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BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE KEN GRIFFEY JR

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Ken Griffey Jr. is undoubtedly one of the most popular players in baseball card history. From his early days with the Seattle Mariners to his time with the Cincinnati Reds and brief stint with the Chicago White Sox – Griffey produced many memorable baseball cards that are highly sought after by collectors to this day. Let’s take a deeper look at Griffey’s career and explore some of his most valuable baseball cards based on the latest price guides.

Griffey was drafted first overall by the Mariners in 1987 and made his MLB debut that same year at just 18 years old. He immediately began generating buzz and collecting accolades, winning the AL Rookie of the Year award in 1989. Griffey established himself as a true five-tool superstar with incredible speed, power, defense and a cannon for an arm. He captured the imagination of baseball fans everywhere with jaw-dropping highlight reel plays in center field.

Naturally, Griffey’s rookie cards from 1989 hold significant value in the hobby. One of his most coveted rookie cards is the 1989 Upper Deck Griffey, which has an average PSA 10 gem mint price of around $8,000 based on recent eBay sales and Beckett price guide valuations. High grade copies in PSA 9 or BGS 9.5 can still fetch $2,000-$4,000 as well. The 1989 Bowman Griffey rookie is also highly sought after, with a PSA 10 going for around $6,000 on average.

In 1992, Griffey achieved baseball immortality by winning the first of his back-to-back AL MVP awards. He hit .308 with 40 home runs and 109 RBI’s that season for the Mariners. The 1992 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. card is one of his most iconic, known for its beautiful action photo of Griffey leaping in the air to rob a home run. High grade PSA 10 copies have sold for as much as $15,000, with PSA 9’s still commanding $3,000-$5,000. The 1992 Score Ken Griffey Jr. card also holds significant value, with a PSA 10 recently selling for over $9,000.

Griffey continued producing amazing baseball cards throughout the 1990s as arguably the biggest star in the game. The 1993 Finest Refractor parallel numbered to only 100 copies is considered one of the true holy grails in the hobby. Just a few years ago, a PSA 10 sold for a staggering $106,400, proving Griffey’s enduring popularity. Other notable 90s Griffey cards include the 1996 Ultra Ken Griffey Jr., 1997 Bowman’s Best Refractor, and 1998 Topps Chrome Refractor – all of which can reach $1,000+ in high grades.

After 13 stellar seasons with the Mariners, Griffey was shockingly traded to the Cincinnati Reds in 2000. While the trade upset many Mariners fans, it opened up the Cincinnati market to Griffey mania. His first Reds card, the 2000 Bowman’s Best Prospects Refractor parallel numbered to only 99 copies, has sold for over $4,000 in PSA 10 condition. The 2000 Bowman Chrome Y2K Refractor parallel numbered to only 100 is even rarer, with a single PSA 10 recently selling for a whopping $15,000.

Injuries slowed Griffey down in his later career with the Reds and White Sox, but he was still producing amazing defensive plays when healthy. The 2008 Topps Griffey is one of his last true star cards before retirement, showing him in a Reds uniform. PSA 10 copies have sold in the $500 range. Griffey officially retired in 2010 after 22 MLB seasons, cementing his legacy as one of the game’s true icons both on and off the field.

Now in his early 50s, Griffey remains one of the most popular retired players among collectors. His rookie cards continue gaining value each year as fewer high grade copies remain available. According to the latest Beckett price guide, a PSA 10 1989 Upper Deck Griffey rookie is now valued at a minimum of $10,000. With each passing year, pristine Griffey rookie cards will become exponentially more rare. For dedicated Griffey PC collectors, it’s not too late to try to track down some of his 1990s and 2000s star cards in top grades before they appreciate further.

In summary, Ken Griffey Jr.’s incredible playing career translated to some of the most iconic and valuable baseball cards ever produced. From his early Mariners cards to his Reds issues, Griffey cards hold significant nostalgia and demand. With each new generation of collectors being introduced to his highlight reel plays, interest in Griffey’s legendary cardboard is unlikely to fade anytime soon. Referring to the latest Beckett, PSA, or BGS price guides is essential for valuing Griffey’s extensive collection of amazing baseball cards on the secondary market.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1902 TO 1930

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Baseball cards were first introduced in the late 1880s as promotions for tobacco products, with companies like Allen & Ginter, Goodwin & Company, and American Tobacco Company inserting non-sport related cards in cigarette and tobacco packs. In the early 1900s, tobacco companies began exclusively featuring baseball players on the cards inserted in their products to help promote both the baseball players and their brands. This led to a boom in baseball card production between 1902 and 1930 as the hobby started to take off. Below is an in-depth price guide for some of the most notable and valuable baseball cards produced during this early era in the history of the hobby.

1902 T206 tobacco series – Often considered the most iconic set of early baseball cards, the non-sport T206 set featured 5 different subsets including baseball players. Honus Wagner is the most famous and valuable card in the set, with examples in near-mint condition grading PSA 8 or higher fetching millions at auction. There are also many other stars featured like Christy Mathewson, Nap Lajoie, and Ed Delahanty that can still command five-figure prices even in poor condition. Complete high-grade sets in the six-figure range are extremely rare.

