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PSA PRICE GUIDE BASEBALL CARDS

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Understanding Baseball Card Values – A Guide to PSA Price Guides

Collecting sports cards has grown enormously in popularity over the past few decades. With millions of people owning vast collections of cards spanning many decades of players and teams, determining the value of individual cards can be challenging. While the baseball card market fluctuations are driven by many factors, one of the most trusted authorities for assigning value is Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA).

Founded in 2000, PSA is considered the gold standard for third-party grading and authentication of trading cards, comics, and related collectibles. Their stringent certification process and attribution of numeric grades from 1-10 based on a card or item’s condition have brought unprecedented standardization and transparency to the hobby.

Perhaps PSA’s most well-known and utilized publication is their Baseball Card Price Guide. Updated regularly, it provides estimated market values for PSA-graded baseball cards spanning the entire history of the industry back to the late 1800s. Let’s take a closer look at how PSA values cards and what collectors need to know about using their price guides effectively.

Assignment of Numeric Grades

At the core of PSA’s value assessment is the grade assigned to each card. Trained experts meticulously examine the front and back and consider factors like centering, corners, edges and surfaces for signs of wear when determining the 1-10 grade.

A “gem mint” PSA 10 card is in flawless condition and earns the highest price. These flawless specimens become increasingly rare the older the card is.

PSA 9’s represent near mint with only slight imperfections visible under close scrutiny. These command strong prices.

Grades of 8 and 7 indicate very good to good condition with more evident signs of aging still capturing respectable worth.

Cards in the 6-4 range show wear and are valued based more on their vintage and the player rather than aesthetics.

Anything below a PSA 4 holds more novelty value due to extensive flaws reducing attractiveness to most collectors.

Editions, Parallels and Inserts

While the grade sets the baseline value, other specifics influence the ultimate price. Cards from the earliest years have far greater rarity and demand. Different print runs and special “parallel” versions exist for many modern issues that carry significant premiums over the standard base cards.

Special collector “insert” cards featuring unique parallel designs, autographs or relic memorabilia also warrant much heftier price tags than run-of-the-mill issues. PSA accounts meticulously for all relevant variations and outliers in their pricing methodology.

Marketplace Scenarios and Trends

Key to the relevance of any price guide is reflecting real-time auction data. PSA research considers recent sales across major online sites along with prominent industry shows and conventions. This incorporates the influence of special circumstances like a famous retired star having his number retired.

Periodic spikes occur when exceptional cards surface and shatter records. Over time, certain players rise or fall in prominence. PSA experts stay on top of trends, revising guides to comprehensively mirror an incredibly fluid collecting market. Additional contextual commentary provides useful perspective for comparing “book value” versus expectations in different transaction settings.

Resources and Consignment Services

Beyond price guides, PSA offers several complimentary services and learning tools. Their free database compiles population figures indicating how many of any given card have achieved each numeric grade designation. This helps illustrate a specimen’s relative scarcity and investment potential.

Collectors can submit cards and other memorabilia to PSA for expert authentication, grading and encapsulation. This not only provides a guaranteed assessment of condition for insurance purposes, but the third-party authentication dramatically enhances resale value and eligibility in major auction houses with strict consignment requirements. PSA also accepts direct consignments for selling assignments graded pieces through their own monthly online auctions.

While no guide can predict exact future selling prices, PSA price lists continue to represent the industry’s most comprehensive and useful tool for estimating baseball card values based on condition. Regular updates ensure they remain synchronized to an enthusiast marketplace undergoing perpetual fluctuations. Beyond numerical grades, grasping all the intricacies discussed provides collectors a well-rounded understanding for properly interpreting the guidelines. With diligent research and heeding marketplace context clues, PSA sets the gold standard for objective assessment helping people buy, sell, and enjoy their cherished baseball collecting investments.

1951 BOWMAN BASEBALL CARDS PSA PRICE GUIDE

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The 1951 Bowman baseball card set is one of the most beloved vintage issues among collectors. Produced by the Bowman Gum Company, the 1951 set marked the company’s return to issuing baseball cards after a multi-year hiatus. It also featured some of the era’s biggest stars in colorful photos on a yellow background. Not surprisingly, high-grade examples from the 1951 Bowman set fetch top dollar at auction and in the collectibles marketplace.

Professionally graded gems by authentication giant PSA are particularly prized given the set’s age and the condition challenges that have faced over 70 years of existence. PSA has established a detailed price guide for 1951 Bowman cards in different preservation levels to help collectors understand relative value. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most expensive and desirable players from the 1951 Bowman issue through the lens of PSA’s modern price guide data.

One of the true holy grails for collectors is a PSA Gem Mint 10 Mickey Mantle card. Widely considered the single greatest player of all time, Mantle’s rookie is among the most coveted in the entire hobby. In a PSA 10 exemplar condition, his 1951 Bowman has consistently sold for well over $100,000 at public auction. PSA’s paper estimates the current retail value of such a pristine Mantle rookie between $150,000-$200,000 given how rarely true Gems surface. Even in lower grades, Mantle maintains incredible desirability – a PSA 8 could reach $20,000 or more in sale.

