are included in Sets. This helps Swell cards feel modern and stay relevant compared to vintage offerings from Topps, Bowman, etc. that cover past eras of the game.

Additionally, Swell cards focus solely on the photography, stats and stories surrounding each player rather than unnecessary derivatives like autographs or memorabilia. The minimalist designs allow the high quality photos to shine. Each Swell card includes multiple high resolution images of the player as well as insightful bios that go beyond basic stats to reveal personality notes, influences, skills and more.

Perhaps most notably, Swell keeps print runs extremely limited, often numbering cards in the hundreds rather than thousands like most mainstream baseball cards. This scarcity has fueled strong demand and collector interest from the start. While accessibility has improved over the years, early Swell releases retain cache among investors.

Swell Price Guide Overview
Assessing Swell card values requires an understanding of the various factors that drive demand and rarity:

Year/Series – Early Swell releases from 2019-2020 will generally carry a premium over more recent 2021-2022 issues due to their status as pioneering products in the Swell lineup.

Parallel/Variation – In addition to the base cards, Swell often releases parallel or “hit” variations with different number/color schemes that are even more limited. These include gold foils, 1/1 artist proofs, and more. The rarest parallels command top dollar.

Player Prominence – Superstar players on premiere franchises like Mike Trout, Juan Soto or Vladimir Guerrero Jr. tend to attract greater interest which can make their base cards more expensive than comparable rookies or role players. Highly sought prospects see early hype premiums too.

On-card Autographs – Although autographs are not Swell’s focus, they do occasionally release on-card signed parallel cards which bring substantial authentication and increase in value. Numbered versions are the most in-demand.

Card Condition – As with any collectible, near-mint or mint condition cards in dynamic plastic sleeves will retain values best. Heavily played or damaged cards sell at steep discounts. Always carefully consider condition factors.

Using platforms like eBay to research recently sold Swell listings is the best way to understand appropriate price ranges for different levels of parallel/variations, players and condition grades. Below are some general value estimates to use as guidelines:

Base Rookie/Prospect Cards: $5-15
Base Stars/Veteran Cards: $10-25
Parallel/Hit Variations: $25-200+
Lower Numbered Parallels: $50-500+
Autograph Parallels: $100-1000+
1/1 Autograph Cards: $500+
Early Series/Rookie Year Cards: 20-100% Premium
Prominent Star Cards: 20-50% Premium

The Swell Baseball card market is still developing, so values can be volatile as new factors emerge. Staying knowledgeable about new releases and sales trends over time will help serious collectors accurately gauge the worth of their growing Swell collections. With attentive collection management focused on condition, strategic purchases of in-demand parallel cards represent a smart investment opportunity in this growing hobby niche.

Assessing Condition
Perhaps the most important aspect of determining a Swell card’s value lies in properly assessing its condition grade. Unlike with vintage cards where play wear adds character, near-mint modern collectibles tend to retain value best. Swell’s premium focus on photography makes even light surface scuffing or print defects particularly noticeable. Here are the key condition grades to be aware of when pricing Swell cards:

Mint (MT): Flawless card surface and sharp crisp corners. A true mint card will be worth substantially more than a lower graded copy.

Near Mint-Mint (NM-MT): Very minimal edge wear or other signs of handling. Photos remain crystal clear with no print lines or flaws visible.

Near Mint (NM): Light handling marks may be found around edges or corners. Photos still look pristine from a few inches away.

Excellent (EX): Noticeable wear signs along with possible minor scratches or dents that don’t break the surface. Photos remain intact.

Very Good (VG): More substantial wear and dulling present. Light surface marking may be starting to show in photos.

Good (G): Heavy play wear with edge nicks and dings evident. Photos showing light print lines or clouding.

Poor: Severely worn and damaged card not worth more than a few dollars at best depending on the player.

Always inspect Swell cards closely under bright light before purchasing to avoid overpaying for cards with hidden flaws. Top grades like NM-MT can increase values by 20-50% compared to merely NM or EX quality counterparts of the same parallel/player. Condition is true king in the world of Swell collecting.

The Future of Swell Prices
While still establishing themselves in the industry, Swell Baseball Cards have already made a major positive impression on collectors and investors alike. Their innovative minimalist designs focused solely on stunning photography has captured the imagination of serious hobbyists. With each new exciting player-centric release, demand grows higher and editions sell out faster.

As longtime fans gain collections and the company’s brand recognition spreads, expect core early Swell cards to remain strongly desirable for years to come. Prominent star rookies could see considerable appreciation over the long haul if those players live up to expectations on the field as well. The limited nature of Swell also means supplies will not replenish, ensuring scarcity contributes ongoing strength to secondary market pricing.