1909-1911 T206 tobacco subset – The T206 subset focused only on baseball players and is one of the most extensive sets from the pre-WWI era. Key stars like Ty Cobb and Walter Johnson can reach over $10,000 in PSA 4 condition. Near-complete PSA 3 sets sell in the $30,000 range.

1911-1915 Cracker Jack prizes – Inserted as prizes in Cracker Jack boxes, these early cards featured single players on card fronts with stats or poems on the backs. Babe Ruth’s 1914 rookie card regularly tops $100,000 in high grades. Honus Wagner’s card is also one of his key early issues.

1912-1914 M101-5 tobacco cards – Produced by American Caramel Company, these featured single posed players with stats. Near-complete PSA 3 sets sell for $15,000. Stars like Walter Johnson and Ty Cobb can reach $5,000 even in low grades.

1914 Caba tobacco cards – Inserted in Cabo chewing tobacco, these thin cardboard cards featured single posed players. Near-complete PSA 3 sets sell for $12,000. Stars like Babe Ruth and Walter Johnson reach $3,000 even in low grades.

1914-1915 Silver Ticket cigarette cards – Inserted in Ogden’s Silver Thread cigarettes, these thin paper cards featured single posed players. Near-complete PSA 3 sets sell for $10,000. Stars like Babe Ruth and Walter Johnson reach $2,000 even in poor condition.

1915 Baltimore News baseball cards – Given away with the Baltimore News newspaper, these thick cardboard cards featured single posed players on the fronts with bios on the backs. Near-complete PSA 3 sets sell for $8,000. Stars like Walter Johnson and Ty Cobb reach $1,500 even in low grades.

1915-1916 M101-4 tobacco cards – Produced by American Caramel Company, these thin cardboard cards featured single posed players. Near-complete PSA 3 sets sell for $7,000. Stars like Babe Ruth and Walter Johnson reach $1,000 even in poor condition.

1916-1917 Sporting Life tobacco cards – Inserted in Ogden’s Sunflower cigarettes, these thin paper cards featured single posed players. Near-complete PSA 3 sets sell for $6,000. Stars like Babe Ruth and Walter Johnson reach $800 even in low grades.

1920 W516 and W522 tobacco cards – Produced by American Caramel Company, these thin cardboard cards featured single posed players. Near-complete PSA 3 sets sell for $5,000. Stars like Babe Ruth and Walter Johnson reach $500 even in poor condition.

1925-1930 Diamond Stars baseball cards – One of the first modern gum/candy card inserts, these thick cardboard cards featured single posed players on the fronts with stats on the backs. Near-complete PSA 3 sets sell for $4,000. Stars like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig reach $300 even in low grades from this era.

As you can see, the value of early 20th century baseball cards is driven primarily by condition, rarity of the individual players featured, and completeness of the original sets. While common players from complete sets in lower grades will still hold value, true investment-grade examples require high grades to command five or six-figure prices. The earliest tobacco era issues like T206 and 1909-1911 subsets remain the most iconic and valuable within the hobby.

PRICE OF TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The Topps Company is one of the most iconic brands in the trading card industry, producing baseball cards that have been collected for generations. Topps got its start in 1938 and has evolved into the premier provider of MLB licensed cards. Their standard lineup each year includes the iconic Series 1 and Series 2 releases along with special sets.

The price of Topps cards can vary widely depending on numerous factors like the specific player featured, year of issue, condition of the card, and more. Certain milestone cards or rookie cards tend to demand extreme premiums. The demand, rarity, and historical significance surrounding Topps baseball cards greatly impact the amount collectors are willing to pay.

For common modern issues from the past 10-15 years, base rookies and star players in near mint to mint condition typically sell for $1-5. As the years go back further in time, the value increases significantly due to decreased production numbers and growing collector interest in vintage items. Cards from the 1960s in similar shape can net $5-50, while 1950s pieces are $20-200 depending on the player featured and overall condition.

Of course, there are always exceptions to these general price brackets. Extremely coveted rookie cards tend to demolish norms and can sell for thousands, even tens of thousands for the true elite. Some examples that demand massive dollar amounts include the iconic 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie (over $2 million PSA 8), 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner ($6.6 million PSA 5), and the 1957 Topps Mel Ott proof ($130,000 PSA 8).

Even into the 1970s-80s era, certain standouts maintain impressive value many decades later. The 1975 Topps Bruce Sutter rookie ($3,000 PSA 8), 1979 Topps Cal Ripken Jr. rookie (over $6,000 PSA 9), and 1984 Donruss Dean Palmer rookie (around $1,500 PSA 9) show how star players from that vintage range bring considerable prices. While not stratospheric like the early greats, collectors still eagerly pay premium costs for stars of eras not too distant in the past.

