It's not like they're piled high at your local card shop, but compared to the 1914 issue, the 1915 Cracker Jack baseball cards are a piece of cake. Unlike the debut issue when the cards were only available inside sticky boxes of candied popcorn and peanuts, the the '15s could be had by sending in for what amounted to proofs of purchase. You had to eat a lot of it, … [Read more...] about 5 Great 1915 Cracker Jack Baseball Star Cards That Might Be Within Reach
underrated cards
Overlooked and Underrated Rookie Cards of NBA Greats – Part 3, the 1970s
In the 1970s, post-Wilt and Russell, but pre-Magic/Bird, the NBA found itself short on spectacular, media-friendly stars. Of course, there was Kareem, putting together the greatest three-year run in the history of the sport and capturing a title in Milwaukee, before thriving on a series of underwhelming Lakers teams. Toward the end of the decade there was also Dr. J, who was … [Read more...] about Overlooked and Underrated Rookie Cards of NBA Greats – Part 3, the 1970s
Overlooked and Underrated Rookie Cards of NBA Greats – Part 2, the 1960s
As was the case in the earliest days of professional basketball, in the 1960s the limelight focused squarely on a select few greats: Russell and Wilt, Jerry West, Oscar Robertson and the still-undercelebrated Elgin Baylor. Left in their wake was another collection of Hall of Famers, including the likes of Jerry Lucas, Zelmo Beaty, Walt Bellamy, Bailey Howell, Lenny Wilkens, … [Read more...] about Overlooked and Underrated Rookie Cards of NBA Greats – Part 2, the 1960s
Overlooked and Underrated Rookie Cards of NBA Greats – Part 1, the Early Days
In terms of recognition and fame, the early days of pro basketball were a fraught time to be a “merely great” player. Center stage belonged to the big men of the days: Russell, Chamberlain and, later, Kareem immediately come to mind. Of course, before any of those guys ever took the floor, there was Mikan. Unlike any player in history, Mikan was the league. He was arguably … [Read more...] about Overlooked and Underrated Rookie Cards of NBA Greats – Part 1, the Early Days
5 Underrated 1934-36 Diamond Stars Cards
Even though it's a set that doesn't include either Babe Ruth or Lou Gehrig, the 1934-36 Diamond Stars baseball set is popular with pre-War collectors thanks to its art-deco style fronts that reflect its time as good or better than any set. Despite missing a few key stars who apparently were under exclusive contract to Goudey, the Diamond Stars set can be … [Read more...] about 5 Underrated 1934-36 Diamond Stars Cards
Seven Affordable Pre-War Cards of Hall of Famers
Collecting pre-war cards isn't always cheap. And when you add Hall of Famers to the mix and want them in halfway decent condition, things get progressively more expensive. However, if collecting Hall of Famers is your thing, there are still plenty of early pre-war cards to be had at affordable prices. Here are seven of them in no particular order. 1. Hank Greenberg 1939 Play … [Read more...] about Seven Affordable Pre-War Cards of Hall of Famers
10 Underrated 1951 Bowman Baseball Cards
Almost any vintage card collector can tell you about the Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Whitey Ford rookie cards in the 1951 Bowman set. There are also plenty of stars that will put your Paypal account to the test. However, that all-important release has plenty of other significant rookie or early-career cards worth your attention. Many fly under the radar at very … [Read more...] about 10 Underrated 1951 Bowman Baseball Cards
Don’t Ignore Market for Older Insert Cards
I remember it like it was yesterday. Several years ago, I received a birthday present from my parents. It was a box of 2006 Upper Deck Future Stars: the first "NEW" cards I had opened since my childhood. Holographic foil board cards, different colored parallels and autographs that were actually inserted into the packs! Lady luck was on my side, … [Read more...] about Don’t Ignore Market for Older Insert Cards
10 Surprisingly Cheap Vintage Sports Card Sets
With so many trading card sets being produced over the past 130 years, there is no reason for a collector to have to overpay for quality, vintage material with a girth of material on the market. For every set like 1909-11 T206 and 1952 Topps that increase in value as collectors pursue registry sets and key cards, there are others that remain under the radar, unappreciated, or … [Read more...] about 10 Surprisingly Cheap Vintage Sports Card Sets
5 Underrated 1933 Goudey Baseball Cards
Piecing a set together can take time and get a little expensive. So can buying the big kahunas in the set: Babe Ruth (four of them) and Lou Gehrig. But for those marking what is the unofficial transition from tobacco and candy cards to the gum era, finding underrated 1933 Goudey baseball cards is one way to collect the ultra-popular set. Sold inside waxy paper with a stick … [Read more...] about 5 Underrated 1933 Goudey Baseball Cards