What Baseball Cards Should I Collect?

It can be tough to know what baseball cards to collect. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Why Collect Baseball Cards?

If you’re a fan of America’s pastime, collecting baseball cards is a great way to show your love for the game. Baseball cards can also be a valuable investment, as some cards can be worth a lot of money. But even if you’re not interested in making money off of your collection, baseball cards can be a fun hobby. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why you should start collecting baseball cards.

The History of Baseball Cards

Printing technology in the late 1800s made trading cards cheaper and easier to produce. Tobacco companies were some of the first to capitalize on this new technology, minting cards featuring baseball players and other celebrities and inserting them into cigarette packs as a promotional tool.

Baseball cards began appearing in gum and candy products in the early 1900s. It wasn’t until the 1950s, however, that baseball cards really took off in popularity. Part of what fueled this boom was the rise of television. Baseball games were now being broadcast into homes across America, making players more relatable and inspiring many young fans to collect their favorite player’s card.

Today, baseball cards are collected by people of all ages for a variety of reasons. Some see it as a hobby, while others believe that baseball cards can be a sound investment. Whatever your reason for collecting, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

The Rise of Baseball Card Values

The baseball card market has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with values climbing for both vintage and modern cards. Investors and collectors are increasingly seeing baseball cards as a wise financial investment, much like art, jewelry, or antiques.

While the value of a particular baseball card can vary greatly depending on its age, condition, and rarity, there are some cards that are considered especially valuable. The most expensive baseball card ever sold is the 1909 Honus Wagner T206 card, which went for $3.12 million at auction in 2016. Other valuable cards include the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle (#311), the 1913 Babe Ruth Red Sox rookie card (#53), and the 1957 Topps Roberto Clemente (#326).

There are several factors that contribute to the increasing value of baseball cards. First, there is a limited supply of many vintage cards, as they were not produced in large quantities when they were first released. Second, the condition of a card plays a major role in its value – cards that are well-preserved or in mint condition can be worth significantly more than those that are damaged or worn. Finally, the popularity of certain players can drive up demand (and prices) for their cards.

Whether you’re looking to invest in baseball cards or simply start a collection for fun, there are many factors to consider. Learning about the history of baseball cards and doing your research before you buy can help you get started on the right foot.

How to Get Started Collecting Baseball Cards

Baseball cards can be a great way to relive your favorite moments from the game, or to investing in something that can be worth a lot of money down the line. But with so many different cards out there, it can be hard to know where to start. This guide will help you get started collecting baseball cards by giving you a few tips.

What Cards to Collect

To get started, you need to decide which cards you want to collect. Do you want to focus on a certain team? A certain player? Or do you want to collect a set of cards from a certain era?

There are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision:
-How easy will it be to find the cards you want? If you’re looking for common cards from the 1980s, they should be easy (and relatively inexpensive) to find. If you’re looking for rare cards from the early 1900s, they may be more difficult (and expensive) to track down.
-How much money are you willing to spend? Baseball cards can range in price from a few cents to thousands of dollars.
-How much space do you have for storing your collection? If you’re short on space, you may want to focus on collecting smaller sets of cards or investing in card storage options like albums or boxes.

Once you’ve decided which cards you want to collect, the next step is to start shopping! You can find baseball cards at local card shops, online retailers, auction sites, and even some supermarkets and gas stations. If you’re just getting started, it’s probably a good idea to purchase some inexpensive starter packs of common cards until you get a feel for the hobby.

Pre-War Cards

Pre-war cards are those released between 1887 and 1941. These include the rarest and most expensive cards in the hobby, such as the 1909 Honus Wagner T206 card, which is worth millions of dollars. If you’re just starting out, you won’t be able to afford many pre-war cards, but it’s still fun to look at them and dream!

Post-War Cards

Nine years after the last baseball cards were distributed in 1941, Topps Chewing Gum Company revived the hobby with a new set of cards in 1952. Topps has been producing baseball cards ever since, and their 1952 set is generally considered to be the first “modern” set of baseball cards.

Because there were no baseball cards produced during the war years (1942-1945), many collectors consider post-war cards (1946-1955) to be “vintage.” Post-war cards are generally more scarce and therefore more valuable than cards from subsequent years, but there are many post-war sets that are affordable for beginning collectors. In addition, post-war cards often feature rookies and other players who would go on to have long and successful careers, making them especially popular with collectors.

If you’re interested in collecting post-war cards, some of the most affordable and popular sets to start with include:

Topps 1949 baseball card set: The Topps 1949 set is significant because it was the first Topps baseball card set ever produced. The set includes card numbers 1-250, with each card featuring a black-and-white photo of a player on the front and biographical information on the back. Cards from this set can be found for as little as $10-$20 each in Near Mint/Mint condition.