Iconic full sets from vintage time periods similarly hold tremendous worth. A complete 1959 Topps set in high grade recently sold for over $100,000. Full 1951 and 1952 Topps runs have each swapped hands for roughly $200,000 in pristine condition as well. Breaking into individual vintage sets allows collectors to build foundational holdings while still avoiding single card prices reaching many thousands.

Jumping ahead to the modern baseball card era, the scale of financial impact expands exponentially for rookie cards of true superstars. Cards like the 2003 Topps Freddie Freeman RC (above $2,000 PSA 10), 2007 Topps Strat-O-Matic Bryce Harper RC ($5,000 PSA 10), and 2009 Topps Update Mike Trout RC (over $10,000 PSA 10) demonstrate how dollars pour in for future Hall of Famers on the precipice of greatness.

Perhaps the single biggest spike in value in baseball card history came from the 2009 Topps Update Mike Trout rookie, which exploded from a $100 card in 2013 to $800,000 for a PSA 10 example just five years later, largely fueled by his incredible career achievements. While not every young star pans out at that level, Trout proved the potency in investing early on obvious future superstars before their greatness is fully realized on the diamond.

Beyond individual cards, entire complete rainbows of parallel and variation printing techniques for certain flagship releases see huge overall price tags. For example, a full 2009 Topps Trout rainbow setup with one of each parallel/variation currently brings over $50,000 combined. Collecting parallel sets allows fans to pursue slightly rarer versions of a single card theme across different printing processes. And in the case of the ’09 Trout, they function as a solid long term investment vehicle as well.

By drilling deeper into subsets and independent insert sets within Topps’ regular sets, all new opportunities for sizable expenditures open up too. Rare parallel refractor versions of the iconic 1992 Topps Trading Cards Derek Jeter RC can reach $10,000 each graded gem mint. Other special subsets like Topps Paper franchise logos cards enable massive multi-thousand dollar hits. There is seemingly no limit for how specialized and expensive collecting Topps baseball products can become.

So while common modern base Topps cards remain inexpensive, the true investment power comes from vintage issues, rookie cards of future stars, and pursuing parallels or rare subsets where scarcity drives overwhelming demand. The price of Topps baseball cards reflects the storied history and iconic brand status they hold within the sports collecting industry globally after over 80 years of production. There will always be a thriving market where fans eagerly pony up thousands, and sometimes more, to add key pieces to their Topps collections.

1991 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE

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1991 Donruss baseball cards were released during a seminal year for the hobby. After skyrocketing in popularity and value throughout the late 1980s, the baseball card market was beginning to cool off in 1991. The overproduction of cards in previous years led to an industry “bubble” that was starting to collapse.

While early 1990s Donruss sets lacked the wow factor and investment potential of the 1980s Donruss and Topps flagship releases, 1991 Donruss cards retain nostalgia and interest among collectors today. The set design provides a window into the players, managers, and teams from that baseball season.

For collectors looking to understand 1991 Donruss card values, several key factors must be considered. The particular player, their on-field performance and career achievements, the card number and any valuable variations all impact estimated prices. General condition and centering/printing quality also affect values.

This 1991 Donruss baseball card price guide explores some of the highest valued and most sought-after cards from the set as well as average prices for common players. It should serve as a starting point to determine collection and single card values rather than an absolute pricing index. Market conditions and card demand are constantly changing.

Top 1991 Donruss Rookie Cards
Chipper Jones – One of the premier rookies in the set, Chipper Jones went on to have a Hall of Fame caliber career with the Braves. A PSA 10 graded version of his rookie card can fetch well over $1000. Well-centered copies in Excellent or Mint condition bring $150-300.

Nomar Garciaparra – As the future AL Rookie of the Year and batting champion, Nomar Garciaparra rookie cards were hot property in 1991. A PSA 10 sells for $500-750 while Excellent-Mint copies range from $100-300 depending on centering.

Paul Konerko – The longtime White Sox slugger’s rookie is more affordable but still desirable at $50-100 in top grades.

JasonGiambi – Another future All-Star’s rookie that can be found for $30-75 in top condition.

Derek Jeter – Among the most iconic rookie cards ever despite coming later in the 1991 season. A true gem mint PSA 10 is worth thousands. Even well-centered Near Mint copies sell for $400-600.

Other notable rookies like Troy Glaus, Troy Percival, and Mariano Rivera have remained popular over the years as well. Their 1991 Donruss cards trade hands from $30-150 depending on grade.

Top 1991 Donruss Veteran Cards

Nolan Ryan – One of the true legends of the game and his 1991 Donruss portraits are iconic. High grade PSA 10 copies of his final season card exceed $500. Near Mint bring $150-300.

Cal Ripken Jr. – Ripken mania was in full swing in 1991 as he chased Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played record. PSA 10s crest $300 while top condition examples still fetch $75-150.

Boggs/Ripken/Gwynn Trifecta – Most coveted parallel from the set honors three of the eras’ best hitters. PSA 10 values are $600-800. Top condition copies still exceed $200.

Ryne Sandberg – Perennial All-Star’s crisp image on this 1990 NL MVP award winner captures him perfectly. PSA 10s reach $300. Near Mint sell in the $75-150 range.

