10 Hottest 2012 Topps Finest Baseball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
Yu Darvish and Bryce Harper duke it out for the top 2012 Topps Finest Baseball eBay sales. Who wins? Find out as we break down the set’s top 10 eBay sales.
Archive for August, 2012
10 Must-Have Wayne Gretzky Cards
By Lou Ruggiano
Look back on the cardboard career of Wayne Gretzky with our list of cards that capture the essence of The Great One and have left a lasting impact on the hobby.
10 of the Best Nolan Ryan Cards of All-Time
By Ryan Cracknell
One of the hobby’s true legends, Nolan Ryan has thousands of different cards available. We weed through them and pick out 10 of our favorites, all of which could highlight any collection.
1888 N29 Allen & Ginter Trading Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
1888 N29 Allen & Ginter marked the second time the tobacco maker released a set of world champions trading cards. The 50-card multi-sport set includes six baseball players.
1923 V128-1 Paulin’s Candy Hockey Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
1923 V128-1 Paulin’s Candy Hockey features players from the Western Canada Hockey League. Key cards include George Hainsworth and Newsy LaLonde.
1924 V145-2 Hockey Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
1924 V145-2 Hockey features many of the game’s top stars at the time. Included on the checklist are the likes of Georges Vezina, Howie Morenz and King Clancy. A greenish tint on card fronts helps differentiate them from V145-1 cards.
1924-25 C144 Champ’s Cigarettes Hockey Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
One of the last hockey card sets distributed via tobacco products, 1924-25 C144 Champ’s Cigarettes is relatively tough to find today. Notable players include Georges Vezina and Howie Morenz.
1928 V128-2 Paulin’s Candy Hockey Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
Featuring amateur squads from throughout Western Canada, 1928 V128-2 Paulin’s Candy Hockey cards are popular among hockey historians. The checklist includes high school, college and women’s hockey teams.
1933 V129 Hockey Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
One of the rarest early hockey card sets, 1933 V129 Hockey is highlighted by the Harry Oliver short print. Other stars in the set include Howie Morenz, Eddie Shore, Charlie Conacher and King Clancy.
1933-34 O-Pee-Chee V304A Hockey Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
1933-34 O-Pee-Chee V304A Hockey is the first of five early hockey sets from the iconic Canadian company. Key cards include Howie Morenz, Charlie Conacher and Eddie Shore.
1933-34 V252 Canadian Gum Hockey Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
1933-34 V252 Canadian Gum Hockey was one of the sport’s first sets to come with gum. The set also had a game component that left many cards with cut bottoms. Key players include Howie Morenz and Charlie Conacher.
1933-34 V288 Hamilton Gum Hockey Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
Despite a small checklist of 21 skip-numbered cards 1933-34 V288 Hamilton Gum Hockey represents a challenge for completists. Every card has four color tint variations.
1933-34 V357 Ice Kings Hockey Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
One of several hockey card sets issued with gum that year, 1933-34 V357 Ice Kings Hockey remains popular today, in part, because of its close ties to the Goudey brand. Howie Morenz and Charlie Conacher are among the key players in the set.
1935 National Chicle Football Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
1935 National Chicle Football was the first nationally available set with only football players. The vintage set includes legendary coach Knute Rockne and the rookie card for Bronko Nagurski.
1935-36 O-Pee-Chee V304C Hockey Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
1935-36 O-Pee-Chee V304C Hockey continues from two previous hockey card sets from the company. The 24 cards feature a new design but the numbering carries on from where the earlier sets left off.
1936-37 O-Pee-Chee V304D Hockey Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
1936-37 O-Pee-Chee V304D Hockey continues a checklist that started three sets earlier. The 36-card set is distinct for its die-cut design that allowed cards to stand up.
1937-38 O-Pee-Chee V304E Hockey Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
1937-38 O-Pee-Chee V304E Hockey was the last hockey card set of the decade from the company. The 48-card checklist includes Toe Blake, Aurel Joliat, Turk Broda and Charlie Conacher.
1939-40 O-Pee-Chee V301-1 Hockey Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
1939-40 O-Pee-Chee V301-1 Hockey is a set of 5×7 premiums. The 100-card checklist includes such stars as Eddie Shore, Turk Broda and Sid Abe. The set is also notable for being one of the first impacted by WWII.
1952-53 Parkhurst Hockey Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
Led by the Tim Horton rookie card, 1952-53 Parkhurst Hockey marked the company’s second attempt at making cards for the sport.
