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BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1957

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1957 was a monumental year for baseball cards as it was the first year that Topps had the exclusive license to produce cards for the Major Leagues. This ended the long run of Bowman and other smaller companies that had produced cards in the years prior. With Topps now as the sole producer, it opened up new opportunities which could be seen in the 1957 set that contained 524 cards.

The design of the 1957 Topps cards featured a photo of the player on a white background with their team name and position below the image. On the bottom was their name and player stats from the 1956 season. The cards had a glossy finish and measured 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches, standard size for Topps sets from the 1950s. Some notable rookie cards that were included in the 1957 set were Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Roberto Clemente.

In terms of condition and grading, 1957 Topps cards in pristine mint condition with a grade of Gem Mint 10 are highly valuable today. Some of the key cards that can demand high prices based on condition and player include:

Hank Aaron RC (Card #51) – In a PSA 10 grade, this iconic rookie card has sold for over $100,000. Even in lower grades of PSA 8 or 9 it still fetches thousands.

Willie Mays RC (Card #258) – The Say Hey Kid’s rookie is nearly as coveted as Aaron’s. A PSA 10 has brought in excess of $75,000 at auction. Lower graded copies still sell for five figures.

Roberto Clemente RC (Card #397) – Not as expensive as Aaron or Mays but still a key rookie. A PSA 10 has sold for $25,000+. Expect to pay a few thousand for a PSA 8 or 9.

Mickey Mantle (Card #253) – One of the most iconic baseball cards ever. A PSA 10 has sold for over $100,000. Even well-centered PSA 8s sell for $5,000+.

Ted Williams (Card #307) – Considered one of the best hitters ever. A PSA 10 has brought $20,000+. PSA 8s go for $2,000-3,000.

Whitey Ford (Card #118) – Iconic Yankee pitcher. PSA 10s have sold for $5,000-10,000 depending on market. PSA 8s go for $1,000-2,000.

In terms of the middle and lower tier stars or common players from the 1957 set, here are some general price guides based on the player and condition:

PSA 8 commons/stars – $10-100

PSA 7 commons/stars – $5-50

PSA 6 commons/stars – $3-25

PSA 5 commons – $1-10

PSA 4 commons – $0.50-5

For more moderately graded commons in PSA 3 or lower condition, prices really depend on the individual card but are typically $1 or less.

The 1957 Topps set also contained several short print and error cards that are key chase cards for collectors. Some of the most valuable include:

Warren Spahn SP (Card #138) – Only 19 copies are known to exist. Has sold for over $20,000 in PSA 8.

Billy Gardner SP (Card #253) – Only 8 copies known. PSA 8 has sold for $10,000.

Nellie Fox SP (Card #307) – Only 13 copies known. PSA 8 has sold for $5,000.

Harvey Haddix Printing Plate – One of about 5 known to exist. Has sold for $50,000 in PSA 8.

The 1957 Topps set was truly the dawn of the modern baseball card era. Rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Aaron, Mays and Clemente make it one of the most iconic issues ever produced. Prices remain strong for high grade examples of stars and key short prints. Even in lower grades, commons are affordable collectibles from this classic set.

1971 BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE

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The 1971 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the all-time great sets from the vintage era. With 714 cards produced, the ’71 Topps issue featured hall of famers like Hank Aaron, Roberto Clemente, Sandy Koufax, and Willie Mays on the cardboard. In excellent condition, some of the key rookie and star cards from the 1971 Topps baseball set can still fetch big money from collectors today. Here is an in-depth price guide looking at some of the most valuable and sought after 1971 Topps baseball cards on the secondary market in various grades:

Nate Colbert (#431) – Colbert had a breakout season in 1971 where he hit 35 home runs and 104 RBI. His rookie card remains one of the most coveted from the set. In near mint to mint condition (NM-MT 8), a Colbert ’71 can sell for around $150-200. Graded gems in the PSA 9-10 range have topped $500 recently.

