12 Days of Christmas Sports Collectors Remix
By Rob Bertrand
Get a hobby spin of a Christmas classic. You’ll never look at Derrek Lee cards the same.
1933 Goudey Baseball Cards
By Rob Bertrand
1933 Goudey Baseball was the first baseball card set ever to be paired with bubblegum and sold by the pack. It remains a favorite among collectors to this day and is headlined by a number of Hall of Fame rookie cards.
1951 Berk Ross Baseball Cards
By Rob Bertrand
Featuring a wide variety of athletes, 1951 Berk Ross is still mostly known for the many baseball subjects. Joe DiMaggio, Stan Musial and Whitey Ford are the key options. It is also the place to find the first card for basketball star Bob Cousy.
1953 Bowman Baseball Cards – Color and Black & White Series
By Rob Bertrand
Regarded by many as one of the most attractive sets of all-time, 1953 Bowman Baseball includes a strong checklist of all-time greats in color. There is also a black-and-white release.
1955 Topps All-American Football Cards
By Rob Bertrand
1955 Topps All-American Football is regarded as one of the most important sets in the sport’s history. The collegiate set includes such legends as Red Grange, Jim Thorpe, Knute Rockne and a card of Notre Dame’s legendary Four Horsemen.
1956 Topps Football Cards
By Rob Bertrand
1956 Topps Football marks the company’s debut as a licensed NFL football card maker. Key rookie cards include Lenny Moore and Roosevelt Brown.
1957 Topps Baseball Cards
By Rob Bertrand
1957 Topps Baseball card checklist, detailed set analysis, key cards, shopping guide & more. It is one of the most sought after post-war vintage baseball card sets thanks to the inclusion of rookie cards of Frank Robinson, Brooks Robinson, Don Drysdale, Bill Mazeroski, Jim Bunning, and Whitey Herzog. 1957 Topps also features a rock solid lineup of Hall of Famers, including Sandy Koufax, Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Roberto Clemente and many more.
1957 Topps Football Cards
By Rob Bertrand
Thanks to its strong checklist and distinct design, 1957 Topps Football is one of the most beloved vintage sets in the hobby. Johnny Unitas and Bart Starr rookie cards lead the release.
1959 Topps Football Cards
By Rob Bertrand
1959 Topps Football features one of the most distinct designs of all-time. It was also the company’s biggest gridiron offering to date. Key rookies include Sam Huff and Jim Taylor.
1959 Topps You’ll Die Laughing Trading Cards
By Rob Bertrand
1959 Topps You’ll Die Laughing is one of the landmark monster card issues. Featuring stellar artwork from Jack Davis, the fun set mixes classic monsters and funny gags.
1964 Topps Football Cards
By Rob Bertrand
Having lost their NFL license, 1964 Topps Football marks the first of several years where the company switched focus to the rival AFL. Rookies include Buck Buchanan and Bobby Bell.
1965 Topps Football Cards
By Rob Bertrand
1965 Topps Football is regarded as one of the best sets ever produced in the hobby. Often referred to as Tall Boys for their over-sized dimensions, the checklist includes the iconic Joe Namath rookie card.
1966 Topps Football Cards
By Rob Bertrand
Often lost in the shuffle of other sets from the decade, 1966 Topps Football has a checklist that doesn’t have any major rookies. It does have the second-year Joe Namath, though.
1967 Topps Football Cards
By Rob Bertrand
1967 Topps Football features a colorful design and limited quality rookie options. However, several Hall of Fame veterans carry the product, including Joe Namath and Fred Biletnikoff.
1969 Topps Football Cards
By Rob Bertrand
The largest football set at the time, 1969 Topps Football offers collectors a solid overall checklist. Top rookies include Larry Csonka and Brian Piccolo.
1970 Topps Football Cards
By Rob Bertrand
Although it did not include NFL or team logos, 1970 Topps Football is filled with Hall of Fame Players. Top veteran cards include Gale Sayers, Bart Starr, Johnny Unitas, Fran Tarkenton and Dick Butkus. The rookie card for O.J. Simpson headlines this popular product.
