The 2007 Topps baseball card set featured some of the biggest names in baseball and included rookies that would go on to have amazing careers. While most packs of 2007 Topps cards could be found for around $3-4, certain short printed and rookie cards have gained major value in the years since. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable 2007 Topps cards that card collectors love to hunt for.
One of the true heavyweight cards from the set is the #206 Red Refractor parallel of Justin Upton. Upton was already generating buzz in 2007 as one of the sport’s top prospects and this parallel capture him in a Cardinals uniform during his rookie season. Only 10 of the Red Refractors were printed, making this one of the rarest parallels everfound in a Topps flagship set. In gem mint condition, the Upton Red Refractor now fetches prices up to $4,000 due to its rarity and subject.
Staying with the parallels, the #133 Green Refractor of then-Pirate Freddy Sanchez consistently sells in the $300-500 range. As one of the more prominent Green Refractors from the design, its scarcity and subject matter combine to create strong collector demand.
For Dodger fans, one of the true crowning jewels from the set is the #490 Yasiel Puig rookie card. Puig’s arrival in 2013 revived Dodger fandom but collectors were intrigued by his potential years before his debut. His base rookie is still obtainable for $15-30 but the puropse and red refractors have climbed into the $150-300 range due to his stardom.
Though he took a bit to reach the bigs, Mike Trout rookie cards were being hoarded by the savvy even in 2007. His base is around $50 in mint condition while the parallel versions can bring $200-400. After winning 3 MVP awards by age 25, Trout mania has hit the card world and values are only going higher.
Another big fish from the 2007 rookie class is Ian Kinsler. As a key member of the Rangers rise, his base rookie sits at $15-25 while the Parallel and Refractor versions reach the $50-100 range. Kinsler has had a strong career hitting over 250 home runs so far.
While rookie fever drives prices, established stars also hold value. The #181 Derek Jeter is iconic for collectors of the long-time Yankee. In near mint to mint condition, it sells for $40-75. The Captain’s career and classiness resonate with hobbyists.
Pitching prospects were also closely followed in 2007. The #486 David Price rookie for the Devil Rays shows the lefty before his breakout. It sells for $15-30 with the parallels reaching the $50-100 range. Price went on to win the 2012 AL Cy Young award.
For Nationals fans, the #102 Stephen Strasburg rookie jumped in value after his electrifying 2010 debut. The Strasburg rookie sells in the $30-50 range with Parallels and Refractors reaching up to $150-300. ‘Strasburg mania’ took the hobby by storm after his jaw-dropping arrival.
The #197 Clayton Kershaw rookie got sneaky valuable as the southpaw emerged as one of the game’s definitive aces. His career 1.96 playoff ERA adds to the mystique. The Kershaw rookie sells for around $50-75 on the strong market.
Of the true ‘short prints’ which were only present in around 1 or 2 boxes per case, the #498 Kelvin Torve rookie for Minnesota has exploded to over $300 due to his breakouts. Torve went 44-12 over 2010-2011 to put himself on the map.
The 2007 Topps baseball card design was ahead of its time capturing young talent like Upton, Puig, Trout and Price who all became superstars years later. While most base cards hold modest value, the parallels and short prints have become highly sought by knowledgeable collectors. The rookies and stars featured make 2007 one of the most valuable modern issues to hunt. Prices are sure to keep rising as these players cement their legends in Cooperstown.