Don Money (#608) – Money had a solid 13-year career batting over .260 with the Brewers and Royals. His ’71 rookie is one of the key short prints from the set, making it harder to find in high grade. An NM-MT 8 copy prices around $100-150, with gems at $300-400.

Ferguson Jenkins (#30) – “Fergie” won the NL CY Young Award in 1971 with a career-best year of 30 wins. His action photo makes this one of the most iconic cards in the set. NM-MT 8 condition fetches $75-125, with gem mint copies exceeding $400.

Oscar Gamble (#586) – Known for his impressive afro hairstyle, Gamble’s rookie remains a fun and affordable star from ’71. NM-MT 8 grades sell for around $50, with gems reaching $150-200.

Ron Blomberg (#569) – Blomberg made history in 1970 as Major League Baseball’s first designated hitter. His ’71 card is easily obtainable in nice condition around $30-50.

Bob Watson (#640) – A 19-year veteran and two-time World Series champ, Watson’s rookie card is found easily for $20-30 in top-notch condition.

Joe Rudi (#468) – A member of Oakland’s 3 straight World Series title teams, Rudi’s rookie is a must-have for A’s fans. NM-MT 8 grades sell around $25-35.

Bobby Murcer (#609) and Thurman Munson (#641) – Two Yankees fan favorites, Murcer and Munson rookie cards can be had for $15-25 each in top condition.

Nolan Ryan (#653) – Already in his 5th big league season by ’71, Ryan’s early Angels card remains affordable at $10-20 in great shape given his legendary career.

George Brett (#556), Rollie Fingers (#591), and Sparky Lyle (#593) – Affordable rookie cards for these future Hall of Famers can be found in the $10-15 range.

1972 and 1973 Topps Rookie Stars – Many stars had rookie cards a year or two later like Mike Schmidt (#556), Reggie Jackson (#551), and Dave Winfield (#639) in the 1972 set. Their early cards can be had for $5-10 depending on condition.

Beyond the noteworthy rookies, several stars have valuable flagship cards worth noting from the ’71 Topps set. In gem mint 10 condition, an Hank Aaron (#1) could sell for over $1,000. A Willie Mays (#104) PSA 10 has brought as much as $3,000. Roberto Clemente’s #150 in the gold foil variation is a massive key, with high graded examples topping $5,000.

While these elite gems will cost a pretty penny, there is still great affordable vintage cardboard to be had from the 1971 Topps baseball card set. For under $100, collectors can pick up some impressive hall of fame worthy rookies and early stars to build sets or start a vintage collection. With iconic photography and plenty of stars of the era featured, the 1971 issue remains a fan-favorite and investment-worthy release decades after production. For those focused on finding affordable vintage cardboard from the 1970s, diligent searching of the 1971 Topps baseball cards can really pay off.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1950 BOWMAN

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The 1950 Bowman baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic issues in the entire hobby. Produced by the Bowman Gum Company, the 1950 set was the first true “modern” baseball card set that resembled what collectors know and love today. It featured colorful player photos on a white background along with stats and team information. The 1950 Bowman set paved the way for the golden age of baseball cards in the 1950s.

Given its historical significance and rarity, 1950 Bowman cards are some of the most valuable in the entire collecting universe. The set contains 172 total cards that were inserted in packs of Bowman gum. Several factors influence the value of individual cards from this set such as the player featured, their condition, and overall scarcity. Here is a breakdown of estimated prices that collectors can expect to pay for 1950 Bowman cards across different condition grades:

Common Cards (PSA 1-3): Most common cards from the 1950 Bowman set in low grades such as PSA 1-3 can be acquired for $5-25. Examples would include cards featuring less notable players. These cards are still quite rare given over 70 years of wear and tear.

Nice Condition (PSA 4-6): As condition improves to the PSA 4-6 range, prices start at $25-50 for common players. More desirable stars can reach $100-200. Cards in this grade are still attainable for most collectors.

Gem Mint (PSA 7-9): Once a 1950 Bowman card crosses into the coveted PSA 7-9 gem mint range, values escalate significantly. Even common players will demand $100-500. All-star caliber players start at $500 and can reach thousands. Only the true elite have a chance at 5 figure valuations. Condition is critical at this level.

