Identifying Potentially Valuable Sports Cards

Quickly Examine the Condition of the Cards

Even though this 1959 Topps card isn't in the best condition, collectors may be more forgiving because of its age.

Nick Tylwalk

If the cards aren't in good shape, you can probably skip right past the rest of these steps. Vintage cards (loosely defined as pre-1980) can be held to a lower standard, but if you're seeing a lot of creases, bent corners and the like, you're not looking at something worth much money. Even the most desirable cards of the hottest players are no good if they're in poor condition.

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• Evaluating the Condition of Sports Cards

• Quickly Examine the Condition of the Cards
• Check the Age of the Cards
• Look for Recent Autographs
• Look for Older or Multi-Color Memorabilia Cards
• Locate Possible Rookie Cards
• Find Any Cards With Low Print Runs
• Hold on to Cards of the Biggest Stars