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WHAT ARE KEN GRIFFEY JR BASEBALL CARDS WORTH

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Ken Griffey Jr. had a legendary baseball career playing for the Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds from 1989 to 2010. As one of the most exciting and talented players of his generation, Griffey’s rookie cards from his early MLB seasons are among the most highly sought after and valuable baseball cards ever printed. Some of his key rookie and early career cards hold incredible monetary worth today for serious card collectors and investors.

One of Griffey’s rarest and most valuable rookie cards is his 1989 Upper Deck RC, considered by many the crown jewel of baseball cards. Only about 110 unopened Griffey UD rookie packs are believed to exist in gem mint condition. One of these rare unopened packs sold at auction in 2016 for an astounding $387,927, showcasing the card’s formidable value. Even raw single Griffey UD rookie cards in pristine graded gem mint 10 condition have sold for well over $100,000. High grade copies in the $50,000+ range are quite common.

Another exceptionally pricy Griffey rookie is his 1989 Bowman paper card. Fewer than 10 are known to exist in the ultra-rare pristine black-bordered photographic proof version. One of these proofs was sold for $99,000 in 2015. Standard issue Bowman rookie cards in mint condition have sold in the $15,000-$30,000 range depending on qualities like centering. In raw form even well-preserved near-mint to mint condition copies can fetch $5,000+ today.

Griffey’s 1989 Donruss rookie is another coveted piece, though not quite as scarce as the UD or Bowman. Still, pristine near-mint to mint 10 graded examples have sold for as much as $15,000. Raw near-mint copies usually sell for $3,000-$5,000 or more. The 1989 Score rookie holds similar value, with top-graded editions changing hands for $10,000-$12,000 and raw near-mint around $2,500.

Moving beyond the true rookie cards, Griffey’s early Mariners slugger cards remain enormously sought after and valuable today. His 1989 Fleer Update card, showing Griffey in full swing hitting a home run, is prized by collectors as one of his most iconic and best-looking cards ever produced. High-grade versions have sold for up to $8,000 individually. Even well-preserved raw copies can sell for $2,000 or more.

Griffey’s 1990-1992 Topps rookie stars and flagship cards regularly sell for $1,000+ each in top condition. His 1990 Bowman paper card, often considered a proto-rookie, has sold for over $5,000 in gem mint quality. International collectors highly covet Griffey’s early Japanese issue BBM cards as well. Complete high-grade Japanese card sets including Griffey have changed hands for thousands.

While many Griffey cards hold impressive values, condition is absolutely critical to realizing top dollar. Even minor flaws or issues like off-center printing can significantly downgrade a card’s worth. For truly rare proofs, promotional versions or higher-end graded Gem Mint 10 copies, prices enter the five-figure, and sometimes even six-figure, territory fairly easily. Overall, Griffey is considered one of the all-time “safest” long-term investments in the entire trading card industry thanks to his status as a true icon of baseball and insatiable demand for his early certified collectibles. Whether for raw cards or complete high-grade sets, a Ken Griffey Jr. baseball card collection represents an impressive blue-chip asset with immense future potential.

In conclusion, Ken Griffey Jr’s rookie cards and early career baseball cards hold tremendous worth for collectors and investors. His 1989 Upper Deck, Bowman, Donruss, and Score rookies are the true holy grails, but cards showing Griffey’s dominance with the Mariners also demand top dollar. Condition is paramount, and mint quality examples can sell for well into the five figures. As long as Griffey remains a revered figure in baseball history, interest and prices for his seminal cardboard will stay exceptionally robust for years to come.

WHAT 2023 BASEBALL CARDS ARE WORTH GETTING

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The 2023 baseball season is rapidly approaching, which means the arrival of the new baseball card releases from companies like Topps, Panini, and Leaf. Deciding which cards to target can be difficult with so many rookie stars and veterans to collect. Here are some of the top 2023 baseball cards that are worth getting your hands on based on the players and parallels included:

One of the most exciting rookie classes in years will see their first Topps baseball cards in 2023. Shortstop Julian Vasquez from the Cardinals and catcher Gabriel Martinez from the Red Sox are considered two of the top prospects in baseball right now and their rookies cards will be hot commodities. Keep an eye out for parallels and autographs of both players, as their values have plenty of upside as they progress through the minors.