Black Border Gems (PSA 10): As the pinnacle of condition, a 1950 Bowman card receiving the perfect PSA 10 black border grade is an incredible find. At this level, all bets are off on pricing. Common players would still earn $1,000-5,000. Top stars start in the low 5 figures and the true icons like Mantle, Mays, and Robinson have been known to fetch 6 figures or more in a PSA 10.

Some of the most valuable and sought after individual cards from the 1950 Bowman set include:

Mickey Mantle (PSA 9): Arguably the most iconic card in the entire hobby. Mantle rookie and career PSA 9 examples consistently sell for $50,000-100,000. A PSA 10 recently broke the $2 million mark.

Willie Mays (PSA 9): Another true icon of the game. PSA 9 Mays rookies bring in $30,000-60,000. A PSA 10 set the record at just under $6 million.

Jackie Robinson (PSA 9): As the first African American in the majors, Robinson’s rookie is highly significant. PSA 9’s command $15,000-30,000.

Ted Williams (PSA 9): One of the best hitters ever. PSA 9 Williams’ have reached $10,000-20,000.

Whitey Ford (PSA 9): A PSA 9 of the Hall of Fame pitcher’s scarce rookie sold for $25,000.

Early Wynn (PSA 9): Another rare HOFer rookie that achieved $10,000 in a recent sale.

Satchel Paige (PSA 9): As one of the best Negro League pitchers, his rookie brings $5,000-10,000.

1950 Bowman cards represent the true beginning of the modern baseball card era. Their historical value makes them highly coveted by collectors and extremely rare to acquire, especially in high grades. With iconic rookies of legends like Mantle, Mays, Robinson and more, this set will likely always be considered the pinnacle of the vintage hobby. Condition is everything, and the finest examples can achieve record prices for the right player. The 1950 Bowman set offers a price guide that ranges from affordable to astronomical depending on specific card and grade.

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AVERAGE PRICE FOR BASEBALL CARDS

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The average price of a baseball card can vary greatly depending on many factors, such as the player, the year the card was printed, the condition or grade of the card, and even current events in the baseball world. While it’s difficult to pin down one single average price, looking at various card price guides and sales data can give us a good idea of pricing trends and what affects a card’s monetary value.

One of the biggest determinants of a card’s price is the player featured on the front. Legendary players from baseball’s early eras will naturally command higher prices due to their historical significance and scarcity of surviving cards. An ungraded mint condition 1909 T206 Honus Wagner, one of the most iconic and valuable cards in the world, has sold for over $3 million. Most common cards from the same era may sell for only $50-$100 in similar condition.

In the modern era from the 1980s onward, star players tend to have the most valuable rookie or top rookie cards. For example, a mint condition 1992 Bowman Chrome Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card recently sold at auction for over $100,000. Other highly-valued 1990s rookies include cards of Barry Bonds, Chipper Jones, Derek Jeter, and Peyton Manning. Even these top rookie cards can be obtained for much less, around $500-$1,000, if they are in worn condition.

Beyond just the player, the year a card was printed plays a huge role in its price. The early 20th century T206 and 1909-1911 E90-12 issues are consistently the most valuable, with 1910 and 1911 cards being the rarest. The late 1980s boom in collection saw high prices for the flagship 1987 Topps set and star rookies from 1988 and 1989 as well. In more recent decades, the late 1990s produced some of the most visually appealing and collectible designs like Finest, Chrome, and Ultra.

Naturally, the condition or grade of the card is also critical to its monetary worth. The top grading services like PSA and BGS have established numerical scales to evaluate factors like centering, corners, edges and surface quality. An ungraded common card may sell for $1-5, but receive a PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 grade and see its value increase exponentially. Even star player cards can vary greatly – a Griffey Jr. rookie graded PSA 8 may sell for $500 while a PSA 10 of the same card could be $10,000+.

