Card History Museum
Explore the rich history of trading cards, from tobacco inserts to modern investments. Learn the stories behind the hobby legendary cards.
Tobacco Card Era
The birth of trading cards as tobacco company inserts. These cards were designed to stiffen cigarette packs and became the first collectible cards.
Post-War Boom
Topps establishes dominance in the market. Modern card design emerges with color photography and statistics on card backs.
Junk Wax Era
Mass production era that flooded the market. Cards were printed in enormous quantities, destroying most values.
Modern Era
Innovation explodes with inserts, parallels, autographs, and game-used memorabilia cards.
Investment Era
Cards become alternative investments. PSA grading boom, COVID surge, and mainstream acceptance of cards as assets.
Want to Learn More?
Visit the Card Academy for in-depth courses on collecting, grading, and investing.