Tag Archives: values

1952 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUES

Leave a reply

The 1952 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic issues in the entire history of the hobby. It was just the second year Topps had produced cards after entering the baseball card market in 1951. The design featured large color photos on a white background, with players’ names and positions below the image. At the time, it was a breakthrough in design and production quality compared to previous card offerings.

Today, the 1952 Topps set is among the most valuable issues for collectors and enthusiasts. Prices for individual cards greatly depend on condition and the player featured, but there are several notable cards that routinely command five-figure sums or more for high-grade examples. Let’s take a look at some of the key cards and valuation guides for this beloved mid-20th century release.

One of the true holy grails for any vintage baseball card collection is the Mickey Mantle rookie card from 1952 Topps. In pristine mint condition, ungraded examples have sold for well over $1 million. Even poorly-centered, yet higher graded copies in the PSA 7-8 range can fetch $100,000+. Mantle is arguably the most significant player ever featured on a baseball card, making his rookie one of the crown jewels.

Another true icon of the set, and all of hobby, is the 1952 Topps Jackie Robinson card. As the first black ballplayer in the integrated Major Leagues, Robinson shattered racial barriers and changed the game forever when he debuted for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. High-grade copies of his second-year card from ’52 are equally as scarce and valuable as the Mantle, frequently commanding six-figure prices or more for examples in PSA 8-9 condition.

While those two may be out of reach for most collectors, there are still other star players that make worthy vintage card investments. Willie Mays’ rookie from 1952 Topps routinely brings around $30,000-$40,000 for a PSA 8. Whitey Ford’s attractive pitcher portrait in the same grade will pay around $15,000-$20,000 at auction. Top Dodger starters Duke Snider and Don Newcombe can reach $5,000-$8,000 for nice PSA 8 copies as well.

Going further down the condition scale, there are still excellent collecting and value opportunities to be had. A Mickey Mantle in overall nice shape but graded only PSA 5 might sell for $10,000-$15,000. Even an average condition Jackie Robinson could make $3,000-$5,000 at auction depending on visual appeal. Just about any Hall of Famer from the set, like Roy Campanella, Stan Musial, or Ted Williams, has value potential if grading a PSA 6 or better.

For builders of complete sets, lower graded but still presentable common players make acquisition feasible compared to chasing individual stars. A PSA 4-6 graded 1952 Topps set in average condition regularly sells in the range of $15,000-$25,000. One in higher grades of PSA 7 or 8 would likely command five figures or more. Meanwhile, there are also opportunities to acquire individual commons for just $10-$50 depending on the name and grade.

The 1952 Topps baseball card set established design standards that still carry influence today. Its rookie cards of legends like Mantle and Robinson make it one of the most valuable issues ever produced. Even for collectors on a budget, there are prospects to build value through astute grading assessment of Hall of Famers or locating decent common singles. The ’52 Topps release is sure to stay an iconic and fascinating part of the hobby for generations to come.

1972 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUES

Leave a reply

The 1972 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the most valuable issues from the 1970s. While it may lack the star power and historical significance of some earlier years, strong production numbers and design qualities have made the ’72s a favorite of collectors even decades later. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout rookie cards, stars of the era, and oddball variations that can significantly impact values within the set.

One of the biggest names from the ’72 set is future Hall of Famer Johnny Bench, coming off his second straight National League MVP award at the time of printing. High grades of his familiar smiling face card can earn thousands. Another Reds star of that period, pitching ace Don Gullett, also has value potential in higher grades despite his short career due to injury. Gullett’s card typically sells for $50-100 in EX-MT condition.

Rookie cards are always a focus for collectors looking to capitalize, and 1972 had a strong draft class. One of the most coveted is Chicago White Sox outfielder Wilbur Wood, who made his debut that year after years in the minors. Wood went on to become a knuckleball specialist and 20-game winner, making his rookie card quite valuable in top condition – recently selling for over $500 in Gem Mint. Minnesota Twins teammates Rod Carew and Bert Blyleven also had big rookie years in 1972. High grade examples of their cards can go for $300-500 each.