Beyond player, year, and condition, current events can also cause short-term price fluctuations. If a player has a record-breaking or award-winning season, his cards from that year may spike in value temporarily. Trades, retirements, Hall of Fame inductions are other life moments that create buzz and increased demand. Conversely, off-field controversies can negatively impact prices in some cases. Overall baseball and collecting market trends also ebb and flow prices at times.

Taking all these factors into account, here are some general price brackets collectors can use as guidelines:

Common base cards from the modern era (1980s-present): $0.25-$5

Star player cards from the same era: $5-$50

Top rookie cards from the 1980s-90s: $50-$500

Rarer star cards or graded rookies: $500-$1,000

Iconic early 20th century stars: $500-$5,000

High-grade vintage stars or HOFers: $1,000-$10,000

True investment-grade vintage gems: $5,000+

One-of-a-kind rare vintage cards: $10,000+$

While no single price can define the baseball card market, understanding the variety of factors that influence value provides collectors with realistic expectations on pricing. With patience and research, affordable collecting opportunities exist across all budget levels in the hobby.

2018 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE

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The 2018 Topps Baseball card set was released in late winter/early spring of 2018 and contained several highly sought after rookie cards as well as veteran stars. Let’s take an in-depth look at the price guide for some of the top cards from the 2018 Topps Baseball set.

One of the most valuable rookie cards from the 2018 Topps Baseball set is Shohei Ohtani RC #132. Ohtani was a true two-way player in 2018 as a pitcher and hitter for the Los Angeles Angels. His rare ability to excel at both generated a ton of excitement and collector interest. PSA 10 Gem Mint copies of the Ohtani RC routinely sell for $300-400. Even raw near mint copies in the 8-9 range sell for $100-200. With Ohtani’s star continuing to rise in MLB, this card remains one of the crown jewels of the 2018 Topps set and a strong long term investment for collectors.

Another highly sought after rookie card is Juan Soto RC #249. Soto burst onto the scene as a 19-year-old for the Washington Nationals and finished second in NL Rookie of the Year voting. PSA 10 copies of the Soto RC sell in the $150-250 range. Raw near mint copies go for $50-100 depending on the exact condition and centering/corners. Soto is already one of the best young hitters in baseball and his rookie card price should continue to climb over time.

Beyond the rookie cards, veteran superstars also command top prices from the 2018 Topps set. For example, a PSA 10 Gem Mint copy of the Mike Trout SP Variation #79 sells in the $150-250 range. Even raw near mint copies bring $50-100. Trout remains the best all-around player in MLB and any of his cards, especially serial numbered and short printed versions, hold value extremely well for collectors.

Another perennial superstar with a valuable 2018 Topps card is Clayton Kershaw SP Variation #107. PSA 10 versions sell for $100-150. Raw near mint copies can be acquired for $40-80 depending on exact condition. Kershaw is a first ballot Hall of Famer when his career is over and any of his serial numbered or short printed cards are always in high demand.

For baseball fans and collectors looking for a bargain, there are also several undervalued 2018 Topps cards that could appreciate significantly down the road. For example, a PSA 10 of Ronald Acuna Jr. RC #250 currently sells in the $50-80 range. But Acuna has already proven himself as a budding superstar and his cards could easily reach Soto or Ohtani prices within a few years as his career progresses. Buying raw copies now in the $10-20 range is a low risk prospecting opportunity.

Similarly, Gleyber Torres RC #291 remains quite affordable despite Torres emerging as a budding All-Star for the Yankees. PSA 10s sell around $40-60 while raw near mint copies are $15-30. Torres is only 23 and has All-Star and MVP potential, so his rookie card could appreciate sharply if he continues developing into a true franchise cornerstone for New York.

The 2018 Topps Baseball set contains many valuable rookie cards and veteran superstar inserts that hold strong long term value for collectors. Cards like Ohtani, Soto, Trout, and Kershaw routinely sell for hundreds in top grades. Meanwhile, prospects like Acuna and Torres can still be acquired relatively cheaply now with upside for significant future appreciation. Careful study of the 2018 Topps price guide allows collectors to identify both established gems as well as potential future breakouts from the set.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1948 BLUE TINT

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The 1948 baseball card season is one of the most iconic years in the history of the hobby. It was the first year that cards were mass produced by Topps, as they had taken over production from Bowman Gum. The 1948 set is filled with Hall of Famers and stars of that era. It also introduced one of the most sought after variations – the blue tint parallel.

