Are My Junk Wax Cards Worth Anything?
The honest answer for that shoebox of 1987-1991 cards.
Short answer: most aren't, but a few are. From roughly 1987 to 1993, card companies printed so many cards that almost every common card is worth pennies. That's why collectors call it the "junk wax" era. The money is in a short list of key rookies and stars, especially copies in near-perfect condition.
1. Find out what set you have
Check the brand and year on the back of the card. Sets we track: 1987 Topps (wood-grain borders) and 1989 Upper Deck (white borders, hologram on back).
2. Pull the key cards
Look for the cards on our set pages first: for example 1989 Upper Deck #1 Ken Griffey Jr., 1987 Topps #320 Barry Bonds and 1987 Topps #170 Bo Jackson. Sleeve them right away.
3. Check condition honestly
- Centering: are the borders even on all four sides?
- Corners: sharp, or soft/rounded?
- Surface: print lines, wax stains, scratches, creases?
- Edges: chipping, especially on darker borders.
4. Check real sold prices, not asking prices
Anyone can list a card for $10,000. What matters is what it sold for. Each card page here shows sold-price medians, and links to eBay's sold listings so you can check them yourself.
5. Should you grade it?
Only when a PSA 10 (or 9) sells for well above the grading fee plus shipping, and your card looks flawless. A PSA 8 junk wax card often sells for less than the cost to grade it.
6. What about the rest?
Sell commons in team lots or complete sets, donate them to kids, or keep them for the memories. Factory-sealed boxes and sets from this era also sell; check sold listings before opening anything.