1954-55 Parkhurst Hockey Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
With competition from Topps for the first time, 1954-55 Parkhurst Hockey features lots of colorful action images and a 100-card checklist. The key rookie in the set is legendary goaltender, Johnny Bower.
1957-58 Parkhurst Hockey Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
Focusing exclusively on the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens, 1957-58 Parkhurst Hockey includes rookie cards of Frank Mahovlich and Henri Richard.
1959-60 Topps Hockey Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
1959-60 Topps Hockey highlights just the teams from the United States. Although there are no major rookies, the 66-card set does have Gordie Howe, Bobby Hull and other stars.
1960-61 Parkhurst Hockey Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
1960-61 Parkhurst Hockey saw the Detroit Red Wings join the Maple Leafs and Canadiens on the checklist. Key cards include Gordie Howe, Terry Sawchuk, John McKenzie and the final card from Maurice Richard’s playing career.
1960-61 Topps Hockey Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
Home to the Stan Mikita rookie card, 1960-61 Topps Hockey also includes several retired legends. Players from the Rangers, Bruins and Blackhawks are included in the set.
1962-63 Parkhurst Hockey Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
1962-63 Parkhurst Hockey features cards from three teams. The set uses two distinct designs. Key cards include Gordie Howe and Jacques Plante.
1965-66 Topps Hockey Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
Reverting back to a standard card size, 1965-66 Topps Hockey had the company’s biggest checklist to date. Notable rookies include Phil Esposito, Dennis Hull and Gary Cheevers.
1970-71 O-Pee-Chee Hockey Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
Bobby Clarke, Gilbert Perreault, Brad Park, Guy Lapointe and Darryl Sittler lead a loaded rookie crop in 1970-71 O-Pee-Chee Hockey. The memorable design includes several spotlights in the background.
1973-74 O-Pee-Chee Hockey Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
1973-74 O-Pee-Chee Hockey is a colorful set that uses both green and red borders. The rookie card crop includes Larry Robinson, Bill Barber, Billy Smith and Dave Schultz.
1974-75 O-Pee-Chee Hockey Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
1974-75 O-Pee-Chee Hockey has a deep rookie lineup that includes Denis Potvin, Lanny McDonald and Bob Gainey. It also has the first cards of legendary coaches Don Cherry and Scotty Bowman. The expanded checklist reflects the NHL’s expansion.
1975-76 O-Pee-Chee WHA Hockey Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
1975-76 O-Pee-Chee WHA Hockey is the company’s second set of the short-lived league. Key rookie cards include Richard Brodeur and Mark Howe.
1976-77 O-Pee-Chee Hockey Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
1976-77 O-Pee-Chee Hockey is highlighted by a 396-card checklist. Bryan Trottier is the key rookie card. The set is also notable for several quirks and subset cards.
1976-77 O-Pee-Chee WHA Hockey Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
1976-77 O-Pee-Chee WHA Hockey marked the third straight year a set for the upstart league was made. Without any key rookie cards, Gordie Howe and Bobby Hull lead single-card sales.
1977 Topps Star Wars Series 2 Trading Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
Continuing while the Force was still hot, 1977 Topps Stars Wars Series 2 is notable for its red borders. Numbering continues from where the first series left off, adding another 66 base cards and 11 stickers to the checklist.
1977 Topps Star Wars Series 3 Trading Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
1977 Topps Star Wars Series 3 is recognizable for its yellow borders. The set adds another 66 cards and 11 stickers to the checklist. This is the third of five sets from the film’s original run.
1977 Topps Star Wars Series 4 Trading Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
Expanding even further, 1977 Topps Star Wars Series 4 takes the entire set past the 250-card mark. The green-bordered set is home to the infamous C-3P0 “obscene” card.
1978 Topps Star Wars Series 5 Trading Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
The last set from the film’s original release, 1978 Topps Star Wars Series 5 trading cards are identifiable by their orange borders. Several of the cards offer a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film.
1980 Topps Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back Series 1 Trading Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
1980 Topps Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back Series 1 launched the second film in the franchise into the hobby. With 132 base cards and 11 stickers, it was the largest, single-series Star Wars set at the time.
1980 Topps Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back Series 2 Trading Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
Picking up from where the first set left off, 1980 Topps Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back Series 2 expands the checklist with another 132 cards and 33 stickers.
1980 Topps Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back Series 3 Trading Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
Although slightly smaller than the first two sets, 1980 Topps Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back Series 3 has several interesting subsets to keep things interesting.
1981 Topps Baseball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
1981 Topps Baseball is highlighted by its distinct baseball cap design. While there aren’t any Hall of Fame rookies, fan favorites Tim Raines, Fernando Valenzuela and Harold Baines have their first card in the set.