1971 Topps Football Cards
By Rob Bertrand
Rookie cards for Terry Bradshaw and Joe Greene lead the way for 1971 Topps Football. The set also has Game Inserts and Posters.
1972 Topps Football Cards
By Rob Bertrand
1972 Topps Football is the only time that a Topps football product was released in three series. Top cards include the Joe Namath Pro Action card, and rookie cards for Roger Staubach and John Riggins.
1974 Topps Baseball Cards Checklist
By Rob Bertrand
Released for the first time as a single series, 1974 Topps Baseball is led by the Dave Winfield rookie card. Other rookies of note include Dave Parker and Ken Griffey Sr.
1974 Topps Traded Baseball Cards
By Rob Bertrand
The first Topps Traded set, 1974 Topps Traded Baseball features a relatively small lineup of players who switched teams over the course of the 1974 season.
1975 Topps Baseball Cards
By Rob Bertrand
1975 Topps Baseball has a loaded checklist that includes rookie cards of George Brett, Robin Yount, Gary Carter and Jim Rice. The colorful design puts it among the most memorable of the decade.
1975 Topps Mini Baseball Cards
By Rob Bertrand
What began as a cost-cutting experiment has become a beloved hobby classic. 1975 Topps Mini Baseball is a rare set that went from a hobby oddball to a mainstream vintage set.
1976 Topps Baseball Cards
By Rob Bertrand
Without a potent lineup of rookies, 1976 Topps Baseball remains very affordable. The attractive set is highlighted by rookie cards of Dennis Eckersley and Willie Randolph.
1977 Topps Baseball Cards
By Rob Bertrand
1977 Topps Baseball doesn’t have a huge rookie card to anchor its value but it does have several second-tier stars, including Andre Dawson, Dale Murphy and Bruce Sutter. Definitely one of the quieter sets of the decade, in terms of both design and impact.
1978 Topps Baseball Cards
By Rob Bertrand
1978 Topps Baseball is anchored by a pair of Hall of Fame rookies: Eddie Murray and Paul Molitor (who shares a card with Alan Trammell). While it’s one of the more subtle sets of the decade, it’s still widely respected among collectors.
1979 Topps Baseball Cards
By Rob Bertrand
1979 Topps Baseball is largely about the Ozzie Smith rookie card. An otherwise weak rookie checklist and somewhat plain design make the set easy to overlook when compared to other sets from the era.
1983 Topps Baseball Cards
By Rob Bertrand
With one of the most beautiful designs of the decade and rookie cards of Tony Gwynn, Ryne Sandberg and Wade Boggs, 1983 Topps Baseball remains a collector favorite.
1991 Pro Line Portraits Football Cards
By Rob Bertrand
1991 Pro Line Portraits Football is notable for several reasons, most notably its photography, cards of players’ wives and extensive autograph checklist.
1992-93 Fleer Ultra Hockey
By Rob Bertrand
1992-93 Fleer Ultra Hockey is one of the sport’s earliest premium offerings. While it may not be worth a lot today, it features a strong design, compelling inserts and a large list of rookie cards.
1996 Topps Laser Baseball Cards
By Rob Bertrand
1996 Topps Laser Baseball has one of the most out-there designs to ever grace the hobby. Going far beyond traditional die-cuts, the unique set has a simple but challenging configuration.
2005 Topps Turkey Red Baseball Cards
By Rob Bertrand
2005 Topps Turkey Red Baseball hit at a time when modern retro-themed sets were hitting their stride. Featuring variations, short prints, autographs and parallels, in many ways, it helped establish the format perfected by Topps Allen & Ginter.
2008 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball Cards
By Rob Bertrand
2008 Topps Heritage High Number Baseball marks the first time the brand had an update series. The 220-card checklist includes several short prints. Evan Longoria and Pablo Sandoval are the key rookie cards.
2011 National Sports Collectors Convention Recap and Highlights
By Rob Bertrand
Exclusive cards, hobby networking, giveaways and deals were among the many highlights of the 2011 National.
2013 National Sports Collectors Convention News, Notes and Recap
By Rob Bertrand
Couldn’t make the 2013 National Sports Collectors Convention? Here’s a detailed look at the show including plenty of pictures and videos.
