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1989 TOPPS ALL STAR BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1989 Topps All-Star Baseball card set is one of the most recognizable and historically significant issues from the late 1980s. The design features team logos across the top along with player stats and career highlights. This iconic set contained cards for many of the game’s biggest stars from that era and has maintained strong collector demand and assessing card values over decades since its original release.

One of the most valuable rookie cards from the 1989 Topps set is Ken Griffey Jr. Griffey was already generating huge buzz in his early career and this served as his true rookie card issued by Topps. High grade Griffey rookies from this set inNear Mint to Mint condition can fetch thousands of dollars, often topping $1000 for NM-MT 8s and climbing steadily towards $10,000 marks for pristine MT-MT 10 gems. Plenty of other young stars also had their rookie cards in this set like Barry Larkin, Randy Johnson, and Greg Maddux which also hold significant value, albeit less than Griffey.

Veteran star cards that remain highly valuable include Kirby Puckett, Ozzie Smith, Don Mattingly, Wade Boggs, and Tom Glavine among others. Puckett especially has sustained strong demand due to his status as a beloved Twins legend and talisman of 1980s/90s baseball. His 1989 can reach $150+ for MTV grades and glide past $500 for true gem copies. Ozzie Smith is also a fan favorite and regarded as one of history’s best defensive players. High grade Smiths pull in $100-300 range.

Don Mattingly maintained superstar status throughout the late 80s for the Yankees and his cards retained popularity. Near Mint to Mint copies of his ’89 issue can be had for $75-150 with potential to approach $300-400 for pristine specimens. Red Sox stalwart Wade Boggs was a career .328 hitter and five-time batting champ. His cards remain undervalued compared to production and niche collectors push Near Mint Boggs cards towards the $100 threshold. Braves ace Tom Glavine rookie card debuted in this release and thesmooth lefty went on to Hall of Fame career. His RC holds sustained interest and copies in the $50-150 range dependent on condition.

Beyond rookie and star cards, completing the entire base set holds intrinsic value as well for vintage collectors. Near complete to complete common runs can be acquired for $150-300 dependent on centering and edge wear of cards. The 1989 Topps All-Star Baseball issue contained a coveted World Series subset that features shot of teams that made it the 1988 Fall Classic. Keys cards like Kirk Gibson’s walk-off homer or Orel Hershiser’s dominance propel values past $50 each for choice examples.

Another subset highlights each league’s All-Star teams. The American League squad runs $20-75 each dependent on player while the National League edition has sustained higher prices due to the presence of Ozzie Smith and Ryne Sandberg cards rating $50-150 individually. The limited print flagship Traded set contains rookie cards for Alex Rodriguez, Jim Abbott along with veterans like Nolan Ryan, Rickey Henderson and Cal Ripken jr. Complete sets still intact within the factory Traded set holder command $300-500.

The 1989 Topps All-Star Baseball issue retains incredible nostalgia and collectors continue to snap up iconic rookie cards and stars over 30 years later. Strong retro design combined with historical rookie debuts and careers stats cement this among the most recognizable and intrinsically valuable vintage issues. While reckless prices haven’t hit this set like some flagships, the right cards still pull hundreds to thousands dependent on the player and coveted rookie status. Condition sensitive vintage collectors target this release every year knowing the investment keeps chugging higher.

KELLOGG’s ALL STAR BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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Kellogg’s produced baseball cards as promotional inserts in cereal boxes from 1952 to 1967 under the brand name Kellogg’s All Star Baseball Cards. Despite being produced as a marketing promotion rather than a dedicated card set, these cards gained widespread popularity and many have become quite valuable over the years among collectors.

The Kellogg’s cards featured players from both the National and American Leagues and covered all the major stars of the era. The cards varied in size but were typically smaller than standard baseball cards of the time at about 2 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches. They featured a color photograph of the player on the front and often player stats or a short biography on the back.

Early sets from the 1950s are the most valuable, particularly the higher numbered cards featuring stars of that era like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and more. Ingemar 100 is one of the key early Kellogg’s cards, featuring Yankees star Mickey Mantle from 1952. High grade examples can fetch upwards of $10,000 due to Mantle’s iconic status and the fact fewer than 100 are believed to still exist in circulated condition.

Other scarce early Kellogg’s keys include Hank Aaron’s 1954 card which has sold for over $5,000 and Willie Mays’ 1954 that reaches the $3,000-4,000 range for top condition copies. Later cards from the late 50s/early 60s featuring stars like Sandy Koufax and Willie McCovey in their early careers can also climb into the $1,000-2,000 range depending on grade. There is strong demand from both Mantle and 1960s Dodgers collectors for those particular rookie cards.

Beyond the true high-end keys, there is a large quantity of mid-range Kellogg’s cards from the 1950s and early 60s that can still attract serious collector interest and values of $100-$500 depending on the player featured and condition. Any card of Hall of Famers in careers spanning those eras like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Sandy Koufax have intrinsic demand based on pedigree alone. Factors like centering, corners and surface impacts grades and in turn, values.

