r/baseballcards Jan 14 '16

Posting Guidelines, and Before You Ask: "How much is this worth?"

743 Upvotes

There is an incredible mix of collectors in this subreddit, from those really experienced with massive collections, to folks just starting out, to folks dusting off their cards for the first time since 1989, and plenty of folks who inherited cards trying to figure out what to do with them. This sub was set up to invite commentary and interaction at all levels of experience, create a place where experienced collectors can compare notes, and new folks can get acquainted or reacquainted with the hobby. This mission won't work for everybody, and there are other subs out there when that's the case. That said, most experienced collectors and sellers seem ready to help out those seeking information.


What is this card worth?

As the sub gets bigger, the capacity to answer certain questions changes a little too. While it's fine to post a question if you really can't figure out what a card or collection is worth after doing your own research, please first review the following guidelines:

  • Did you take a look at ebay 'sold' listings to get an idea of what the card(s) might be worth first? Go to ebay.com, search for as much information as you can (look at the year at the bottom of the back of the card as well as the card manufacturer). Scroll down the filtering options, and under 'Show Only', select 'Sold listings'. This will give you an admittedly imperfect, but reasonable price range for your card. Please be realistic in comparing your cards to the cards listed, and do not assume your card is worth what a 'PSA 10' card is worth, as an example (a card isn't a high grade until a grader says it is, and most even when they look perfect to the naked eye, aren't a '10').

  • If that didn't work and you couldn't find example sold prices for your card(s), please ensure you post a picture of the card you're asking about in your post. Reddit allows for picture upload, if that doesn't work, imgur will allow you to upload a picture you can then link to here. Condition has a lot to do with value, so posts without a picture aren't useful to anyone looking at it (and it's kind of annoying to continually ask people to "post a picture").

Here, for reference, is a decent article on cards from the "junk era" (late eighties to the early early nineties) and their value: http://www.cardboardconnection.com/why-sports-cards-early-90s-worthless


On Trading and Selling:

It's both ok and encouraged to post a card for trade (indicate the expected value you wish to receive in return and what you're looking for) or sale (cards must include a selling price). Start the post with FT or FS or FT/FS and a value or values, and include a picture or link to a picture. You don't have to list "or best offer", it's implied because you're going to receive offers regardless, and don't go fishing (put an exorbitant price on something and then ask for offers).

There are no situations where 'make me an offer' without a price is appropriate in sale posts, if you take the time to post a card for sale here, please also take the time to research its potential value and list a starting price for the card(s). Listing multiple cards as a lot for a single price is fine.

Here are some listing examples:

"FT/FS $200/$150 1956 Topps Mickey Mantle, looking for Trout autos" <- indicates you want $200 in trade value, or $150 cash for a '56 Mantle.

"FT $150 2010 Bowman Platinum Mike Trout Auto RC, looking for Bryce Harper autos" <- indicates you want $150 in trade value for your 2010 Trout.

It's not ok to post a link to an outside auction or web site expressly for the purpose of highlighting a card for sale there (posting a link to a blog post or article, where cards are for sale elsewhere on that site is fine). Post it here to the collectors here, and create a separate post somewhere else. It's definitely not ok to link to an ebay auction, unless it's part of a point you're making or you're pointing to something unusual or newsworthy (e.g. "Hey, a '52 Mantle just sold for half a million on ebay!"). Please add flair to the post, including 'Sale' or 'Trade'. Adding flair for 'Sold' when a card is no longer available is also helpful.

The sub will not be responsible for deals that go bad, and there are problematic sellers, buyers, and trade partners out there (see: https://www.sportscardscams.com/scammers-database/). The sub strongly suggests settling payment using the "Paying for an item or service" option in Paypal, which offers some level of buyer protection. If a user can submit proof of wrongdoing to modmail, habitual bad traders or people who don't pay after striking a deal will be banned, and you're encouraged to send an email to modmail and create a post in r/SportsCardTracker when that happens. Do not publish a call out post.