Don Mattingly – “Donny Baseball’s” iconic 1991 Donruss remains popular. PSA 10s range $150-250 depending on card show foot traffic. Near Mint copies sell around $50-100.

Ozzie Smith – Many consider “The Wizard” ’91 Donruss one of the best card photos of the decade. PSA 10s hold $150-250 value. Top condition copies around $40-75.

The bullpen aces and middle relievers were among other veteran cards that sold surprisingly well during the early 90s boom despite lesser known players. A well-centered Nolan Ryan base card in Mint condition would fetch around $25-40 today while star rookies have increased exponentially in value since initially issued.

condition also affect values. This 1991 Donruss baseball card price guide explores some of the highest valued and most sought-after cards from the set as well as average prices for common players. It should serve as a starting point to determine collection and single card values rather than an absolute pricing index. Market conditions and card demand are constantly changing.

The massive production numbers from Donruss sets in the late 80s/early 90s flooded the market and prevented most cards from gaining significant long term collectibility or value barring true superstars or scarce parallels. By 1991, the earlier frenzy was over and careful collecting became more strategic. Today, 30 years later, set collectors and nostalgia seekers have created renewed interest in this iconic release. While not as coveted as flagship issues from the hobby’s golden era, 1991 Donruss remains an affordable yet iconic way to showcase the players and games of that year.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1976

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1976 was a pivotal year in the history of baseball card collecting and prices. The hobby was really starting to take off with more kids and adults getting involved in collecting and trading cards. The 1976 Topps set is one of the most iconic of the 1970s and holds a special place in the hearts of many collectors. While not the most valuable set from that era today in terms of individual card prices, it marked both the peak of the post-war boom in baseball’s popularity and the rise of serious card collecting as a mainstream hobby.

The 1976 Topps set contains 792 total cards including 36 player cards per team as well as manager, coach, umpire, and checklist cards. Some of the biggest star rookies that year included Andre Dawson, Eddie Murray, Dave Righetti, and Ozzie Smith. The design featured a simple team logo at the top with the player’s picture and stats below. The backs contained the standard stats and career highlights. Production numbers were high with multiple print runs to meet demand, so most common cards are readily available today in circulated condition for under $1.

There are always standout rookie and star player cards that have appreciated nicely due to strong player performance and career accomplishments over the subsequent decades. For example, a mint condition rookie card of Hall of Famer Eddie Murray would fetch around $100-150 today. His .287 career batting average, 504 home runs, and excellence both offensively and defensively at first base have cemented his status as a true baseball great. Other top stars like Reggie Jackson, Mike Schmidt, and Nolan Ryan also have $25-$50 common cards in high grade.

One of the most iconic and valuable cards in the entire set is the #550 rookie card of Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith. Known as “The Wizard” for his otherworldly defensive skills at shortstop, Smith went on to set the all-time record for career defensive games at the position. His smooth athleticism and high-arching throws from deep in the hole were must-see TV. In near mint to mint condition, an Ozzie Smith rookie will fetch $1,000-1,500 today. Pristine gem mint examples in the BGS 9.5 or PSA 10 condition could even bring $3,000+.

The 1976 Topps set also marked the rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Andre Dawson and Dave Righetti. Dawson’s card has also appreciated significantly, with a high-grade copy selling in the $200-300 range. “Rags” Righetti’s is much more affordable at $15-25 due to him having a short stint as a starter and transitioning to the bullpen later in his career. Still, he was an integral part of the “Bronx Zoo” Yankees teams that won multiple World Series in the late 70s.

While the 1976 Topps set may lack the true superstar rookie cards of years past, it still contains many affordable stars of the era for collectors. Common complete sets in played condition regularly sell in the $50-75 range. Tougher to find are high-grade gems, especially of the bigger stars. A pristine mint set could fetch over $1,000 today. The designs were simple yet iconic of the 1970s, capturing the players and teams at the peak of baseball’s popularity. For condition-conscious collectors, individual high-grade stars and key rookies can offer strong returns on an investment.

In addition to the flagship Topps issue, 1976 also saw the debut of the Kellogg’s 3-D baseball card set. These thick cardboard cards featured raised 3D images on the front and were included in boxes of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, Apple Jacks, and Froot Loops cereal. The complete set contains 84 cards and was hugely popular among kids at the time, helping to fuel the growth of the hobby. Today, intact high-grade Kellogg’s sets sell for $150-250. Key stars and particularly the rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Dave Parker, Jim Rice, and George Brett can be found for $10-25 each.

Other notable 1976 issues included Donruss, Fleer, and the Philadelphia Gum Inc. (PGI) sets. Donruss featured simple black-and-white photo fronts with stats on the back, while Fleer used color action shots. Both sets are available complete today for under $100 in played condition. PGI was a short-lived regional gum company that put out a basic 36-card Philadelphia team set. High-grade examples of stars like Mike Schmidt from these issues can reach $25-50.