Later 1960s Kellogg’s issues are much more attainable for most collectors, with even high-grade examples of most stars fetching $10-50. The late-era sets lacked some of the scarcity and nostalgia of the earlier decade. Still, rookie cards of future Hall of Famers like Reggie Jackson or Nolan Ryan can outperform expectations in top condition given their significance. With enough years passing, interest in complete 1960s sets will likely increase values across the board as well.

Of course, the biggest premium on any Kellogg’s card will be for examples showing no signs of wear and deemed mint condition by leading third-party grading services like PSA or BVG. Receiving the coveted pristine “GEM MT 10” black label elevates almost any vintage card into the stratosphere, and Kellogg’s are no exception. Top graded examples can sell for 5-10 times raw prices or more as condition is king to serious collectors.

Beyond individual card values, there is also demand for complete or near-complete run sets spanning multiple years of Kellogg’s issues. Building a full vintage 1950s or 1960s output presents its own challenges but usually merits a premium versus collecting individual cards. Such sets are increasingly hard to assemble with many key cards now lost to time or accrued by advanced collectors. Set registries like the Sport Americana Baseball Card Price Guide help establish benchmarks and historical context for Kellogg’s in the collecting realm.

In summary, Kellogg’s All Star Baseball Cards hold an important place both in baseball card history and the hearts of many vintage collectors due to their nostalgic cereal box origins. While production numbers were high versus traditional card issues of the time, scarcity and condition impacts have elevated many key 1950s and early 60s stars into true price guide mainstays. With dedicated collectors still seeking their favorite heroes today, demand will continue to shape Kellogg’s values for years to come.

1989 FLEER ALL STAR TEAM BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1989 Fleer All Star Team card set was a special 52-card release by Fleer that featured baseball’s biggest stars from that season. With cards depicting American and National League All-Star players and coaches, the set was a unique way for collectors to commemorate the top talent in Major League Baseball at the time.

Released prior to the 1989 MLB All-Star Game at Anaheim Stadium in California, the Fleer All Star Team set provided a snapshot of who the game’s true elite players were as the season reached its midway point. The cards in the set spotlighted the brightest performing stars from each league who were voted into the All-Star Game by fans. Each card featured a player’s picture in their team’s uniform along with their stats and position.

Some of the biggest names included in the 1989 Fleer All Star Team set were Dave Stewart and Dennis Eckersley of the Oakland A’s, Rickey Henderson of the New York Yankees, Wade Boggs of the Boston Red Sox, Ozzie Smith of the St. Louis Cardinals, and Barry Larkin and Eric Davis of the Cincinnati Reds in the National League. On the American League side, Rod Carew of the California Angels, Kirby Puckett of the Minnesota Twins, and Cal Ripken Jr. of the Baltimore Orioles were among the superstars highlighted.

In addition to featuring the top all-star players at each position, the 1989 Fleer All Star Team set also included cards showcasing the coaching staffs for both leagues. Future Hall of Famers Joe Torre and Whitey Herzog received cards as the managers of the National League squad. AL manager Tom Kelly of the Twins and his coaches Dick Howser, Jeff Torborg, and Gene Lamont were also given spots in the set.

Collectors appreciated the unique aspect of the 1989 Fleer All Star Team cards focusing entirely on the game’s biggest midseason standouts. While base sets from companies like Topps and Donruss that year contained regular issue cards of the all-stars mixed among other players, Fleer’s release isolated the cream of the crop into one special collection. The sharp photography and bright colors Fleer utilized on the cards also made them very aesthetically pleasing for the time period.

One of the more notable rookie cards included in the 1989 Fleer All Star Team set featured a 23-year old Barry Bonds in his second big league season with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Considered one of the greatest players of all-time, Bonds would go on to smash the single season and career home run records over his incredible career. His inclusion in the set as a young, emerging star ended up being very prescient. Other future Hall of Famers like Rickey Henderson, Cal Ripken Jr., and Wade Boggs also had some of their earliest high-gloss cards in the release.

While packs of the 1989 Fleer All Star Team set sold moderately well upon initial release, the scarcity and desire for star players has made complete, mint condition sets quite valuable to collectors in recent years. With only 52 cards and spotlighting some of the most storied names in baseball history, demand remains high. Individual premium rookie cards like Barry Bonds have reached five figures at auction. Even common cards of players like Ozzie Smith and Kirby Puckett in top condition can sell for $20-50.

For legions of baseball card collectors and fans of the late 1980s, the 1989 Fleer All Star Team set serves as an enjoyable trip down memory lane. It functions as a time capsule highlighting all the great talent that thrilled audiences during baseball’s prime summer event. Over 30 years later, the bright photographs and highlighting of midseason standouts still makes it a visually striking and historically interesting release for enthusiasts of the sport and its cardboard memorabilia to revisit and reminisce about.

1990 SCORE ALL STAR BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1990 Score All Star baseball card set was one of the most highly anticipated releases of the year. Coming off the success of Score’s flagship set in 1989, baseball card collectors were eager to see what this exciting new All Star release would include. The 1990 Score All Star set did not disappoint, featuring true “star power” from both the American and National Leagues.

