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WHAT IS A COMPLETE SET OF 1991 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH

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The value of a complete set of 1991 Topps baseball cards can vary quite a bit depending on the condition and grade of the cards. Topps released 792 total cards as part of their main flagship 1991 baseball card set. This included cards #1 to #792 with player, manager, coach, and team cards along with various inserts.

To give the most accurate valuation, it’s important to assess the condition and grading of the full 1991 Topps set being considered. The top grading service is Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) who grades cards on a 1-10 scale. A complete set in PSA Gem Mint 10 condition, meaning perfectly centered with sharp corners and no flaws, would be an extremely rare find worth anywhere from $15,000-$25,000 or more depending on popularity and demand.

It’s very unlikely an entire 1991 Topps set would grade that highly. Most complete sets sell in the $3,000-$7,000 range depending on overall condition with many cards grading from PSA 7-9. Sets that have primarily lower graded cards from PSA 5-6 would value closer to $1,000-$3,000. Anything below a complete PSA 5 set would significantly decrease in value.

In addition to set condition, certain key rookie and star player cards can make a big impact on valuation. The 1991 Topps set featured major rookie cards like Chipper Jones (#500), Jim Thome (#234), and Bobby Higginson (#232). High graded versions of these rookies alone could add $500+ each to the value of the set depending on the grade. Other valuable individual cards include Ken Griffey Jr. (#1), Nolan Ryan (#113), and Cal Ripken Jr. (#159).

Supply and demand also affects pricing. The 1991 Topps set had a large production run so it’s not as scarce as some earlier sets. Interest has grown in the vintage 1991 cards over time so prices have appreciated. Another factor is whether a set is complete with all inserts, promotional cards, and special parallels included which can further enhance value.

In summarizing, a complete 1991 Topps baseball card set in average mid-grade condition around a PSA 7 average would realistically sell in the $3,000-$5,000 range based on current market trends. A higher graded full set at the PSA 8-9 level could bring $5,000-$7,000 or more with the right combination of star cards and set completeness. The very best of the best PSA 10 sets would command prices above $15,000 but finding one at that level intact is exceedingly rare. Proper assessment of condition remains key to accurately valuing any full 1991 Topps set.

While prices can vary, a complete 1991 Topps baseball card set in solid mid-range condition is generally valued between $3,000 up to potentially $7,000 or more for a premium quality graded set depending greatly on overall condition, popularity of individual key cards included, and supply and demand trends in the collectibles marketplace. Careful examination of each card is necessary to reliably put a price estimate on this desirable full vintage baseball card collection from 1991 Topps.

WHAT 1988 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS ARE WORTH MONEY

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One of the most valuable rookie cards from the 1988 Fleer baseball set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was one of the most exciting young players to enter the league at that time and went on to have a legendary Hall of Fame career. His rookie card from the 1988 Fleer set in near mint condition can be worth thousands of dollars depending on factors like centering and corners. A pristine Griffey Jr. rookie in a PSA 10 gem mint grade could fetch over $10,000. Even ones in excellent to near mint condition from PSA 8-9 can sell for $500-$2000. The Griffey rookie is always in high demand from collectors.

Another valuable rookie card from the 1988 Fleer set belongs to Tom Glavine. Glavine went on to win 305 games and two Cy Young awards over a dominant pitching career for the Atlanta Braves. His rookie card isn’t as valuable as Griffey’s due to lower population, but mint condition Glavine rookies can still sell for $400-600. Lesser quality graded versions around PSA 7 could sell for $150-250.

Rookie cards for Gregg Jefferies and Ben McDonald also hold value from the 1988 Fleer set. Jefferies had immense hype going into his rookie season with the Mets and his card still sells well today. Near mint or better Jefferies rookies graded PSA 8-9 can sell for $75-150. Ben McDonald’s card carries value as well since he was chosen first overall in the 1989 MLB draft by the Baltimore Orioles. Pristine graded versions of his rookie around PSA 9 could sell for $75-150 also.