Here for reference are some common scams beyond simply not paying or sending cards that are common in the sports card industry: https://www.cardboardconnection.com/collecting-101/top-10-sports-collectibles-crimes-to-avoid

For every trade or sale, you're encouraged to create an entry in r/SportsCardTracker noting that seller's or trade partner's user name so others can look that up via search, and benefit from your positive, or negative, experience, before buying or trading.


Should I get this graded?

In general, it won't make sense grading a card if it won't add value to the sale price of the card that exceeds the grading fee. That said, there are collectors who collect cards in a certain minimum grade, so the motivations around grading vary, and ultimately only you can answer this question.

Most folks are not going to be able to tell you what a card will grade based on a picture viewed online, only, more commonly, when it's not worth paying the grading fee. In general, cards that receive a high grade such as a'9' or '10' will sell at a premium, and certain high value cards benefit from being graded in most conditions as it ensures the card's authenticity (for example, a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle or a 2011 Topps Update Mike Trout). The major graders at the time of writing are PSA, SGC, and Beckett, and each has information available on their respective web sites about their process, so please review that first before asking a question here.

The following is a decent guide on what graders look for: https://www.cardboardconnection.com/pre-grade-sports-cards-results


When there is a problem

If you see violations of the rules, please report them. Enjoy discussing the hobby, selling, and trading. Message modmail with issues. Don't create call out posts, don't start drama, and don't create posts to complain about other users or moderation or that invite others to do the same. If your post or comment is moderated, check the sub's rules as to why, sending a rude message to modmail in response is a poor strategy.


Happy collecting.


r/baseballcards 10d ago

Buy/Sell/Trade Thread - January 2025

8 Upvotes

The monthly sticky thread for buying, selling, and trading. Post cards you're looking to sell or trade with a description, picture, and a price or for trades, what you personally collect. You can also post requests for cards you're looking for with the 'Want' flair. Please report sale/trade posts using the report link if they don't include a picture or price/desired return. And please consider leaving feedback via SportsCardTracker. Happy trading/selling, and Happy New Year!


r/baseballcards 7h ago

Mail Day Update: The 1990s grail I was saving up for

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439 Upvotes

For the past few weeks, I’d been selling a lot of the bigger cards in my collection (those I decided I could part with). I listed stuff here, and on eBay and Facebook and even Discord.

Many, many thanks to those of you who made deals — you helped me pick up a card I never would have thought I could afford, just a few months ago. (And to those of you who hate sales posts, sorry! Here’s a show and tell post instead.)

Yesterday I picked up this beauty in person. I’ve always loved cards of David Ortiz on the Twins, probably because they hit both my “Red Sox hero” and “historical oddity” quadrants. This card has a plausible case for being the single most notable Twins Papi card in existence, in my opinion, and it’s certainly the coolest one I’ll ever own.

Introduced the year after the higher-numbered but still extremely limited Raves, the Super Rave was one of the earliest super-low numbered parallels in hobby history. This Papi is 3/25, and the only PSA 10 (the only other currently graded copy is a 7). By my count, there are only 13 PSA 10 Super Raves from this entire set, of any player. Tough grades for sure.

The other contenders for “greatest Papi Twins card of all time,” in my view, are the single PSA 10 copy of his 1997 Ultra platinum RC, and the single PSA 10 of his 1998 Donruss Crusades red parallel, also /25.

Thanks once more for the help, and thanks to everyone on here who shares my passion for collecting. Everywhere on the internet has its issues these days, but this sub manages to be an overwhelmingly positive place and I appreciate that.


r/baseballcards 4h ago

Son just pulled this from a hobby box of Archives

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194 Upvotes

According to our rules he gets to keep it!


r/baseballcards 2h ago

What I pulled and what I got

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131 Upvotes

First redemption I’ve ever pulled and of course it’s worthless. Submitted to Topps 3 weeks ago and got my replacement today. I’m not disappointed.

A&G had a mini MJ Melendez and update got me a Cole Tucker /2021.


r/baseballcards 5h ago

Show Off My first “big” purchase last year. That really got me into the hobby 👍

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197 Upvotes

r/baseballcards 9h ago

My Best Blaster Pull Of All Time

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284 Upvotes

r/baseballcards 7h ago

Skenes Sizzle 1/1 Superfractor

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187 Upvotes

Had bought 2 mega boxes and was just chasing the debut patch dream with my boy. I know a few people into collecting and suggestions have been all over the place. Figured I’d share here and listen to some more thoughts and maybe potential card value.

