The 2000 Topps baseball card set was released at the start of the new millennium and features rookie cards and stars from the 1999 MLB season. While not one of the most coveted vintage sets, there are still several cards from the 2000 Topps collection that hold value for collectors today. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key cards from the set that are worth money for enthusiasts.
One of the standout rookie cards from 2000 Topps is that of New York Mets pitcher Tom Glavine. As a two-time Cy Young award winner and one-time World Series champion, Glavine cemented his place in baseball history. This helped drive interest in his rookie card over the years. In near mint condition, Glavine’s 2000 Topps rookie card #178 can fetch $30-50. For traders interested in notable Mets, it remains a sought-after inclusion.
Another compelling rookie to emerge in 2000 was Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals. Widely considered one of the greatest hitters of all time, Pujols debuted with the Cardinals in 2001 and went on to have a first-ballot Hall of Fame career. Not surprisingly then, his 2000 Topps rookie card #241 is a blue chip item for collectors. In gem mint 10 condition, it can sell for $1,000 or more given Pujols’ legendary status. Even well-worn copies still trade hands for $75-150 based on his incredible legacy.
Pitcher Hideo Nomo also had an impressive career defined by his innovative throwing motion, and thus his 2000 Topps issue #620 retains collector attention. Near mint copies can sell between $15-30. For fans of 1990s Japanese stars like Nomo who made successful transitions to MLB, this serves as a noteworthy commemorative piece. Though not in the same star stratosphere as Pujols or Glavine, it remains a fun collectible for its subject.
The 2000 Topps set also functioned as the rookie card issuer for future superstars like Bobby Abreu #381, Lance Berkman #625, and Brad Lidge #669. While they may not command Pujols prices in high grade, Near Mint/Mint versions of these rookies can still sell in the $10-25 range based on the players’ strong MLB tenures. They provide bang for the buck as quality vintage pickups for collectors on tighter budgets. The 1999 Rookie All-Star subset also features young talents like Khalil Greene #91 who went on to have solid careers.
For fans of recent baseball history, 2000 Topps also contains serial numbered parallels like the ‘2000 Topps Millennium Photography’ prizm insert set that featured portraits of stars alongside fascinating factoids. Numbers cards below /1000 like Nomar Garciaparra #MP7 and Chipper Jones #MP23 can sell for $5-15 based on demand for the players and scarcity of low numbered versions. Parallel and serial numbered inserts from the era tend to hold collectors’ fascination when featuring notable names.
The base set itself contains iconic players as well. Ken Griffey Jr. #124, whose upper deck rookie is one of the most valuable modern cards, can trade hands for $3-8 in Near Mint condition based on his transcendent talent and popularity among collectors. Cal Ripken Jr. #141 holds steady $2-6 value for his remarkable iron man streak and status as a Baltimore and baseball legend. Such pedigree player items that tap into nostalgia will remain enjoyable pickup for 2000s collectors.
While not the most valuable vintage release, the 2000 Topps set does contain impactful rookie cards like Pujols that retain heavyweight status. Keys like Glavine, Nomo and prizm parallels of stars provide affordable entry points for collectors. Steady veterans like Griffey and Ripken grant nostalgia appeal. With a perfect storm of factors, certain 2000 Topps singles can offer a worthwhile financial foundation for growing a collection or flipping portfolio. With patience, the set remains one to watch in the vintage market space.