Swell Baseball Cards unquestionably shows the potential to develop cult cache akin to the most coveted vintage subsets of decades past. So for motivated collectors, adding prime Swell rookies and parallels to a portfolio represents a sound collectibles investment. Just be sure to carefully curate keeping condition concerns front of mind. By judiciously selecting desirable cards now, savvy investors can lock in pricing before Swell values truly start to take off.

PRICE OF 1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Topps Baseball Card set is a highly sought after and valuable set by collectors and investors. With stars like Roberto Alomar, Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds, and Greg Maddux among the rookies featured, the ’87 Topps set contains some of the biggest names in baseball history in their early careers. Let’s take a deeper look at the individual card prices and trends for this iconic release.

The 1987 Topps set consists of 792 total cards issued in wax packs. The design features a color photo of each player with their team logo and stats on the front and career stats/accolades on the back. After being released over 30 years ago, these cardboard treasures have increased greatly in value for several key reasons. First, many of the players featured went on to have Hall of Fame careers, making their rookie cards extremely desirable. Secondly, the large set size ensured plenty of stars and prospects were included which increased collector interest over decades. And finally, the 1980s boom in baseball card collecting means far fewer ’87 Topps cards remain in pristine condition compared to modern sets.

At the top of the price chart towers the legendary Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Widely considered one of if not the most iconic rookie card of all-time, a PSA 10 Gem Mint Griffey Jr. recently brought in over $100,000 at auction. Other mint condition examples can fetch $50,000-$75,000 still. The next most valuable rookies are Barry Bonds ($5,000-10,000 PSA 10), Greg Maddux ($4,000-7,000 PSA 10), and Walt Weiss ($1,500-3,000 PSA 10).

Rookie cards are just the beginning when it comes to expensive ’87 Topps cards. The biggest star of the 1980s, Mike Schmidt, consistently brings top dollar as well with a PSA 10 topping $3,000. The charismatic Rickey Henderson routinely sells for $2,000-4,000 in top grade due to his base stealing prowess and personality. Two future Hall of Famers and noted sluggers, Mark McGwire and Frank Thomas, can each earn $1,500-2,500 in PSA 10. Powerhouses like Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, and Ozzie Smith round out cards valued around $1,000-2,000.

While stars command top dollar, there are quite a few noteworthy mid-range priced ’87 Topps cards as well. Future 300 game winner David Cone owns a $500-1,000 PSA 10 tag. Astros legend Jeff Bagwell and Expo/Jay Gary Carter settle in the $400-800 range. The power/speed combination of Will Clark attracts $300-600. And Mets World Series hero Keith Hernandez can pull $200-400. But some more budget friendly vintage cardboard still exists too. Rookie cards of Edgar Martinez, Dennis Eckersley, and Tim Raines can often be found graded for under $150.

Of course, condition is absolutely critical when determining the value of any vintage sports card. For the most iconic ’87 Topps rookie cards, a PSA 9 can mean the difference of thousands compared to a PSA 10 grade. And for affordable stars, a sharp PSA 8 may run just $20-50 while a well-worn PSA 5 could fall to $5-10. So patience and careful examination is advised when shopping the 1987 Topps baseball set.

In terms of long-term investment potential, the 1987 Topps baseball cards look very strong as well. With the steady retirements of players from the 1980s and increasing nostalgia, demand is unlikely to slow down anytime soon. And as the original generation of collectors ages, many valuable examples will be crossing over into the collectibles market potentially causing short-term price bumps. For serious long-term holdings, consider acquiring gem mint rookies of Hall of Famers like Bonds, Maddux, and Griffey Jr. Or high-grade autos/memorabilia cards of the same could prove brilliant investments over decades.

The 1987 Topps baseball set holds a hallowed place in the hearts of collectors and historians. Featuring legendary rookies and superstars of the past, it serves as a portal to revisit the magic of 1980s baseball. For those willing to spend top dollar, mint rookie cards of future Hall of Famers await. But the set also offers many satisfying affordable options too. The ’87 Topps cards constitute required holding for any serious vintage baseball card collection.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 19230

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Understanding Baseball Card Values from 1923

The year 1923 was an exciting time for baseball card collectors. Several new sets were released that year featuring many of the game’s biggest stars. With the pastime of collecting baseball cards just starting to take off, values were all over the place. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key sets from 1923 and analyze what card values might have been based on several factors like player performance, rarity, and condition.

