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RARE 1987 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1987 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 1980s trading card boom. While it lacked the flashy multi-photo cards and inserts of some other sets from that era, the 1987 Donruss roster featured a whole host of young stars and future Hall of Famers in their ascent. Among the expansive 700+ card checklist are several uncommon and rare gems that continue to excite collectors decades later. Let’s take a closer look at some of the toughest cards to find in well-centered, high-grade condition from the 1987 Donruss baseball release.

One of the true crown jewels from the ’87 Donruss set is the Nolan Ryan rookie card #157. While it was Ryan’s 15th season in the big leagues, this was the first card issued of him during his tenure with the Houston Astros, making it a desirable rookie regardless of the definition. Only about 10 high-grade PSA/BGS 9 or 10 examples are known to exist, and one recently sold for over $30,000. Equally rare is the #310 Ivan Calderon rookie card, with the speedy outfielder having only played 3 MLB seasons. Finding a Calderon rookie in excess of a PSA 8 is extremely difficult.

Moving beyond rookies, several star players have incredibly scarce ’87 Donruss cards in pristine condition. The #83 Ozzie Smith “Wizard of Oz” is a tough pull at a PSA 9 or above, and one recently broke $10,000 at auction. Other ultra-tough hall of famers to find high include #89 Wade Boggs, #135 Dennis Eckersley, #138 Andre Dawson, and #155 Eddie Murray. Dawson’s iconic Expos photo and Murray’s classic Orioles uniform shot are must-owns for vintage collectors but will cost thousands to acquire top-graded examples. Rookie talent like #142 Tim Belcher, #206 Wally Joyner, and #286 Jon Garland also have very limited supplies in high-end archives.

Rarity is amplified for certain variations and parallel cards inserted at low ratios in ’87 Donruss packs. The elusive “Factory Set” parallel cards like #157 Nolan Ryan hold a special allure for completionists. Printed on silver foil stock and numbering under 100 copies each, these parallel rookies can reach five-figure prices.Similarly scarce are the white whiting parallel cards, featuring washed-out photos on a white backdrop. Finding key white whiting parallels of stars like #89 Boggs, #138 Dawson, or #210 Barry Bonds in top condition presents a true challenge.

Beyond the ultra-premium cards, there are also many undervalued mid-level hits still obtainable for vintage collectors. Rookie talents like #302 Mark McGwire, #472 Randy Johnson, and #578 Bobby Thigpen have decent supplies in PSA 8-9 but remain affordable for most enthusiast’s budgets compared to the highest-end keys. Solid regular base cards of stars like #33 Mike Scott, #50 Dale Murphy, #99 Rickey Henderson, and #163 Roger Clemens can usually be had in the $100-500 range when graded 8 or above.

For players who only had brief cups of coffee in the show, their 1987 Donruss cards attain mythic status among set builders striving for true completeness. Examples include #103 Mookie Wilson’s partial season with the Reds, #189 Steve Lake’s 16 games for the Padres, or the #590 Brian Holton rookie which was his only MLB action. In the ultra-high grades, examples sell for $1000’s due to their scarcity. But for those willing to land proven examples in the PSA 6-7 range, true oddball rookie gems can still be found in the $100-200 range.

The 1987 Donruss baseball card set endures as one of the crown jewels of the 1980s trading card boom. While the entire set presents a daunting challenge to complete in high grades, savvy collectors can still find affordable opportunities among solid examples of stars or obscure rookies. But for the true keys, examples of Ryan, Smith, Dawson, and other top names will command premium prices commensurate with their rarity over 30 years after initial production. The ’87 Donruss release is a set that continues captivating collectors with its history, photography, and tales of extraordinary scarcity amongst its most desirable issues.

RARE 1991 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1991 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most iconic and collectible issues from the early 1990s. While it doesn’t contain the true star rookies or the high-grade vintage players of other sets, there are quite a few rare and valuable cards that can be highly sought after by serious collectors. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the rarest finds from the 1991 Donruss set.

Perhaps the single rarest card from the 1991 Donruss set is the Mickey Mantle Masterpiece card, numbered to only 50 copies. This insert was an ultra-premium parallel version of Mantle’s base card that was only included in certain factory sets at an extremely limited rate. With such a tiny print run, mint copies rarely come up for sale. The last PSA 10 example to be auction brought around $23,000 back in 2017. Even low-grade copies often sell for thousands due to their great rarity and association with one of the all-time baseball legends.

Another super-short print parallel from 1991 Donruss are the die-cut cards inserted one per factory set box. Only 144 of these were produced total, featuring players like Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripken Jr., and Ozzie Smith cut into various shapes. High-grade examples in the PSA/BGS 8-10 range can easily fetch $1,000+ on the market due to their scarcity and novel odd-shaped designs.

In terms of true rookie cards from the 1991 Donruss set, none are especially valuable as there were no true rookie card debuts of future Hall of Famers. A handful of player’s true first MLB cards are still quite scarce and desirable to certain collectors. Jim Abbott’s sharpshooting debut card, for instance, often sells in the $50-150 range in mint condition depending on the player pictured, as he only had a brief major league career despite being born without a right hand.

The Mickey Mantle Legacy card featuring a photo of him as a rookie is far rarer than the standard base version. Only inserted one per wax box, high-grades have topped $500 at auction before. Other tougher rookie/debut cards to find include Ben McDonald, Chuck Knoblauch, and Mark Guthrie, among others.

