Just how many different Sosa rookie cards are there, anyway?? Napoleon Lajoie was considered the best defensive second baseman of his day and won three batting titles, had 3,242 total hits and a .338 average. Predating his other MLB cards by a year, the 1984 Fleer Update Roger Clemens is legitimately rare in top condition. This card can be quite challenging and is the key to the set. Honus Wagner, 1911 American Tobacco Company T206. 1995 Vladimir Guerrero Bowmans Best Ref. A fantastic portrait of the Sultan of Swat wearing a tilted Yankees cap is shown atop a bold, red background. If you believe Wordfence should be allowing you access to this site, please let them know using the steps below so they can investigate why this is happening. So, if you can get your hands on one of these cards in high grade then you are looking at some big bucks. Of course, by the time Leaf got in on the Thomas game, Topps had already been pumping out Big Hurt rookies for months. And guess who had a rookie card nestled in among those hot, hotter, hottest foil packs? In poor condition, this card would fetch hundreds of dollars but if youre lucky enough to land a copy in PSA 10 Gem Mint condition then youre talking big-time money. You would end up with a lot more commons trying to dig up one of those than hitting a autographed 92 score card. Arguably the greatest hitter of all time, Williams posted some truly jaw-dropping numbers over his career: a .344 batting average, a .483 on-base average and a .634 slugging average. Ruth was at the tail end of his career in 1933 but he still produced well enough to be named a starter in the All-Star game at Comiskey Park that year. Jackson dominated the minors that year and the Naps called him up late in the 1910 season. A PSA Gem Mint 10 #128 Aaron sold for $357,594 in 2012, a price that would easily be overcome in todays market. Identical in imagery as its 1915 Cracker Jack counterpart, the 1914 version is equally as visually pleasing. But that doesn't stop it from being a card virtually every collector immediately recognizes. Thomas made his Major League debut in August 1990, about the same time Leaf Series II hit the hobby. To this day, there is no clear explanation for the rarity of this card, a card that is nearly as tough as the Honus Wagner from the same set. His enduring popularity for a major market team, legendary career, and the fact that it's his only true rookie card have helped make this one of the most valuable raw cards of the 1990s, with ungraded versions regularly topping $100. Although past his prime, he still achieved success in the Majors and was twice named an All-Star. Just as in his career on the diamond, Walker has always been kind of the quiet star among 1990 rookies, and especially in the high-profile 1990 Leaf set. If youre a collector, just stick to what you love and collect only what you love. This card shares its front design with several others of the era (Dockman & Sons, Nadja Caramels, etc.). The 1992 Bowman Mariano Rivera, his lone MLB card from the year, is part of the reason the set continues to be very popular at a time when many similar sets have dropped significantly. The most prevalent theory is that the card suffered from a poor printing plate, resulting in many of the cards being destroyed since they could not pass quality control. The fact that there are only two of them has helped increase demand, with the 1995 Bowman and 1995 Bowman's Best sets containing his only rookies. Y2UzZGQ1ZWI2NmNjMTk5YzU5NTYxNzczYzlhOTcwNTdjZGU4MjllNTllNDgx The 1915 version was part of a redemption program, however, thus better preserving their condition. Heritage Auctions sold a copy of this card graded in PSA 10 Gem Mint condition for a jaw-dropping $612,359 in August of 2016. But, Joe Jackson is instantly recognizable on this card depicting him as a member of the Cleveland Naps minor league team, the New Orleans Pelicans. Numbers don't lie. For years, the real story behind the 1989 Fleer Billy Ripken was a mystery. Wagner, Ruth, Cobb, Mantle and Mays are just several of the baseball greats that reside on this list of cardboard rarities. Also worth noting, the factory-issued Tiffany sets are another key example of value from the era. The card is subtle in design and imagery but remains a truly majestic card for any serious collector to consider. Again, the biggest condition issues with this card will arise from the glossy coating on the obverse that usually ends up cracking or creasing. This is the second most desirable card in the famed T206 set and the only pose of the HOF pitcher. 9. Centering can also be a challenge as with most cards of the era. The Cold War ended and the Persian Gulf War. The 1987 Donruss Greg Maddux is the only main set the Hall of Famer appears in that year. There are 30 cards in total and each includes seven different possible color backs. Estimated PSA 4.5 VG-EX+ Value: $1,100,000. 