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Many a collector waxes nostalgic about Hot Wheels cars, which first came on to the scene in 1968. Whether you own the original Sweet Sixteen cars or your collection is filled with newer models, these little diecast vehicles are a fun and potentially lucrative collectible item.

In the past 25 years, Hot Wheels collecting has changed a lot! These days, Hot Wheels are incredibly collector-oriented, and the collectible market is skyrocketing, with early edition Redlines being the most sought-after cars. This term refers to cars that were manufactured in the first eight years of production, which can be identified by the red stripe on their tires.

Whether you collage vintage cars or newer editions, here is an investor’s guide to collecting Hot Wheels cars.

How Hot Wheel Cars Started in 1968

Hot Wheels cars were introduced in 1968, and the original cars were made by Elliot Handler with the assistance of engineer Jack Ryan. They were intended to be most like hot rod cars compared to Matchbox, which generally produced small-scale models of production cars.

In 1968, the first line of Hot Wheels cars, known as the Sweet 16, were produced. These cars started the Red Line Series, which is so named because the tires have a red stripe on them.

The original Sweet 16 set included the Beatnik Bandit, Custom Barracuda, Custom Camaro, Custom Corvette, Custom Cougar, Custom Eldorado, Custom Firebird, Custom Fleetside, Custom Mustang, Custom T-Bird, Custom Volkswagen, Deora, Ford 3-Car, Hot Heap, Python, and finally, the Silhouette.

Are Hot Wheels Worth Anything? The Value of Your Collection

What are these cars worth? The value varies from car to car, with vintage and rare cars being worth more than those that are newer or more common.

Here are some types of cars which are considered the most expensive Hot Wheels cars:

Redline Cars

Redline cars have a red stripe on their tires. This mark indicates that they were manufactured during the first ten years of production. Cars from this period are highly sought after, and therefore are most valuable.

Something to keep in mind: some reproductions have been made that feature the classic red line, so be sure to distinguish between a genuine Redline and a reproduction.

Rare Cars

As with any collectible, rare Hot Wheels models tend to be costlier than common cars. Often, it’s the older cars that are the most rare, but this is not always the case.

There are some cars that only were manufactured in a limited run. For example, only 4,000 units of the the 1955 Candy Striper Chevy Bel Air Gasser Hot Wheels car were released in 2014, making this a rare find, despite being a newer car.

First Editions

Casting is the structural design of each car. On the bottom of each car, you’ll see the year that this particular cast was first produced. A first edition, or a first version of the cast car, could be more valuable than those cast in later years. Typically, the name of the casting stays the same, but occasionally these names change.

Series & Manufacturing Date

Two important factors in determining the value of Hot Wheels cars is the series and the manufacturing date. These can help determine how rare a car is. Knowing the series can also assist you with looking up your exact car online to determine its value.

Custom Cars

As the name suggests, custom cars are those which have been customized by the owner. They might have new decals, different wheels, new paint, or even a modified body.

Most Expensive Hot Wheels Cars Ever

Attempting to name just a few of the most valuable Hot Wheels cars ever is a difficult task. There are just so many options from which to choose! A search online will reveal hundreds of lists of the most expensive Hot Wheels cars.

While this is certainly not comprehensive, here are just ten of the most valuable Hot Wheels cars of all time.

1969 Pink Volkswagen Beach Bomb

Built in 1969, this adorable pink car has surfboards loaded in the back – perfect for a tiny trip to the beach! This is a pre-production vehicle. The prototype car didn’t work well with the Hot Wheels Super Charger, so the style was never produced, but rather they were given to Mattel employee’s children. They are often found in the collections of past employees.

Today these valuable Hot Wheels cars are worth around $150,000.

1968 “Cheetah” Base Python

The first release of this car was named “Cheetah” – until it was discovered that GM excutive Bill Thomas used the name for his Corvette race car. The name was changed to Python.

This Hot Wheels car is valued around $10,000 or more.

“Mad Maverick” base Mighty Maverick

Originally introduced as Mad Maverick, the name was changed after a competitor came out with a car of the same name. Today the car is known as Mighty Maverick.

Only a few of these Hot Wheels cars exist today, and the value can’t be quantified.

1970 Red Baron (with white interior)

A German helmet makes up the roof of this car, and it’s also fitted with two machine guns. The white interior is a unique touch that adds value.

These Hot Wheels are worth around $3,000 today.

1968 Custom Volkswagen (without sunroof)

These Volkswagens, which were released without a sunroof, are often blue, but include some rare colors such as orange, green, red, and copper.

They are worth around $1,500 or more.

1970 Ed Shaver Custom AMX

This rare car is only available in blue, which is the same colors at the real car. Today the Hot Wheels are worth around $4,000 or more.

1974 Blue Rodger Dodger

Another blue colored Hot Wheels, this car was most recently sold for $6,000 in 2012.

1971 Purple Olds 442

This Hot Wheels car was produced exclusively in the U.S. and only in the year 1971, making it quite rare. It came in purple, which is a rare color, and the car also came with a sticker sheet. It is valued around $2,000.

1995 Collector Number 271 Funny Car

Only around 20 of these cars are still in their packaging today, making it quite rare. It is valued around $3,500.