Speaking of rookies, catcher Adley Rutschman from the Orioles had a breakout season and looks like a future star. His rookie debut in 2022 made those cards very expensive already, so the 2023 issues should still carry premium values. Following an impressive Cup of Coffee late in 2022, infielder Jackie Bradley Jr. will have his true rookie card issued after signing with the Red Sox, making that an interesting card to track.

On the veteran side, superstar Aaron Judge is the biggest name in baseball coming off his record-setting 62 home run season with the Yankees. His Topps Now cards from 2022 absolutely exploded in value and collectors will be hunting his base card and hit parallels in the upcoming releases. Star power and a potential monster contract make Judge’s 2023s a great card to pick up. Along with Judge, Mets pitcher Max Scherzer is also on an expiring deal and primed for one last run with a new team, giving his 2023s intrigue.

For teams expected to contend in 2023, cards from Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Freddie Freeman and New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor will hold interest as both look to rebound from down seasons on new long-term megadeals. Similarly, Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Kyle Schwarber could pop big numbers playing half his games in CBP after signing a four-year deal, putting spotlight on his flagship card.

Parallels always add appeal to modern cards due to their scarcity. Topps Chrome and Finest parallels like the blue, orange and green refractors tend to carry substantial value bumps thanks to the vibrant colors and low print runs. Likewise, the Rainbow Foil parallels in Topps Transcendent hold major appeal for whales looking to complete prestigious rainbow sets. Autographs are king for super high-end collectors, with Topps Autograph parallels and National Treasures signed swatches providing incredible hits.

Perhaps most intriguing will be rookies who break out during their first full MLB season. Names like Indians outfielder George Valera, Marlins pitcher Eury Perez or Guardians infielder Brayan Rocchio could turn into stars overnight if they get hot, rocketing the values of their low-printed parallels and autographs before collectors even realize. Sleeper prospects are part of what makes the card collecting so exciting – you just never know when a no-name will emerge.

The 2023 baseball season provides a huge opportunity to acquire cards from some of the biggest names in the game like Judge and Freeman, but also cards from burgeoning rookie stars and veterans going to new teams that carry speculation. Watching the sport and getting a feel for early season overperformers will help identify values that could multiply over time. With the high-end market still so strong, this looks to be another exciting year for baseball card collectors!

WHAT ARE THE MOST SOUGHT AFTER BASEBALL CARDS

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One of the most iconic and coveted baseball cards is the famous 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card. Widely considered the “holy grail” of sports cards, it is one of the rarest cards in existence with only around 60 known to still survive today in good condition. What makes this card so special is that Honus Wagner, who was one of the best players of the early 1900s, demanded that the American Tobacco Company stop producing his card. As a result, only a small number were released before being pulled. The card has broken numerous auction records, with one in near-mint condition selling for $6.6 million in 2016.

Another incredibly rare pre-war gem is the 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth rookie card. Unlike most cards from this era that were included in packs of cigarettes, this particular rookie card of the legendary Babe Ruth was only inserted in the Sunday newspaper for a short time. It’s believed fewer than 10 examples still exist today. In January 2021, a near-mint copy sold at auction for $5.2 million, setting a new record for the highest price ever paid for a sports trading card.

For 1930s Goudey cards, the most coveted would certainly be the 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth card. Considered one of the finest and most aesthetically pleasing vintage cards ever made, it declared Ruth as the “King of Swat.” High grade copies continue to break records, with an almost mint specimen changing hands for $5.2 million in 2016. Another highly valuable Ruth from this classic set would be his 1934 Goudey card, which featured a unique action photo of the Bambino swinging the bat.

From the post-WWII era, two particularly sought after cards are the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle and the 1959 Topps Wagner rookie. As one of the first mainstream color cards ever produced, the 1952 Mantle is a true icon of the hobby. It established Mantle as a superstar just beginning to blossom, and high quality versions consistently sell for six figures or more due to his legendary career and popularity. The 1959 Wagner is similarly prized as it captured “The Mick” in his early Yankees years before injuries slowed him down. Just a handful are known to exist in pristine mint condition.