2013 Topps Chrome Baseball – Top Early Pulls and Hit Tracker
By Rob Bertrand
Real-time look at the 50 most-watched 2013 Topps Chrome Baseball cards currently listed on eBay. There is also a list of the Top 10 early pulls.
2013-14 Upper Deck Overtime Hockey Cards
By Rob Bertrand
Now in its second year, 2013-14 Upper Deck Overtime Hockey is a promo set available exclusively through GTS and Universal Distribution. The set focuses exclusively on the year’s double-rookie class.
7 Awesome Negro League Baseball Card Sets
By Rob Bertrand
When you consider how many sets have been made over the years, there aren’t a lot of Negro Leagues baseball cards. Here’s a look at seven sets to get you started.
7 Simple Tips for Avoiding Negative Feedback Selling on eBay
By Rob Bertrand
Reputation is vital when it comes to selling on eBay. Follow these 7 easy tips to avoid getting that dreaded negative feedback.
Andy Pettitte Minor League Baseball Card Guide
By Rob Bertrand
Get a detailed tour through the world of Andy Pettitte minor league cards. Check out a detailed checklist, card info and much more.
Authenticating Game-Used Baseball Bats
By Rob Bertrand
Game-used baseball bats are some of the neatest pieces of memorabilia a collector can own. Authenticating them, though, can be tricky. Here are some tips on what to look for to help make sure the piece you buy is real.
Autograph Authentication for Sports Memorabilia Collectors
By Rob Bertrand
Learn how to get your sports memorabilia authenticated. This guide includes practical steps collectors can take, descriptions of industry tools, and things to watch out for and protect yourself against.
Ball Boys Review – New Sports Memorabilia Show Dishes Up a Home Run
By Rob Bertrand
Ball Boys is a new sports memorabilia-themed reality show on ABC that follows a similar formula to Pawn Stars. Rob Bertrand reviews the first two episodes.
Beginner’s Guide to Collecting Sports Tickets
By Rob Bertrand
Often tossed aside as garbage, sports tickets have emerged as popular pieces of sports memorabilia. Here’s how you can get a start in collecting these little pieces of sporting history.
Bill Mastro Pleads Guilty, Admits Trimming Famous T206 Honus Wagner Card
By Rob Bertrand
Another chapter in the legend of the T206 Honus Wagner baseball card has been written. While pleading guilty to mail fraud, Bill Mastro has admitted to trimming the most famous copy of the card.
Buy the Right Trading Card Shipping Supplies and Save Money
By Rob Bertrand
If you sell or trade cards online, you’re going to need shipping supplies. Here’s a guide to all the essentials and tips on how you can save big.
Cam Newton Becomes Toy Box Hero with McFarlane Debut
By Rob Bertrand
Rookie superstar Cam Newton is slated to get his first McFarlane figure in NFL Sportspicks 28. Check out the figure and see who else makes the cut.
Choosing the Right Trading Card Supplies
By Rob Bertrand
Learn about the most important trading card supplies to store and protect your collection. Includes a breakdown of key items, descriptions and buying guide.
Collecting Baseball Card Oddities, Part 1: Food Issues
By Rob Bertrand
Looking for a new collecting challenge? Check out our guide on food-issue oddball cards. We look at the history and highlights from several companies, such as Kellogg’s, Post, Hostess and Burger King.
Collecting Baseball Card Oddities, Part 2: Retail Releases
By Rob Bertrand
In the second part of our extensive look at oddball baseball cards, Rob Bertrand breaks down some of the retail oddities found at stores like K-Mart, Denny’s, Toy “R” Us and more.
Collecting Baseball Card Oddities, Part 3: Topps Premiums and Test Issues
By Rob Bertrand
Topps hasn’t always been about traditional baseball cards. In the final installment of our look at oddball baseball cards, we delve deep into Topps’ baseball past to uncover their first inserts, premiums and test issues.