Perhaps the biggest star of the ’72s is Oakland Athletics pitcher Vida Blue, coming off his incredible 1971 season where he won the AL MVP and Cy Young at age 21. Blue’s card is routinely one of the most expensive from the set, with PSA/BGS 9s reaching well into the four-figure range. Likewise, Nolan Ryan’s fifth Topps issue as a player sees strong prices due to his pitching prowess and Hall of Fame career. Typical values are $150-300 for Ryan cards in top condition.

There were also several notable variations and oddballs that can spike values. The front-image switch cards were printed with inadvertent photo swaps of Steve Blass and George Scott early in production. Finding an example with the error ups the price point significantly. Meanwhile, the annual test/photo variation cards also appear, such as Don Money with a partial chest script versus the standard full body shot. Lower print run items like these can reach hundreds or more.

Condition, of course, is paramount when assigning value to any vintage release. But interestingly, 1972 Topps has seen prices hold up fairly well even in poorer grades compared to other years. Cards that grade EX-MT can usually be acquired for $5-15 in most cases, providing an affordable entry point. Demand remains high for pristine GEM MINT 10 examples to holders or for grading consideration.

While the 1972 Topps set may lack the true high-end star power of decades past, there remains plenty to appreciate both visually through the design and historically through star players like Bench, Carew and Blue making their early card appearances. Strong production numbers ensure availability at all levels, but key rookie cards, variations and impeccable condition examples continue to push the ceiling higher over the long run of collecting demand for this classic 1970s issue. Thanks to these factors, 1972 Topps maintains its standing as one of the most beloved and affordable investments in the entire vintage spectrum.

1973 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUES

Leave a reply

The 1973 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the more iconic issues from the early 1970s due to some of the rookie cards and stars featured. Over the past decade, values of certain key cards from the 782-card set have increased considerably.

This was the first Topps set to feature player headshots taken with dark film backgrounds rather than team uniforms. The design featured a color team logo at the top along with the player’s position and batting or pitching stats. At the bottom was the team name written in a script font. The backs continued with the simple white design featuring career stats and a short biography.

The rookie class of 1973 included Hall of Famers Dave Winfield, John Montefusco and player-turned-manager Jim Leyland. Some key rookie cards to look for include:

Dave Winfield, Padres (#1): One of the most iconic rookie cards in the sport. Near mint copies in PSA 8 or 9 condition can fetch $3,000-$5,000. Higher grades above PSA 9 push into the $10,000 range.

John Montefusco, Giants (#659): A PSA 8 trades for $500-800 while a PSA 9 goes for $1,000-1,500. Higher grades command more value.

Jim Leyland, Pirates (#675): Has increased in value steadily the past few years. PSA 8 is $150-250 and PSA 9 is $300-500.

Ron Cey, Dodgers (#30): Not a hall of famer but an important Dodger from that era. PSA 8 is $150-250.

Bert Blyleven, Twins (#684): PSA 8 is $150-250. His dominance in the late 70s and 80s has increased interest in his rookie card long term.

Some of the veteran superstars featured in the set that command big money include Nolan Ryan’s Astros card (#632), Roberto Clemente’s Pirates (#20), Hank Aaron’s Braves (#75) and Willie Mays’ Mets (#660). All are highly coveted by collectors in high grades.

The biggest stars fetch the highest prices. A PSA 9 Nolan Ryan can sell for over $8,000. A PSA 8 Hank Aaron is $2,000-3,000 and a PSA 9 is $5,000-7,000. A PSA 9 Roberto Clemente is $7,000-10,000 range while his PSA 8 goes for $3,000-5,000.

The 1973 Topps set also features unique error cards that are highly sought after. The two most notable are:

Mike Kekich, Yankees (error): Has him wearing a Yankees cap and uniform but credited to the Indians on front. Scarce error that a PSA 8 sold for $5,000 in early 2020 auction.

George Scott, Brewers (error): Credited to the “Brewers” but photo shows his Expos uniform clearly. PSA 8 trades between $1,200-2,000.

Beyond the star rookies and veterans, there are also several other notable short prints and harder to find cards that command demand:

Bill Singer, Angels SP (#670): Low printed short print. PSA 8 trades for $300-500.