In addition to rookie cards, stars of the late 80s like Wade Boggs, Don Mattingly, Ozzie Smith and Kirby Puckett have cards in the 1988 Fleer set that maintain value. Keys cards include action/inserted photo variations that are lower population. Mint condition Boggs and Mattingly base cards from 1988 Fleer can sell for $20-40 raw. An action photo variation of Mattingly could be worth over $100 in PSA 8-9 condition.

Short prints are also valuable in the 1988 Fleer set. Players like Jose Canseco, Mark McGwire and Ricky Henderson all have short printed base cards that are tougher to obtain in high grade. Canseco’s short print has sold for over $300 in a PSA 9 gem mint state. Near mint graded versions around PSA 8 can still fetch $75-150 due to the card’s rarity.

The 1988 Fleer baseball set is also notable for including the Ken Griffey Sr. traded card. Griffey Sr. was traded from the Yankees to the Reds prior to the 1988 season. His traded card shows him in a Reds uniform for the first and only time. The traded Griffey Sr. card in high grade can sell for $40-80.

One final category of valuable 1988 Fleer baseball cards are oddball inserts like Mark McGwire in a Cardinals batting helmet or Ozzie Smith in his trademark backflip pose. Crisp, flawless examples of odd inserts featuring star players can sell for $50-100 graded PSA 9. More common inserts still hold value raw around $10-20 a card.

The 1988 Fleer baseball card set remains a highly collectible vintage release due to legendary rookie cards of Ken Griffey Jr., Tom Glavine and others. Stars of the late 80s, statistical leaders, short prints, traded inserts and oddball parallels all contribute to strong secondary market prices for high grade, condition sensitive versions of these classic cardboard issues over 30 years later. The depth of hobby interest keeps the set viable for long term collecting and investment purposes.

WHAT 1984 FLEER BASEBALL CARDS ARE WORTH MONEY

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One of the most valuable 1984 Fleer baseball cards is the Rogers Clemens rookie card. Clemens went on to have an iconic career winning 354 games and 7 Cy Young Awards, cementing him as one of the greatest pitchers of all time. His rookie card from 1984 Fleer is one of the key rookie cards from the 1980s. In gem mint condition, a Clemens rookie fetches prices upwards of $10,000-$15,000 today. Even well-worn copies in played condition can sell for $100-200 due to strong collector demand for this iconic rookie issue.

Another hugely valuable 1984 Fleer card is the Kirby Puckett rookie card. Puckett had a stellar career batting over .300 ten times and helping the Twins win two World Series titles. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001. Like Clemens, Puckett’s rookie enjoys steady demand that has driven up prices significantly over the decades. Near-mint copies can sell for $3,000-5,000 and well-centered gem mint examples have topped $10,000 at auction. Even low-grade played examples still sell in the $100-200 range today.

Dwight Gooden’s rookie card from 1984 Fleer is also a highly coveted issue due to his dominance as a pitcher in the 1980s. As the 1984 Rookie of the Year and 1985 Cy Young Award winner, Gooden became a fan favorite on those powerhouse mid-80s Mets teams. While not quite as valuable as the Clemens or Puckett rookies, a Gooden rookie in gem mint condition can still sell for $2,000-3,000 today. Well-preserved near mint copies are valued around $1,000-1500 currently. Even played low-grade versions still hold value around $50-100 bucks.

Brett Butler’s 1985 Topps traded rookie card holds significant value as one of the scarcest traded cards from the 1980s set. Butler went on to steal over 400 bases in his career and was a on base machine for many seasons. But his true draw is that his traded rookie was only issued in packs as part of a very limited run. As a result, even well-worn low-grade examples can sell for $1,000-2,500 today due to rarity. Mint condition specimens have topped $10,000 when they surface.

Additional notable valuable 1984 Fleer cards include the Don Mattingly rookie card. Though not his true rookie issue, Mattingly’s Fleer card holds appeal as “The Don” was well on his way to six batting titles by 1984. Near-mint Mattingly Fleer rookies can sell for $500-800 currently. The Nolan Ryan card is also highly sought after by collectors interested in his legendary strikeout numbers. Even in well-loved condition, Ryan’s 1984 Fleer card finds buyers around $100-200 range today.

