Sports card grading is a way to determine the authenticity and condition of a card.  The better the condition a sports card is in the harder it is to find. The better the condition the more the card is typically worth.

One of the most common questions we receive at GMA Grading is how do we determine the grade of a sports card.  Here are a few helpful steps that can help you learn how to grade your cards before you submit them in for grading.

Step 1- Determine the Authenticity of the Card

The first step in the grading process is determining if a card is authentic.  Counterfeit cards have become a common problem in the hobby. To make this determination our graders go through the process of checking specific factors that help determine a cards authenticity.

When a card is counterfeited it typically loses 20% to 30% of its picture quality.  This occurs when a card is scanned from an original card.

Because the original image used by the card manufacturer that made the card is un-available, counterfeiters must take a high quality scan of the card.  This causes a loss of image quality, which helps our graders determine if a card is real or fake.

Printing

When a counterfeit card is made it must be printed.  Because in most cases the printer used by the forger is not the same at the printer used by the card manufacturer, the dot matrix on the card is normally not the same.

GMA graders use cutting-edge technology and use high magnification lenses, to help them determine if a card has been re-printed.  GMA Grading also has an extensive library of original cards produced by the card manufacturers which graders use for comparison.

Card Stock

Another important factor in determining a cards authenticity is the card stock itself.  In most cases counterfeiters don’t have access to the exact card stock used in the original printing of the card.

Graders can easily check the card thickness, surface, and quality of a card by using calipers and some other handy tools that can show the inaccuracies of a fake.

Size

Size is another determining factor used by our graders to help determine if a card is real or counterfeit. It is also a way for us to determine of a card has been altered or trimmed in some way.

Cards are measured and edges are checked to make sure that they meet size requirements before they are sent to the next stage of grading.  This step can be a little tricky has some cards are poorly cut directly from the factory as shown in the example below.

Step 2 – Alterations

Once a card has been authenticated a GMA grader then determines if a card has been altered to receive a better grade.  Cards can be altered to give the appearance that it is in better condition than it actually is.

Coloring

Coloring of edges or borders is one of those common practices. Cards can be colored using markers or other ink substitutes can hide corner flaws or ruffled edges.

Some of the most common cards that are colored are the 1971 Topps baseball cards and 1975 Topps cards.  One of the easiest ways to determine if a sports card has been colored is by checking the edges of the card.

Cards that have been colored by markers or ink will normally bleed into the edges of a card.  This is very easy to see when the card is turned on its side. The picture below shows a great example of a card that has been colored.

Trimming

Bad corners mean low grades and that makes trimming the most common practice for altering a card.  Cards are frequently submitted that have been cut or trimmed to give the card sharper corners.

This is why sizing of the card is a key element in detecting trimmed cards.  There are also a few other ways to check if a card has been trimmed but checking the cards size is the easiest and most efficient way.

Pressed Creases

Older cards have normal wear tear from years of handling.  Due to age or mishandling of these cards surface creases can form.  Creases are surface flaws that show a card has been bent or folded.  Much like a folded piece of paper, card stock can easily get a crease if they are mishandled.  If a card is creased it dramatically affects the grade it receives.

To alter creases card are typically pressed.  This process is completed by applying moisture to crease on the card and/or applying heat and extreme pressure on the crease.  It is almost impossible to completely remove a crease from a card and GMA graders have found cards that have been pressed and not easily detected without the use of our sophisticated equipment.

Step 3 – Corners, Centering, Edges

Most cards have four corners.  The corner of a card is one of the most common flaws that a card has. The degree of sharpness a card has greatly affects the grade a card receives when graded.  Sharp corners get the highest grade while rounded corners have some of the most severe deductions.

The goal of the grader is to determine how bad a corner is.  Each level of corner damage will carry with it a different deduction in grade value.  The picture below shows examples of different corner wear.

As you can see by the example given above the more the corner is damaged the lower the grade it will receive.  Each corner of a card is carefully evaluated, and then an overall grade is given to the corners of each card.

Centering

The centering of a card is another key factor when determining an overall grade of a card.  The better the card is centered the better grade the card will receive.  So what is centering?  Centering is how well the image of the card is placed compared to the border size that surrounds the overall image.  A card can be off-center by different degrees of variance.  Graders determine how off center a card is by measuring the degree of variance from one border to the other.

Some of the most common terms used in the grading industry are how many degrees off-center a card is in. 50/50 Centering is if a card is dead center in the middle of the card.  This determination is from left to right and from top to bottom.60/40 centering is when a card is off-center from one side to another. Its center image is leaning more to one side of a card than the other which makes the border of the card appear to be smaller on that given side.

