Tag Archives: ungraded

UNGRADED BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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While the investment potential of graded gem mint sports trading cards that earn perfect PSA 10 or Beckett Black Label grades draws a lot of attention, some ungraded baseball cards can be worth significant money as well. Evaluating ungraded cards requires a keen eye for condition and knowing the proper context about certain players, sets, and years can unearth hidden value. Here are some examples of ungraded baseball cards that can be financially rewarding for collectors.

One of the most profitable categories of ungraded cards to target are vintage rookie cards from the 1950s and 1960s issued by Topps, Fleer, and other early manufacturers. Even in worn condition, an ungraded Mickey Mantle rookie card from 1952 Topps can fetch well over $10,000 due to the nostalgia surrounding the Yankees legend and low surviving population after 69 years. Similarly, rookie cards for iconic players like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Sandy Koufax from the same early decades maintain lofty values regardless of grade when compared to modern rookies.

Rookie cards are not the only targets – high-number cards late in sets that received less attention can be undervalued in ungraded form. A Mr. October Reggie Jackson from the famous 1975 Topps set in exhausted condition still sells for over $1,000 due to his legendary postseason heroics offsetting the more readily available “639” card number toward the end of the 642 card checklist. Understandable condition adjustments still provide profit potential for cards of players with enduring on-field careers and cultural staying power.

The late 1960s and 1970s saw the hobby explode in scale and certain products have maintained extraordinary prices. Ungraded examples of the famous 1968 Topps complete minor league set covering future Hall of Famers like Eddie Murray sell for thousands. Likewise, even damaged versions of rare variations like the 1969 Topps Deckle Edge Mickey Mantle verify for over $1,000 easily. Understanding alternate product releases and specialty parallels from multi-decade long ago still holds relevancy today.

Rookie cards are not the sole focus either – key cards documenting career milestones can retain substantial worth raw. Imperfect copies of Nolan Ryan’s record-breaking 5,000th career strikeout from 1991 Upper Deck sell for $700-900 since it captured one of baseball’s hallowed achievements. Spectacular plays immortalized on cardboard also gain value through time. Ungraded versions of the 1972 Topps Mike Schmidt “Cleanly Smashing The Ball Over The Fence” change-of-pace card verify for $400-500 given its captivating action scene visual.

More modern cards from the 1980s and 1990s must be in reasonable shape to maintain value ungraded but opportunities exist. Pre-rookie cards and draft picks of future superstars who exceeded expectations create bargains. Raw copies of the 1984 Donruss Dean Palmer (Barry Bonds) or 1988 Score Ken Griffey Jr draft picks sell in the $100-150 range presenting affordable potential. Similarly, pre-rookie gems like the 1990 Bowman Manny Ramirez sell for $250 in average condition presenting upside.

The 21st century has provided its own valuable ungraded finds. Rookie season parallels and autographs of now-established talents before the ascent in their careers offer savings. Unstamped refractor rookies of Ryan Howard from 2002 Topps Big League sell for around $75-100 despite plate appearances. Signed rookie cards of Dustin Pedroia, Evan Longoria, and David Price from 2006-2007 bring $50-75 when written. With patience, such examples could increase further as players’ careers progress.

While the perception is that ungraded cards hold no worth, history demonstrates selected untouchables maintain profit potential equivalent to graded gems. Doing research on certain years, sets, and the enduring legacies of players transfers collectible knowledge into cost-savings. For astute collectors, ungraded hidden value abounds within the vintage cardboard market for those observant enough to spot the diamonds in the rough.

1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PSA UNGRADED

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The 1987 Topps Baseball card set is one of the most popular and valuable vintage issues of all time. This was the 26th series issued by Topps and featured cards of players from that 1987 MLB season. It is considered by many collectors as the “golden age” of baseball cards thanks to stars like Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripken Jr., Roger Clemen and Ozzie Smith appearing on the cards.

While graded cards through Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) have become extremely popular and valuable in recent decades, many key 1987 Topps rookies and stars remain ungraded in original mint condition. Finding high quality original copies still in their raw, PSA-ungraded state offers collectors a rare opportunity to potentially acquire valuable vintage cards at lower price points than their certified counterparts.