For the late 1950s/early 1960s, the highly elusive 1957 Topps Ted Williams rookie and 1957 Topps Shohei Ohtani rookie cards hold legendary status. Only a small number of the Williams rookie were printed, and even well-worn copies can fetch north of $100,000. It was one of the last portrayals of the “Splendid Splinter” before his retirement. The 1957 Ohtani rookie, meanwhile, is the only known card featuring the two-way Japanese superstar from his early professional days in Japan’s Pacific League. Just a small print run increases its rarity.

In the modern era, rookie cards tend to generate huge buzz and demand depending on the player’s career trajectory and popularity. Examples include the 1998 Bowman Chrome Refractor Mike Trout (his true rookie card), 2003 Bowman Draft Pujols, 2009 Bowman Chrome David Price, and of course cards like the recent 2021 Topps Chrome Ohtani, Acuna Jr., Soto that captured today’s budding superstars in their early pro years with ultra-short printed parallels that could appreciate sharply if they live up career hype and expectations.

Among the most investment-worthy cards are pre-war tobacco issues like the T206 Honus Wagner, key vintage cards highlighting all-time greats like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and Ted Williams in their prime, as well as scarce modern rookie phenoms before they’ve established their careers. Condition, rarity, and connection to beloved players drive values into the multi-million-dollar range for the true cream of the crop.

WHAT DO BASEBALL CARDS SELL FOR

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The price that baseball cards sell for can vary greatly depending on many different factors. Some of the main things that determine the value of a baseball card include the player featured on the card, the year and brand of the card, the condition or grade of the card, and other special details about the specific printing.

To start, the player featured is often the biggest driver of a card’s value. Rookie cards or cards of legendary all-time great players tend to be the most valuable. For example, a rookie card of Mickey Mantle from 1952 is considered the crown jewel of baseball cards and has sold for over $2 million before. Other rookie cards of star players from the 1950s-70s like Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Sandy Koufax, and Hank Aaron can also fetch six figures depending on condition. More recent star rookies like Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Manny Machado, and Fernando Tatis Jr. can sell from thousands to over $100k for a true gem mint specimen.

The year and brand of a card also matters quite a bit. Generally, the older the card the more valuable it tends to be. Topps is usually the most desirable brand, followed by Bowman and Leaf. Some iconic high-value years for vintage cards include 1952, 1957, 1975, and 1987-89. Even older “common” cards from the 50s-70s can sell for hundreds or low thousands in top grades due to collectibility and nostalgia.

Naturally, the condition or grade is critical to value. The top grading services like PSA and BGS have established systematic condition-based scales from 1-10. Small differences in grades make huge differences in dollar value – a PSA 8 can go for 2-10x as much as a PSA 7 of the same card. An ultra-rare and perfect PSA 10 grade of a key issue can be truly valuable, sometimes reaching six-figures for vintage cards and current stars. Cards that are creased, water damaged or extremely worn (PSA 4 or less) usually have minimal value.

Beyond the basics, certain print variations, autographs or short-prints can spike the value of a card dramatically. Error cards with misprints, missing statistics, or uncut sheets are also quite collectible. Serialized or on-card autograph rookie cards from recent years often sell for thousands or more in top condition. Rare “hit” promotional cards inserted randomly in packs over the years can also be worth big money.

When it comes to actually selling cards, there are both traditional and modern options. Local card shops may buy collections, but serious sellers often work through online marketplaces, major card auction companies, or consign directly to heritage or golden auctions. Price guides published annually by PSA, Beckett, and other services provide general ballpark valuation estimates based on average recent sales. But with millions of distinct baseball cards out there in a wide range of conditions, the ultimate sale price depends on finding the right motivated buyer at the right time on the open market. While cheap commons are a dime a dozen, the rarest and most coveted vintage and modern rookie cards continue to break records and can sell for anywhere from hundreds to millions depending on the individual specifics of the issue.

WHAT BASEBALL ROOKIE CARDS ARE HOT RIGHT NOW

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One of the biggest rookie cards that is in extremely high demand right now is Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco’s 2020 Bowman Chrome Prospect Card. Franco is considered one of, if not the top prospect in all of baseball and made his highly anticipated MLB debut in 2021 at just 20 years old. He had a phenomenal rookie season that saw him hit .288 with 7 home runs and 39 RBIs in 70 games. His combination of youth, elite talent, and hype around his potential to be a perennial all-star and superstar has sent the demand for his rookie card through the roof. graded PSA 10 examples of his 2020 Bowman Chrome card have sold for over $10,000, with raw copies still fetching thousands as well. As Franco continues to produce and live up to expectations at the MLB level, his cards are only going to rise in value as one of the hottest MLB rookie cards around.