Clarence Gaston, Expos SP (#662): Scarce find. PSA 8 brings $200-350 range.

Dan Spillner, A’s SP (#628): One of the toughest 1973 SPs to locate. PSA 8 potential $500+ card.

Willie Davis, Dodgers SP (#50): Quality versions still around $150-250 in PSA 8.

Don Sutton, Dodgers (#12): High quality years were ahead but still valuable Dodgers star. PSA 8 is $150-250.

The 1973 Topps set is remarkably complete and accessible for collectors of all budgets. Many key stars and rookies can be found in affordable near mint grades while gem mint copies of the true vintage stars continue increasing in value steadily. For a vintage set with so many iconic players featured, 1973 Topps cards remain a relatively inexpensive entry into the vintage hobby.

1994 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUES

Leave a reply

The 1994 Topps baseball card set was issued during a transitional period for the hobby. While stars of the past like Nolan Ryan and Don Mattingly continued to hold value in their rookie and star cards, new talents were emerging that would come to define the late 90s and 2000s. Understanding the landscape and major stories around 1994 can help collectors better evaluate cards from the set.

1994 marked Ken Griffey Jr.’s age 24 season where he hit 40 home runs for the first time. Griffey was already one of the game’s most exciting young players and his star power continued to grow. His highly sought after rookie card from 1989 Upper Deck was among the most valuable cards on the market in the early 90s. Griffey’s base rookie card from Finest sold for over $1000 graded mint in the late 90s. Other Griffey cards, like his ultra-rare Laughing Man parallel from Finest and especially rare autographed and memorabilia cards hold tremendous value today.

Another young star who emerged in 1994 was Frank Thomas of the Chicago White Sox. “The Big Hurt” built off his 1993 AL MVP season by winning the award again in 1994 after hitting .353 with 38 home runs and 101 RBI’s. Thomas’ success helped grow the popularity of the emerging White Sox franchise. Thomas’ 1992 Bowman rookie card and 1989 Score RC had climbed up the charts value-wise by 1994 as his on-field production took off. These cards remain highly valued today.

Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr.’s move from Seattle to Cincinnati prior to the 2000 season was one of the biggest trades and storylines in baseball during the late 90s. This positioned Griffey for new collector interest and card value opportunities on Reds cards issued in 2000 and beyond. Griffey’s time with the Mariners, where he first broke in and spent the bulk of his career through 1999, is what truly drives value for most collectors on his older cards.

Some other notable rookies in the 1994 Topps set whose cards held and continue to hold value include Larry Walker, Chipper Jones, Greg Maddux, Brad Penny, and Moises Alou. Maddux in particular was already emerging as a masterful pitcher who would go on to win 4 consecutive Cy Young Awards from 1992-1995 with the Braves. His upper-end rookie cards, especially autographed versions, stayed in high demand.

The 1994 season was also the final one for all-time greats like Nolan Ryan and Don Mattingly. Ryan’s playing career was capped appropriately with one final no-hitter at age 47. Meanwhile the Yankees’ Mattingly struggled with injuries but stayed a fan favorite as his on-field playing days wound down. Both players had achieved iconic status and their vintage rookie cards as well as key cards chronicling their careers remained sound investments for collectors.

Key factors that drive collector and investor interest in 1994 Topps cards include star rookie cards of players who went on to have Hall of Fame careers, particularly Griffey, Jones, Walker, Maddux, and Thomas. Serial numbered or autographed parallels of stars from the 1990s are also highly valued, such as rare Griffey or Thomas refractors or signature cards. For veterans, premium/near-RC cards of all-time greats like Ryan, Mattingly, Rickey Henderson, and Tony Gwynn are in demand, as are their rookie cards in higher grades. Aesthetically pleasing examples of these star cards that grade highly tend to be the most valuable long term. Understood in the context of baseball and market forces in the mid-1990s, collectors can better evaluate what specific 1994 Topps cards hold lasting worth.

YouTube player

VINTAGE BASEBALL CARDS VALUES LOOKUP

Leave a reply

Vintage baseball cards hold a special place in the world of collecting. They offer a unique window into the history of America’s pastime that simply cannot be found elsewhere. With that in mind, many collectors are interested in researching the values of their vintage baseball card collections. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you learn how to lookup the values of your vintage baseball cards.

