There are a lot of elements that affect the value of baseball cards. Before you buy or sell, you need to take these factors into account.
Grading
Don’t buy or sell a card that hasn’t been graded. A graded card means its physical appearance has been assessed. There are several companies that perform this service.
They check the card’s corner sharpness, clarity, centering, etc. Using sophisticated equipment, the smallest stains on the surface can be detected.
A flawless card is called a gem mint. Other rankings are mint, near mint, excellent, very good all the way to poor. These companies do charge a fee for their services.
However, you can’t expect a serious collector to buy your card if it’s not been graded. Assessing the value of baseball cards is best done through grading, and every serious seller/buyer subjects their cards to it.
Few cards actually get the gem mint rating. However, those in excellent condition will fetch a good price. If the card pack is in demand, you can sell for more than twice the current market price.
Rarity
The rarer the card, the more it is worth. On average those from the 1970s and below are more valued.
A big reason is that those cards weren’t mass-produced. Starting in the 1980s, cards were produced in vast numbers, lowering their worth.
Player Popularity
Of course, the player’s popularity will have a great effect. A lesser-known player won’t be worth much, even if the card is rare.
A player with enduring popularity can be sold for much more.
Timing
This is also a critical element in evaluating the value of baseball cards. A player who breaks the home run record will see a marked increase in their card’s worth.
But once that record is broken, the card value drops too. Some of the most valuable are rookie cards and those of players who have passed away.
Tips on Selling
Here are a few more things to keep in mind when selling these cards. Go to dealers, online or in real life.
This will allow you to keep an eye on the value of the cards. Online auction sites are a good place to assess the worth of your set.
The value of baseball cards changes with time. That rookie card you’re holding may not be worth much now.
But if he turns into a major star in the next few years, it will become a collector’s item. When it comes to rookie cards the key is to be patient.
Keep in mind that classic cards will almost always outsell new ones. The reason is that most cards today can be made from the finest materials, not possible during the early years of the game.
Also, they can be purchased easily, so they’re not worth as much. Extra features have greater value. An autographed card will be in greater demand.
Knowing the value of baseball cards isn’t that hard to figure out. After you have them graded, it’s only a matter of finding a buyer. With aficionados all around, it shouldn’t be that difficult.