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The 2013 NFL Draft has produced some emerging young talent that football card collectors should be keeping their eyes on.  As we reach the midpoint of the 2013 NFL season, some of these young stars have emerged as potential franchise players.  As a result, the teams they play for are eyeing playoff runs.  In essence, these players have some rookie cards that are in serious demand.  Buying some of these young stars rookie cards now may bring back big returns in the near future.  Here are the top 6 rookies of 2013.

Geno Smith 

Geno Smith rookie cards are getting some of the most attention from football card collectors.  Smith is getting the attention he deserves by leading his Jets to a respectable 4-4 record.  In addition to his great start, Geno recently helped lead the Jets to an important victory over divisional rival, the New England Patriots.  Accordingly, Geno Smith rookie cards have become some of the hottest cards in the hobby.

Geovani Bernard

Geovani Bernard rookie cards may have the most upside of all the players we have listed.  Bernard has displayed Barry Sanders like moves and open field runs that resemble those of the great Adrian Peterson.  Accordingly, the Bengals have taken notice and given him more touches over the past few weeks.   As a result of his early success, football card collectors are showing great interest in many of Bernard’s best rookie cards.  In essence, you can expect Giovani Bernard rookie cards to get more and more valuable as he continues to play in 2013.

E.J. Manuel

EJ Manuel rookie cards started off very hot in 2013. His recent injury has caused his rookie cards stock to level off over the past few weeks.  When Manuel was healthy, he put up some impressive numbers with the Buffalo Bills. Many speculators feel he maybe the Bills franchise quarterback that they have been longing for.  All things considered, EJ Manuel rookie cards have a ton of upside and should be on every football card collector’s wish list.

Cordarrelle Patterson

Cordarrelle Patterson rookie cards are very reasonably priced.  Patterson has shown that he has what it takes to be a top NFL wide receiver.  Patterson has made some amazing splash plays in 2013, which include an electrifying 109-yard kick return against the Green bay Packers. As a result, he has speculators paying close attention to his more popular rookie cards. In short, Cordarrelle Patterson rookie cards should be paid close attention to.

Keenan Allen

Keenan Allen rookie cards are not getting the attention they deserve from collectors.  Allen has become a primary target for Philip Rivers in 2013. Allen has shown he can beat some of the best NFL cornerbacks off the ball. Patterson has all the big-play making ability that can make any mediocre quarterback look like a Hall of Famer. You can expect Keenan Allen rookie cards to get the attention they deserve as he continues to grow as an NFL receiver.

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Shelby Miller rookie cards are some of the hottest baseball cards in the hobby.  Miller has been the lights-out starter the St. Louis Cardinals have been looking for.

Shelby Miller was selected in the first round of the 2009 MLB draft of the St. Louis Cardinals and the team always looked at him as a future ace.

While his career in professional ball had its share of adversity, Cardinals fans got a glimpse of what could be when he was called up to the big leagues in September 2012.

The Cardinals cautiously inserted Miller into the rotation as their fifth starter in 2013 and the 22-year-old right-hander has rewarded their faith with a 5-2 start over his first eight starts, pitching to a 1.40 ERA, with 57 strikeouts in just over 51 innings pitched.

Miller is a powerfully built 6’ 3” 195 pound workhorse who should work his way up towards the top of the Cardinals rotation.

So what are the best Shelby Miller rookie cards to buy?  Here is a list of the top selling Shelby Miller rookies on Ebay and what they are currently selling for.

2010 Bowman Chrome Shelby Miller Rookie

Nice looking cards at a reasonable price.  Like most chrome cards centering is the main issue to watch for as well as surface scratches.  Currently the base cards are selling for $3 – $5.  Autographed versions are selling for $45+.

2013 Bowman Shelby Miller Rookie

These are great cards for those looking on a fixed budget.  Buyers can pick these cards up for $1-$2. Corners and edges can be a problem with many of these cards, so buyers should pay close attention to scans before any purchases are made.