Another top prospect whose card is white hot right now is Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene. Greene was taken 5th overall in the 2019 MLB Draft and had a breakout 2021 season split between Double-A and Triple-A. He showed off all five tools with power, speed, defense and a advanced approach at the plate. Greene made his MLB debut in June 2022 and is expected to be a core member of the Tigers rebuild. His 2019 Bowman Chrome Prospect Paper Refractor Parallel rookie card has found new heights, with PSA 10 examples bringing in $3,000-$5,000. Even raw copies in good shape sell for $500-$1,000 due to the high demand. Greene looks like a future star and as he establishes himself, his rookie cards will stay very valuable for Tigers collectors and investors.

Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez is another rookie who made a huge splash in 2022 and has cards that are rising fast. Rodriguez was considered one of the top prospects in baseball and had a phenomenal debut season that saw him hit .262 with 28 extra-base hits and 16 stolen bases in 121 games. He immediately became a fan favorite in Seattle and is a centerpiece of their renewed competitive window. His 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Paper Red Refractor parallel rookie card has taken off, with PSA 10 copies selling for $2,000-$4,000 and raw copies going for $400-$800. As Rodriguez continues producing at the MLB level, that card and others from his prospect days will stay hot commodities.

Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman is another big name who debuted in 2022 and has cards on the rise. The number 1 overall pick in the 2019 draft, Rutschman was arguably the top prospect in baseball prior to his MLB arrival. He showed why with an impressive debut that gave Orioles fans hope. His 2019 Bowman Chrome Prospect Paper Green Refractor parallel rookie card has seen a surge, with PSA 10 examples selling for around $1,500. Even raw copies in good condition have sold for $300-$500 recently due to high interest in Rutschman as the future catcher and leader of the O’s rebuild. As he continues performing, his cards will stay hot in the prospect and Orioles PC market.

Speaking of number 1 overall picks, Detroit Tigers pitcher Riley Greene’s 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Paper Orange Refractor Parallel rookie card has taken flight in recent months. Greene was phenomenal in 2021 at the minor league levels and made his MLB debut in 2022 looking the part of an ace in the making. High-end PSA 10 examples of his prized prospect refractor have eclipsed the $1,000 mark, a huge jump from just a year ago. Raw copies still fetch $200-500 due to Greene’s star potential. He will be a workhorse for the Tigers for years, keeping collector and investor attention strong on his rookie cards.

A duo of Seattle Mariners have also seen their rookie cards heat up – outfielder Jarred Kelenic and pitcher Logan Gilbert. Kelenic was one of baseball’s top prospects but struggled initially in the majors. After being sent down he returned rejuvenated in 2022 and looks like a core piece in Seattle going forward. His 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Paper Orange Refractor Parallel RC has hit new heights, with PSA 10’s at $1,000+. Meanwhile, Logan Gilbert broke out as one of the AL’s top rookies in 2021 and continued excelling in 2022. His 2019 Bowman Chrome Prospect Paper Green Refractor RC has followed suit, with high-end examples cracking $500 and raw copies coveted at $150-300. Both are key cogs for the Mariners and their RC’s reflect the optimism.

Staying in the AL West, Houston Astros phenom shortstop Jeremy Pena has exploded onto the scene in 2022. After Carlos Correa’s departure, Pena seamlessly slid into the role of starting shortstop and was a huge part of the team’s success. Along the way he won AL Rookie of the Year and positioned himself as the shortstop of the future in Houston. Not surprisingly, his 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Paper Orange Refractor Parallel RC is white hot, with high-end graded 10’s eclipsing $1,000 and raw copies consistently selling in the $300-500 range on the strong belief in Pena’s abilities. His stellar rookie campaign has super-charged collector and investor appetite for what’s widely seen as his best prospect card.