1968 White Enamel Camaro

A stunning Hot Wheels car, there are only about 25 in existence today. They were pre-production prototypes that were never released. This Hot Wheels could be worth over $100,000.

How to Identify A Hot Wheels Car

How does one distinguish a Hot Wheels car from a regular diecast car – or from a fake? Here are some tips and tricks for examining your cars and determining whether they are genuine Hot Wheels – or something else entirely.

Inspect the Packaging

The first step in identifying a Hot Wheels cars is to examine the packaging. Is the logo clear and displayed properly? Does the top right hand corner contain a number indicating the car’s number in the collection? Does the Hot Wheels logo have a period at the end (it should!)?

Inspect the Bottom of the Car

It’s also important to inspect the car itself. You can find the name Hot Wheels inscribed on the bottom, as well as the Mattel name, the production year, the car model, the logo, and the manufacturing company.

Look for a Sticker on the Back of the Packaging

Imported Hot Wheels cars have a sticker on the back of the package which indicates the country of production. You can check Mattel’s website to confirm that it’s an accredited country.

Consider That a Variation Could Be a Factory Error

Sometimes the factory produces flawed cars – and these attributes can actually make a car more valuable! So don’t assume that a mistake is a bad thing every time. When in doubt, reach out to an expert for their advice.

Where to Buy Hot Wheels

So you want to add to your collection – where should you start looking for new cars? There are plenty of places to go, both online and in person, to help grow your stash of cars.

Online Auctions: Online auction sites, such as eBay, can be a great way to procure new cars for your collection. Be sure to consider the added cost of shipping!

Toy Stores & Retail Stores: Any toy store will certainly supply you with cars to add to your collection! You can also try places such as Target and Walmart, which have toy sections.

Flea Markets: A flea market can be a great place to score new cars for your collection, but you may have to search more than you would if you went to a retail store. But if you enjoy the thrill of the hunt, this may be a good option for you!

Yard Sales and Consignment Shops: Again, you may have to hunt more, but if you do find a great car at a yard sale or consignment shop, you’re likely to catch a great deal!

FAQs

Here, we recap some of what we just shared to answer your most frequently asked questions.

How long have Hot Wheels been around?

The company started producing diecast cars in 1968, and they continue producing cars to this day.

What was the first Hot Wheels car ever produced?

A dark blue Custom Camaro, which is part of the original Sweet Sixteen set, was the first car produced by Hot Wheels.

How many Hot Wheels have been sold since 1968?

Mattel has sold over 1 billion cars since the inception of Hot Wheels.

What are the most expensive Hot Wheels?

Ten of the most expensive Hot Wheels include the 1969 Pink Volkswagen Beach Bomb, the 1968 “Cheetah” Base Python, the “Mad Maverick” base Mighty Maverick, the 1970 Red Baron (with white interior), the 1968 Custom Volkswagen, the 1970 Ed Shaver Custom AMX, the 1974 Blue Rodger Dodger, the 1971 Purple Olds 442, the 1995 Collector Number 271 Funny Car, and finally, the 1968 White Enamel Camaro.

What Hot Wheels are worth collecting?

Truthfully, any car that strikes your fancy is worth adding to your collection! In the Hot Wheels community, collectors often select a specific focus, such as muscle cars, cars from a specific decade, cars in a specific color, or a specific model of car. Collect what you enjoy!

However, if you’re looking for valuable cars, consider those on the top ten list, as well as vintage redline cars.

What Hot Wheels will be worth money?

Rare Hot Wheels, vintage cars, and redline cars tend to be worth the most money when it comes to Hot Wheels. Newer cars with a limited production run are also quite valuable. A quick Google search will reveal plenty of listicles of valuable cars that you can add to your collection.

How do I know if my cars are worth money?

A great way to determine the value of an individual car is to check what it has recently sold for on auction sites, such as eBay.

What is the most anyone has ever paid for Hot Wheels?

The most expensive Hot Wheels car was sold for $70,000. The car was an extremely rare Beach Bomb model. The reason this car is so scarce is because, ironically, it wasn’t a hit when it was first produced.

Is there an app for Hot Wheels collectors?

The Hot Wheels Collector Guide app is a great way to organize your collection. Over 10,000 cars are supported.

How can I tell what year the cars in my Hot Wheels collection are from?

The production year is typically stamped on the bottom of the car.

Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_Wheels

https://www.txantiquemall.com/most-expensive-hot-wheels-cars/

https://www.antiquetrader.com/collectibles/hot-wheels-perfect-10

https://www.motor1.com/news/397046/rare-chevy-camaro-hot-wheels/

https://www.hotcars.com/how-to-know-if-your-hot-wheels-cars-are-valuable/

https://blog.wheelsbywovka.com/ultimate-hot-wheels-collectors-guide-beginners-2016-edition/

https://www.childrensmuseum.org/blog/5-things-you-should-know-about-hot-wheels-plus-2-more

Collecting baseball cards has become a timeless pastime! From the early days of finding trading cards in packagers of cigarettes to the extensive hobby packs and popular rookie cards that are available today, these sports cards have managed to become a valuable and popular collectible item.

The pandemic is a contributing factor when it comes to the renewed interest in collecting baseball cards. With more time on their hands, baseball card collectors purchased, organized, sorted, and had their collections graded. In fact, PSA was so overwhelmed with grading submissions that they had to temporarily suspend their services.