1981 Topps Traded Baseball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
1981 Topps Traded Baseball launched a big change in the hobby. The first late-season box set, it captures key players on their new teams and gives rookies their first solo cards.
1982 Topps Baseball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
Boasting a 792-card checklist for the first time, 1982 Topps Baseball is most notable for the Cal Ripken Jr. rookie card. Other rookies include Lee Smith, Dave Stewart and Kent Hrbek.
1982 Topps Traded Baseball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
Boasting one of the decade’s most iconic cards in Cal Ripken Jr, 1982 Topps Traded Baseball marks the second straight year of the late-season box set.
1983 Topps Star Wars Return of the Jedi Series 1 Trading Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
The first of two sets for the original trilogy’s final film, 1983 Topps Star Wars: Return of the Jedi Series 1 includes 132 cards and 33 stickers (66 if you include color variations).
1983 Topps Star Wars Return of the Jedi Series 2 Trading Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
1983 Topps Star Wars Return of the Jedi Series 2 marked the end of an era. The final set of the franchise’s original run has 88 cards and 22 stickers.
1983 Topps Traded Baseball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
Although it doesn’t carry the same popularity as it once did, 1983 Topps Traded Baseball remains one of the most recognizable sets of the 1980s. The first cards of Darryl Strawberry and Julio Franco are the best in the set.
1984 Topps Baseball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
Maintaining a similar design from the previous year, 1984 Topps Baseball is one of the more attractive sets of the decade. The checklist is led by the rookie of long-time hobby favorite Don Mattingly.
1984 Topps Traded Baseball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
1984 Topps Traded Baseball was one of the most coveted releases of the 1980s thanks to the company’s first card of Dwight Gooden. While the pitcher’s career faded fast, the set still boasts other rookies like Bret Saberhagen and Mark Langston.
1984-85 O-Pee-Chee Hockey Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
1984-85 O-Pee-Chee Hockey has one of the most impressive rookie card lineups of the decade. Led by Steve Yzerman, other key cards include rookies of Chris Chelios, Tom Barrasso, Cam Neely, Pat LaFontaine and Doug Gilmour.
1985 Topps Baseball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
Led by the iconic Mark McGwire USA rookie and some of the first readily available cards of Roger Clemens and Kirby Puckett, 1985 Topps Baseball remains one of the decades best sets.
1985-86 O-Pee-Chee Hockey Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
Mario Lemieux and Al MacInnis rookie cards lead a stacked 1985-86 O-Pee-Chee Hockey checklist. Over the years, the strong lineup and clean design have made it one of the best sports card sets of the 1980s.
1985-86 Topps Hockey Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
Although not as desirable as its O-Pee-Chee cousin, 1985-86 Topps Hockey still carries a fair bit of clout thanks to the Mario Lemieux rookie. Other rookies include Kirk Muller and Kelly Hrudey.
1986-87 O-Pee-Chee Hockey Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
Anchored by the Patrick Roy rookie card, 1986-87 O-Pee-Chee Hockey has another loaded checklist. Other notable rookies include John Vanbiesbrouck and Wendel Clark.
1990 Leaf Baseball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
1990 Leaf Baseball reintroduced the brand as a premium release. With a strong rookie crop that includes Frank Thomas, Sammy Sosa and Larry Walker, 1990 Leaf Baseball is one of the decade’s most popular sets.
1993 Topps Finest Baseball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
A landmark release, 1993 Topps Finest Baseball laid the groundwork for Topps Chrome, Bowman Chrome and all the other chromium releases in the hobby. It is also the first set to have Refractor parallels.
1996 Leaf Signatures Series Baseball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
1996 Leaf Signature Series Baseball is the first MLB set to have an autograph in every pack. Key signers include Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Greg Maddux and Mariano Rivera.
2006 Topps Baseball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
2006 Topps Baseball is a transition year for the flagship brand. It sees a new set configuration, the return of a legend and the inclusion of a card that wasn’t supposed to be.
2006 Topps Updates & Highlights Baseball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
Although 2006 Topps Updates & Highlights Baseball doesn’t have any major rookie cards, the set does provide a detailed bookend to the 2006 season. Inserts include career looks at Barry Bonds and Mickey Mantle and their home run chases.
2007 Topps Baseball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
A bland design, weak rookie crop and repetitive inserts make 2007 Topps Baseball one of the company’s less-desirable flagship sets. The most notable card in the set is the Derek Jeter, which had Mickey Mantle and George W. Bush added to the background.