Cards can be off centered in various increments from 50/50 centering to 90/10.  In some cases are card is so poorly cut from the factory there is absolutely no border on one side of the card.

The more a card is off-center the more of a deduction it receives.  Each grader must evaluate the centering of a sports card on the front and back side and then give an overall grade for centering.  This grade will later be used and averaged in the final grade the card receives.

Edges

The edges of a card are some of the most commonly overlooked flaws a card has. Cards with white borders tend to blend more easily which makes them harder to detect.  When cards are graded people normally tend to look at the corners and centering first, but edges are just as important in the overall grade a card receives.

Bad edges can come from dull blades when a card is cut to poor handling when it is taken out of a pack.  Each edge of a card is checked and given an overall grade to be factored in in the final grade evaluation.

Final Grade and Analysis

After each side of the card and area of grading is completed an overall grade is given.  The overall grade is an average of each grade the card received for centering, corners, edges and surface.  A card that receives an overall grade of 9.5 or higher can receive a Gem MT 10 evaluation.  Each number value is rounded to the nearest value with half grade increments.

Below we have included an example of an actual card evaluation sheet that GMA graders use when grading.  You can use this sheet to better help you pre-grade your cards before submitting them in for grading.

The post Card Grading Guide to Better Grades appeared first on GMA Grading, $2.00 Sports Card Grading.

The 49ers and Ravens have advanced to the Super Bowl XLVII.  Collectors as well as investors should be getting prepared to purchase some this year’s key rookie cards that may bring nice returns on investments.  The Super Bowl hype creates a hobby stir which helps those who own some of the key players that will be playing on Super Bowl Sunday.   This is a great time to break down each team’s best players and which rookie cards maybe affected with the big game only two weeks away.

San Francisco 49ers Key Players and Rookie Cards for Super Bowl XLVII

Colin Kaepernick- Colin Kaepernick rookie cards will be getting some of the most attention from collectors in the next two weeks. The 49ers young rookie has been getting a lot of attention from the media which has greatly increased the demand of his 2011 rookie cards.  If Colin can win the big game you can expect his rookies to double in value.

Frank Gore- Frank is one of the 49ers key offensive players and has been an All=pro caliber running back in his 8 years in the league.  Buyers can search for 2005 Frank Gore rookie cards and find them at reasonably low prices.

Michael Crabtree- since Colin Karpenick took over the starting role for the 49ers; Michael Crabtree has turned into his favorite target.  Some of Michael’s best 2009 rookie cards are autographed and still very affordable.  Buyers can expect Crabtree’s rookie cards to be in high demand with the Super Bowl only two weeks away.

Patrick Willis- Patrick is the leader of the 49ers defense.  He has been the rock in the middle of 49ers Super Bowl run.  It is a little ironic that he will be squaring off against his role model Ray Lewis.  Some of the key Patrick Willis rookie cards can be found in almost all of the 2007 Football Sets.  Some of the best Patrick Willis cards will be is signed rookies which can be purchased in the time being for very reasonable prices.

Randy Moss- Randy is not the player that he used to be but he is still a shoe in to be a first ballot Hall of Famer.  You can expect Randy Moss rookie cards to get a lot of attention and if he can pull of a great Super Bowl performance the sky is the limit.  There are a large variety of Randy Moss 1998 rookie cards worth buying which range in prices from a few thousand dollars to $10-$15.

Jim Harbaugh- That’s right, the 49ers head coach has rookie card that will be getting a lot of attention in the next few week.  Harbaugh’s 1989 Topps Traded rookie is very affordable and maybe in high demand if the 49ers can beat Baltimore.  Harbaugh also gets a lot of publicity which will also help his rookie card value in years to come.

Baltimore Ravens Key rookie Cards to Watch for Super Bowl XLVII

Ray Lewis- Ray Lewis has been the spark that lit the flame for the Ravens 2013 playoff run.  With his retirement announcement a few weeks ago the Ravens have played inspired football.  Only a few companies included Ray Lewis rookie cards in their 1996 products.  The lack of supply will help his key rookie cards increase in value more rapidly than of some of the other players mentioned.

Joe Flacco-  Flacco has played extremely well in this year’s playoffs. He led the Ravens to an amazing come from behind victory against the Denver Broncos and clearly outplayed Tom Brady in the AFC Championship game.  Flacco has a rocket arm and investors can expect his 2008 rookie cards to get a lot of attention in the weeks to come.  Some of the best Joe Flacco rookie cards are individually numbered and hand signed.  These football cards make great investments if found in top notch condition.