Today, adding the right baseball cards to your collection is a worthy investment opportunity, as the value is expected to continue to grow in the future. But what cards should you be adding to your collection? Which cards are the most valuable? How can you determine whether you have a valuable card? Which baseball card brands are the best option? Which rookie cards should you be keeping an eye out for?

For the answers to these questions, look no further! Continue reading to learn all about baseball cards, their value, and what you should be adding to your collection.

How do you value baseball cards?

Wondering how to determine the value of your baseball card collection? There are several factors to consider when valuing a card, and we explain each one in detail below. Read on to get a better understanding of the value of baseball cards!

Cards with Famous Players

When valuing a baseball card, the most obvious question to ask is, “Who is featured on the card?” Cards featuring famous or popular players will fetch a higher price than lesser known ones. Has the player been inducted into the Hall of Fame? If they have been, their card is much more likely to have a high value.

You can also keep an eye out for players who have won Most Valuable Player (MVP), Gold Glove, Cy Young, and the Silver Slugger Award. Finally, rookie cards tend to be more valuable then cards from other years.

The Card’s Condition

Cards that are in good condition are more valuable than those in poor condition. Crisp edges, sharp corners, and clear printing (not faded) are a few things to look out for. Read on to learn more about grading, which measures the condition of the card in an objective way.

High Value Score

Graded cards are cards that have been examined by a rating agency such as PSA and assigned a score between 1 and 10, with 10 being “Gem Mint” condition and 1 being “Poor.” Graded cards are worth than ungraded cards more due to the fact that their condition has been measured and guaranteed.

Limited Availability

Rarity plays a big role when it comes to the card’s value. The less there are of a particular card, the more valuable it will be. Factors that impact the rarity of a card include the year it was manufactured and the number of cards produced. Vintage cards are in high demand and they are rare due to their age, making them quite valuable.

Best individual baseball cards to buy right now

Looking to add individual cards to your collection, but not sure where to start? Here are some of the best single baseball cards to add to your collection.

1909-11 T206 White Border Honus Wagner

Valued around $1.75 million, this vintage card is the most valuable on the market today. Only 50-75 of these cards are estimated to exist. In the days when the card was produced, Wagner actually stopped the American Tobacco Company from making the card because he didn’t like that children had to purchase cigarettes to obtain it. This is another factor contributing to the card’s scarcity.

2009 Bowman Chrome Mike Trout Autograph Refractor

After winning two MVP Awards and an AL Rookie of the year, Mike Trout is one of the best players in the game today. Many people believe that he will one day be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

His autographed card recently sold for a pretty penny: $38,600 on eBay.

2019 Bowman Chrome Draft Adley Rutschman Auto 1st RC

A top draft pick in 2019, Adley played 123 games with 66 teams, and he hit 23 home runs in the process. Selected as an All-Star, he is currently the second ranked prospect in the MLB. The highest price that this Adley Rutschman card has fetched is $1,225.

Rookie Cards

Ever popular, rookie cards of all kinds are a top collectible item. Some of the hottest rookie cards of the moment are listed below:

• Seiya Suzuki – Chicago Cubs
• Spencer Torkelson – Detroit Tigers
• Reid Detmers – Los Angeles Angels
• Spencer Strider – Atlanta Braves
• Bobby Witt Jr. – Kansas City Royals
• Jeremy Peña – Houston Astros
• Steven Kwan – Boston Red Sox

What brands produce baseball cards?

There are many top brands in the baseball card industry. Read on to learn about the top six brands that are known for their baseball cards.

Panini

Though established in 1961, they didn’t enter the card industry until 2009. Panini is currently the largest brand of sports cards in the world.

Topps

Topps started producing cards in 1951. They produce cards for many different sports, but they are most known for the baseball cards. Through an exclusive licensing agreement, only Topps can use baseball team names and logos on their cards, which nearly gives them a monopoly on baseball cards. Topps cards have come to be viewed as standard in the industry.

Bowman

This company released their first set of trading cards in 1948. For a while they struggled to compete with Topps, and in 1989 Topps acquired the brand.

Upper Deck

Founded in 1989, Upper Deck’s massive popularity led to them branching out into other sports besides baseball, including hockey, basketball, and football.

Fleer

Founded in 1929, this company is still producing cards today, and they are best known for their baseball cards. Like other companies, they have found success with other sports, notably basketball cards.

Donruss

Founded in 1989, the company took a hiatus from 1998 – 2001. This company was eventually bought by Panini in 2011.

Best baseball card packs to buy right now

Buying brand-new packs of baseball cards? You may be wondering which are the best packs to buy these days. Here you’ll find a list of some of the best baseball card packs to buy right now.

2022 Bowman Baseball

Bowman is a big name when it comes to baseball cards, and their 2022 collection is in high demand. Purchasing a pack of Bowman cards is a great way to add to your collection.

2022 Topps Heritage

Topps cards are known for having a classic, vintage appearance that is reminiscent of the early days of the hobby. Nine cards come in each pack, and a hobby box contains 24 packs. Keep an eye out for one autograph or one relic card in your hobby box. These affordable cards are sure to make a great addition to your existing collection.