Released in packs, boxes, and factory sets, the 1990 Score All Star cards stood out with their dramatic colorful foil designs and dynamic action photography of baseball’s top performers. The set totaled 160 cards and included many of the game’s biggest names from both that season and throughout baseball history. Rookies, veteran stars, and Hall of Famers were all represented. Perhaps most notably, the set paid tribute to the 40th anniversary of Hank Aaron breaking Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record with a special retrospective card of Aaron’s historic 715th home run.

On the player cards, vibrant team colors popped off the card stock, making individual All Stars easy to identify. Each card also featured the player’s position and batting stats from the previous season. Rookies were marked as such. The backs provided more statistical breakdowns as well as fun facts and career highlights. For collectors of the era, these cards captured the greats of baseball in their iconic uniforms with sharp photography and innovative design elements.

In the American League, sluggers like Rickey Henderson, Jose Canseco, Mark McGwire, and Frank Thomas highlighted the position players. Ace pitchers like Roger Clemens, Dave Stewart, and Scott Erickson led the AL hurlers. Star shortstops Cal Ripken Jr. and Alan Trammell and Cleveland workhorse catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. also earned spots. The National League portion paid tribute to power hitters like Will Clark, Darryl Strawberry, and Ryne Sandberg as well as shutdown pitchers like Dwight Gooden, David Cone, and Joe Magrane.

Beyond current All Stars, legendary players from across baseball history dotted the set as well. Iconic Yankees like Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, and Reggie Jackson received cards true to their pinstriped glory days. Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Juan Marichal represented the earlier eras in highlight cards recalling their most memorable moments. The diversity of superstars from all generations is part of what made this particular Score release so special.

While star power was abundant throughout, the 1990 Score All Star cards also brought something surprise bonuses for collectors. Insert cards could be found with serialized printing plates of the players signed by the respective All Stars themselves. Limited edition “Gold Signature” parallels were distributed randomly featuring embossed gold autographs on special card stock. These highly coveted parallel pulls added true rarity and excitement to an already elite set.

Upon release, the 1990 Score All Star cards were met with widespread acclaim. Critics praised the bright vivid designs that made each card pop as well as the compelling photography and biographical details provided on the reverse sides. The pricey Gold Signature editions in particular generated buzz in the collecting community as a true chase item bringing tangible star power to your collection if one turned up in a pack or box. Nearly 32 years later, these well-made commemorative cards remain a standout release cherished by vintage collectors everywhere.

While production runs and availability of unopened 1990 Score All Star products are limited today, individual cards can still be found with patience. High-grade vintage examples of star rookie cards like those of Jeff Bagwell and Kenny Lofton as well as autograph editions are desired pieces for builders of the era. Commemorative cards honoring all-time greats like Hank Aaron, Mickey Mantle, and Willie Mays hold value as a connection to baseball immortals. Condition is crucial, but nicely centered and preserved copies can still satisfy collectors young and old alike. All in all, the 1990 Score All Star baseball cards remain one of the most iconic and coveted modern issues that any fan or investor of the great American pastime would be proud to showcase in their collection.

1988 TOPPS ALL STAR BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1988 Topps All Star Baseball card set featured some of the biggest names in major league baseball during the late 1980s. Released at the height of the baseball card boom, these cards attracted enormous interest from collectors and saw huge print runs. While the overwhelming supply means most individual 1988 Topps baseball cards have little monetary worth today, some stand out as being notably valuable.

The set consists of 332 total cards featuring photos of major and minor league players from the 1987 season. The design was fairly basic, with a photo of the player in an All Star uniform occupying most of the front of the card. Statistics from the previous season were printed on the back. Some of the biggest stars of the era like Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, and Kirby Puckett had their rookies cards included in this set.

Part of what drives the value of any old baseball card is the rarity of higher grade specimens surviving in pristine mint condition over 30+ years. For famous players, even well-centered and sharply printed near-mint examples of 1988 Topps cards will usually sell for just a dollar or two. Gems that grade mint 9 or mint 10 on the standard 1-10 scale can be hundred or even thousand-dollar cards in some cases.

One of the most valuable 1988 Topps cards is #1, which featured Ken Griffey Sr. This is considered the flagship “sp series 1” card of the set and usually commands a premium. Top-graded Griffey Sr. rookies have sold for over $500. #66 Ozzie Smith is also very popular with collectors due to his iconic defensive skill and memorable 1991 World Series win. High-grade Smith rookies can reach $200-300.

Rookie cards for future Hall of Famers like Tom Glavine #188, Greg Maddux #199, and Frank Thomas #226 tend to be the most sought after and valuable from a monetary perspective. A PSA 10 grade Tom Glavine rookie recently broke $1000 at auction. Near-perfect condition examples of Maddux and Thomas rookies routinely sell in the $300-500 range.

Several star players like Clemens #222, Strawberry #226, and Rickey Henderson #237command collector interest due to their on-field excellence and popularity. Short prints like Bo Jackson’s #116 and Vince Coleman’s #168 have fewer produced and bring somewhat higher prices. But even these are usually $20-50 cards unless flawlessly graded.

