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ARE ALL STAR BASEBALL CARDS WORTH ANYTHING

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The short answer is no, not all star baseball cards are worth anything significant in monetary value. Many star player cards from past eras can be very valuable, especially if the card is in pristine condition. There are a few important factors that determine the value of any given baseball card:

The player – Cards featuring legendary all-time great players from baseball’s early eras in the late 19th/early 20th century through the 1970s tend to hold the most value. Iconic stars like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and more from the earliest printed issues can fetch thousands or even hundreds of thousands depending on condition. Even superstar players after the 1970s do not carry the same immense value unless their card is extremely rare.

The card issue/year – The printed year and particular card series make a huge difference in value. Obviously, the very first series like 1909-1911 T206 and 1913-1914 Cracker Jack are exponentially more valuable since they were among the earliest mass-produced baseball cards. But even within common sets from the 1950s-1980s, certain years saw smaller print runs which make individual cards more scarce and prized. For example, rookie cards are always in higher demand than subsequent season cards of the same player.

Condition – Much like a classic car or painting, the condition of the physical card itself can either preserve or destroy much of its potential worth. Even a card of an all-time star loses a great majority of its value if heavily worn, torn, bent, written on or damaged in any way. Top grades of Near Mint or higher are when cards start to shine and justify top dollar price tags. Anything less than Excellent condition usually just doesn’t attract serious collector interest or big money.

Authenticity – With the huge amounts of money involved, fake or altered cards also distort the market. Any question of tampering, forgery or doctoring of details makes a card nearly worthless to informed collectors. Professionally verified authenticity labels are practically required to fetch top dollar prices, especially for exceptionally rare old specimens. Reputable grading services like PSA and BGS are used to provide this authentication certification.

Rarity – Of course, the fewer printed of a particular card issue naturally makes them scarcer and more desirable. Flagship rookie cards often have smaller original print runs than standard base cards. Parallel or short printed variations within sets are even harder to find. Numbered serial patches or autograph cards pull collector demand even higher. The true one-of-a-kind vintage pieces or complete unopened wax packs or boxes can be deemed virtually priceless.

While every star player card does hold some collector value intrinsically as pieces of baseball history, in reality only a select few meet all the criteria above to gain serious monetary worth. The rarest 5% of all released cards account for 95% of the market value at any given time based on sports memorabilia market analyses. For modern players after the 1980s, even huge star names often fail to develop significant financial worth unless their playing career merits Hall of Fame enshrinement status. Low population vintage cards in pristine condition of the game’s immortals will always be where true astounding card prices reside.

Some star player baseball cards certainly retain monetary value due to their historical significance, artistic appeal, and accessibility as affordable collectibles. Definitively stating that all star cards are worth something financially just is not accurate based on supply and demand realities across the vast card output since the late 19th century. Only an elite fraction meeting stringent condition, authenticity, popularity and scarcity requirements possess the attributes to command big investment dollars amongst serious collectors. For the average fan, cheaper star cards can still spark nostalgia and enjoyment despite holding negligible cash value.

1989 THE STAR CO BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1989 Topps baseball card set was a transitional year for the legendary baseball card company. That year marked Topps’ 30th year as the sole producers of Major League Baseball cards in the United States. The sport was on the verge of major changes that would shake up the baseball card industry.

New league executives were embracing lucrative licensing deals that would usher in competition for Topps. In 1989, Topps responded by producing more novel base cards and short prints than previous years. The flagship set totals 792 cards including 99 rookie cards, managers, and coaches cards. Design-wise, it featured a simple red border around each border along with team logo and statistics on the back.

Some key cardboard collectors targeted for the 1989 set included Ken Griffey Jr. who was amid a stellar rookie campaign for the Seattle Mariners. His spectacular play and tremendous offensive stats made his rookie card a highly coveted one. Another exciting newcomer was the Cincinnati Reds’ Chris Sabo who won Rookie of the Year honors and emerged as a future star. Both players’ rookie cards sold for significant premiums.

Veteran superstars featured in the 1989 Topps set included Nolan Ryan who was closing in on rare milestones like 5,000 strikeouts and 300 wins. His achievement cards hold value today. Darryl Strawberry remained a prolific power threat for the New York Mets while Ozzie Smith continued to dazzle fans with his acrobatic defense for the St. Louis Cardinals. Both players had iconic baseball cards in the 1989 series as well.