Moving beyond rookies, there are also a few extremely rare error cards known from 1991 Donruss which fetch high premiums. Perhaps the most famous is the Nolan Ryan card where the photograph is completely missing, leaving just a blank white box where his face should be! Just a handful are reported to exist in collectors’ hands today. One PSA 8 copy sold for over $10,000 on eBay back in 2015.

Another sought-after error is the Cal Ripken Jr. card which has its image flipped completely upside-down. Only a small number are accounted for as well. Proper centering and surface quality are crucial for high grades and maximum values when it comes to these types of photo error rarities. Even low-grade examples still sell strongly due to their one-of-a-kind quirks.

Moving beyond the true stars and shortprints, there are a number of other miscut/oddly trimmed cards which appear in very limited supplies in 1991 Donruss packs. Perhaps the most famous odd-trims are the “folded corners” variations, which have corners cut or stamped at abnormal angles. Examples featuring the likes of Dave Stewart, Frank Thomas, and Nolan Ryan are particularly desirable. Crisp PSA 10 grades have sold upwards of $200-300 each.

While 1991 Donruss lacks major star rookies, it does contain some truly rare collectibles for those willing to hunt them down. High-grade examples of the Mickey Mantle Masterpiece, die-cuts, photo error cards, and uniquely cut/trimmed variations remain some of the toughest and priciest cards to track down out of the entire set nearly 30 years later. For patient collectors and set builders, 1991 Donruss remains full of surprises and rewards exploring its nooks and crannies in search of the most elusive pieces.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL RARE CARDS

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic releases in the hobby’s history. While it may not be the most valuable set overall, it features several highly sought after rare and short printed cards that attract immense interest from collectors. The 1987 design is among Topps’ most recognizable, with players photographed against a solid color background from head to toe. Its retro and bold style is beloved by collectors to this day.

One of the true gems from the 1987 set is the infamous Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was one of the most hyped prospects in baseball and living up to expectations with a phenomenal MLB debut in 1987 with the Seattle Mariners. Naturally, his Topps rookie has become the crown jewel of the set. Only about 100-200 of these precious cards were printed with the correct Photo Variation, making it among the rarest modern rookie cards in existence. In pristine Gem Mint 10 condition, Griffey rookies have smashed auction records, selling for well over $100,000. Even well-centered near-mint copies still demand thousands.

Another super short print and possibly the single rarest card in the set is the Darryl Strawberry photo variation. Only about a dozen are known to exist of the variation that shows Strawberry from the knees up in a Mets uniform. In the standard photo, he is shown from head to toe. This may be the holy grail for 1987 collectors due to its astounding rarity. Even well-worn low-grade copies would be worth a small fortune to those few completionists who managed to track one down.

Bret Saberhagen also has one of the more valuable rookie cards from the set. The Cardinals’ prospect photographed for Topps in 1987 before being traded to the Royals. His rookie is not quite on the level of Griffey for rarity but is still very tough to acquire in high grade. Near-mint examples can reach $1,000 and up. Graded mint copies have crossed the $3,000 mark before. Like Griffey, Saberhagen lived up to expectations with multiple Cy Young awards and would remain a star for over a decade.

Not all the valuable 1987 Topps cards necessarily feature the games’ future legends, however. Jose Canseco’s card may surprise some as an expensive copy for a player who had character issues and PED controversies later in his career. But in 1987, Canseco was the freshly minted AL Rookie of the Year and had just led the league in home runs. Near-mint examples have still cleared six figures, a testament to his prominence that year. Canseco’s card could be seen as the 1987 reverse rookie of Mark McGwire, coveted not just for historic significance but also for aesthetic charm with its eye-catching yellow and black A’s uniform design.

Staying on the Athletics, the 1987 Topps set also featured solid short prints of sluggers like Mark McGwire and Walt Weiss that have appreciation over the decades. Other valuable but more reasonably-priced stars included rookie cards of Tom Glavine, Gregg Olson, and Chad Kreuter that can frequently be found in the $200-600 range in high grade. Turning to veterans, Nolan Ryan and Cal Ripken Jr. also had popular issue cards that hold their value well thanks to the players’ consistent excellence and iconic status in the game.

While the 1986 and 1989 Topps sets may have eclipsed it overall due to bigger stars and more numerous valuable short prints, the 1987 edition endures due to its signature design, strong rookie class, and handful of unprecedented rare photo variations that continue to excite collectors. With Griffey, Strawberry, and others, it firmly holds a place as one of the all-time classic and collectible releases from a golden era of Topps baseball cards. Condition-sensitive and elusive, its prize cards remain at the top of many want lists for enfranchised collectors of the vintage period.

TOP 100 RARE BASEBALL CARDS

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The world of rare and vintage baseball cards is a fascinating one. Collectors have spent decades acquiring some of the sport’s most prized pieces of memorabilia in card form. Here is an in-depth look at some of the 100 rarest baseball cards that fetch enormous prices at auction.

1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner: The crown jewel of the hobby, the Wagner card is arguably the most iconic and valuable trading card ever made. The legendary shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates had a playing career from 1897 to 1917. Only around 60 examples are known to exist today in varying conditions. InNear Mint-Mint condition, examples have reached auction prices exceeding $3 million, making it truly one of a kind among collectibles.

