Topps packs weren’t enough for the most dedicated baseball card collectors in the early 1960s. Kids who really loved collecting, were crazy for cards—and had a few more nickels than the average youngster—had to have a box or three. The 1963 Bazooka baseball card series marked the fifth year for what had become an annual rite of summer. They remain popular, … [Read more...]
Notes: Big Sales for Harper NOW Cards; Ocean City Show; Collector’s HOF Card Quest
Topps sold 12,387 Bryce Harper Phillies NOW cards in 24 hours between Sunday and Monday afternoon. That’s the third most regular NOW all-time behind the one they produced when Shohei Ohtani signed with the Angels (17,323) and another made for Aaron Judge's rookie home run record in late September 2017 (16,138). Topps also produced two more Harper cards … [Read more...]
1962 Salada-Junket Coins a Massive Vintage Issue
Despite not being traditional baseball cards, the 1962 Salada-Junket coins are heavily desired by vintage collectors. Here's a closer look at this unique set from the 1960s. 1962 Salada-Junket Coins Basics The 1962 Salada-Junket Coins were available in packages of Salada Tea and Junket Dessert products. These co-branded plastic coins featured baseball players from the major … [Read more...]
Rare Real Photo Postcard Of Willard Brown Up For Auction
Those who collect cards of Baseball Hall of Famers struggle when it comes to Willard Brown but there's a rare piece on the auction block this weekend. A potentially one-of-a-kind postcard originating in Latin America is up for auction. RMY Auctions has the unique item in their current Fall Premier Auction. Bidding has already topped $500 for the piece, which is dated to … [Read more...]
Summer Reading: “An All-Star’s Cardboard Memories”
A new coffee table book brings the careers of dozens of baseball greats to life through their cards—and the memories of a former player. Authors Tom and Ellen Zappala, PSA executive Joe Orlando and Boston Red Sox Hall of Famer Rico Petrocelli will officially unveil An All-Star's Cardboard Memories at the National Sports Collectors Convention. The fifth volume in a … [Read more...]
Binders Remain a Reliable Storage Option for Vintage Cards
Ever since baseball cards were created, storage for them has always been a factor in their care. Early collectors often glued their cards into scrapbooks or kept them in boxes (hint: boxes were a better idea). Later, collectors often kept their cards together with rubber bands. Looking back, not such a great idea, obviously. As collectors became more sophisticated, so did their … [Read more...]
15 Cool, Cheap 1960s Baseball Cards
They're all a bit long in the tooth now, these old pieces of cardboard. Enough time has gone by to make Topps baseball cards from the 1960s truly vintage. Not enough time has gone by, though, to render them prohibitively expensive for those who still want nice cards for their buck. The cards issued in the 60s have a lasting appeal. Printing technology improved and … [Read more...]
Gambling Allegations Against Cobb, Speaker Likely Affected W512 Variations
Gambling and baseball - a big no-no, right? Of course. But somewhere in between the game's most infamous betting scandal and Pete Rose, gambling allegations also were the likely culprit for a weird variation on two baseball cards in the W512 strip card set. How? Read on. W512 Strip Card Overview and Variations The W512 strip card set features a total of 50 cards, minus … [Read more...]
Notes: Irma Impacts SGC; Wrigleyville Icon Closing; 5 Vintage Faves
Hurricane Irma left 6.5 million people in Florida without power—nearly two-thirds of the state. Among those affected were the offices of SGC, one of the hobby’s top grading and authentication companies. SGC sent an email to customers Monday announcing their offices would be closed “until further notice” because of a lack of power to the company’s offices in Boca Raton, … [Read more...]
1934-36 Batter Up Cards Offer Unique Challenges
Young baseball card collectors had some choices during the mid-1930s. Goudey Gum Company was producing them, although their 1934 and '35 sets weren’t nearly as comprehensive as their landmark 1933 issue. Massachusetts-based National Chicle was also trying to sell gum and during the years 1934-36, they came out with a couple of sets: the Diamond Stars issue … [Read more...]