1962 Topps #199 Gaylord Perry ROOKIE (Giants)

1955 / 1959 / 1960 Armour Hot Dog Coins
Checklist & Values

As a kid I loved shopping with mom hoping to find my next favorite food - the one with baseball cards !!! In 1955,1959 & 1960, kids could enjoy hot dogs with their cards thanks to Armour's coins in 1955, 1959 & 1960.

The 1-1/2 inch plastic coins, almost the same each year, came in many colors with several rare and perhaps even 1-of-1, making a "master" set almost impossible. Add in the variations and you can imagine the task.

See sportscollectorsdaily for great 1955,1959 & 1960 Armour baseball coins article.

Click for complete
1955/1959/1960 Armour Baseball Coins
Checklist & Values

1974 Topps DECKLE EDGE
Checklist & Values

This scarce 72-card test issue set was released with very limited East Coast distribution making them quite scarce.

Officially simply called "Topps Baseball Photos", their serrated or "DECKLED" edge gave them the name they go by today. The 2 7/8" x 5" inch cards were sold in 2 card packs with gum or 3 card packs without for 5 cents.
Click to enlarge Complete Proof Sheet on left
Fronts are similar to b&w Exhibit Postcards from the 50's with photos and facsimile autographs. The backs make this very scarce test issue more interesting ! They feature handwritten script of player's name, team, position & date and location of the photograph as well as a mock newspaper article.

This was Topps 2nd "Deckle Edge" issue, their first being the smaller and more common 1969 Topps Deckle Edge inserts in 1969 Topps packs.

Variations of 1974 Topps Deckle Edge exist, making this issue more fun and challenging to collect. Backs can be found in gray or a much scarcer white. Also, more limited proof versions with non-scalloped edges exist and can be found with and without card numbers.

1969 Topps Deckle Edge checklist and prices

Auction Regulating Agencies

Today, most auction websites, companies, auction houses and auctioneers are very reliable.
... but ...
In case you have a problem with your auction website, company, auction house, or auctioneer, there are agencies out there that can help you.

• National Auctioneers Association ( web: auctioneers.org )
• Better Business Bureau ( web: bbb.org )
• Some states have auctioneer's licensing boards
...check your state's website (examples: ca.gov utah.cov )

My auctions offer not just baseball but also football, basketball, non-sports & comics.

Baseball card collecting terms (part G)

Grade/Condition Centering, corner wear, photo clarity, edges, creases, print flaws ... all combine to determine a card's condition or grade. Along with rarity/scarcity it is the major factor in a card's value.

Graded Card As values increased the condition of cards and the determination of fakes and alterations became increasingly more important. Various companies became "graders" of your cards. For a fee they would grade your card (usually on a 1 to 10 scale) and then placed in a sealed plastic holder with labelling of the vital information.

From past experiences, most people are NOT HAPPY with the grades they receive. To keep values up, graders can be extremely picky. Things you don't see, they do so don't be surprized when the NEAR MINT card you send in ends up with an EX or EX/MINT grade.

There are TOO many grading companies - if you do, do choose carefully. PSA / SGC / GAI / BGS are some of the many companies. It is good to know that getting a card graded by a company that people do not recognize or respect will usually just cost you time and money and not help you in any way.

1962 Topps #199 Gaylord Perry ROOKIE (Giants)

1955 / 1959 / 1960 Armour Hot Dog Coins Checklist & Values

1974 Topps DECKLE EDGE Checklist & Values

Auction Regulating Agencies

1955 / 1959 / 1960 Armour Hot Dog Coins
Checklist & Values

1974 Topps DECKLE EDGE
Checklist & Values