Collecting Baseball Cards: Our Top 5 Tips
Collecting baseball cards is a hobby for all baseball lovers, and local estate sales offer the perfect opportunity to find rare and valuable cards at a fraction of the cost compared to buying them from a store. So, whether you’ve been collecting for years, or are just getting started, here are our top 5 tips.
1. Research: Before attending any estate sale, research the baseball card market to know the value of different cards. This will help you determine what cards are worth buying and what you should avoid. You can use online resources like Beckett, the PSA Price Guide, or eBay to get an idea of current market values.
2. Arrive early: Estate sales are usually first come, first served, so arriving early will give you the best chance of finding what you’re looking for. You can check the estate sale company's website or call them to find out the opening time of the sale.
3. Check the condition of the cards: Before buying a baseball card, make sure to check its condition. Cards in excellent condition are more valuable than those that are damaged. Look for cards that are free of creases, bends, and tears. The corners should be sharp, and the surface should be clean and free of dirt, fingerprints, and scratches.
4. Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the cards. The estate sale staff or the owners might have some valuable information about the history or origin of the cards. They may also be able to tell you if the cards are part of a set or if there are more cards available.
5. Look for rare cards: Estate sales are a great place to find rare and hard-to-find cards. Look for cards of popular players, limited edition sets, and vintage cards. These cards can be worth a lot of money, so it’s important to research their value before buying.
Some of the rarest cards include:
Collecting baseball cards at estate sales can be a great way to build your collection. If you’re looking to add to your collection, check out our upcoming estate sales. You never know what you might find!