Collecting Sports Legends Book Review
By Rob Bertrand
It seems that quality books featuring our precious Hobby as the primary subject are as rare as a 1933 Goudey Napoleon Lajoie. Thankfully books like Collecting Sports Legends exist.
Collecting the 2012 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductees
By Rob Bertrand
We look at the rookie cards and other collectibles for all six of the 2012 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees. Includes complete rookie card checklists for each inductee, including Curtis Martin, Cortez Kennedy and Jack Butler.
Complete Guide to Collecting Official League Baseballs
By Rob Bertrand
While they may be overlooked by some collectors, baseballs have emerged as a viable collectible. View a complete guide to to all the official league baseballs, including the years of usage, and a visual guide to the transformation of the baseball.
Comprehensive Guide to Card Grading
By Rob Bertrand
Card grading can add value and peace of mind to your collection. Use our practical guide to get the most out of your submissions and pick the best company to grade your cards.
Dan Wheldon Memorial Auction to Benefit Late Racer’s Family
By Rob Bertrand
What started as a simple gesture by Graham Rahal has blossomed into a massive auction to support the family of fallen racer, Dan Wheldon. Several athletes and celebrities are contributing unique items and memorabilia.
Definitive Guide to Hartland Figurines
By Rob Bertrand
Hartland figurines have a rich history among sports memorabilia collectors. This detailed guide covers everything you need to know about collecting these statues. Get a comprehensive overview of the company, organized checklist, a list of the most valuable figuines, production numbers and more.
eBay Bucks – A Collector’s Guide
By Rob Bertrand
Want to earn money for buying the cards and collectibles? The eBay Bucks program rewards you for the things you’re already buying. Find out how to sign up and start saving with our practical eBay Bucks guide.
Estate Planning and Your Collection
By Rob Bertrand
When we die, our collections stay behind. Here are some simple, practical tips to help you plan in advance and make sure your collection ends up in the right hands. It will also make it easier on the loved ones you leave behind.
Featured Hobby Blog: Bad Wax
By Rob Bertrand
Keeping the Craigslist Idiots in check and sharing his own custom dream cards, Mike Levine celebrates the four-year anniversary of Bad Wax in January.
Featured Hobby Blog: Ben Henry’s Baseball Card Blog
By Rob Bertrand
One of the first hobby blogs created, Ben Henry’s Baseball Card Blog highlights the simpler times of trading cards with dry wit and satire.
Featured Hobby Blog: Sports Cards Uncensored
By Rob Bertrand
Sports Cards Uncensored’s Adam Gellman takes great pride in having one of the strongest opinions in the hobby. For more than three years, he’s used that voice to offer his take on things and educate collectors on various scams.
Featured Hobby Blog: Stale Gum
By Rob Bertrand
Stale Gum is one of the first blogs to focus on the hobby. It’s also one of the funniest and most honest. Written by Chris Harris, Stale Gum doesn’t shy from the tough questions and happily calls out bad gimmicks.
Field Trip: The Baseball Heritage Museum
By Rob Bertrand
The Baseball Heritage Museum in Cleveland, Ohio aims to celebrate the game of baseball in its many forms outside of MLB. It features many exhibits that are sure to excite baseball historians and collectors.
Final Two Days of Exclusive 2011 MLB FanFest Giveaways
By Rob Bertrand
Although the 2011 MLB FanFest is winding down, there’s still a handful of exclusive giveaways for collectors.
FREE Cards from the Pro Football Hall of Fame
By Rob Bertrand
For a limited time, the Pro Football Hall of Fame isn’t only offering free cards to collectors, but they’re donating 20% of online sales to breast cancer awareness.
Get Your Collection Organized with Sports Card Software
By Rob Bertrand
Thinking about using sports card software to help organize your collection? We look at several options, giving an overview of what each has to offer as well as what they cost.
Guide to Buying Card Sleeves Online and Protecting Your Cards
By Rob Bertrand
Learn how to protect your cards with our comprehensive guide to card sleeves. Includes descriptions of the most popular types of cards sleeves and an online buying guide to help you find good deals on your supplies.
Guide to Collecting Autographed Presidential Memorabilia
By Rob Bertrand
The autographed presidential memorabilia landscape is vast. It can also get expensive. Get some tips on how to get started collecting a collection that’s impressive and authentic.
