Q & A – Signed Letter From Sy Berger

Question:  I have a letter addressed to me from Sy Berger when he worked at Topps.   I was a kid asking him for some info.  It is a typewritten letter signed by Sy Berger.  I also have the envelope.  It is from March 1965.  How can I find out if it’s worth anything?  I would appreciate any suggestions.  Thanks.

Answer: Wow!  That is a really cool find.  Sy Berger is one of the most influencial people that has ever worked within the trading card industry.  He is most notably remembered for designing the 1952 Topps set.  Berger does have one autographed card, which can be found in the 2004 Topps Fan Favorites set.  Those usually sell for $10.00 to $20.00.  Within the last few years Topps has been selling extension contracts of athletes in which have Berger’s signature on it.  I picked one up for $30.00.  Sometimes you’ll see checks up for sale containing his signature, but the sellers usually start them with a very high price and they never sell.  If I had to put a value on your signed letter, I would say $50.00 to $70.00.  With that being said, it probably will be hard to sell because its not authenticated by a third party.  If I were you, I’d keep it.  That is a really cool collectible that shows how the hobby use to operate way before the internet came along.  Back in 1965, kids were still putting baseball cards in their bike spokes.