The standard 1948 Topps cards featured vibrant color photos on a white background. For a small subset of the set, the photos were instead printed with a subtle blue tint overlaying the image. This created a softer, dreamier look compared to the standard issue cards. Only a small number were printed this way, making the blue tints incredibly rare and desirable for collectors.

Top collectors consider high grade examples of the 1948 blue tint parallels to be the holy grail of the vintage set. In gem mint condition, the right blue tint can sell for well into the six figure range and set new records. The exact print run is unknown, but specialists estimate there are likely fewer than 10 complete blue tint sets still in existence today.

Some key things to know about pricing the 1948 Topps blue tints:

The most valuable are the superstars of the era such as Mickey Mantle, Jackie Robinson, Ted Williams, and Stan Musial. High grade examples of their blue tint cards can reach $150,000+ individually.

Rarer players like Ed Stewart or Fred Martin can still fetch $5,000-$10,000 for their blue tints in top condition due to their scarcity.

Common players are still highly valuable. A blue tint of someone like Earl Torgeson can sell for $3,000-$5,000 graded mint.

Condition is absolutely critical, as with any vintage issue. The difference between a PSA 8 and PSA 9 can be tens of thousands of dollars due to the rarity. A flawless PSA 10 is a true condition census card.

Prices have steadily increased over time. Records are regularly being broken, such as a PSA 9 Mickey Mantle recently selling for a record $240,000. Values will likely continue appreciating.

Complete blue tint sets in top grades have sold at auction for well over $1 million before. The record is a PSA-graded set that reached $1.2 million.

In addition to the blue tints, there are a few other notable 1948 Topps variations that can greatly increase a card’s value:

Inverted center (IC) error cards. These have the photo and text switched positions. Examples include Warren Spahn and Phil Rizzuto.

Missing signature variations. A small number of cards like Red Schoendienst and Tommy Henrich were printed without a signature.

Gum stains. Cards with original Topps gum residue are highly collectible, showing the card was perfectly preserved since new.

Printing errors. Miscuts, color anomalies, and other flaws can make error cards very valuable to specialists.

Autographs. Signed examples of the stars from the 1948 set can reach thousands extra depending on the signature quality and player.

The 1948 Topps baseball card set started the modern era of the hobby. Its beautiful photos and memorable players remain iconic today. But the true crown jewels remain the ultra-rare blue tint parallel issues. In top grades, they represent some of the most valuable vintage cards that can be found. For serious vintage collectors, finding high grade examples of the 1948 blue tints is the ultimate prize.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1957 YANKEES

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1957 was a pivotal year in baseball history as the New York Yankees dynasty was starting to show signs of slowing down after nearly two decades of dominance. Led by legends like Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, and Yogi Berra, the ’57 Yankees won the American League pennant but fell short in the World Series against the Milwaukee Braves. This team’s baseball cards from the ’57 season are highly sought after by collectors today. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key players and examine what their cards are currently selling for according to the latest price guides.

Mickey Mantle was undoubtedly the biggest star on the ’57 Yankees and one of the greatest players of all time. As the team’s center fielder and cleanup hitter, Mantle posted another MVP-caliber season batting .365 with 34 home runs and 94 RBIs. His ’57 Topps card is one of the most iconic in the entire set and is still among the most valuable baseball cards on the market. In near-mint to mint condition, Mantle’s ’57 Topps card regularly sells for $150,000-$250,000 at auction depending on centering and corners. The card has incredible nostalgia and Mantle mania attached to it that drives the price up compared to other vintage cards.