2022 Topps Inception

While less affordable than Heritage, Topps Inception is known for its high-end cards. This set contains many autographs, material cards, and rare parallels. These high-quality cards feature close-up photos of the players.

2022 Bowman First Edition

This card pack is full of baseball’s top prospects and rare cards. A pack has 10 cards and hobby boxes contain 24 packs per box.

2022 Topps Gypsy Queen

These cards are designed in a stunning, retro style that evokes a sense of nostalgia. The set contains rare parallels and autographs, as well as plenty of rookie cards. There are six cards per pack, 24 packs per box, and eight boxes per case.

2022 Topps Series 1

A popular collection in the hobby, these cards contain some great inserts, rare refractors, and throwback cards. There are 14 cards in a pack and 24 packs in a hobby box.

2022 Topps Opening Day

Finally, you’ll find that Topps Opening Day cards are an inexpensive option. There are 7 cards per pack and 36 packs per hobby box. These boxes sell for just $50. In these packs you’ll find relics, autographs, and great inserts.

Where to find the best baseball cards to collect?

Wondering where to buy baseball cards? There are many places where you can acquire new sports cards to grow your collection. Read on to learn more about our favorite places to buy.

Online Hobby Shops

Similar to a real hobby shop, and online hobby shop will have a wide selection of cards to choose from, from modern baseball cards to vintage trading cards.

Online Auction Platforms

Browse sites such as eBay, ShopGoodwill, PropertyRoom, and MySlabs, where you can bid on a variety of baseball cards.

Consignment Sites

Check Out My Cards (COMC), StarStock, and Alt are all places where you can browse consignment options.

Retail Stores

Physical retail stores, such as Target and Walmart, are a great place to find new cards for your collection.

Baseball Card Shops

Though not as popular as in the past, there are still some of these in existence. At baseball card-specific shops, you are sure to find the best selection of cards.

Online Classifieds

Check out sites such as Craigslist and Nextdoor to see if anyone is selling baseball cards from their collection.

Mobile Apps

Online apps such as OfferUp and Mercari are a great place to make a baseball card purchase.

Garage Sales & Thrift Stores

While you might have to do more searching, garage sales and thrift stores are a great place to stumble on a hidden treasure, like someone’s old baseball card collection being sold at a low price.

FAQs

Still have questions? Here’s a recap of what we just shared!

What are the best baseball cards to buy?

Purchase cards with popular players, and remember that rookie cards are very popular. Also consider the condition of the card, which is indicated by the card’s grade. Rare cards are also a great investment.

What brand of baseball cards should I buy in 2022?

Top packs to buy include 2022 Bowman Baseball, 2022 Topps Heritage, 2022 Topps Inception, 2022 Bowman First Edition, 2022 Topps Gypsy Queen, 2022 Topps Series 1, and 2022 Topps Opening Day.

What are the hottest baseball cards right now?

A few top-selling cards include 1909-11 T206 White Border Honus Wagner, 009 Bowman Chrome Mike Trout Autograph Refractor, and 2019 Bowman Chrome Draft Adley Rutschman Auto 1st RC.

Rookie cards are also hot right now, and top cards include Seiya Suzuki of the Chicago Cubs, Spencer Torkelson of the Detroit Tigers, Reid Detmers of the Los Angeles Angels, Spencer Strider of the Atlanta Braves, Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals, Jeremy Peña of the Houston Astros, and Steven Kwan of the Boston Red Sox.

Should I invest in baseball cards?

Your baseball card hobby can definitely be considered an investment, but be sure to do your research so that you know what you are buying! Again, rare cards featuring popular players will have the most value. Also, remember to get your cards graded. Keep an eye on online auction sites to see what specific cards are selling for now.

Sources

https://moneymade.io/learn/article/best-baseball-cards

https://bargainbunch.com/best-baseball-card-packs-to-buy-2022/

https://clutchpoints.com/psa-reopens-grading-submissions-with-change-that-wont-please-sports-card-collectors

https://ballcardgenius.com/where-to-get-baseball-cards/

https://moneymade.io/learn/article/best-baseball-cards

https://www.rookieroad.com/baseball/top-6-best-baseball-card-brands-9007331/

Since their inception in 1865 as “cigarette cards”, baseball cards have come a long way! Called “trade cards,” these cards were found inside of packs of candy or cigarettes, and they featured the relatively new sport of baseball.

During the early 1900s, color printing was popularized and baseball cards came one step closer to what we know them to be today. In the 1930s, companies began to print player biographies on the cards. In 1952, Topps began to produce the sports cards we know and love today. By the 1980s, these cards came to be known as valuable collector items, and card collecting was popularized as a hobby.

Today, baseball cards are a common collectible. If you have an interest in learning how to collect baseball cards, then look no further! Here, we’ll provide the “beginner collector” with the tools you need to build a successful baseball card collection.

How to Start a Baseball Card Collection

Anyone can become a successful baseball card collector! All you need is a passion for the cards and a drive to collect. Follow these tips to get started:

Step #1: Build a Solid Knowledge of Baseball Cards

We cannot emphasize this enough: do your research! The average baseball card collector spends as much – if not more time – researching baseball cards as they do collecting them.

The easiest thing to do is get on Google and conduct a search on the subject. But there are other ways to learn. You can read books about baseball card collecting. Mint Condition by Dave Jamieson and The Card by Michael O’Keefe and Teri Thompson are good books to start with.

