Which 1981 Donruss Variant Is More Valuable: Error vs. Regular?

Introduction

The 1981 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most popular and iconic sets ever produced. It features a number of Hall of Famers, including Cal Ripken Jr., Tony Gwynn, and Rickey Henderson. However, there are two different versions of the set: the regular version and the error version. The error version has a printing error on the back of the cards, which makes them more valuable than the regular version.

Printing Error

The printing error on the back of the 1981 Donruss error cards is a misalignment of the black and white borders. This error is most noticeable on the cards of Cal Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn. The error occurred during the printing process, and it is estimated that only about 5% of the cards in the set have the error.

Value

The 1981 Donruss error cards are significantly more valuable than the regular version. A PSA 10 graded Cal Ripken Jr. error card is worth around $1,000, while a PSA 10 graded regular version is worth around $100. The Tony Gwynn error card is also worth around $1,000 in PSA 10 grade.

Other Factors

In addition to the printing error, there are a number of other factors that can affect the value of a 1981 Donruss card. These factors include:

• Condition: The condition of a card is one of the most important factors that determine its value. A card that is in mint condition is worth more than a card that is in poor condition.
• Grade: A card that has been graded by a professional grading company is worth more than a card that has not been graded. A PSA 10 grade is the highest grade that a card can receive.
• Rarity: The rarity of a card is also a factor that can affect its value. A card that is rare is worth more than a card that is common.

Tips for Collecting

If you are interested in collecting 1981 Donruss cards, there are a few tips that you can follow:

• Buy cards that are in good condition. The condition of a card is one of the most important factors that determine its value. Avoid buying cards that are damaged or have creases.
• Get your cards graded. Having your cards graded by a professional grading company can increase their value. A PSA 10 grade is the highest grade that a card can receive.
• Be patient. Collecting 1981 Donruss cards can be a rewarding experience, but it takes time and patience. Be patient and you will eventually find the cards that you are looking for.

Conclusion

The 1981 Donruss error cards are a valuable and desirable collectible. If you are lucky enough to find one, be sure to take good care of it. With proper care, your card could be worth a lot of money in the future.