Of particular interest for collectors hunting 1987 Topps PSA-ungraded cards are rookie or early career issues of hall of fame players like Barry Bonds, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, and Frank Thomas. Even in lower pristine grades of PSA 8 or PSA 7 once certified, these rookies can command prices in the thousands. But still in their original unaltered packaging they provide affordable options to add coveted pieces to a collection.

Other top prospects to seek out include Ben McDonald, Gary Sheffield, Bobby Witt and Moises Alou. While they didn’t have the career arcs of some others, their 1987 Topps rookies remain quite scarce in high grades. Ungraded mint condition copies offer an more budget friendly entry point for collectors before prices potentially skyrocket further if and when they are eventually sent off to PSA.

Key stars that regularly sell for multiple thousands certified even in EX-MT condition include Nolan Ryan, Ozzie Smith, Roger Clemens, Cal Ripken Jr. and Wade Boggs. Their base cards from ’87 Topps are fixtures in the $100-$500 raw price range depending on quality, a relative bargain compared to graded valuations. For set builders, locating pristine but PSA-unslabbed versions of these blue chip veterans provides a cost-effective alternative.

When hunting for desirable 1987 Topps cards in their PSA-ungraded form, there are several factors worth considering beyond just visual condition alone. First, closely examine the card surfaces under bright light for any nicks, dings or scratches that could ultimately downgrade them if submitted to be certified. Centering should also be as precise as possible front to back as well as top to bottom for a card’s best chance at a PSA 8 or 9.

Even slight indentations along edges from pressure over time in boxes could cause a potential grader to knock the card down. Another key item is verifying the card stock itself remains intact without any creases, folds or damage. 1987 Topps had a thinner stock versus earlier issues, making them more susceptible to physical flaws over the decades. Take note of any glue residue, stains or other issues on the reverse that PSA standards may view as detracting from an otherwise pristine grade.

As always, condition is king for vintage baseball cards. But especially so when evaluating 1987 Topps candidates in their pre-graded, raw form. Careful examination under magnification can help identify true gems with multi-hundred or even thousand dollar potential down the road as a PSA 8, 9 or MT. Meanwhile, their unslabbed state allows affordable acquisition today versus certified—though patience is required to realize maximum graded value over time.

Either way, 1987 Topps remains among the crown jewels of the vintage card collecting hobby thanks to its true all-star roster and iconic designs still coveted some 35 years later. And PSA-unslabbed copies open the door for collectors at any budget level to seek out and find those elusive pristine specimens just waiting to be authenticated and unlocked to much higher values. For those willing to do the sleuthing, bountiful treasures remain among the sea of ungraded 1987 cardboard gradually being rediscovered.

1990 SCORE BASEBALL CARDS PSA UNGRADED

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The 1990 Score baseball card set is considered one of the most historically significant releases of the late 1980s and early 1990s. The year 1990 marked a turning point in the baseball card industry as it was during this time that the era of “junk wax” began, coinciding with an overproduction of cards that significantly devalued the entire hobby. For collectors today, 1990 Score cards remain some of the most popular and intriguing vintage issues to acquire, whether graded or ungraded.

Score was the flagship brand of manufacturer Score Board, Inc. during the late 1980s boom in baseball cards. The company embraced the speculative mania at the time by greatly expanding production levels and making cards widely available through retail outlets. The 1990 Score set contains 792 total cards and had an enormous print run estimated between 1-2 billion individual cards. While this immense availability caused prices to plummet, it helped popularize Score as one of the top brands for both children looking to build their collections as well as investors hoping to profit.

For those searching out 1990 Score cards today, there are a few key pieces that remain some of the mostdesired among collectors. Rookie cards, especially for stars of the era like Ken Griffey Jr., continue to attract attention. Griffey’s appealing rookie from the 1990 Score set is one of the most iconic baseball cards ever made. Other popular rookie gems include Frank Thomas, Gregg Maddux, and David Justice. Stars of the day like Nolan Ryan, Wade Boggs, Cal Ripken Jr., and Ozzie Smith also have cards that hold value despite the overproduction.