2011 Bowman Platinum Shelby Miller Autograph Rookie Refractor

Great design, affordable price, and on card autograph make this one of the top Shelby miller rookie cards for investors.  You can buy these online for $40-$50 if you take the time to shop around.

2010 Bowman Platinum RC

This is a well-designed card that is much harder to find than the Topps or Bowman rookies.  Surface scratches can be an issue with these chrome surfaced cards.  Currently buyers can own one of these gems for $5.

2009 Donruss Elite 

This is one of Shelby’s first cards every produced.  The 2009 Elite is still surprisingly affordable and even though it doesn’t have the Cardinals start in his major league uniform, collectors are still willing to spend the money. This card retails for $5 and can be purchased a little cheaper in lots.

Shelby Miller rookie cards make great investments.  The hard throwing right-hander has what it takes to be a Major League All-Star.  Investors should paying close attention to his cards!

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Viewed as arguably the top prospect in the 2012 draft, Buxton made the jump from high school to the pros after the Twins made him there #2 overall pick.  The 18-year-old played rookie ball in the Appalachian League and the Gulf Coast League in his first full season.  He hit 5 homers in 48 games.

The Twins Byron Buxton is setting the minor leagues on fire.  The speedy outfielder is a five-tool player and has all the gifts that are needed to be a major league superstar.  Buxton is a line-drive hitter with great power and plate discipline.  His cat-like reflexes makes him a threat to steal bases anytime he gets on base.

Many scouts think he has Mike Trout-like abilities and has the potential to be called up later this year.  This may not be the case but either way, he will be one the Twins roster in early 2014.  So is it too early to start buying Byron Buxton rookie cards?  No!  Buxton has been on the radar of speculators who have been purchasing any of his cards they can get their hands on.

Here is a list of some his Buxton’s premium rookie cards.  Below, we have included a list of his most expensive as well as some more affordable choices.

2013 Bowman Byron Buxton Rookie 

Topps did a great job of including the Twins young superstar in the 2013 Bowman set.  This is currently one of his most popular cards and can be purchased at a reasonable price.  Currently these baseball cards are selling for only $4-$5 in mint condition.  Bowman has a few variations that are getting some attention like the Silver Ice, Red Ice and the hottest of them all, the Autograph rookie.  Signed Byron Buxton 2013 Bowman cards are currently selling for $150-$200.

2013 Bowman Chrome Byron Buxton Autograph Rookie

This is one of the more expensive Byron Buxton rookie cards you can buy.  These sharp looking cards are selling for $200-$250.  Colored variation and refractor autographs are selling for more as they are much more limited.  In a recent auction, a blue refractor sold for more than $1,000.  This maybe a little over the top for people with tighter budgets, but it does show the popularity of the young Twins star.

 2012 Leaf Rize Byron Buxton Rookie Cards

These cards are great for those buying Buxton rookie cards on a fixed budget.  They are currently some of his most affordable rookie cards.  A clean design has made these cards fan favorites.  These cards are currently selling for only $2-$3.

Buyers should pay close attention to the edges on these cards as they are not the easiest to find in quality condition.  Edges and corners seem to flake causing major condition issues which can have a long term effect on these cards.

2013 Topps Inception Rookie

These are some of the nicest designed Byron Buxton rookies that we have listed.  The autographed versions are very popular and not easy to find in tip-top condition.  Currently, these autographed Buxton rookie cards are selling for $150-$175.  This card is not for all collectors but is a good investment for those looking for a premium card with a lot of upside.

2013 Elite Extra Edition Byron Buxton Rookie

These are some of nicest looking baseball cards made in 2013 so far.  Panini did a great job including Byron in this year’s set.  Buxton has a base card that is very reasonably price for those looking for an affordable option. (Currently $3)

Autographed variations are great options for those looking for a high end investment.  These autographed cards are selling for around $150, a little lower than the Bowman Chrome versions.

2013 Topps Pro Debut Byron Buxton Rookie

These are great cards for those who like to collect minor league cards.  These cards were released only a few weeks ago and sell for $2-$3.  These cards are not as rare as some of the cards we mentioned but are a reasonable choice for those just looking to get in on the action.