Bowman 1950 baseball card set: The Bowman 1950 set includes all variations of the first bowman issue from that year, including both color (1-48) and black-and-white (1A-48A) versions of each card. This is a relatively small and affordable set to collect, withcards selling for $20-$30 each in Near Mint/Mint condition.

Topps 1952 baseball card set: The Topps 1952 set is considered by many collectors to be one of the most beautiful sets ever produced. The 350-card set features stunning four-color photography on the front and biographical information on the back. Cards from this set can be found for $50-$100 each in Near Mint/Mint condition.

Modern Cards

Modern cards are those produced starting approximately 1980. These will usually carry a copyright date of 1980 or 1981 and were generally produced in much higher quantities than earlier cards. They are printed on much thinner card stock and lack the “flavor” of the older cards. Generally, the print quality is very good on modern cards, although there are some notable exceptions.

Topps, Fleer, Donruss, Upper Deck, and Score are the main manufacturers of modern cards. These companies also produce a wide variety of specialty products, such as “insert” cards which are randomly inserted into packs at a significantly lower rate than the base cards. These specialty insert cards can be very valuable, especially if they are autographed or limited edition cards.

Where to Buy Cards

There are a few options when it comes to buying baseball cards. The most popular option is to buy cards online. There are many reputable dealers who sell cards online, and this is a great way to find the specific cards you’re looking for.

Another option is to buy cards at local card shops. This can be a great option if you’re looking to build up a collection quickly, as you can often find good deals on bulk purchases. However, it’s important to do your research before buying from a local shop, as some may overcharge for cards.

You can also find baseball cards at some sports memorabilia stores, however these can be more expensive than other options. Still, if you’re looking for a specific card or type of card, this may be the best place to look.

Local Stores

The first place to start is your local card shop. Oftentimes, these stores will have a large selection of baseball cards from which to choose. They will also be able to provide you with advice on what baseball cards are valuable and which ones are not. Once you have found a couple of local stores that you like, you can then begin to look online for baseball cards.

Online Auctions

There are a few online auction sites that are popular among baseball card collectors. These include eBay, COMC, and Love of the Game Auctions. All three of these sites have a large selection of cards and provide good customer service. They also have different features that may appeal to different collectors.

eBay is the most popular online auction site and has the most listings for baseball cards. However, it can be difficult to find good deals on eBay because there are so many listings. COMC is an online consignment site that allows collectors to sell their cards without having to ship them. This can be convenient for both buyers and sellers. Love of the Game Auctions specializes in vintage baseball cards and often has high-end cards for sale.

Private Sellers

One option for building your collection is to buy from private sellers, which can be done in person or online. Buying from private sellers is usually cheaper than buying from a store, but it can also be more risky. When buying from a private seller, make sure to:
-Inspect the cards carefully before you buy them.
-Check the seller’s feedback rating if you’re buying online.
-Be aware of the possibility of fake or counterfeit cards.

Building Your Collection

You may be wondering what baseball cards you should collect. The answer to that question really depends on what you are looking to get out of your collection. Are you looking to build a collection that has value, or are you looking to build a collection that you can enjoy? If you are looking to build a collection that has value, then you will want to focus on collecting cards that are rare and in high demand.

Organizing and Storing Your Cards

Now that you have a plan and you know what cards to look for, it’s time to start building your collection. The most important thing to remember is to handle your cards with care. Always hold them by the edges and never touch the surface. When you’re looking through a stack of cards, fan them out so you can see all the fronts without flipping them over.

Once you’ve decided which cards you want to keep, it’s time to start organizing them. One way to do this is by type of card. For example, you could have a binder for baseball cards, another for basketball cards, etc. Another way to organize your collection is by team. If you’re a Yankees fan, for example, you might want to keep all your Yankees cards together.

Organizing your collection however you want is completely up to you – just be sure to handle your cards carefully and store them in a safe place where they won’t get bent or damaged. You can keep your cards in plastic sleeves or binders, or you can frame them and hang them on your wall – it’s entirely up to you!

Protecting Your Cards

To insure the value and quality of your collection, store your cards in a cool, dry place. Most people keep their cards in a box or binder. You can also purchase index cards to keep track of your collection.

If you plan on showing your collection to others, you may want to consider purchasing plastic covers for your cards. This will not only protect them from damage, but will also keep them clean.