We also pulled the Duvall 5/5 red refractor from our 2nd box but this one is stealing the spotlight. Pretty fun level of excitement in the house that night.


r/baseballcards 7h ago

First Redemption

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181 Upvotes

r/baseballcards 4h ago

Show Off RIP to the GOAT

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82 Upvotes

My childhood idol, and the Greatest Leadoff Hitter of All-time. Was lucky enough to get three in-person autos last year. Didn’t think it would be my last opportunity.


r/baseballcards 6h ago

Greatest rookie of all time?

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110 Upvotes

I think I hit gold here, arguable the greatest to ever play the sport. I’m truly blessed.


r/baseballcards 3h ago

My biggest get of 2024

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49 Upvotes

r/baseballcards 4h ago

First redemption pull ever

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56 Upvotes

And it's this guy lmao


r/baseballcards 2h ago

Show Off I just started collecting less than a month ago. My biggest hit yet from a Bowman Mega Box

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35 Upvotes

Is it worth getting this graded? I haven't sold any cards yet nor tinkered with PSA and I'm still learning the ropes. Definitely over the moon about this one


r/baseballcards 3h ago

Six years. It took six years before I saw this card even come up for sale. Rickey 2003 Topps Chrome Uncirculated X-fractor /50. Super happy to give it a new home! Love the ridiculously long stat list on the back!

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39 Upvotes

r/baseballcards 49m ago

Rrrrrip…

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Upvotes

Very surprised to see this lil fella in there..!


r/baseballcards 7h ago

Another Archives Box!

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45 Upvotes

I'm thrilled with this Ozzie auto from my second Archives hobby box! I love this design with the nickname, and his signature is great! (/50)

Two other solid hits in the box too - Yamamoto short print variation, and a Jackson Holiday red foil /50!


r/baseballcards 2h ago

Nice pulls from 4 boxes of Archives. Jones /25, PCA/Reggie/Merrill /50

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16 Upvotes

r/baseballcards 2h ago

Question Starting A Rainbow

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12 Upvotes

First time trying this, found a couple I needed at a LCS. I’m not sure how many of this particular card there is. Is there a checklist somewhere?

If you have any of these albies FS shoot me a message.


r/baseballcards 16m ago

Sale Cards for sale $5/$3/$2/$1

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Upvotes

Various cards for sale. First picture $5 each. Second picture $3 each. Third and fourth pictures $2 each. Fifth, sixth, and seventh pictures $1 each. Add $1 for PWE shipping and $5 for BMWT.


r/baseballcards 16h ago

First Super

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145 Upvotes

First super we ever pulled during our whatnot stream and the fact it is a legend like Bo makes it even better.


r/baseballcards 1d ago

Show Off Holy Moly

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731 Upvotes

Been chasing Ohtani ink for a while now... I bought in to a break with EastWest fully expecting to skunk and this card came out. I am a 🐷 in 💩 right now.


r/baseballcards 1h ago

Archives Blaster Hidden Gems

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Upvotes

Grabbed two more Archives blasters while running errands this am…. Ripped a few packs and pulled a nice PC hit….


r/baseballcards 4h ago

Show Off Current Guardians/Jose PC & display!

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14 Upvotes

Have some not shown and some on the way but this is the main display I have ay the moment


r/baseballcards 8h ago

Mail Day Mail Day!

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32 Upvotes

NFS/NFT


r/baseballcards 2h ago

First time opening Allen & Ginter

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10 Upvotes

I like how clean these cards look. Might have to keep buying A&G.


r/baseballcards 5h ago

Wanted! 2000 Upper Deck Legends Legendary Signatures Derek Jeter to complete the set!

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16 Upvotes

I have been slowing collecting this set and I'm down to the final two, Piazza who I know will pop up again on eBay, and the extremely elusive Jeter short print. I've been scouring Facebook specialty groups, card shows, ebay, and any website I can find and still without luck. Do you or someone you know have one that might be for sale?