One of the most important factors that determines a vintage baseball card’s value is its condition or state of preservation. Card condition is graded on a scale from Poor to Near Mint to Mint. Obviously, the better condition a card is in, the more valuable it will be. A Poor condition card may have creases, folds, staining or torn edges that significantly impact its value. Near Mint and Mint condition cards are almost flawless and command the highest prices. It’s a good idea to take the time to objectively examine each card and determine its relative condition.

In addition to condition, the year a card was printed holds great significance to its value. The earliest vintage baseball cards were issued in the late 1800s as promotional inserts in tobacco products. These tobacco era cards from the late 1800s to early 1900s are the most prized and expensive available. The T206 and T205 sets from 1909–11 are considered the crown jewels of vintage baseball card collecting. Within sets from specific years, certain players cards may be worth exponentially more than others due to their fame and importance to the sport’s history.

Having established the year and condition of a vintage baseball card, the next crucial step is researching recent sale prices using online price guides and auction records. When looking up values, it’s important to search for “sold” or “completed” listings that accurately reflect what cards have actually sold for, rather than just listed asking prices. The three leading online sources for researching baseball card values are PSA SMR Price Guide, Beckett Baseball Card Price Guide, and sites like eBay that allow searching for “sold” auctions.

PSA SMR (Sports Market Report) provides monthly average sales data for vintage cards in specific grades. You can easily look up values based on year, set, player and grade. For very rare, high value cards there may not be many recent comparable sales, so the value range could be wide. Beckett lists “market prices” based on a rolling average of recent auction data. Like PSA, you can search year, set, player and grade to get specific ballpark value ranges.

Sites like eBay offer a goldmine of recent “sold” auction records to closely compare cards to. By filtering search results for “completed listings” only, you’ll see the final selling prices paid for vintage cards. Taking into account all available recent comparable sales across different sources can help you triangulate an estimated value for your card with a high degree of accuracy. Photos in the listings are also invaluable to carefully analyze condition differences between your card and others.

Once you have a good grasp on the typical selling prices for your card’s year, player, set and grade based on recent auction data, you’ll know its approximate estimated market value. Of course, exceptionally rare specimens in top condition could sell for significantly more than expected at major auction houses if two or more serious collectors get into a bidding war. Over time, player accomplishments and popularity trends will also impact values up or down. So continued research is recommended to stay up-to-date on how a card’s value may fluctuate over the years.

If you’ve done your homework and are ready to consign your valuable vintage baseball cards to sale, work with a reputable expert authenticator and grading service like PSA or Beckett to evaluate the cards. Receiving an official graded designation like PSA 9 or Beckett Good can boost a card’s value tremendously compared to raw, ungraded condition. Auction houses like Heritage Auctions, Sotheby’s and Lelands offer the ideal established marketplaces to maximize potential prices. With diligent research, patience and using the proper channels, you can realize top dollar for your baseball card treasures as the hobby continues gaining eager new collectors worldwide. So good luck, and happy hunting!

1989 SCORE BASEBALL CARDS VALUES

Leave a reply

The 1989 Score baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable issues from the late 1980s. With 762 total cards featuring every MLB player as well as managers, umpires, and team checklists, collectors from the era grew up with these cardboard treasures and they remain beloved by many today. While the average card from the ’89 Score set holds relatively little monetary worth, there are certainly stand-out rookie cards and stars of the day that can still command high prices when in pristine condition over 30 years later.

One of the rookie gems from the 1989 offerings is Griffey Jr. RC #383. As one of the most hyped prospects ever who went on to have a Hall of Fame career, Ken Griffey Jr’s rookie remains among the crown jewels for collectors. Near mint to mint copies often sell for $150-300 in modern auctions while a true gem mint PSA 10 can go for upwards of $3,000 given Griffey’s legendary status. Another powerful rookie to watch out for is #431 Frank Thomas, known as the “Big Hurt.” With his back-to-back MVP seasons in the 90s, Thomas established himself as one of the best hitters of his generation and his ’89 rookie card typically sells in the $50-100 range for good copies.