As Byron Buxton continues to mature as a hitter, his numbers will make his rookie cards some of the most desired cards in the hobby.  Now is the best time to start buying his rookie cards, while they are still reasonably priced.  As he gets older and his body matures, you can expect his power numbers to bring even more investors to the ballpark.

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Chris Davis is this year’s comeback player of the year.  His numbers at the All-Star break are simply something you will only find in a video game.  Davis has 37 homers, 94 RBI and is hitting .312 and he is only a little more than half way through the young season.

These incredible numbers have collectors sifting through boxes looking for Chris Davis rookie cards that they discarded or cast aside from their collections.  His rookies have been steadily going up but many collectors want to know if he is a one year wonder or will this rampage continue for season to come.

We think now is a good time to jump in and start buying Chris Davis rookie cards and autographs.  Here is why.

They are Cheap

Most of Chris Davis’s best rookie cards are still very cheap.  They can be purchased for less than $10 while autographed versions of his rookie are under $100.  If he continues to slug home runs his cards will double if not triple in value as demand picks up.

They have a Ton of Upside

Many people may have forgotten what type of prospect Chris Davis was in the Rangers organization.  The Hulk-like slugger was the top prospect in the Rangers farm system only a few years ago.  He always had immense power but he always needed a lot of work when it came to plate discipline.  His .312 average and amazing opposite field power show he has figured things out at the plate.

If he continues on this torrid pace he will be in the hunt for a Triple Crown title.  We have already seen what a Triple Crown does for a players rookie cards.  Just look at Miguel Cabrera’s baseball cards just last year after he won the crown.

The Orioles are on the Brink

The Orioles, under manager Buck Showalter are on the brink of big things in the AL East.  The Orioles have a great young staff with players like Dylan Bundy, Chris Tillman and Wei-Yin Chen.  They also have some hitters that will compliment Davis in the lineup with young prospects like, Manny Machado and budding superstar Adam Jones.

With all this talent the Orioles are bound for greatness.  All these elements will help Davis add to his amazing numbers.

Davis is just Getting Started

Now that Davis has found his swing, and is surrounded by unbelievable talent, you will see his stats just get better and better.  With some power hitters it is just a matter of getting the at-bats needed to figure out how to conquer Major League pitching.  It looks like Chris has finally figured things out.

Best Chris Davis Rookie Cards that You Should be Buying

• 2008 Bowman Chrome Rookie
• 2008 Topps Update Rookie Card
• 2008 Playoff Contenders Rookie
• 2006 Bowman
• 2006 Bowman Chrome
• 2007 Donruss Elite  Chris Davis rookie (Sleeper)
• 2008 Bowman Sterling

All of these cards make great investments in premium condition.  Buyers should try only to buy mint-or- better versions of these baseball cards, as none listed are extremely rare.

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Jean Segura rookie cards are becoming hot commodities among collectors.  The Brewers young shortstop has a great year an is becoming a clear front runner for the NL Rookie of the Year award.

Jean Segura came to the Milwaukee Brewers in the trade that sent Zack Greinke to the Los Angeles Angels in July 2012. Segura hails from the baseball prospect rich Dominican Republic.

After being promoted within the Brewers system from Double-A Huntsville last August, Segura has established himself as an up-and-coming young superstar, starting at shortstop for Milwaukee.

Segura, 23, is batting .364/.406/.580 with seven home runs, and 20 RBI in 2013. He has also stolen 14 bases in 16 attempts. The Brewers recently sought to lock up Segura in a long time contract so strong is their belief in their young superstar.

Over the years card collector’s have shown their love for collecting shortstops.  Future Hall of Famers like Cal Ripken Jr., Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez have been fan favorites.  Baseball card collector’s love collecting cards of superstar shortstops and Segura cards should only appreciate in value.

Segura has more than a few rookie cards that are worth buying.  Here is a breakdown of his top rookie cards.