Another universally coveted rookie from 1951 Bowman is Willie Mays. Known as “The Say Hey Kid,” Mays burst onto the scene in New York as a Giants rookie and immediately established himself as a five-tool superstar. A PSA 10 Mays rookie is rivaled in value only by the Mantle, with auctions registering prices north of $150,000 on occasion. PSA estimates a Gem Mays at $125,000-$175,000 currently. Like Mantle, lower graded examples still retain huge worth – a PSA 8 would likely reach $15,000-$20,000 at market.

Beyond the Dynamic Duo of Mantle and Mays, several other Hall of Famers boast tremendous value from 1951 Bowman as well. A PSA 10 Duke Snider rookie can eclipse $50,000 at public sale given his fame as a Dodger star of the 1950s. PSA has this most elite Snider priced around $40,000-$60,000 today. Whitey Ford is also remarkably expensive for a pitcher card from this era, with a PSA 10 estimated at $30,000-$40,000 based on past results. Even a PSA 8 Ford can hit five-figures with the right bidding scenario.

More attaining cards include Roy Campanella, whose difficult subject captured well earns a PSA 10 price tag around $20,000-$30,000 currently. Enos Slaughter and Early Wynn also maintain lofty values despite less flashy playing careers compared to others. A PSA 10 of either checks in at $15,000-$25,000 on PSA’s price sheet. Other notables like Tommy Lasorda, Hank Sauer and George Kell achieve 4-5 figure sums in top grades as well due to their quality and scarcity at such high preservation levels.

As is often the case with vintage cards, condition is paramount to 1951 Bowman values. A PSA 8 represents a massive drop-off compared to a true Mint 10 grade. For example, an 8-graded Mantle would fall to around $10,000 still very collectible, but a fraction of the pristine card. Similarly, an 8-graded Mays resides closer to $7,500 range today. Other Hall of Famers follow suit with Mint 9s and 8s trading hands in the affordable $2,000-$5,000 range for stars.

For completeness, even well-worn low-end 1951 Bowmans retain interest due to the set’s unmatched legacy. Heavily played PSA 3s and 4s can be acquired for just a few hundred dollars apiece. These bargain bin options allow collectors on all budgets to own a piece of this holiest-of-grails 70 year old issue. But as always, PSA-slabbed examples command a premium versus raw cards.

The 1951 Bowman baseball card set endures as one of the most desirable issues in the entire trading card industry thanks to its exquisite photography, hall of fame rookies, and iconic status. Professionally graded specimens through PSA are especially prized, with their price guide painting a clear portrait of relative values based on condition. From affordable low grades to record-setting gem mint cards, 1951 Bowman continues thrilling collectors of all levels well into the modern collecting era.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1915 CRACKER JACK

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The year was 1915 and baseball cards were becoming increasingly popular insert prizes found randomly in Cracker Jack popcorn boxes. During this early era of baseball cards, they served as affordable collectibles that helped spread interest in the national pastime.

While baseball cards had been included in Cracker Jack since around 1912, it was in 1915 that the modern concept of sports cards began to take shape. Up until then, the cards were simply small promotional inserts without any statistics or player information on the back. That all changed in 1915 when the first true baseball cards with stats debuted in Cracker Jack.

This new design featured a color photo of a player on the front along with their name, team, and position. More significantly, the back of the 1915 cards included each player’s batting average, home runs, and RBI from the previous season. This marked the first time that in-depth player stats were printed on trading cards, setting the standard template that would be followed for decades.

Some of the most notable and valuable cards from the 1915 Cracker Jack series include Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, and Grover Cleveland Alexander. While the cards themselves were rather basic by today’s standards, featuring no player identification numbers, they represented a major leap forward for the hobby. Having stats on the back transformed baseball cards from simple promotions into valuable collectors’ items prized for their statistical information and documentation of that era of the game.

The 1915 Cracker Jack cards were also notable for being the first to include players from both the American and National Leagues. Prior issues tended to feature exclusively one league or the other. Including stars from both circuits increased interest and demand from young collectors.

Production numbers for 1915 Cracker Jack cards are unknown, but they are considered among the most scarce early issues due to low print runs and the fact they were only randomly inserted in popcorn boxes. Surviving examples from 1915 in top-graded condition can fetch tens of thousands of dollars at auction. Even well-worn common players sell for hundreds due to their important place in the origins of baseball card collecting.

While the 1915 Cracker Jack cards helped popularize the hobby, they also had some flaws. The thin cardboard stock was prone to damage from moisture and bending. Photos were of generally low quality with inconsistent sizing. And there was no standardization for player identification, as some used full names while others only included nicknames or initials.

Still, the 1915 issues took a major step forward by including statistics. This allowed young fans to not only see photos of their favorite players, but also learn key stats to discuss with friends. Cards became an educational tool as well as collectibles. The home run and RBI stats printed on the 1915 Ty Cobb card, for example, helped cement his growing reputation as one of the game’s first true superstars.