Staying on the offensive side, sluggers like #148 Freddie McGriff, #246 Kirby Puckett, and #149 Mark McGwire all have rookie cards from the 1989 Score set that are highly sought after. McGriff’s is likely the most affordable at $15-30 while Puckett and McGwire tend to fetch $50-150 depending on condition with the latter seeing more demand due to the steroid era notoriety. Power pitchers also shine bright, as #352 Tom Glavine, #379 Gregg Olson, #5 John Smoltz, and #35 Randy Johnson all have valuable rookies from this set priced $20-100 on average. Conversely, stars who were already established hold the most monetary worth.

Two of the most expensive regular issues from 1989 Score are #49 Ozzie Smith at $75-150 and #50 Wade Boggs at $100-200 in top grades. As defensive wizards and career .300 hitters who racked up accolades, these all-time greats remain fan favorites. Home run king #218 Barry Bonds also retains value in the $50-150 range depending on condition. For a truly elite gem, the ultra-rare #1 Ken Griffey Sr. checklist card printed on golden retro stock can sell for over $1,000 in pristine condition! Such premium parallel issues are also seen with the umpires, managers, and international subset focusing on Japanese stars like #759 Hideo Nomo.

Beyond rookies and stars, error cards and oddball parallel variations add tremendous rarity and pricing popcorn. The infamous #117 Nolan Ryan Printing Plate is legendary for being accidentally issued on gold film stock rather than the standard grey. Estimated to exist in fewer than 10 copies, this behemoth has sold at auction for upwards of $50,000. Another scarce anomaly is #573 Lenny Dykstra featuring an upside-down photograph, which has brought $3,000+ in Gem Mint.

While most 1989 Score baseball cards hold little monetary value today, the standouts from talent like Griffey Jr, Thomas, McGwire, Bonds, and more provide compelling collecting and investment opportunities for both nostalgic fans and card shows alike. With so many rookies and future Hall of Famers captured, this iconic release remains a pivotal part of hobby history. Condition is critical, so high grades significantly impact pricing on the set’s biggest keys from this impressive 762-card checklist full of stars and memories from baseball’s golden age.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUES

Leave a reply

Vintage Topps baseball cards from the 1950s and 1960s are some of the most popular and valuable collectibles in the sports card hobby. Topps held the exclusive license to producecards featuring Major League Baseball players and teams from 1952 to 1980. During this era, Topps released cards in sets each year that documented the current season. Many of these classic Topps cards from the early days of the company’s MLB partnership are highly sought after by collectors and have attained enormous values today.

One of the most valuable vintage Topps baseball cards is the iconic 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card. Only a small number of the Mantle rookie cards are known to exist in Mint condition today making it extremely scarce. At auction,1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie cards that grade Mint 9 or higher on the 1-10 grading scale can sell for well over $1 million, with one card achieving $2.88 million in 2021. The Mantle rookie is the crown jewel of the 1952 Topps set and commands astronomical prices given its rarity and subject being one of the all-time MLB greats.

Another 1952 Topps card that fetches big money is the Bobby Thomson “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” card, featuring the New York Giants outfielder who hit the dramatic pennant-winning home run against the Brooklyn Dodgers. High grade versions have sold for $650,000+. The same year also saw exceptionally rare and pricey cards for Willie Mays ($482,000) and Ted Williams ($264,000) issued as their rookie cards. Collectors are willing to spend huge dollars to acquire historically important early 1950s Topps cards in pristine condition of the games’ biggest stars before they achieved stardom like Mantle, Mays, and Williams.

Moving into the mid-1950s, the most coveted Topps card is the iconic 1955 Topps Hank Aaron rookie card. There are believed to be fewer surviving examples of the Hammer’s first card compared to other mid-1950s rookies. Top graded 1955 Topps Hank Aaron rookies have broken the $1 million threshold in recent years, with a PSA 9 copy making $1.2 million in January 2021. The 1955 Topps set overall remains a highly collectible and valuable vintage issue since it features the debut cards of Hall of Famers like Aaron, Frank Robinson, and Roberto Clemente among its 600+ total cards. Even common players in high grades can fetch thousands.