The Ozzie Smith rookie from 1984 Fleer also carries strong demand. As one of the best defensive shortstops ever with 15 Gold Gloves, interest remains high in Smith’s rookie issue. Near-mint grades have sold for $800-1,200 and mint copies over $2,000. Another coveted St. Louis Cardinals rookie is that of future Hall of Famer Tom Herr. While not as well-known, Herr’s speed and contact hitting made him a fan favorite for over a decade. His 1984 Fleer rookie has appreciated nicely, with mint examples trading hands for $500-750 presently.

Desirable 1984 Fleer rookie cards of superstar players like Clemens, Puckett, and Gooden consistently rank among the most valuable from the entire decade. But solid journeyman players with long, consistent careers like Butler, Mattingly, Ryan, Smith and Herr also yield strong returns for savvy collectors in the vintage baseball card market when obtained in high grades. Condition is always critical to value with these old issues. But even in played lower grades, many 1980s Fleer rookies still carry significant financial worth decades after they were printed.

WHAT 1992 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS ARE WORTH MONEY

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One of the most valuable and sought after rookie cards from the 1992 Donruss baseball set is the Derek Jeter rookie card. As one of the best shortstops in baseball history and a career-long Yankee, Jeter’s rookie card remains extremely popular. In near mint to mint condition, Derek Jeter’s 1992 Donruss RC routinely fetches hundreds of dollars, with gem mint examples occasionally selling for over $1,000. While not the flashiest design, the iconic image of a young Jeter in his Yankees batting stance ensures this card holds value for baseball collectors.

Another flagship rookie from the ’92 Donruss set is the Chipper Jones card. As a future Hall of Famer who spent his entire career with the Atlanta Braves, Chipper Jones rookie cards from all brands remain popular. His Donruss rookie card often sells for $100-300+ in high grades. Perhaps what makes it collectible is the ability to acquire a genuine HOFer’s first card at an affordable cost compared to cards of similarly elite players from the 90s. Jones went on to have one of the best careers of any third basemen ever, making his Donruss RC recognizable and holding steady demand.

Staying in Atlanta, the Tom Glavine rookie is another valuable card from the 1992 Donruss baseball collection. As a two-time Cy Young Award winner who played his whole career for the hometown Braves, Glavine rookies are iconic pieces of Atlanta baseball history. High-grade examples of his ’92 Donruss RC have sold online for over $400 before. Even in EX-MT condition it brings $75-150 typically. Glavine had such an outstanding career primarily with the Braves that his rookie maintains relevance for both Atlanta and baseball card collectors generally.

Speaking of Cy Youngs, the Dennis Eckersley card stands out among relief pitchers in the ’92 Donruss set. As a Hall of Famer who dominated as both a starter and closer over 24 MLB seasons, Eckersley is a respected legend of the game. His rookie card doesn’t quite reach the price level of a Jeter or Chipper Jones, but in pristine condition it can sell for $150-300 still. Being a prolific former 20-game winner turned elite closer makes Eck a unique player collectors admire, contributing to demand for his rookie.

While not a future HOFer, the Mark McGwire rookie card remains a very popular piece from the 1992 Donruss release due to his starring role in baseball’s home run chase of 1998. In the aftermath of that summer which helped revived interest in the game, Big Mac rookie cards spiked in value industry wide. High-grade versions of his ’92 Donruss RC in the $75-150 range highlight how collector interest has sustained due to his starring place in baseball lore. However, PED scandals dimmed his legacy as well, placing a ceiling on the longterm value trend for McGwire collectibles versus true all-time greats.

Staying on the offensive side, the Moises Alou rookie card is another strong hitter from the set. As the son of former major leaguer Felipa Alou, Moises enjoyed a 17-year MLB career, mostly with the Expos, Astros and Cubs. In high grades his ’92 Donruss RC can reach the $75-150 price range that denotes a valuable and desired piece from that vintage. While not in the upper echelon of true star rookies, Alou had enough pop and longevity himself to keep his first card relevant for baseball memorabilia collectors.