Displaying Your Cards

There are a few different options for displaying your baseball cards. Some collectors choose to keep their cards in binders, while others prefer to frame them and hang them on the wall. No matter how you choose to display your cards, be sure to handle them with care to avoid damaging them.

If you keep your cards in binders, you can either buy special pages designed for baseball cards or make your own out of cardstock. Be sure to leave enough space between the pages so that the cards don’t get stuck together. You can also buy a special album designed for storing loose cards. These albums usually have pockets on each page, so you can slip the cards in and out without having to worry about damaging them.

Framing your baseball cards is another option. You can either frame individual cards or create a collage of multiple cards. If you frame individual cards, be sure to use acid-free matting to prevent the card from yellowing over time. If you’re framing a collage, consider using a shadow box frame so that the cards don’t touch the glass. It’s also a good idea to use non-glare glass to prevent fingerprints and damage from UV rays.

Selling Your Collection

Baseball cards can be a great investment, but only if you know what you’re doing. There are a lot of things to take into consideration when selling your collection, and we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll go over what you need to do in order to get the most money for your collection.

When to Sell

You may be wondering when the best time to sell your baseball card collection would be. Unfortunately, there is no right answer to this question. The value of cards can go up and down depending on a variety of factors, so it’s impossible to say when the perfect time to sell would be.

The best thing you can do is keep an eye on the market and sell when you think the value of your cards is high. Pay attention to trends in the industry and try to determine when interest in baseball cards is peaking. This will give you the best chance of getting top dollar for your collection.

How to Sell

The question of “What baseball cards should I collect?” Is one that has been asked since the late 1800s when the hobby began. The answer, like most things, is entirely up to the individual. What cards someone chooses to collect can be based on a number of factors, including player preference, team loyalty, set building, or simply because the card is aesthetically pleasing. However, once a decision has been made on what to collect, the next step is understanding how to properly sell those cards in order to get the most return on investment.

There are a number of ways to go about selling baseball cards, and each method has its own set of pros and cons. The most common method is through online auctions, such as eBay or COMC. These platforms provide a wide audience for sellers and usually result in the highest prices for cards. However, they also come with fees that can eat into profits, and there is always the chance that a buyer will back out of a deal or that a card will be lost in shipment. Another option is selling through brick and mortar stores, either local shops or big box retailers. This method is typically quicker and easier than online selling, but it usually results in lower prices for sellers. Finally, there are private deals between collectors, which can be done in person or through online forums. These deals usually involve more trust than other methods, as there is no guarantee that payment will be received or that the cards will arrive as described.

No matter what method you choose to sell your baseball cards, it is important to do your research ahead of time. Knowing what your cards are worth and what similar items have sold for in the past will help you to get the best price possible and avoid being taken advantage of by buyers. With a little knowledge and effort, selling your baseball card collection can be a quick and profitable way to make some extra cash.

Local Stores

The first place you might think to check is your local card shop. These shops buy and sell cards on a regular basis and may be interested in what you have to offer. However, because they have to make a profit on the cards they sell, you can expect to receive less than retail value for your collection. In some cases, much less. Unless you are in dire need of cash, you might want to pass on this option.

Online Auctions

Auction websites like eBay have made selling collectibles much easier and more convenient, but there are some things you should know before you start listing items for sale. First, take the time to research the value of your items so you can set a fair starting price. Be prepared to accept offers that are lower than your asking price, and be aware that buyers will expect to pay shipping costs on top of the purchase price.

It’s also important to be honest in your listings, and to take good quality photos of the items you’re selling. Don’t try to trick buyers by using blurry photos or hiding damage, as this will only lead to negative feedback and could get you banned from the site. Finally, be patient – it can take some time to find buyers for your items, especially if you’re selling less popular items or sets.

Private Sellers

Many card shops, especially large chain stores, will not accept cards on consignment because they are in the business of buying collections outright. Private collectors, on the other hand, may be more interested in your collection than a shop would be and may be willing to give you a better price. You can find potential private buyers through online forums or by networking with other collectors in your area.

When selling to a private collector, it is important to:
-Get an appraisal: A professional appraiser can help you determine the value of your collection and give you an idea of what you should expect to get for it.
-Do your research: Find out as much as you can about the collector you are selling to and their collecting interests. This will help you determine whether they are likely to be interested in your collection and what price they may be willing to pay.
-Set a price: Once you have an appraisal and have done your research, come up with a fair price for your collection. Be prepared to negotiate, but don’t undervalue your cards!
-Get it in writing: Once you’ve agreed on a price, make sure that both you and the buyer sign a contract outlining the terms of the sale. This will protect both parties in case there are any problems with the transaction.