The release of the 2023 Topps baseball card series in late January marks the start of the new baseball card season. While hobby shops, big box stores, and online retailers like Topps.com will carry packs, boxes, and other products from the flagship set, eBay is always a top destination for collectors to find the newest Topps cards on the secondary market.
Whether it’s chasing rookie cards of prospects like Gunnar Henderson or Druw Jones, hunting for parallels and short prints, or looking to complete sets, collectors flock to eBay in the weeks and months after a new Topps release hits shelves. With its vast marketplace of individual cards and group lots from sellers around the world, eBay offers collectors a massive selection of 2023 Topps cards to choose from.
Of course, with increased demand comes increased prices. Savvy collectors know to check recently sold listings on eBay to gauge the current market value of certain cards before bidding or buying. For the hottest rookie cards or rare parallels, auctions can see prices well above pack/box odds retail values. Strategic timing of purchase is important for collectors on a budget.
Some early 2023 Topps standouts that have already generated buzz and strong eBay sales include the Gunnar Henderson Base Paper rookie, Druw Jones Base Paper rookie, Adley Rutschman Gold Foil Parallel /2022, and Bobby Witt Jr. Gold Foil Parallel /2022. These are must-have rookie cards for many collectors, so they tend to sell quickly and for premium prices.
For set builders, the base cards will be plentiful on eBay as more and more wax is cracked. Sellers with playsets for trade or sale are always posting, and individual base cards can often be had for just pennies if you’re patient. Keep an eye out for sellers running “buy it now” listings with competitive prices on commons.
Parallels and short prints are where the real chase cards lie in the 2023 Topps series. Popular parallels like Gold, Silver, Rainbow Foil, and Refractors add another layer of excitement to the hunt. Top rookie parallels command top dollar, so be prepared to dig deeper in your wallet if targeting the hottest parallels of prospects.
Veteran superstars also have desirable rare parallel cards. A Gold /50 Mike Trout or Rainbow Foil /25 Albert Pujols would be big eBay hits. Even numbered parallels like /10, /5 and 1/1 versions of stars constantly generate buzz across collecting forums when they surface.
Topps also inserts short printed cards randomly in wax that are tougher pulls than even the rarest parallels. eBay is the best place to track down some of these elusive SPs, which are true chase cards at very limited quantities. Popular short prints from past Topps series include Star Wars, Monsters, and Marvel inserts.
As the season progresses, Topps Update and Highlights cards on eBay will gain more attention. These sets feature rookie additions and performance updates on breakout players. Top prospect call-ups and award winners see a boost in secondary market demand for their new cards in the later series.
Vintage and insert card collectors also flock to eBay year-round. Complete your vintage Topps sets back to the 1950s-80s era or hunt down specific retired star and HOF player cards. Modern insert sets like Photo Shoot, Traditions, and Topps Now also spark collector interest long after initial release.
Whether you’re a long-time cardboard addict or new to the hobby, eBay is a must-browse destination for any collector of Topps baseball cards. With such a massive marketplace, you’re sure to find what you’re chasing from the 2023 series and beyond. Just be ready to dig deep for the most coveted rookie cards, parallels, and short prints breaking out of packs and circulating the eBay block. Good luck and happy hunting!