Over in the NL, Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II had an electrifying debut season and is another name whose rookie cards are surging. After a phenomenal start to his MLB career showing off five-tools, Harris looks like a budding star and core piece for the Braves moving forward. His 2021 Bowman Prospect Paper Green Refractor Parallel RC has seen a major boost, with PSA 10’s creeping up towards $800-1,000. Even raw copies sell briskly in the $250-400 range anytime one hits the market. The excitement around Harris translating his top prospect status into early MLB success bodes very well long-term for the value of his prized rookie issues.

Kansas City Royals catcher MJ Melendez is the latest top prospect to break out for KC and see his cards take off accordingly. A power-hitting backstop, Melendez made his MLB arrival in 2022 look effortless with an impressive .294 average and 12 homers in just 244 plate appearances. His 2019 Bowman Chrome Prospect Paper Green Refractor Parallel RC has already cemented itself as the card to own for Melendez PC’s and investors. PSA 10’s push $500-700, with raw copies still achieving $150-300 or more in current sales. Melendez promises to be a core piece of the Royals for years to come, fueling strong long-term collector appetite for cards like this prized rookie issue.

While established star cards will always hold value, it’s the top prospect cards of today’s newest MLB talents that are among the hottest rookie cards attracting attention right now. Whether it’s superlative debut campaigns like Wander Franco, Jarred Kelenic, Julio Rodriguez and Adley Rutschman or future stars still on the rise like Riley Greene, Jeremy Pena, Logan Gilbert and Michael Harris II – their earliest pro issue cards are what savvy collectors and investors are most eager to track down in top grades or even raw for investment potential. As these talented players etch out noteworthy MLB careers ahead, their rookie cards profiled here and others from their first seasons in the minors are set to stay highly sought after in the trading card universe for considerable time to come.

WHAT ARE MY BASEBALL CARDS WORTH

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The value of your baseball cards can vary widely depending on many factors like the players, the year the cards were printed, the condition or grade of the cards, and more. To best determine what your specific cards may be worth, it’s important to carefully examine each card and do some research.

One of the most important factors that affects value is the players featured on the cards. Cards featuring legendary players who had long, successful careers like Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, or more modern stars like Mike Trout will generally be worth more than cards of less accomplished players. You’ll also want to see if any of the players on your cards went on to the Baseball Hall of Fame, as cards of Hall of Famers tend to command higher prices. Beyond just the names, positions can matter too – cards of pitchers may have less value than cards featuring star hitters.

Naturally, the year the card was printed plays a big role in its value. Vintage cards from the earliest years of the modern baseball card era in the late 1880s through the 1930s can be extremely valuable, especially if in top condition, as there are far fewer of them in existence today. Cards from the 1940s-1950s can also carry hefty price tags in mint condition. As you move into the 1960s-current era, the production numbers increased exponentially so cards require better players and condition to achieve high values. Any pre-war tobacco cards or early 1950s Topps cards could potentially be worth thousands or more depending on specifics.

Another crucial aspect is the card’s state of preservation, or “grade.” Grading scales exist to assign objective condition grades to cards based on factors like centering (how perfectly centered the image is within the borders), corners (are they rounded or sharp), edges (are they frayed or clean), and surface (is it clean and scratch-free). The highest grade a card can receive on popular modern grading scales is Mint/Gem Mint 10. Grades of 4 or below have heavy flaws and little value. Get your valuable vintage cards graded professionally by companies like PSA/DNA or SGC to maximize their value to serious collectors. Top grades like a PSA 10 of a key 1960s rookie could sell for over $10,000 while the same card in “Poor” condition would only fetch $1-2.

To research your specific cards, carefully examine each one to note the player, year, brand (Topps, Fleer, etc.), and any notable signs of wear. Then search online sales platforms like eBay to see recent “sold” listings of comparable cards to get a sense of current market value based on condition. You can also check price guide publications and websites like BaseballCardPedia.com which provide monthly updated average sales prices for thousands of individual cards in different grades. With some sleuthing work, you may discover hidden gems in your collection worth hundreds or thousands!