The condition of the card is critical to its value. The cardboard stock and printing techniques of the late 1980s were still developing, and flaws were quite common even from the pack to the pocket. Aside from print lines, wrinkles, and chipping, the biggest dangers were poor centering leaving significant blank space around the image or corner roundness causing a “whiffle” effect.

One of the most visually striking designs was the “Turn Back The Clock” refractor parallel subset featuring older veteran players in throwback uniforms. Numbers were printed in gold. These parallelInserts numbered to only 100 copies each are the true gems of the 1988 set. In pristine condition from the most famous players, they can reach the $1000+ range.

While the sheer numbers printed preclude most 1988 Topps baseball cards from being especially valuable, the all-time great players featured and historical significance of careers starting makes it an iconic set for collectors. Graded specimens of stars like Griffey Sr., Smith, Glavine and the bigger rookie names can earn hundreds due to their connection to memorable baseball feats and legacy. With a huge following still, 1988 Topps remains popular with both investors and those admiring the stars of the day.

The 1988 Topps All Star Baseball card set memorialized the great players and teams of the late 1980s baseball boom period. Massive print runs mean raw common cards have little value today. Perfect condition examples of the top rookies and stars can net serious collector dollars, especially for the higher graded elite specimens surviving over thirty years in top shape. Condition is paramount, and rarer inserted parallel cards provide the biggest monetary opportunities.Here is an 18,000 character article on the 1988 Topps All-Star Baseball cards value:

The 1988 Topps All-Star Baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 1980s. Issued during the height of the baseball card boom, the ’88 Topps set contained cards of many star players from that era in addition to several highly coveted inserts. While the base cards on their own don’t command huge prices today, there are plenty of standout rookie cards, stars, and inserts from the set that can still fetch big money from collectors over 30 years later.

One of the biggest stars and most valuable cards from the 1988 Topps set is Ken Griffey Jr.’s rookie card. Widely considered one of if not the best player of his generation, Griffey’s rookie exploded in popularity and demand in the late 80s and early 90s. In high grade, his ’88 Topps RC can sell for well over $1,000 today. Other star rookie cards that hold value include Mark McGwire, Barry Larkin, and Roberto Alomar. While not as expensive as Griffey, high graded versions of these future Hall of Famers can still sell for hundreds.

In addition to rookie stars, the set contains cards of many established 1980s all-time greats that remain highly sought after collectibles today. Cards of Don Mattingly, Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, and Nolan Ryan are always in demand. A PSA 10 graded version of Mattingly’s ’88 Topps card recently sold for over $800. Boggs and Smith PSA 10s can also sell for several hundred dollars.

One of the most valuable aspects of the 1988 Topps set are the coveted traded and update inserts. The Traded set contained cards showing players after they were traded to new teams midway through the 1987 season. Some notable examples include Kirk Gibson’s traded card after being dealt from the Tigers to the Dodgers and Andre Dawson after joining the Cubs. These traded cards carry premiums over the base cards.

The 1988 Topps Traded Set Update cards, which were issued later in the year, are also extremely valuable today. This update set featured cards of players who were involved in notable late 1987 or early 1988 trades. The most expensive card from this insert set is the Frank Viola card after being traded from the Twins to the Mets. High graded versions regularly sell for well over $1,000. Other valuable update cards include Fred Lynn to the Angels and Rick Sutcliffe to the Dodgers.

In addition to stars and inserts, there are a handful of extremely rare promotional and uncut sheet cards from the 1988 Topps set that can sell for thousands. One such example is Nolan Ryan’s All-Star Card which was given out to attendees of the 1988 All-Star Game. Only a small number are known to exist today. In high grades, these promotional cards can sell for $3,000 or more. Uncut sheet cards containing 9 or 16 cards straight from the printing sheet also carry big premiums.

While the 1988 Topps base set on its own doesn’t demand huge prices today, there are plenty of standout, valuable rookie cards, stars, and coveted inserts that maintain strong collector demand and prices well over 30 years later. The combination of iconic rookie stars, 1980s all-time greats, and highly sought after traded and update inserts make it one of the most interesting and collectible sets from the late 80s boom period. For patient collectors, there are also deals to be had on lesser keys cards as well to build a set.

While the 1988 Topps set may not contain the same star power as some other vintage sets, there are still many compelling investment grade cards to be found. Rookie stars like Griffey and McGwire will likely never lose value. Premium graded versions of stars like Mattingly and Boggs can also hold steady prices. And the coveted traded and update inserts will always be in demand. For those willing to pay top dollar, rare promotional cards also offer the chance at huge returns. The 1988 Topps All-Star Baseball set remains one of the most iconic and collectible releases from the junk wax era.

1992 TOPPS ALL STAR BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1992 Topps All Star baseball card set featured the top players in Major League Baseball at the height of their careers. Issued in 1992, the set showcased 192 cards and captured a memorable era in the sport. Several big name stars graced the set including Ken Griffey Jr., Cal Ripken Jr., Barry Bonds, George Brett, and Ozzie Smith. With beautiful photography and informative stats on the back, the 1992 Topps All Star cards were greatly desired by collectors both young and old.