Ray Rice- Ray has always played a larger than life roll for the Ravens since he was drafted in 2008.  The Ravens running back has more than a few rookie cards produced in 2008 that are worth buying.  Most of his best rookie cards are still very affordable which make them great investments.  Ray has a great chance of having a breakout game which may have a dramatic effect on his rookies.

Ed Reed- The future Hall of Fame safety is has some of the most affordable rookie cards from all the players that we have listed.  Reed’s game play speaks for itself and his rookie cards have a great chance of finally getting the attention they deserve.  Buyers can find some of Ed Reed’s best rookie cards online in the $5-$10 range.  Buyers should pay close attention to the condition of these football cards before making any purchase as many are condition sensitive.

Anquan Boldin- Anquan has been one of the Ravens key go to receivers and will appear in his second Super Bowl.  Boldin was one of Kurt Warner’s key targets and how has given the Ravens and Joe Flacco a sure handed wide receiver who seems to always come down with the football.  Some of the best 2003 Anquan Boldin rookie cards can be purchased in the $5 rang.  Some of his autographed rookies sell for $50-$100 depending on the condition they are in and the limited prints runs.  All of his rookie cards make great investments at the right pricing levels.

Torrey Smith- Torrey Smith rookie cards have already gotten the attention of collectors as well as investors.  His 2011 rookie cards have been in high demand since he arrived in Baltimore in 2011.  The Ravens sure handed wide receiver has more than a few rookie cards worth buying.  Buyers will have a wide range of as Torrey has rookie cards that sell anywhere from $3 to as high as $500.

The post Super Bowl XLVII – Best Rookie Cards to Buy appeared first on GMA Grading, $2.00 Sports Card Grading.

Colin Kaepernick rookie cards are currently some of the hottest cards in the hobby.  The 49ers quarterback has played incredibly well since taking over the starting roll from Alex Smith.  Colin has shown that he can move the 49ers offense down the field through the air with his cannon like arm or on the ground running the option with All-Pro running back Frank Gore.  Kaepernick had his coming out party this week leading the 49ers to an amazing victory over the Green Bay Packers.  Colin trounced the Packers defense by rushing for an

NFL record 181 yards while throwing for 263 yards.  If that was not enough Colin added 2 rushing touchdowns and threw for two more.

While Kaepernick showed the world he can be a playoff quarterback collectors were online buying up many of his most valuable rookie cards.  Colin’s rookie cards sold for more than double of what they were bringing before the game as many football analysts predicted a Packer victory.  Because of the extreme demand Colin Kaepernick football cards are getting harder and harder to find at affordable prices.  Collectors as well as investors are doing everything they can to get their hands on the new 49ers rookie phenom.

To help collectors, GMA Grading has compiled a detailed list of the best Colin Kaepernick rookie cards in the hobby.  We have also added some detailed information on what condition issues that buyers should pay close attention to before making a purchase.

Top Colin Kaepernick Rookie Football Cards

2011 Prestige #220

2011 Score #320

2011 Topps #413

2011 Topps Legends #162

2011 Topps Platinum #59

2011 Topps Prime Retail #47

2011 Topps Rising Rookies #128

2011 Bowman Sterling #BSRCK Jersey

2011 Donruss Elite #120 #/999

2011 Topps Chrome #25

2011 Topps Finest #52

2011 Topps Prime #47 #/930

2011 Topps Supreme #73 #/429

2011 Absolute Memorabilia #232 Autographed Jersey #/299

2011 Panini Certified #282 Autographed Jersey #/499

2011 Panini Crown Royale #202 Autographed Jersey #/299

2011 Panini Gold Standard #262 Autographed Jersey #/525

2011 Panini Gridiron Gear #R27 Autographed Jersey #/205

2011 Panini Limited #212 Autographed Jersey #/299

2011 Panini Plates and Patches #212 Autographed Jersey #/499

2011 Panini Playbook #110 Autographed Jersey #/399

2011 Panini Prime Signatures #235 Autograph #/249

2011 Panini Timeless Treasures #148 Autograph #/165

2011 Panini Totally Certified #210 Autographed Jersey #/399

2011 Playoff Contenders #227 Autograph

2011 Playoff National Treasures #327 Autographed Patch #/99

2011 Rookies and Stars #260 Autograph #/299

2011 Topps Five Star #181 Autographed Patch #/65

2011 Topps Inception #126 Autograph #/500

The post Colin Kaepernick Rookie Cards to Buy appeared first on GMA Grading, $2.00 Sports Card Grading.