Among pitchers, the Orel Hershiser rookie is another notable piece from the 1992 Donruss set. The three-time All-Star and 1988 NLCS MVP spent 19 years in the bigs, but remains best remembered for his record 59 consecutive scoreless innings in 1988 for the Dodgers. That famous season enhances demand for Hershiser’s first baseball cards like his ’92 Donruss. In pristine mint condition examples can approach $200 valuation. He was such a prominent hurler of the late 80s Dodgers teams that his rookie satisfies collectors of that era.

Lastly, the Bip Roberts rookie card shows up on lists of most valuable ’92 Donruss cards. While not historically great players, speedy middle infielders like Roberts who played for contending teams can still hold fan appeal. As a two-time All-Star for the pennant-winning Kirby Puckett Twins teams, Roberts deserves recognition. High-end copies of his first Donruss card crack the $100 range. For Twin Cities collectors especially, he represents an important role player on some of their most memorable clubs from that timeframe worth commemorating.

While the 1992 Donruss baseball card set lacks true explosively valuable rookie cards on the level of Griffey, Pujols, or A-Rod from other years, several noteworthy future Hall of Famers and impact players made their cardboard debuts that year. Led by icons like Jeter, Chipper, and Glavine among others, their rookie cards maintain steady collector demand. Factors like career achievements, championships, hometown connections, and unique playing profiles all contribute to lasting relevance and collecting interest for the highlighted ’92 Donruss rookies discussed in this extensive overview.

WHAT BASEBALL CARDS FROM THE 70s ARE WORTH MONEY

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One of the most valuable baseball cards from the 1970s is the 1973 Topps Hank Aaron rookie card. Only about 80 of these ultra-rare cards are known to exist in good condition. In a near-mint to mint grade of 8-10, examples have sold for over $1 million, making this one of the highest valued baseball cards ever. Hank Aaron was already a star by 1973, but this was the only year Topps used his rookie season photo from 1954 for his card.

Another extremely valuable 1970s rookie card is the 1975 Cal Ripken Jr. card from Topps. Cal Ripken Jr. went on to break Lou Gehrig’s iconic streak of 2,130 straight games played, cementing his Hall of Fame career. His rookie card was widely overlooked in the mid-70s. Now, high grade versions fetch six figures because so few mint copies were saved at the time by collectors. The current record sale is around $350,000 for a PSA 10 example.

The most iconic player of the 1970s was without question, Reggie Jackson. His 1973 ToppsReggie Jackson rookie card is a must-have for vintage baseball fans. Jackson was already a rising star on a powerful Oakland A’s team in 1973. But demand for his rookie really took off later as his epic “Mr. October” postseason heroics solidified his legendary status. PSA 10 copies have reached over $100,000 at auction.

Nolan Ryan’s 1968 Topps rookie card is highly regarded as one of the best pitching rookie cards of all time. Ryan went on to shatter virtually every career strikeout record as arguably the hardest thrower baseball has ever seen. While the 1968 design is plainer than later years, mint examples with perfect corners and centering rarely go under $50,000 due to Ryan’s immense achievements and popularity.

One of the most visually striking 1970s design is the 1975 Topps design, known for its bold color scheme and player pose photos extending off the sides. The premier rookie from this set is George Brett. Brett ascended to stardom with the Kansas City Royals in the 1970s, winning batting titles and starring on playoff teams. A near-mint PSA 8 Brett rookie sold for over $20,000 in early 2022. Higher grades bring increasingly bigger sums.

A true darkhorse rookie card that has exploded in recent years is the 1978 Donruss Eddie Murray rookie card. Murray put together a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Orioles and Dodgers as a multiple time batting champion. But demand for his rookie was relatively low for years. Now, mint quality PSA 10 copies are trading hands for $15,000 or more due to increased collector interest in this underrated player and set.

