The 2014 Topps baseball card set featured a wide array of cards that have gained value since their initial release. While not quite as iconic or valuable as some previous Topps sets from the late 80s or 90s, there are a number of cards from the 2014 collection that hold significance for collectors and have increased in secondary market worth. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the key 2014 Topps cards that are worth money for collectors today.
One of the most valuable rookie cards from the 2014 Topps set is that of future superstar MLB third baseman Kris Bryant. Bryant had a phenomenal rookie season in 2015 where he was named National League Rookie of the Year and helped lead the Chicago Cubs to their first World Series title in over a century. As one of the young cornerstones of that Cubs championship team who went on to have all-star caliber seasons, Bryant’s rookie card is a highly sought after piece for collectors. PSA 10 gem mint copies of his base rookie card have sold for well over $1000 in recent years while even well-centered PSA 9Near Mint copies can fetch $400-500. Another hugely valuable Cubs card is an Anthony Rizzo autographed refractor parallel /50. Rizzo emerged as a fan favorite and longtime franchise cornerstone for the Cubs so his low-printed autographed cards hold tremendous value, with PSA 9 copies selling for $1200-1500.
Mike Trout continues to be one of the most coveted players in the hobby given his accomplishments as a three-time AL MVP and arguably the best player of his generation. His 2014 Topps base rookie card remains a gold standard among collectors. While PSA 10 copies trade hands for $1000-1500, even well-centered PSA 9 versions can still sell for $500-800 due to Trout’s enduring appeal. Other notable Trout rookie parallels from 2014 Topps include the gold refractor /2013 and platinum refractors /70, with PSA 9 copies of those parallels reaching $600-800 and $1200-1500 respectively. Fellow young slugger Bryce Harper also has a valuable 2014 Topps flagship rookie card, with PSA 10’s bringing in $200-300 and PSA 9’s $120-150. Harper autograph parallels and difficult-to-pull short prints carry far higher values still.
Veteran superstars with Hall of Fame pedigrees also have desirable cards in the 2014 Topps set. A PSA 10 Derek Jeter base card can attain $40-60 while a PSA 9 fetches $25-35 given his impeccable career and iconic status with the Yankees. A PSA 9 Miguel Cabrera flagship RC from the late 90s still sells for $80-100 despite being nearly 20 years old at this point. A PSA 10 David Ortiz base card from his final season can reach $30-50 while a PSA 9 commands $15-25. These are affordable collectibles for fans of such generational talents to commemorate their remarkable careers. Rarer parallels and memorabilia cards for these legends carry significantly higher values too.
Rookies and stars aren’t the only ones with valuables cards, as insert sets in particular have drawn keen collector interest. The “Gypsy Queen” insert set pays homage to a classic Topps design and features vibrant artwork – with a PSA 10 Clayton Kershaw going for $50-75 and a PSA 9 for $25-35. “Gold Rush” inserts depict iconic players in gold foil with a mini auto or patch and have also gained value over time. The highly sought after 1/1 variation cards from sets like “Diamond Kings” can reach five figures depending on the player featured. Parallel cards like refractors and sepia parallels hold special significance as well in the 2014 Topps release.
Condition is enormously important when determining the value of any collectible card. While raw, ungraded copies may sell for just a few dollars on the secondary market, slabbed and graded versions especially at the PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 level can be 100x more valuable or greater. Even top rookies start at the $50-100 range in PSA 10 whereas a 9 might be $20-40 and an 8 just a few dollars. But low-minted parallels hold value at all grade levels due to rarity. Proper storage in slim penny sleeves and toploaders is vital to preserving these valuable pieces of sports history.
While 2014 Topps may lack the true vintage cachet of 1980s/90s offerings, a number of its cards have proven to retain and build value over the years thanks to standout rookie campaigns, Hall of Fame careers, scarce parallels and inserts. Savvy collectors would be wise to tuck away rookie gems like Bryant and Trout along with inserts showcasing the games’ all-time greats like Jeter, Cabrera and Ortiz which represent affordable historical investments. Condition remains king, so attentive care and potential professional grading serves collectors best. Overall the 2014 Topps baseball release holds enduring appeal and financial worth for cardboard aficionados.
