If you're a collector of autographed memorabilia, preserving the quality of your items is paramount. As a diehard Washington fan, we picked up a John Riggins Autographed Football at a flea market recently. It was really cheap because the ball was old (1983) and left unprotected by it's owner, so the leather was scratching off and causing a loss of the the autograph the collector cherished. Don't let this happen to your autographed memorabilia!! Unfortunately, we could not restore all the damage and loss that had already occurred, but we assure you this ball and autograph wi ..read more

The collectibles market has seen its fair share of booms and busts, with each era bringing its own unique challenges and phenomena. One such comparison that draws interesting parallels and contrasts is between the "Junk Wax" era of sports cards in the 1980s and 1990s and today's "Junk Slab" era in the trading card market. A discussion on the Elite Fourum provides a deep dive into what collectors today consider a "Junk Slab," shedding light on the current state of the market and how it echoes the past. Defining Junk Slabs The term "Junk Slab" refers to graded trading cards that are considered t ..read more

In the dynamic world of sports card collecting, authenticity is the name of the game. eBay's Authentication Service steps up to the plate, offering more than just peace of mind. Here's a deep dive into the four game-changing benefits that make eBay's service a home run for collectors and sellers alike. 1. Expert Card Evaluation The heart of eBay's Authentication Service lies in its rigorous card evaluation process. While the primary focus is on detecting tampering and fraud, especially with graded cards, the service also extends its vigilant eye to raw cards. The condition of these ungraded tr ..read more

In the world of sports card collecting, a storm has been brewing, one that could potentially alter the landscape of how we view, treat, and value our cherished collectibles. Today, we dive deep into the heart of a debate that's been causing ripples across the community: the ethics and implications of card cleaning. With the spotlight on a recents incidents from PSA regarding cards being cleaned The Controversy Unfolds The saga begins with the multiple card cleaning products available today and some recent grading where the collectors managed to secure a PSA 10 grade on some card ..read more

Hey fellow collectors and Marvel enthusiasts we are diving into the vibrant world of Marvel Universe Cards. After the buzz around our exploration of the 1990 series, and recent grading of some of our cards, it's time to leap forward into the gritty and visually captivating 1991 set. This series, with its distinct art style, might not have hit the peak sales of its predecessor, but it's brimming with potential gems that could enrich your collection and wallet alike. The Artistic Shift: A Grittier Marvel Universe The 1991 Impel Marvel cards marked a significant shift in artistic direction f ..read more

In the dynamic world of sports card collecting, the recent merger between PSA and SGC marks a pivotal moment, promising to reshape the landscape of card grading. This union not only signifies a monumental shift in the industry but also highlights the urgent need for standardized card grading capsules. As collectors and investors navigate this new terrain, the call for a unified grading system has never been louder, ensuring transparency, trust, and the preservation of card value across the board. The Merger Impact: A New Era for Collectors The PSA-SGC merger is not just a business transaction ..read more

If you are like us you love collecting and trading error cards. The Billy Ripken error card was discovered shortly after the release of the 1989 Fleer baseball set. Collectors and fans were shocked to find that on card #616, an obscenity was clearly visible on the knob of Ripken's bat. The phrase "F**k Face" was written in black marker, and its presence on a widely distributed baseball card caused immediate controversy and fascination. The Initial Response Fleer, the company responsible for the card, was quick to react once the error was brought to their attention. However, by the time the mis ..read more

For many of us sports card collectors there is nothing better than a cool error card and to this date few take the cake more than the Randy Johnson Marlboro Scoreboard Error card. Today, we're spotlighting one of the most infamous and sought-after pieces of cardboard treasure in the game's history: the Randy Johnson Marlboro Scoreboard Error card. So, grab your popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the ride through this fascinating tale of intrigue, censorship, and the quest for the ultimate collector's item. The Rookie Sensation It all began in 1989, when a lanky, mustachioed fireballer ..read more

Welcome to our easy-to-follow guide on sports cards for beginners! This post is designed to be skimmable, straightforward, and packed with essential information. Let's dive in: Understanding Sports Cards: A Beginner's Breakdown Getting Started: If you're new or returning to the hobby after a break, this guide is perfect for refreshing your knowledge. Types of Cards: Base Cards: Regular cards featuring veterans and stars. Rookie Cards: More desirable base cards marked with "RC". Insert Cards: Unique sets, different from base cards. Parallels: Variations of base cards, often in different ..read more

Baseball cards have been a beloved part of American culture for over a century, capturing the essence of the sport and its heroes. From their humble beginnings to becoming coveted collectibles, these cards have seen historic highs and lows, reflecting not just the popularity of baseball but also the changing tides in collectible markets. The Dawn of Baseball Cards The journey of baseball cards began in the 1860s, with the oldest known card featuring the Brooklyn Atlantics team. Initially, these cards were trade cards, included with products to make them more appealing. They featured a player's ..read more