One of the unique talents to emerge in the late 1970s was Rickey Henderson. The 1979 Topps Traded Rickey Henderson rookie is a true icon from the end of the decade. Henderson shattered all stolen base records and continually terrorized pitchers for over two decades. High grades have cracked $30,000 as Henderson’s unprecedented skillset and personality fuel ongoing collector enthusiasm for his rookie card.

Thurman Munson was the gritty, production-focused catcher who captained Billy Martin’s 1970s Yankees dynasty teams. Unfortunately, his career and life were cut tragically short in a 1979 plane crash at age 32. This adds tremendously to the appeal of his 1970 Topps rookie card today. Near-mint copies exceed $10,000 in value due to Munson’s iconic status in Yankees lore combined with the sheer scarcity of high grade examples 50 years later.

The 1970s produced many future Hall of Famers and some truly iconic rookie cards that have grown exponentially in value over the decades due to sustained collector interest. Legends like Aaron, Ryan, Brett and Henderson lead the way, while unheralded young talents like Ripken, Murray and Munson have also seen rookie cards achieve five and six figure sums for pristine samples due to their later career accomplishments and enduring fan followings. The 1970s stands out as perhaps the single most valuable decade in the entire history of the hobby.

WHAT DOES RAW MEAN FOR BASEBALL CARDS

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When collecting sports cards, especially vintage and rare cards, collectors want to know the true condition and status of the card. The term “raw” provides clarity around a card’s authenticity and history. A raw baseball card has not been graded, encapsulated, or otherwise tampered with since it left the factory. Maintaining a card in its raw state helps verify there has been no attempt to clean, press, or otherwise modify it after production.

Some key aspects of a raw baseball card include:

Pack Fresh: The card has remained in the original sealed pack or wrapper it was produced and sold in. Being pack fresh adds credibility that the card has not been previously handled or played with.

Ungraded: No professional grading service like PSA or BGS has ever assessed the card’s condition or enclosed it within a protective slab with a numerical grade. Grading instantly adds monetary value but also means the card has physically left its original state.

Corners/Edges: A raw card allows collectors to fully inspect the corners and edges for any bends, dings or other imperfections without a slab obscuring parts of the card. This is important for assessing true condition.

Surfaces: The surfaces of a raw card, including the front and back, can be properly analyzed under different light sources for scratches, clouding, or print defects that may not be evident in a slab.

History: Since a raw card has remained untouched since production, its history and pedigree are more verifiable. A graded card could potentially have been altered or “doctored” in attempts to falsely boost its grade.

While raw cards are riskier without the protection of a slab, sellers consider them more desirable as their condition is totally transparent. Serious vintage collectors prefer raw to analyze authenticity and quality themselves. Raw cards are also required for certain registry sets that do not accept previously graded pieces. Losing the “raw” status by grading essentially changes a card’s DNA and story since leaving the pack all those years ago. When high prices are involved, verification of a card being in its original unmodified state adds confidence for buyers and sellers in the marketplace.

The term “raw” when used for baseball cards refers to a piece that has remained completely untouched and unaltered in any form since its original production run. Maintaining a card’s raw state helps prove authenticity and allows for a clear analysis of its true condition without barriers like a protective slab case obscuring parts of the card. Serious vintage collectors consider raw status more desirable as they can properly vet all aspects of a card themselves.

WHAT IS A COMPLETE SET OF 1987 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS WORTH

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The value of a complete set of 1987 Topps baseball cards can vary greatly depending on the condition and grade of the individual cards in the set. The 1987 Topps set contains 792 total cards including base cards, rookie cards, stars and Hall of Fame players. It was the 66th year Topps produced baseball cards and is considered one of the more iconic and popular vintage sets from the 1980s.

To give an estimate of value, it’s important to first understand the different grade levels cards can receive. The standard grading scale used is the 10-point scale from Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and Beckett Grading Services (BGS). On this scale, a card in Near Mint-Mint (NM-MT) condition would grade between 7-10. Anything 6 or below is considered worn. Most complete 1987 Topps sets on the secondary market today would grade somewhere between Good-Very Good (G-VG), or 4-6 on the scale.