Guide to McFarlane MLB Sports Picks Variants
By Rob Bertrand
McFarlane MLB Sports Picks have a ton of collectible and valuable variants. Know exactly what to look for with this extensive guide that covers Series 1 through 31.
History of Batman Trading Cards
By Rob Bertrand
Take a detailed trip through the history of Batman trading cards. From vintage sets that came out in the 1960s through to modern releases covering comics and movies, find out about them all.
How to Frame a Jersey That You Are Proud to Display
By Rob Bertrand
Learn all about custom jersey frames with this handy guide. Find out how to frame a jersey on your own. We also tell you what to look for if you’re getting your jersey framed by a professional.
How to Insure Your Sports Card and Memorabilia Collection
By Rob Bertrand
Having the right insurance for your sports collection isn’t something a lot of people think about. Basic homeowners insurance often isn’t enough. Follow our guide to insure your collection properly.
How to Know You’re Buying Authentic Autographed Sports Memorabilia
By Rob Bertrand
It’s easy to fall victim to fake memorabilia when you’re shopping online. Know which companies are reputable and get tips on how to spot authentic autographed sports memorabilia.
How to Make Amazing Custom McFarlane Figures
By Rob Bertrand
Have you ever wanted to learn how to make custom McFarlane figures of your favorite athletes? Let our practical guide help you from start to finish. Includes easy-to-follow instructions and a detailed supply list with all the things you need to make a professional-looking custom.
How To Move and Set Up Your Man Cave
By Rob Bertrand
As a collector, one of the most daunting undertakings you can face is relocating your precious accumulation of cardboard and memorabilia treasures to a new address. While some of what is detailed below might seem rudimentary, it’s often the simple and obvious details that make the difference between a successful move and a painful headache. […]
How to Self- and Pre-Grade Your Sports Cards and Get the Best Results
By Rob Bertrand
Learn how to pre-grade your cards so that you can have a good idea of the official grade they’re likely to receive. Our practical guide gives you tips, tells you what to look for and lists the tools you’ll need.
How to Sell Sports Cards on eBay and Make More Money
By Rob Bertrand
Learn how to get started selling sports cards on eBay with our detailed guide. Includes a comprehensive breakdown of steps and practical advice.
How to Survive Your First Live Auction and Not Waste Money
By Rob Bertrand
Now that you’ve conquered eBay, it’s time to master live auctions. Here’s a guide on how to prepare and what to look for as you get ready for your first sports memorabilia auction or estate sale.
How Was the First Episode of All-Star Dealers?
By Rob Bertrand
Following in the footsteps of popular shows like Pawn Stars, Storage Wars and American Pickers, comes Discovery Channel’s All-Star Dealers. We take a peek at the program’s first episode and look at how it reflects the hobby.
Is Target the New Hobby Shop?
By Rob Bertrand
Retail giants like Target are increasingly driving the hobby. Rob Bertrand looks at why this is and offers traditional card shops practical tips on how they can compete and be relevant in today’s hobby.
Joe Montana Football Cards and Rookie Cards Checklist
By Rob Bertrand
Guide to collecting Joe Montana’s football cards. Includes a rookie card checklist, card gallery, and more.
John Elway Football Cards: Rookie Cards Checklist and Buying Guide
By Rob Bertrand
Guide to collecting John Elway’s football cards. Includes a rookie card checklist, card gallery, and more.
Learn How to Play Topps ATTAX
By Rob Bertrand
Learn how you can play with your cards with our in-depth guide to Topps ATTAX. Includes rules on how to play, customizations, video tutorial and downloadable materials for several sports.
McFarlane Cooperstown Collection Figures Guide
By Rob Bertrand
Get a full list of McFarlane Cooperstown Collection figures. Includes a complete checklist, variant details, key figure gallery and more.
McFarlane MLB Exclusive and Event-Issue Figures Guide
By Rob Bertrand
Get a full list of McFarlane MLB Sports Picks exclusive and event-issued figures. Includes a complete checklist, key figure gallery and more.