Best Jean Segura Rookie Cards to Buy

2010 Bowman Chrome Jean Segura Rookie 

This is one of Jean Segura’s best rookie cards.  The 2010 Bowman Chrome rookie cards are very affordable and can be purchased in 10 card lots on Ebay for about $30 or $3 per card.  Buyers do need to beware with these cards as they are not easy to find in good condition.  Surface scratches and poor centering are common problems with these cards.  Still great buys at current levels.

2010 Bowman Segura Rookie #BP7 

This is one Segura best cards and one of his first.  These cards are normally found in good condition but buyers must pay attention to corner wear.  Because these cards have white borders, bad corners are harder to spot.  These cards are currently selling for $3-$4 un-graded.

2011 Bowman Chrome Autographed Jean Segura Rookie Card

This is one of Segura’s most popular rookie cards.  The card is hand signed which increases the value which is hovering around the $40 range.  Most of the 2011 Bowman Chrome rookie cards are well-centered. This card is a great investment if he continues to play like he has.

2010 Bowman Sterling Jean Segura Rookie

Topps did a great job including Segura in the 2010 Bowman Sterling set.  Refractors are also very popular and normally sell for about double of what the base card does . The base card is currently selling for around $3-$5 depending on the condition the card is in.  In most cases these cards grade pretty well.

2011 Bowman Chrome Jean Seguran Futures Die-Cut 

This is another great card of the Brewers young prospect.  These baseball cards are very affordable selling for $3-$5 un-graded.  Refractors are popular with collectors and they come in many variations. Buyers should pay close attention to the edges and the backs of these cards as these  are common flaws that exist with these cards.

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Sports card grading is a way to determine the authenticity and condition of a card.  The better the condition a sports card is in the harder it is to find. The better the condition the more the card is typically worth.

One of the most common questions we receive at GMA Grading is how do we determine the grade of a sports card.  Here are a few helpful steps that can help you learn how to grade your cards before you submit them in for grading.

Step 1- Determine the Authenticity of the Card

The first step in the grading process is determining if a card is authentic.  Counterfeit cards have become a common problem in the hobby. To make this determination our graders go through the process of checking specific factors that help determine a cards authenticity.

When a card is counterfeited it typically loses 20% to 30% of its picture quality.  This occurs when a card is scanned from an original card.

Because the original image used by the card manufacturer that made the card is un-available, counterfeiters must take a high quality scan of the card.  This causes a loss of image quality, which helps our graders determine if a card is real or fake.

Printing

When a counterfeit card is made it must be printed.  Because in most cases the printer used by the forger is not the same at the printer used by the card manufacturer, the dot matrix on the card is normally not the same.

GMA graders use cutting-edge technology and use high magnification lenses, to help them determine if a card has been re-printed.  GMA Grading also has an extensive library of original cards produced by the card manufacturers which graders use for comparison.

Card Stock

Another important factor in determining a cards authenticity is the card stock itself.  In most cases counterfeiters don’t have access to the exact card stock used in the original printing of the card.

Graders can easily check the card thickness, surface, and quality of a card by using calipers and some other handy tools that can show the inaccuracies of a fake.

Size

Size is another determining factor used by our graders to help determine if a card is real or counterfeit. It is also a way for us to determine of a card has been altered or trimmed in some way.

Cards are measured and edges are checked to make sure that they meet size requirements before they are sent to the next stage of grading.  This step can be a little tricky has some cards are poorly cut directly from the factory as shown in the example below.

Step 2 – Alterations

Once a card has been authenticated a GMA grader then determines if a card has been altered to receive a better grade.  Cards can be altered to give the appearance that it is in better condition than it actually is.

Coloring

Coloring of edges or borders is one of those common practices. Cards can be colored using markers or other ink substitutes can hide corner flaws or ruffled edges.

Some of the most common cards that are colored are the 1971 Topps baseball cards and 1975 Topps cards.  One of the easiest ways to determine if a sports card has been colored is by checking the edges of the card.

Cards that have been colored by markers or ink will normally bleed into the edges of a card.  This is very easy to see when the card is turned on its side. The picture below shows a great example of a card that has been colored.