One of the more notable short prints was Oakland A’s pitcher Dennis Eckersley’s card. Only 150 copies were produced, making it highly sought after by collectors. The checklist also included rare manager/coach cards like Jimy Williams, Whitey Herzog, and Gene Lamont that see enthusiast interest. Topps issued informative traded and update sets that year as well to keep collectors apprised of transactions.

While competition was coming, Topps still poured resources into novel promotions. They produced special puzzle cards that when assembled revealed baseball-related images. Error cards like one featuring an upside-down photo of Julio Franco also titillated collectors. The flagship set had several inserts highlighting ballpark foods, player equipment, and milestone stats. Aptly, Nolan Ryan’s 5,000th career strikeout was documented in an insert card that year.

Behind the scenes, Topps was embroiled in an antitrust lawsuit filed by rival card maker Fleer. The litigation challenged Topps’ monopoly hold on MLB player name and likeness rights. In 1990, a federal judge ruled in Fleer’s favor, opening the door to new competitors like Upper Deck. These firms began luring players with fatter endorsement contracts versus Topps’ flat rate of $5,000. Stars like Barry Bonds began appearing in rival sets in the early 1990s.

Thus, the 1989 Topps baseball card set stands as a solidly produced flagship set during a time Topps was transitioning from sole-provider to a company having to share the sports card market. Desirable short prints, rookie cards, and achievement updates make it an annually rising vintage set today sought after by collectors. With competition ahead, Topps went all out to please fans with special puzzle cards, innovations, and documenting iconic moments that year in baseball history. The period represented both the height of Topps’ dominance but also marked incoming changes to the industry landscape.

1991 SCORE RISING STAR BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1991 Score Rising Stars Baseball card set featured prospects in minor league baseball who were expected to become future stars in Major League Baseball. While most of the cards in the set do not carry high values today, a select few stars from the set have seen their cards increase significantly in price over the years. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top rising stars featured in the 1991 Score set and explore the current value of their rookie cards.

One of the most valuable and sought after cards from the 1991 Score Rising Stars set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was already regarded as one of the top prospects in baseball when his rookie card was released in 1991. He would go on to have a legendary Hall of Fame career spanning 22 seasons with the Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds. Griffey possessed elite power and defense with spectacular athleticism in center field. His smooth lefty swing and effortless play in the field made him a fan favorite for decades. Due to his superstar career and popularity, his 1991 Score Rising Stars rookie card now commands huge prices. In PSA 10 Gem Mint condition, the Griffey rookie has sold for over $10,000 and the price continues rising each year. Even well-centered PSA 8 Very Fine copies can sell for $500-1000 showing the strong demand for this iconic rookie card.

Another star player whose 1991 Score Rising Stars rookie card holds great value is Frank Thomas, known by his nickname “The Big Hurt”. Drafted seventh overall by the Chicago White Sox in 1989, Thomas broke into the majors in 1990 and immediately started mashing baseballs at an elite level. He would go on to have one of the finest right-handed hitting careers of all time, winning back-to-back American League MVP awards in 1993-1994. Thomas possessed prodigious raw power with a .301 career batting average showing his well-rounded all-around offensive game. Like Griffey, Thomas’ popularity grew tremendously during his hall of fame career with the White Sox. His rookie card from the 1991 Score set is now one of the most desired 1990s issue cards available. High grade PSA 10 examples can sell for over $2000 with PSA 8 copies stilldemanding $200-300 at auction.

Another star of the 1991 rookie class featured in Score was Atlanta Braves pitcher Tom Glavine. The left-handed hurler was drafted second overall by the Braves in 1984 and made his MLB debut in 1987. Glavine would go on to have an incredible 305 career win career mostly with the Braves spanning 22 seasons. He won two Cy Young awards and was a stalwart on Atlanta’s pitching staff during their dominant run in the 1990s that resulted in a World Series title. Glavine’s pinpoint control and ability to pitch deep into games made him a premier starter for over two decades. Considering his Hall of Fame career and status as a Braves icon, his 1991 Score Rising Stars rookie card holds good value. PSA 10 examples can sell for around $400-500 with PSA 8 copies still fetching $50-75 in today’s market.

While the above three prospects all had hall of fame careers, not every player featured panned out. One flashy player whose 1991 Score Rising Stars rookie does not hold much value today is Ben McDonald. The first overall pick by the Baltimore Orioles in 1989, McDonald was a hard throwing righty with impressive stuff on the mound. His rookie card in the 1991 Score set depicted him as perhaps the top pitching prospect in baseball. Unfortunately, injuries derailed McDonald’s career after just a few average MLB seasons with the Orioles in the early 1990s. Without achieving superstar status or sustained success, his rookie card does not demand much today. Even PSA 10 examples typically sell in the $15-30 range showing there is little collector demand or significance without a notable career to back up the prospect hype on the cardboard.