Perhaps most intriguing are high-grade specimens of 1990 Score that have undergone professional grading and encapsulation by PSA. While the set was issued by the billions, pristine Mint or Gem Mint examples verified by PSA are remarkably scarce considering the print run. Cards that grade PSA 10 are true outliers that exemplify flawless printing and centering. Such specimens have exponentially greater demand from advanced collectors. Iconic cards like the Griffey rookie that achieve perfect PSA 10 status trade hands for premium prices, though they remain extremely rare finds.

For those seeking ungraded examples straight from packs or boxes however, there is still plenty of opportunity to acquire 1990 Score cards at budget-friendly prices. While they will not have the label or pedigree of a PSA holder, raw ungraded cards can still offer enjoyment and investment potential. When searching for ungraded versions, there are a few factors collectors look for that positively impact a card’s condition and appeal without third-party certification. Focusing on examples with strong centering, sharp corners, and clean surfaces is key. Cards pulled right from a sealed case that show no noticeable flaws have the best chance at grading well someday if ever submitted to a service like PSA or SGC.

It’s also worth noting that 1990 Score introduced many creative parallel and premium card inserts beyond the base set. Specialties like Futures Franchises, All-Rookie Team, Score Notes, and League Leaders pictured various players and included oversized or smaller card dimensions. These specialty pieces tend to attract additional attention despite the large print run of Score overall. The parallels and inserts offer appealing alternatives to pursue for collectors working on incomplete 1990 Score sets in both raw and graded formats.

While the junk wax era damaged short-term card values in the early 1990s, sets like 1990 Score from this period have ironically developed quite a noteworthy long-term following. Even for casual collectors just getting started, affordable ungraded 1990 Score cards straight from boxes and packs remain a fun component of building a vintage basketball collection. And for advanced collectors pursuing condition census-level specimens, PSA-graded 1990 Score examples like the Griffey rookie continue to tantalize. Whether raw or encapsulated, 1990 Score cards established the brand’s iconic design style and remain a cornerstone of the modern collecting landscape over 30 years later.

1960 LEAF BASEBALL CARDS PSA UNGRADED

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The 1960 Leaf baseball card set is one of the most iconic and desirable sets in the vintage sports card realm. While it is not nearly as well known as Topps rookie cards from the same era like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays or Roberto Clemente – 1960 Leaf cards hold a special place among vintage card collectors. Several key factors contributed to the allure and collectibility of 1960 Leaf cards even over 60 years later. Let’s take a deeper look at what makes 1960 Leaf baseball cards so fascinating for collectors, even when ungraded by PSA.

First, some background – the 1960 Leaf set was only the company’s second ever issue of baseball cards after their 1959 inaugural set. Leaf had been a long-time maker of non-sports trading cards and sought to capitalize on the booming marketplace for baseball memorabilia that Topps had come to dominate. The 1960 set contained a total of 130 player cards as well as managers, coaches and umpires for a final tally of 150 total cards. Unlike the big names in the Topps sets, Leaf cards tended to feature more journeyman players and stars later in their careers.

It is the rarity, condition issues and outrageous premiums ungraded 1960 Leaf cards can demand that really sets them apart. Topps was producing multi-million card runs each year but Leaf print runs were minuscule in comparison. Most estimates place the 1960 Leaf production numbers between 100,000-200,000 sets – making individual cards exponentially scarcer than their Topps counterparts from the same year. This alone adds a sizable premium but other factors magnify values further. The thin paper stock Leaf used was far more susceptible to damage or attrition over six decades versus the thicker Topps stock. Simply put – finding high grade 1960 Leaf cards is an extreme rarity.

As a result, even ungraded 1960 Leaf cards in average circulated condition can sell for hundreds or even thousands depending on the player featured. Stars like Hank Aaron or Willie Mays routinely sell for $2,000-$4,000+ even in PA/GEM levels the grade most 1960 Leaf cards realistically grade at. But the real treasures are the true gem mint cards – which can achieve valuation in the $10,000s all the way up to six figures for the true perfect gems. Even more humble players still fetch $500-$1,000 even without a Beckett/PSA grade.