1933 Goudey Lou Gehrig: One of the earliest premier issues after the great depression, the iconic Gehrig cards are remarkably scarce. The 1953 Bowman color card of Gehrig is also very rare, with around 10 known to exist. High graded 1933 Goudey Gehrig rookies can reach $500,000.

1909-11 T206 Eddie Plank: A dominant left-handed pitcher of the early 20th century, Plank starred for the Philadelphia A’s dynasty in the early 1910s. His rare T206 tobacco card is one of the most coveted among vintage pitchers, often rivaling the Wagner’s same-era price tags. Only a handful remain in collectors’ hands today.

1979 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky RC: Not technically a baseball card, but the legendary “Great One’s” rookie in the O-Pee-Chee hockey issue is similarly the crown jewel of that sport’s memorabilia market. Several have sold for over $1 million, making it one of the highest valued modern cards.

1913 Baba EHRTHOE Baseball Cigarettes E80: Considered the EHRTHOE errorvariation, this ultra-rare tobacco card features legendary Tigers pitcher George “Baba” Ehmhoe in erroneous text on the front. Just a couple are known to historians. It ranks as one of the most significant T206 variations.

1933 Goudey Dizzy Dean: A dominant pitcher of the 1930s, Dean’s brief but spectacular career resulted in many impressive accolades. His scarce 1933 Goudey card is one of the most iconic of the “Gashouse Gang” St. Louis Cardinals. High graded examples consistently reach six figures at auction.

1972 Topps Nolan Ryan RC: The all-time leader in strikeouts had one of the longest and most accomplished careers in baseball history. His coveted 1972 Topps rookie is one of the most iconic RCs ever produced. High graded versions routinely sell for well over $10,000.

1915 Cracker Jack Walter Johnson: One of the most dominant hurlers who ever lived, Johnson spent over two decades starring for the Washington Senators. His rare 1915 Cracker Jack card is among the most coveted pitchers from the Deadball Era. Just a handful are believed to exist in high grades.

1909-11 T206 Sherry Magee: A star outfielder and member of the famous “$100,000 Infield,” Magee’s tobacco cards are spectacularly rare. Fewer than 10 of the originals are known to have survived in collectors’ hands in over a century. Very high grades can reach $500,000 USD.

1914 Cracker Jack Joe Jackson: One of the all-time great hitters whose career was tainted by the Black Sox Scandal. Jackson’s sole vintage card is a true key to any serious collection, with under 10 high graded examples believed extant. Seven-figure prices have been achieved for pristine specimens.

1976 O-Pee-Chee Cecil Fielder RC: Coming nearly a decade before his Rookie of the Year campaign, Fielder’s rookie card in the Canadian O-Pee-Chee issue is one of the rarest and most coveted modern RCs produced. Just a handful are known, enabling six-figure prices when found in mint condition.

1919 Billy Snodgrass: An elusive “error” card featuring this New York Giants outfielder, the Snodgrass card has textual issues making it one of the more significant T206 variations. Less than five survivors are documented in the hands of collectors today. It routinely ranks in the annual Population Report.

1966 Topps Nolan Ryan PSA 10: Ryan’s first flagship Topps issue rookie from 1966 in pristine PSA/SGC 10 condition is the Holy Grail for true Ryan PC collectors. With an extremely limited population, just a couple truly perfect 10 graded examples are known to exist today.

2003 Exquisite Jordan McCray 1/1: In the modern era, printing plate autographs of prospects who never panned out can make for truly rare and valuable modern parallels. McCray’s Exquisite 1/1 printing plate auto takes the cake among the thousands of modern parallels issued.

1976 Topps Gregg Jefferies US346 Error: A spectacularly rare error card short printing Topps’ then highly touted prospect without the proper team designation. A true anomaly, it is among the most significant modern errors known.

1913 E134 Laroche/Lajoie: Perhaps the most infamous error in the game’s history, the single known surviving swap illustrates brilliantly the fallibility of early trading card production. Regardless of condition it continues to captivate collectors over a century later.

1909-11 T206 Sherwood Magee: The brother of star Sherry Magee, Sherwood’s tobacco card is one of the great rarities among players of that era. An elusive piece to track down, especially in high grade.

1914 Cracker Jack Tom Hughes: One of the most forgotten early stars, Hughes shined with the Boston Braves in the Deadball Era’s second decade. His lone Cracker Jack card endures as a supremely rare keystone for vintage collections.

2009 Topps Chrome Mike Trout 1/1: Though he hadn’t debuted in the majors yet, Trout’s 2009 Topps Chrome printing plate parallel showed his immense promise. One of the most valuable modern rookies ever pulled straight from a pack in pristine condition.

1914 Cracker Jack Ray Chapman: A star shortstop whose career was tragically cut short after being struck in the head by a pitch in 1920. His solo 1914 Cracker Jack makes for a solemn piece of baseball and card history.

1915 Cracker Jack Tris Speaker: One of the all-time greats, Speaker enjoyed a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians spanning two decades. His 1915 Cracker Jack is among the most significant issues highlighting stars of the Deadball period.

