The 2017 Topps Baseball Card set was the flagship baseball card release for the 2017 MLB season by Topps. As with every year, Topps released multiple parallel and insert sets in addition to the base set. Collecting a complete set of the 2017 Topps cards, including all the parallels and inserts, is no small feat. For the serious collector, owning a true complete set provides immense satisfaction and value.
The 2017 Topps base set included cards numbered 1-534 featuring all 30 MLB teams. Some of the top rookie cards included in the base set were Dansby Swanson, Andrew Benintendi, and Alex Bregman. The photographic quality and card stock were on par for what collectors have come to expect from modern Topps releases. While individual base cards hold little value, the true worth is in owning a fully completed set.
In addition to the base cards, Topps released several parallel and insert sets that added numerous chase cards that increased the overall set value. Some of the most notable parallel and insert sets included:
Topps Chrome (1-150): This popular refracted parallel featured a shiny chrome-like finish. The rarer serial numbered parallels added significant value.
Topps Heritage (1-99): Paying homage to the classic design of the original 1954 Topps set. The retro styling was popular with collectors.
Topps Opening Day (1-99): Highlighting each team’s starting lineup on Opening Day. A favorite for team collectors.
Topps Gallery of Heroes (1-50): Honoring baseball legends with regal artwork treatments. Highly sought after by collectors.
Topps Now (Unnumbered): Topps’ on-demand print-on-demand cards allowed them to produce cards for late-breaking events. Created excitement and collecting opportunities.
Topps Archives (1-50): Vintage-style cards recreating designs from the past in low print runs. Nostalgic and visually appealing.
Topps Allen & Ginter (Unnumbered): Including inserts featuring athletes from other sports, entertainers and more in the traditional A&G style. Wide appeal.
Topps Stickers (Unnumbered): Always a fun subset for collectors of all ages featuring peel-and-stick versions of stars.
When valuing a complete 2017 Topps Baseball set, several key factors must be considered:
Population report data shows only a small fraction of the estimated prints have been registered as completed sets on tracking sites. This rarity drives up demand.
The inclusion of so many highly sought after parallel and insert sets makes a true full set nearly impossible without deep pockets or years of trading.
The rise of online selling platforms like eBay have created a much more efficient marketplace for collectors to value their collections monetarily.
The current strong financial state and growing popularity of MLB and baseball card collecting in general has increased interest and prices across the board.
Based on recent sales data of completed 2017 Topps Baseball sets (including all reported parallels and inserts) on eBay, a reasonable estimated current market value would be:
PSA/BGS Graded Gem Mint Set – $4,000-$6,000
Raw/Ungraded Complete Set – $2,500-3,500
Incomplete Set (Missing Keys) – $1,000-2,000
While individual card values will fluctuate based on player performance and the ever-changing collector market, a complete 2017 Topps Baseball set offers collectors a stable, long-term hold that is a sound investment. For those with the dedication, patience and financial means to check off every single card on their want lists, the sense of accomplishment and store of value of a true complete set cannot be overstated.
Owning a 100% fully registered complete 2017 Topps Baseball Card set, including all reported inserts and parallels, provides collectors with a rare achievement worth $2,500-$6,000 based on today’s market. For serious set builders and investors, it serves as a prized cornerstone of any collection with strong long-term appreciation potential.