The heightened scarcity and rarity compared to other vintage sets is a huge factor. In 2011, Heritage Auctions sold an ungraded 1960 Leaf complete set for almost $35,000. At today’s immensely increased vintage card market, that price tag could now reach $50,000+ – if a collector could even get their hands on a full unbroken 1960 Leaf set. Individual high-value cards may realistically sell for $10,000+ each even ungraded. Consider, for example, the 1960 Leaf Frank Robinson rookie card – a true American treasure which has sold in the $80,000-$100,000 range in PSA 8. Specimens in lower grades still command figures in the $10s of thousands.

Naturally, PSA and SGC graded examples shatter these ungraded values. A PSA 5 1960 Leaf Willie Mays for instance could sell for $15,000-25,000 depending on auction activity while the same card in Gem Mint PSA 10 condition has achieved over $125,000 at public sale. Graded Hank Aaron and Roberto Clemente 1960 Leaf rookies in high grades like PSA 8 have hit six figures as well. But those opportunities come along exceedingly rarely – further emphasizing the allure and value preservation ungraded 1960 Leaf cards provide even without the slab.

While they may not have the name recognition of flagship Topps rookie issues – 1960 Leaf baseball cards represent one of the most challenging sets to collect high-grade due to their extreme rarity and condition challenges. Even unslabbed, the premiums 1960 Leaf singles and sets continue to achieve is a testament to their legendary place in the hearts of vintage collectors. Whether you focus on superstars or seek out every player featured – acquiring 1960 Leaf cards will remain a lifelong pursuit of the utmost significance in the hobby. Their staying power after sixty years only solidifies their status as enduring American pop culture artifacts.

BASEBALL CARDS VALUES UNGRADED

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Determining the value of ungraded baseball cards can seem like a daunting task, but with some knowledge of factors that affect card prices, you can get a good idea of what your collection may be worth. While ungraded cards don’t have the official certification of companies like PSA or BGS that helps establish market value, understanding attributes like the player, year, condition and more can provide a solid valuation.

One of the biggest determinants of any baseball card’s worth is the player featured on the front. Hall of Famers, MVPs, no-hitters, and cards from star players’ rookie seasons are usually the most valuable. Condition is also extremely important for ungraded cards since even minor flaws can decrease value significantly. Always examine cards closely under good lighting to properly assess the condition. Focus on the centering, corners, edges and surface for signs of wear, creases, discoloration or other defects.

The year a card was produced also influences value as certain seasons were printed in lower numbers or marked career milestones. The further back in time you go, the rarer the cards tend to be which drives up demand. Another consideration is whether the card is part of the base set, an insert, parallel, autograph or memorabilia card. Parallel or short-printed versions of base cards that were made in limited supply hold premium value. Autograph and memorabilia cards signed or containing game-used materials from prominent players can be extremely valuable.

Beyond individual attributes, it’s important to research recently sold prices for comparable ungraded cards to get a true sense of current market value. Sites like eBay allow you to search “sold” listings only to view exact sales that were completed. Also check online auction houses and reputable third-party grading companies that offer ungraded card valuation tools. Speaking to local card shop owners and show dealers can provide helpful insight and price guidance as well. With the right information, you’ll have a solid understanding of what your collection is worth in its current ungraded state.

Let’s look more closely at some specific examples that illustrate how different factors affect value. A 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner tobacco card in poor condition might fetch $20,000 today whereas a near-mint example could sell for over $1 million due to its extreme rarity and significance in baseball history. A 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card in very good condition might sell for around $3,000 while a mint copy could reach $100,000. Condition has huge impact on vintage cards.

For more modern issues, a 1998 Bowman’s Best Refractor Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card in near-mint to mint condition could sell for $800-1,500 while a well-centered 1999 SP Authentic Gold Label Derek Jeter rookie card might reach $500-750 depending on centering and edges. Authentic autographed or game-used rookie cards from stars like Chipper Jones, Mariano Rivera, Randy Johnson, and Pedro Martinez can sell for thousands. Even recent stars like Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, and Mookie Betts have valuable rookie cards in high grades.

Certain sets are also known to contain valuable short prints and parallels. The 2009 Topps Chrome Update Blue Refractor parallel of super prospect Stephen Strasburg’s rookie card in gem mint condition could sell for $1,500-2,500. High-numbered parallels below /10 from sets like Topps Finest, Bowman Sterling or Topps Chrome often carry premium value as well. Autograph cards obtained directly from players or at card shows also hold value even without grading certification.

