How To: Sell baseball cards

Tired of grandpa's baseball card collection rotting away in your attic? Well, unlike his pop bottle collection, baseball cards could yield a decent amount of income for you, if you know how to sell them. There are different outlets available for selling an individual baseball card or card collection. Know how to sell the fruits of your hobby and avoid getting ripped off.

Step 1: Learn collector jargon
Learn baseball card collector jargon. A "set" is a consecutively numbered series of cards. A "jersey card" includes a swatch from a players uniform.

While an "insert" is part of a card set, its appearance is different from the rest of the set.

Step 2: Learn card values jargon
Learn terms used for card values. "Book values" are set on baseball card price guide values. "Sell value" is the most recent sale price paid for a card or collection.

Step 3: Learn card condition terms
Learn the descriptors used in grading card conditions. Terms include "mint," "near-mint," "excellent," "very good," "fair," and "poor."

Step 4: Get your collection graded
Get your collection professionally graded. You can find grading services through sports card collector publications and online groups.

Step 5: Visit sports memorabilia shows
Go to card collector shows to get an overview of current baseball card prices. You can find information about schedules for shows in your area by searching online.

Step 6: Visit a major card company website
Visit a major card company website for a list of authorized baseball card dealers. Get a price quote at a dealer's shop.

Step 7: Sell your collection at an online auction
Sell through an online auction like eBay, especially if you feel that you know your collection's value. The internet can help you reach collectibles buyers from around the world. With some effort, your collection is sure to find a good home and bring you some cash.

As controversial Detroit Tigers manager Billy Martin posed for a 1972 baseball card, he discreetly "flipped the bird."