Another great career does not always translate to card value either. Edgar Martinez had a stellar 18 year career mostly as the Seattle Mariners designated hitter from 1987 to 2004. He hit .312 lifetime and was regarded as one of the best right-handed hitters of his generation yet was not elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame until his 10th year on the ballot. Martinez’s steady offensive production and legendary status in Seattle somehow did not spark huge collecting demand for his 1991 Score Rising Stars rookie card. PSA 10 copies can often be acquired for under $50 despite his amazing MLB resume. Player popularity, post playing career publicity, and Hall of Fame enshrinement seem to drive more demand than statistics alone in the collectibles market.

While Griffey, Thomas, and Glavine keys hold the strongest values from the 1991 Score Rising Stars set today, there are a few other lesser keys that can still yield a modest return for savvy collectors. Derek Jeter’s rookie is one to watch, as “The Captain” continues to achieve new levels of stardom in retirement. Even though Jeter did not make his MLB debut until 1996, savvy collectors snapped up his ’91 Score RC knowing his future fame. PSA 10s now sell over $1000 with PSA 8s over $200. Players like Matt Williams, Moises Alou, and David Justice all had solid MLB tenures and still command $50-100 for high grade examples showing sustained long-term demand for their cards persists.

While most 1991 Score Rising Stars cards hold little value, the Baseball Hall of Famers, perennial all-stars, and franchise icons featured like Griffey, Thomas, and Glavine command the highest prices. Strong performances over sustained careers, accomplishments like MVPs and Cy Youngs, and continued popularity seem to drive collector demand and appreciation for these stars decades after they were printed as prospects. For savvy collectors, the 1991 Score set still offers opportunities to acquire affordable rookie cards of proven MLB talents who went on to great things like Jeter, Williams, and Alou among others. But as with any vintage trading card investment, thorough research is required to avoid prospects whose hype did not match on-field results.

ALL STAR BASEBALL CARDS

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All-Star baseball cards have been a staple of the hobby since the early 1930s. Featuring some of the biggest names and best players in the game each season, All-Star cards are highly coveted by collectors both for their on-field accomplishments as well as their scarcity and historical significance.

The concept of All-Star teams and games began in 1933 when the American and National Leagues each selected a team of top players to face off in an exhibition game at Comiskey Park in Chicago. That inaugural All-Star Game was such a success that it became an annual event. Naturally, the card companies took notice of the popularity and began producing sets focused specifically on the All-Star selections each year.

The first true All-Star card set came in 1933 from Goudey, featuring portraits of the 32 players selected to the first midsummer classic. While basic in design, these pioneer All-Star cards helped establish the tradition. In the ensuing decades, most major card companies like Topps, Bowman, and Fleer would issue All-Star cards of their own, usually as special subsets within the main annual releases.

Some of the most iconic early All-Star cards include the 1948 Bowman cards, depicting action shots from that year’s game in Boston. The 1959 Topps issue spotlighted a young Willie Mays and featured color photos for the first time. Topps’ 1963 cards honored the last All-Star appearance of baseball legends Stan Musial and Ted Williams.

Through the 1950s and 60s, All-Star selections received cardboard tributes nearly every year. As the card market boomed in the late 1980s, the hobby saw a renaissance of elaborate All-Star sets. Donruss produced stunning framed cards in 1988 featuring action photography. The 1989 Upper Deck set took things to another level with state-of-the-art holograms on every card.

In more recent decades, the All-Star card tradition has continued with releases from brands like Leaf, Bowman, Topps, and Fanatics. Memorabilia and autograph parallels have also become common premium chase cards within these sets. Some particularly noteworthy modern issues include the 1998 Topps Chrome Refractors, the exquisite 2008 Topps Tribute collection, and the ultra-rare 1-of-1 autograph cards occasionally produced.

While roster selections and team lineups change annually, collecting All-Star baseball cards provides a unique way to commemorate and chronicle the very best MLB had to offer each season. With rarity, historical significance, and some of the sport’s biggest names, All-Star cards remain a pillar of the hobby. Whether chasing rookie versions of future Hall of Famers or seeking specific years, teams, or players, building a complete All-Star card collection offers its own rewards and sense of accomplishment for collectors.