Two other 1950s Topps baseball cards that consistently reach the upper echelons of value are the 1956 Topps Mickey Mantle and 1957 Topps Frank Robinson rookie cards. The ’56 Mantle shows him in his Yankees batting stance and one of the few known PSA 9 copies went for $1.13 million in 2018. Robinson’s 1957 debut, issued after his time with the Cincinnati Reds, has also cleared seven figures for top conditioned specimens. These are truly the rarest of the rare when it comes to post-war Topps cards as so few survived decades of wear and tear to earn pristine technical grades.

Moving into the early 1960s, one of the most important cards to collectors from this period is the 1961 Topps Roger Maris rookie card commemorating his 61 home run single-season record year. Bidding for a PSA 9.5 Gem Mint example hit $275,520 back in 2014, unheard of at the time for the Maris rookie. While not as scarce as the preceding decade’s legendary cards mentioned before, mint quality ’61 Maris’ have still achieved mid and high five-figure sums showing its enduring appeal. Other notable pricey ’60s rookie cards include the 1968 Topps Johnny Bench, 1969 Topps Tom Seaver, and 1968 Topps Reggie Jackson.

Two non-rookie 1960s Topps cards that hold tremendous value today are the 1965 Topps Nolan Ryan card, which captures the future record holder as a the young 20-year old on the New York Mets, as well as the 1967 Topps Denny McLain card depicting the Detroit Tigers ace in the midst of his historic 31 win season en route to the AL MVP and Cy Young Awards. Gem Mint specimens of both rarely come to market but have sold for over $100K and $80K respectively in recent years at auction. These two cards exemplify two of the most hallow pitching achievements in MLB history and have surely increased in collectibility in light of Ryan and McLain’s incredible careers in retrospect.

Besides the legendary rookie cards and iconic vintage player issues highlighted above from the 1950s-60s Topps era, there are some sets from this period that are extremely valuable across the board when it comes to lesser known players and commons as well. Among them are:

1955 Topps: Without question one of the most valuable non-rookie card releases ever due to its vast size and historical contents. Even the most common cards can easily be worth $100+ in high grades. A full set in Mint condition would sell for multiples of millions of dollars.

1958 Topps: Featuring the last cards before the advent of color photography, it is also famously scarce with an incomplete amount left. $1,000 per card is normal for a high quality common player in this key 580 card set.

1960 Topps: Considered one of the toughest sets to collect in pristine condition, but a truly historic time capsule of the sport. Minimum NM cards today can eclipse $500.

1962 Topps: A total of 792 cards and the final issue before the introduction of the modern standard design still used today by Topps. Very few are left super clean after 60+ years.

While the vintage era of Topps baseball cards from the ’50s and ’60s holds the greatest monetary values on average, there are still plenty of popular modern issues worth considering as substantial investments too aside from the accompanying history and nostalgia factor. Upper end rookies and stars from the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s still steadily appreciate in value as the years pass. Collectors will continue pursue condition sensitive vintage and modern memorable cards as prized works of artistic sportscard art for many generations to come.

1989 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUES

Leave a reply

The 1989 Topps baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the late 80s. Produced at the height of the baseball card boom, the ’89 Topps set showcased stars from what is considered one of the golden eras of the sport. Now over 30 years old, many of the cards from this set have greatly appreciated in value.

The overall design of the 1989 Topps cards featured a traditional portrait photo with the team logo and player name below. The cards had a glossy finish and measured approximately 2.5 x 3.5 inches, standard for Topps baseball cards of that time period. The set totaled 792 total cards and consisted of team cards, rookie cards, highlights cards, and sticker cards inserted randomly in packs. Several short print and missing number cards also added to the allure and chase of completing the entire ’89 Topps set.

While not quite as valuable today as sets from the 1950s, some 1989 Topps cards still command four-figure prices. Perhaps the most notable is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card, which has seen tremendous growth in value over the years. Considered one of, if not the greatest player of his generation, Griffey’s popularity has translated to high prices for his rookie. PSA 10 (near mint mint) graded copies have sold for upwards of $30,000 in recent years. Great condition examples in PSA 9 can still fetch over $10,000 as well.