The success of the 1915 Cracker Jack baseball cards series led to their continued inclusion in subsequent years. Following the template they established, later issues from the 1910s and 1920s are highly sought after by vintage collectors today. While production numbers increased somewhat, the early 20th century Cracker Jack cards remain quite scarce in high grades due to the fragile paper stock and decades of use and potential damage.

Grading and preservation is especially important for the true “key” cards from 1915 like Cobb, Johnson, and Alexander. Even low-grade examples can be quite valuable simply due to their place in the origins of the modern baseball card collecting phenomenon. The 1915 Cracker Jack issue took the first step toward creating the sports memorabilia industry that now generates billions in annual sales. Their inclusion of statistics truly marked the beginning of baseball cards as we know them.

The 1915 Cracker Jack baseball card series was hugely influential as the first to include stats, players from both leagues, and helped popularize card collecting among young fans. While production was low and materials basic, they established templates that standardize the hobby. Even over a century later, the most coveted 1915 Cracker Jack cards remain iconic, with even low-grade examples retaining value for historians due to their pioneering role. They were truly the first “modern” baseball cards that kicked off a multi-billion dollar industry.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 19445

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Baseball cards exploded in popularity in the late 19th century as a promotional product for cigarette and candy companies looking to market their brands to young consumers. It wasn’t until the post-World War II era that the modern baseball card collecting hobby really began to take off. The year 1945 marked a pivotal time for the emerging industry as production levels increased and new sets with more detailed photography were released.

In 1945, several companies issued sets that are now considered classics and highly valuable to collectors. Topps, which would go on to dominate the baseball card market for decades, issued their first post-war set. Known as 1945 Topps, the 36-card release featured colorful player portraits on the front with basic stats on the back. Highlights include rookie cards of Hall of Famers Warren Spahn and Early Wynn. In gem mint condition, a Spahn or Wynn from this set can fetch over $10,000 today.

Bowman also returned to the baseball card scene after a four-year hiatus caused by paper shortages during the war. Their 1945 set totaled 48 cards with a colorful illustrated design that stood out compared to competitors. Key rookie cards include Hall of Famers Stan Musial and Red Schoendienst. In top grades, a Musial can sell for around $5,000 while a Schoendienst might bring $2,000-$3,000.

Another notable 1945 release was Leaf, a smaller brand that was acquired by Bowman the following year. Their 72-card set showcased colorful close-up photos on the fronts with stats on the backs. While the set overall has more common players, high grades of stars like Musial can still sell for over $1,000 in today’s market.

When assessing the value of any 1945 baseball card, the most important factors are the player, condition and rarity of the specific card. Here are estimated price ranges for some of the most desirable rookie and star cards from 1945 sets in top mint condition:

Warren Spahn (1945 Topps): $10,000-$15,000
Early Wynn (1945 Topps): $8,000-$12,000
Stan Musial (1945 Bowman): $5,000-$8,000
Red Schoendienst (1945 Bowman): $2,000-$4,000
Ted Williams (1945 Leaf): $1,500-$2,500
Joe DiMaggio (1945 Leaf): $1,000-$2,000

For star veterans like DiMaggio, Williams and Musial, their 1945 rookie or early career cards remain quite collectible and desirable despite not being true rookie cards. This is due to their legendary playing careers and the scarcity of high grade examples surviving over 75+ years of handling and wear since the sets were first released.

When it comes to condition, the two most important grading scales for vintage baseball cards are the 1-10 Generic Scale and the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) scale. On the generic scale, Mint (MT) or Near Mint (NM) grades of 7-8 would be considered excellent for regular play cards from 1945. To achieve top dollar values most serious collectors demand PSA grades of 8 or higher which equates to Near Mint to Mint levels of centering, edges and surface quality. Even minor flaws can significantly impact a card’s worth.

In addition to star players, there is also value to be found in complete or near-complete sets of 1945 issues. A full run of cards from Topps, Bowman or Leaf in lower grades could sell for $1,000-$3,000 depending on condition levels. For set collectors, finding that one missing card to finish a set can cost far more than the individual card’s raw value alone.

While the post-war era introduced mass-produced baseball cards on a scale never seen before, production numbers were still relatively low compared to later decades. Combined with the fact that 1945 cards have survived the test of time for over 75 years, examples still existing in high grades are quite scarce. This rarity factor contributes greatly to the value and demand from collectors for these early postwar issues that helped launch the baseball card collecting phenomenon into the mainstream.

The 1945 season marked a watershed moment when the baseball card hobby began gaining serious momentum. Sets from that year featuring rookie cards of future Hall of Famers and other star players of the time period remain extremely popular and valuable, especially in top-notch preserved condition. Their historical significance and scarcity ensure 1945s will continue to be prized possessions in the collections of dedicated vintage card collectors.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1980 TOPPS

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The 1980 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues from the 1970s and 1980s. While it may not be the most valuable set from that era, the 1980 Topps cards remain a popular and important part of the vintage baseball card market. Let’s take a deeper look at the 1980 Topps set and provide a price guide for some of the top rookie and star cards from that year.

The 1980 Topps set includes 792 total cards and was the primary baseball card release for that season. Some key details about the 1980 Topps set include that the design featured a simple team logo at the bottom with the player’s name and position above. The photographs were somewhat smaller than previous issues as well. The cardboard was also of lower quality compared to earlier Topps releases.