You can also befriend others in the hobby or talk to someone who sells baseball cards and ask them questions about the hobby. Talking to others is a great way to learn new tricks and tips for collecting!

Step #2: Select Which Type You Want To Collect

Baseball card collectors often have a specific area of focus when it comes to their collection. First of all, there are different manufacturers of baseball cards, including (but not limited to) Topps, Panini, Upper Deck, and Fleer.

You could focus on collecting from specific card companies, a specific team, rookie cards, or you could focus on vintage baseball cards only. Whatever you choose, consider your own personal interests – not just what is popular or what other collectors are doing.

Step #3: Purchase Baseball Cards

When you purchase cards, you’ll want to make sure you are purchasing from a reputable buyer. You can purchase from a local card shop, or you can even buy online. If you are buying online, be sure that the listing photos are clear and that you are buying from a highly rated seller. If the seller has previously sold baseball cards, they are more likely to know what they are talking about than someone who is selling off the collection they found in their attic.

Also, consider whether the card you are purchasing has been graded. This means that a grading service (PSA is the most popular one) has examined the cards and assigned them a number value to indicate their condition. Purchasing an ungraded card can be risky as the condition has not been verified.

Step #4: Ensure Proper Storage and Protection

When you are collecting sports cards, it is of utmost importance that you store your collection properly. Improper storage can lead to damage, which will wreak havoc on the value of that rare card that you spent so much time and effort tracking down!

When designing your storage space, be sure to consider a design that will protect your precious rookie card and still keep the cards accessible. One way to store them is to keep them in a binder inside of pockets that are designed specifically for collecting cards. Another option is to store them in hard plastic sleeves and keep them in boxes. Whatever you do, be sure to keep your cards away from direct sunlight, as this can cause fading.

Step #5: Enjoy and Have Fun with the Community

Sports card collecting brings a community along with it! Collectors love to share their collections with each other and “talk shop.” Plus, as mentioned earlier, it’s a great way to learn more about sports cards!

Get connected online by joining an online forum or a Facebook group dedicated to collecting. You can also build community by connecting with others at your local baseball card shop, or by chatting with baseball card dealers.

Types of Baseball Cards

There are many types of baseball cards out there! Here are just a few of the types that you can collect.

Digital Baseball Cards: NFTs (or non-fungible tokens) are digital assets that utilize blockchain technology to ensure that they cannot be duplicated. Topps recently announced it’s first series of NFT digital baseball cards. You can choose between a standard pack and premium pack, and much like real cards, some cards are scarcer than others.

Base Cards: A base card is a common card that is part of the main set. These cards are usually numbered according to how many are in the set.

Subsets: Subsets are part of the main set of baseball cards, and they follow the same numbering, but they have a different design or theme. An example of a subset is the All-Star cards in the annual Topps Update release. These cards feature an All-Star game logo.

Rookie Cards: A rookie card is a card of a player from the first year that they entered the league. These are often coveted and valuable!

Insert Cards: Insert cards are special cards contained within a set that are not a part of the main set. They often follow a different theme. They may or may not be numbered, but if they are numbered they follow a different pattern than the main set.

Parallels: A parallel is a card that is a serial numbered version of another non-serial numbered card. For example, a base card would have no number, but a parallel of that base card would have a serial number. Parallels usually have the same photo and design, but their color schemes vary.

Autographs: An autographed card contains the signature of the person depicted on the card – and these often carry more value thanks to that autograph!

Relic Cards: Relic cards contain a piece of material from the baseball player or playing field, such as a uniform or even gloves and cleats.

Types of Baseball Card Collections to Consider

Many collectors of baseball cards select a specific type of card to focus their collecting efforts on. Read on to learn some of the types of cards that you could acquire for your baseball card collection!

Set Building: Set building is collecting every card in a particular series of cards. Many collectors are set builders!

Player Collecting: Player collecting is collecting every card issued of a specific player.

Team Collecting: Team collecting is acquiring as many cards as you can of a specific team.

Parallel Rainbow Collecting: A rainbow is a set of parallel cards that have different colors of foil or border. Parallel rainbow collecting involves collecting all such cards of a particular parallel set.

Vintage Collecting: Vintage cards are considered those from 1979 and earlier, and vintage collectors focus solely on collecting vintage cards.

How To Get my Baseball Cards Professionally Graded?

As mentioned earlier, professional grading is when a grading expert examines your card and assigns a number value to indicate it’s condition. The number will be between 1 and 10, with ten being perfect mint and 1 being poor.

If you are interested in having your cards graded, you can send them to a grading company such as PSA Authentication and Grading Services. Graded cards are more valuable than those that are ungraded, and you may want to consider this when you sell cards.

Where to Buy Baseball Cards

If you plan on collecting, you may be wondering where are the best places to purchase these cards. Fortunately, there are a variety of places where you can buy them! These include, but are not limited to:

Online Hobby Shops: This includes Midwest Cards, Blowout Cards, Dave & Adam’s, Steel City Collectibles, Real Sports Cards, and many more.

Online Selling Platforms: This include platforms such as eBay, Shop Goodwill, Property Room, and MySlabs.

