The 1998 Topps baseball card set is considered one of the more iconic releases from the 1990s. While not the most valuable set overall, there are several standout rookie and short printed cards that command big money today. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the 1998 Topps cards that collectors consider the most valuable from that year.
One of the true heavyweights from the 1998 set is the Chipper Jones rookie card. As the #1 overall pick in the 1990 MLB draft and longtime Atlanta Braves star, Jones had a very successful career that has seen him inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. His rookie card from the 1998 Topps set, card #245, is one of the most sought after from the entire decade. In top gem mint condition, graded PSA 10, Jones’ rookie will pull in upwards of $2,000. Even in just near mint to mint condition, PSA 8 or 9 grades, the card still demands $300-500. It’s safe to say Jones’ rookie will remain a key piece in vintage baseball collections for years to come.
Another true icon from the 1998 Topps set is Sammy Sosa’s rookie card, found at card #99. As one of the faces of the late 90s home run boom and a multiple time NL home run leader, Sosa enjoyed tremendous popularity during his playing days. His 1998 Topps rookie is a true key card for Cubs collections. PSA 10 examples can reach $1,000 today, with PSA 9s bringing $300-500 and lower grades still valued around the $100 mark. Given Sosa’s star power and place in baseball history, his rookie remains one of the most important cards for collectors to own from the 1990s era.
Two other star sluggers also had their rookie cards found in the 1998 Topps set. At card #268 is Jim Thome’s debut. As a six-time all star, three-time silver slugger award winner and member of the 600 home run club, Thome put together a Hall of Fame worthy career. His rookie is highly sought after by Indians fans especially. PSA 10 condition examples can pull in $400-500, with PSA 9s around $150-250 and lower grades holding value of $50-100. At card #230 is Andres Galarraga’s rookie. Known as “The Big Cat” during his playing days, Galarraga put together a fine career including an NL batting title. His rookie is a key piece for Rockies collectors and still holds value despite lower print runs compared to the likes of Thome. PSA 10s can reach $200, with lower grades valued at $25-75.
A true short print from the 1998 Topps set is Paul Konerko’s rookie at card #650. Far back in the alphabetical checklist, Konerko’s initial printing was extremely limited making it quite the find pulled from packs back in the day. For White Sox collectors it’s arguably top priority. In PSA 10 condition just a handful exist and when they hit the market can demand over $1,000 with no sales under $800 in recent years. Even PSA 9 copies start at $250 due to the extreme rarity. Short prints are where vintage sets can really gain long term value and Konerko’s 1998 Topps rookie fits that bill perfectly.
Another short print of note is Roy Oswalt’s rookie card, found very deep at #670 in the set. As one of the game’s top pitchers through the late 90s and 2000s winning a World Series with Houston and 3 All Star nods, Oswalt developed quite a following with Astros fans. His deeply short printed rookie from 1998 Topps has become a key piece for vintage Houston collections. In PSA 10 condition just a handful are known to exist with the last such example fetching $800 in an auction. Even in PSA 9 it still holds great value around $200-300 due to both the player pedigree and true short printed status.
The 1998 Topps set also featured rookie cards for Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa as they engaged in the memorable home run race that captured the nation’s attention. While far less rare than their respective 1992 and 1993 rookie cards, the 1998 versions still hold appeal to collectors of the sluggers. In PSA 10 condition McGwire’s card #253 can reach $80-100, with PSA 9s around $30. Sosa’s card #99 in the same top grades will pull $60-80 for a PSA 10 with PSA 9s at $20-30. Both remain staples for collections focusing on McGwire or Sosa’s careers.
Of course, no discussion of valuable 1998 Topps cards would be complete without mentioning Ken Griffey Jr, one of the true rookie collection holy grails from any era. Unfortunately his true rookie is confined to the vastly more valuable Upper Deck and Fleer sets from 1989, but his still iconic card #191 from 1998 Topps is recognized by collectors. While out of reach pricewise compared to vintage rookie cards like Jones, Thome and others, PSA 10 examples of Griffey’s 1998 Topps card can still demand $40-60, with PSA 9s around $15-25 showing the eternal star power of “The Kid” even a decade into his iconic career when captured in the 1998 Topps set.
While not the highest selling vintage set overall, the 1998 Topps baseball release featured rookie cards and short prints of future all-time greats that have stood the test of time and retained strong collector demand. Keys like Jones, Sosa, Thome and the ultra-short printed cards of Konerko and Oswalt push certain 1998 Topps cards into truly premium territory for dedicated vintage collectors and investors today. With stars of the late 90s still beloved by fans, their rookie and early career cards from sets like 1998 Topps maintain relevance in the hobby and stable long term value for complete collections.