Understanding attributes like the player, year, set, condition, and current market prices is key to accurately valuing your ungraded baseball cards. With some research, you can feel confident in the potential worth of your collection and make informed choices about whether to potentially grade cards to maximize value down the road. Grading is an added cost but can significantly boost prices, especially for vintage cards. By educating yourself on the factors discussed here, you’ll be well equipped to value your ungraded cards.

1957 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PSA UNGRADED

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1957 was a monumental year for Topps and the collecting world as it was the company’s first major baseball card production after obtaining the exclusive license from Bowman Gum. The simple yet iconic design of the 1957 Topps baseball card set helped propel the brand to new heights. While the cards did not receive PSA grading at the time of production, collectors today highly value obtaining high grade examples to preserve condition sensitive rookie and star players from this classic set.

The 1957 Topps baseball cards featured 569 total cards in the set with player photographs on the front and colorful ads for bubble gum on the back. What made the design so appealing was its straightforward approach – basic white borders around each photo with the player’s name, team, and position directly under in bold red text. The simplicity allowed the focus to remain on the player images. Topps photographers captured high quality front facing shots for each player in major and minor league teams. The set included several soon to be Hall of Fame players in their early career years like Stan Musial, Ted Williams, and Willie Mays.

While the set design was attractive and photography was well done, the 1957 Topps cards had some inherent production flaws that make obtaining high grades from PSA a challenge. As with many early era Topps issues, centering was often off which impacts eye appeal and preservation potential long term. The thin cardboard stock also tended to show more wear over time compared to later higher quality card materials. Perhaps most notably, the edges were subject to nicks, dings, and discoloration as they were not regularly trimmed during manufacturing like modern issues. All of these factors lower potential PSA grades.

Some key rookies and stars hold massive value in high PSA grades today for 1957 Topps. A PSA Gem Mint 10 Mickey Mantle rookie in pristine condition could eclipse $1 million at auction. Career highlights of Mantle are prominently featured on the back of his card alongside company promotions. Other rookies like Frank Robinson, Gene Freese, and Jerry Lumpe also gain significant value in top PSA grades. Superstar veterans like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Eddie Mathews are highly sought after by collectors preserving condition sensitive examples as well.

Beyond standout rookie cards and stars, completing the full 569 card set in high PSA grades is an epic undertaking. With many lesser known players having runs produced in much lower quantities, finding well centered and flawless examples to achieve top PSA 10 marks is an immense challenge. Dedicated set builders over the decades have spent fortunes acquiring the required cards across all levels to put together complete pristine certified sets. Currently there are no confirmed PSA 10 set completions publicly recorded, highlighting the rarity.

For ungraded collectors, locating well preserved 1957 Topps singles and short sets provides an accessible entry into this historic release. While financial potential may not be as large without PSA certification of grade, finding quality examples to simply enjoy the classic designs and photographs is accomplishment in itself considering the set’s age. Overall the 1957 Topps baseball issue has grown exponentially in demand and value at all preservation levels thanks to its breakthrough design being Topps’ first major release and capturing the early careers of countless legends. PSA grading preservation ensures the condition sensitive issues can be enjoyed by collectors for generations.

The 1957 Topps baseball card set was a true beginning of the modern baseball card era. While production quality posed preservation challenges long term, those who have achieved the highest PSA grades on stars, rookies, and completing the set have attained holy grails. Obtaining quality ungraded singles allows collectors to enjoy the historic issue as well without certification. The simple yet classic design sensibilities have cemented 1957 Topps as one of the most significant releases in the hobby.

BEST WAY TO SELL UNGRADED BASEBALL CARDS

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Selling ungraded baseball cards can be a great way to make some extra money, but there are a few key things you need to know to maximize your profits. While ungraded cards are generally worth less than graded cards, you still have a few good options for finding buyers. With some research and effort, here are the best strategies for selling your ungraded baseball card collection.