The scarcity of early All-Star issues, coupled with the who’s who of stars they feature, make many vintage examples quite valuable as well. High-grade 1933 Goudeys of Babe Ruth or Lou Gehrig can sell for over $10,000. Rare variations like the 1959 Topps Mays or 1963 Topps Musial-Williams are also six-figure cards. Even modern parallels signed by today’s superstars can command thousands due to limited print runs.

As long as the Midsummer Classic remains a staple of the MLB season and a showcase for the game’s elite talent, All-Star baseball cards figure to stay an integral part of the collectibles scene. They serve as a yearly reminder of who reigned supreme on the diamond and a permanent way to preserve that history for fans and collectors alike. The tradition of honoring All-Star selections with special cardboard keeps growing stronger with each new generation of players and sets.

FIVE STAR BASEBALL CARDS

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Baseball cards have been collected for over a century and are a beloved hobby for people of all ages. While there are millions of cards in circulation, some stand out as truly exceptional and coveted. These are known as “five star” cards – the rarest of the rare that receive the highest possible grades. Securing even one five star card is a huge accomplishment, as they are exceedingly difficult to find in pristine condition.

The standard grading scale for baseball cards tops out at a Gem Mint 10, as rated on a 1-10 scale by the three major authenticators – PSA, BGS, and SGC. Within the realm of PSA 10 cards, the cream further rises to the top. Only the most flawless specimens, with perfect centering, corners, edges and surfaces will be awarded the prestigious black label designation of “Gem Mint Pristine.” These transcendent treasures are considered the pinnacle of the hobby.

One such incomparable rarity is the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner. Produced over a century ago for the American Tobacco Company, it is widely regarded as the most valuable trading card in existence. The story of how this simple promotional piece became an iconic collectible is itself legendary. Only 50-200 examples are believed to have been printed, making each one that survives today hugely significant. In 2021, a T206 Wagner rated PSA NM-MT 8 sold at auction for a record $6.6 million, showing its enduring star power.

Another early issue card that is the stuff of collectors’ dreams is the 1913 Baltimore News Babe Ruth. Issued just before Ruth’s debut in 1914, it captures him as a promising but unknown minor leaguer. Fewer than 10 are known to exist in all grades. In January 2022, a PSA EX 5 example crossed the auction block for an astounding $2.88 million. Like the Wagner, the rarity and historic context elevate the Ruth to the zenith of the hobby.

Modern star cards can also ascend to the five star summit with perfect preservation. The most expensive post-war rookie card is the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle. Graded PSA GEM MT 10, one sold in 2021 for $5.2 million. The 1952 Bowman Color Mantle, considered the premier vintage Mantle card, reached $4.2 million in a PSA 8.5 grade. Even decades after issue, pristine examples of these iconic rookies break records.

The 1991 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. is another rookie sensation that has stood the test of time. With its innovative design and Griffey’s emerging superstardom, it became a must-have for collectors. A PSA 10 recently went for $720,000, proving this 30-year-old card continues to captivate. Other 1990s stars like the 1992 Leaf Frank Thomas rookie (PSA 10 at $480,000) and 1997 Bowman Chrome Derek Jeter (PSA 10 at $396,000) have achieved five star cachet as well.

While modern issues don’t carry the same history or scarcity as their predecessors, immaculate preservation can still elevate them to rarified air. The 2009 Bowman Draft Patrick Puckett auto PSA 10 made $264,000. The 2009 Topps Update Mike Trout rookie auto BGS 9.5 hit $900,000 in 2022. And the record-breaking 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospect Superfractor Mike Trout auto – the holy grail of the set – reached $3.93 million as a PSA 10. Condition is truly king for enthralled collectors.

Whether a century old tobacco card or freshly pulled from packs, the allure of five star baseball rarities lies in their flawlessness and the stories behind the players depicted. With so few attaining perfect grades, each one stands alone as a singular work of art treasured by aficionados worldwide. While financial value fluctuates, their cultural significance and staying power ensures these gems will always have prominent display in the highest echelons of the card collecting world.

ALL STAR GAME BASEBALL CARDS

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All-Star Game baseball cards have long been a special way for collectors to commemorate the midsummer classic featuring the best players from both leagues. While the All-Star Game itself dates back to 1933, it wasn’t until over a decade later that the first cards specifically highlighting the event were produced.

