Building a Hall of Fame Baseball Card Collection for Under $25
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Even if you've been away from baseball card collecting for a while, you've likely heard that prices these days can be pretty crazy. Whether it's an old tobacco card of Honus Wagner selling for $5 million or a Ken Griffey Jr rookie card selling for $5000, these are not prices the typical collector can afford. Heck, even blowing $100 on baseball cards in this economy can seem a bit irresponsible. The good news, however, is that while the Hobby truly has gotten crazy expensive, there are still tons of bargains. Believe it or not, you can still build a heckuva collection for $25 or less!
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Willie, Mickey, or the Duke?
There aren't many bargains out there when it comes to playing era Mickey Mantle cards. However, collectors not too picky about condition can easily nab cards of Willie Mays and Duke Snider while having the lion's share of their $25 left over to spend on other Hall of Fame legends.
For starters, here's a 1972 Topps "In Action" card of Willie Mays for $2.99, not to mention free shipping.
As for Duke Snider, don't be fooled by the $3 price tag. This exact 1959 Topps Duke Snider came out of the $1 box at last year's National in Chicago. And no, it wasn't even the mistake. The dealer was just anxious to move inventory.
With Mays and Snider in hand and $21 left, it's time to look at #21, the great Roberto Clemente!
The Great One
Following two huge bargains, it's time to splurge. While there are cheaper playing era cards available, believe it or not, here is Clemente's 1973 Topps "career capper" for $9.95 or best offer. Let's assume $9 gets it done, leaving $12 to spend on more cards.
Cards of Cards
It doesn't even seem possible that a playing era card of Stan Musial would fit such a low budget. At the same time, here it is!
RELATED: Essential Cards of Stan "The Man" Musial
The good news is that the $25 card collection now has a Willie Mays, Duke Snider, Roberto Clemente, and Stan Musial. The good news is there's still $2 left to spend. While that may not sound like much, good chance it's enough to land you this 1975 Topps Bob Gibson card.
The above is just one example of a $25 Hall of Fame collection. Add another $10 to the mix, and one could easily add playing era cardboard of Al Kaline, Harmon Killebrew, Brooks Robinson, Tom Seaver, Rod Carew, Joe Morgan, and Reggie Jackson. Yes, that's right. All of them. Without a doubt, baseball card prices are through the roof these days. At the same time, the bargain basement is still as full as ever.
Jason A. Schwartz is a collectibles expert whose work can be found regularly at SABR Baseball Cards, Hobby News Daily, and 1939Bruins.com. His collection of Hank Aaron baseball cards and memorabilia is currently on exhibit at the Atlanta History Center, and his collectibles-themed artwork is on display at the Honus Wagner Museum and PNC Park.