McFarlane NFL Legends Variants Guide
By Rob Bertrand
McFarlane NFL Legends Sports Picks have several collectible and valuable variants. Know exactly what to look for with this extensive guide that covers Series 1 through 32.
McFarlane NFL Sports Picks Variants Guide
By Rob Bertrand
McFarlane NFL Sports Picks have a ton of collectible and valuable variants. Know exactly what to look for with this extensive guide that covers Series 1 through 32.
McFarlane NHL 30 SportsPicks Figures Revealed
By Rob Bertrand
McFarlane is readying its lineup for NHL 30 SportPicks figures. Highlights include Pavel Datsyuk, Jason Reimer and Mario Lemieux.
McFarlane SportsPicks News: NFL 28 Images, College Football Checklist
By Rob Bertrand
McFarlane Toys has announced the lineup for their College Football Series 4 figures, which is headlined by Cam Newton and Peyton Manning. The company has also released images and Collector Level print runs for NFL 28.
McFarlane Toys Announces 2012 SportsPicks, Closes Message Boards
By Rob Bertrand
It was a good news, bad news kind of day for McFarlane collectors. The company followed up the announcement of their 2012 SportsPicks lineup by also announcing the closure of their online message boards.
McFarlane Toys Announces MLB 29 and Playmakers 3 Lineups
By Rob Bertrand
McFarlane Toys has announced both the Sportspicks MLB 29 and Playmakers 3 lineups, scheduled for release in February. MLB 29 features two players making their McFarlane debuts.
McFarlane Toys is Ready for Some Football
By Rob Bertrand
Fox broadcasting partners Terry Bradshaw and Howie Long get a special two-pack from McFarlane next month. The company is also releasing a Green Bay Packers three-pack with Aaron Rodgers, Greg Jennings and Clay Matthews.
Michael Jordan Card and Memorabilia Buying Guide
By Rob Bertrand
Guide to collecting Michael Jordan’s rookie cards. Includes a rookie card checklist, card gallery, and more.
Mickey Mantle Rookie Cards and Memorabilia Buying Guide
By Rob Bertrand
Guide to collecting Mickey Mantle’s baseball cards and memorabilia. Includes rookie card checklist, card gallery, autograph exemplars, memorabilia highlights, shopping guide and much more.
New 2011 Panini Hall of Fame Induction Football Card Set Announced
By Rob Bertrand
For two days only, collectors using the code ‘SHIPCARD11’ at the Professional Football Hall of Fame online store will receive a free set of Panini football cards. This annual release commemorates the players to be enshrined at the Professional Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, Saturday August 6th. Designed and produced in partnership with […]
Notre Dame Football Cards: Collecting the Fighting Irish
By Rob Bertrand
Collecting Notre Dame’s best football players is easy. Our handy guide breaks down the school’s top players, offering key cards, products and an easy-to-use buying guide.
Panini Returning to Baseball
By Rob Bertrand
Last night, Panini let it slip on Twitter that they’re headed back to the diamond with 2011 Elite Extra Edition Baseball.
Photo-Matching and Its Importance in Authenticating Sports Memorabilia
By Rob Bertrand
With the high prices game-used jerseys and memorabilia fetch, knowing it’s real is extremely important. Find out about photo-matching and how it is used to authenticate sports memorabilia.
PSA Heads to the Jersey Shore with New East Coast Office
By Rob Bertrand
PSA has expanded to the East Coast with a new office in New Jersey. The new location will be used exclusively for in-person and on-site authentication sessions.
PSA/DNA Unveils New, More Secure Letters of Authenticity
By Rob Bertrand
In an effort to combat autograph forgeries, PSA/DNA has unveiled new letters of authenticity with added security measures.
Rebirth of Hartland LLC Takes Next Steps
By Rob Bertrand
Hartland LLC has announced that they will be moving their manufacturing facility and starting a new auction division. Full information regrading the changes for the popular sports figure company can be found here.
Round 5 MMA Ultimate Collector Figures Guide
By Rob Bertrand
Round 5 MMA Ultimate Collector figures have become the go-to line for premium UFC figures. Get a full look at the line, including complete checklists, Limited Edition and Chase figure info, and much more.