In 1951, Bowman Gum Company issued a set of 33 All-Star cards as part of their main set that year. Each card featured an image of an All-Star player from that year’s game on one side, along with basic stats and career highlights on the reverse. Some of the biggest stars included on the ’51 Bowman All-Star cards were Ted Williams, Jackie Robinson, Stan Musial, and Yogi Berra. Though simple in design by today’s standards, these were the first cards to singularly focus on the midseason exhibition.

Topps took over as the dominant baseball card producer in the late 1950s and issued All-Star subsets in many of their flagship sets during subsequent decades. In 1959 for example, Topps included an 11-card All-Star insert that highlighted the top vote-getters and starters from that year. Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Early Wynn were some of the superstars showcased. Topps would continue to periodically produce dedicated All-Star inserts, usually around a dozen cards, throughout the 1960s and 1970s as well.

It wasn’t until 1981 that the first modern All-Star Game card set was released by Topps, containing 33 cards. For the first time, each player on the American and National League rosters received their own individual card. This included backups, pitchers, and even the managers from each league. The colorful design highlighted each player’s position and team in an eye-catching graphical style. Stars of the day like Nolan Ryan, Mike Schmidt, and Robin Yount had cards in the ’81 set.

In the 1990s, production of high-end All-Star card sets really took off. In 1992, Fleer produced an ultra-premium 108-card set containing multiple parallel variations, autographed editions, and more. This set helped drive collector interest and demand for elaborate All-Star releases. Other notable 1990s All-Star sets included a 150-card Ultra issue in 1993, and Topps’ prestigious Signature Series release in 1997 which featured on-card autographs.

As the collectibles industry boomed in the late 90s, so too did the extravagance of All-Star cards. In 1999, Upper Deck produced what is considered the most opulent All-Star set ever, with an incredible 1,999 cards spread across 11 different parallel series. Ranging from standard base cards to 1/1 diamond encrusted memorabilia autographs, this mammoth project truly pushed the limits of excess. Each card was hand-numbered and many stars from the 1990s are now primarily found in the high-end cards from this era.

In more recent years, All-Star Game card production has settled into a regular rhythm. Most major companies like Topps, Panini, and Leaf release base sets around 100-150 cards commemorating each midsummer classic. Parallels, autographed “hit” cards, memorabilia pieces, and special inserts are also common inserts. Technology has advanced card design with motion capture, 3D rendering, and intricate die-cuts now common across All-Star releases.

Today’s top players like Mike Trout, Christian Yelich, and Cody Bellinger regularly grace the fronts of these special cards. For dedicated collectors, chasing each year’s All-Star variations remains a fun hobby within the larger world of baseball memorabilia. With the game’s midsummer exhibition celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2022, All-Star cards will surely continue to be a vital way for fans to collect and commemorate the game’s very best for years to come.

1987 TOPPS ALL STAR BASEBALL CARDS PRICING

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The 1987 Topps All-Star Baseball set is one of the most iconic and valuable vintage sports card sets from the 1980s. Coinciding with the peak of the baseball card craze during that decade, the 1987 issue commemorated that year’s Major League Baseball All-Star Game played at Olympic Stadium in Montreal with an exciting checklist of stars from both the American and National Leagues. While the set contains no rookie cards of future Hall of Famers, itsnostalgicdesignandhistoricalsignificancehavemaintainedstrongcollectorinterestanddemandovertheyears,resultinginacardvaluethatrivalsorsurpassesmanysimilarvintageissues.

The base 1987 Topps All-Star Baseball set consists of 132 cards including player profiles, All-Star team cards for both leagues, manager/coach cards, and league leader/MVP statistics cards. The design is clean and straightforward with players photographed in action poses wearing their team uniforms on a plain white backdrop. Statistics and career highlights are printed on the back of each card. While not as graphicallyboldorcolorfulascontemporaryFleerandDonrusssets,thesimplisticToppslookhasstoodthetestoftimeandremainsheritage-inspireddecadeslater. Thisclassicretroaestheticcombinedwithitsmemorializationofabaseballlandmarkhaskeptthe1987setoneofth emissionpopularandactivelytradedvintageissuessincethe1980s.

At the high end, several hall of fame stars command four-figure prices even in lower graded conditions. Nolan Ryan’s card in PSA 8 condition recently sold for over $2,000. Ryne Sandberg, Wade Boggs, and Ozzie Smith routinely bring $500-1000 each in PSA 8 as well. Mickey Mantle, despite having no photo on his framed “Tribute” card, still attracts bids up to $500 ungraded due to his iconic status. Top rookie cards like Barry Larkin, Tom Glavine, and Mark McGwire in high grades have also cleared $1000 apiece. Away from the absolute elite, strong everyday players like Gary Carter, Dennis Eckersley, or Dave Stewart typically sell for $75-150 in PSA 8.