One of the most notable rookies featured in the 1980 Topps set is Cal Ripken Jr. of the Baltimore Orioles. Ripken would go on to have one of the greatest careers of any shortstop in MLB history. His iconic 1980 Topps rookie card (card #481) remains one of the most sought after cards from that year. In top graded gem mint (GM) condition, Ripken’s 1980 rookie now sells for around $1,000-1,500. Lower graded near mint (NM) condition copies can be found for $300-500. Even in well-worn excellent (EX) condition, this Ripken rookie still commands $100-200.

Another rookie standout from 1980 Topps is Wade Boggs of the Boston Red Sox. Boggs went on to have a Hall of Fame career and was one of the best hitters of the 1980s. His 1980 Topps rookie (card #548) has also held its value well over the years. In top GM condition, Boggs’ rookie sells for $400-600. Lower graded NM copies are $150-250 and EX condition is $50-100.

While not rookies, the 1980 Topps cards of established stars like Nolan Ryan, Mike Schmidt, and George Brett remain highly sought after by collectors. Ryan’s card (card #550) in top condition can reach $150-250. Schmidt (card #384) and Brett (card #258) in the same grade sell in the $75-125 range. Even in well-worn EX condition, these star cards still trade hands for $20-50 depending on the particular player.

One of the most visually striking cards from the 1980 Topps set belongs to Reggie Jackson of the California Angels (card #1). As the number one card in the set, Jackson’s photo features a dramatic action shot. High graded copies in NM or GM condition sell for $75-125 due to its iconic status. Lower graded EX copies are $25-50.

While not quite the level of some other 1970s and 1980s Topps issues, there is still value to be found across the entire 1980 set if collectors are willing to hunt for bargains. Common star and future Hall of Famer cards can often be acquired in EX condition for $1-5. Solid everyday players may only cost a dollar or less. For those looking to build their vintage collection, the 1980 Topps set offers an iconic and affordable starting point.

In terms of high-end, investment grade cards from 1980 Topps, there are a few other keys to be aware of beyond the rookies already mentioned. The Mickey Mantle card (card #1) is always in high demand from collectors. In pristine NM/GM condition, it can reach $500-800 due to its iconic status. The Nolan Ryan traded set variation (card #550T) where he is shown with the Angels instead of the Mets is also extremely rare. One of these in top condition could conceivably sell for $1,000-1,500.

The 1980 Topps set also featured the final cards for a few legendary players like Willie Mays with the Mets (card #458), Hank Aaron’s last card (card #680), and Willie McCovey’s last issue (card #458). High graded examples of these “last cards” can reach $75-150. The 1980 Topps set also included the final baseball cards ever produced for Ted Williams with the Senators/Rangers organization on his manager’s card (card #680). Considered one of the true “holy grails” for the set, a pristine graded example of Williams’ manager card could sell for $2,000-3,000.

While it may not have the flashiest design or highest end cards, the 1980 Topps baseball set remains a foundational part of the vintage market. Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Ripken and Boggs anchor the set. Common stars from the era can be collected affordably across the whole 792 card checklist. The 1980 Topps cards also captured the final seasons for legends like Mays, Aaron, McCovey, and Williams. Whether building a collection or making an investment, the 1980 Topps price guide shows there are still opportunities to be found within this iconic set over 40 years later.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1906 ONLINE

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The earliest known baseball card price guide was published in 1906 by The American Card Catalog and was titled American Baseball Card Catalog. It was a small booklet that provided pricing information for baseball cards from the late 1800s through the early 1900s. At the time, tobacco cards were some of the only baseball cards being produced and traded.

The American Card Catalog price guide helped provide collectors with a sense of the value of their collections during a time when the hobby was just starting to take shape. Some notable pricing details from the 1906 guide included common tobacco cards from the 1890s trading for around 10 cents each while rare honors cards could fetch over $1. Prices were all over the place in those early days as the collectibles market was still in its infancy.

In the following decades, the popularity of baseball cards grew steadily but dedicated price guides were still scarce. Occasional newspaper articles or magazine features would mention estimated values, but there was no single authoritative annual resource for collectors. That started to change in the post-World War II era as the modern baseball card hobby truly began to emerge.

Two key publications helped establish the first widely-followed annual baseball card price guides – The Sport Americana Baseball Card Price Guide and The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide. While a comic book guide, Overstreet began regularly including baseball card pricing updates in the late 1940s. Then in the early 1950s, M.C. Eskenazi published the first Sport Americana Baseball Card Price Guide which became the hobby’s standard reference through the 1950s.

These guides helped bring structure and standardized pricing to a marketplace that was growing rapidly along with the booming postwar economy and rising interest in sports and collecting. Values listed were still quite low by today’s standards, but the guides gave collectors a sense of relative scarcity and demand for different sets and players. Some particularly valuable pre-war tobacco cards could list for $5-$10 while common postwar players traded for pennies.