Several notable rookie cards were featured in the set, such as Chipper Jones’ rookie card which today fetches over $100 graded and encapsulated in a protective case. Other rookie cards included Chuck Knoblauch, Juan Gonzalez, and Kirby Puckett in his final rookie card issue before breaking out as an established All Star. Veterans like Brett, Ripken, and Rickey Henderson had several of their best seasons in 1991 and were popular cards in the 1992 set. Ripken was entering what would become his record setting consecutive games played streak.

Topps came under new ownership in 1992 and there was some anticipation around product changes they might introduce, but the All Star set kept a very similar design to previous years. The iconic red, white and blue border was maintained along with player photography on the front and stats/accolades on the back. Factors like organized teams, licensing and management grew the business of sports cards exponentially during this time period. Estimates place 1991-92 as the peak years of popularity and value for modern baseball cards prior to the market crash of the late 90s.

The photography and production values in the 1992 set were top notch. Closeup portraits showed off each player’s uniform and demonstrated the detail that went into Topps photography sessions. Backgrounds were often plain so as not to distract from the main subject. The card stock was durable yet not too thick, retaining a classic baseball card feel. Information provided on the back such as position, height/weight, and career stats through 1991 gave collectors important details to learn about their favorite players. Uniform changes were also documented on cards for players who were traded or changed teams.

Key chase cards that drove sales and accrued high prices through the years include Bonds’ main All Star card, Griffey’s main card, the John Kruk “in action” card showing his stomach, Ozzie Smith’s defensive magic card, and Nolan Ryan’s card highlighting his record breaking 5,000th strikeout. Hall of famers like George Brett in his final season, Rickey Henderson, and Eddie Murray were also highly sought after veteran pieces. While supply was high at the start, mint condition copies of these dominant players have increased greatly in value since the 1990s.

Grading and enthusiast websites like TradingCardDB.com have helped collectors learn population data about each 1992 Topps All Star card over the decades. This set is considered one of the most complete rosters of baseball greats ever assembled in card form. Players like Kenny Lofton, Jeff Bagwell, and Frank Thomas were emerging as young stars and highlighted with attractive cardboard. The design elements remain very recognizable to this day for those who enjoyed the cards as kids or collect them now as adults. Whether pursuing individual player collections or trying to complete the full 192 card rainbow, the 1992 Topps All Star baseball cards offer a memorable look at a special time in the sport.

In the early 90s, the baseball card boom was in full swing. Kids across America traded, collected and enjoyed these shiny pieces of cardboard documenting their favorite athletes. While the frenzy would die down, the best players and most aesthetically pleasing cards from sets like the 1992 Topps All Stars have maintained their high demand. Even 30 years later, aficionados are still chasing down the stars and remembering peak seasons that made this particular year so unique. With durable design and timeless subjects, the set immortalized an era that truly was “All Star.”

SUPER STAR SERIES BASEBALL CARDS

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The Super Star Series was a premium baseball card set produced by Topps from 1970 to 1980. Unlike the company’s standard issue sets which featured relatively simple designs, the Super Star Series cards stood out with their large size, vivid color photography, creative borders and backgrounds, stats and bio information on the back, and sharp glossy finish. They spotlighted some of the top players in the majors at the height of their abilities and popularity. The Super Star Series helped elevate baseball cards to a higher collecting tier and remains a memorable and sought after vintage release to this day.

Issued annually, each Super Star Series set contained only 10 cards, one for each current position of pitcher, catcher, first baseman, second baseman, third baseman, shortstop, left fielder, center fielder, right fielder, and a designated hitter/extra spot. This exclusivity and limited print runs only heightened collectors’ desire to obtain a full rainbow spectrum of stars from their favorite team or era. The early 1970s produced some of the most iconic Super Star issues as the sport entered a new golden age of offense shortly after players’ pensions and free agency were secured.

1970: The inaugural Super Star Series offered a who’s who of superstars including Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Roberto Clemente, Johnny Bench, and Rod Carew. Tommy John earned the lone pitcher card. Stats on the backlist each player’s impressive 1969 numbers. Aaron’s card in particular with his bold smile and thick mustache remains a highly coveted early release from the set.

1971: Reggie Jackson’s explosive first season in the majors where he clubbed over 30 homers earned him the outfield slot. Also featured were Hall of Famers like Bob Gibson, Brooks Robinson, and Carl Yastrzemski among others continuing to cement the set’s star power. Backs provided a paragraph on each star’s career achievements in addition to their current stats.

1972: This year’s set reflected the dominant individual seasons being had throughout the sport. Four members of the ’72 Oakland A’s championship squad made the cut including Vida Blue, Sal Bando, Rollie Fingers, and Reggie Jackson. Mike Schmidt’s rookie season breakout garnered him the 3B card at age 23, a prediction of the future superstar he would become.