The 2013 NFL playoff teams have treasure trove of quality rookie cards that should be on the radar of most collectors and investors.  These football cards may double or triple in price if these new young superstars can take their teams to the Super Bowl.  GMA will breakdown which players to watch out for.  We will breakdown the star players from each team and which of their rookie cards maybe worth buying.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals will have to play the Houston Texans in the first round of the AFC playoffs.  They are definitely the underdogs going into Saturday’s matchup.   Here is a list of the Bengals top players that maybe impacted by an upset victory.

• Andy Dalton -2011 rookie cards
• A.J. Green- 2011 rookie cards
• BenJarvus Green-Ellis-  2009 Topps Rookie

Houston Texans

The Texans are the favorites in the first round of this week’s AFC playoff game against the Bengals. Many experts believe they are the team to beat in the AFC.  The Texans do have some questions marks on defense but should have enough offensive firepower to overcome the Bengals in the Wild Card game.  Here is a list of the Texans op players that maybe worth buying.

• Arian Foster – 2009 rookie cards
• Matt Schaub – 2004 rookie cards
• Andre Johnson – 2003 rookie cards
• J.J. Watt – 2011 rookies

Green Bay Packers

The Packers have all the weapons they need on the offensive side of the ball.  With that being said the defense has some issues that they will have to resolve to get back to the Super Bowl.  The Packers have more than a few players that are worth buying.  Here are just a few of their hottest players.

• Aaron Rodgers – 2005 rookie cards
• Randall Cobb – 2011 rookies
• Greg Jennings- 2006 rookie cards
• Clay Matthews – 2009 rookies

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings are probably this year’s surprise playoff team.  They have taken advantage of Adrian Peterson’s amazing season.  Peterson has played in beast mode almost every game this year and was only 9 yards away from breaking Eric Dickerson’s NFL rushing record.  Here are a few Vikings football cards worth watching.

• Adrian Peterson – 2007 rookie cards
• Christian Ponder  – 2011 rookies
• Jared Allen- 2004 rookie cards

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts were great this year and Andrew Luck played like a 10 year veteran.  They will have to beat a tough Ravens team in the first round of the playoffs but don’t be surprised if they pull it off.  The Inspired Colts may have what it takes to upset the Ravens this year.  Here is a list of some of their best players that are worth taking a look at.

• Andrew Luck- 2012 rookie cards and autographs
• Reggie Wayne – 2001 rookie cards
• T.Y. Hilton – 2012 rookie cards

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens have a lot to play for.  Ray Lewis just announced that he will be retiring after this season which gives the Ravens something and someone to play for.  The Ravens are loaded with talent.  Now it is just a questions of they can put it all together.

• Joe Flacco – 2008 rookie cards
• Ray Rice- 2008 rookie cards
• Ray Lewis – 1996 rookies
• Ed Reed – 2002 rookies
• Torrey Smith- 2011 rookie cards
• Anquan Boldin- 2003 RC Cards

Seattle Seahawks

Seattle has been downright incredible in the second half of the season.  They have blown out almost every opponent that they have played down the stretch.  The Seahawks come into the playoffs with a balanced attack and a rookie quarterback playing like a veteran Pro-Bowler.

• Russell Wilson- 2012 rookie cards
• Marshawn Lynch- 2007 rookie cards

Washington Redskins

The Skins bet the franchise on Robert Griffin III and may have hit the jackpot.  Griffin has led the Redskins into the playoffs and maybe real Super Bowl contenders in the NFC.  The Redskins have a few players worth taking a look at. Here are just a few.

• Robert Griffin III – 2012 rookie cards
• Alfred Morris – 2012 rookie cards
• Santana Moss- 2001 rookie cards
• Pierre Garcon- 2008 rookies

Denver Broncos

Peyton Manning has had another MVP season and has shown that he is as healthy as ever.  The rejuvenated Manning has some serious offensive weapons.  The Broncos can put up points fast and have a Super Bowl defense that nobody wants to play.  Here are some of their top player rookie cards worth buying.

• Peyton Manning – 1998 rookie cards
• Demaryius Thomas – 2010 rookies
• Eric Decker-  2010 rookie cards
• Champ Bailey – 1999 rookies
• Von Miller – 2011 rookies

New England Patriots

The Patriots seem to be in the hunt every year.  With Tom Brady at the helm you can understand why.  The Patriots have a lot of weapons including an effective running game which they lacked in past years.  The Defense has come together as well making the Patriots a real Super Bowl contender.