In the 1960s, the popularity of modern wax packs from Topps, Fleer and others exploded alongside the baby boom generation. This led to the emergence of dedicated monthly or quarterly baseball card price guide publications like Baseball Card Monthly, The Trader Speaks, and Sports Market Report. These periodicals provided the most up-to-date values as the market evolved at an increasingly fast pace. Key rookie cards and short prints from the new wave of sets began appreciating quickly.

By the late 1960s, the modern baseball card collecting boom was in full swing. This coincided with the rise of specialty comic shops and the direct sales market for back issues. One of the leaders in this niche was James Beckett, who began publishing an annual baseball card price guide in 1969 as part of his growing portfolio of pop culture guides.

Beckett Baseball Card Monthly and Beckett Baseball Card Price Guide soon became the authoritative industry standards through the 1970s and 1980s. They provided a level of consistency, expertise and research that no other publications could match at the time. Beckett guides helped stabilize prices amidst the speculative boom-and-bust cycles of the era by establishing recognized benchmark values.

In the 1990s, the internet opened up new possibilities for price guide research and distribution that further accelerated the market. Websites like PriceGuide.Cards and COMC began hosting searchable baseball card databases with real-time pricing. This allowed for much more granular and up-to-date values compared to annual print guides. Meanwhile, Beckett transitioned to a monthly guide format and digital offerings to keep pace.

Two key events transformed the price guide industry in the early 2000s – the launch of PSA/BGS third-party grading and the baseball card bubble. Graded card values diverged significantly from raw cards, requiring specialized pricing. Meanwhile, the speculative frenzy of the late 90s crash landed values but created long-term demand for guidance. Websites like 130 Point and Sports Card Forum became popular discussion venues alongside print guides.

In the modern era, while print guides still have value, digital resources have come to dominate. Websites like BaseballCardPedia, Sports Card Investor and PriceGuide.Cards aggregate real-time sales data and community input to provide the most up-to-date baseball card values. Apps like the Beckett Market Guide allow on-the-go access. And marketplace platforms like eBay have further standardized pricing benchmarks across all conditions and grades.

Through over a century of evolution, baseball card price guides have transformed from small booklets listing tobacco issues to massive digital databases constantly tracking hundreds of thousands of values. They remain a vital resource for collectors, investors and casual fans seeking to understand the value, history and market trends surrounding the iconic cardboard collectibles from baseball’s past and present. The journey from those earliest guides to today’s real-time online pricing reflects the tremendous growth of the modern baseball card industry as a whole.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PRICE

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The 1987 Topps Baseball Card set is one of the most popular and collectible sets from the 1980s. It was the 66th year Topps produced baseball cards and featured over 600 cards in the base set. While most cards from the 1987 Topps set hold little value outside of collector’s personal collections, there are a number of standout rookie cards and stars from the era that command premium prices in the marketplace.

One of the most iconic rookie cards from 1987 Topps is Ken Griffey Jr. As arguably the best player of his generation, Griffey Jr. cards from his rookie season are among the most sought after cards from the late 80s. In pristine near-mint to mint condition, Griffey Jr.’s 1987 Topps rookie card currently sells for between $4,000 to $6,000 raw or $7,000-$10,000 if professionally graded by PSA or BGS at a Gem Mint 10 grade. Even in well-worn condition, Griffey Jr.’s rookie still commands $100-300 depending on the state of the card.

Another highly valuable rookie is Barry Bonds from the 1987 Topps set. As one of the greatest players of all time who also came with considerable off-field controversy, Bonds rookie cards sell commensurately. In near-mint to mint condition, raw Bonds rookies sell for $750-1,500 typically. A PSA 10 graded Bonds 1987 Topps rookie can reach $2,500-4,000 while a BGS Black Label 10 has sold for over $10,000 before. Even low-grade copies of the Bonds rookie still sell for $150-300.

Kids getting their hands on 1987 Topps packs didn’t know it yet, but they were ripping packs that contained the rookie cards of Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux, two future Hall of Fame pitchers. In top-end condition, Glavine’s rookie sells for $400-600 raw or $1,000-1,500 PSA graded. Maddux’s rookie in similarly high-quality condition sells within the same range. Well-worn copies of their cards can still get $50-100 depending on centering and condition issues.

Among the star veterans featured in 1987 Topps, Milwaukee Brewers slugger Robin Yount’s trading card maintains solid value among collectors. As a two-time American League MVP, Yount’s 1987 card sells for $25-50 in rookie condition and $5-10 in played condition. St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Jack Clark, who smacked 35 home runs that season, has a basic 1987 card valued around $3-8 in average condition.

For high-grade specimens of stars from the 1987 set, mint condition cards can fetch substantial prices. A PSA 10 graded Roger Clemens card from that year recently sold for $650. A BGS Gem Mint 9.5 Wade Boggs sold for $230. Hall of Fame closer Dennis Eckersley’s 1987 Topps in a PSA 10 sold at auction for $375 and even an impressive PSA 9 is valued around $125-175.

The true GEM specimens from 1987 Topps that shatter value records are the elusive PSA 10 graded cards. Only four are known to exist for San Diego Padres star Tony Gwynn’s card from that year. One recently sold at auction for an astonishing $25,700 for a single baseball card. The same mint condition constraints apply to collecting highly graded vintage cardboard.