1973: More sluggers dominated withJohnny Bench, Pete Rose, and Eddie Mathews receiving the call. Nolan Ryan’s blistering 98 mph heat also earned him a well-deserved slot. Backs shifted to further analyzing each player’s offensive and pitching stats broken down by month which offered a unique comp to their full season stats.

1974:arguably the most iconic issue, ’74 featured six future Hall of Famers in Hank Aaron, Johnny Bench, Reggie Jackson, Willie Mays, Tom Seaver, and Steve Carlton. New photos shot against colorful graphics added even more visual pop. Aaron’s card in particular showing him in mid swing remains the most highly graded PSA 10.

1975-1980: Later issues became more hit or misswith some cards featuring players past their primes or in declines. Still, stars like George Brett and Gary Carter had strong rookie year campaigns meriting inclusion. The 1976 set culminated the original run with 10 worthy all-stars like Jim Palmer, Mike Schmidt, and Rod Carew in his MVP season. After a multi-year hiatus, Topps revived the Super Star concept from 1981-1983 before ending the line for good. By then the superstar memorabilia card era was blossoming.

The Super Star Series of the 1970s beautifully encapsulated the larger than life players and epic seasons that defined baseball’s original steroid and expansion era. For collectors, each issue delivered a concentrated dose of the decade’s most prominent sluggers, hurlers, and heroes in dazzling visual format. Even with modest print runs, cards from these sets remain widely obtainable in circulated condition for any collector to enjoy. In gem mint state however, coveted stars from the early 1970s issues especially have grown quite scarce and valuable, a reflection of their imperishable status in the hobby. The Super Star Series rightfully stands amid the pantheon of most iconic and storied vintage releases from the golden age of vintage cardboard.

CORN FLAKES ALL STAR BASEBALL CARDS

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The Corn Flakes All-Star Baseball Card series was first introduced by Post Cereals in 1952 as a marketing promotion included inside boxes of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes cereal. The idea was to tap into the huge popularity of baseball among American children and families at the time by offering collector cards featuring photos and stats of Major League Baseball stars.

Each box of Corn Flakes came with one or more cards inserted randomly inside plastic wrappers. The cards measured about 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches and featured a color photo on the front with player information like position, batting average, home runs and RBI printed on the back. Some of the biggest names in baseball at the time like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Duke Snider and Ted Williams appeared on the early Corn Flakes cards.

The Corn Flakes promotion was an immediate success and helped further fuel the burgeoning baseball card collecting craze that had started in the late 1880s with tobacco cards. Kids eagerly awaited their chance to find an elusive star in their cereal boxes and traded duplicates with friends at school and the playground. The cards also helped drive cereal sales, with an estimated 1.5 billion Corn Flakes All-Star cards distributed between 1952-1967.

Over the years, the Corn Flakes cards evolved with the times. By the mid-1950s, color photos started appearing on some high-profile stars. In the late 1950s, the cards adopted a larger 3.5 inch by 5 inch size that became the post-war standard for baseball cards. The 1960s saw innovations like embossed logos, action shots and the first inclusion of rookie cards. Notable rookies like Sandy Koufax and Roberto Clemente had their first baseball cards produced as Corn Flakes issues in the 1950s.

While the early 1950s Corn Flakes cards featured a mix of current stars and past legends, the series soon focused exclusively on active Major League players each season. This provided kids with a way to follow all the latest stats and roster moves year to year. The cards were also a valuable scouting tool for young fans, as many players’ rookie cards first appeared in Corn Flakes sets before they were established major leaguers.

In terms of rarity, the most valuable and desirable Corn Flakes cards tend to be the earliest 1952-1953 issues, which had lower production numbers. High-grade examples of the Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays or Ted Williams rookie cards from this period can fetch six-figure prices at auction today. Other keys include the 1960 Roberto Clemente and 1963 Sandy Koufax rookie cards, which have sold for over $10,000 in top condition.

While Corn Flakes cards were never as elaborate or finely crafted as contemporary offerings from Topps or Bowman, their simple design and wide distribution made them hugely popular with kids. They helped shape baseball card collecting habits for entire generations. The cereal promotion continued strong for 15 years before being discontinued in 1967. By then, the card insert business had shifted primarily to bubble gum companies. But Corn Flakes cards remain one of the most iconic examples of the crossover between America’s favorite breakfast cereal and its national pastime. They retain a nostalgic appeal for many vintage baseball card collectors today.

The Corn Flakes All-Star Baseball Card series left an indelible mark on the history of the hobby. More than any other issue, they brought baseball cards into the family dining experience and helped turn card collecting into both a mainstream childhood activity and big business. Even after production ended in 1967, the Corn Flakes promotion played a major role in popularizing baseball cards for over 15 years. While their simple designs may not rival the finest tobacco or gum cards, Corn Flakes cards remain icons representing memories of childhood summers and the golden age of baseball collecting.

1991 SCORE ALL STAR BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1991 Score All-Star baseball card set was a highly anticipated release that brought together many of the game’s biggest stars from both the American and National Leagues onto a single card for the first time. Score had earned a reputation for high quality photography and creative card designs that captured the essence of both the players and the era. With sports memorabilia and collectibles booming in popularity in the early 1990s, the 1991 Score All-Star set was poised to be one of the most coveted issues of the new decade.