Another Yankee superstar of that era was pitcher Whitey Ford. As the ace of the staff and 16-game winner in ’57, Ford was a leader of that team. His ’57 Topps card is highly sought after by collectors but doesn’t command the same price tag as Mantle due to lower print run and the inherent risk of condition issues that come with pitching cards over the years. Still, a PSA-graded Ford in Gem Mint condition would sell for $15,000-$25,000 based on recent sales. Catcher Yogi Berra was also a cornerstone player for the Yankees dynasty. His cheerful demeanor and clutch hitting made him a fan favorite for decades. In top condition, Berra’s ’57 Topps card sells in the $3,000-$5,000 range.

Moving down the roster, outfielder Hank Bauer and shortstop Tony Kubek were also key cogs for that ’57 team. As a reliable run producer, Bauer’s card in top shape would sell for $1,000-$2,000. For Kubek, who won a Gold Glove that season, his card in similar condition trades hands between $800-$1,500. Pitchers like Bob Turley, Johnny Kucks, and Tom Sturdivant also have cards from that set that hold value of $300-$700 depending on grade. More common players on the bench like Norm Siebern, Dale Mitchell, and Ed Fitz Gerald can be acquired in high grades for $100-300.

For Yankee rookies from that season, cards of future stars like Bobby Richardson, Hector Lopez, and Ralph Terry are especially popular. Richardson had a breakout rookie campaign and his ’57 Topps RC in a PSA 8 or above would sell for $1,000-$2,000. Lopez and Terry rookie cards in similar condition trade between $500-$1,000. Even backups like Jerry Lumpe, John Blanchard, and Don Larsen, who tossed a perfect game in the ’56 World Series, have rookie cards valued at $200-$500 depending on quality.

The 1957 Topps set that captured this iconic Yankees team is considered one of the most, if not the most, important vintage baseball card sets of all time. With Hall of Famers on nearly every line of the roster coupled with their sustained run of success, cards from this set will likely never lose their luster for collectors. Centering the condition scale around a PSA 8, most of these Yankee stars from ’57 can be acquired for $1,000-$5,000 with Mantle as the glaring exception. For a complete, high-grade ’57 Topps set, an auction price of $75,000+ would not be unreasonable based on population reports and recent sales data. The mystique of that Yankees dynasty lives on through the cardboard they left behind in ’57.

1980 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PSA PRICE GUIDE

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The iconic 1980 Topps baseball card set is regarded by many collectors as one of the finest issues ever produced by the massive card maker. Featuring crisp photos, colorful designs, and an array of huge stars from the 1979 season, the 1980 Topps set checks many boxes for vintage collectors. With its retrospective numbering system, exciting rookies, and memorable team cards, the 1980 Topps set remains hugely popular among collectors today.

When it comes to professionally graded examples in high states of preservation, 1980 Topps cards can demand big prices. Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) is considered the foremost authority for third-party grading of trading cards. Their numerical PSA grade takes into account factors like centering, corners, edges and surface to establish the condition and investment quality of each individual card.

At the top of the 1980 Topps hierarchy is superstar shortstop Robin Yount’s coveted rookie card. In pristine PSA MINT 9 or PSA GEM MINT 10 grades, Yount’s iconic rookie demands big bucks. PSA 9 examples have sold for over $2,000 on the secondary market, while PSA 10 specimens surpass $5,000 regularly. Yount delivered over 3,000 hits and won an MVP award during his Hall of Fame Brewers career, making his 1980 Topps RC a cornerstone for any vintage collection.

Another 1980 Topps rookie that earns top dollar is Philadelphia Phillies starter Steve Carlton. Lefty won his fourth of four career Cy Young awards in 1979 and his colorful, action shot rookie in a PSA 10 grade brings over $1,000. Hall of Famer Dave Parker’s 1980 Topps rookie in PSA 9-10 condition also fetches between $500-$750. Those holding PSA-slabbed examples of these star rookies will see constant appreciation in value for years to come.

Beyond the star rookies, household names in PSA 9-10 condition maintain tremendous prices. Nolan Ryan’s towering card never loses popularity among collectors and often crosses $100. George Brett and his famous .390 batting season is another sure seller over $100 in top PSA territory. Hall of Famers like Rod Carew, Reggie Jackson, and Mike Schmidt command $75-150 each depending on exact grade. Game-used uniform parallels for these legends will earn even more premium.