In G-VG condition, a well-centered 1987 Topps complete base set with no stars or rookies could fetch between $300-$500. This assumes the cards are all present with minor flaws like light edge wear or small surface scuffs. If several key cards grade a bit higher around EX-NM, the set could reach $600-800. Now, finding a complete 1987 set all NM/MT 7 or above would be extremely rare and valuable, potentially reaching $2,000-$3,000 given the sheer number of high grade cards needed.

Of course, the inclusion of stars and rookie cards in the set greatly increases its value. The ’87 Topps set features the rookie cards of future Hall of Famers Ken Griffey Jr., Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz. Griffey’s widely considered one of the most iconic and desirable baseball cards ever made. His ’87 Topps rookie in Gem Mint (GM) 10 grade has sold for over $10,000 individually. Even a lowly PSA 7 could fetch $1000+. Finding the Griffey as part of a complete set would add major value.

Key stars of the era like Roger Clemens, Dwight Gooden, Wade Boggs, and Ozzie Smith also drive up interest if their cards grade well. A high-grade ’87 Clemens rookie could add $500 to a set alone. Overall condition of these chase cards is critical – even a single BBGS/PSA 6 star or rookie greatly devalues an otherwise higher-end complete set.

Beyond individual card grades, there are other factors influencing a ’87 Topps set’s worth such as the market at a given time. During hot sales periods for vintage cards, a G-VG set might sell for closer to $700-900. Conversely, it could fall under $300 if the vintage card market is dipping. There may also be premiums applied if the set is especially fresh and nicely presented in original storage such as complete sheets.

While a complete 1987 Topps baseball card set can vary widely based on condition grades, presence of stars/rookies and current market trends – most G-VG quality sets in individual sleeves or binder pages would conservatively sell in the $300-800 range today. Top condition sets with many 7+ graded cards including stars could reach $2,000-3,000, with any high-end Griffey RC dramatically increasing value from there depending on grade. With such a large set, condition is king in determining true worth to collectors and investors.

WHAT SIZE BUBBLE MAILER FOR BASEBALL CARDS

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When shipping baseball cards, it’s important to select a bubble mailer that fits the cards securely without excess room for them to slip around inside and potentially get damaged. The most common bubble mailers used for baseball cards come in a few standard sizes that are generally suitable depending on the quantity and type of cards being shipped. Let’s take a closer look at the options:

For most standard shipments containing a few hundred common baseball cards in penny sleeves or toploaders, the #000 or #00 size bubble mailer is usually sufficient. These measure approximately 9×12 inches when sealed. They provide enough interior space to comfortably fit a few hundred cards with room for some additional protective packaging like cardboard or air pillows without being too loose. The #000 and #00 mailers balance protecting the cards from shifting/bending with minimizing excess unused space inside.

If shipping a larger lot of several hundred cards or cards in thicker protective cases like plastic team bags, the next size up #0 bubble mailers measuring around 10×13 inches are a good choice. They accommodate greater card quantities while still being compact enough to keep postage costs reasonable. The slightly larger interior prevents overcrowding and provides more flexibility if including extras like business cards, notes, or stickers in the package.

For very large collections in the thousands of cards, #1, #2 or retail sized bubble mailers may be needed. #1 mailers are 11×14 inches while #2 and retail sizes range from 12×15 to 13×18 inches depending on the brand. These jumbo mailers allow pain cards to be neatly organized inside transparent view windows without forcing lots of layers that increase bending risks. Their increased size means higher shipping rates apply compared to the smaller standards sizes.

Rarer and high-value vintage or autographed cards that are absolutely critical to protect may warrant even larger custom sized mailers. Having extra room provides maximum cushioning ability when packing individually or with ample protective dividers. But for regular shipments, the cost-benefit usually favors using appropriately sized standard bubble mailers over specialized larger sizes.

It’s also worth noting bubble mailers come in multiple thickness/strength options. Thinner basic stock is fine for routine shipping but thicker water-resistant polymailers provide enhanced durability, which may be worthwhile for valuable cards or international/risky domestic routes. Different surfaces like smooth vs. textured interiors can also impact how cards are held in place during transit.

