The 2023 Topps Series 1 MLB Baseball trading card set is one of the most highly anticipated releases each year. As the flagship set that kicks off the new season each spring, Series 1 is where collectors can find rookies, stars, and exciting new additions to teams for the coming year. For those serious about collecting the entire set, a monster box provides an efficient and cost-effective way to build a complete collection.
A Topps Series 1 monster box contains 36 factory-sealed hobby boxes. Each hobby box includes 12 packs with 5 cards per pack, providing a total of 1,296 Series 1 cards in one monster box purchase. While a single hobby box retails for around $100, a monster box saves collectors money at only $300-350 per box when purchased directly from Topps or a major hobby shop. This works out to just $0.25-0.30 per card compared to $0.77 if buying individual packs.
The savings and efficiency of a monster box make it the preferred option for set collectors and investors. It allows collectors to efficiently sort through the entire set’s base cards and variations in one sitting. Any duplicate cards can then be sorted for potential trades. Monster boxes also provide the best odds of pulling highly sought after rookie cards, autographs, and numbered parallels due to the massive quantity of packs included.
Some key rookies to watch for in the 2023 Topps Series 1 set include catcher Adley Rutschman of the Baltimore Orioles, shortstop Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates, and outfielder Julio Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners. All three are considered future stars and their rookie cards from Series 1 are sure to be in high demand. Other notable rookies that could make their MLB debut in 2023 include catcher Gabriel Moreno of the Toronto Blue Jays and infielder Brett Baty of the New York Mets.
In addition to rookies, collectors will want to keep an eye out for star players like Shohei Ohtani, Fernando Tatis Jr., Ronald Acuña Jr., and Mike Trout. Their base rookies cards remain highly collectible and valuable years after their debut. Parallels and autographs of star players command the highest prices. Numbered parallels like Gold /50, Silver /75 and Red /25 are particularly desirable due to their limited print runs.
Topps has also introduced several new insert sets in recent years like Gallery of Stars, Topps Now, and Archives Signature Series that feature current players. These provide collectors variety beyond the base checklist. Autographed cards from these inserts carry premium prices. Numbered parallels like 1/1 plates and printing plates from any insert set are true chase cards due to their extremely limited availability.
Completing the entire base set is a challenge that many collectors take on each year. In addition to the main checklist of approximately 300 cards, Topps Series 1 also includes variations like Sepia, Rainbow Foil, Negative and Canvas parallels. Completists must locate each variation to have a true 100% complete set. For this reason, the sheer volume provided by a monster box is extremely beneficial. It allows for methodically sorting through all cards to check for variations with less risk of missing any.
Once the base set is complete, the real hunt begins to locate hit cards like autographs and rare numbered parallels. While odds are low for any individual pack or box, the law of large numbers favors those who rip through a full monster box. Examples of some of the biggest hits that can be pulled from a 2023 Topps Series 1 monster box include:
Autograph cards of top rookies like Rutschman, Cruz, Rodriguez numbered to only 99 or less copies. Prices start at $500+ for common players but can reach $1,000+ for elite prospects.
Top prospect autographs like Moreno or Baty can fetch $250-500+ depending on the player and if on-card or sticker autograph.
Star player autographs of Ohtani, Trout, Acuña, Soto, etc. numbered to only 10 or 25 copies sell for $1,000+ even for simple on-card autographs.
Exclusive 1/1 printing plate autographs of any star player can sell for $5,000+ due to their singular rarity.
Premier level autographs like “Triple Threads” featuring a patch, bat, and autograph all in one card have sold for over $10,000 when a superstar is featured.
Ultra rare parallels like Gold /50, Silver /75 and Red /25 of top rookies or stars can sell for hundreds due to their limited numbers. Red parallels have sold for over $1,000 before.
Autographed memorabilia cards featuring game used bat, jersey or ball pieces with authentication from companies like Beckett can reach $500-1,000+ depending on the player featured. Multi-relic cards fetch even more.
Numbered parallels like Gold /50 that feature elite prospects or stars hold value better than common players. A Gold parallel of superstar like Trout could sell for $500-1,000 long term.
Printing plates and 1/1 versions of the above parallels and memorabilia cards become true holy grails worth thousands to the right collector due to singular availability.
As you can see, the potential value of hits that could be pulled from a 2023 Topps Series 1 monster box runs the gamut. While there is inherent risk that any particular box won’t yield a major hit card, the law of averages is on the side of those who purchase multiple boxes. Even if the monetary value of hits doesn’t pan out, many collectors simply enjoy the hobby and thrill of the hunt. Building a complete base set and discovering new variations is reward in itself to serious collectors.
When it comes to the resale market, Series 1 cards have proven to retain value very well long term. Rookie cards of players who go on to stardom can gain exponentially in price over the years. Even base rookies of average players hold steady resale value. For investors, Series 1 provides an opportunity to purchase cards as early investments that can be held for years. A properly stored and graded monster box could become quite valuable in the future as a complete sealed product from a player’s rookie year.
The 2023 Topps Series 1 MLB trading card set is primed to be another highly collectible and valuable release. For dedicated collectors looking to efficiently build their complete set collection, locate hit cards, and enjoy the full Series 1 experience, a monster box provides an unparalleled opening day experience. The savings, volume, and collecting experience make it a smart choice for both collectors and long term investors. With rookies like Rutschman, Cruz, and Rodriguez on the horizon, this year’s Series 1 is poised to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.
