The 1998 Topps baseball card set marked the start of a new era in the hobby as it was the first issue since 1964 not to feature an airbrush on any player photos. This change in aesthetics opened the door for new collectors and brought fresh attention to the industry. While not the most desirable vintage set overall, there are still several standout 1998 Topps cards that can hold significant value, especially in top gem grades. Let’s take a closer look at some of the notable money cards from that year.
Perhaps the headliner of the 1998 Topps set is card #131, featuring a rookie card of Juan Guzman. As one of the top pitching prospects in baseball at the time, Guzman’s rookie fascinated collectors. Unfortunately, injuries soon derailed his career. But his flashy potential fueled card values upon release. Today, in near-mint to mint condition, a Guzman rookie can fetch $75-150. In a true gem mint (MT10) status it has brought as much as $500 at auction.
Another dazzling rookie from 1998 Topps with money potential is #132 featuring Nomar Garciaparra of the Boston Red Sox. While superstars like Ken Griffey Jr. and Mark McGwire received much of the public attention that year, discerning collectors recognized Garciaparra as one to watch. He went on to become a perennial All-Star and win the AL batting title in 1997 and 1998. High-grade Nomar rookies in 1998 Topps now sell in the $50-150 range, with gems potentially doubling that figure.
Sammy Sosa’s amazing chase of the single-season home run record in 1998 led to another valuable card from the set – his main issue card #198. While not technically a rookie card, Sosa was a rising star coming off three straight 40+ home run seasons. His epic battle with Mark McGwire enthralled the nation that summer and created lasting cardboard memories. Pristine Sosa #198s graded mint sell for $75-200 depending on auction activity, with gem copies reaching the $300-500 range.
Staying on the home run theme, Mark McGwire’s main issue #240 is a perennial fan favorite from 1998 Topps as it commemorates his record-setting 70 long balls. High-grade versions regularly eclipse $100 with strong eye appeal. The elusive true gem mint 10 copies have sold for upwards of $1,000, though condition like that is exceedingly rare to come by after 25 years of handling and showcase displays.
In terms of the highest prices attained for any single 1998 Topps card, that distinction belongs to card #417 – a legendary Ken Griffey Jr. rookie error copy where the word “rookie” is omitted from the text on the front. The extreme scarcity and obvious mistake have made these the stuff of collectors’ dreams. Currently there is only one definitively confirmed Griffey “no-rookie” error reported, and it sits securely in a private collection. Were it ever offered for public sale, estimates suggest it could sell for over $100,000 based on the one-of-a-kind status.
Of course, without huge name recognition or groundbreaking errors, plenty of 1998 Topps cards still have earning potential, if in lower price tiers compared to the headliners above. Players like Robin Ventura, Randy Johnson, Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter, and Larry Walker all have decent selling cards in the $25-75 range depending on condition. And for true vintage card investors, high grade complete factory sets of 1998 Topps routinely resell in the $500-1000 range after two decades.
While not always remembered as fondly as the classic tobacco era issues, there is no doubt the 1998 Topps baseball set kicked off an important modern period of growth and popularity for the sport card industry. Today it remains popular with collectors young and old for commemorating stars of that great home run summer like McGwire and Sosa. Condition sensitive standouts including the rookies of Garciaparra and Guzman – plus quirky errors featuring Griffey – cement this as a release still worth exploring and adding to a vintage card portfolio. With continued demand, the prices of distinguished 1998 Topps singles should hold steady or even appreciate further in the decades to come.