Perhaps themostsought-afterrookieinthesetisCecilFielder,whowouldgoontohit319careerhomers.HisPSA8cardrecentlysoldforanastonishing$1,700givenhisfameandimpactonearly1990steams. OtherlessercardslikeBretSaberhagen,RogerClemens,andJoseCansecoinhighgradesCommand3-figuresumsaswell.Eventhebaseset”fillers”commandrespectablepriceswhenhighlygraded.Statisticsleadercardsorlower-profileAll-Starrepshavebeknowntobring$50-100inmintcondition.Thisdemonstratesthestrong,wide-rangingdemandforthecomplete1987checklistno mattertheplayerprominence.

Conditionisnaturallyvitalwhendetermining1987ToppsAll-StarBaseballcardvalues.Whilethebasesetwasproductionsomassively,yearsofhandlingmeansfindinghigh-gradedcopiesofthelargerstarsorkeyrookiesremainsdifficult.PSA9isextremelyrareandcommandsa50%ormorepremiumoveraPSA8.EvenPSA8scanbescarcedependingontheplayer,withonlyasingle-digitnumberofcopyexistingforeliteHALloffamers.Thisscarcitydrivingpricesformintcopiesupinteo4-figureterritoryforiconslikeMantle,Ryan,Sandbergandothers.LowergradedmaterialsuchasPSA6sor7scanstillattain$50-200basedontherarityscalingoftheplayer.

Forcollectorsonabudget,findingaffordablealternativesisstillpossibleeventhoughpricesareskyrocketingonthebluer chipcards. LesserknownAll-Starsorroleplayersfromtheerasellfor$10-30inmid-highgrades.Backuppitchers,utilitymen,andplatoonhitterscardeasilybepickedupforunder$20eachinPSA8.Eventhecommon”1983Totals”and”1982LeaderStats”fillercardsroutinelysellfor$5-10ungradedjustforsetcompletionpurposes.Andwhiletheiconcardsremainstratosphericallypriced,solideverydayAll-Starsfromthelate1980slikeJoseOquendocanstillbepickedupfor$30-50graded.Sobudget-consciouscollectorscanbuildasetwhilefocusingonlessercards.

The1987ToppsAll-StarBaseballsetremainsoneofbaseballcards’mostrichlyhistory-ladenissues.Itsclassicdesign,unmatchedrosteroftalent,andnostalgicconnectiontothepeakofthe1980scrazehavemadeitaperennialfavoriteamongveteranandnewcollectorsalikeafter3+decades.Whilecompletionsetsnowcommandover$2,000ingradedcondition,therearestillaffordableentrypointsevenforcommoncardsatvariouspricepoints.Factorintherarity-drivenvaluetrendsbasedonplayerprominenceandgrading,andthe1987setremainsamongthesemostvaluableandexcitingvintageissuestoinvestinandcompletetothisday.Itsuntouchedstatureasadefiningartifactfrombaseball’spastensuresstrongdemandfordecadestocome.

1986 TOPPS ALL STAR BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1986 Topps All-Star Baseball card set remains one of the most popular and collectible issues from the storied brand. Containing cards of Major League Baseball’s biggest stars from the 1985 season, the set showcases iconic players like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Roger Clemens, and Barry Bonds. While not quite as coveted as classic Topps Flagship or rookie card sets from the same era, 1986 Topps All-Star Baseball cards hold lasting nostalgic appeal and valuable investments for savvy collectors.

Part of Topps’ new All-Star line introduced in 1986 alongside related subsets, the primary 132 card checklist highlighted the top MLB performers from the past season. Iconic designs like airbrushed action shots and vivid team colors give the cards a sharply stylized aesthetic that remains refreshing over 35 years later. Condition sensitive due to lack of protective coating, high grade examples scarcer. Set contains insert cards featuring “All-Star Stats” and player bios that add context and collectibility to the star-studded line-up.

Perhaps the most famous card from 1986 Topps All-Star Baseball is the Barry Bonds rookie card. Widely considered one of the best rookie cards ever printed in any baseball set due to his future Hall of Fame career, high grade Bonds rookies in PSA 10 Gem Mint condition have recently sold for over $30,000. Prior to that unprecedented sale in 2021, the record for a PSA 10 1986 Topps All-Star Baseball Barry Bonds rookie was roughly $20,000.