While individual card prices may not rival the true vintage issues, the 1976 Topps set stands out as a iconic release from the peak era of 1970s baseball card popularity. Strong production numbers have made most common cards quite affordable for collectors. Star rookies and key players from championship teams have shown solid appreciation over the decades. The designs perfectly captured the players and style of mid-1970s on the field. Along with Kellogg’s, Donruss, Fleer, and PGI, 1976 marked a truly pivotal year for the growth of the hobby.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1909 OLD MILL

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Baseball cards from the early 20th century are some of the most coveted collectibles in the hobby. Produced between the late 1800s up until the 1920s, these vintage cards chronicled the earliest years of professional baseball and featured some of the games original stars. Of the various brands issued during this pioneering era for the sport, one of the most iconic and desirable is the 1909-11 T206 White Border set produced by the American Tobacco Company under their flagship Old Mill brand. Spanning over 500 unique subjects, the immense popularity and scarcity of high-grade T206 examples have made them highly valuable, with some selling for over $1 million each.

The American Tobacco Company had been producing baseball cards as a promotional insert in their cigarette and chewing tobacco products since around 1891. It was not until 1909 that they embarked on their most ambitious baseball card release to date with the introduction of the mammoth T206 set. Named after the tax classification assigned to tobacco products at the time, the “T206” designation has become synonymous with this legendary series. Produced on a thick, high-quality cardboard stock compared to earlier issues, the cards featured vibrant color portraits of players from both the National and American Leagues.

Aside from their larger size and superior production values, another distinguishing characteristic of the 1909-11 T206 set was the inclusion of a white border around each image. This set them apart visually from previous tobacco brand releases and instantly made them a highly coveted item among the youth of the early 20th century. Kids would eagerly search packs of Old Mill, Sweet Caporal, and other American Tobacco products hoping to uncover a prized baseball star within. The immense popularity led to several subset variations also being produced over the next two years with various color tinting and stylistic tweaks to the original white border design.

In pristine mint condition, high-grade examples of common players from the T206 set in the PSA 8-10 range can still fetch thousands of dollars due to their great historic significance. For the true star subjects and more desirable variations, prices escalate dramatically. Iconic cards like the above mentioned 1909 Honus Wagner PSA 8 have sold for over $3.1 million, making it arguably the most valuable trading card ever printed. Other elite talents of the time period such as Ty Cobb and Christy Mathewson in top-pop PSA grades can sell in the $100,000+ range as well.

Even more affordable for most collectors are high-quality examples of solid role players and lesser known figures that still carried rarity due to the sheer size of the set. Cards graded PSA 5-7 for these types of subjects often trade in the $500 to low thousands of dollar range depending on condition and player prominence. And for more common names in lower grades of 3-4, prices often fall into the $100-500 range or lower.

Beyond just the individual player cards, there are also several major subsets that add tremendous value when found in pristine condition. Some of the most significant include the rare 1910 E90-1 tobacco coupons featuring full front baseball images that have reached over $100,000 in auction. Extremely elusive “black-back” variations without player names on the reverse also bring massive premiums. And the true Holy Grail is locating any example of the ultra-rare “cabinet cards” printed on thicker card stock meant for display in a storefront that have sold for north of $1 million.

While the odds of unearthing a century old T206 in gem mint condition directly from a pack are practically zero, the cards live on as some of the most historic and cherished collectibles in the sports world. Their iconic imagery and association with the early growth of baseball culture in America ensure the 1909-11 issues will remain highly sought after for generations to come. For those lucky enough to own a true condition census example, the cards represent an unparalleled slice of Americana sporting history.

The 1909-11 T206 Old Mill baseball card set changed the game by setting a new standard for size, image quality, and inclusion of both major leagues compared to what came before. As one of the most extensive releases ever produced, it captured a pivotal moment before the rise of modern baseball. Over a century later, examples still excite and inspire collectors due to their rarity, historic subjects, and beautifully detailed portraits from the formative period of America’s pastime. Graded high-ends continue to break records at auction as the cards remain some of the most valuable in the world.

2023 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE

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The 2023 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most anticipated releases each year from Panini America. Donruss has been producing high-quality baseball cards since 1981 and each year collectors look forward to seeing the latest rookies, stars, and parallels in the set. With the 2023 release just around the corner, here is an in-depth price guide to help collectors understand the potential value of cards in the upcoming set.

The base card design for 2023 Donruss continues the retro style the brand is known for. Each card features a clean white border around a colorful action photo of the player. The set number is displayed prominently on the lower right with the team name across the bottom. Most base cards in the set can be found for under $1. Rookies and stars may fetch $2-5 while veterans and role players will sell for around 50 cents. The base set contains approximately 300 cards so completing it shouldn’t cost more than $100-150 on the secondary market.

Parallels and short prints are where collectors can find value above the base cards. The Donruss Chrome parallel features a shiny refractory coating over the photo and borders. These cards number around 50-75 copies each and sell in the $5-15 range on average. Rarer Chrome parallels like /25, /10, or 1/1 versions can reach into the hundreds of dollars depending on the player. Other parallels like Blue, Green, Orange, and Pink sell in the $2-10 range but provide an opportunity to add color to collections.