2007 Topps Updates & Highlights Baseball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
The 2007 Topps Updates & Highlights Baseball checklist is largely filled with rookies and late-season roster moves. Like the 2007 flagship Topps sets, the main set is overshadowed by short prints and variations.
2008 Topps Baseball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
2008 Topps Baseball takes on an increasing non-baseball focus with several politically themed cards and inserts. The base set design is distinct for its white borders and colorful circles at the tops of the cards. Joey Votto is the most notable rookie.
2008 Topps Updates & Highlights Baseball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
Despite a couple of great rookie cards in Clayton Kershaw and Evan Longoria, 2008 Topps Updates & Highlights Baseball is remembered most for its short prints and variations. The most notable pictures Sarah Palin as a beauty queen.
2009 Topps Baseball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
Led by a host of short print variations, tons of inserts and a David Freese rookie card, 2009 Topps Baseball shows an increased focus on photography. The 660-card set split evenly between two series. Many of the inserts focus on retired greats and Hall of Famers.
2009 Topps Updates & Highlights Baseball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
Offering a final look at the season, 2009 Topps Updates & Highlights Baseball focuses largely on rookies and roster moves. Aimed at set builders, many of the inserts carry on from the season’s previous two flagship sets.
2011 Upper Deck Exquisite Football Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
2011 Upper Deck Exquisite Football sees the return of the super premium brand. Seven-card boxes boast five autographs, including many key names from the 2011 NFL rookie class.
2011-12 Panini Prime Hockey Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
2011-12 Panini Prime Hockey is a new super high-end set that comes with four hits per box including a numbered Rookie Quad Auto, a multi-memorabilia card and an autograph. New innovations include hockey sweater lace cards and game-used helmet decal cards.
2011-12 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Hockey Autograph Short Prints Guide
By Ryan Cracknell
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2011-12 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Hockey autograph short prints. Includes detailed info, groupings and checklists for both the 1997 Legends Signatures and Ultimate Signatures inserts.
2011-12 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Hockey Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
2011-12 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Hockey is a hits-heavy release boasting an autograph, numbered memorabilia card and numbered rookie card in every single-pack box. Highlights include multiple levels of patch cards, autographed memorabilia and 1997 Legends Signatures.
2012 Ace Authentic Grand Slam 3 Tennis Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
2012 Ace Authentic Grand Slam 3 Tennis serves up three hits in every box, including two autographs. Collectors can hunt for signatures and memorabilia from current tennis greats like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Caroline Wozniacki.
2012 Bowman Platinum Baseball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
2012 Bowman Platinum Baseball lets the prospects shine — literally. As collectors have come to expect with the Bowman brand, much of the focus is placed on up-and-coming prospects. Every box comes with two Refractor autographs and one autographed Refractor relic from baseball’s rising stars.
2012 Cryptozoic Tarzan 100th Anniversary Trading Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
In 100 years, Tarzan has had a major influence on pop culture. Starting with the books of Edgar Rice Burroughs, the iconic character has carried through to movies, TV, comics and more. 2012 Cryptozoic Tarzan 100th Anniversary trading cards celebrate the iconic character and his impact on so many mediums.
2012 Leaf Pete Rose – The Living Legend Baseball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
2012 Leaf Pete Rose – The Living Legend is one of the most affordable ways for collectors to get an autograph from baseball’s all-time hit king. For less than $50, boxes come with 10 packs of cards and either a Pete Rose autograph or autographed memorabilia redemption.
2012 Leaf Sports Icons Cut Signature Edition Trading Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
2012 Leaf Sports Icons Cut Signature Edition offers collectors a cut autograph in every pack. Legendary names to look for include Babe Ruth, Vince Lombardi and Lou Gehrig. The set also has a contest that will award one collector with a rare Josh Gibson autograph.
2012 NHLPA Rookie Showcase Participants Announced
By Ryan Cracknell
Thirty of hockey’s top prospects will be in Toronto on August 28 for the fourth annual NHLPA Rookie Showcase. Get a complete list of participants.
2012 NSCC: Day One and the Man Without a Plan
By Rick Klein
Rick Klein goes to Baltimore to tackle the 2012 National Sports Collectors Convention. Get his view of the show for Thursday, August 2nd as he gets lost in quarter boxes, ogles at the Black Swamp Find and eats some really old gum.
2012 Panini National Sports Collectors Convention Trading Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
The 2012 Panini National Sports Collectors Convention set was created as a wrapper redemption program. The set mixes a several sports and includes lots of inserts and randomly inserted autographs.