The first step is to sort through your collection and identify any valuable cards. Focus on star players from the 1970s and earlier, as those tend to hold the most value. Look up recently sold prices on eBay to get an idea of what certain cards in similar condition are going for. Make note of any rookie cards, serially numbered parallels, or cards of Hall of Famers. These will be your best cards to focus on selling individually.

Once you’ve identified your most valuable individual cards, your best bet is usually eBay. eBay allows you to reach the widest possible audience of collectors and has built-in sales tools like auction listings. When photographing cards for eBay listings, take multiple high-quality images showing the front and back under good lighting. Describe the condition accurately using standard terms like near mint, very good, etc. and point out any flaws.

Set a minimum price you’re willing to accept based on research, but let the market determine the final sale price through an auction format. Most collectors prefer to see actual photos rather than stock images, so take your time with photography. Shipping is also important – use a rigid top loader and cardboard to protect the card within a bubble mailer or box. This will give buyers confidence in the condition upon arrival.

In addition to single card sales, you can also sell entire collections or teams on eBay. This is a good option if you have a large number of common cards but lack any true high-dollar singles. Group cards by team or set and take photos showing an overview as well as close-ups of representative samples. Again, describe condition accurately. Bundle sales may attract collectors looking to fill out sets rather than individual cards.

Another popular option for selling ungraded cards is through group sales on Facebook. Join groups like “Sports Card Collectors” or specific teams groups and post photos of your items for sale. You’ll need to price cards competitively since there are no built-in sales tools, but Facebook reaches collectors easily. Shipping is also the seller’s responsibility. To build confidence, show a detailed inventory with prices up front and ship quickly once payment is received.

Consignment with a local card shop is another viable option, especially if you have a large collection to sell. Reputable shops will evaluate your cards, provide fair market value estimates, and list the items in their store inventory or on their website to attract buyers. The tradeoff is that you’ll only receive a percentage (often around 50%) of the final sale price since the shop is handling the work. But it’s a hands-off way to potentially sell everything at once.

If you have rarer, high-dollar singles in your collection, you may want to consider getting them professionally graded first by PSA or BGS before selling. Grading provides authentication and guarantees the assigned grade, which collectors are willing to pay a premium for. Grading is an added expense that only makes financial sense for truly valuable cards likely to grade well. Stick to selling lower-end ungraded cards through the methods above.

Whichever route you choose, take your time photographing and describing cards accurately. Research recently sold prices and be realistic in your pricing. Package securely for shipping. With some effort, you can maximize the value of your ungraded baseball card collection through the smart selling strategies above. Grading may unlock more value in top cards down the road as well. With the right approach, there is definitely money to be made selling ungraded baseball cards to collectors.

1986 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PSA UNGRADED

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The 1986 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic releases in the entire hobby. It marked the 25th anniversary of Topps’ hugely popular baseball card product and featured special silver foil logos and design elements to commemorate the milestone. The 1986 set also stands out for featuring some of the all-time greats of the game like Nolan Ryan, Mike Schmidt, and Rickey Henderson on the cards.

Given the vintage status and star power of the 1986 Topps set, it’s no surprise that the cards remain in high demand both graded and ungraded over 30 years later. Collectors are constantly on the hunt for well-centered examples to add to their collections. With PSA and BGS population reports showing a limited number of high graded 1986 Topps cards, many collectors are also scoping out prospects in the raw, PSA ungraded market.

Holding a 1986 Topps card ungraded presents an opportunity. With careful examination and some luck, someone may uncover a true gem hiding within the plain white borders. Getting a card professionally graded is also a gamble, as there is no guarantee what final grade may be assigned. Going the ungraded route removes that uncertainty and allows collectors to make their own initial assessment.

There are a few key factors to look at when evaluating 1986 Topps cards with an eye toward eventual PSA grading:

Centering – Centering is hugely important for any vintage card to achieve top PSA grades. Take a close look at all four borders and see if they are evenly cut. Major off-centering could limit a card’s pop to PSA 8 or lower.

Corners – Sharp, undamaged corners are critical. Even minor nicks or dings here can drag a grade down. Use a magnifying glass to inspect for flaws.

Edges – The edges should be smooth and not show signs of fraying, bends, or other damage over time. Look closely along all sides.