When it comes to short prints, the ’88 design parallels are highly sought after by collectors. Featuring a retro style photo and design resembling 1988 Donruss cards, these SPs number around 100 copies or less each. Rookie SPs can sell for $20-50 while stars reach $50-100. The rarest SP versions numbered to 10 copies or less often trade hands for $100+ due to their scarcity. Another short print set is the ’64 design which mimics the 1964 Topps style. These are slightly more common at 150-250 copies but still hold $10-30 values on average.

Autograph and memorabilia cards provide the highest potential values in 2023 Donruss. Base autographs can be found for $50-100 depending on the player signer. Top prospects like Gunnar Henderson or Druw Jones may sell closer to $100-150 each. Stars and veterans command $100-500+ for basic on-card autographs. Patch autographs which feature a swatch of game-used jersey material fetch $100-500 as well but can reach $1,000+ for rare serial numbered patches of elite players. 1/1 autographs hold tremendous value as the sole copy in existence and have sold for thousands in recent years.

Rookie cards are always a focus for Donruss collectors and investors. Top prospects from the 2022 draft class like Henderson, Jones, Termarr Johnson and Elijah Green will debut in the set. Their base rookie cards should sell in the $10-25 range on release with the potential to rise significantly if a player breaks out. Parallels and autographs of top rookies will carry higher values. Established young stars like Bobby Witt Jr., Adley Rutschman and Spencer Strider will also have their rookie debuts in 2023 Donruss after impressive MLB debut campaigns in 2022. Their cards could settle in the $25-50 range initially.

The release date for 2023 Donruss baseball is slated for late September or early October. Hobby boxes will carry an MSRP around $90-100 but initial release prices may be higher on the secondary market. Individual packs will sell for $3.99-4.99 each at most retailers. The set size is around 300 base cards plus numerous parallels and inserts. Complete sets may list for $150-250 once the release hype dies down. Overall, 2023 Donruss looks poised to continue the brand’s tradition of affordable yet collectible modern baseball cards. With another strong rookie class and plenty of parallels to chase, it’s sure to be a popular release among both casual collectors and serious investors.

In summary, 2023 Donruss baseball cards offer value at every level from 50 cent base cards up to rare 1/1 memorabilia cards worth thousands. Key things to watch for are top rookie debuts, short print parallels, and autographs of emerging young stars. While base cards provide an affordable entry point, it’s the inserts, parallels and hits that can really drive long term value. With its classic design aesthetic and focus on the current season, Donruss is a staple of the modern baseball card landscape. The 2023 release looks to continue that tradition and give collectors plenty to chase this fall.

1989 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS PSA PRICE GUIDE

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Introduction to 1989 Donruss Baseball Cards

The 1989 Donruss baseball set was issued during a transition period for the Donruss brand. While Donruss had produced popular baseball cards throughout the 1980s, the company was acquired by The Upper Deck Company in 1991. As such, the 1989 Donruss set stands out as one of the final baseball issues solely produced under the classic Donruss label before the Upper Deck era began.

The 1989 Donruss baseball card set contains 330 cards and was designed similarly to Donruss releases from the mid-1980s. The fronts of the cards featured individual player photos with names and teams printed at the bottom in white text. On the backs, stats from the previous season were provided along with a brief biography for each player.

Two parallels were also included within the 1989 Donruss set. The Golden Cards parallel featured foil stamping and had a print run of one per pack. Meanwhile, Super Royals parallel cards highlighted Kansas City players and had a print run of one per every four factory sets.

Tracking PSA Grading and Prices for Key 1989 Donruss Cards

While not quite as coveted or high-value as flagship releases from Topps or Fleer in the late 80s, the 1989 Donruss set does contain some noteworthy rookie and star player cards that demand a premium in high grades fromProfessional Sports Authenticator (PSA). Here is a breakdown of PSA population data and average sales prices for some of the most desirable 1989 Donruss cards:

Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card: Considered one of the true star rookie cards of the late 80s/early 90s, Griffey’s iconic Donruss rookie consistently sells for strong prices relative to PSA grade. An ungraded copy might fetch $50-75 raw, while a PSA 9 copy has averaged $350-400 and PSA 10 examples have sold from $1,000 up to nearly $3,000. At last check, PSA had graded over 5,700 Griffey rookie Donruss cards with only 112 earning the coveted black label PSA 10 designation.

Frank Thomas Rookie Card: Like Griffey’s, Thomas’ rookie is highly regarded from the 1989 Donruss set. PSA 9 copies have sold in the $150-250 range on average, while a PSA 10 recently brought nearly $900. With over 4,000 graded and just 48 PSA 10s, it remains an attainable but challenging rookie card to find in pristine condition.

Barry Larkin Rookie Card: Larkin’s card has gained more recognition in recent years but still lags Griffey and Thomas’ rookies in terms of value. Ungraded copies sell in the $20-30 range. Mint PSA 9 examples have brought $80-150 at auction, while a PSA 10 would be worth $300-500+. PSA has certified around 2,300 total with only 22 earning a black label perfect 10 grade.