2012 Panini One Direction Photocards Trading Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
The popular British band gets their first trading cards with 2012 Panini One Direction Photocards. The over-sized cards offer plenty of images from the group.
2012 Panini Rookies & Stars Football Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
Entering its 15th season, 2012 Panini Rookies & Stars Football hobby boxes come with four total autographs and memorabilia cards, 24 rookie cards and a ton of inserts and parallels.
2012 Panini Rookies & Stars Rookie Material Signatures Visual Guide
By Ryan Cracknell
Here’s all the info you need on the 2012 Panini Rookies & Stars Football Rookie Materials Signatures cards. These rookie cards are numbered to 499 and have both an autograph and a player-worn jersey swatch. We’ve got a detailed visual checklist and more.
2012 Press Pass Showcase Racing
By Ryan Cracknell
2012 Press Pass Showcase Racing promises collectors either an autograph or race-used memorabilia card in every pack. Highlights include autographed patch book cards, team signed autographs and inscribed autographs celebrating Richard Petty’s 75th birthday.
2012 Rittenhouse Falling Skies Season 1 Trading Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
2012 Rittenhouse Falling Skies Season 1 is a premium pack set that promises an autograph and two costume cards per pack. Autograph highlights include Noah Wylie and Moon Bloodgood.
2012 Rittenhouse Falling Skies Season One Autographs Guide
By Ryan Cracknell
See all of the 2012 Rittenhouse Falling Skies Season One Autographs with our handy visual guide. Led by Noah Wylie and Moon Bloodgood, the 16-card set include nearly all of the show’s main cast.
2012 Rittenhouse Game of Thrones Season One Trading Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
2012 Rittenhouse Game of Thrones Season One brings the popular series to trading cards for the first time. Boasting two autographs per box, signers include Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey, Sean Bean and Emilia Clarke.
2012 Rittenhouse True Blood Premiere Edition Autographs Guide
By Ryan Cracknell
Behold all 40 of the 2012 Rittenhouse True Blood Premiere Edition Autographs. Our convenient guide includes set info, a detailed checklist and a convenient shopping guide.
2012 Topps Allen & Ginter Baseball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
Back for its seventh year, 2012 Topps Allen & Ginter Baseball promises to bring another eclectic mix of baseball stars, quirky champions and other surprises. This year, collectors can look forward to legends, sea monkeys, Biblical heroes and one of the strongest autograph checklists in years.
2012 Topps Chrome Baseball Autograph Rookie Variations Visual Guide
By Ryan Cracknell
Bryce Harper and Yu Darvish lead a comprehensive list of 2012 Topps Chrome Baseball Autograph Rookie Variations. Get full details, including a visual checklist and buying guide.
2012 Topps Finest Baseball Rookie Autographs Visual Guide
By Ryan Cracknell
Led by on-card autographs from Bryce Harper and Yu Darvish, the 2012 Topps Finest Baseball Rookie Autographs checklist is a strong one. Check out the set and get full details and a buying guide.
2012 Topps Finest Football Andrew Luck Superfractor Listed on eBay
By Ryan Cracknell
The 2012 Topps Finest Andrew Luck Autographed Jumbo Patch Superfractor has been pulled and put up for sale. Get full details on the card and the auction.
2012 Topps Finest Robert Griffin III Superfractor Autograph Surfaces UPDATE
By Ryan Cracknell
The 2012 Topps Finest Robert Griffin III Superfractor Autograph has been pulled and put up for sale. Get details on the card and the eBay listing.
2012 Topps Football 1957 Rookies Green Guide
By Ryan Cracknell
Having trouble finishing your 2012 Topps Football 1957 Rookies Green set? We look at the reasons why this set is so tricky as well as provide a gallery of all 30 cards.
2012 Topps Football 1965 Tallboy Autographs Guide
By Ryan Cracknell
The 2012 Topps Football 1965 Tallboy Autographs are some of the hottest cards in hobby. Mixing on-card autographs, a classic design and hot rookies, even the commons are commanding strong prices. Get a full checklist, an image gallery and more.
2012 Topps Football Game Time Giveaway Guide
By Ryan Cracknell
2012 Topps Football Game Time Giveaway is the company’s latest virtual redemption program. It boasts exclusive cards, prizes and a new game component. Get details here.
2012 Topps Football Golden Draft Tickets Give a Collector Their Own Rookie Card
By Ryan Cracknell
One lucky collector will get their own card in 2013 Topps Football. The Golden Draft Ticket program launches in 2012 Topps Football with randomly inserted box toppers in hobby and retail boxes.