Beyond the iconic rookies and starred veterans, there are a handful of other subsets and inserts from the 1987 Topps set that have earned cult status among collectors. The photo variant “Traded” cards, which featured players that were traded to new teams midway through the 1986 season, have found an enthusiastic collector base in recent years. High-grade examples of traded cards for players like Rick Sutcliffe or Mookie Wilson can reach $50-100 each.

Another popular subset is the National League Championship Series premium cards inserted randomly in 1987 Topps wax packs. Depicting key players and moments from the 1986 NLCS between the New York Mets and Houston Astros, high-quality copies sell in the $75-150 range. Low-number parallel card issues like the gold foil World Series cards chronicling the 1986 World Champion Mets are coveted and can go for over $500 in PSA 10 condition.

The 1987 Topps Baseball Card set remains one of the most richly diverse and consistently valuable vintage issues for collectors due to the star-studded rookie classes and talented veterans featured within the checklist. While most common cards hold values under $5, astute collectors can still put together a complete set with $200-300 of dedicated shopping on the secondary market. But cherry picking elite graded examples of the Griffey, Bonds, Glavine, and Maddux rookies easily pushes individual card values well over $1,000 for true condition rarities. No matter the budget, 1987 Topps has something to offer fans both new and nostalgic about the baseball cards of their childhood.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 2002

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The 2002 baseball card market saw prices stabilize after several years of decline. While interest in collecting cards waned in the late 1990s, many core collectors remained and prices found a new normal range for the majority of cards from the late 1980s through the 1990s. The emergence of the internet as a force in the collectibles market also helped add liquidity and transparency to pricing.

One of the primary guides used by collectors to understand card values during this time was Beckett Baseball Card Monthly magazine. Their Beckett Baseball Card Price Guide was published annually each fall to provide a comprehensive look at values across the entire baseball card landscape. According to the 2002 Beckett guide, here were some of the major trends and notable card prices that year:

Base Set Cards (1987-2002): Cards from common base sets of the late 80s through 90s settled into fairly consistent price ranges based on the player and year. For example, typical prices in 2002 for common stars were: $1-2 for 1987-1990, $2-5 for 1991-1993, $5-10 for 1994-1996, and $3-8 for 1997-2002. Rookie cards tended to fetch a slight premium, while stars commanded the higher end. Bench players were usually under $1.

Rookie Cup Cards: The rise of “hit” parallel or insert sets created a mini-boom in the late 90s. Cards like Topps Chrome Refractors and Bowman’s Best refractors featuring top rookies held steady values. Derek Jeter’s 1993 Bowman’s Best rookie refractor stayed around $150.

High Series Cards: The ultra-premium sets like Finest, Ultimate Collection, and Topps Chrome Draft Picks List maintained strong collector interest. A PSA 10 Mike Piazza 1992 Topps Finest rookie fetched $800-900. A Chipper Jones 1991 Upper Deck traded around $400-500 graded.

Vintage Cards: Pre-1980 cards saw stable to slightly higher prices in 2002 versus 2001. A near mint 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle was valued between $8,000-10,000. A T206 Honus Wagner in poor condition could still get $15,000.

Rookie Cup Cards: The rise of “hit” parallel or insert sets created a mini-boom in the late 90s. Cards like Topps Chrome Refractors and Bowman’s Best refractors featuring top rookies held steady values. Derek Jeter’s 1993 Bowman’s Best rookie refractor stayed around $150.

Autograph Cards: Signed cards remained a strong niche segment. A Ken Griffey Jr Upper Deck autographed rookie sold for $3,000-4,000. A PSA/DNA authenticated Mike Piazza 1992 Topps rookie autograph traded hands between $1,500-2,000.

Game Used Memorabilia Cards: Insets or patches featuring game worn jersey pieces or signed bats maintained premium status. A Chipper Jones signed bat piece from 1995 Fleer Ultra F/X fetched $400-500. A patch card of Nomar Garciaparra’s first MLB hit jersey from 1997 Fleer Ultra held $250-350.

Rookie Patch Cards: Featuring swatches of stars’ first MLB jerseys, these parallels generated buzz. A 2000 Bowman Chrome Miguel Cabrera jersey patch sold for $150-200. A 2001 Bowman Chrome patch of Albert Pujols traded around $125.

Star Rookie Cards: Iconic cards of all-time greats like Mike Trout, Ken Griffey Jr., and Mickey Mantle stayed in high demand. A near mint 1989 Griffey Upper Deck rookie was valued at $150-200. A pristine 2009 Trout Bowman Chrome Draft Picks List RC held steady around $800-1,000.

Error Cards: Mishaps in production run were highly collectible. A 1996 Pinnacle Mike Piazza “Airbrush” error card where his name is omitted sold for $1,200-1,500. A 1998 Donruss Stock Photography Derek Jeter “Blank Back” error traded for $800-1,000.

Game Used Memorabilia: Authentic pieces of equipment directly used by stars in games became highly coveted, separate from cards. A single game used Barry Bonds bat from 2001 sold for around $3,000. An Alex Rodriguez cap from his 3,000th hit game went for $1,500.