Team cards are another 1980 Topps specialty that generate collector interest. The set featured fun mini-team photos on many club cards. Examples like the Phillies in PSA 9+ condition command up to $150 while the explosive Montreal Expos roster earns over $100 with a dynamic photo. The set’s ominous Mets’ card can hit $75-125 in top condition due to its memorable nature. Some team cards with more forgettable photos may cap out closer to $50 PSA 9.

Another 1980 Topps card that bucks the PSA grading system is #640 Bobby Bonds. Due to soft corners and a strange photo, high grade examples are extremely scarce. Even PSA 8 copies can earn over $150 on the open market. Lower numbered cards also tend to perform better in pricing. Ken Singleton’s card #113 has proven desirable and often outperforms similar players higher in the checklist. Oddly, late ’80s vet Jim Kern’s card #648 remains overlooked and cheaper than expected.

The depth of talent featured and iconic set design make 1980 Topps a cornerstone collection. With HOFers like Yount, Parker, and Carlton spearheading the impressive rookie class, it is easy to see why PSA-slabbed examples are great long term investments today. Team cards and stars like Ryan only add to the vintage allure. For finding true gem specimens still housed by the original issuer in pristine condition 40+ years later, the 1980 Topps set is a certified classic.

1991 SCORE BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE

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The 1991 Score Baseball Card Set

The 1991 Score baseball card set was issued at the height of the junk wax era and was one of the most mass produced sets of the time period. Unlike modern sets though, the 1991 Score cards have endured and still maintain collector interest today due to the players and designs featured. Let’s take a deeper look at the set and provide a price guide for the top rookie cards and stars of the day that are still sought after nearly 30 years later.

The 1991 Score set contains 792 total cards issued in wax packs, rack packs, and hobby boxes. The design features larger than normal size cards measuring about 3.5 x 2.5 inches. On the front is a colorful team color team logo in the top left with the player’s picture taking up the majority of the card space. Player names are printed in yellow across the top with their position, team, and statistics on the bottom. The backs have a yellow and gray designed with career stats and a small career recap. Roster cards and managers/coaches are also included throughout the set.

Top Rookie Cards:

Ken Griffey Jr. (Mariners) – Considered one of the best prospects ever, Griffey’s rookie is the crown jewel of the set. In gem mint 10 condition, it now fetches $800-1000. Even well-centered excellent condition 8’s can bring $200-300.

Chipper Jones (Braves) – The future Hall of Famer’s first card is the second most coveted of the rookie class. A PSA 10 is $500-700 while an 8 is $150-250.

Rodrigo Palmeiro (Cubs) – Younger brother of Rafael, his career didn’t pan out but the name recognition makes it a popular PC card. PSA 10’s go for $200-300, 8’s bring $75-125.

Jason Kendall (Pirates) – The long-time catcher had decent pop as a rookie. His card in top shape sells in the $150-250 range for a 10, $50-100 for an 8.

Ray Durham (White Sox) – Overshadowed by others but still valuable as Durham had a long, productive career. PSA 10’s sell for $100-150, 8’s trade hands around $40-75.

Ben McDonald (Orioles) – Highly touted arm that never fully reached potential but first card has nostalgia. A PSA 10 could get $75-125 while 8’s go for $30-50.

Stars of the Day:

Barry Bonds (Pirates) – Already emerging as one of the game’s best. PSA 10 in the $100-150 range, 8’s around $40-75.

Jose Canseco (A’s) – Coming off 40/40 season in ’88. PSA 10’s go for $75-125, Excellent 8’s around $30-50.

Nolan Ryan (Rangers) – End of a legendary career but nostalgia runs high. Near Mint to Mint 8’s around $25-40.

Cal Ripken Jr. (Orioles) – Fresh off breaking Gehrig’s consecutive games record. PSA 10’s range from $75-125, 8’s $30-50.

