You know, those little rectangle cards that your parents probably bought you as a child. Or maybe it was something you got into when you were older. Regardless, trading cards can have some value, especially if you have ones produced in an early time for their kind. For example, Tobacco cards that were originally associated with early Baseball (American) have an immense value. I currently do not own any but I sure wish I did. Early Pokemon cards from 1997-1999 are also extremely valuable. Many people might still have some considering it was a global phenomenon back prior and into the 2000s that was released and purchased around the world. They might look something like this…
Throughout the 20th century many companies came and went creating these cards. Topps, a major figure rose to the top of the sports world with regards to American sports cards. From the 1950s-current, they have created some of the most iconic cards in the industry. Panini which is a company primarily out of Italy and mostly known in European countries, was a big producer in collectable stickers. They are still producing stickers today and currently control a large amount of market share in sports cards. A ultra-modern Panini sports card looks something like this…
With the rise of sports card collector enthusiasts in the 70s and 80s. Companies began to spring up whom would grade these cards and seal them in a plastic holder. Giving a value of 1-10, 1 being very poor condition and 10 being basically perfect. Based on the number or “grade” of the card, this established a market determined value to the cards. The most notable and popular company today is PSA or Professional Sports Authenticator. A modern PSA graded card looks like this…
You might have some old cards sitting in your parents attic or maybe even yours. Depending on what you have, it could be extremely lucrative to get them graded and sell them for some extra side money. Anyways, happy collecting.
-Milllszy