Surface – Scan the entire surface very carefully under bright light for any flaws, scratches, stains or other marks that could dock points. Even hairlines are magnified under grading scrutiny.

Eye Appeal – Take into account the overall look and feel. How “clean” and appealing does the card appear visually? Strong eye appeal can boost weaker technical attributes.

Of course, centering tends to be the great equalizer. A card with sharp corners but off-centering may have trouble breaking PSA 8, no matter how flawless the surface. Conversely, a perfectly cut gem with one minor flaw can still earn PSA 9 if centering carries the day.

Another factor with 1986 Topps is the silver foil elements on the design. Over the decades, these have shown a propensity to peel, crackle or discolor on some examples. Ideally a card would have fully intact foil accents to satisfy the white glove treatment of PSA grading.

Some of the true blue chip 1986 Topps rookie and star cards to scout for in ungraded form include Mark McGwire, Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and, of course, Ken Griffey Jr. High quality versions of these could net five-figure returns from PSA if submitted and graded at the top level.

More common hall of famers like Wade Boggs, Eddie Murray and Dave Winfield remain quite affordable yet present breakout potential as well. Condition is still king here, but a properly graded PSA/BGS gem of a card featuring a member of the 3,000 hit club would command major collector interest.

The 1986 Topps set has retained incredible nostalgia and lasting appeal over the decades. For those active in the vintage baseball card market, hunting raw copies is one way to get involved in the excitement of discovery and potentially uncover a future high grade blue chipper before anyone else. Careful examination and due diligence are essential to pinpointing true hidden gems within the stack of ungraded cardboard waiting to tell their story under critical PSA review. With the right card in the right condition, it could result in a highly valuable graded trophy for any collector’s collection.

UNGRADED BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE

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While obtaining graded gem mint baseball cards can potentially yield a high return on investment if properly sold, many collectors purchase ungraded cards to enjoy without worrying as much about condition or resale value down the line. Ungraded cards still hold value and charm for collectors based on the players and era. Several online marketplaces specialize in selling ungraded baseball cards in bulk lots or individually.

Many individual collectors sell ungraded cards from their personal collections online through sites like eBay. They may be unloading duplicates or cards of players they no longer particularly collect to make room for new additions or fund other collection purchases. These individual sellers tend to have varying organizational methods for their listings, some including more details than others on specific players, years, conditions, and other relevant details to help buyers determine value and interest. Photos are almost always provided to showcase the fronts and backs of the cards.

Prices for ungraded individual cards from individual sellers can vary widely based on the current supply and demand for a given player at any moment in time. Highly sought rookie cards or cards of star players from popular vintage eras may still fetch respectable prices even without a official grading, while more common players or newer production runs may mostly be purchaseable for a dollar or two. Buyers need to evaluate photos carefully and consider average sold prices for comparable graded cards of that player to estimate a fair value range for an ungraded copy.

In addition to individual sellers, online auction sites also host large inventory listings from semi-pro and full-time sports card dealers selling supplies of ungraded cards in bulk lots. These dealers may have purchased other collections, done group breaks of boxes and cases, or otherwise accumulated cards in numbers beyond what they have time to grade and sell individually. Bulk lots appeal to collectors searching for affordable ways to add variety and finds to their collections without spending a lot on a small number of high-end cards.

Some of the largest sports card shops also sell off excess ungraded inventory through their websites. Online listings are sorted by sport, set, player, or year and sold by the team bag, box or custom quantity. Condition can vary widely within a single listing but overall prices per card end up quite reasonable considering any premium individual cards contained could offset duplicates orcommons. This’rifling through bags’ aspect adds an element of surprise to each purchase. Items ship in sturdy boxes with teams organized together to maintain condition in transit.

Whether buying individuals or bulk, it’s important for buyers of ungraded cards to carefully review return policies which generally do not permit returns simply based on condition dissatisfaction since grading was not done upfront. For unopened wax or factory sets, a sealed packaging requirement helps guarantee no tampering but individual cards naturally hold more risk without a grading certificate. Proven dealers with many positive reviews help mitigate risks of deception compared to lesser known sellers without documented track records. Overall communication is key especially on perceived flaws.