1907 N172 Old Mill Tobacco Joe DiMaggio: Though not an actual rookie card, Joe D’s sole pre-war card is simply one of the most desirable pieces of all-time from a legendary player. Few than 10 are known to exist.

1951 Bowman Color Roy Campanella: One of just a select group of the fabled but scarce ’51 Bowman coloring book issues featuring this Dodgers catching great. Among the key post-war vintage cards to obtain.

1977 O-Pee-Chee Cal Ripken Jr. RC: Bird’s RC counterparts are similarly very rare, with the Canadian issues making for real keys to an RC collection. Cal holds many post-war records at shortstop.

2009 Topps Chrome Mike Trout 1/1 Printing Plate: Though still a pre-rookie at the time, Trout’s true 1/1 printing plate from 2009 takes the cake as one of the singular rarest modern cards ever produced. Simply impossible to surpass in terms of rarity.

With so much history behind these iconic cards, it’s no wonder collecting them has become such a mammoth hobby. Each piece helps tell the story of legends who left an indelible mark on America’s Pastime. And as the game evolves, new stars continue to produce their own seminal rookies that will join the ranks of the rarest for years to come. The chase is half the fun, whether acquiring common issues or the most elusive keys to any vintage collection.

75 TOPPS RARE BASEBALL CARDS

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The Topps Company is arguably the most iconic and well-known brand in the baseball card industry. Since debuting their first set of baseball cards in 1952, Topps has produced dozens of different series that have captured the history of Major League Baseball. Within each Topps set are always a select few cards that are significantly rarer and more valuable than the rest. Here are 75 of the rarest and most valuable Topps baseball cards ever made:

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311 – One of the most iconic and valuable cards in the hobby, the ’52 Mantle is the first card ever issued of the Yankees legend. In near-mint condition, it can sell for over $2 million.

1969 Topps Nolan Ryan #534 – Ryan’s first Topps rookie card is one of the key cards from the 1960s. High-grade copies in a PSA 10 gem mint have sold for over $100,000.

1952 Topps Jackie Robinson #89 – As the first card of the MLB’s first African American player, Robinson’s ’52 Topps rookie is hugely significant from a cultural standpoint. PSA 10 examples have reached $480,000 at auction.

1972 Topps Johnny Bench #50 – Bench’s iconic pose and mustache made this one of the most visually appealing rookie cards ever. PSA 10 copies have sold for over $50,000.

1963 Topps Sandy Koufax #130 – Considered one of the best left-handed pitchers ever, Koufax’s ’63 rookie card is a must-have for Dodger fans and vintage card collectors. PSA 10s have sold for $40,000+.

1969 Topps Nolan Ryan #534 – Ryan’s first Topps card as a member of the New York Mets is equally as valuable as his Angels rookie. High grades have reached $100,000 at auction.

1969 Topps Hank Aaron #500 – Aaron’s card from his final season when he broke Babe Ruth’s home run record is highly collectible. PSA 10s have sold for over $30,000.

1952 Topps Willie Mays #221 – One of the most underrated cards on this list due to its relatively low population of high grades. PSA 10s have still sold for $25,000+.

1956 Topps Mickey Mantle #257 – Many consider Mantle’s ’56 card to be his most aesthetically pleasing design. PSA 10s have reached $20,000.

1957 Topps Hank Aaron #250 – Aaron’s star was rising in the late 1950s and his ’57 card is a key piece from that era. PSA 10s have sold for $15,000.

1968 Topps Roberto Clemente #250 – Clemente’s tragic death in a plane crash on New Year’s Eve 1972 added to the significance of his cards, including his ’68 Topps issue. PSA 10s have reached $15,000.

1972 Topps Johnny Bench #1 – Bench’s second-year card flaunts his 1971 NL MVP and holds value despite more production. PSA 10s have sold for $12,000.

1961 Topps Roger Maris #130 – Maris’ ’61 card is highly coveted for commemorating his 61-home run single-season record. PSA 10s have reached $10,000 at auction.

1957 Topps Willie Mays #190 – Mays’ vibrant smile and powerful swing made this a standout design from the late ’50s. PSA 10s have sold for $8,000.

1954 Topps Willie Mays #316 – Mays’ impressive rookie season is remembered through his iconic ’54 Topps debut. PSA 10s have reached $7,500 at auction.

1964 Topps Sandy Koufax #250 – Koufax’s third Topps issue honors his dominant 1963 season. PSA 10s in this key Dodger card have sold for $7,000.

1956 Topps Don Larsen #258 – Larsen’s perfect game in the 1956 World Series is immortalized by this coveted card. PSA 10s have reached $6,500.

1957 Topps Mickey Mantle #123 – One of Mantle’s most visually striking designs remains a must-have for collectors. PSA 10s have sold for $6,000.

1959 Topps Harmon Killebrew #469 – Killebrew’s intimidating rookie card is an important piece from the late ’50s. PSA 10s have reached $5,500 at auction.

1955 Topps Willie Mays #258 – Mays’ stellar 1954 rookie campaign is celebrated in this key pre-rookie card. PSA 10s have sold for $5,000.

1972 Topps Johnny Bench #50 – Bench’s iconic mustache and pose made this a standout among his rookie issues. PSA 10s have reached $5,000.

1972 Topps Nolan Ryan #500 – Ryan’s second Topps rookie as an Angel is nearly as coveted as his first. PSA 10s have sold for $4,800.

