Overview
A classic third-year card of Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr., featuring the iconic 1984 Topps design with its bold diagonal team name and secondary circular logo.
Preliminary identification
1984 Topps Cal Ripken Jr. #490 Baseball Card
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Story
On May 30, 1982, a young shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles began a streak that many thought was impossible in the modern era of sports. This 1984 card represents the early years of that legendary 2,632-game consecutive playing streak, a feat of endurance…
Maker / Origin
Topps was the undisputed king of the baseball card world for decades, having held a virtual monopoly on the industry from 1956 until 1980.
Condition & Value
The card appears well-preserved in a protective sleeve. However, the centering is noticeably shifted toward the bottom and left borders, which is a common production flaw for this set. The corners appear relatively sharp, but the centering shift keeps this in the 'collector grade' rather than 'investment grade' category.
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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
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Market Analysis
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Value Drivers
- ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
- ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
- ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact
Concerns
- ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
- ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
- ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Comparable Sales
5 compsRegional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
SOLD
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
SOLD
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
SOLD
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
SOLD
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375
SOLD