The 1996 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the more valuable issues from the mid-1990s. While it doesn’t contain cards that will make you a millionaire, there are several standout rookie cards and stars of the era that can still fetch a decent price from collectors. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the 1996 Topps cards that hold real value today.
One of the most prominent rookies from the 1996 set is Phillies shortstop Larry Broadway. Broadway only played in 70 Major League games between 1996-1997, but his card is still highly sought after by collectors due to his limited production run. Only 90 copies of his Topps rookie card were printed, making it one of the scarcest modern issues. In top graded condition, it can sell for well over $1000.
Another short-printed rookie is Reds pitcher Todd Van Poppel, who had a disappointing career despite being a top draft pick. Only 120 copies of his card are known to exist. Like the Broadway, gem mint Van Poppels have sold in the $500+ range. Rockies flamethrower Jeremy Giambi also has a scarce rookie that can fetch $100+ in top condition due to just 180 copies produced.
Two of the most expensive cards in the entire 1996 set are the short-prints of future Hall of Famers Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine. Only 60 copies were made of each of their cards during the print run. In a PSA 10 gem mint state, Maddux has sold for over $3000, while Glavine has gone for around $2000. Their regular base cards from the set can also still hold value at $50-100 in top grade.
Other star players that can command three-figure prices include Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, Cal Ripken Jr., and Chipper Jones. A PSA 10 of any of their base cards would easily get over $100 on the current market. Ripken’s 3,000 hit chase season makes his 1996 issues particularly desirable. Pitchers Curt Schilling and John Smoltz also have cards in this range. Randy Johnson, who won the 1996 Cy Young, has a $50-75 card.
Turning to the highly sought after rookie cards in the set, it begins with Derek Jeter. While very common in lower grades, a pristine PSA 10 copy can sell for $500-1000 depending on auction activity. Fellow ’96 rookie Jermaine Dye has also shown to carry value recently, with a PSA 10 bringing $150-250.
Other notable rookie cards include Nomar Garciaparra (who won Rookie of the Year), Todd Helton, Johnny Damon, and Livan Hernandez. Each have seen PSA 10 prices of $75-150 in recent sales. Garciaparra in particular was a hot hitter in the late 90s, so his rookie tends to command the higher end of that range.
Beyond individual stars, the chase for a full complete set also adds collector demand. A 1996 Topps set in PSA/BGS 9-10 condition could sell for well over $1000. Subsets like Futures Game, League Leaders and All-Star Cards also inflate the value of certain cards inside the base set.
Condition is king when it comes to the long-term value preservation of any 1990s baseball card issue. While certain scarce short-prints remain desirable regardless, attaining that illustrious PSA 10 or BGS 9.5 black label grade is what truly separates ordinary copies from the expensive elite. For the dedicated collector, building a pristine 1996 Topps set offers enjoyment and potential future upside. Two and a half decades later, it remains one of the most financially fruitful mid-90s releases.
In closing, while the glamour years of the 1980s may be long gone, the 1996 Topps baseball set demonstrates there is still money to be had in quality vintage cardboard. Careful shopping and ruthless selection of high-end specimens is needed to truly capitalize, but the most dedicated collectors are still unearthing value from the mid-90s boom era where it all began. Whether chasing stars, rookies or complete sets, 1996 Topps offers no shortage of worthwhile cards for engaging the collector’s passion and potentially their pocketbook too.