• Tom Brady – 2000 rookie cards
• Wes Welker – 2004 rookie cards
• Aaron Hernandez – 2010 rookies
• Rob Gronkowski – RC Cards

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons have been the most consistent team this year.  They have been solid all year and have a ton of talent to get into the Super Bowl.  The Falcons were a little inconsistent on defense this year but all and all will be the team to beat in the NFC.  Here are some of the top players rookie cards to watch out for as the Falcons make their Super Bowl run.

• Matt Ryan – 2008 rookie cards
• Tony Gonzalez- 1997 rookies
• Michael Turner  – 2004 RC cards
• Julio Jones – 2011 rookie cards
• Roddy White – 2005 RC cards

San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers are one of the most dangerous teams in the NFC.  The 49ers are led by a rookie quarterback who maybe what gets them to the promise land or the reason why they fall short.  The Niner’s defense is possibly the best in the NFC.  They have a ton of weapons and maybe the favorites in the NFC.

• Colin Kaepernick – 2011 rookie cards
• Frank Gore – 2005 rookie cards
• Randy Moss- 2008 rookies
• Vernon Davis – 2006 rookie cards
• Aldon Smith – 2011 rookies
• Patrick Willis – 2007 rookies

This is the time of the year when football card investors can make great money buying the right players.  Speculators that buy the right cards in the right condition can make a pretty penny.  Buyers should make sure not to get caught up in the hype of playoffs and buy only cards of players that they think will have great careers.

The post 2013 NFL Playoffs – What Rookie Cards to Buy appeared first on GMA Grading, $2.00 Sports Card Grading.

Alfred Morris rookie cards have been some of the most overlooked football cards in 2012.  The Redskins running back has a chance of becoming the teams all-time leading rusher of all-time if he can finish strong against the Dallas Cowboys.  Alfred was a sixth round pick but has played like at top 10 pick this year.

Alfred Morris rookie cards have been overshadowed by players like Andrew Luck, Trent Richardson and even his teammate Robert Griffin III.  He has more than a few rookie cards worth buying.  Here is a detailed list that we have compiled of the best Alfred Morris rookie cards of 2012.

Top Alfred Morris Football Cards of 2012

2012 Upper Deck Star Rookie Alfred Morris Rookie
2012 Bowman Sterling Alfred Morris Rookie Autograph
2012 Rookies & Stars Autographed rookie card
2012 Upper Deck SPX Alfred Morris rookie
2012 Score Alfred Morris
2012 Score Glossy Morris Rookie
2012 Gridiron Football

These are just a few of his rookies that are worth buying.  If Morris can help get the Redskins into the NFL  Playoffs you will see his rookie cards get a lot more attention from collectors as well as investors. For aggressive investors now maybe a great time to start buying his rookie cards before they double or even triple in price.

The post Alfred Morris Rookie Cards to Buy appeared first on GMA Grading, $2.00 Sports Card Grading.

Russell Wilson rookie cards are becoming very popular with collectors.  The Seattle Seahawks quarterback has a variety of rookie cards that are worth buying.  The rookie if the year contender has made is mark and has proven himself to the critics that said he is too small to be an NFL QB.

Knowing which Russell Wilson rookie cards to buy can be quite confusing to novice collectors.  Here is a list that that we have compiled of the best Wilson rookie cards worth buying.

2012 Topps Chrome

These are some of the most popular Wilson rookie cards in today’s hobby.  The 2012 Topps Chrome Russell Wilson rookie cards come in many variations which include autographs, colored refractors, Xfractors and short print variations.  All of these football cards make great investments at their current prices.   For collectors that can afford them, signed and low numbered variations make the best long term investments as they will dry up much faster than some of his more common cards.

Buyer Tips:  Like most Topps Chrome cards, centering can be a major issue with these cards.  Buyers should pay close attention to surface scratches as well and refractor lines which are also very common.

2012 Topps Platinum

The Topps Platinum Russell Wilson rookie cards are selling amazingly well online.  Buyers are buying all the colored variations and refractors that exist of the young superstar.  Topps did a great job with this set and Russell has become one of the hottest cards in the 2012 set.  Buyers can purchase these cards online for around $3.

Buyer Tips:  For those looking at Russell Wilson rookie cards as an investment, buying card lots can be a great way to get these great rookie cards at a cheaper price.  Make sure to pay close attention to the centering of these cards as many tend to be off-centered.