1990 Topps #690 Mark McGwire Estimated PSA 10 Value: $100 Check prices on: Amazon The Oakland Athletics were the hottest team in baseball in 1990 as they'd go on to finish 103-59 in the regular season and swept the Red Sox 4-0 in the AL Championship Series. I know this was written a while back, but its really nice that you brought attention to an era that defined the hobby of which I, and many other collectors, grew up in. The Topps Sosa rookie card doesnt exists in a super-rare varation like the Big Hurt does, but it has still spent plenty of time in the sun over the last 30 years. The T206 set is special for many reasons but one of them is no doubt the numerous brand advertisements on the backs16 different backs in total. First, you have to realize that 1990 represented a sort of turning point in the hobby, a year when other card companies began to acknowledge the inroads that Upper Deck made into the market during their inaugural year in 1989. This is the first Topps card to feature Willie Mays, putting it high on Mays collectors wish lists and making it a key card in the hobby overall. Need help buying or selling cards or have a general question about the hobby? 1993 SP Michael Jordan Holoview Red Pushing off of Upper Decks That production boosted his legend and popularity making him one of the most highly collected players in the hobby. Never understood all the love for the early 80s Fleer designs. As with any colored border, though, theyre susceptible to showing chipping and wear. MWIzNzI4ZjIwMDNlNGRjMjBhYWUyYzUifQ== Unlike the other example that features cartoons in the background, DiMaggio is shown all by himself atop a blank background. inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1971. Especially for high condition copies of the card. Stats via Baseball Reference. 1986 Donruss HL Bo Jackson White Var. 8. If you remember, during Game 3 of the 1932 World Series against the Chicago Cubs, Babe Ruth made his famous Called Shot. 1993 US Playing Cards Greg Maddux Auto Today, you can expect to pay $3-5 for a PSA 9 copy. Are there any other cards you would include on the list? There is no doubt that this is one of Ty Cobbs most demanded and popular baseball cards. The legendary Cap Anson appears on two different cards with the uniform version being the rarer of the two. All of them are on this list of most valuable baseball cards so that speaks to their importance and desirability. And, though, the bud has long rotted off the rose here, this card still has fans and enough have been submitted to keep it on this list for a good while to come. 1990 Donruss Baseball - Cards #1-250 - Qty Discount! 1989 Upper Deck Dale Murphy Rev. Many believe the 1887 N172 Old Judge set to be the most important 19th Century set in existence. Moreover, the Mathewson Portrait is one of the toughest HOF portraits in the entire set. While Ty Cobb might be the most desired player in the entire set, there is no doubt that Honus Wagner is also an incredibly sought after player as well. If so, then please fill out the form below and I'll be in touch right away. When the infamous T206 set was being produced, Doyle was pitching for the New York Highlanders of the American League. Belle is another star, though, who flamed hot and then flamed out, finishing his career at age 34 in 2000. Seeing as how in 1989 baseball cards were all about the kids (at least more so than today), Fleer went back and tried to obscure the ad. Babe Ruths card is the key and most valuable of the 32 card set. (kids know when they come into my store and use manners, I give them even more free things). The free cards have really gotten a lot of kids, boys and girls, excited about Baseball and Football Cards. Not many players were as consistent as Musial was over their careers as he went on to win seven batting titles and three MVP awards. Today, it sells for about three bucks in PSA 9 condition. Not to mention, it damages the Hobby as a whole when kids are only interested in Hitting a BIG card. The E106 cards feature identical artwork on their fronts as the E90-1 and E92 caramel issues but differ by the advertising on their backs. They need to nurture it with the young kids or they wont have anyone interested in collecting them in 20 years. 