Other iconic rookie cards like the Roger Clemens and Dwight Gooden also hold excellent long term value potential. Clemens PSA 10 examples have reached over $1,500 in recent years while Gooden gems around $500-1000 depending on market conditions. Less heralded but exciting rookie cards of future stars like Ozzie Smith, Gary Carter and Dave Justice also appeal to savvy vintage collectors.

Veteran cards from superstars in their prime generate strong collector demand as well. High grade copies of 1985/1986 MVP Wade Boggs routinely sell for $50-100. PSA 10 examples of catcher Gary Carter, first baseman Keith Hernandez and slugger Andre Dawson generally range from $25-75 depending on the player. The iconic Ozzie Smith backflip action shot remains a highlight at $20-40 in gem mint condition.

Besides elite prospects, exciting young talents on the rise start to gain prestige in hindsight as well. John Kruk, Jeff Bagwell and Kenny Lofton had breakout 1985 campaigns represented here that prove prescient minor investments long term. Role players and lesser stars round out affordable options to build a complete 1986 Topps All-Star Baseball set over time.

While Flagship and rookie card issues may carry greater individual card price tags on average, the affordability of common veterans and depth of the 132 cards makes completing a 1986 Topps All-Star Baseball set a reasonable goal for most collectors. Near-complete, well-centered example sets in graded sleeves usually sell in the $500-1000 range. Higher grade raw or graded sets depending on condition could reach the $2000-5000 level when a premium example crosses the auction block.

As one of the iconic sports card designs of the 1980s, the 1986 Topps All-Star set remains a touchstone of 1980s baseball nostalgia that holds tangible financial value. Keys like the Bonds rookie ensure interest for discerning vintage collectors, while the overall depth and affordability of remaining cards encourage set building at accessible price levels. Whether targeting a specific star player card or enjoying the nostalgic process of seeing a full 132 card checklist come together, 1986 Topps All-Star Baseball stands the test of time as memorable sports memorabilia holding lasting collecting and investment appeal.

KELLOGG’s ALL STAR BASEBALL CARDS

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Kellogg’s All-Star Baseball Cards are a classic American collectible that were inserted in cereal boxes from 1952 through 1987. Produced by the Kellogg Company, these cards helped popularize the concept of including premiums and prizes inside breakfast cereals. While initially focused on Major League Baseball stars, later series expanded to include Hall of Famers, rookie cards, team logos, and more.

The idea to include baseball cards in cereal boxes came from Bill Veeck, innovative owner of the Cleveland Indians. Veeck had previously experimented with promotions tying baseball to other consumer products. In 1952, he worked with Kellogg to put 75 different Indians cards inside packages of their cereal. The partnership was a major success, vastly increasing cereal sales. Seeing this, Kellogg expanded the program to a full MLB license the next year.

From 1953 through 1987, Kellogg produced 35 different series totaling over 700 individual baseball cards. Early series focused on active players, with each box containing a random assortment. Stars featured prominently included Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and more. Card designs were basic but colorful, displaying a front-facing photo with player statistics on the back. The size was standard for the time at 2-1/2 inches by 3-1/2 inches.

In addition to current stars, Kellogg also started issuing cards honoring baseball legends and Hall of Famers through the 1960s like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb and Honus Wagner. Boxes during this “Golden Age” era guaranteed a specific Hall of Famer card along with 4-5 assorted stars. Meanwhile, the backs provided more biography details on these all-time greats for younger fans just learning the game’s history.

Entering the 1970s, Kellogg series expanded beyond just players. Newer releases featured team logos, stadium panoramas and rookie cards for upcoming young talent. Notable rookies debuted included Reggie Jackson, George Brett and Fernando Valenzuela. Reversing the earlier format, boxes now contained a single preview card while still offering various stars overall. The success of these innovations kept Kellogg at the forefront of the sports collectible boom.

Innovations continued through the 1980s as Kellogg tried creative new insert formats. Vertical “Photo Stick” cards attached to box ends, holograms, oddball promotions like Kool-Aid man held the attention of young collectors. Highlights of the later years included a paneled 1985 World Series 20th anniversary issue and the final 1987 update focused on fan voting for the top 100 players ever. Rising production costs and interest in specialized card companies signaled the end of Kellogg’s long run.