2012 Topps Russell Wilson Rookie

The regular Topps set has always been popular with football card collectors.  This year is no different.  The 2012 Topps Russell Wilson rookie card is very affordable and can be purchased for around $2-$3.  Short Print variations have become some of his most coveted cards this year.  These cards sell for $10-$15 depending on the condition.

Buyer Tips:  Buyers should pay close attention to the corners of these cards as the white borders tend to hide imperfections.  Centering can also be an issue and should be taken into consideration before any purchase is made.

2012 Finest

The 2012 Finest Russell Wilson RC’s are some of his nicest cards produced this year.  Topps did a great job including autographed and individually numbered Wilson rookie cards in this year’s Finest set.   Jersey or patch cards have also been getting a lot of attention from buyers with some low numbered versions selling for over $200.00.

2012 Score

The 2012 Score Russell Wilson rookie cards may also be great investments.  Some of the most popular cards in the set are Glossy variations as well as short print photo variations.  Many of these cards can be purchased at bargain prices online.  Currently Mint or better condition base cards are selling for $3.00.  Not bad for a potential rookie of the year candidate.

Russell has proven that he can not only play in the NFL but excel.  If the Seahawks make the playoffs you can expect many of his rookie cards to double in value.  Wilson has a decent chance of winning this year’s NFL rookie of the year award even though he will be faced with some of the best competition the league has seen in the past 10 years.

The post Top 5 Russell Wilson Rookie Cards appeared first on GMA Grading, $2.00 Sports Card Grading.

Doug Martin rookie cards are getting a lot of attention from football card investors as well as collectors.  The Buccaneers running back has already passed the 1,000 yard rushing mark for the season and still has 4 games to play.  Doug is making a serious run at the rookie of the year award.  He has some stiff competition he will be up against with players like Robert Griffin III and Andrew Luck.  Many people say this is one of the best draft classes over the past decade.  Doug has all the tools and qualities that make him an elite running back in the NFL. The Bucs did a great job drafting him and he will be their featured back for years to come.  So what are the best Doug Martin rookie cards to buy?  Here is a detailed list of his top rookie cards to date and what they are currently selling for online.

2012 Topps Chrome 

This is one of Doug Martin’s best rookie cards of 2012.  Topps created many variations including short prints which have become popular collectors’ items.  Colored refractors are also very popular especially the autographed low numbered versions.  Xfractors also make great investments.

Buyer Tip:  Buyers should pay close attention to the centering of these cards as they are the most common flaws when it comes to condition. Surface scratches are also important factors to consider when buying these great football cards.

Variations: 

• 1984 Style
• 1957 Retro Style
• Tall Boy Variation
•  Xfractors
• Refactors
• Colored Refractors
• Autograph
• Game Jersey or patch cards
• Camo variation

2012 Topps Platinum

Topps did a great job including some of the nicest looking Doug Martin rookie cards in this popular set.  Xfractors, autogarphs and colored refractors make the 2012 Topps Platinum football cards a great option for Doug Martin collectors.  Base rookie cards of the Bucs running back are selling fir $3-$5 ungraded while Gem MT 10 versions are selling for over $25.

Buyer Tip:  Collector’s should pay close attention to the centering of these cards when buying them.

2012 Finest

The 2012 Finest Set has more than a few great Doug Martin rookie cards that are worth buying.  Some of the autographed jersey Martin rookie cards are the most popular.  All of these cards are individually numbered and are selling from anywhere from $200-$400 depending on the condition of the card.

Refractors and Signed refractors are also very popular with collectors.  Base cards make great investments at their current levels selling for $2 to $3.

2012 Bowman Doug Martin Rookie

The 2012 Bowman Doug Martin rookie cards made our list for a variety of reasons.  These are not the nicest martin rookie cards as the photos do not show him in his game day uniform.  These cards were produced on colored backgrounds which make them extremely hard to find in Gem MT 10 condition.  In the long run high grade cards from this set will make these very valuable.  Condition sensitive cards normally do very well when the dust settles from new card releases. Currently you can buy these Doug Martin rookie cards for around $3.

Buyer Tips:  Buyers should pay close attention to corners and edges of these cards.  Buyers should also be careful of cards that have been altered or colored.

2012 Score

The Score Doug Martin rookies are also nice football cards and are very affordable.  Popular variations include the short print variations and Glossy variations.  Both are not easy to find and make nice investments.  These great rookie cards can be purchased on Ebay for around $2 – $3.

Buyer Tip:  Collectors who purchase these cards must pay close attention to the corners of these cards.  Because these cards have white corners, nicks and bent corners can be hard to detect.

