This 1968 Topps card is the only legally acknowledged Johnny Bench rookie card available, and pristine examples can get over $2500!
Johnny Bench was an American baseball player who played first base for the Cincinnati Reds from 1963 to 1979. During his eight-year career, he finished in the top five of the MVP voting four times.
He is considered by many to be one of the best first basemen in MLB history. After retiring as a player, Bench became a coach with the Reds and their successor team, the Chicago Cubs. He later served as a color analyst for Reds games on WLW-TV during the 1980s and 1990s.
Bench died of cancer on August 5, 1993 at the age of 44. His death came just three days after he was diagnosed with leukemia.
A total of 100 cards were printed in 1968 to commemorate Bench's rookie season. This card is unique because it is the only officially licensed Johnny Bench rookie card. Other companies had tried to cash in on Johnny Bench's popularity by printing unlicensed cards but this is the only one that is recognized by baseball authorities as being legitimately issued.
The price of rare cards has increased dramatically over time.
Topps 1985 The Topps brand Kirby Puckett's rookie card is difficult to locate in immaculate condition. This is mostly due to concerns with centering and corner wear. These baseball cards aren't all that rare. Mint 9 cards cost $25, whereas Gem MT 10 cards may cost $125-$150. A card in good condition can be worth up to $200.
The price of the card depends on how much it costs to manufacture it. Costing roughly $60, a mint card is worth about $100 while a card in near-mint condition is worth more like $175.
There are several factors that go into determining a card's value. First of all, there's no way to estimate how many were produced because each card is printed in small quantities. It also depends on the quality of the image and data on the card itself. For example, if you have a card with lots of print errors in it, it's not going to be worth very much.
Cards from certain years or sets may be more valuable than others. For example, 1986 Topps brand was popular with kids who liked hockey cards so those cards are more likely to have better grades and prices. Also, cards from the first year of production usually command the highest prices because they're so hard to find.
Finally, let's say you do find a card that's worth a lot of money.
Topps # 156, 1992 PSA 10 Gem Mint Estimated Value: $18 Ramirez began playing in Brooklyn's Youth Service League at the age of 14 and continued for five years, until this portrait for his 1992 Topps rookie card was most likely taken.
It's basically a fantastic-looking baseball card with a lot of eye appeal. While the prices of the 1992 Topps baseball cards have not held up well over time, I believe the design was excellent. And, while most are no longer worth anything, there are a few exceptions that might still be valuable, as you can see.
1992 Topps # 156 PSA 10 Gem Mint $18 is the estimated value. Ramirez began playing in Brooklyn's Youth Service League at the age of 14 and continued for five years, until this portrait for his 1992 Topps rookie card was most likely taken.
1979 Topps # 16 PSA 10 Estimated Value: $30,000. Ozzie Smith's 1979 Topps rookie card is the key to a collection brimming with Hall of Famers. Along with the 1978 Topps Eddie Murray, 1978 Topps Molitor/Trammel, and 1980 Topps Rickey Henderson, it's one of the vintage era's final excellent rookie cards.
Ozzie is depicted posing in his defensive position, which he would be well-known for during his career, winning 13 gold gloves. The Family Fun Centers emblem and mascot are included near Ozzie's nameplate at the bottom of the card.
It's just one example of what a PSA 10 grade can accomplish for the value of particular sports cards. Due to its scarcity, the Ozzie Smith rookie card in this collection and the Rickey Henderson rookie card from the next year command exorbitant premiums on PSA 10 specimens.
Sandberg's 1983 Topps rookie card is valued at around $370 in PSA 10. A 9 is still a good value at around $30. The 1983 Sandberg Fleer (and the 1983 Donruss) picture him at bat in his 1980s "Cubbie Blue" pinstripe uniform. The '83 Fleer has proven to be the most plentiful in Gem Mint 10, and prices reflect the availability. Cards in Near MINT condition can sell for over $500.
Ryne Sandberg was an all-star third baseman who played for the Chicago Cubs from 1978 to 1991. He is the leader of the "Killer B's," a group of former Cubs players who have their names on baseball cards. As a player, Sandberg was famous for his aggressive style at the plate. He is also noted for his extensive collection of hats, some of which are available as merchandise.
In 2011, a complete set of Sandberg cards sold at auction for $90,000. In 2012, a complete set of Sandberg cards sold for $110,000. In 2013, a complete set of Sandberg cards sold for $140,000. In 2014, a complete set of Sandberg cards sold for $200,000. In 2015, a complete set of Sandberg cards sold for $240,000.
Cards will always be worth money because they increase in value over time. But if you were to sell your card now, you could probably get more than just a few bucks.
Topps # 1 25 1964 Rose, Pete (All-Star Rookie) This card is valued over $9000 in immaculate condition, making it a rare discovery for any baseball enthusiast.
The record setting rookie season of Cincinnati's Pete Rose is still regarded as one of the greatest by many experts who evaluate players each year on the Hall of Fame ballot. Rose led the Reds to the top spot in the league with a 103 win season and he was voted Rookie of the Year by his peers. His career value is estimated at $80 million based on its peak price point of $200,000 in 2004.
Besides being one of the most successful rookies ever, Rose is also one of the most infamous ballplayers in history due to his involvement with gambling during his playing days. The All-Star Game was once called "The Grand Old Manatee" because many fans believed that Rose would not break the record since he was such an established player. But he did, topping 100 wins for the first time in history.
After his retirement in 1989, Rose returned to the sport as a manager and coach, winning three World Series titles with the Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians. He currently ranks number two all-time among managers with 992 victories behind Joe Mangino with the New York Yankees.
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