2012 Topps Football NFL Captain Patch Relic Cards Visual Guide
By Ryan Cracknell
A bonus in every retail blaster box, 2012 Topps Football NFL Captain Patch Relic Cards are the latest exclusive manufactured patch cards. Get a full visual checklist and buying guide for the entire set.
2012 Topps Football Variations Short Prints Guide
By Ryan Cracknell
2012 Topps Football arrives with lots of short prints and variations for collectors to chase. We’ve got full details, a complete checklist and images for both the rookie and veteran photo variations.
2012 Topps Mini Baseball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
It’s a small world after all with 2012 Topps Mini Baseball. A shrunken down version of the flagship 2012 Topps Baseball sets, the complete set includes rookies of Yu Darvish and Bryce Harper. Every box, which was originally offered only online, includes an autograph or relic card.
2012 Topps U.S. Olympic Team and Olympic Hopefuls Autographs Gallery
By Ryan Cracknell
2012 Topps U.S. Olympic Team and Olympic Hopefuls Autographs is the most comprehensive collection of Olympic signatures ever seen in a card set. Check out the cards in our gallery and get full details on the set, which includes Hope Solo, Alex Morgan and Michael Phelps.
2012 Topps UFC Finest
By Ryan Cracknell
2012 Topps UFC Finest sees the return of several levels of colorful Refractors. Boxes promise two autographs, two jumbo fighter relics and two jumbo mat relics. One-of-one fight-used mouth guard relics highlight the chase.
2012 Triple Play Baseball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
Running about a dollar a pack, 2012 Triple Play Baseball offers a broad mix of interactive and informative cards. Intended for collectors of all ages, base cards come with cartoon-style artwork instead of traditional photography.
2012 Upper Deck Goodwin Champions Autograph Short Prints Guide
By Ryan Cracknell
Get complete details on 2012 Upper Deck Goodwin Champions Autographs. Includes info and a full checklist that includes short print groupings and insertion rates.
2012 Upper Deck Goodwin Champions Trading Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
2012 Upper Deck Goodwin Champions see the eclectic set return with its familiar mix of stars from all sports and pop culture personalities. Hits include autographs, painted art cards and relics with space debris and bugs.
2012 Upper Deck Goodwin Champions Variation Short Prints Guide
By Ryan Cracknell
Collectors busting 2012 Upper Deck Goodwin Champions are discovering variation short prints of base set cards. We’ve got details, images and a running checklist.
2012-13 NBA Hoops Basketball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
2012-13 NBA Hoops kicks off a new basketball card collecting year with a massive 300-card base set. Included are 72 rookie cards from both 2011-12 and 2012-13. Hobby boxes come with two autographs.
2012-13 O-Pee-Chee Hockey Autograph Short Prints Guide
By Ryan Cracknell
Get detailed short print data for 2012-13 O-Pee-Chee Hockey autographs. We’ve got full lists and groupings for both O-Pee-Chee Signatures and O-Pee-Chee Signatures Team Canada.
2012-13 O-Pee-Chee Hockey Black and White Guide
By Ryan Cracknell
Get detailed info and a comprehensive checklist for 2012-13 O-Pee-Chee Hockey Black and White, a 36-card insert set that wasn’t announced in advance. The rare Deckle Edge-inspired cards have been very popular on the secondary market.
2012-13 O-Pee-Chee Hockey Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
2012-13 O-Pee-Chee Hockey is a playful release that challenges collectors to have fun with their cards. New stickers and pop-up cards add a traditional interactive element. The design has also been overhauled and game-used cards have been replaced by a challenging set of Team Logo Patches.
2012-13 O-Pee-Chee Hockey Wrapper Redemption Announced
By Ryan Cracknell
Upper Deck has announced a 2012-13 O-Pee-Chee Hockey wrapper redemption open exclusively to Canadian collectors. Included in the set are a series of exclusive red-bordered parallels and a new All-Stars insert.
2012-13 Panini NBA Sticker Collection
By Ryan Cracknell
2012-13 Panini NBA Sticker Collection returns with a comprehensive checklist of 360 stickers. Aimed largely at young collectors and set builders, the release includes glitter and micro-etched stickers.
2012-13 Score Hockey Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
2012-13 Score Hockey sees the return of the venerable value-laden early release. The set is highlighted by random autographs and Hot Rookies short prints.
5 Magnificent Manny Machado Prospect Cards to Begin Your Collection
By Ryan Cracknell
One of the top MLB players in the game, we look at five of the best Manny Machado prospect cards to jumpstart your collection.