Trimming

Bad corners mean low grades and that makes trimming the most common practice for altering a card.  Cards are frequently submitted that have been cut or trimmed to give the card sharper corners.

This is why sizing of the card is a key element in detecting trimmed cards.  There are also a few other ways to check if a card has been trimmed but checking the cards size is the easiest and most efficient way.

Pressed Creases

Older cards have normal wear tear from years of handling.  Due to age or mishandling of these cards surface creases can form.  Creases are surface flaws that show a card has been bent or folded.  Much like a folded piece of paper, card stock can easily get a crease if they are mishandled.  If a card is creased it dramatically affects the grade it receives.

To alter creases card are typically pressed.  This process is completed by applying moisture to crease on the card and/or applying heat and extreme pressure on the crease.  It is almost impossible to completely remove a crease from a card and GMA graders have found cards that have been pressed and not easily detected without the use of our sophisticated equipment.

Step 3 – Corners, Centering, Edges

Most cards have four corners.  The corner of a card is one of the most common flaws that a card has. The degree of sharpness a card has greatly affects the grade a card receives when graded.  Sharp corners get the highest grade while rounded corners have some of the most severe deductions.

The goal of the grader is to determine how bad a corner is.  Each level of corner damage will carry with it a different deduction in grade value.  The picture below shows examples of different corner wear.

As you can see by the example given above the more the corner is damaged the lower the grade it will receive.  Each corner of a card is carefully evaluated, and then an overall grade is given to the corners of each card.

Centering

The centering of a card is another key factor when determining an overall grade of a card.  The better the card is centered the better grade the card will receive.  So what is centering?  Centering is how well the image of the card is placed compared to the border size that surrounds the overall image.  A card can be off-center by different degrees of variance.  Graders determine how off center a card is by measuring the degree of variance from one border to the other.

Some of the most common terms used in the grading industry are how many degrees off-center a card is in. 50/50 Centering is if a card is dead center in the middle of the card.  This determination is from left to right and from top to bottom.60/40 centering is when a card is off-center from one side to another. Its center image is leaning more to one side of a card than the other which makes the border of the card appear to be smaller on that given side.

Cards can be off centered in various increments from 50/50 centering to 90/10.  In some cases are card is so poorly cut from the factory there is absolutely no border on one side of the card.

The more a card is off-center the more of a deduction it receives.  Each grader must evaluate the centering of a sports card on the front and back side and then give an overall grade for centering.  This grade will later be used and averaged in the final grade the card receives.

Edges

The edges of a card are some of the most commonly overlooked flaws a card has. Cards with white borders tend to blend more easily which makes them harder to detect.  When cards are graded people normally tend to look at the corners and centering first, but edges are just as important in the overall grade a card receives.

Bad edges can come from dull blades when a card is cut to poor handling when it is taken out of a pack.  Each edge of a card is checked and given an overall grade to be factored in in the final grade evaluation.

Final Grade and Analysis

After each side of the card and area of grading is completed an overall grade is given.  The overall grade is an average of each grade the card received for centering, corners, edges and surface.  A card that receives an overall grade of 9.5 or higher can receive a Gem MT 10 evaluation.  Each number value is rounded to the nearest value with half grade increments.

Below we have included an example of an actual card evaluation sheet that GMA graders use when grading.  You can use this sheet to better help you pre-grade your cards before submitting them in for grading.

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The 49ers and Ravens have advanced to the Super Bowl XLVII.  Collectors as well as investors should be getting prepared to purchase some this year’s key rookie cards that may bring nice returns on investments.  The Super Bowl hype creates a hobby stir which helps those who own some of the key players that will be playing on Super Bowl Sunday.   This is a great time to break down each team’s best players and which rookie cards maybe affected with the big game only two weeks away.

San Francisco 49ers Key Players and Rookie Cards for Super Bowl XLVII

Colin Kaepernick- Colin Kaepernick rookie cards will be getting some of the most attention from collectors in the next two weeks. The 49ers young rookie has been getting a lot of attention from the media which has greatly increased the demand of his 2011 rookie cards.  If Colin can win the big game you can expect his rookies to double in value.