2012 Topps Prime

Topps added more than a few popular variations to the 2012 list of Doug Martin rookie cards they produced in 2012.  Most variations are individually numbered.  Currently you can buy these cards online for $3-$4 ungraded.  Low numbered variations are selling or around $15-$30 depending on the size of the print run.

Buyer Tip:  Topps did a great job with the production of the 2012 Topps Prime set.  With that being said buyers should pay close attention to the corners and edges before buying these cards.  Many of these cards come out damaged straight from packs.

2012 Leaf Draft

The 2012 Leaf  Doug Martin RC’s are not as popular as some of his more lavish rookie cards listed above but still make great investments at the right price.  Buyers can find these cards selling in lots for under $1.00.  Not bad for a great running back with a lot of upside. Blue colored variations are also getting the attention of buyers at the right price.

2012 Panini Rookies & Stars

These are some of the prettiest football cards produced by Panini in 2012.  Some of the many variations include autographed patch cards that are individually signed by Martin.  Multiple patch cards are also very popular with collectors.  Base, Doug Martin rookie cards from the set, is currently selling for $3-$5.

2012 Topps 

These great Doug Martin football cards look exactly like the chrome versions except for the fact that buyers can purchase them at more reasonable prices.  These cards are currently selling for $2 in lots and make them quality investments.  Much like the chrome versions, short print variations are great collectible as they are much more limited in production.

Buyer Tip:  Buyers should pay close attention to the corners on these cards as white borders can be very misleading.  Corners are often damaged and centering can also be a deciding factor when determining the condition of these rookie cards.

2012 Prestige

The Doug Martin 2012 Prestige rookie cards are very nice cards and very affordable at their current levels.  Buyers can purchase these cards online for around $2.00 ungraded.  Panini included Doug in many of its subsets like the Passport rookies and Draft day Tickets.  Autographed Doug Martin Prestige rookie cards are selling for premium prices with some fetching a few hundred dollars.

With the 2012 football season coming to an end you can expect Doug Martin’s rookie cards to stay on top of many collectors wish list.  He is one of the most sought after running backs in this year’s tremendous rookie class.  If he can continue to excel we will be hearing about the value of his rookie cards in years to come.

The post Top 10 Doug Martin Rookie Cards appeared first on GMA Grading, $2.00 Sports Card Grading.

The Rookie of the year award can have a dramatic effect on the value of a players rookie cards.  After the award winners are announced the demand for their rookie cards increase. This systematically causes the demand of their rookie cards to increase immediately.  Even though we are only half way through the season the two favorites for the award are already getting the attention of collectors and investors alike.

Mike Trout of the Angels and Bryce Harper of the Nationals are looking like the favorites to win the Rookie of the Year Award in 2012.  Both young stars have put up some great numbers and Trout may even have a chance at the MVP award.  Even though the MVP award maybe a little farfetched for the 21 year old slugger many believe he has a clear shot of doing so.

So what is the best rookie cards to buy of each young star when collectors have so many to choose from?  This mainly depends on a person’s budget.  Some of the signed and numbered versions of each player’s rookie sell for hundreds of dollars while more available versions sell for $5-$10.

Here are our top picks for each player and which rookie cards we recommend to buy.  We have included one low end card and one high end to meet almost every investor’s budget.

Mike Trout Rookies

Serious Investor

2009 Bowman Chrome Prospects Mike Trout Rookie Card

These autographed rookie cards are getting harder and harder to find.  Only 500 of these cards were ever produced making them very valuable commodities.  All cards have been signed and currently are selling for $350.

Affordable Option

2011 Bowman Chrome Rookie

These Mike Trout rookie cards are much more affordable than his 2009 rookie cards.  Buyers can purchase them online in Mint or better condition for around $10 a card.  These cards are not that scarce but fill the need for those looking for a more affordable option.

Bryce Harper Rookies

Serious Investor

2008 Upper Deck USA Baseball Rookie Card

These cards are getting harder and harder to find.  Harper has been one of the most talked about young athletes in over a decade which is making these cards almost impossible to find in premium condition.  You can expect to pay over $300 for Gem MT 10 versions of these great Bryce Harper rookie cards.

Affordable Option

2012 Topps Bryce Harper Rookie

These cards are much easier to find than the 2008 Upper Deck USA versions.  The only catch is there are a few variations to these cards which can sometimes be confusing for collectors.  SP variations sell for $25-$75 depending on the condition of the card.  The regular issued Topps rookie is currently selling for around $10-$15.

