The 1999 Topps Chrome Baseball card set became an instant classic upon its release, with many of the cards from that year attaining immense popularity and value among collectors decades later. The innovative Chrome design, featuring glossy refractors and prismatic parallels, made for some of the most visually striking baseball cards ever produced. Combined with the roster of emerging star players and Hall of Famers included, 1999 Topps Chrome established itself as one of the premier modern issues in the hobby.
While complete sets can still be found for a few hundred dollars, several individual cards from 1999 Topps Chrome have exponentially increased in price over the past 20+ years. Either due to short printed serial numbers, memorable on-field accomplishments after the fact, or cult followings among enthusiasts, some ’99 Chrome singles currently rank among the most expensive and desirable in the sport. Let’s take a look at five of the most valuable cards from this beloved set and why each one commands top dollar on the secondary market today.
At the very top of the list is arguably the most coveted modern sports card in existence – the Mariano Rivera #147 Refractor parallel. As one of baseball’s all-time greatest relievers, Rivera’s popularity skyrocketed following his retirement in 2013 after a record-setting career spent entirely with the New York Yankees. With such a limited print run, estimates placed the number of Rivera refractors in existence under 10 copies. After a public bidding war in 2021, one PSA Gem Mint 10 example was privately sold for an astounding $1.3 million, setting a new high watermark for a single sports card. Needless to say, any Rivera ’99 Chrome in a PSA 10 holder would bring in well over six figures today.
Another absolute blue-chipper is the Chipper Jones #118 Refractor, featuring the future Hall of Famer in his early Atlanta Braves career. Jones went on to post MVP numbers and help lead the Braves to a World Series title in 1995, cementing himself as a suburban Atlanta icon. In high grade with sharp corners and clean surfaces, a Jones refractor recently sold for $108,000. The legendary slugger’s formidable stats and iconic status in the Southeast continue pushing values higher on this coveted rookie card years after his playing days concluded.
When it comes to sheer rarity, it’s hard to top the Derek Jeter #156 Short Print card with an estimated surviving population under 50 copies. As a five-time World Champion, captain of the Yankees dynasty, and surefire first-ballot Hall of Famer, Jeter’s on-card autograph parallels from ’99 fetch astronomical sums. A PSA 10 Jeter short print last changed hands privately for a reported $250,000, though some experts value higher examples potentially in the $500,000 range if one ever crossed the auction block.
One of the more intriguing valuations comes from a pitcher who has absolutely blown up since the 2009 season – Clayton Kershaw #319. The hometown Los Angeles Dodger lefty established himself as the best pitcher of his generation, winning 3 Cy Young Awards prior to age 30. Graded specimens of his rookie card parallel can pull in $15,000-20,000 slabs these days. With Kershaw still in his early 30s and on pace for a Cooperstown plaque, top Kershaw ’99 Chrome parallels could set new RC price ceilings well above $100,000 in the years ahead.
Rounding out the top five is perhaps the card with the highest upside long-term – the Ken Griffey Jr. #116 Refractor. Even after multiple back injuries derailed his Hall of Fame trajectory, Griffey remains one of the most beloved players in baseball history for his otherworldly talent and iconic swing. Due to short prints, mint PSA 10 Griffey refractors hit around $50,000 presently. With “The Kid” still resonating with generations of fans long after retiring, pristine examples could one day rival the sport’s top individual cards should conditions continue appreciating over decades to come.
The 1999 Topps Chrome set launched many superstar careers and encapsulated the exciting rookie seasons of future legends like Jeter, Jones, and Griffey. Combined with short prints, parallel refractors, and upside investments, select rookies and stars from this issue have evolved into true trophy assets for dedicated collectors. Two decades later, ’99 Topps Chrome remains a seminal release that is still yielding record-breaking prices for its most elite specimens under the microscope ofProfessional Sports Authenticator or Beckett Authentication Services grading.