Another star rookie from 1989 is Gregg Maddux. Widely considered one of the best pitchers ever, Maddux’s humble portrait rookie holds significant value too. PSA 10 Maddux rookies have sold for around $12,000, with PSA 9s in the $4,000-$6,000 range depending on auction activity. Also notable is Toronto Blue Jays starter Dave Stieb, whose error-filled rookie card is one of the most coveted mistakes in sports cards. High grades of this card can reach $3,000-$5,000.

While rookies get the lion’s share of attention in the ’89 set, veteran star cards also maintain respectable prices. A PSA 10 Barry Bonds card averaged around $1,500 in recent years. Other four-figure 90s stars include PSA 10 cards of Nolan Ryan ($1,000+), Mark McGwire ($900+), and Ozzie Smith ($800+). Closer Dennis Eckersley and catcher Gary Carter also hold value at $500-$700 for top-graded examples.

Fun highlights cards like Orel Hershiser’s record-setting scoreless innings streak or Astrologer can reach $200-$300 each in top condition. These illustrate specific accomplishments and were inserted randomly in packs during the ’89 season, adding to their appeal as collectibles.

For team collection builders, rare and elusive cards like Eddie Murray’s Phillies card or Robin Yount’s Brewers parallel can be found, although prices will depend highly on condition with these tougher inserts. Some scarce short prints have realized over $1,000 each as well.

The 1989 Topps set maintains relevance and collecting interest decades after production. Encapsulated examples verified in high MINT grades by respected third-party graders like PSA and BGS are the most valuable. While the prices of star rookies and highlights cards have appreciated most drastically, solid examples of Hall of Fame veterans and key parallel cards from the set retain meaning and value for dedicated collectors too. This classic late 80s Topps release continues to excite the vintage baseball card market.

UPPER DECK BASEBALL CARDS 1990 VALUES

Leave a reply

The 1990 Upper Deck baseball card set was hugely popular and significant when it was released over 30 years ago. It helped spark a massive boom in the baseball card industry and collector interest. The set featured sleek modern design and sharp photographs that stood out compared to other offerings at the time. It also had superior quality cardboard stock and stricter print run numbers that added allure from a scarcity perspective. Let’s dive into some of the top cards from the 1990 Upper Deck set and what they can fetch today in various grades from near mint to gem mint condition.

One of the biggest stars and most valuable rookie cards from the 1990 Upper Deck set is catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. Alomar broke into the majors in 1988 and was an All-Star for the Cleveland Indians in 1990. His rookie card remains highly sought after by collectors years later. In near mint to mint condition, a PSA 8 graded Alomar rookie will typically sell for $80-150. Move up to a PSA 9 and the value is $200-350. But the true treasures are PSA 10 gem mint versions, which have sold at auction for $800-1500.

Another hugely valuable rookie card from 1990 Upper Deck is pitcher Dennis Martinez. Martinez debuted in 1976 but had his breakout year in 1990 when he went 18-8 with a 2.92 ERA for the Montreal Expos and was named National League Comeback Player of the Year. His rookie card is very scarce in top condition. A PSA 8 brings $150-250 depending on the day, while a PSA 9 can fetch $400-800. The big money is in that elusive PSA 10, with auctions seeing them sell for $2000-5000.

Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett had already put together a stellar career by 1990 but remained hugely popular. As an established star, his base card doesn’t have huge variability in value based on grade. A PSA 8 usually goes for $75-125. Move up to PSA 9 and expect to pay $150-250. The absolute gem mint PSA 10s have sold in the $350-500 range. But Puckett ‘s big money card from 1990 Upper Deck is his #770 “Diamond Kings” insert parallel. Even well-centered near mint versions in a PSA 8 holder can sell for $250-450. Mid-grade mint ones in a PSA 9 are $600-1000. And as you might expect, PSA 10 examples are true prizes, hitting $2000-5000 at auction.