We want to make it clear that both players are not a lock to win any award.  With that being said both are young and are putting up phenomenal numbers at a very young age.  These baseball cards make great investments with limited risk to those who can afford to buy them.

The post Bryce Harper and Mike Trout Will Win ROY – Rookie Cards to Buy Now appeared first on GMA Grading, $2.00 Sports Card Grading.

Mike Trout rookie cards have become the surprise baseball cards of the year.  Trout’s rookie cards have increased in value over 50% in just the past 30 days.  Mike has been putting up some amazing numbers with the Angels this year.  He was elected to the American League All-Star team in just his first full year in the majors.  With much of the attention this year on Bryce Harper, Trout rookie cards have slipped under many peoples radar.

Collector’s want to know which of his rookie cards will be the most valuable in the next 10 years.  Trout has numerous rookie cards which makes finding the best ones very hard for novice collectors.

Top 3 Mike Trout Rookie Cards

2009 Bowman Sterling Autograph

Topps did a very smart thing in including Trout cards in many of their 2009 sets.  His 2009 Bowman Sterling autographed rookie card is one of his most valuable cards.  These great baseball cards are currently selling online from $100 ungraded to over $400 in Gem MT 10 condition.  These are some of the most popular cards that are currently being submitted to GMA for Grading.

Variations:  Gold refractors are the most popular variations that were produced in the set and each are individually numbered and signed to only 50.

Condition Tips: Buyers should pay close attention to centering and corner wear on these cards even though both are not common.  The quality of the signature is another important factor that should be taken into consideration.

2009 Bowman Chrome Prospects Autograph

Another great card produced by Topps and some of the rarest Mike Trout rookies cards.  The Chrome

autograph   cards are individually numbered to only 500 and are selling for more than $250 ungraded.

Cards graded in Gem MT 10 condition have sold for $500 in recent online auctions. GMA Grading has graded only 43 of these rare gems so far with only 15 grading in Gem MT 10 condition.

Variations:  Some of the rarest and most expensive variations include the blue autographed refractor signed and numbered to only 150 and the orange refractor  numbered to only 25.  Blue refractors have sold online for as high as $650 while orange refractors have surpassed the $3,000 mark.

Condition Tips: Like many of Bowman Chrome products surface scratches and poor centering can be issues that can have a dramatic effect on the cards value.  Corner dings are not common due to the quality of the card stock but sometimes appear after being handled frequently by collectors.

2009 Donruss Elite Extra Edition Rookie Autograph

These are some of the more underrated and undervalued Mike Trout RC’s.  Only 149 of these rare Mike Trout autographed cards exist.  These cards are not easy to find online but in a recent auction the Trout rookie sold for over $250 in NM-MT8 condition.  You can expect Gem MT 10 versions to be worth triple that.

Condition Tips:  Due to black borders and cheaper card stock than the Bowman Chrome counterparts, banged up corners are much more prevalent.  Buyers should also pay close attention to surface defects as they tend to be a problem with many of these baseball cards.

Rookie Card Gallery

Find Out What Your Mike Trout Rookie is Worth

More Affordable Mike Trout Rookies

The cards listed above have the most potential 10 years down the road from now due to scarcity and being Trout’s true first year cards.  With that being said Trout has many other rookie cards produced in 2010 and 2011 that are much more affordable and may also be quality investments in years to come.

• 2010 Bowman Platinum
• 2011 Finest
• 2011 Bowman Chrome
• 2010 Topps Pro Debut

All of these cards are currently very affordable but may not be for long.  Investors are taking notice in some of these more reasonably priced Mike Trout rookie cards as they are much more affordable options for those who cannot afford to spend hundreds of dollars on the Angels superstar.

The post Mike Trout Rookie Cards that Every Collector Must Own appeared first on GMA Grading, $2.00 Sports Card Grading.

To get to the World Series a team needs to have great overall pitching and defense.  The Washington Nationals have exactly that.  The pitching staff has been solid all year long leading the National League in Wins, ERA and the lowest opponent overall batting average in the league.  Players like Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmerman have been dominating NL hitters all year long. The bullpen has been just as solid led by Tyler Clippard and  Sean Burnett.

The hitting has some room for improvements the Nationals rank in the middle of the NL in almost every category.  Players like Michael Morse and Ryan Zimmerman are finally getting healthy which should help propel the the Nationals hitting attack.  The added power and average that these two superstars bring can only help the Nationals young talented lineup and players like Bryce Harper and Ian Desmond.

To put this into perspective, if the Nationals can stay healthy they will be the team to beat in the National League

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