Nolan Ryan: Always popular due to his status as a pitching legend, Ryan’s 1989 Donruss typically sells for $5-10 ungraded and $20-40 in PSA 9 condition. PSA Gem Mint 10s where his centering and corners look razor sharp have sold from $125 up to $250 with strong demand.

Roger Clemens: As one of baseball’s most decorated power pitchers, Clemens cards hold value as well. Ungraded examples sell for $5-10. In top-notch PSA 9 condition, Clemens’ 1989 Donruss has averaged around $30-50 at auction. Only four PSA Gem Mint 10 grades exist at last check, making a perfect example quite rare.

Overall Set Completion and Team Sets

Complete ungraded 330-card factory sets in average condition regularly sell for $50-75. Top-rated PSA 9 exemplars in pristine condition have brought $250-350.

Partial factory subsets focused on star players or popular teams also maintain appeal. Unopened 1989 Donruss Blue Jays factory subsets (27 cards) sell for $10-15 raw or $30 PSA 9. Expos subsets have also gained popularity.

Individual team sets graded by PSA as a whole also hold value relative to the population report data. PSA 9 Kansas City Royals and Boston Red Sox team sets have each sold for over $150 given their stars and notoriety from the late ’80s.

As a whole, while not the most historically important or valuable release, 1989 Donruss baseball cards remain popular with collectors and nostalgic fans of the brands’ classic cardboard era. Key rookie cards hold long-term appeal and investment potential if procured and conserved in pristine conditioned, while more common parallels and stars provide affordable nostalgia for set builders and team collectors alike. With strong production but limited high-grade populations, the 1989 Donruss set maintains relevance today especially relative to PSA certification levels.

THE PRICE GUIDE TO BASEBALL CARDS

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Introduction
Collecting baseball cards is a fun and lucrative hobby for both children and adults. Part of the enjoyment of building a baseball card collection is determining the value of the individual cards in your possession. While not every card is rare or highly valuable, it is interesting to learn which players and specific cards tend to demand higher prices on the secondary market. This guide will provide collectors with information on pricing resources, factors that impact baseball card values, and general price ranges for various card conditions, years, and players.

Pricing Resources
The most commonly used pricing guides for baseball cards are published annually by Beckett Media and Baseball Card Monthly. Both provide estimated market values for individual cards in different grades of condition. Beckett’s prices are considered the standard in the hobby, but Baseball Card Monthly offers alternative valuations. Online marketplace sites like eBay also give a sense of current selling prices by showing what similar cards have recently sold for in live auctions. Websites like PriceCharting and Sports Card Calculator index sales data and allow users to look up estimated values. While guide prices are estimates, recent eBay sales provide the most accurate snapshot of the current market.

Condition Matters
As with any collectible, the condition or state of preservation a baseball card is in has a huge impact on its price. The two grading scale standards are the 10-point scale from PSA and SGC (Poor to Mint), and Beckett’s 5-point scale (Poor to Gem Mint). Even increments make a difference – there can be 2-3 times price difference between a card graded Excellent and Near Mint. Heavily played cards in Poor condition may have nominal value, while pristine Mint or Gem Mint specimens can be quite valuable. Always assess corners, edges, centering and surface when valuing your collection.

Rookie and Star Player Cards
Cards featuring young stars’ rookie seasons or early career accomplishments tend to demand the highest prices due to their significance in a player’s career timeline. Examples include Mickey Mantle’s 1952 Topps rookie, Mike Trout’s 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects rookie, and rookie cards for recent superstars like Fernando Tatis Jr. All-time greats like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, and Honus Wagner have exceedingly rare and valuable cards from the T206 and earlier sets too. Top living players like Trout, Mookie Betts, and Ronald Acuña Jr. have valuable base rookie cards as well in the $50-$300+ range graded NM-MT.

Vintage Cards (Pre-1980)
The older the card the higher the demand and scarcity value it carries. Complete sets from the 1930s-1950s in top condition can be worth five figures or greater. Individual vintage cards like the aforementioned Honus Wagner T206 ($3.12M record sale in 2016), 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth ($537K sale in 2020) and 1909-11 T206 Ty Cobb ($486K in 2015) routinely set new records. More common vintage stars can still hold value – a mint 1956 Topps Mickey Mantle is $2,000-5,000 while a 1969 Topps Willie Mays in the same grade brings $200-500. Condition is critical for these century-old cardboard treasures.

Inserts and Parallels
In addition to base rookie cards, many modern sets feature insert cards highlighting achievements and parallel or serial-numbered versions inserted less frequently in packs. Popular inserts include Topps Chrome, Bowman Chrome, Topps Chrome Refractors, Topps Finest, Topps Authentic, Topps Heritage, among others. Serial number parallels like /150, /99 or /25 command higher prices due to their limited print runs. Early releases like Topps Chrome Red Refractors or Bowman Chrome Orange Refractors with single-digit serial numbers can be worth thousands. Parallels add another layer of collectibility and scarcity.

