The 2022 edition of Topps Allen & Ginter baseball cards was released in July 2022, continuing the long-running tradition of this unique baseball card product. Unlike typical baseball card sets that focus only on current MLB players, A&G incorporates players, managers, coaches and legends from baseball’s past along with non-sports characters and illustrations. This eclectic mix of subjects is what makes Allen & Ginter one of the most unique and collectible modern baseball card releases each year.
When it comes to the value of cards from the 2022 Topps Allen & Ginter baseball release, there are a few key factors that collectors look at – the scarcity and demand for particular cards, as well as the popularity of the subjects featured. While base cards of current MLB stars can be found for under $1, the biggest hits and most sought-after parallel and autograph cards command premium prices. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top 2022 A&G cards and examine why they hold significant value.
Perhaps the most valuable base card in the entire 2022 A&G set is the #150 Mike Trout card. Trout is widely considered the best player in baseball today and his cards always demand a premium. In PSA 10 Gem Mint condition, the Trout base card has sold for over $100 due to his star power and the card’s sharp photo and design. Other high-value base cards include #75 Albert Pujols ($25 PSA 10), #125 Shohei Ohtani ($20 PSA 10), and #25 Aaron Judge ($15 PSA 10). Collectors are willing to pay up for the games’ biggest active stars in top condition.
When it comes to parallel and autographed cards, that’s where the big money cards in 2022 A&G are found. The prized 1/1 parallel autos and patches can sell for thousands. Some examples of the most expensive parallel and hit cards include:
#150 Mike Trout Gold Wave Auto 1/1 – $4,000 sale price
#125 Shohei Ohtani Gold Wave Auto 1/1 – $3,500
#25 Aaron Judge Gold Wave Auto 1/1 – $2,800
#75 Albert Pujols Gold Wave Auto 1/1 – $2,500
#1 Babe Ruth Bat Relic Auto 10/25 – $2,000
#150 Mike Trout Green Wave Auto 10/25 – $1,800
#125 Shohei Ohtani Green Wave Auto 10/25 – $1,500
As you can see, parallels numbered to only 1 or 25 copies that feature the sport’s elite active players along with legends fetch the highest prices due to their extreme scarcity and desirability. Autograph relic cards with pieces of bats or jerseys also command a premium.
In addition to current stars, vintage players from baseball history hold significant value in the 2022 A&G set as well. Legendary names like Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, Jackie Robinson, and others will attract bids from collectors. Some examples include:
#1 Babe Ruth Portrait Variation /50 – $750
#86 Ted Williams Portrait Variation /50 – $600
#42 Jackie Robinson Portrait Variation /50 – $500
#5 Mickey Mantle Portrait Variation /50 – $450
Collectors love chasing down rare parallel variations of their favorite players from the past. Even base cards of legends in top condition can sell for $50-100 due to the nostalgia and history behind the players’ careers.
In addition to sports stars, the non-sports characters and illustrations mixed into A&G each year appeal to a wide variety of collectors. Popular characters that show up in 2022 and hold value include Godzilla, Ghostbusters, The Mandalorian, and The Beatles. Rarer parallel versions of these pop culture hits can sell for $200-400 based on design and scarcity.
Whether collecting base cards of current stars, chasing autographs and relics, or seeking vintage players, there are plenty of lucrative cards to be found in the 2022 Topps Allen & Ginter baseball release. For the unique mix of subjects, innovative designs, and opportunities to pull scarce parallel hits, A&G remains one of the most popular modern issues for collectors each summer. Top rookies and stars from this year’s crop of players are also sure to gain value as their careers progress.
