1995 Topps Baseball Cards Price Guide
The 1995 Topps baseball card set was released to the public in February of 1995 and contained 792 total cards. It was the 67th series issued by the Topps Company and featured players from both the American and National Leagues. Some of the top rookies included in the 1995 set were Nomar Garciaparra, Jason Varitek, and Troy Percival. The design featured colorful borders and action photographs of the players. While not one of the most iconic Topps sets of all-time, the 1995 issue does hold value for collectors both casually and seriously invested in the hobby. Here is an in-depth price guide examining some of the top cards and rookies from the 1995 Topps baseball set.
Refractor Parallels
In 1995, Topps introduced “Refractors” as one of the first parallel insert sets in modern baseball cards. These parallel cards featured a refractive coating that caused the images andborders to shimmer and change colors slightly depending on the light. The 1995 Topps Refractorparallels are extremely scarce with only a few ever pulled from packs. Some examples that have soldinclude a Ken Griffey Jr. Refractor that fetched over $10,000 and a Cal Ripken Jr. Refractor that sold foraround $8,000. Any detectable Refractor from the 1995 set holds immense value for serious collectors.Even common players could sell in the $100-500 range depending on the name. The Refractors arerarely seen on the secondary market and represent some of the most desirable parallels for collectors of’90s cards.
Key Rookie Cards
Nomar Garciaparra: The future Red Sox shortstop burst onto the scene in 1995 with an electric rookie campaign. His rookie card has become one of the more iconic cards from the ’90s sets. In PSA 10 gem mint condition, a Garciaparra rookie has sold for over $1,000. In raw near-mint to mint condition, expect to pay $50-200 depending on the exact state of preservation.
Jason Varitek: As a member of the Seattle Mariners organization in 1995, Varitek’s rookie opened some eyes but he didn’t achieve mainstream fame until becoming the longtime captain of the Boston Red Sox. Still, his card maintains value for collectors of ’90s issues and 1990 Mariners players. A PSA 10 has sold for around $500 while a well-centered raw copy could sell for $15-40.
Troy Percival: The flame-throwing closer made his big league debut with the California Angels in 1995 and immediately asserted himself as a force in their bullpen. Percival rookies from the ’95 Topps set move for $10-30 on the secondary market depending on condition. PSA 10 gem copies can reach upwards of $150.
Carlos Beltran: Beltran appeared very briefly for the Kansas City Royals in 1995 but flashed tantalizing promise. His rookie remains an iconic collector piece for Royals fans. PSA 10 Beltran rookies have exceeded $350 with most raw copies selling in the $25-75 range.
Other Notable Cards
Ken Griffey Jr.: Arguably the most recognizable name in the set, any Griffey Jr. card pulls a premium. His standard base card in near-mint to mint condition moves for $8-15 routinely.
Cal Ripken Jr.: Coming off breaking Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played record the previous season, Ripken was a fan favorite with mass appeal. His base card earns $5-10 with name recognition alone.
Frank Thomas: “The Big Hurt” was en route to back-to-back AL MVP awards making his 1995 inclusion all the more iconic for White Sox collectors and fans of the era. Near-mint base cards sell for $4-8.
Chipper Jones: The future Hall of Famer’s rookie season saw him establish himself as the anchor of the Atlanta Braves lineup for years to come. 1995 Topps Jones rookies in nm-mt condition exchange hands for $15-25 depending on exact appeal factors.
Bidding War Cards: Occasionally, unique circumstances like a seller sparking an online bidding war for a certain card can cause even lower-end ’95 issues to sell for well above normalized guide prices. Condition, centering and demand all play a role in market valuations.
In Conclusion
While not the most famous or iconic of the classic ’90s Topps series, the 1995 issue retains collector significance due to the inclusion of star emerging rookies like Nomar and Cal Ripken still in his prime. Parallels like the refractive variants hold immense rarity and premium status. Condition and name recognition primarily dictate pricing with rookies and superstars demanding the highest sums. For ’90s baseball card investors and enthusiasts of that era of the game, the 1995 Topps set contains value in depictions of that specific season’s top talents and future Hall of Famers.