Behold! Every 2011-12 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Hockey Rookie Card
By Ryan Cracknell
We’ve compiled a comprehensive gallery of all the 2011-12 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Hockey rookie cards complete with images, details and a handy buying guide for those looking for specific cards.
Beware the Megatooth Shark! 2012 Topps Allen & Ginter Artifacts Revealed
By Ryan Cracknell
Topps promised “unusual artifacts from the past” on their 2012 Allen & Ginter Baseball N43 Artifacts redemptions. And that’s what redemption card holders are going to get. Get the full list of ancient relics that will be used for the set.
Cardboard Connection Talks Autograph Forgeries on ESPN’s Mint Condition
By Ryan Cracknell
Watch Cardboard Connection editor Ryan Cracknell and TriStar Productions president Jeff Rosenberg as they discuss fake autographs on ESPN’s Mint Condition.
Cheap Mickey Mantle Cards – 10 Awesome Cards for Under $20
By Ryan Cracknell
Who says collecting Mickey Mantle cards has to be expensive? Here are 10 fantastic cards, most of them vintage, that have sold for $20 or less.
Do You Have Any 2012 Topps Chrome Baseball Variation Short Prints?
By Ryan Cracknell
Twenty 2012 Topps Chrome Baseball Variation short prints are one of the toughest chases in the release. Get a full checklist, info and gallery of the rare cards.
Dynamite! 2012 Topps Chrome Baseball Dynamic Die Cuts Gallery and Guide
By Ryan Cracknell
The combination of a 50-card checklist and just one per box, 2012 Topps Chrome Baseball Dynamic Die Cuts is one of the year’s tougher basic inserts to complete. Get a detailed look at the entire set, including a gallery and checklist.
eBay Offering FREE Sports Card and Memorabilia Listings
By Ryan Cracknell
Do you have a bunch of cards and memorabilia cluttering up your house? eBay is offering free sports card and memorabilia listings through the end of December. Find out how you can free up space, save money and make some extra cash.
Hunting with 2012 Goodwin Champions Animal Kingdom Patch Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
Get the inside scoop on the 2012 Upper Deck Goodwin Champions Animal Kingdom Patch Cards. Find a detailed checklist, details, insertion rates and more.
Jered Weaver Rookie Card Guide
By Ryan Cracknell
Poised to explode, we look at all the Jered Weaver rookie cards. Includes a full rookie card checklist, info, images and buying guide.
Law of Cards Trademark of the Week: GB2
By Paul Lesko
Now a member of the New York Jets, Tim Tebow has abandoned a trademark application for GB2, which stands for “God Bless, Go Broncos.” Paul Lesko has the info and legal analysis.
Law of Cards: Beckett v. Beckett Case is Over
By Paul Lesko
The legal battle between Beckett Media and Beckett Associates has come to a fast finish. Paul Lesko has the details and analysis of the joint settlement.
Law of Cards: Electronic Trading Card Patent Lawsuit Update
By Paul Lesko
Paul Lesko has an update on a potentially important lawsuit between Wildcat and 4Kids Entertainment, which includes several high-profile hobby defendants like Topps and Panini. He also discusses why the complex case could take years to resolve.
Law of Cards: Former Mastro Auctions Owner Gets a Trial Date
By Paul Lesko
A trial date has been set in the case against Bill Mastro and three of his former Mastro Auctions employees. Paul Lesko has full details.
Law of Cards: How to Stop a Durantula
By Paul Lesko
It appears as thought a trademark lawsuit has led to Panini changing plans for a Kevin Durant “Durantula” short print in 2012-13 NBA Hoops. Paul Lesko has the details.
Law of Cards: Stop the Music! Topps and Panini Heavy Metal Battle Ends
By Paul Lesko
Topps and Panini have settled their lawsuit over Panini’s trademark application for “Chromium.” Paul Lesko has the details and analysis.
Law of Cards: The Wildcat Case is Getting Frisky!
By Paul Lesko
Paul Lesko has the latest on a lawsuit revolving around a patent for electronic trading cards. Both Topps and Panini are named in the lawsuit.
Law of Cards: There Have Been How Many Sports Card Industry Lawsuits?
By Paul Lesko
Ever wondered how many lawsuits there have been in the hobby? Here a list of cases involving sports card manufacturers from 2005 to 2012. Includes break downs and analysis.