1966 Topps Sandy Koufax #250 – Koufax’s third no-hitter is highlighted on this memorable ’66 issue. PSA 10s have reached $4,500.

1961 Topps Roger Maris #130 – Maris’ iconic 1961 season breaking Ruth’s HR record is celebrated on this coveted card. PSA 10s have sold for $4,200.

1956 Topps Mickey Mantle #257 – Many consider Mantle’s ’56 design to be his most visually striking. PSA 10s have reached $4,000.

1957 Topps Hank Aaron #250 – Aaron was ascending as one of the game’s best in the late ’50s era. PSA 10s have sold for $3,800.

1972 Topps Johnny Bench #1 – Bench’s gold-bordered superstar card remains highly coveted. PSA 10s have reached $3,500.

1968 Topps Roberto Clemente #250 – Clemente’s tragic death added to this already significant ’68 issue. PSA 10s have sold for $3,200.

1959 Topps Harmon Killebrew #469 – Killebrew’s intimidating rookie pose is iconic. PSA 10s have reached $3,000 at auction.

1964 Topps Sandy Koufax #250 – Koufax’s third Topps issue honors his dominant ’63 season. PSA 10s have sold for $2,800.

1961 Topps Roger Maris #130 – Maris’ iconic ’61 season breaking Ruth’s record is remembered. PSA 10s have reached $2,600.

1972 Topps Johnny Bench #50 – Bench’s early superstar card remains a coveted piece. PSA 10s have sold for $2,500.

1955 Topps Willie Mays #258 – An early Mays card before his true rookie status. PSA 10s have reached $2,400.

1964 Topps Brooks Robinson #250 – Robinson’s flashy glove work is celebrated on this key Oriole card. PSA 10s have sold for $2,300.

1959 Topps Harmon Killebrew #469 – Killebrew’s intimidating rookie pose remains iconic. PSA 10s have reached $2,200.

1957 Topps Hank Aaron #250 – Aaron’s ascent to superstardom began in the late ’50s. PSA 10s have sold for $2,100.

1972 Topps Johnny Bench #1 – Bench’s gold-bordered superstar issue remains highly coveted. PSA 10s have reached $2,000.

1959 Topps Bob Gibson #500 – Gibson’s impressive rookie season is remembered through this coveted card. PSA 10s have sold for $1,900.

1964 Topps Brooks Robinson #250 – Robinson’s flashy defense is highlighted on this key Oriole issue. PSA 10s have reached $1,800.

1968 Topps Roberto Clemente #250 – Clemente’s tragic passing added significance to this already notable card. PSA 10s have sold for $1,700.

1972 Topps Johnny Bench #50 – One of Bench’s earliest superstar cards remains desirable. PSA 10s have reached $1,600.

1957 Topps Hank Aaron #250 – Aaron’s breakout 1957 season is captured on this significant issue. PSA 10s have sold for $1,500.

1959 Topps Bob Gibson #500 – Gibson’s dominant rookie year shines through this classic Cardinal rookie. PSA 10s have reached $1,400.

1964 Topps Brooks Robinson #250 – Robinson’s slick fielding made this an eye-catching Orioles issue. PSA 10s have sold for $1,300.

1968 Topps Roberto Clemente #250 – Clemente’s passing added importance to an already iconic Pirates card. PSA 10s have reached $1,200.

1972 Topps Johnny Bench #50 – One of Bench’s early superstar issues remains highly collectible. PSA 10s have sold for $1,100.

1959 Topps Bob Gibson #500 – Gibson’s rookie season is remembered through this classic Cardinal card. PSA 10s have reached $1,000.

This covers 75 of the rarest and most valuable Topps baseball cards ever produced. Many of these seminal issues helped shape the history and culture of our national pastime through their depictions of all-time great

1991 TOPPS BASEBALL RARE CARDS

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The 1991 Topps baseball card set is highly collectible due to several rare and valuable short print and parallel card variations. While the base rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Jim Abbott, Gregg Maddux, and John Smoltz are plentiful, avid collectors seek out the harder to find parallel and short print card variations that make up the true gems of the set.

One of the most notable parallel inserts in the 1991 Topps set is the gold foil parallel subset. Featuring a gold foil treatment instead of the standard paper stock, the gold parallel cards were inserted much less frequently than the base cards, with estimates placing the odds of finding one around 1 in 10 packs. Some of the most valuable gold parallels include #1 Ken Griffey Jr., #29 Nolan Ryan, and #334 Cal Ripken Jr.. In mint condition, elite examples of these parallels can fetch several thousands of dollars due to their rarity and prestigious players featured.

Another highly sought after parallel subset are the black foil parallel cards. Like the gold parallels, they feature black foil treatment on the borders instead of the standard gray-colored paper stock. Even rarer than the gold parallels, estimates put the odds of finding a black foil card around 1 in 50 packs. The black foil parallels of superstar players like #1 Ken Griffey Jr. and #29 Nolan Ryan are the crown jewels of the set. In flawless mint condition, a black foil Griffey or Ryan could sell for well over $10,000 due to their extremely limited print runs.

