Vintage APBA Cards: Any Value at All?

[Butch7999]

Hi Greg -- since you asked if they had any value at all, then the answer is definitely yes. APBA games and card sets are avidly collected by many, and while many season sets have been reprinted (some more than once), both the original editions and the reprint sets will find buyers.

Naturally, age, condition, and completeness affect price, but like we always say, "ya never know at auction." Original 1950s sets generally command the highest prices -- sometimes over $1000. for a complete set in minty shape -- but complete, minty sets from the '60s and '70s, and occasionally even the '90s, can go for $100.-$200. Of course, even high-demand sets can get away for as little as $20.-$40., too, and sets of more recent issue or in lesser condition can be had for $10. or even less.

Vic, you can determine the season set to which a card belongs by the placement of the red 12. It's next to the same black number on every player's card in the same season, but next to a different black number on every card in other seasons, if that makes sense. Ferinstance, the red 12 is next to the black 26 on every card in the 1951 season set (issued in 1952), but next to the black 23 on every card in the 1954 season set (issued in 1955), and so on. The red 12 is also next to the black 26 on every card in the 1968 season set (issued in 1969) and the 1997 set (issued in 1998), but the players included in the set will quickly show which year it's from. Reprint sets usually have a copyright date on the cards.

Hoping that's of some help...