Frank Gore- Frank is one of the 49ers key offensive players and has been an All=pro caliber running back in his 8 years in the league.  Buyers can search for 2005 Frank Gore rookie cards and find them at reasonably low prices.

Michael Crabtree- since Colin Karpenick took over the starting role for the 49ers; Michael Crabtree has turned into his favorite target.  Some of Michael’s best 2009 rookie cards are autographed and still very affordable.  Buyers can expect Crabtree’s rookie cards to be in high demand with the Super Bowl only two weeks away.

Patrick Willis- Patrick is the leader of the 49ers defense.  He has been the rock in the middle of 49ers Super Bowl run.  It is a little ironic that he will be squaring off against his role model Ray Lewis.  Some of the key Patrick Willis rookie cards can be found in almost all of the 2007 Football Sets.  Some of the best Patrick Willis cards will be is signed rookies which can be purchased in the time being for very reasonable prices.

Randy Moss- Randy is not the player that he used to be but he is still a shoe in to be a first ballot Hall of Famer.  You can expect Randy Moss rookie cards to get a lot of attention and if he can pull of a great Super Bowl performance the sky is the limit.  There are a large variety of Randy Moss 1998 rookie cards worth buying which range in prices from a few thousand dollars to $10-$15.

Jim Harbaugh- That’s right, the 49ers head coach has rookie card that will be getting a lot of attention in the next few week.  Harbaugh’s 1989 Topps Traded rookie is very affordable and maybe in high demand if the 49ers can beat Baltimore.  Harbaugh also gets a lot of publicity which will also help his rookie card value in years to come.

Baltimore Ravens Key rookie Cards to Watch for Super Bowl XLVII

Ray Lewis- Ray Lewis has been the spark that lit the flame for the Ravens 2013 playoff run.  With his retirement announcement a few weeks ago the Ravens have played inspired football.  Only a few companies included Ray Lewis rookie cards in their 1996 products.  The lack of supply will help his key rookie cards increase in value more rapidly than of some of the other players mentioned.

Joe Flacco-  Flacco has played extremely well in this year’s playoffs. He led the Ravens to an amazing come from behind victory against the Denver Broncos and clearly outplayed Tom Brady in the AFC Championship game.  Flacco has a rocket arm and investors can expect his 2008 rookie cards to get a lot of attention in the weeks to come.  Some of the best Joe Flacco rookie cards are individually numbered and hand signed.  These football cards make great investments if found in top notch condition.

Ray Rice- Ray has always played a larger than life roll for the Ravens since he was drafted in 2008.  The Ravens running back has more than a few rookie cards produced in 2008 that are worth buying.  Most of his best rookie cards are still very affordable which make them great investments.  Ray has a great chance of having a breakout game which may have a dramatic effect on his rookies.

Ed Reed- The future Hall of Fame safety is has some of the most affordable rookie cards from all the players that we have listed.  Reed’s game play speaks for itself and his rookie cards have a great chance of finally getting the attention they deserve.  Buyers can find some of Ed Reed’s best rookie cards online in the $5-$10 range.  Buyers should pay close attention to the condition of these football cards before making any purchase as many are condition sensitive.

Anquan Boldin- Anquan has been one of the Ravens key go to receivers and will appear in his second Super Bowl.  Boldin was one of Kurt Warner’s key targets and how has given the Ravens and Joe Flacco a sure handed wide receiver who seems to always come down with the football.  Some of the best 2003 Anquan Boldin rookie cards can be purchased in the $5 rang.  Some of his autographed rookies sell for $50-$100 depending on the condition they are in and the limited prints runs.  All of his rookie cards make great investments at the right pricing levels.

Torrey Smith- Torrey Smith rookie cards have already gotten the attention of collectors as well as investors.  His 2011 rookie cards have been in high demand since he arrived in Baltimore in 2011.  The Ravens sure handed wide receiver has more than a few rookie cards worth buying.  Buyers will have a wide range of as Torrey has rookie cards that sell anywhere from $3 to as high as $500.

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