Aside from parallel inserts, the 1991 Topps set also featured short print variations that were printed in far fewer numbers than the standard issue base cards. The most notable short prints include #177 Milt Thompson, #288 Ruben Sierra, and #334 Cal Ripken Jr.. Due to being much harder to obtain in packs than regular base cards, examples of these short prints in high grades can sell for hundreds or even thousands. The true “big three” most valuable short prints are #344 Bobby Thigpen, #350 Gregg Jefferies, and #354 Mark McGwire.

#344 Bobby Thigpen had one of the greatest relief pitcher seasons of all time in 1990, saving 57 games for the Chicago White Sox and winning the AL Cy Young and Reliever of the Year awards. Due to his dominance on the mound that year, his rookie card was one of the most sought after in the set. Unfortunately for collectors, Topps severely undershipped his cards, making #344 Bobby Thigpen one of the most identifiable short prints from 1991. A PSA 9 copy recently sold for over $6000.

#350 Gregg Jefferies was the 5th overall pick in 1987 and considered a true “five tool prospect”. His prospect status and anticipation of a long career made #350 highly popular. However, Topps printed far fewer than the standard issues. A flawless PSA 10 copy recently broke the $30,000 sale price barrier, showcasing its rarity.

The true “crown jewel” short print of the 1991 Topps set is arguably #354 Mark McGwire. Already a 2x All Star and coming off seasons of 37 and 33 home runs, McGwire was ascending as one of the game’s premier power hitters. Due to his immense popularity, #354 McGwire was a must own card for collectors that year. However, Topps greatly shorted production, making it one of the most storied and valuable short prints ever. A PSA 10 sold at auction in 2005 for over $23,000 and prices have climbed significantly since the 1990s home run chasing era and McGwire’s subsequent admission of steroid use.

While the 1991 Topps set featured many notable future Hall of Fame rookie cards that are plentiful in the marketplace, it is the parallel insert subsets and exceedingly scarce short print variations that make it such an elite chase for advanced collectors. Finding high grade specimens of the Nolan Ryan, Ken Griffey Jr., Bobby Thigpen, Gregg Jefferies, and Mark McGwire variations can prove a long and difficult quest, but uncovering one of these true gems brings the collector great satisfaction and financial reward for obtaining a true piece of sports memorabilia history. The1991 Topps set set the standard for what modern parallel and short print inserts would become and offers one of the most intriguing card collecting pursuits in the hobby.

RARE 1991 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1991 Topps baseball card set marked Topps’ 40th anniversary of producing baseball cards and featured some of the game’s biggest stars and rising young talents. It also contained several scarce and valuable rookie cards that have become highly sought after by collectors. The 1991 Topps set totaled 792 cards and featured every Major League player as well as managers, coaches, and league executives. While most cards from the set can be obtained fairly inexpensively, there are a select few that have attained significant premium value over the years due to their association with legendary players and their extreme scarcity in high grade.

Perhaps the most iconic rare card from the 1991 Topps set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey would go on to have a Hall of Fame career hitting 630 home runs and winning 10 Gold Gloves. His rookie card carries immense nostalgia since Griffey was already being hailed as a can’t-miss superstar at a young age. In high graded mint condition, Griffey’s rookie now fetches well over $10,000. Another immensely valuable rookie is Roberto Alomar’s card, who also went on to the Hall of Fame playing second base. A PSA 10 graded Alomar rookie can sell for upwards of $5,000 due to his brilliance both at the plate and in the field.

While Griffey and Alomar clearly have the most legendary rookie cards, there are others from 1991 that also hold tremendous prominence. Chipper Jones, who spent his entire Hall of Fame career with the Atlanta Braves, has a rare rookie that can bring over $2,000 PSA 10. Edgar Martinez, known for his record setting career with the Seattle Mariners, also has a sought after first Bowman card that sells for over $1,000 in high grades as he edges closer to Hall of Fame induction. Vladimir Guerrero, Albert Pujols, and Todd Helton all have rookie cards worthy of note as these future Hall of Famers establish themselves in 1991.

Beyond rookies, there are also several scarce veteran cards from the ‘91 Topps set that have reached extremely high prices. Perhaps the most valuable is the Nolan Ryan Express postal card, a special unrelated issue included that features “The Ryan Express” and is certified by the U.S. Postal Service. Only 50 of these cards were ever produced, making it one of the rarest baseball cards ever. Just a few have surfaced publicly selling for upwards of $100,000 each. The Kirby Puckett card from the base set featuring him without a Twins uniform also carries huge collector demand for Minnesota’s star. A pristine PSA 10 commands $5,000+, especially since his premature retirement and passing.

Another category of exceptionally rare and pricey 1991 Topps cards surround “error” variations that were accidentally produced outside of the normal specifications. Steve Avery is featured on card #91 with a different uniform number, making his one of only a handful known of the “error 56” variation vs the standard “91.” Graded examples trade hands for $2,500+. An uncorrected printing plate proof of Jeff Bagwell’s rookie on card #691 also holds immense prominence, with just a few in collector hands valued at $10,000 each. The Cal Ripken Jr. card cut square instead of the standard shape is also a spectacular error to own.

While most can access and collect from the bountiful 1991 Topps baseball set at affordable costs, the select premier rookie cards, veteran standouts, and error variations hold tremendous significance. For the elite historic talents featured and their extreme rarity preserved high in plastic, prices have risen well above the normal for cards attracting serious long term collectors and investors. As with any collectible, condition and centering quality are paramount to value. But for those special ‘91 Topps pieces residing in pristine preserved state, they represent some of the hobby’s most prized modern possessions.

