Card collecting is a global hobby today, captivating millions from sports fans to pop culture enthusiasts. But where did it all begin? How did these small pieces of paper turn into treasured keepsakes, and what sparked the creation of the first collectible cards? Let’s travel back in time to explore the roots of card collecting, the pioneering manufacturers, the origins of the idea, and how these cards were originally used. The Beginnings: Trade Cards in the 19th Century The story of card collecting dates back to the mid-19th century, when advancements in printing technology made colorful, mass-produced images possible. The earliest collectible cards weren’t created for a hobby—they emerged as…