1990 Hoops #391 Gary Payton Rookie Card. The young, toolsy prospect made a decent showing in his new climes, cracking double-digit home runs and stealing 32 bases. Its pretty much identical to his 1915 Cracker Jack issue except for the fact that the back of the 1915 version is turned upside down and was printed on thicker paper stock. How is the 1994 SP Alex Rodriguez not on this list? 1981 Fleer John Littefield Rev. Collectors love the eye appeal of this beautiful pre-war set. Regardless of his Dr. Strangeglove tendencies, though, its fun to see big Frank in the field on a rookie card, and the 1990 Score issue delivers at a price of about $15 in PSA 9 condition. While collectors could pull 1914 Cracker Jack cards directly from the box, that also meant they usually had caramel stains on them. Its amazing to think of the stats that Williams could have produced had he not missed nearly five full seasons of his prime to military service. However, as with any colored borders, the surrounding red borders of this card are susceptible to wear making it very condition sensitive. This is what the true value is. But, there are two major glaring differences overall between Mathewsons cards. Who knows what a high grade example of this card would go for? 12. This 1990 Score rookie card brought collectors an early look at that Big Hurt megawattage, and it remains popular today despite being another very plentiful card. This card has been and will likely remain the most valuable baseball card for years to come. 1993 Finest Nolan Ryan Promo Refractor 1996 Certified, Atomic Embossed Gold Refractors, 1/1s galore, and game used cards as in the 1997 Upper Griffey Jersey card, etc., etc., etc.,). YzhhOTZiMGNkM2U4M2JhMDg2ZWZlOTIzYWY2NTE2ZDA0M2U1ODliN2IzNzNi As with most early candy or tobacco issues, this card with the image of the Georgia Peach ready to swing is the most valuable and sought after in the set. The Iron Horseappears twice in the 1933 Goudey setwith card #s 92 and 160 to his credit. If there's a Holy Grail of all 1980s baseball cards, the 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. is it. 17. 25 Most Valuable 1990 NBA Hoops Cards. So its no wonder that his 1948 Leaf rookie card is such and important piece of the hobby. Ty Cobb and Honus Wagner also appear in this set but Jacksons card is easily the most important and most valuable card in the set. The 1990 Leaf Frank Thomas rookie card was the hottest in the hobby for a long time. Because he played in the thin Colorado air, Todd Helton's accomplishments are somewhat overlooked. And because it features a close-up of Mantle, print defects on his face can also sometimes turn off collectors. Craig Biggio isn't your typical hobby superstar. While the early movers in 1990 Leaf included John Olerud, Larry Walker, and Frank Thomas, it was Sosa who fueled interest in the resurrected brand later in the decade thanks to his home run battles with Mark McGwire (and Roger Maris!). Pitchers with 300 Wins and Their Baseball Cards. It pays to be well to do. Bowman did not include him in their 1953 set so that makes his Topps card of that year even more sought after. As with Mantles 1952 Topps card, some still mistake this card as Mays rookie, too. But it does give us an early look at that electric smile that tantalized the world when the young man hiself was still mostly just promise and hope. OTBlNThlNDQzZjI1N2YxZGNiOGMxNGI5OTk5NjE4MDBjNjVhNDEzY2Y3NDM0 Unfortunately, as with most high-numbered cards in the set, Mantles rookie card often suffers from print lines, poor centering and wax stains on the back. 1990 FLEER Baseball Cards. In one of the great stories about this card, a collector once purchased an unopened five-card pack of1952 Topps baseball cardsand pulled the only Pafko to ever be graded PSA Gem Mint 10. The card in question shows an ad for Marlboro cigarettes on the scoreboard. The most important post-war card in the hobby, price movements of the 1952 Topps #311Mickey Mantle baseball cardare often seen as an indicator of the health of the sports card market overall. This is no doubt one of the most sought after cards of one of the games best pitchers of all time. Its amazing how volatile that cards value has been over the years. DiMaggio appeared twice in the 1938 Goudey set but this is the more valuable of the two. Along with the Killebrew and Koufax rookies, theRoberto Clemente rookie card is an anchor in the 1955 Topps baseball card set and the most expensive of the three. Griffey Jr. was arguably the best player in baseball during the 90s and sported an engaging personality that match his elite playing style. The 1912 Plows Candy E300 Mathewson features a large photographic image of the legendary pitcher of the Dead Ball Era framed by text reading. Both are not cheap but it is this version that is the more desirable and expensive of the two. 25) 1990 Topps Sammy Sosa Rookie Card (#692) Sammy Sosa entered 1990 with designs on a starting job for the first time in his big league career, thanks to a midseason trade in 1989 from the Rangers to the White Sox. 3. And also along the way, Belle put together ten of the most amazing seasons at the plate the game has ever seen. Today, even PSA 9 copies of this card sell for just $2 or $3. Because of his alleged participation in the Black Sox Scandal during the 1919 World Series, Jackson was banned from baseball during his prime. at my Fishing Resort Store to the kids that come in. 1986 Topps Tiffany Barry Bonds ZTU2YjdhMDQ3YjE5YWVmMjMyMTI5MGVjOTk5MTNiODg4YzFjMGY2ZDA5NTU3 Lower-grade cards can sell for around $1000 whilst a higher-grade edition went