RARE TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 1987

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The 1987 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable vintage issues in the hobby. While it does not have mega stars like A Rod or Bonds rookie cards that can fetch jaw-dropping sums, there are still several scarce and desirable inserts that can earn serious cash for collectors. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the rarest 1987 Topps cards that often excite vintage buyers.

The true holy grails of the 1987 Topps set are the famous photo variation short prints, which are astonishingly tough to acquire in high grade. These include cards like #76 Rick Cerone, #201 Kevin Romine, #265 Glenn Hubbard, #290 Ed Nunez, and #468 Dwight Gooden. These variations feature entirely different action photos than the standard issue counterparts. Grading experts believe only a small number were accidentally printed this way before the photo error was caught. As a result, these versions have become exponentially rare, with even lowly graded examples bringing in thousands due to their great condition scarcity. The Glenn Hubbard is probably the most coveted, with PSA/BGS 9s needing six figures.

Another hugely valuable insert is the incredibly rare Topps Traded set, which was only produced for select star players to include stats and stats from late season trades. Some highlighted TF cards include #T1 Kirby Puckett, #T4 Tommy Hinzo, and #T5 Rick Sutcliffe. With only 100 copies of each player printed, these are absolute needle-in-a-haystack cards that top auctions regularly. The mint Puckett has gone for over $50,000 before. Also immensely tough to find are the minor league prospect Traded cards, like Dodgertown Traded #DT-17 Mike Sharperson. Fewer than 50 are believed to exist altogether.

Moving to numbered parallels, the gold #1 Mike Schmidt leads the way as the lone true 1/1 edition from 1987. This precious card has achieved astronomical prices, with the last PSA 10 example ending an auction at a staggering $96,000 back in 2015. It continues to be one of the most valuable modern-era baseball cards in the world. Other rarenumbered inserts include the gold #7 Eric Davis, #15 Reggie Jackson, and the more attainable but still pricey high numbers like the gold #400 Bret Saberhagen. These manufactured rarities can also gain five figures for pristine samples.

Speaking of gold, the widely publicized 1987 Topps Traded Set insert with golden backs also holds immense value. Only 35 full gold back traded sets with all 50 cards in pristine shape exist, according to the leading authentication companies’ population counts. This monumental feat of gaining rainbow shimmers on every single member makes these sets seven-figure status items. Even incomplete gold sets attract vast sums. An unopened factory sealed box holding a full gold set in prospect would likely sell at auction for over $500,000 if one ever became available today.

Perhaps the most glamorous card in the set for hardcore collectors is the famous error card #416 featuring Philadelphia Phillies ace Steve Bedrosian. The regular version correctly lists his wins as 3, but a small batch was accidentally printed stating his total as “S3.” This minor typo has made Bedrosian’s card one of the most valuable in the set. Prices start at $15,000 for low-grade examples and rapidly multiply for high certified samples. In fact, the only PSA 10 graded holds the record as the costliest single 1987 card at a final auction tally of $93,500 back in 2018.

With famous photo variances, traded short prints, gold parallels, and oddball errors, it’s clear why the 1987 Topps issue remains such a hit with investors and enthusiasts decades after production. Although age and condition issues prevent most examples from achieving astronomical prices, the select premier specimens continue to excite the hobby. Whether collecting for fun or future financial gain, discovering one of these prized rarities in a pack would surely produce a moment to remember. The 1987s truly have no shortage of fascinating stories left to tell.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1906 RARE

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Baseball cards exploded in popularity in the late 19th century as the relatively new sport of professional baseball grew across America. While tobacco companies first inserted cards as advertisements and incentives in cigarette packs in the 1880s, the years around the turn of the 20th century marked the true beginning of baseball cards as a collectible hobby. The 1906 season in particular featured some of the earliest and most iconic baseball cards produced. While condition and rarity are key factors in determining value, some 1906 cards stand out as especially prized possessions for serious collectors.

One of the most well-known and valuable 1906 issues is the T206 series produced by the American Tobacco Company. These colorful tobacco era cards featured multiple future Hall of Famers and helped popularize the new pastime of baseball card collecting. Among the T206 set, the Honus Wagner card is arguably the most coveted in the entire history of the hobby, with only an estimated 50-200 surviving copies in existence today. In near-mint condition, a T206 Wagner routinely fetches over $1 million at auction. Other T206 stars that can reach six figures depending on condition include Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson, and Nap Lajoie. Even more common players from the mammoth 524-card T206 set can sell for thousands in top grades.

Besides American Tobacco’s monumental T206 set, several other manufacturers released baseball cards in 1906 as well. The Sweet Caporal cigarette brand issued cards that year featuring individual players with backgrounds of team logos and ballparks. High-grade examples of stars like Wagner, Mathewson, and Eddie Plank can sell for $10,000 or more. Also in 1906, the Mayo Cut Plug Tobacco set highlighted multiple future Hall of Famers and is one of the earliest tobacco brands to include pitching and batting stats on the cards. Rarer Mayo cards like a PSA 8 graded Nap Lajoie are valued at $3,000.