While no longer produced, vintage Kellogg’s issues remain hugely popular with collectors today. Early appearances from all-time greats generate high demand, as do rookie editions of later Hall of Famers. Complete sets in excellent condition can sell for thousands. Meanwhile, finding individual favored stars from childhood boxes holds nostalgic appeal. Through over 35 years of continuous issues, Kellogg’s All-Star Baseball Cards not only introduced kids to America’s pastime but helped spark a collectibles phenomenon still going strong today. Their cardboard breakfast companions remain an iconic part of baseballcard history.

In summary, Kellogg’s All-Star Baseball Cards spanned from 1952 to 1987, producing over 35 series totaling more than 700 individual cards of MLB players, legends, logos and more. Beginning as incentives to drive cereal sales, they grew into one of the first mainstream sports collectibles by including stars, rookies, innovations and historical figures. Though no longer issued, their vivid nostalgia and early appearances by all-time greats ensure continued popularity amongst collectors today. As a fixture inside breakfast boxes for generations, Kellogg’s cards helped bridge baseball cards from a niche hobby into an institution.

1989 ALL STAR BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1989 All Star Baseball card set was a landmark release that commemorated some of the biggest stars and performances from Major League Baseball’s midseason classic that year. The 1989 All-Star Game was held on July 11th at Anaheim Stadium in California, with the National League defeating the American League 2-0. That summer classic featured many future Hall of Famers and stars at the peak of their powers.

Topps captured the action and excitement of the ’89 Midsummer Classic with their traditional All Star card release after the season. The 189 card set featured current All Stars from both leagues as well as a “Then & Now” subset highlighting past All Star greats alongside more modern players. Some notable rookie cards in the set included Barry Larkin, Randy Johnson, and Gregg Olson. The checklist was notable for its depth of talent both young and old from across MLB.

One of the most coveted cards in the set was the #1 Cal Ripken Jr. Ripken was just a couple seasons removed from breaking Lou Gehrig’s famous consecutive games played streak and was establishing himself as one of the premier shortstops in baseball. His sweet left-handed swing and Gold Glove defense made him a fan favorite. This card captured Ripken in the midst of one of his many productive All-Star campaigns.

Another highly sought after card was #25 Ozzie Smith of the St. Louis Cardinals. “The Wizard” was a staple at shortstop for the NL squad throughout the 1980s and his athletic defense routinely drew “ooohs” and “aaahs” from crowds. Though he lacked power with the bat, Smith was a line drive hitter who could bunt and beat out hits with his blazing speed. This caused fits for opposing pitchers and highlighted why he was so valuable both on the field and at the plate.

On the pitching side, #40 Roger Clemens stood out as one of the set’s premier cards. The Boston Red Sox flamethrower was in his absolute prime in 1989 after back-to-back Cy Young Awards. He struck out a then-record 20 batters in an nine inning game that April versus the Seattle Mariners. Clemens went on to lead the AL in ERA, wins, and strikeouts en route to his third Cy Young. This card captured “The Rocket” at the height of his powers before he went on to become one of the greatest pitchers in MLB history.

Aside from current stars, the “Then & Now” subset offered a fascinating look back at legendary players alongside their modern counterparts. #T&N4 paired “Shoeless” Joe Jackson from his time with the Philadelphia Athletics alongside Jesse Barfield of the Toronto Blue Jays. Jackson, of course, was one of the most naturally gifted hitters in baseball history but was banned from the game alongside seven other Chicago White Sox players for their alleged involvement in the 1919 World Series “Black Sox” scandal which cast a dark shadow over his career stats. It was a unique pairing showcasing one of history’s “What ifs” next to Barfield, an underrated slugging outfielder of the 1980s.

Another notable “Then & Now” match up came with #T&N15, which paired Louisville Slugger icon Babe Ruth in his Yankees heyday with slugging first baseman Fred Lynn of the Baltimore Orioles. Ruth was of course one of the forefathers of the home run and changed how the game was played as the Sultan of Swat. It was fascinating to see the Bambino alongside Lynn, who himself hit over 250 career homers primarily with the Boston Red Sox and California Angels in the 1970s-80s as a five-tool player.

With its breadth of talent, iconic players, and fun retrospective concepts, the 1989 Topps All Star Baseball card set has endured as one of the most memorable Midsummer Classic releases from the hobby’s golden era. Featuring many future Hall of Famers like Ripken, Smith, Clemens, and more, the set captured lightning in a bottle by focusing on baseball’s brightest stars at their peaks. For fans and collectors alike, flipping through the checklist takes you back to an exciting year for the game and makes you reminisce about some of its biggest personalities and performances during MLB’s annual All Star celebration.