The 1999 Topps Baseball card set is highly sought after by collectors as it contains rookie cards and stars from the late 1990s. With PSA grading and encapsulation, graded versions of certain 1999 Topps cards can command high prices. Some of the top rookies and prospects from that season include:
Nomar Garciaparra – The Red Sox star shortstop’s rookie card is one of the most valuable from the set and PSA 10 versions routinely sell for over $300. Garciaparra was coming off an All-Star season where he finished third in AL MVP voting in 1998.
Tom Glavine – One of the best pitchers of his generation, Glavine’s card as an Atlanta Brave is popular to grade. He would go on to win his second Cy Young Award in 1998. PSA 10 examples sell in the $70-100 range.
Vladimir Guerrero – While not technically a rookie card since he played briefly in 1996, Guerrero’s card as a full-time Montreal Expo is sought after. He finished second in AL MVP voting in 1999 after batting .349. PSA 10s sell for around $150.
Rondell White – A highly touted prospect, White never fully lived up to expectations but his rookie card still holds value raw or graded. PSA 10s are around $50-75 given the hype he had coming into the season.
Kerry Wood – Arguably the biggest star from the 1998 rookie class, Wood’s card is popular for its iconic image from his 1998 20-strikeout game. Even in PSA 8 condition, his card sells for $50-75 due to enduring demand.
Beyond rookies, collector attention is also drawn to star players who are entering what would become Hall of Fame careers around 1999:
Ken Griffey Jr. – Already a mega-star in 1999 with 6 All-Star nods, Griffey’s card carries a premium. PSA 10s sell for $75-100 being one of his last Mariners cards before leaving for Cincinnati.
Greg Maddux – Considered one of the best pitchers ever, his 1999 card as an Atlanta Brave is popular especially in mint condition. PSA 10s are $50-75.
Randy Johnson – Entering his late-career dominant phase, Big Unit’s card is prized. Especially graded PSA 10s, with more than 250 combined strikeouts in 1998-99, bring $75-100.
Pedro Martinez – Coming off a season where he struck out 313 batters and won the Cy Young, one of his final Expos cards is coveted by collectors. PSA 10s are $100-150 range.
Cal Ripken Jr. – One of the most iconic players, his 1999 card as he approached breaking Lou Gehrig’s record is desirable. PSA 10s sell between $50-75 typically.
While other stars from that era like Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Ichiro Suzuki and Derek Jeter have cards in the set, the collecting focus tends to center more on rookie gems like Nomar, Wood and Glavine along with rising Hall of Famers like Griffey, Maddux and Johnson. The design is fairly basic but captures the playfulness of late 90s Topps sets. Overall it remains a highly relevant vintage release for collectors pursuing both valuable rookies and stars through third-party PSA grading authentication and protection. Many of the top PSA 10 cards can sell for well over $100 given the cache and history of players featured from that era of baseball.
