If the cards are in relatively good condition but are considered common and not very valuable individually, one option is to try selling them bulk online. Sites like eBay allow you to list large lots of common vintage baseball cards. When selling in bulk, it’s a good idea to sort the cards by sport, league (American League vs National League), teams, etc. to make them more organized and appealing to potential buyers. When listing the lot, be sure to clearly describe the age, set(s), condition, and number of cards included. You may only get $10-50 for a large lot of common cards, but it’s easier than trying to sell them individually.
Another option is to donate the cards to a local library, hospitalchildren’s ward, youth baseball program, or school. Many places accept vintage baseball card donations and use them for displays, educational programs, or for kids to look through. This allows the cards to still bring enjoyment to others while cleaning out unused cards from your collection. Be sure to call ahead or check with the organization to ensure they want cardboard collections before dropping off a large donation.
If the cards are in very poor condition, with creases, stains or damage, one option is to essentially recycle them. Carefully cut out any valuable rookie cards, stars, or vintage sets for your collection first. Then, you could consider using the remaining common damaged cards as materials for art projects. For example, kids or crafty adults could glue the cards onto canvas or paper to make collages, pictures, or decorative wall hangings showcasing favorite teams or players. Damaged cards can also be shredded and used for textures in crafts like papier-mâché projects or mixed with gravel or stones for yard decorations showcasing a baseball theme.
For mint or near mint common cardboard that may have future value if preserved well, consider long-term storage. Carefully place the cards in plastic sleeves or toploaders and store them in boxes. Clearly label the boxes by year or set on the outside. Place the well-protected long-term storage boxes in a closet, basement, or climate-controlled storage unit. Over many decades, even common mid-grade cards from the 1970s-1990s could appreciate in value as complete vintage sets become more difficult to assemble. Leaving them sealed and stored safely ensures they will be preserved for potential future sale or enjoyment by younger generations.
A final option is to try consigning larger lots of common vintage baseball cards to a local collectibles or comic shop on a commission basis. Many shops accept card consignments and will display, market, and sell them for you in exchange for a cut of the final sale price, often around 30-50%. This allows you to potentially earn some money from unused cardboard without the work of listing, photographing, packaging and shipping online sales yourself. Be sure to shop around for a store that specializes in or frequently sells sports memorabilia to get the best commission rates and effort marketing your cards.
For old common cardboard collections, donating, reusing as art materials, long-term storage, bulk sales, and consignment are all viable options worth considering to properly clear out and potentially earn some money from unused vintage baseball cards. Properly sorting and protecting mint cards ensures they can stay preserved long-term for future appreciation or collecting enjoyment down the road.
