The 1999 Topps baseball card set featured many star players and rookies that have gone on to have Hall of Fame caliber careers. As a result, several of the cards from that year have increased tremendously in value over time. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable 1999 Topps baseball cards that collectors are coveting today.
Ken Griffey Jr. #1 – Widely considered one of the best players of his generation, Griffey was in his prime during the late 90s. His stellar career was cut short by injuries but from 1989-2000 he was one of baseball’s elite sluggers. His 1999 Topps base card, which features him in a Seattle Mariners uniform, is the most coveted card of the entire set. In gem mint condition, it can fetch upwards of $400-$500. Even well-worn copies in played condition sell for $50-75 due to Griffey’s popularity and iconic status.
Chipper Jones #347 – As the #1 overall pick in the 1990 draft by the Atlanta Braves, Jones lived up to the hype by becoming a perennial All-Star and winning the 1999 NL MVP award. He was in the early stages of a Hall of Fame career in ’99. His slick looking rookie card featuring his side profile in a Braves uniform is a must-have for any collector. A pristine mint copy can sell for $200 while average condition copies trade hands for $40-75.
Derek Jeter #258 – As the captain and career-long face of the Yankees franchise, Jeter’s popularity extends far beyond baseball fans. His 1999 Topps card, which depicts him making a sliding play at shortstop in iconic pinstripes, is a strong investment even in lower grades due to his widespread name recognition and status as a surefire future Hall of Famer. Near-mint copies have sold for $150-250 while well-worn cards go for $50-100 based on the condition.
Ichiro Suzuki #700 – Ichiro exploded onto the MLB scene in 2001 and shattered longstanding single-season records previously held by George Sisler with 262 hits. But collectors knew he was a star before he reached America. His 1999 Topps Japanese BBM baseball card is one of the most iconic rookie cards ever issued. Since it preceded his MLB debut and exploding popularity state-side, mint copies can command prices upwards of $500-1000. Even heavily played copies sell for $150-300.
Todd Helton #255 – The smooth swinging Rockies first baseman won the 2000 NL batting title and was a perennial All-Star and Gold Glover during his 17-year career in Colorado. He was an emerging young star in 1999 with his trademark swing. Pristine mint versions of his sturdy looking rookie card in Rockies garb have traded hands for $175-300 depending on the market. Well-preserved copies still attract prices of $50-100.
Some other valuable rookies and young stars from the 1999 Topps set include Pat Burrell (#500) who had a solid career mostly with the Phillies. Near-mint Burrell rookies have sold for $80-150. Scott Rolen (#600) was a stud third baseman for the Phillies and others winning several Gold Gloves. His sharp rookie card goes for $50-100 in top condition. Lance Berkman (#550) made six All-Star teams primarily with Houston. Near-mint copies of his promising rookie card sell in the $60-120 range.
Veteran star cards that hold value include Ken Griffey Jr. teammates Alex Rodriguez (#180) and Edgar Martinez (#325). A-Rod went on to smash career records and Martinez was a hitting machine – their sharp veteran cards from ’99 often trade in the $50-100 range depending on condition. Greg Maddux (#150), Tom Glavine (#370), and John Smoltz (#410) were all aces anchoring the dominating Braves rotations of the 90s – their high-quality veteran cards typically sell for $40-80 each.
The 1999 Topps baseball set remains a gold mine for savvy collectors two decades later thanks to star young players like Chipper Jones, Derek Jeter, and Todd Helton who blossomed into legends plus elites like Ken Griffey Jr. and dynamic internationals like Ichiro. For those able to acquire high-grade examples of the winners from this vintage crop over the years, they now hold valuable assets with staying power.
