4 Rare Baseball Cards Expected To Soar in Value in the Next 5 Years
Written by
Nicholas Morine
Edited by
Cory Dudak
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With the Los Angeles Dodgers having clinched a World Series win at the end of October, enthusiasm over baseball (often referred to as “America’s pastime”) seems to be trending upward. Beyond the action on the diamond itself, however, collectors have long been invested in buying, selling and trading baseball cards — a hobby almost as old as the sport itself.
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Whether you’re looking to break into the rare or valuable baseball card market or are already a card-flipping enthusiast, here are a few cards you might want to keep an eye on.
Ken Griffey Jr. Upper Deck Rookie Card No. 1
According to Gold Card Auctions, an Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie card could be a very wise investment. Depicting the iconic slugger showing off his trademark grin, this particular card has “exploded [in value] in recent years,” per the auction site.
“This card is another uptick in recent months, with the average price of a PSA 10 copy increasing steadily. As such, it’s another canny investment that could provide dividends if you wait a while,” Gold Card Auctions wrote.
Paul Skenes 2023 Bowman Draft 1st Bowman Chrome Card
Putting in a “dominant” performance this past season (his rookie year), Pristine Auction recommended picking up Pittsburgh Pirate pitcher Paul Skenes’ 2023 Bowman Draft 1st Bowman Chrome Card.
“The 2023 Bowman Draft 1st Bowman Chrome Card for Paul Skenes is a must-have for collectors, featuring a desirable design and potential for high value as Skenes’ career progresses. His dominant performance thus far during his rookie season will only help the value of this sought after card,” Pristine Auction predicted.
1986 Barry Bonds Topps Traded Tiffany #11T
This card could be a bit of a gamble, but given its modest valuation as of late, it could be a big winner if Barry Bonds eventually makes it into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame — despite his checkered history — according to Gold Card Auctions.
“[This card] is another good choice considering it’s somewhat underpriced, and copies were going for $400 over a decade ago. Gem mint copies now sell for four figures and could get higher still if he ever manages to get into the Hall of Fame,” the auction site wrote.
Gunnar Henderson 2023 Topps Series 1 Rookie Card
Gunnar Henderson certainly made a name for himself since debuting in the big leagues, racking up an American League Rookie of the Year award, as well as a Silver Slugger award in 2023. The Baltimore Orioles shortstop and third basement saw a rookie card from Topps issued that year, one which shows a great amount of earnings potential if you manage to pull one at the right price.
“His 2023 Topps Series 1 Rookie Card is a top pick for collectors,” Pristine Auction noted. “As Henderson continues to develop his skills and make a name for himself, this card’s value is expected to rise significantly. The Orioles major league club and farm system are loaded — and we should continue to see the value of his cards ascend as does the team.”
Tips for Those Curious About Baseball Cards as an Investment
While the specific cards listed above could pay off for collectors, there are also some broader things to keep in mind when thinking about baseball cards as an investment.
- Condition matters: As with almost all collectibles, condition is key to valuation.
- High grades, high prices: Graded cards, typically those issued by the most reputable companies and which attain high scores, are much more valuable than their ungraded counterparts. HobbyListings pointed to Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), Beckett Grading Services (BGS), and Sportscard Guaranty Corporation (SGC) as some of the more esteemed grading services.
- Do your research before buying (or selling): Keeping an eye on recent sold listings, historical sold listings and comparative cards still on the market could save you a bundle when considering a buy, or tip you off as to when might be the best time to sell.
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