When selecting a bubble mailer for baseball cards, consider the expected card quantity, types of protective cases/sleeves, desired organization inside, and importance of each card. Properly fitting standard mailers in sizes #000, #00, #0 or larger #1-2 as needed will securely transport cards while balancing protection, viewability, and shipping affordability. Using the right sized mailer helps minimize stacking pressures and movement to keep your baseball card collection safe.

WHAT BASEBALL CARDS TO BUY 2023

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There are many exciting baseball cards that could potentially be valuable investments in 2023. By doing your research and understanding the overall baseball card market and trends, you can target cards that seem poised for growth next year. Some top cards worth considering include:

Shohei Ohtani Rookie Cards – Shohei Ohtani has quickly established himself as one of the most unique and talented players in MLB history as a true two-way star. His rookie cards from 2018 Topps Series 1 and Series 2 remain in high demand and have been steadily rising in value. With Ohtani continuing his phenomenal play on both the mound and at the plate, his rookie cards should remain strong long-term holdings. The 2018 Topps Update paper rookie could be a particularly smart buy, as it is still reasonably priced but also contains his first photo in an Angels uniform with a major league card number.

Wander Franco Rookie Cards – As one of the top prospects in baseball, Wander Franco lived up to the hype in his rookie 2021 season with the Tampa Bay Rays. The ultra-rare versions like his paper Rated Rookie autograph and especially his prized Topps Chrome Red Refractor rookie remain six-figure cards. There is still upside potential in his base paper rookie cards from series like Topps Chrome UPDATE, Topps Series 2, and Bowman Chrome. At just 21 years old, Franco has superstar potential and his cards could experience steady gains as he continues developing.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Update Rookie Card – Acuna Jr. was well on his way to superstardom before a season-ending knee injury in 2021. At just 24 years old, he is expected to bounce back strong in 2023 now that he is fully healthy. His flagship 2018 Topps Update paper rookie remains one of the hottest modern rookies on the market. With Acuna proving he can reach top-five MVP ballot status again, this card seems poised to move even higher as he reasserts himself as a generational talent.

Juan Soto Rookie Cards – At just 24 years old, Juan Soto has already established himself as one of the game’s best hitters and he will be chasing a huge payday soon as he reaches free agency. Despite some off-field issues in 2022, Soto looked back to his MVP-caliber self down the stretch and in the playoffs. As one of the faces of MLB, his 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospects auto rookie and base paper rookies like Topps Series 1 and Chrome UPDATE all have considerable upside if he can sustain Hall of Fame-caliber production in his mid-20s.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Update Rookie Card – Vlad Jr. took a clear step forward in 2022 and proved the hype was warranted as he had his finest season with an .875 OPS. At just 24, he will likely continue improving and pushing towards superstardom levels. Already one of the game’s best pure hitters, his 2018 Topps Update paper rookie looks like one to hold long-term. As Vlad Jr. locks in as an MVP-caliber cornerstone for the Blue Jays, this card should stay in demand.

Luis Robert Rookie Cards – Robert showed flashes of five-tool brilliance in his 2020 Rookie of the Year campaign before injuries slowed his progress. He looked like his old self down the stretch in 2022 and will be just 26 next season. If he can stay healthy, Robert has 30-30 upside that should keep collectors excited about his scarce 2020 Topps Chrome Sapphire rookie auto and base Topps Series 1/2 paper rookies from that year.

Juan Soto RCs – At just 24 years old, Juan Soto has already established himself as one of the game’s best hitters and he will be chasing a huge payday soon as he reaches free agency. Despite some off-field issues in 2022, Soto looked back to his MVP-caliber self down the stretch and in the playoffs. As one of the faces of MLB, his 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospects auto rookie and base paper rookies like Topps Series 1 and Chrome UPDATE all have considerable upside if he can sustain Hall of Fame-caliber production in his mid-20s.