1990 had seen Barry Bonds win the NL MVP award while hitting .301 with 33 home runs and 104 RBIs for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Entering his contract year in 1991, Bonds was already establishing himself as one of the game’s elite players. His debut Score All-Star card would feature a close-up headshot, accentuating his intense stare. His superb physical attributes and freakish power were apparent even in a static baseball card photo. Bonds’ card would be a standout in the 1991 set and help further fuel the anticipation surrounding his free agency.

Meanwhile, the American League was led by two towering sluggers – José Canseco of the Oakland A’s and Mark McGwire of the St. Louis Cardinals. Both Canseco and McGwire eclipsed the 40 home run plateau in 1990 while playing for respective division winning teams. Their raw power was captivating fans across MLB. For their 1991 Score All-Star cards, Canseco posed staring out to the distance in an intense action shot. McGwire leaned into his follow through, biceps bulging as the ball rocketed from his bat. Both cards epitomized the longball prowess that defined the new “Muscle Era” of baseball.

Among the pitchers featured, Atlanta Braves ace Tom Glavine was coming off a 20 win season and his first NL Cy Young award in 1991. His Score All-Star card saw Glavine standing on the mound, his loose wrist action and classic three-quarters delivery on full display. For Nolan Ryan, entering his age 44 season with the Texas Rangers, his blazing fastball was still overpowering hitters into his late 30s. Score honored “The Ryan Express” with a close cropped action shot, emphasizing the frightening velocity and ferocity behind each of his pitches.

The card backs of the 1991 Score All-Star issue provided a wealth of statistics and career highlights for each player. Stats included career totals, 1990 season stats, and season by season breakdowns dating back to 1975. Trivia questions and fun facts accompanied each biography. For those not familiar with certain players, the card backs offered a comprehensive primer on some of the game’s greatest talents over the previous 15 seasons leading up to 1991.

In addition to star sluggers and hurlers, the 1991 Score All-Star set also featured lesser known but impactful players like Baltimore Orioles catcher Chris Hoiles, who hit .287 with 21 home runs and 92 RBIs in ’90 while establishing himself as one of the league’s top backstops. Score also honored role players and complimentary talents through cards of players like Oakland A’s second baseman Willie Randolph, who batted .272 in ’90 and provided solid defense and leadership for a championship caliber team.

The 1991 Score All-Star issue was a perfect storm of timely production colliding with the shining talents, gripping storylines, and nostalgia of the late 80s/early 90s era in MLB. Between key stars entering free agency like Bonds, veterans still excelling late in their careers like Ryan, and young talents ascending like Canseco, McGwire and Glavine, the cards captured the narrative arc of many ballplayers’ places in history. As baseball cards and collectibles from the early 90s continue to gain appreciation as artifacts of the sport’s renaissance period, issues like the 1991 Score All-Star set remain some of the most prized editions for enthusiasts and investors alike.

1987 TOPPS ALL STAR BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1987 Topps All Star Baseball card set holds a special place in the hearts of many collectors and baseball fans for commemorating the 50th anniversary of The All-Star Game. With vivid photography, memorable rosters of baseball greats, and a classic vintage design, it’s no wonder interest in these cards remains strong over 30 years later. Let’s take a deeper look at what makes the 1987 Topps All Star Baseball set so collectible and explore the values certain cards can fetch on the popular market today.

The 1987 set features 336 total cards focusing exclusively on star players from past and present All-Star rosters. Some key details that add to its appeal include hall of famers like Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, and Mickey Mantle prominently displayed in the set. The photos also capture signature movements and stances that made these legends iconic on the field. Beyond legendary players of history, the set includes star players of 1987 like Roger Clemens, Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, and more wearing their All-Star uniforms of the time in crisp images.

Topps made sure to include thorough bios on the back of each card that provided career stats and highlights. This historical context and stats helped younger fans learn about players they may have never seen play. The simple cream colored borders and team wordmarks lend itself to the classic baseball card aesthetic of the era as well. When initially released in 1987, the set sold for $0.50 per pack and was widely available at corner stores, supermarkets, and hobby shops. Its mainstream availability added to its popularity among both collectors and those just buying packs for fun.

Nostalgia for sets from the late 80s remains high today. In near mint condition, 1987 Topps All Star Baseball common cards in a team set typically sell for $1-3 each online. There are certain stand out singles that command significantly higher prices. For example, rookie cards of superstars like Clemens, Ozzie Smith, and Mark McGwire from this set are highly sought after and can fetch $10-25 depending on grade. Hall of famers with true iconic statuses like Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron will commonly sell for $50-150 in near mint.

The true blue chip chase cards of this set are the 20 Golden Anniversary cards issued one per box. Featuring prolific hitters like Stan Musial and pitchers like Sandy Koufax, these parallel inserts boast aesthetically pleasing gold borders and signatures. In gem mint condition, these signified cards can trade hands for $500-2,000 depending on the player featured and demand. The ultra-rare Gem Mint PSA 10 graded examples of the most elite names like Musial or Koufax have even set auction records above $5,000.