Consignment and Thift Stores: If you prefer shopping in person and like the thrill of the hunt, cards can often be found in local consignment and thrift stores.

Pricing Card Collections

The best way to learn the price of your card is to check what they are selling for online on sites such as eBay. With some quick research, you’ll be able to see the most recent selling price for your card, or you can find a price guide.

If you have difficulty tracking down your specific card online, or you just want to get an expert opinion, consider having your cards valued by a professional.

Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_card

https://breakingbangers.com/blogs/news/baseball-cards-how-to-start-a-valuable-baseball-card-collection

https://www.beckett.com/news/topps-launching-baseball-ca-nfts/

http://www.upperdeck.com/collectors-zone/trading-cards-explained

https://bigleaguecards.com/baseball/inside-the-pack-difference-between-insert-cards-subsets-and-short-prints/

https://www.csgcards.com/card-grading/grading-scale/

https://ballcardgenius.com/where-to-get-baseball-cards/

Ronnie Parisella has been collecting since he was nine years old! What started with He-Man, Video Games, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, G.I. Joe, Star Wars, coins, sports cards and more eventually developed into a different passion.

In August of 1990, Marvel released a new Spider-Man #1 with art and story by Todd McFarlane – It was branded a “First All-New Collector’s Item Issue” and it had multiple versions to buy originally. “It wasn’t the first comic with multiple covers, but it was the biggest ever at the time!” Ronnie explains. “When I found that book, I loved it. There were four original versions, and I got my hands on the rarest one, the Gold UPC for cover price. That sucked me into wanting them all!”

Today, Ronnie’s collection is special because of the sheer volume of it – he has over 250 unique items. He has a high number of top-grade, one-of-a-kind items. His favorite piece is his SM#1 Green Poly-Bagged CGC 9.9. “There are no 10s, only two 9.9s in existence, and it’s unlikely that there will be more. It’s impossible to value, because after 32 years the other one has never come up for sale, and likely never will.”

Another unique thing about Ronnie’s collection is that he has financed it entirely by selling and trading comic books. “I intentionally buy a lot of doubles so that I can trade up to better conditions and then flip the lower grade to buy the items I need”. Most of his collection was bought with the profit from those flips, so this collection has a net cost of $0, despite the fact that it’s approaching 6 figures in value. The most valuable item in the collection is probably the SM#1 Silver Cover CGC 10, worth around $6,000.

Ronnie’s Spider-Man #1 (1990) collection spans many areas of collecting; video games, trading cards, ephemera, trade paperbacks, postcards, posters, statues, toys, stickers, pins, production art and original art.

Very concerned about light damage, all of Ronnie’s comics are stored in boxes in a dark room and organized by categories. Overall, there are only two high-grade comics and three foreign editions missing from the collection. “Once I pick them up, I’ll have everything that I know exists, then I can focus on trading up grades,” Ronnie shares.  He is currently focused on building out his foreign Spider-Man #1 (1990) (and related) collection, which he believes to be the biggest in the world, with over 60 different foreign editions and counting.

Ronnie Co-Founded a Spider-Man #1 (1990) Facebook Group in 2020 that now has over 550 members.

Larry Campbell’s love of comic books started around the age of eight with a Spider-Man comic book. “It was something fun to read, and I got interested!” shares Larry. He soon began seeking out comic books such as Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, and other Marvel favorites.

As a teenager, Larry got a job and found that much of his free income went into buying more comics. “When I started needing to figure out how to store and organize my comic books, that’s when I realized I was a collector.”

Larry set out with a goal: he wanted to collect the full run of The Amazing Spider-Man series. Last year, he achieved that goal. The final – and most expensive – item to finish off the collection was The Amazing Spider-Man #1. “I was thrilled to finish the collection and end on a high note,” says Larry.

After collecting the full run of Spider-Man, Larry set and reached another goal: to get 1-50 all graded. “I have them all on display!” he shares. Larry has around 150 graded comics altogether, and then there are between 5,000 and 6,000 ungraded comics in his collection.

In his collection, there are some books that Larry bought for $1 or $2 that are worth thousands now. There are also some books that he paid thousands for, but they have held their value. The most valuable item in the collection is The Amazing Spider-Man #1, which is worth five figures. Much of his collection date back to the 60s and 70s.

Larry’s collection is stored both in his basement and in a storage unit. The basement has a lot of shelving, so everything is displayed throughout. Everything stored in boxes is in alphabetical order, and there are dividers to label everything. The basement is laid out by themes: Spider-Man in one place, Fantastic Four in another, and so on.

Overall, Larry is proud of the collection he’s assembled. “I’ve had a lot of hard work and a lot of luck in getting this collection. I have made a lot of friends in the community. I think it’s been an exciting adventure!”

The holidays are upon us! For some, a staple of the holidays happens to a be a good whiskey or bourbon. We are excited to share some new holiday releases in the world of whiskey!

Jack Daniel’s Twice Barreled Special Release American Single Malt

First up is a new single malt by the top whiskey brand in the country! Jack Daniel’s Twice Barreled Special Release American Single Malt is being release just in time for the 2022 holiday season. This whiskey is crafted from 100% malted barley that is ground, fermented, and distilled in Lynchburg. According to the distiller’s notes, this drink has an aroma of soft oak, fruit, and cocoa.