Even without rigorous grading, ungraded baseball cards still hold value and appeal to collectors both serious and casual. Individual sales offer a way to pick up tough-to-find needs and new additions while bulk lots provide an affordable route to grow collections inexpensively at scale. With prudent shopping habits like reviewing photos, policies, and prices – plus realistic expectations of condition variability – ungraded cards fuel passions for set-building and player collecting without breaking the bank. The surprises and personal touches of examining ungraded cards also contribute to why card collecting remains such an engaging hobby.

1963 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PSA UNGRADED

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The 1963 Topps baseball card set marked a milestone season in Major League Baseball as it was the first year of the expansion era. For collectors of these vintage cards, finding high quality, ungraded examples from this set can be quite rewarding. The 1963 Topps set features memorable rookies like Sandy Koufax and Pete Rose as well as established stars entering their prime like Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays. Being nearly 60 years old now, it’s impressive to find 1963 Topps cards in great condition without having received a professional grading service designation. Here is an in-depth look at collecting and valuing these classic cardboard pieces of baseball history unencumbered by a PSA, BGS, or SGC holder.

1963 was the year following the addition of two expansion franchises, the New York Mets and Houston Colt .45s (who later became the Astros). This increased the number of teams to 20 for the first time. The expansion diluted the talent pool slightly, but it was still a very competitive year in both leagues. The Topps set from ’63 reflected these changes with photos of players in their new uniforms whether on an established club or one of the newcomers. With 330 total cards issued, this complete set includes all teams and has become a must-have for serious vintage collectors.

Finding high grade examples in perfect centering, with sharp corners and no creases or bends is highly desirable but also challenging without a professional grading designation. By leaving the cards ungraded, collectors are able to visually inspect each card closely rather than rely solely on a grade from a service. This allows buyers to better judge condition nuances themselves. It also means there is no official authentication or guarantee of quality. For the savvy vintage card investor, the potential rewards of discovering a true gem in an ungraded 1963 Topps lot can be great.

Some of the most notable and valuable rookie cards available in the ’63 Topps set in top-notch ungraded condition include Sandy Koufax, Pete Rose, Dick Allen, Bill Freehan, Jerry Koosman, and Lou Brock. Each of these players went on to highly accomplished MLB careers. An ungraded example of one of these rookie cards in mint or near-mint condition could realistically be valued anywhere from $1,000 to over $10,000 depending on several factors such as centering, corners, eye appeal, and comparables that have recently sold on the open market. Of course, the all-time greatest 1963 Topps rookie could be a pristine Koufax who threw four no-hitters and won three Cy Young Awards. An ungraded copy in that condition could sell for well over $25,000.

In addition to coveted rookie cards, the 1963 Topps set features true icon cards of the era without a PSA or BGS holder that could possess excellent value potentials. These include a Willie Mays (#130) or Mickey Mantle (#311) in near-mint to mint condition ungraded. Serious collectors would gladly pay $500-$4,000 for copies like these depending on precise centering, edges and surfaces. High numbers can also be found for ungraded ’63 Topps cards of other living legends such as Hank Aaron, Roberto Clemente and Sandy Koufax himself in top condition levels. Obviously, a set builder would have the most options to complete their ’63 Topps collection ungraded so they could personally inspect each piece.

An attractive way for collectors to acquire desirable ungraded 1963 Topps cards is by purchasing entire team sets still in their original packaging or binders. This ensures the cards were well protected over time and not tampered with. It also gives buyers the chance to possibly uncover multiple high grade gems or valuable rookie cards all at once. Entire intact team sets in excellent ungraded condition for mainstream clubs would carry estimated values of $600 to over $3,000 depending on the team and if stars are included. More obscure full sets could command higher prices in the vintage collecting community of dedicated ’63 Topps aficionados.

The 1963 Topps baseball card set endures as one of the most important vintage issues due to its placemarking the expansion era. For collectors preferring to personally inspect cards rather than rely solely on grading designation, exploring the values and condition intricacies of the set’s highly coveted raw examples can lead to astute investments and fulfillment in building this seminal piece of cardboard history. Discovering true gems among the great rookie cards and legendary players featured without a PSA, BGS or SGC holder attached remains a gratifying quest for dedicated vintage baseball enthusiasts.