Sports Card Collector’s Guide to Mobile Apps
By Rob Bertrand
Take your collecting on the go with our comprehensive guide to mobile apps aimed at sports card and memorabilia collectors. Includes details and pricing on more than a dozen apps relevant to collectors.
Steve Young Football Cards: Rookie Cards Checklist and Buying Guide
By Rob Bertrand
Guide to collecting Steve Young’s football cards. Includes a rookie card checklist, card gallery, and more.
T206 Honus Wagner Baseball – History of the World’s Most Famous Card
By Rob Bertrand
Not only the most extensive baseball card in history, the T206 Honus Wagner is also one of the most controversial. Get a full history and background on this exceptionally famous and rare card.
Take a Virtual Tour Through the Early Days of Football
By Rob Bertrand
The Pro Football Hall of Fame has opened an exhibit showcasing several documents from the NFL’s earliest days.
Ted Williams Baseball Cards: Rookie Cards Checklist and Buying Guide
By Rob Bertrand
Guide to collecting Ted Williams baseball cards. Includes a rookie card checklist, card gallery, and more.
The $100 Baseball Rookie Card Challenge
By Rob Bertrand
If you had $100 to invest in official baseball rookie cards of current players, which ones would you choose? Take the $100 Rookie Card Challenge and find out if you can see a profit on your investment.
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.
The Cardboard Connection Guide to Sports Collector Road Trips
By Rob Bertrand
Whether you’re hitting the road for pleasure or business, there are plenty places for sports collectors to visit and dig deeper into their favorite sports. Get a detailed look at some of the key North American attractions and where they’re found.
The Cracker Jack Collection Review: New Book Provides Insight into Fabled Cracker Jack Set
By Rob Bertrand
Not just relegated to the sweets aisle, Cracker Jacks are synonymous with baseball and America. These tasty treats helped define a generation and the prize in the box has become a hot commodity. Authors Tom and Elle Zappala provide commentary on the prolific period of Cracker Jack cards during 1914 and 1915.
The Most Collectible Players of the 2012 NFL Draft
By Rob Bertrand
Everyone’s already got Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III on their hobby radar. Who else should collectors watch in the 2012 NFL Draft? We look at five players who could make a big hobby splash in the months and years ahead.
The National Sports Collectors Convention Survival Guide
By Rob Bertrand
Headed to the National? You’d better have a game plan. Here’s our survival guide to the biggest sports card and memorabilia show of the year.
The T-206 Collection: The Players and Their Stories Book Review
By Rob Bertrand
Much more than simply a detailed chronicle of one of The Hobby’s most desirable and recognizable sets, The T206 Collection provides a never before seen backdrop and insight into the legendary, and not so legendary, players that helped pave the way for baseball to become America’s pastime in the 20th Century. A highly collaborative effort, […]
The Thrill of Appearing on Your First Baseball Card
By Rob Bertrand
Few of us get the thrill of appearing on our own baseball cards. High school students Gosuke Katoh, Alex Jackson, and Kyle Dean each got that chance. Find out first-hand in this interview what it feels like to get your own card.
Things You Need to Know About Selling at a Local Card Show
By Rob Bertrand
Want to sell at a local sports card show but don’t know where to start? This practical guide includes both helpful tips and a convenient list of supplies you’ll need to bring along.
Tiger Woods Subject of New Comic Book
By Rob Bertrand
President Obama has had his own comic book. Same with KISS and Lady Gaga. Now, it’s Tiger Woods’ turn. Bluewater Comics has just released a bio-comic on the golfer.
Timeline of the PSA 8 T206 Honus Wagner, the World’s Most Valuable Baseball Card
By Rob Bertrand
See the sales history of the PSA 8 T206 Honus Wagner with this handy infographic.
Top 10 Harry Houdini Collectibles
By Rob Bertrand
Harry Houdini isn’t just an icon of magic and illusions, he was a showman whose popularity spread into mainstream pop culture. Find out about the most popular — and valuable — Harry Houdini collectibles.