Graded Cards
Cards submitted to professional grading services like PSA, BGS, SGC return encapsulated and marked with a numeric grade. This third-party certification adds value by verifying condition and authenticity. A PSA 10 Gem Mint grade increases value significantly over an ungraded Near Mint card in most cases 2-5x as much depending on the player and card. Higher end vintage cards in top grades often surpass six-figure prices at auction. Although a grading fee is involved, it can payoff resale value-wise for valuable collectibles you plan to sell later.

Complete Sets
Entire sets in top condition remain quite rare, especially vintage issues. Having a complete run can multiply the worth exponentially versus piecing it together card-by-card. Flagship releases like 1962 Topps, 1987 Topps, 2013 Topps Update Series in PSA/BGS 9+ condition may be valued around $10,000-30,000 as full sets. Some scarce pre-war issues like 1909-1911 T206 in Gem Mint could sell over $100,000 intact. Even modern flagship products like 2021 Topps Update Series in pristine condition might total $1,000+ complete. Sets gain scarcity value over time as individual cards get broken up.

Summary
Using pricing guides, recent sales comps, and an understanding of key condition, player, era, insert and set factors will help collectors best determine the value of their baseball card holdings. While not an investment vehicle, appreciating assets over the long-term, it remains a highly engaging vintage pop culture hobby. Whether you enjoy building complete rainbow sets or seeking out overlooked gems, learning about the factors that drive baseball card prices creates a valuable frame of reference for any collection.

BASEBALL CARDS BOXES PRICE

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Baseball cards have been collected by fans for over a century and are one of the most popular collectibles in the world. While individual cards can be purchased, many collectors and investors prefer to buy unopened boxes of cards which contain factory sealed packs that have not been searched through. The price of these sealed boxes of cards can vary greatly depending on several factors such as the brand, year, set and overall condition.

One of the most important factors that determines the value of a sealed baseball card box is the year it was produced. Generally speaking, the older the box the more valuable it will be due to rarity and nostalgia. Boxes from the late 1980s and early 1990s when the hobby was at the peak of its popularity can fetch thousands of dollars depending on the specific brand and set. For example, a wax box of 1989 Upper Deck, which was the brand’s debut year, has sold for over $20,000. Boxes from the 1970s are even rarer and can sell for tens of thousands. A 1972 Topps box changed hands for $57,000 at auction in 2017.

The brand of cards in the box also greatly impacts the price, as some manufacturers have produced much more valuable and desirable sets over the years. Topps has been the longest running and most iconic baseball card producer since the early 1950s. As a result, sealed wax boxes of various Topps sets from the 1950s through 1980s command top dollar, often in the thousands to tens of thousands. Brands like Fleer, Donruss and Upper Deck that rose to prominence in the late 1980s boom saw their boxes appreciate greatly as well due to rarity.

In addition to year and brand, the specific card set contained within the box plays a major role. Generally, the flagship regular season release from each year tends to be the most coveted and valuable. For example, the typical 1986 Topps box sells for far more than other Topps sets from that same year like Traded or Update. Within certain years, premium and high-end releases have also gained cult followings that drive box prices up. The ultra-premium 1989 Upper Deck box mentioned above is a perfect example. Boxes with special photo variations, rare serial numbers, or inserted hit cards can also demand premium prices.

Naturally, the overall physical condition of the sealed box is extremely important to collectors. Any damage, tears, punctures or other flaws will diminish the value significantly compared to a wax box in pristine condition with crisp corners and undamaged wrapping. The packaging must be intact and factory sealed to maintain the highest value. Boxes that have been resealed after being searched are worth far less than authentic sealed boxes. Authenticity is also a concern for very valuable older boxes, so provenance paperwork may be required to achieve top dollar prices.

Supply and demand economics also influence baseball card box values over time. As the collecting population ages and wax boxes from the 1980s boom period become increasingly scarce, their prices have risen dramatically. Some sets have also gained more notoriety and demand in recent years, pushing values up. Conversely, overproduced modern sets may see their box prices fall. Market trends, news stories and the whims of wealthy collectors can also move prices in unexpected ways at times.

For investors, sealed boxes offer several advantages over loose packs or individual cards. The cards inside have not been searched, so there is potential to discover valuable rookie cards, autographs or rare variations that could exponentially increase the value. Properly stored boxes are also less susceptible to the wear and tear that damages loose cards over decades. As a result, sealed boxes are an attractive commodity for long-term holding in sealed storage. Of course, there is also the risk that the boxes could contain average cards worth much less than the current market price.

While individual cards will always be the core of the hobby, sealed wax boxes have emerged as an important collectible in their own right. Savvy collectors understand the various factors that influence box prices and actively search for desirable older boxes to hold or profit from long-term appreciation. With rarer boxes from the early days regularly selling at auction for five and even six figures, they represent an intriguing investment opportunity for those willing to spend big money in the hopes of someday finding valuable sealed treasure within.