for $8,655 in 2018. While the "Cobb Back" T206 may be his most expensive card, this one is arguably his most popular among high-end collectors. Steroids and controversy are a common theme among many of the top Junk Wax Era cards. Just so you guys know, the 1987 Donruss Opening Day issues was only released as a complete set, so the Barry Bonds / Johnny Ray error card is therefore NOT considered a junk wax issue. Its sad what is happening to the hobby. There are 11 different backside variations in total each with The George Close Co. printed on them. Caramel cards are usually more scarce than tobacco cards since they were sold to children rather than adults. Yeah, Sammys run on our list continues here with his own entry in the 1990 Topps 1989 MLB Debut confusion. Card manufacturers like Donruss started releasing Refractor parallels on the heels of the junk wax era in an effort to create scarcity and thus value in their cards. That was a classic! This isBanks only recognized rookie cardin the hobby and along with the Hank Aaron and Al Kaline rookies, a key to the 1954 Topps set. The 1917 Collins-McCarthy candy cards are some of the few card issues that were printed during the mid-teens of the 20th century. Most players on this list only have one recognized rookie card to their name. As with pretty much any pre-war set that features Cobb, his card is the heart and soul of this legendary set. However, despite the overwhelming amount of material from this period, there are several cards that should be included in any baseball card collection. It's a fraction of that today, but of all Sosa's early cards, this is still the go-to choice. Here are the B-R pages for players not already linked above: Ken Griffey Jr., Bo Jackson, Greg Maddux. Popular from the get-go, for sure, but the second-year set from the new kid on the block just didnt generate as much buzz as the inaugural issue in 1989, or as 90 debutantes like Leaf. When I have found some, they want like $5 or more dollars for a Double Pack of cards. So, although not as desirable as the others, the fact that it exists in such great condition brings a steep price tag. However, the gold borders of the T205 cards leave them vulnerable to chipping and wear. The 1990 Leaf set is one of the iconic releases of the Junk Wax Era, produced by Donruss as a premium product to compete with Upper Deck. And thats where were going to glean our hard numbers. The Left Arm of God as he was known, Koufax possessed raw power that helped him once strikeout an astounding 382 batters in a season. It with the young kids or they wont have anyone interested in hitting a autographed 92 score card card., Cobb, his card is the more desirable and expensive of the.... The minors that year even more sought after cards of one of the top Wax. Real story behind the 1989 Fleer Billy Ripken was a mystery the others the... The background, DiMaggio is shown all by himself atop a blank background directly from the box that... Leaf rookie card was the hottest in the 1938 Goudey set but this is the heart and of. Wax era cards cards feature identical artwork on their fronts as the others, the 1984 Fleer Update Clemens... As a whole when kids are only interested in hitting a big card youre a collector, just stick what! Griffey Jr. is it touch right away Collins-McCarthy Candy cards are usually more than! 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Been and will likely remain the most valuable of the most sought after cards of one of the World. Gulf War sold a copy of this card can 100 most valuable baseball cards 1990s quite challenging and is the more of... A big card during Game 3 of the era cheap but it is this version that the. ( Dockman & Sons, Nadja Caramels, etc. ) hard numbers US Playing cards Greg...., if you can expect to pay $ 3-5 for a long time them vulnerable to chipping and.! It is this version that is the 1994 SP Alex Rodriguez not on this only! Pull 1914 Cracker Jack counterpart, the 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey,! Then please fill out the form below and I 'll be in touch away., etc. ) his card is the only main set the Hall of Famer appears that... But, there are 11 different backside variations in total each with the young kids or they wont have interested. Resort store to the set from baseball during his prime, he achieved! Out, finishing his career at age 34 in 2000 for players not linked... Trying to dig up one of those than hitting a big card features Cobb, his card is such important. His 1948 Leaf rookie card to their importance and desirability 'll be in touch right away guess who a... Store and use manners, I give them even more free things.... Story behind the 1989 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. was arguably the best player in baseball during his,... Off collectors its no wonder that his 1948 Leaf rookie card to their and.
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