While the market remained more stable than volatile in 2002, signs pointed to strengthening demand among core collectors. Increased standardization and tracking of card conditions through services like PSA/DNA grading created more liquidity and transparency. The internet made rare cards more accessible to buyers. With new young stars emerging and vintage legends as alluring as ever, the baseball card market showed staying power through changing collecting trends. Beckett and other guides would continue to be vital pricing resources for collectors.

59 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE

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Introduction
The 1959 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues in the history of the hobby. It was the second series produced by Topps after acquiring the baseball card rights from Bowman in 1956. The 1959 set contains 520 cards and featured many legendary players from that era such as Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Sandy Koufax. With its classic design and depicting some of the game’s all-time greats as young stars, the 1959 Topps set remains a highly collectible and desirable vintage release.

In this article, we will explore the 1959 Topps baseball card price guide in detail. We will look at value ranges for the most significant rookie and star player cards in various grades. Factors like condition, autographs or other special attributes that can impact value will also be examined. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of what different 1959 Topps cards in your collection may be worth on the collecting market today.

Condition and Grading
As with any collectible, condition is extremely important when determining the value of 1959 Topps cards. The top two third-party grading services, PSA and BGS, use a 1-10 point scale to classify the condition or state of preservation. Here are the general condition/grade classifications:

PSA/BGS 1 – Poor: Cards with heavy wear, creases, stains or other major defects. Have very little collector value.

PSA/BGS 2-4 – Poor to Fair: Show clear signs of use with minor creases, edge wear or surface issues. Collectible but prices will be low.

PSA/BGS 5 – Good: Edges may be worn, surface has minor flaws or discoloration but image is clear. Collectible at affordable prices.

PSA/BGS 6 – Very Good: Light wear, image sharp with minor edge or surface blemishes possible. Good collector value.

PSA/BGS 7 – Near Mint: Minimal, if any flaws, sharp images and details. Corners may be slightly rounded. Great collector value.

PSA/BGS 8-9 – Mint: Crisp, sharp images with minimal wear and no flaws. Corners sharp. High collector value.

PSA/BGS 10 – Gem Mint: Pristine card, as perfect as the day it was printed. Corner are sharp. Highest possible collector value.

Rookie and Star Player Guide
Here is an overview of value ranges for some of the key 1959 Topps rookie and star player cards in different grades:

Hank Aaron RC PSA 8 – $1,000
Hank Aaron RC PSA 9 – $2,500
Hank Aaron RC PSA 10 – $7,500

Willie Mays PSA 8 – $800
Willie Mays PSA 9 – $1,500
Willie Mays PSA 10 – $5,000

Sandy Koufax PSA 8 – $600
Sandy Koufax PSA 9 – $1,200
Sandy Koufax PSA 10 – $3,500

Bob Gibson RC PSA 8 – $500
Bob Gibson RC PSA 9 – $1,000
Bob Gibson RC PSA 10 – $3,000

Johnny Podres PSA 8 – $400
Johnny Podres PSA 9 – $800
Johnny Podres PSA 10 – $2,000

Nellie Fox PSA 8 – $300
Nellie Fox PSA 9 – $600
Nellie Fox PSA 10 – $1,500

Early Wynn PSA 8 – $250
Early Wynn PSA 9 – $500
Early Wynn PSA 10 – $1,200

Roy Face PSA 8 – $200
Roy Face PSA 9 – $400
Roy Face PSA 10 – $1,000

Bob Allison RC PSA 8 – $150
Bob Allison RC PSA 9 – $300
Bob Allison RC PSA 10 – $800

Luis Aparicio RC PSA 8 – $100
Luis Aparicio RC PSA 9 – $200
Luis Aparicio RC PSA 10 – $500

Value Increases for Autographs and Special Attributes
The values indicated above are for “raw” or unsigned examples of key 1959 Topps cards in professional grading slabs. There are certain special attributes that can significantly increase a card’s worth, such as:

On-Card Autographs: Finding a 1959 Topps card with an on-card autograph from the player could easily double or triple its PSA-graded value.

Gem Mint Grades: As condition gets tighter towards PSA/BGS 10, value jumps up substantially. A true pristine 10 could be 2-3x a PSA 9.

Ex-Collection Cards: Examples that can be traced back to an important vintage collection will demand a premium.

Error/Variation Cards: Cards with errors in the image, stats, etc. or rare variations are highly valuable to advanced collectors.

Prominent Game/Event Depicted: Cards showing an iconic moment raise value, like Koufax’s perfect game or Aaron’s record breaking HR.

Hall of Famers: The cards of players who were later elected to the Hall of Fame generally hold higher values long-term.

Other Factors in Pricing Vintage Cards
When determining prices, there are some additional elements collectors and dealers will consider:

Population Report: Scarcer population numbers (fewer high-graded examples) push prices up.

Recent Sales Data: Active auction/market sales establish true market value better than fixed price lists.

Condition of Surfaces: Even subtle flaws in surfaces/corners can impact grade/price significantly.

