The 1990s were a fantastic time for sports cards. There were numerous sets, each with its style and characteristics. Those were tremendous cards when they were first released, but most will not make anyone rich today.
With a few exceptions, sports cards from the 90s are not particularly valuable. Of course, a handful of these cards are helpful today because they feature the essential players in history.
Reasons
Many people started collecting cards between the 1980s and the mid-1990s. This was the time when cards were mass-produced and widely available. Sports cards could be found at any major retailer, discount store, or garage sale. Cards were plentiful, and there were multiple sports card stores across the country. The profits and demand for boxes/packs were much greater back then, so many people sold the cards.
You most likely have sports cards from 1989 to 1998. A card was considered rare if there were less than ten thousand copies. The problem is that in the 1990s, when you were collecting them, these cards were valuable and traded well. Today, selling these cards for more than $0.10 per card is challenging if you are fortunate.
Some cards have value and will likely be worth something in the future. One example is the 1998 Peyton Manning Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket Auto Rookie Card, a precious rookie card. The fact that this is an autographed card and not just a regular base card contributes to the card’s value.
However, most “ordinary cards,” even if they are superstars, are not worth much and are unlikely to be worth much in the foreseeable future. If you are a true optimist, you will hope many of these cards will be ruined or discarded, reducing print runs to a number that can sustain demand.
Bottom Line
Whether you’re just starting in collecting or an old hand, it’s a pleasure to find valuable sports cards from the 90s.
You may already have some of them right now in your collection, and you may be looking for some tips on how to maintain them properly or find a great place to sell them. We at American Legends can help you with all of that. Just contact us.