Top 10 Marilyn Monroe Collectibles
By Rob Bertrand
Marilyn Monroe is one of Hollywood’s biggest icons. Take a look at the top pieces of Marilyn Monroe memorabilia and collectibles including autographs, letters, posters and more.
Top 10 Most Popular Political Autographs
By Rob Bertrand
While athletes and celebrities get a lot of the attention in the autograph world, political signatures are also popular. Here are 10 of the top autographs from the world of politics.
Top 10 Shoeless Joe Jackson Memorabilia Cards
By Rob Bertrand
Shoeless Joe Jackson has been the subject of some impressive memorabilia cards over the years. Here’s a look at some of his best.
Top 10 Superfractor Sales of 2014-15
By Rob Bertrand
The Superfractor is one of the most coveted cards in the hobby. Here’s a list of the top 10 Superfractor sales of 2014 and the start of 2015 as recorded on eBay.
Top 5 Tips for New eBay Trading Card and Memorabilia Buyers
By Rob Bertrand
New to the hobby? Returning from a break? A lot has changed over the years. Here are easy 5 tips to get you started buying trading cards and memorabilia on eBay.
Top Derek Jeter Minor League Cards to Collect
By Rob Bertrand
Take an in-depth look at Derek Jeter cards from before he was a superstar. Includes a detailed checklist and guide to his most prominent minor league and prospect cards from 1992 to 1994.
Top-Selling Sports Jerseys of 2013
By Rob Bertrand
Find out what the top-selling jerseys were in baseball, basketball, football and hockey in 2013. Many are obvious, but some might surprise you.
Ultimate Babe Ruth Autographs and Memorabilia Guide
By Rob Bertrand
In the market for a Babe Ruth autograph? He’s one of the most desirable signatures in the world. Babe Ruth is also one of the most forged. Know what to look for and get a detailed look at the most expensive Babe Ruth memorabilia of all-time.
Use Social Media to Build and Enhance Your Trading Card Collection
By Rob Bertrand
Discover how social media can help you buy and sell cards as well as interact with collectors all over the world. Our guide includes practical tips and links to the most popular social media options available to sports card and memorabilia collectors.
Using Sports Card Price Guides to Find the Real Value of Your Collection
By Rob Bertrand
Determining the value of your sports card collection card be difficult if you don’t know where to start. This simple guide outlines many of the available tools and price guides available to collectors to help them find a realistic range for their cards.
Visual Guide to Vintage Football Card Wrappers – Leaf, Bowman, Philadelphia and Fleer
By Rob Bertrand
Although Topps was a big player in the vintage football market, several other brands are popular. This guide covers all non-Topps vintage football wrappers, including Philadelphia, Fleer, Leaf, Bowman and Sport Kings.
Visual History to Topps Vintage Football Wrappers: 1950 -1980
By Rob Bertrand
Follow the early days of Topps football with our wrapper history and comprehensive visual guide. Includes a wrapper sample for every year from 1955 to 1980.
Walter Payton Football Cards: Rookie Cards Checklist and Buying Guide
By Rob Bertrand
Guide to collecting Walter Payton’s football cards. Includes a rookie card checklist, card gallery, and more.
Wayne Gretzky Rookie Cards Checklist and Hockey Memorabilia Guide
By Rob Bertrand
Guide to collecting Wayne Gretzky Hockey cards. Includes a rookie card checklist, card gallery, and more.
What Happened in Vegas Isn’t Staying in Vegas – 2012 Industry Summit Recap
By Rob Bertrand
Get the highlights of the 2012 Industry Summit in Las Vegas, including several announcements from manufacturers and the key themes that came out of focused breakout sessions.
What to Do With All Those Extra Sports Card Commons
By Rob Bertrand
Mountains of unwanted sports card commons is a problem facing many collectors. Here are some simple, practical ways you can avoid a hoarding situation and free up space in your home.
Willie Mays Rookie Cards Checklist and Buying Guide
By Rob Bertrand
Willie Mays is an MLB legend and the Willie Mays rookie cards are a hobby favorite. Check out the official rookie and other key choices for Mays.