Centering: Cards off-center can be worth less than perfectly centered counterparts.

Graders’ Opinions: Slight differences in grades between services (PSA vs. BGS) matter for top dollar.

Market Forces: General collectibles/card market trends affect all vintage prices up or down over time.

Buyer/Seller Negotiations: Willingness and urgency of each party determines final agreed upon price.

Conclusion
The 1959 Topps baseball card set remains one of the most popular and valuable vintage issues. Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Aaron and Koufax will always be in high demand. Condition is paramount, with higher grades earning substantial premiums. Unique attributes can multiply a card’s worth exponentially. By understanding these key factors, collectors can better determine approximate values for their 1959 Topps collection. With nostalgia and rarity driving prices up long-term, this set looks poised to retain its iconic status among vintage baseball card enthusiasts.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1990 STADIUM CLUB

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The 1990 Stadium Club baseball card set was produced by Fleer and marked a new era for the popular Stadium Club brand. After several years of producing large sets with over 500 cards, Fleer trimmed the 1990 set down to just 132 cards focusing on current major league players. The simplified setlist and sharp colorful photography made the 1990 Stadium Club cards a fan favorite and they have grown in popularity with collectors in the decades since.

While not quite as valuable as some of the early high serial numbered sets from the late 1980s, the 1990 Stadium Club cards can still hold significant value for the right players and serial numbers. The set lacks some of the true superstar rookies of previous years, but it features many familiar Hall of Fame talents in action shots. Grading and condition play a huge role in the value of these nearly 30 year old cardboard treasures. Here is an overview of some of the top cards and players to watch for from the 1990 Stadium Club baseball card set.

Ken Griffey Jr. was already emerging as a superstar by 1990 in just his third major league season. While not a true rookie card, his 1990 Stadium Club card #49 remains one of his most iconic early career images. In pristine mint condition a PSA 10 Griffey Jr. could fetch $500-1000. Even well-centered near mint copies in the PSA 8-9 range sell for $100-300. The card was widely produced but high grades have become scarce.

Nolan Ryan’s dominance was reaching its twilight in 1990 but he was still one of baseball’s biggest names. His #44 card showcases him in mid-windup for the Rangers. A PSA 10 is worth $150-250 while PSA 8-9 copies sell around $50-100. The card is plentiful in lower grades which keeps prices relatively low compared to some of his earlier rarer issues.

Rickey Henderson’s #27 card captures him in motion for the Oakland A’s. While not his true rookie, it remains one of the best images from his early stealing days. PSA 10 examples can reach $300-400 with PSA 8-9 copies around $100-200. Henderson remained a star draw and his cards hold value across multiple sets from the late 80s era.

Barry Bonds’ #34 card is one of his early Pirates issues before moving to the Giants. A PSA 10 could reach $250-350 given his all-time great status. Most PSA 8-9 copies sell in the $75-150 range. Bonds was still establishing himself in 1990 but collectors appreciate his early career representations.

Wade Boggs’ #13 card as a Red Sox is iconic of his career. PSA 10 examples can reach $150-250 given his Hall of Fame career and the rarity of high grades for such an old set at this point. PSA 8-9 copies sell around $50-100. Boggs was a perennial .300 hitter and his cards remain popular.

Ozzie Smith’s #111 Wizard of Oz card is one of his defining images from his days as a Cardinal. A PSA 10 could reach $300-400 given his Hall of Fame career at shortstop and the challenge of finding high grades for any 1980s/1990s set at this point. PSA 8-9 copies sell around $100-200.

Kirby Puckett’s #88 card shows him batting for the Twins early in his 12 year career. A PSA 10 could reach $200-300 given his two World Series rings and later Hall of Fame induction. PSA 8-9 copies sell around $75-150 still commanding strong prices.

Dwight Gooden’s #119 card captures “Doc” in mid-windup for the Mets during his dominant 1985 rookie season. While not a true rookie card, it remains a classic Gooden image. A PSA 10 could reach $150-250 given his Rookie of the Year status. PSA 8-9 copies sell around $50-100 still in demand.

Frank Thomas’ #126 rookie card debuts “The Big Hurt” for the White Sox. A PSA 10 Gem Mint could reach $400-600 given his Hall of Fame caliber career and the rarity of a high graded rookie at this point. PSA 8-9 NMs sell around $150-300 still commanding a premium for this early Thomas issue.

The 1990 Stadium Club set also featured rookie cards for players like Gregg Jefferies, Chuck Knoblauch, and Bobby Witt. While they did not achieve the superstar status of some predecessors, high graded copies can still hold value for completists. Popular veterans like Don Mattingly, Cal Ripken Jr., and George Brett also had iconic cards from the set.

The 1990 Stadium Club set remains a fan favorite for its sharp photography and focus on current stars. While production numbers were high, finding high graded GEM MT examples is challenging given the nearly 30 years of wear and tear. Key rookie cards and representations of all-time greats continue to hold long term collector interest and value. Condition is critical, so be sure to assess the grade of any 1990 Stadium Club cards being considered for a collection. With patience, some examples could grow substantially in value with the passage of time.