Chicken Cock Chanticleer

Chicken Cock is a revived whiskey brand with decades of history. This holiday season, they’ve released a brand new $500 bottle of bourbon called Chicken Cock Chanticleer. Chanticleer is the second edition in a series of collectible holiday releases. Just 32 barrels were produced, and the recipe includes 70 percent corn, 21 percent rye and 9 percent malted barley.

Sources

https://www.forbes.com/sites/larryolmsted/2022/11/09/brand-new-whiskey-from-jack-daniels-released-just-in-time-for-holidays/?sh=157541783151

https://www.kentucky.com/lexgoeat/bourbon/article267897382.html

Did you know that a recent survey of 2,000 Americans found that 80% of people think that the perfect Christmas gift is a surprise? 79% of those surveyed also believe that giving gifts is more fun when the recipient isn’t expecting a gift.

Furthermore, the perfect gift was described as being meaningful, useful, and unique. Just a small portion – 8% of those surveyed, felt that the gift needed to be funny or expensive. Givers judge how well the gift was received by whether or not they receive a hug, whether the recipient is using the gift right away, or if the recipient is jumping up and down.

This holiday season, will your gifts be a surprise, or will you be shopping your recipient’s wish list?

Source

https://studyfinds.org/perfect-holiday-gift-a-surprise/

Michael Walton has always enjoyed collecting, especially toys that make him feel nostalgic about his childhood. “I was never a sports guy – I just liked my cartoons and superheroes.” At one point Michael had a collection of GI Joe toys, but sadly this collection was stolen from his storage space. Today, this love of collecting and comics has led him to become the owner of one of the largest collections that focuses specifically on Batman automobilia.

It all started when Michael was walking through a grocery store and noticed a Batmobile in a bin of Hot Wheels toys. He was hooked from that moment on! Eight years later, at around 10,000 pieces, Michael’s collection is large and contains Batmobiles of all sizes, from half an inch to 36 inches long. While he has some items from the 60s and 70s, most of the collection is from the last decade – and much of it is from the 90s and later.

The items as not particularly rare, and many of them are still available online. Still, the collection has held its value well, and some items have even doubled in value. This is due to the fact that everything is kept in its original packaging. “Everything that I purchase has to be in the original package,” he shares. “The original packaging helps it keep its value!”

Michael’s favorite piece – and perhaps the most unique one – is a one-of-a-kind factory mistake: a five-pack of Hot Wheels Batmobiles, but every single car is made incorrectly. Michael describes this piece, which he found accidentally at Target, as “bizarre.”

Everything Michael owns is on display in his apartment. “For some reason, I chose to stay in an apartment and collect toys instead of buying a house!” he shares. The toys are displayed from his dining room to his bedroom. The entire apartment is decorated in Batmobiles!

Items are organized by which Batman series or movie they are from, as well as by their country of origin. “I’ve got toys from Japan, China, Israel, Greece, and more!” says Michael. Of his collection, Michael shares, “It’s been the funnest mistake of my life! My kids are grown now, and it’s fun to do something for myself, a hobby.”

Matt and Laurie have always been interested in fossils, but it was around 2015 that a desire to collect was sparked. “We lived in Tucson and had been attending the annual Tucson Gem, Mineral, and Fossil show,” explains Matt. “In 2015, we came across a femur bone from a t-rex – it was really cool!” They purchased the femur bone, and a collection was born!

Over time, the collection grew and broadened to include a variety of fossilized bones from different species and a variety of body parts. The couple is especially fascinated to see that despite there being many different animals, there are always similarities between them. “It’s neat to see similar bones from different animals and see the size differences,” shares Matt. “The other thing that is interesting for me is that the same types of bones in these dinosaurs from millions of years ago are the same type of bones in our body. There is still a lot of similarity in the types of bones and joints!”

When it comes to dinosaurs, there are three ages: the Cretaceous period, which took place about 145 to 66 million years ago; the Jurassic period, which took place between 200 to 145 million years ago; and the Triassic period, which took place 250 to 200 million years ago. The Cretaceous period is where most of Matt and Laurie’s fossils are from. “Movies show all the dinosaurs together, but that really wasn’t the case. [For example], a stegosaurus came nearly 80 million years before a t-rex.”

A favorite item in the collection is actually a group of items: a collection of bones from an apatosaurus – a long necked dinosaur that stood between 70 feet long and 20 feet tall. “We’ve got a large femur and a couple of large vertebrae from the spine. The size is what makes those impressive. The femur itself is almost 6 feet long!” Another notable item is a pair of unhatched hadrosaur eggs. “It’s unusual to find unhatched eggs,” shares Matt. “At some point, I will get them scanned to see if there’s anything inside of them.” It’s highly unlikely, but every so often an egg is found with embryonic bones inside. However, it’s most likely all rock.

There are more than 40 pieces in this collection, and they are all displayed in the front room of Laurie and Matt’s home. Many of the larger bones have stands made for them, while the rest are on display on shelves. “We try to keep similar families of animals together in the display.”

At around $10,000, the t-rex femur is the most expensive fossil they have purchased to date. They have made purchases that have spanned from a couple hundred to several thousand dollars. The least expensive are the smaller vertebrae and arms or leg bones, which they purchase for around $200. Today, the value has soared. The collection is now worth well over $100,000.