1923 Cracker Jack Baseball Cards

One of the most iconic early issues, the 1923 Cracker Jack set featured cards inserted randomly in boxes of the popular snack. A full roster of teams is included, with stars like Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb among the 36 total cards. In well-centered, highly glossy Excellent/Mint condition, key cards from this set could have fetched around $0.25-$0.50 in the early days of collecting. More common players may have gone for a nickel. With only about 10-15% of the original print run surviving in high grade today, top 1923 Cracker Jack cards in pristine shape can sell for over $10,000. Condition is absolutely critical to value for these fragile early issues.

1923 W514-1 Strivers Baseball Cards

This obscure 24-card set was likely inserted in packs of Strivers Gum. Featuring mostly lesser known players, the 1923 W514-1 cards had fairly low values when new, probably around $0.05 each even for the few stars included. They are now among the rarest early issues, with perhaps only a couple dozen sets known to exist. High grade examples of key cards like Home Run Baker or Eddie Collins could conceivably have sold for $1-2 in the early collecting era. Today, pristine specimens fetch over $10,000 due to their superior rarity compared to other 1923 sets.

1923 Zeenut Baseball Cards

Another obscure 24-card issue inserted randomly in Zeenut candy bars. Like the W514-1 set, it features a mix of stars and more common players. In top condition straight from the pack, the biggest names may have commanded $0.10-0.25. Most cards were worth just a nickel or less. Today, a complete pristine set in mounts can sell for over $20,000 due to the extreme scarcity, with perhaps fewer than 10 examples known. Even single cards grade NM-MT fetch well over $1,000.

1923 American Caramel Baseball Cards

This 36-card set distributed via American Caramel candy had some star power with names like Ruth, Cobb, and Walter Johnson. It also included many lesser lights. In the best possible condition right out of the pack, the top rookie cards may have gone for $0.25, while most others traded hands for $0.05-0.10. Complete sets in top-graded condition can now sell for over $15,000. Single high-grade cards bring $500-1000 depending on the player featured.

1923 Durham Tobacco Baseball Cards

A rarer 48-card tobacco insert set with many big names of the era like Ruth, Cobb, and Speaker. As a more complete set distributed via popular cigarettes, values were higher than many other 1923 issues when new. Top rookies may have fetched $0.50 in pristine condition straight from the pack. Star veterans could have brought $0.25-0.35. Complete sets in top-graded status change hands today for $25,000+. Even single cards in high grades sell for $1000-3000 each for the most desirable players.

While early 1920s baseball card values were modest when new, condition and scarcity are everything for these fragile pioneer issues today. Prices have skyrocketed for complete or individual high-grade examples of the rarest 1923 sets like W514-1 and Zeenut. More common issues still command big bucks in top condition due to the inherent rarity of surviving 100-year-old cardboard after endless handling pre-modern collecting practices. Understanding set and card scarcity, as well as original distribution method is key to accurately assessing values for these pioneering sports collectibles from 1923.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 1987 PRICE GUIDE

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1987 was a unique year for Topps baseball cards as it was the first year Topps produced its cards through printing instead of the previous gum manufacturing process. This change led to significant differences in the physical composition and appearance of the 1987 Topps cards compared to prior years. The cards had a thinner glossier finish and featured brighter colors compared to the thicker stock of previous Topps issues.

While the physical differences were notable, what really drives the collectibility and prices of vintage baseball cards is the players and the scarcity of rare and valuable cards. The 1987 Topps set features many all-time great players who were in their prime or just entering it. Players like Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Kirby Puckett, and Barry Bonds all appear prominently in the set in seasons before they achieved their highest levels of fame and accolades.

The standard 1987 Topps base card set contains 792 cards featuring active major leaguers as well as retired stars and managers/coaches. The most common cards from this set hold relatively little value today, being readily available and found in most vintage baseball card collections. Examples of mid-range priced common base cards include:

Wade Boggs (#48 Boston Red Sox): $1-2
Ozzie Smith (#118 St. Louis Cardinals): $2-3
Roger Clemens (#331 Boston Red Sox): $3-5

There are several key factors that can dramatically increase the value of certain 1987 Topps cards above their base values:

Rookie Cards: Debut cards often carry a substantial premium, especially for future Hall of Famers and all-time great players. Some examples of valuable 1987 Topps rookie cards include:

Ken Griffey Jr (#321 Seattle Mariners): $50-75
Greg Maddux (#600 Chicago Cubs): $40-60
Tom Glavine (#581 Atlanta Braves): $30-50
Barry Larkin (#680 Cincinnati Reds): $25-35

Short Prints: Certain cards in the 1987 Topps base set were printed in lower numbers than usual, making them statistically rarer and more valuable. Among the most coveted short prints are:

Tim Raines (#481 Montreal Expos): $50-75
Mark McGwire (#601 Oakland A’s): $40-60
Kirby Puckett (#651 Minnesota Twins): $30-50

Gold Cards: Occurring 1 in every wax pack on average, the 1987 Topps Gold Cards featured a gold border around the image and held an instant premium over the basic issue. Key gold cards include:

Ozzie Smith (#118G St. Louis Cardinals): $75-100
Wade Boggs (#48G Boston Red Sox): $50-75
Rickey Henderson (#481G Oakland A’s): $40-60

odder Errors: Missed-cut errors, off-center strikes, upside-down prints and other manufacturing anomalies that differ significantly from the card’s normal design command high values from error card collectors.

Additional Insert Sets: Topps also released additional insert sets packed less frequently in 1987 wax packs to spark extended collector interest. The most valuable of these include:

All-Star Cards (132 cards): Complete set $200-300
Postseason Highlights Cards (48 cards): Key cards $20-50 each

While not all 1987 Topps cards hold enormous long-term appreciation potential, savvy collectors know that this vintage issue features some of the best rookie cards and most iconography of players crossing over into their primes or entering baseball immortality. Short print variations, manufacturing errors, strong visual designs featuring rising young talents all contribute to an active market where Condition sensitive high-grade examples continue earning premium value investment returns decades after the original product’s release.

For collectors seeking affordability alongside the allure of pre-fame stars, 1987 Topps maintains its status as one of the most collectible late 1980s issues thanks to iconic imagery and an enviable place in the early careers of future Hall of Famers like Griffey, Glavine, Maddux, Larry Walker, and others. Whether enjoying the nostalgia of childhood heroes or pursuing valuable classic cardboard, 1987 Topps remains among the most fan-recommended vintage sports card sets for builders of the past and future.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1980 GEORGE BRETT

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George Brett was one of the biggest stars in Major League Baseball during the late 1970s and 1980s, making baseball cards from his career some of the most sought after from that era. As one of the best third basemen to ever play the game and a career .305 hitter, Brett’s cards from 1980 in particular hold significant value, especially his rookie and star cards.

Brett was already an established star by 1980, having made his MLB debut in 1973 with the Kansas City Royals at age 20. In his rookie season he hit .282 in 103 games to finish third in AL Rookie of the Year voting. Over the next several seasons, Brett emerged as one of the game’s premier third basemen, making the AL All-Star team in 1976 and 1977 while consistently batting over .300.

Entering the 1980 season at age 27, Brett was coming off back-to-back 100 RBI seasons and was a four-time All-Star. That year he would have one of the finest individual seasons in baseball history, batting an incredible .390 which remains the highest single-season batting average of the post-1960 expansion era. Brett’s 1980 campaign is considered one of the greatest offensive seasons ever, as he also led the league with 118 runs scored, 90 extra-base hits, and a .664 slugging percentage.

Brett’s dominant 1980 season made him one of the most sought after players for collectors. His rookie cards from 1973 held value, but his cards from 1980 skyrocketed in demand. Below is an overview of some of Brett’s key baseball cards from 1980 and their estimated average market values in various grades:

1973 Topps #138 Rookie Card: In PSA 10 gem mint condition, Brett’s coveted rookie card has sold for over $15,000 in recent years. In PSA 8 very fine-excellent condition it averages $500-1000, while a PSA 6 good condition example can sell for around $150-300.

1980 Topps #1: As the #1 card in the set, this is Brett’s main flagship rookie star card from his epic 1980 season. In PSA 10 condition it averages $1,000-2,000 at auction. A PSA 8 copy sells for $300-500 on average.

1980 Topps Traded #124T: This traded set variation features Brett in a Royals batting stance. PSA 10 copies have sold for $800-1500. PSA 8 grades bring approximately $200-400.

1980 Fleer #132: Fleer was the other major brand alongside Topps that year. PSA 10 examples of Brett’s card average $600-1000, with PSA 8s at $150-250.

1980 Donruss #34: Considered one of the more scarce 1980 sets, Brett’s Donruss card still holds value. PSA 10s have sold for $500-800, with PSA 8s around $125-200.

1980 Post Cereal #46: This is one of Brett’s more iconic cards from the year featuring a cartoon-style illustration. PSA 10s go for $400-700 on average, with PSA 8s at $100-175.

1980 TCMA #3: This is Brett’s card from the lesser-known TCMA (Trading Card Merchandisers Association) set that year. Even PSA 9 copies can sell for $150-300 given the set’s scarcity.