Law of Cards: Upper Deck in Legal Dispute Over Presidential Trading Cards
By Paul Lesko
Upper Deck is heading to court over political trading cards featuring possible presidential candidates for the 2012 election. The card maker filed a complaint against Executive Trading Cards after receiving a cease and desist letter of their own.
Looking for Gold? The 10 Best Michael Phelps Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
The most decorated athlete in Olympics history, we present our list of the top 10 Michael Phelps cards.
Lucky Charms on a 2012 Topps Football Andrew Luck Variation
By Ryan Cracknell
A 2012 Topps Football Andrew Luck short print variation should surprise no veteran collector. However, a closer look at the card may lead to some juvenile chuckles.
Midas Touch: Top Selling 2011-12 Panini Gold Standard Basketball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
It’s patches, not ink, that headline the initial sales of 2011-12 Panini Gold Standard Basketball. Bullion Brand logo patches are particularly hot as we tally the set’s top 10 early eBay sales.
My Second Day at the National: Closure and Frustration
By Rick Klein
For Rick Klein, Friday brought some highs and frustrations at the 2012 National Sports Collectors Convention. Find out about his adventures and collecting triumphs.
Rookies Rule the 2012-13 NBA Hoops Hot List
By Ryan Cracknell
We track the top 20 2012-13 NBA Hoops early eBay sales. Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis autographs account for the top 19 sales.
Rory McIlroy Signs Exclusive Memorabilia and Card Deal with Upper Deck
By Ryan Cracknell
Rory McIlroy, the top-ranked golfer in the world, has sign on as an official Upper Deck spokesman. With the deal, the company gets exclusive rights to trading cards and memorabilia of the golfer.
Something Fishy: 20 Top-Selling Mike Trout Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
No player has been as hot in the hobby this summer as Mike Trout. We track the top 20 card sales of the rookie phenom over the heart of the 2012 baseball season.
The 20 Hottest 2012 Topps Football Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
Quarterback Immortals is the theme that runs throughout 2012 Topps Football. Quarterbacks have also accounted for all of the set’s biggest eBay sales thus far. Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III autographs have been particularly popular.
The Bubble Gum Card War Book Review
By Rob Bertrand
Vintage trading card expert Dean Hanley tackles the post-war battle between Topps and Bowman for baseball card supremacy in The Bubble Gum Card War. Get a full book review and brief synopsis.
Top 10 Football Rookie Cards of the 1980s
By Ryan Cracknell
We count down football’s 10 best rookie cards from the 1980s. Includes analysis, images and links to purchase.
Top 1980s Basketball Rookie Cards to Collect
By Ryan Cracknell
We count down basketball’s 15 best rookie cards from the 1980s. Includes analysis, images and links to purchase.
Topps Takes Action on Dealers Selling 2012 Topps Football Kickoff Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
Topps isn’t happy that some dealers are selling 2012 Topps Football Kickoff promo cards. The cards are intended as a free giveaway that doesn’t start until next week. Find out the actions Topps took and read the letter they sent to dealers.
Trademark of the Week: Rally Squirrel — The War Begins
By Paul Lesko
The Rally Squirrel will forever have a place in baseball folklore. Paul Lesko looks at why a trademark application for the rodent might fail if the St. Louis Cardinals step in.
Ultimate Guide to Mike Trout Autograph Cards: 2009 to 2012
By Ryan Cracknell
Review the ultimate reference for every Mike Trout autograph card released between 2009 and 2012. Includes a full checklist, parallel info, tons of images and a buying guide.
What Are the Top Selling Cards in 2012 Topps Finest Football?
By Ryan Cracknell
Andrew Luck has emerged as the hottest player in football entering the 2012 season. The rookie quarterback dominates the list of top 2012 Topps Finest eBay sales, significantly outpacing fellow rookie, Robert Griffin III.
What’s Hot in 2011-12 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Hockey?
By Ryan Cracknell
2011-12 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Hockey is faring very well on the secondary market, particularly the set’s biggest hits. So far, five singles have sold for at least $1,000 on eBay. Find out what’s driving the high-end sales.
What’s Hot in 2012 Bowman Platinum Baseball?
By Ryan Cracknell
We track the top 15 early 2012 Bowman Platinum Baseball eBay sales. Bryce Harper and Yu Darvish dominate with several low-numbered autographs and parallels.
Yankee Greats: 100 Classic Baseball Cards Book Review
By Ryan Cracknell
Yankee Greats: 100 Classic Baseball Cards is a fascinating book that combines the history of baseball’s most decorated franchise with the hobby. The reasonably priced book also comes with four exclusive cards.