Another historically significant 1906 issue was the Brown’s Cigarettes set produced by the Brown & Williamson Tobacco Company. While not as ornately designed as the T206s, the Browns cards included photos of players with their teams and positions listed below. Highlights of the 86-card Brown’s set fetch top dollar, such as a PSA 5 graded Ty Cobb valued at $6,000. The Brown’s cards are especially notable for being among the earliest to regularly feature African American players, including stars like Charlie Grant and George Stovey, who face additional collector demand due to their representation of pioneers breaking baseball’s color barrier.

In addition to tobacco brands, regional companies also got into the baseball card business in 1906. The Baltimore News issued cards as part of its newspaper circulation promotions that year. Featuring individual players from Baltimore-area teams, high-grade examples of Orioles stars like Wee Willie Keeler and Jack Dunn can sell for over $1,000. The News cards hold additional significance as some of the earliest documented sports cards inserted by a newspaper. Also in 1906, Goodwin & Company produced cards as part of its sporting goods and tobacco products. The Goodwin cards spotlighted major leaguers and minor league players alike. Rarer subjects like a PSA 8 graded Bill Dahlen are valued at $800.

While the earliest baseball cards were primarily used to advertise tobacco products, their collectible nature took hold as the 1900s progressed. Cards from 1906 helped popularize the new pastime and featured some of the first statistical details and team representations. Over a century later, pristine examples of these pioneering issues remain highly prized by dedicated collectors. With such a small surviving population and rich history in the development of sports card collecting, rare 1906 issues like the T206 Honus Wagner and individual stars from sets produced by Sweet Caporal, Mayo Cut Plug, Browns, Baltimore News, and Goodwin continue to be lauded as among the most prestigious acquisitions in the entire hobby. Proper preservation, grading, and demand have kept the values of these early cardboard collectibles from the dawn of baseball card mania as robust as the sport they commemorate over a century later.

RARE 1968 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1968 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable issues in the entire hobby due to several factors that combined to make particular cards enormously scarce. The 1960s represented the dawn of the modern baseball card boom, fueled by the colorful cards produced by Topps each year. As kids swapped and traded these pieces of cardboard depicting their favorite players, the seeds were planted for what would become a multi-billion dollar business.

While 1968 Topps cards do not contain the iconic rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like 1975 or 1977, several variables ensured that certain cards from this set would become extremely scarce overtime. For starters, 1968 was the final year that Topps had exclusive rights to produce MLB player cards. Starting in 1969, competitor Fleer would start releasing cards as well, splitting collectors and thereby cutting into the print runs of each individual issue.

The late 1960s was when the first rumblings of the players’ union pushing for shared profits from use of likenesses started. Players were gaining more power collectively and Topps was feeling pressure. As a result, print runs for 1968 were smaller than prior years. Topps also changed printers between 1967 and 1968, shifting production from Carr-Lowrey Glass Company to the Bowman Gum Company. The new printing process may have also impacted card scarcity unintentionally.

While a larger set of 792 cards were produced in 1968 compared to previous years, the convergence of a new competitor, players demanding a cut of profits, and a change in printers served to sharply reduce availability of certain cards over the long run. Here are some of the biggest rarities and their estimated values from the 1968 Topps set:

Nolan Ryan Rookie Card (Card #444): As one of the most famous pitchers of all-time and still active until well past his prime, Ryan’s first Topps issue is the undisputed crown jewel of the 1968 set. With an estimated surviving population of only 50-75 copies, it routinely sells for well over $100,000 in near-mint condition.

Hank Aaron (Card #1): As the first card in the set and one of the game’s all-time greats, the Hank Aaron has also achieved legendary status. With no nickname on the front, it was often overlooked by collectors early on. Now fewer than 50 are estimated to exist, valued at $15,000-$25,000.

Carl Yastrzemski (Card #630): Yastrzemski won the Triple Crown and AL MVP in 1967, thus making his ’68 card very popular. It still suffers from low survival numbers believed to be under 100 copies. Graded examples trade hands for $10,000-$15,000.

Mickey Mantle (Card #506): As one of the true icons of baseball, Mantle’s rookie was already long out of print by 1968. This later issue is very scarce too with less than 100 estimated surviving. Near-mint copies command $8,000-$12,000.

Don Drysdale (Card #480): The Hall of Fame pitcher’s 1968 is one of the rarest regular issues outside of rookies. PSA/BGS 8 examples have sold for up to $7,500, with the population thought to be around 125 cards.

Juan Marichal (Card #491): Marichal was a Dominican superstar and the ace of the dynasty 1960s Giants staff. His ’68 is also quite rare, with a surviving population estimated at 150 or fewer copies. Near-mint have sold for $6,000.

Gaylord Perry (Card #704): The eventual Hall of Famer had just 4 MLB seasons under his belt in 1968 but was already a star. Fewer than 200 of his issue are believed extant, with gem mint examples bringing $3,000-$5,000.

The 1968 Topps set stands out for its solid documented rarities like the Nolan Ryan rookie and tough regular issues of superstars. The small print runs and lower survival rates over the decades have concentrated what still exists in the hands of advanced collectors. For researchers wanting to study population reports, the 1968 set provides a fascinating case study in variables that can influence long-term card scarcity in the collecting world. Prices will likely continue their upward trajectories as fewer pristine examples remain available on the secondary market.