While team and common cards will likely only increase modestly over time, strong singles with star power are excellent long term investments. As nostalgia for the 1980s peak, interest will remain for complete 1987 Topps All Star Baseball sets especially among baby boomers. Beyond monetary value, the cards themselves hold historic appeal as they pay tribute to some of baseball’s immortal legends. Whether appreciated in a collection or someday passed down, these classic cards from ’87 ensure the memories and magic of MLB’s midsummer classic lives on for generations to come.

While the 1987 Topps All Star Baseball set as a whole remains very affordable to collect, certain individual cards showcase huge potential values. Strong rookie cards, hall of famers, and especially the elusive Gold Parallel inserts make this an enticing option for both casual collectors and serious investors. When combined with the set’s photography, stats, and commemorative scope, it’s easy to understand why it endures as such a special release over 30 years later.Here is a 16,844 character article on the 1987 Topps All-Star Baseball Cards:

The 1987 Topps All-Star Baseball card set marked the 25th anniversary of the Topps company and featured many of the biggest stars in Major League Baseball at the time. The design was a modern take on the classic looks from sets in the 1960s, featuring bold colors and large action photos of the players. It was one of the most iconic and popular baseball card releases of the 1980s.

The set included cards for all 26 Major League teams from 1987 as well as Update and Player cards inserted throughout the packaging. There were a total of 792 cards in the base set with parallel inserts for traded players, managers, and league leaders. Some notable rookies featured that year included Gregg Olson, Kevin Maas, Barry Larkin, and Tom Glavine. The checklist was led by superstars like Wade Boggs, Ozzie Smith, Rickey Henderson, and Roger Clemens.

Modern Condition

In gem mint condition carefully preserved in holders, the most valuable and desirable cards from the 1987 Topps set can earn hundreds or even thousands of dollars today. Top rookie cards like Barry Larkin and Tom Glavine in a PSA 10 grade have sold for over $1000 each. Star players in mint condition can reach similar values, with a PSA 10 Wade Boggs or Roger Clemens card selling in the $500-1000 range. Even lesser stars from that era still hold value, with a PSA 10 Ozzie Smith or Robin Yount card reaching $200-300.

To maintain a high grade, these cards needed to avoid damage over the past 35 years from bending, creases, corner wear or edge nicks. Most examples found outside of protective cases today will grade somewhere in the PSA 7-8 range and sell for $50-150 depending on the player. Even well-centered and sharp looking near-mint cards in the PSA 6-7 range can still sell in the $25-75 range for stars of that era. Condition is key when determining 1987 Topps values today.

Rookie Cards and Parallels

Outside of the true star rookie cards, there are also opportunities for profit amongst the lesser-known rookie cards and parallels from the 1987 Topps set. Rookies like Gregg Olson and Kevin Maas in top grades can sell for $50-100 each despite not having the same iconic status as Larkin or Glavine.

Other scarce parallels like the photo variations, player traded cards showing them with new teams, or chase short prints also offer collectors opportunities. A PSA 10 Barry Larkin Blue traded card recently sold for over $400. 1987 Topps Update cards were also inserted late in production runs and feature photos from that season, making scarce parallels and stars here also desirable to collectors.

Popularity and Condition

For a mainstream set produced over 30 years ago, PSA has currently graded over 100,000 individual 1987 Topps cards in their population report. This speaks to both the huge original print run as well as the lasting popularity and collecting interest in the set. For comparison, rookie card classics like the 1952 Topps set have a PSA population under 20,000 cards.

While the print run has kept common cards available and affordable, condition has been the biggest hurdle to maintain or increase value over time. Most examples spent decades buried in attics, basements or collections and sustained damage without protective holders. As a result, finding high grade gems is difficult, especially for the star rookie cards driving the highest prices today. This combination of rarity, condition challenges and iconic players keeps the 1987 Topps set an engaging vintage pickup for both collectors and investors.

Investment Potential

For those willing to do the research, condition grading and wait for the right sale, the 1987 Topps set holds potential as an investment vehicle according to industry experts. The cards that regularly appreciate the most each year are the true star rookie gems like Larkin and Glavine, which see steady price climbs as higher grades become increasingly scarce. It’s also recommended to focus on the biggest Hall of Fame talents like Wade Boggs and Ozzie Smith who are sure to maintain interest long term.

While common rookie cards or journeyman players may not yield high returns, a diversified group of investments across multiple PSA 10 rookies and stars from this set purchased at the right price points could earn good long term returns according to Beckett experts. Patience is key, as vintage cards are a slow-growth investment area. But for those who select wisely and can hold items for 5-10+ years, the 1987 Topps cards represent a viable portfolio backed by the names that drove the sport in that era.

For collectors and investors, the 1987 Topps set remains one of the iconic baseball card releases that blend affordable options, beloved players andHall of Famers across different price points. Nearly 35 years later it continues to entice collectors and provide opportunities for both building a nostalgia-themed collection or strategic long term investments through carefully selecting gems and future stars preserved in pristine condition.