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How to Value Baseball Trading Cards

There may come a time when you wish to sell your baseball cards. Before you do so, though, it's a good idea to learn the value of your baseball cards. You may be unaware that you are in possession of a very valuable piece of memorabilia. There are several ways you can go about finding the value of your baseball cards. You can do so by yourself or by getting help from an "expert." Here is how you can value your baseball trading cards.

Instructions

- 1
  Begin by learning the basics about your baseball card. There are three things you should look for when examining your baseball card. Note the player featured on the baseball card. Then, find the name of the manufacturer (i.e.Topps, Upper Deck, etc.), both on the front and back of the card. Finally, you should look look for the year the baseball card was made. The easiest way is to turn the card to the back and examine the stats of the player. Normally, the year of the card is the year after the last listed year of stats. In other words, if the last stats listed are from 1998, the card is probably from 1999.
- 2
  Purchase a trading card pricing guide. Beckett Media produces the most trusted pricing guides on the market and they can be bought at any magazine or memorabilia store. To use these guides, look up the year and manufacturer of your baseball card in the book. You will see three different prices listed (for most cards printed after 1990) based upon the condition of your card. If you don't see your card listed, it's probably only worth 5 or 10 cents.
- 3
  Use the Card Pricer website to find the value of your card. Card Pricer is an excellent website to keep track of your collection and find the value of your baseball cards. You must obtain a paid membership with Card Pricer. You can choose either a six-month or "Pay As You Use" membership. See Resources.
- 4
  Take your baseball card to a dealer at a local card or memorabilia shop. Most dealers will be able to tell you the "book price" of your card if it is a popular or well-known card. They will also tell you how much the card is currently selling for on the market.
- 5
  Consider getting your card graded if you believe it to be a very valuable card. Professional Sports Authenticator Authentication Services will determine the exact grade (Mint, Near-Mint, etc.) of your baseball card. Cards that have been graded (and that are in great condition) will be worth more money.

Collecting Memorabilia