There were plenty of other big baseball names well represented in the 1990 Upper Deck set too. Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg’s base card holds steady value regardless of condition, with a PSA 8 at $50-80 and a PSA 9 at $100-150. Houston Astros star pitcher Mike Scott is another that doesn’t vary too wildly, as his PSA 8s are $40-70 and PSA 9s are $80-125. Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith’s base card follows a similar steady pattern, with a PSA 8 valued around $60-100 and PSA 9 at $120-180.

The hobby was just taking off and star power was immense back in 1990. As such, even solid near mint copies of base cards for sluggers like Ken Griffey Jr., Jose Canseco, Roger Clemens, and Wade Boggs can sell in the $30-60 range. Higher grades of $75-150 aren’t out of the question either. These were huge names that moved packs off the shelves.

Overall design, image quality, and strict print runs made the 1990 Upper Deck set an instant classic. While the white-hot speculative frenzy of the early 90s has cooled, true gem mint examples from this release remain prized trophies for the most discerning collectors. Many artists whose careers would end up in Cooperstown had their best and most iconic rookie card issues in this hallowed release. Even today, after more than three decades, the 1990 Upper Deck set retains its luster and appreciation continues to grow for its memorable rookie cards and inserts of the game’s all-time greats.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 1906 VALUES

Leave a reply

Baseball cards from 1906 hold significant historical value and many coveted rookie cards can fetch high prices at auction. The 1906 season was a pivotal time for the growth of professional baseball and the cards produced that year provide a snapshot into the early stars and teams that helped popularize America’s pastime. While age and condition will impact valuations, here is an overview of some of the top 1906 cards and what vintage collectors might expect to pay if looking to acquire examples in well-preserved states.

One of the most desirable 1906 cards is the Honus Wagner card, featuring the legendary Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop widely considered one of the best players in baseball history. Even in poor condition examples of Wagner’s iconic Tobacco card can sell for over $100,000. Graded gem mint examples have been known to break auction records, with one PSA NM-MT 8 specimen reaching $3.12 million in 2016. The rarity of Wagner’s card, estimated to have a surviving population of only 50-200 copies, cements its place as the most valuable trading card ever made.

Other prominent rookies from 1906 that can demand high prices include Ty Cobb’s card, which has sold for upwards of $35,000 in top grades. As the Georgia Peach went on to compile an iconic career as one of baseball’s first true superstars with the Detroit Tigers, his rookie card captures added significance. Cards showing future Hall of Famers like Walter Johnson, Christy Mathewson, and Tris Speaker can be valued anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 when in excellent preserved condition with strong centering and vivid color.

Moving beyond individual players, complete or near-complete sets of the famous 1906-1911 T206 set are among the most prized possessions in the collectibles world. Often referred to as the “Mona Lisa’s of the card collecting hobby”, just a handful of authenticated T206 sets are known to exist. In 2017, a 109-card set that was over 95% complete achieved a world-record price of $2.8 million at auction. Even small fragments of the set containing fewer than 10 cards can sell for five-figure sums.

The high grades demanded for vintage cardboard like the 1906 issues means supply is naturally quite limited. Factors of a card’s history like original packaging, provenance documentation, and certification all contribute to an item’s desirability and price tag. Top grading services such as PSA and BGS provide critical authentication and establish condition census figures, with the top pop reported grades bringing the most reward. For example, a PSA NM-MT 8 Cobb may sell for $20,000 whereas the same grade Wagner could eclipse $1 million.

While the elite investment-caliber specimens are reserved for the deepest of vintage collector pockets, there are still numerous affordable 1906 options available. Common players and repeat images can be acquired for $100-500 in overall nice condition. Damaged or lower grade cards may go for just $25-100. For budget-minded fans, building a team set or focusing on lesser stars provides exposure to this seminal era at reasonable cost. Archives of college, Cuban League, and minor league issues can also offer historic cardboard without flagship pricing.

The 1906 season was foundational for baseball card manufacturers like American Tobacco. The surviving rookies of future legends and rare complete sets continue to entice vintage hunters and drive auction prices to new highs. With careful preservation and strong authentications, valuable examples hold long-term store of value. For those willing to invest in top-tier history, 1906 cards represent some of the most coveted and valuable collectibles in the hobby.