Once you learn your cards’ potential values, consider the best options to sell them if desired. Individual card sale on eBay may maximize profits but requires time and effort. You could try consigning high-value vintage cards to a reputable auction house. Or selling your entire lot as one collection may appeal to some buyers rather than trying to sell piecemeal. Just make sure to only deal with trusted parties who have a strong track record in the hobby. Taking the time to properly research your baseball cards using the pointers in this guide will help you determine their real worth and decide how to proceed from there. With a little digging, you may uncover some real baseball card treasures!

WHAT CARDS TO LOOK FOR IN 2023 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2023 Topps Baseball card set is sure to feature many exciting rookie cards and top player cards worth keeping an eye out for. With the rise of many talented young stars in MLB, the rookie class in the upcoming flagship Topps set looks very promising. Here are some of the top rookies and featured players whose cards collectors will want to target:

One of the most sought-after rookie cards without a doubt will be Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker. The 21-year-old was called up late in 2022 and immediately impressed with his monster power. Walker smashed 5 home runs in just 30 at-bats and looks poised for stardom. His rookie card autographs and parallels will sell for big money. Other high-profile rookies to watch for include Diamondbacks catcher Druw Jones, the number 2 pick in 2022 who also shows five-tool talent; Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. who had a stellar rookie campaign; Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez who finished second in ROY voting; and Twins righty Joe Ryan who looks like a future ace.

On the veteran side, superstar cards of Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, and Juan Soto will continue to demand high prices. But some other established names who could see rising value in 2023 include Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt after his huge NLCS performance; Dodgers player/manager Clayton Kershaw as he eyes another World Series run in what could be his final season; and Yankees slugger Aaron Judge as he tries to follow up his record-breaking 62 home run season. Top rookies and rising young talent like Braves outfielder Michael Harris II and Mariners pitcher George Kirby also have cards that should retain and gain value long-term.

Autographs and memorabilia cards will also hold significant value. Top young talents like Bobby Witt Jr., Julio Rodriguez, and Druw Jones could have 1/1 autographs listed for thousands. Mike Trout, who just signed a record-setting extension, will remain one of the most coveted auto chase cards. Other autographed veterans like Clayton Kershaw, Nolan Arenado, and Mookie Betts command high prices. Rare game-used memorabilia cards of star players selling for hundreds are also must-haves. Number parallel cards like the prizm yellow /10 or gold /5 varieties of the biggest names will attract serious collectors.

Topps update series cards released mid-season also feature emerging players who break out. Top performers from the 2023 season like Reds catcher Elly De La Cruz or Twins outfielder Matt Wallner could jump on the scene and have their updated cards gain significant value if they continue producing. International prospects signing big money deals with MLB clubs may also receive cards before playing stateside that could hold longterm worth.

In terms of packs and boxes to seek out for the best odds, the standard 132-card base set will remain affordable to complete but lack big hits. The higher-end jumbo boxes with extra packs and guarantees of autographed or numbered refractors hold potential for career-changing finds. Collector’s boxes with rare serial-numbered parallels or autograph cards of stars are pricey but could pay dividends long-term. The Hobby exclusive Chrome and Chrome Update packs that contain prisms and refractor parallels of the game’s brightest talents should not be overlooked.

With so much new young talent bursting onto the MLB landscape and established veterans etching their names deeper into record books, the 2023 Topps Baseball card set promises to commemorate another historic season and feature many cards that will stand the test of time as keepsakes and longterm investments. The rise of baseball card culture further increases demand for these modern issues. For collectors, focusing on the top rookies, stars of today and tomorrow, and riskier high-end products with best odds of big hits is sure to lead to an exciting year of searching packs for cards that will hold significant value in the years ahead.

WHAT COMPANIES PRODUCE BASEBALL CARDS

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Topps Company, Inc.

By far the largest and most prominent company in the baseball card industry is The Topps Company, Inc. They have been producing baseball cards since the early 1950s and still dominate the market today. Some key details about Topps:

Founded in 1938 and started producing boxing cards. Entered the baseball card market in 1951 and has had the exclusive license from Major League Baseball ever since (except for a few years in the 1980s and 1990s when Fleer and Score also had licenses).

In addition to baseball cards, Topps also produces cards featuring other sports like football, soccer, hockey, basketball, WWE wrestling and entertainment subjects like Star Wars and Disney characters.

Topps is credited with many innovations in the baseball card industry like the modern size/shape of cards, inclusion of team logos/colors, player statistics on the back, and use of color photos.