Francisco Alvarez Prospect Cards – As one of the top catching prospects in baseball with big-time power potential, Francisco Alvarez seems on the cusp of a full-time MLB role in 2023 with the New York Mets. His low-numbered prospect cards like 2019 Bowman Chrome Sapphire could blossom next year if he takes over as the everyday catcher and lives up to the hype. There’s already significant buzz around Alvarez and that will only grow if he breaks out as a star.

Other young prospects like Bobby Witt Jr., Adley Rutschman, Spencer Torkelson, Julio Rodriguez and more could also shine in 2023. Keeping tabs on elite rookies who make an impact and contenders who rise to stardom is crucial for targeting the next cards primed for value spikes. Focusing on stars of today and tomorrow from 25 and under remains a smart approach when investing in baseball cards for the upcoming year.

WHAT ARE THE MOST VALUABLE 1992 UPPER DECK BASEBALL CARDS

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The undisputed most valuable card from the 1992 Upper Deck baseball set is the Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card. Griffey was one of the most talented players of his generation and his rookie card is undoubtedly the most iconic from the early 1990s. In pristine mint condition, Griffey’s rookie now fetches well over $10,000 and has sold for as much as $25,499 in a private sale. Even well-worn near-mint copies can sell for $2,000-3,000 showing just how beloved this card remains. Griffey was already showing signs of his future stardom by hitting .264 with 16 home runs as a 21 year old rookie and his sweet left-handed swing made him a fan favorite immediately. His boyish good looks and incredible all-around talent translated to massive popularity and demand for his rookie card among collectors. While prices have fluctuated over the years, Griffey’s 1992 Upper Deck rookie has proven to be one of the best investments in the hobby and remains the most sought after card from the set.

Another enormously valuable card is Frank Thomas’ rookie. Like Griffey, Thomas would go on to have a Hall of Fame career and his rookie card is the second most valuable from the set, although still much lower than Griffey. In pristine mint condition, a PSA 10 graded Thomas rookie has sold for over $6,000. Even well-worn copies still sell for $500-1,000 showing his card’s lasting popularity. As a rookie, “The Big Hurt” hit .289 with 10 home runs and helped lead the White Sox to the AL West title. His impressive combo of huge power and ability to hit for average made him a star from the beginning. While not as iconic or visually striking as some other cards, Thomas’ rookie remains very desirable for collectors due to his outstanding 21 year career and status as one of the best right-handed hitters of all time.

After Griffey and Thomas, the next most valuable cards are the rookies of Bobby Bonilla, Mark McGwire, and Moises Alou. Bonilla had a solid 17 year career where he hit .279 with 179 home runs but his career was not spectacular enough to push his rookie past the $1,000 mark even in mint condition. Still, for die-hard Pirates and Bonilla fans, his rookie holds value. McGwire’s rookie may seem surprisingly low in value today considering he would go on to break the single season home run record multiple times. The steroid era taints his legacy and his on-card stats as a rookie (9 HR in 55 games) were unremarkable. Nonetheless, a PSA 10 graded McGwire can still fetch $600-1,000 due to his huge popularity at the time and historic power numbers later in his career. Moises Alou’s rookie has also cracked the $1,000 price point PSA 10 thanks to his strong 17 year career where he hit .303 with 335 home runs while showing excellent plate discipline and defense. Alou was a highly regarded prospect who lived up to expectations.

While not true “rookies”, the Derek Jeter and Tom Glavine cards hold value as well since they captured these future Hall of Famers very early in their careers. A PSA 10 Jeter can reach $500-700 as collectors love owning one of the first Jeter cards. Meanwhile, Glavine near-mint copies sell for $300-500 given his impeccable stats and consecutive Cy Young awards later in the 1990s for the Braves. Randy Johnson also has a valuable card from the set showing his blazing fastball as a young Mariner. While not his true rookie season either, a PSA 10 Johnson has cracked $500 before.

While the Griffey and Thomas rookies smash all records for value from the 1992 Upper Deck set, there are several other valuable rookie and early career cards that continue to entice collectors and lift prices. The combination of fantastic photography, player likenesses, and capturing the early stages of future legends make many cards from this incredible set highly sought after to this day by both investors and fans.