The 2023 Donruss baseball set is one of the most anticipated releases of the new year. While Donruss is known for its affordable wax boxes and packs, there are also several rare and valuable cards collectors are chasing. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top 2023 Donruss baseball rare cards collectors will be hunting.
Perhaps the biggest chase card in the entire set is the prizm 1/1 parallel. Like in past years, Donruss includes prizm refractors in its base set that can be found at a much lower print run than the base cards. The prizm 1/1 takes this a step further as it is the only copy of that particular card design printed. Securing a prizm 1/1 of a star player like Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, or Ronald Acuña Jr. would be an incredible hit. These 1/1s are exceptionally rare and could fetch thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars depending on the player depicted and condition.
Another major rare parallel collectors are after is the /5 black prizm refractor. Like the 1/1, black prizm refractors feature the eye-catching rainbow foil design Donruss is known for. They are printed in severely limited quantities of only 5 copies. Pulling a /5 black prizm of a top rookie or veteran star would be a true treasure. Some examples that could hold immense value include Bobby Witt Jr., Julio Rodriguez, or Mike Trout. The rarer the player, the more desirable and valuable these /5 parallels become.
The prizm silver /10 parallel is also one to watch out for. These have the same striking prizm design but are limited to just 10 copies each. While not quite as scarce as the /5s, prizm silver cards still represent some of the rarest versions of any given player available in the base set. RCs or key vets on this parallel like Ohtani, Soto, Acuña, etc. could be worth hundreds or low thousands in top grades. The lower the numbered copy, the higher its estimated value.
For collectors looking for autograph or memorabilia cards, 2023 Donruss has some exciting rare parallels as well. The prizm auto /5 is one of the set’s most sought-after chase cards. Featuring a player autograph and prizm refractor technology, these are printed in quantities of only five. Pulling a top name like Witt Jr. or Rodriguez on this parallel could net tens of thousands of dollars PSA/BGS Gem Mint. Even star veterans on /5 prizm autos hold tremendous value.
The 1/1 auto parallel is the true holy grail for 2023 Donruss baseball collectors. As the lone copy in existence for a given player, these singular 1/1 autographs command astronomical prices. While the odds of pulling one are infinitesimally small, landing names like Ohtani, Trout, Soto or Acuña would make for an unforgettable hit. Estimated values for 1/1 autos of top stars can range from mid-five figures to well over six figures depending on player and market conditions.
For those hunting memorabilia cards, the /5 dual or triple relic parallel is a major rare parallel to target. Featuring swatches or fragments from two or three different game-used items, these are printed just five times each. Securing top rookies or veterans on the /5 dual/triple relic could net thousands of dollars or more. Other low-numbered memorabilia cards like /10s, /25s and 1/1s hold tremendous value as well for the right players.
In addition to the base set, 2023 Donruss also includes several high-end parallels in their various hobby-exclusive products. The prizm black 1/1 parallel found in jumbo boxes is the ultimate rare parallel from the set. As the sole copy in existence for a given image, these 1/1s are true unicorns. Other ultra-rare parallels include prizm black /5s from jumbos, as well as prizm gold /10s and 1/1s from hobby boxes. Autograph and memorabilia parallels on these levels could shatter record prices for star players.
While the base set prizm parallels and low-numbered hits represent some of the biggest chase cards, 2023 Donruss also has several rare inserts collectors seek. The “Rookie Ticket” parallel features prizm-style designs of top prospects. Numbers are usually around /99 or lower. “Donruss Origins” honors great players from history on rare on-card autographs. And “Donruss Now” highlights current stars on memorabilia cards. These inserts are tough pulls but hold great value for the right players.
With its affordable wax and exciting rare parallels, 2023 Donruss baseball is primed to be a hugely popular release. While base cards are plentiful, low-numbered refractors, autos, and memorabilia cards of top names are exceedingly rare. Securing prizm 1/1s, /5s, and other ultra-limited parallels of stars like Ohtani, Trout, Acuña or rookies like Witt Jr. and Rodriguez would be true white whales. With patience and luck, collectors have a shot at uncovering buried treasure in each 2023 Donruss pack or box they open in their quest for the set’s most coveted rare cards.