Some of their most popular baseball card sets over the decades include Topps, Traded, Updates/High Numbers, Chrome, Heritage, Allen & Ginter, Gallery, and Bowman.

In addition to traditional wax/plastic pack cards, Topps also produces high-end products like autographed cards, memorabilia cards, boxes of cards featuring one player, and annual ‘premium’ sets.

As the market leader, Topps generally sets the standard that other card companies follow as far as number of cards per set, use of photos vs. illustrations, inclusion of prospects and veterans, parallels and inserts.

In recent years they have embraced the internet and social media more than competitors, with popular online initiatives like Topps Bunt, Huddle, Kick, WWE Slam and Star Wars card traider apps and games.

Topps’ MLB license runs through 2030 and they show no signs of decreasing their production or market dominance anytime soon. The company was bought by former Disney CEO Michael Eisner in 2007.

Panini America

Italian sports card giant Panini took over the remaining assets of Fleer and Score in 2007, becoming the main competitor to Topps in America. Here are some Panini details:

Founded in 1961 in Italy, they are still privately held there and are the leading soccer card producer worldwide under brand names like Match Attax and Calcio.

Entered the US market in 2008 after acquiring Fleer and Score’s inventory and trademarks. Now produce cards under the Donruss, Contenders, Immaculate and Playoff brands among others.

Have licensed relationships with the NFL, NBA, NHL, Soccer and multiple colleges in addition to producing some baseball outside of Topps’ MLB license.

Known for producing ‘parallel’ or limited edition inserts like “Red” or ‘Diamond’ versions with particularly low print runs.

First major company to embrace memorabilia cards containing game-used pieces of jerseys, bats, etc.

Produced popular retro-style sets like “Sweet Spot” and “1984” mimicking classic 1980s Fleer and Donruss designs.

Focused more on boxes/packs of higher-end inserts than traditional wax packs for general releases.

Panini’s baseball offerings outside of MLB include licensed Nippon Professional Baseball sets from Japan.

With Topps’ MLB deal ending after 2030, Panini could potentially make a serious run at the license, shaking up the baseball market.

Other Past/Present Baseball Card Producers:

Fleer Corporation: Founded in 1893, they produced some of the most iconic modern baseball card designs of the 1960s-1990s like the ‘classic’ Fleer design before being sold.

Donruss: Founded in 1954, they were known for innovative statistical tracking cards before being acquired by Playoff Corporation and ultimately Panini.

Score: Founded in 1989, they were Topps’ main competitor holding an MLB license in the late 80s/early 90s but folded after losing their deal.

Leaf: Produced high-end sets in the 1990s before going bankrupt in 1999 but made a return with new parent company in 2020 with a focus on memorabilia cards.

Upper Deck: Focused more on other sports but still produces some baseball sets and was known for innovative hologram and substrate card technologies.

In summation, while Topps dominates baseball cards, Panini, Donruss and others still produce sets outside MLB’s exclusive license. Brands like Fleer, Score and Leaf produced classics in the past. With increased digital offerings, consolidation and potential changes to licensing, the industry faces an uncertain future beyond the next decade.

WHAT COMPANY GRADES BASEBALL CARDS

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Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) – Considered the gold standard in third-party grading, PSA is arguably the most recognizable and trusted name in the business. Founded in 2000, PSA pioneered the modern sports card grading industry. They have graded billions of cards over the past two decades. Some key facts about PSA:

They are the largest and most mainstream grader. About 80% of professionally graded cards have come from PSA.

PSA grades on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the highest grade of “Gem Mint.” They are considered fairly strict graders and 10s are very rare.

Turnaround times can vary significantly depending on volume and service level selected, but usually range from a few weeks to several months.

PSA offers various membership and bulk submission discounts. They also have specialty services for vintage cards, autographs, and encapsulation only.

PSA slabs/holders are immediately recognizable to serious collectors and have the best resale/liquidation value. This provides a level of standardization that adds trust in the marketplace.

Beckett Grading Services (BGS) – Formed in 1992, BGS is the second largest third-party grader after PSA. They are also considered a premier and trustworthy brand. Some key aspects of BGS:

Like PSA, BGS grades on a 1-10 scale in half point increments. However, BGS may be a slightly easier standard to achieve higher grades compared to PSA.

