1991 Topps Desert Shield Baseball Set

Triple SSS Sports Cards is an established dealer of cards that feature many of the iconic names in sports, from Mickey Mantle to Mike Trout. Offering a wide inventory, Triple SSS Sports Cards stocks collectable cards from every era of sports.

One of the most iconic baseball sets from the early 1990s is the 1991 Topps Desert Shield issue. With several thousand of each card produced, this product exactly mirrors the regular Topps set, which came at the height of the “junk wax era” and had production approaching the millions. The only difference is a gold foil stamp printed on the front, which features the design of a shield with a palm tree. These were originally distributed in packs to US soldiers stationed in the Middle East, in support of Operation Desert Shield.

As noted in a 30th anniversary Sports Collectors Daily article, one aspect adding to the scarcity of these cards is the fact that a substantial number of soldiers who received them were not card collectors and simply threw them in the trash. In addition, no complete factory sets were issued.

Today, the most widely sought-after Desert Shield card is a rookie of Chipper Jones. Graded copies of the Atlanta Braves’ Hall of Famer’s card fetch prices of more than $1,000. Other cards that often bring in more than $100 include Mark McGwire, Ken Griffey, Jr., Cal Ripken, and Nolan Ryan. A nearly full set of Topps Desert Shield cards, graded PSA 10, sold for more than $100,000 in 2018.

Recognizing a Legit 1952 Mickey Mantle

For over three decades, Triple SSS Sports Cards has been selling investment-quality vintage cards. Triple SSS Sports Cards has cards for some of the biggest names in sports history, like the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle #311 card with an inventory of third-party graded cards. This card is one of baseball’s most valuable and more iconic cards.

Given the iconic status of the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card, it is frequently counterfeited. Identifying a real ‘52 Topps Mantle from a fake one requires a good amount of knowledge about the original card.

There are two versions of the original that was made: a type one and type two Mantle. While the version does not affect the card's value, it does affect what you should look for. There is a pixel missing on a type one card at the bottom left corner of the border. This gives the corner a rounded look. Meanwhile, the stitches on the baseball on the back point to the right, and the “s” in DiMaggio’s are in line with the “h” on the right on the back.

Type two ‘52 Mantles have a missing pixel in the upper left background. This has left a small white spot on the otherwise blue background that is easily spotted. The border around the Yankees logo on the front is also lighter than on type one, and the border near the top of the card slightly overlaps with the vertical borders.

A lack of these characteristics indicates that you have a fake ‘52 Topps Mantle, but their presence does not automatically mean you have an authentic one. Fake versions of cards have slightly different colors, tints, or hues; they are made from thinner cardstock and have no signs of wear or have artificial wear patterns. If you are unfamiliar with care collecting, the best option is getting a ‘52 Mantle that is graded, so you don’t risk purchasing a counterfeit.

Devin Booker Cards Surge on Strong

Triple SSS Sports Cards serves collectors in Detroit, Michigan, and beyond through an extensive inventory of top players, past and present. One emerging NBA star whose rookie issues are sought after by Triple SSS Sports Cards customers is Phoenix Suns’ guard Devin Booker.

Through a stellar scoring performance against playoff opponents such as the Lakers, Clippers, and Bucks, the sharpshooter has excelled alongside Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton and generated buzz that has translated into strong card demand.

Some of the foundational Devin Booker rookie issues include the 2015 Panini Prizm and the sought-after silver parallel and numbered parallels Orange (/65), Gold (/10) and Black (/1). The price for the base Prizm in gem mint condition reached the $500-plus range by early July.

For many collectors, the “holy grail” of any star player is his rookie patch auto (RPA) and at the top of this list is the Panini National Treasures. This features a game-worn patch from his jersey, as well as an on-card autograph. With the serial-numbered issue limited to 99, the asking prices of those few available have ranged from $29,000 to $49,000. Other sought-after Booker RPAs with a more affordable price point, and long-term investment potential, include Panini Flawless, Spectra, and even the mainstay Donruss.

Baseball Legend Mickey Mantle

With over 30 years in the sports cards industry, Triple SSS Sports Cards specializes in dealing and selling classic sports cards. Triple SSS Sports Cards features a wide collection of sports cards, including basketball, football, and baseball cards.

Sports card collecting encompasses many sports, with multiple leagues showcasing their players. Currently, the record for the biggest sale of a sports card is $5.2 million for the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA 9, as evaluated by appraiser Professional Sports Authenticator. The professional baseball player served his entire career with the New York Yankees and became a legend for both the team and baseball, entering the Hall of Fame in 1974.

He started playing for the New York Yankees in 1951, and the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA 9 is a card from his first season as a professional baseball player. During his 18-year career, he received the American League Most Valuable Player Award three times and won seven championships.