Why You Should Appraise Your Sports Card Collection – Even If You Haven’t Collected in 20 Years

If you’re one of the many people who stashed away a collection of sports cards decades ago and haven’t looked at them since, it might be time to consider getting them appraised. Whether you collected during the 80s and 90s boom or have cards from earlier decades, you may be in for a surprise when it comes to the current value of your collection. Sports card collecting has evolved, and the market today is vastly different from what it was even just a few years ago.

Here’s why it’s a good idea to have a professional appraise your sports card collection, especially if you haven’t paid much attention to the hobby in over 20 years.

The Market Has Changed Drastically

The sports card market in the 1990s was fueled by a speculative bubble, with many people buying cards in the hopes that they’d increase in value quickly. Unfortunately, this caused a lot of overproduction and overinflated values, meaning many cards from that era aren’t worth as much as you might expect. Fast forward to today, and the market is completely different.

Over the last 5-6 years, sports cards have made a significant comeback, especially with younger collectors. The rise of digital marketplaces, social media influencers, and the booming interest in professional sports figures have all contributed to this resurgence. High-profile card sales, such as those for rare, graded cards from players like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Wayne Gretzky, have redefined how people view the worth of these collectibles.

If you’ve been holding onto your collection since the 90s, your cards may have appreciated (or depreciated) in value based on a completely different set of criteria than when you first acquired them. You could be sitting on valuable items without even realizing it—or perhaps your once-precious collection has lost much of its original worth.

Condition Matters More Than Ever

You might be surprised to learn that the condition of your cards plays a huge role in determining their current market value. Back in the 90s, many collectors weren’t as focused on the condition as we are today. Cards were often mishandled, kept in shoeboxes, or just left in piles without regard for how they were stored. Today, however, cards are more carefully graded by professional services like PSA and BGS. The difference between a card graded as “Mint” or “Gem Mint” and one that’s simply “Good” can mean a world of difference in price.

If you haven’t taken the time to have your cards graded, it’s possible that they could be worth far more than you think—especially if you’ve held onto rare or limited-edition items that have since gained value. Without an appraisal, though, it’s nearly impossible to gauge the potential value of your collection.

New Collectors Are Focusing on Different Types of Cards

While the cards you collected back in the day might have been popular at the time, there’s a good chance that the market today values different types of cards. Modern collectors are drawn to a variety of factors, such as autographed cards, rare inserts, and even memorabilia cards that include pieces of jerseys or game-used equipment.

If you haven’t been keeping up with the hobby, you may be unaware that certain types of cards—particularly those from the 90s—are now highly sought after. Conversely, many cards that were once considered valuable may have lost their luster due to oversaturation or simply because tastes have changed. An expert appraisal will help you separate the gems from the duds, ensuring you don’t miss out on any potential opportunities.

It’s Hard to Track Trends Without Insight

The sports card market moves quickly, and trends can change from year to year. What was once valuable may have fallen out of favor, while new players or even sports have risen in prominence. For example, cards related to players like Steph Curry, Tom Brady, or Conor McGregor have skyrocketed in value as their legacies have become more established.

Tracking these shifts on your own is no small task, especially if you’ve been out of the loop for decades. By having an expert appraiser look over your collection, you’ll get a clearer understanding of where it stands in today’s market. An experienced appraiser can identify which cards are likely to continue appreciating and which may be better off sold sooner rather than later.

Avoiding the Risk of Overpricing or Underpricing

If you’re looking to sell or even just insure your sports card collection, having an appraisal done is essential to avoid the risk of overpricing or underpricing your items. Without professional guidance, you might set unrealistic expectations for what your collection is worth, or conversely, undervalue it and sell it for far less than it’s truly worth. Both scenarios can have serious financial consequences, especially if you’re dealing with rare or high-demand cards.

The Bottom Line: Don’t Let Your Cards Collect Dust

Even if you haven’t been involved in the sports card hobby for over 20 years, the market is constantly evolving—and your collection may be worth more than you think. Getting your cards appraised by a professional gives you insight into their true value, helps you avoid costly mistakes, and gives you the information you need to make informed decisions. Whether you plan to sell, trade, or hold onto your cards for the future, an expert appraisal will ensure that you’re making the most out of your collection.

So, take the time to pull those old boxes out of the attic and have your collection appraised. You might be surprised at what you find—and who knows, you could be sitting on a hidden treasure!