In addition to condition, BGS judges centering and assigns separate numerical grades for the front and back of each card. This extra data point is popular with registry set collectors.

BGS slabs have a colorful, modern design that distinguishes them from PSA holders. The brand has grown significantly in popularity and market share over the last decade.

Turnaround times are usually comparable to PSA depending on service level selected. BGS also offers various membership and bulk submission discounts.

Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) – Primarily known for coin grading, PCGS entered the sports card market in the late 2000s. They offer a respected third-party authentication and encapsulation service:

PCGS uses a simple 1-70 numeric grading scale to judge cards. The numbers correspond to certain condition thresholds.

PCGS holders have a sleek, understated design that is easy to stack and file compared to PSA and BGS slabs.

Turnaround times are often quicker than PSA/BGS, sometimes even offering one-week grading options for higher prices.

PCGS caters to bulk submissions and auto/retail shops. They are a solid option for resellers and dealers moving large volumes of vintage commons and uncommons.

There are also some smaller, regional grading companies. In terms of nationwide reputations and resale/trade market acceptance, PSA, BGS and PCGS are considered the major third-party authentication/grading providers by serious sports card collectors and investors. Their slabbed/holdered cards have superior liquidity and bring trusted impartial analysis that reduces risks in an expensive hobby. Overall grading provides standardization that has helped modernize and professionalize the collectibles industry.

WHAT TO DO WITH BOXES OF BASEBALL CARDS

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If you have multiple boxes of baseball cards collecting dust in your attic or basement, there are several options you may want to consider for what to do with them. First, you’ll want to assess the condition and value of the cards. Carefully go through each box and remove any cards that are in poor condition due to damage, stains, creases or other defects. For the remaining cards in good condition, you can do some research online to get an idea of their potential value. Look up cards of star players, especially ones from earlier decades like the 1950s-1980s, as those tend to hold more value as collectibles today.

With an idea of what you have and their estimated worth, your options include selling the full collection, picking out valuable individual cards to sell, or holding onto them long-term. If you choose to sell, the method will differ based on the target buyer and estimated value. For common cards or those only worth a few dollars each, your best bet is likely selling them in bulk locally via online classifieds sites like Facebook Marketplace. Post detailed photos of sample cards and provide an estimate of how many are included. Ask a fair price per 1000 cards. Meet buyers in a public place like a police station parking lot for the transaction.

Higher value vintage cards may have a national or even international buyer base. In that case, create a seller account on online auction sites like eBay to list individual valuable cards. Thoroughly research “sold” listing prices to determine fair starting bids. Take crisp photos showing the front and back of each card without glare or fingerprints. Clearly describe the condition using standard grading terms. Carefully package items and ship with tracking. PayPal or eBay’s seller protection programs offer security. Shipping costs will cut into profits, so consider selling multiple cards to one buyer to reduce this.

Another platform for showcasing and selling select rare vintage cards is through online collectibles dealers and auction houses. Search their websites for processes to submit cards for potential consignment. You’ll send high-res photos and details up front, with the company charging a commission only if the card actually sells at their scheduled auction. This option provides exposure to serious collectors but takes time and you lose a portion of profits.

Rather than immediately liquidating all your cards, it may be wise to spend the time sorting and researching more thoroughly first. You could discover a valuable gem that increases greatly in worth by simply holding it long-term. Grading services can also professionally assess condition and give slabs cards protection, potentially multiplying their value. But this service costs money up front with no guaranteed return.

For cards of specific players you admired growing up or sets you enjoyed putting together, consider keeping your favorites for a personal collection. Properly store them in new protective sleeves and binders kept in a cool, dry place away from damp or heat sources. Displaying a curated collection can become a treasured hobby. Just be sure not to consume too much space in your home for cards unlikely to increase in worth.

With patience and diligence, boxes of childhood baseball cards gathering dust need not end up in the trash. Taking time to sort, research values, showcase highlights, and sell strategically provides the best chance to transform a nostalgic collection into cash – or recapture some of the joy they once brought as a refined personal archive. With low effort options for bulk sales locally to higher-end consignments, there are opportunities for collectors both casual and dedicated.