This collection is quite special because of how rare it is to find a private collection of dinosaur fossils. “You rarely see a room full of dinosaur bones in someone’s house,” explains Matt. “You may occasionally come across an individual one here or there. They are not everywhere. [This collection] is unique! You’re looking at something that typically you would only see in a museum, and I get to hold them and touch them and look closely at them.”

Tom Spina is more than a collector of movie props: he is a restorer and a conservationist. You may not realize the amount of effort that goes into keeping movie props in excellent condition, but for Tom, this is his life’s work! His company, Tom Spina Designs, restores, conserves, and displays movie props in all their glory.

We had the opportunity to chat with Tom about his work – read on to learn more about the fascinating world of movie props!

COLLECTIBLES: Tell me a bit about your work restoring and displaying movie props. What is involved?

TOM SPINA: For me, movie props are the closest you can get to these films and actors. There has been a great buildup of recent interest in collecting original props and memorabilia related to films and TV shows. I have always found that to be the most interesting avenue of collecting! Nothing yet for me has matched the feeling of being around something that was used in a movie that you love.

The work that we do fits hand in hand with that growth in collecting. It is exciting for us as fans and as collectors ourselves to be around this stuff. It’s cool to take something that needs restoration or conservation, or that could be improved with a unique display, and give someone back something better than it was when it came to you, ready for future generations to enjoy.

C: Tell me a little bit about the world of prop collecting in general.

TOM: It’s a really exciting area of collecting – something that is just growing at the moment. In the last few years, there has been a lot of new blood in the hobby, a lot of people collecting, and a lot of amazing collections being generated.

It’s been cool over the past few years seeing these pieces be dug up. Things that you thought were lost forever are going to turn up now that people know there’s an interest! It very much is a hobby that takes on elements of archaeology. There is a lot of fun to be had in the research – to see something new turn up and be able to trace the history of it, or even to talk to the person who made it and learn about how they made it.

C: How did you become interested in movie props?

TOM: I think a lot of movie prop collectors grow up loving films and usually toys related to them. A lot of folks my age grew up watching Star Wars and having the toys. I, like many, was also fascinated by Don Post studios masks. Don Post is the creator of the modern rubber mask. As a kid, I would go into the magic shop and see these masks on the wall and dream about getting enough money on my paper route to buy some. A lot of what I personally collect is related to Star Wars or monsters. I love creature masks and everything that goes into creating creatures for movies. You can’t grasp all of the effort that went into making every character costume, creature, puppet, and prop in a movie.

In the mid-90s I started to realize there are really props out there from the movies, and they aren’t unattainable. I started to meet other collectors online, and that was a big change for me. The internet and online forums allow you to connect with other collectors and meet others who share the passion. Connecting with others made me realize that there are props to be found and it’s not unreasonable to think you might own something from your favorite movie someday. Screen-used stuff is really my ultimate goal, and that’s my direction in collecting.

C: What are the top three coolest movie props you’ve ever worked with?

TOM: I’m a huge fan of Jim Henson and his work. My first internship in the business was with the Henson company. Years later, we had the opportunity to work with the Museum of the Moving Image – an amazing museum in Queens, New York. They’ve got an absolutely incredible Jim Henson exhibit. We consulted on the pieces that were coming in, and we did a whole range of conservation on the pieces from that exhibit. There was Skeksis from the movie, The Dark Crystal. This particular Skeksis was the puppet that Jim Henson used in the film. It’s an amazingly intricate and detailed character. The costume is covered in macrame and beading. That is definitely a top piece!

We also did work on Muftak, which is a furry creature from the Star Wars cantina, for some dear friends. That’s the scene that made me want to do what I do for a living. It’s my favorite scene in film, and it makes me want to collect. The original costume for that creature came through, and I was thrilled to work on that costume. It was a challenge because it was a mix of foam and latex elements. We had to really dig into our experience to make a great form to fit underneath this thing and support it. We did some cleaning and restoration as well. We used a surprisingly varied number of techniques for what looks like a simple character.

Another cool piece is from the film An American Werewolf in London. We got to restore the full, wearable final look of the werewolf, and it was just absolute movie history to be around! Rick Baker received an Oscar for the film and went on to win another six or seven after that. To handle something made by one of your idols – it’s a crazy responsibility and opportunity. I consider myself one of the luckiest kids alive!

C: Why is conservation/restoration such an important part of collecting props?

TOM: There’s a responsibility that comes with owning these pieces. These are history, and they are truly works of art by some of the greatest artists of our time. It’s very easy to assume that these pieces are always going to be as you remember them, but they are often made from natural materials with a lifespan. They age and change from being flexible to brittle. Thinking about conservation early and taking some basic precautionary steps can make a huge difference in the way a piece lasts for the future. That could be as simple as using muslin garment bags, thinking about the temperature and UV exposure, and using padded hangers. All of these little steps go a long way!

C: What is your favorite aspect of working in this business?

TOM: It has got to be the weirdos that this business attracts and getting to work around them! Also, just being around the stuff. All of us in the shop are fans of movies, television, puppetry, and art. To be here and have amazing costumes from amazing movies come through and to get to preserve them for the future is the coolest thing in the world. We get to play a small part in helping maintain the legacy of this art!