Dave Stewart (A’s) – Star pitcher on the dominant A’s staff of the era. PSA 8’s around $15-25.

Ozzie Smith (Cardinals) – Future Hall of Famer still dazzling defensively at short. 8’s sell for $15-25.

Don Mattingly (Yankees) – Perennial batting champ entering his prime. 8’s trade hands around $10-15.

As you can see, the 1991 Score set has a wide range of star-studded cards that maintain interest and value because of the iconic players featured from that time period in MLB history. While production numbers were massive, the design, photography quality, and talented rosters captured ensure this junk wax era release stands out in the hobby. Whether seeking out your PC guys, future Hall of Famers, or high-end grade rookie gems – the 1991 Score cards deliver fun and affordability for collectors decades later.

1952 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE

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The 1952 Topps baseball card set is truly a landmark set in the history of sports cards. Issued just as the golden age of post-war baseball was taking off, the ’52 Topps cards captured iconic players from that era and established Topps as the premier brand in the industry. Even 70 years later, these vintage cards remain highly collectible and offer a window into the past. Let’s take a deeper look at the ’52 Topps set and explore what values collectors place on different cards today.

The 1952 Topps set contains a total of 172 cards issued in wax packet packs. Some key details about the design and production of these early Topps cards – The cardboard stock had a distinctive grayish color and each card measured approximately 2.5 x 3.5 inches. Player names, positions and team logos were printed along the bottom. The most iconic visual element was the large circular photo mounted in the center of each card against a simple colored background. These photos have stood the test of time and remain among the most recognizable in the hobby.

In terms of player content, the ’52 Topps set boasted true legends and future Hall of Famers like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Hoyt Wilhelm and early stars like Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella and Whitey Ford. The set was also notable for featuring players from all 16 major league teams of the time. Some huge names missing include Ted Williams and Stan Musial who did not provide their likeness for various reasons. The set also lacks rookie cards for future standouts like Hank Aaron and Willie McCovey.

When it comes to condition, collectors place immense value on well-preserved vintage cards just as they were first issued 70 years ago. For 1952 Topps, the two main grades that are tracked are Near Mint (NM-MT) 7 or above and Mint (MT) 9 to 10. Generally speaking, cards in top condition can demand prices 10-100 times higher than more worn copies. Other condition factors like centering, edges and corners also play big roles in the ultimate valuation of these fragile pieces of cardboard history.

Now let’s breakdown estimated values for select ’52 Topps cards in topNM-MT 7 or Mint 9-10 condition:

Mickey Mantle: The Mantle rookie is undoubtedly the crown jewel of the ’52 set. In Mint condition, it can sell for $250,000 or more at auction making it one of the most valuable cards ever produced. Even in NM-MT 7 it still brings an estimated $75,000-$125,000.

Willie Mays: As the best player of his era, Mays commands big money from collectors too. A PSA 9 copy would likely sell between $50,000-$75,000 while a NM-MT 7 is still worth roughly $25,000-35,000.

Jackie Robinson: Highly significant as his Brooklyn Dodgers card. Estimates of $20,000-$30,000 for a PSA 9 and $10,000-$15,000 in top NM condition.

Whitey Ford: One of the most underrated hurlers ever. A true Near Mint1952 Topps Whitey Ford can sell for $2,000-3,000.

Early Wynn: Known for his longevity, rookie cards carry weight. Near Mint copies trade hands for $1,000-2,000.

Dizzy Dean: Iconic St Louis Cardinals pitcher even decades after retirement. NM sales are $800-1,200.

Minnie Minoso: Inaugural season with White Sox draws interest. NM runs $500-800.

Duke Snider: Star Dodger outfielder. NM examples sell between $300-500.

The 1952 Topps baseball card set holds immense historical value for chronicling the golden age of the game. With its most coveted cards crossing six figures even in worn condition, this pioneering issue remains one of the crown jewels for dedicated vintage collectors. Careful preservation of the fragile cardboard treasures allows their stories and that magnificent era to continue living on.