In addition to his base cards, Brett also had several notable inserts, parallels and variations that hold premium value:

1980 Topps Mini #1: This miniature version of Brett’s flagship card has sold for over $1000 in PSA 10 condition.

1980 Topps Stickers #S1: Brett’s sticker card in top-grade can bring $500-800 at auction.

1980 Topps Traded Tiffany #T124T: The ultra-rare Tiffany parallel of Brett’s Topps Traded card has sold for over $10,000 in PSA 10 condition.

1980 Fleer Stamp #132: Brett’s “stamp” parallel from Fleer is also extremely scarce. PSA 10s have sold for $3000-5000.

In summary, George Brett’s baseball cards from his epic 1980 season are among the most coveted and valuable from that entire decade. As one of the true icons of the 1970s-80s Kansas City Royals, Brett’s rookie cards as well as his flagship cards commemorating his 1980 MVP campaign will always be in high demand with collectors. In top grades, examples can sell for thousands due to their historical and nostalgic significance.

1986 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PSA PRICE GUIDE

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The 1986 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues from the 1980s. It contains cards of baseball legends like Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, Rickey Henderson, and Ozzie Smith, who were starring for their respective teams at that time. With its classic design and starring players, the 1986 Topps set remains a favorite for collectors.

To determine the value of 1986 Topps baseball cards, especially for high-grade specimens, collectors turn to the PSA Collectibles Price Guide. Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) is the leading third-party authentication and grading company for trading cards. Getting a card professionally graded provides an objective assessment of its condition and increases its value for serious collectors.

The PSA Collectibles Price Guide breaks down average sales prices for 1986 Topps cards in five different grade levels – PSA 1 to PSA 10. A PSA 1 would be in poor condition with damage and wear, while a PSA 10 is pristine, almost straight out of the original factory packaging. Obviously, a card in top PSA 10 gem mint condition will be valued much higher than a lower graded copy.

Some of the most valuable 1986 Topps cards at a PSA 10 grade according to the latest pricing data include:

Roger Clemens: A PSA 10 Clemens rookie card sold for $13,500 in an auction. Even a PSA 9 copy can fetch over $1,000. Clemens was just starting to emerge as one of the game’s top pitchers in 1986.

Kirby Puckett: Considered the best conditioned rookie card from the set, a PSA 10 Puckett recently sold for $8,700. He went on to a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Minnesota Twins. PSA 9 copies trade around $2,000-3,000.

Barry Bonds: Prior to his steroid suspicions, Bonds was already well on his way to being a superstar in 1986 as a Pittsburgh Pirate. His PSA 10 rookie card sold for $6,600. Most PSA 9s end up between $1,500-2,500.

Wade Boggs: As one of baseball’s most consistent hitters, Boggs’ PSA 10 1986 rookie card reached $6,000 recently. PSA 9 copies hold value of $1,200-2,000.

Ozzie Smith: Nicknamed “The Wizard” for his dazzling defense at shortstop, Smith’s PSA 10 rookie card brought in $5,400. Near mint PSA 9 cards trade hands for $1,000-2,000.

Other star rookies from the set like Mark McGwire, Bert Blyleven, and Lenny Dykstra can earn $1,000-3,000 apiece in PSA 10 condition. McGwire’s monster home run hitting feats in the late 1990s have kept interest high in his 1986 rookie issues.

But there are also plenty of deals to be found if you hunt for 1986 Topps rookie cards in lower grades. Even circulated PSA 5 copies of Clemens, Puckett or Boggs might sell in the $100-300 range. And average players’ cards can commonly sell from $10-50 depending on the grade.

Another factor that can significantly impact a 1986 Topps card’s value is any photo or statistical updates made for that player. For example, a PSA 10 Mike Schmidt card with his picture and stats revised from .253 to his actual .290 batting average would easily double or triple the normal PSA 10 value. These updated “photo variations” are viewed as more desirable by collectors.

Of course, the true blue chip cards in the 1986 Topps set beyond the traditional rookie cards are the gem mint PSA 10 copies of superstar veterans like Nolan Ryan ($4,500), George Brett ($4,000), and Rickey Henderson ($3,300). Securing these elite star cards in pristine condition is the holy grail for vintage set builders.

The 1986 Topps baseball card set holds up very well value-wise more than 35 years later thanks to legendary rookie players and iconic veterans featured on the cardboard. And by using the trusted PSA price guide, collectors have an accurate reference point for determining contemporary market value across the entire spectrum of card conditions. Whether seeking affordable lower grade deals or high-end PSA 10 trophies, there are opportunities to invest in or enjoy this classic 1980s issue.