The 2022 Topps Chrome Platinum Baseball card set was released on March 16th, 2022 and contains some of the most desirable rookie cards and veteran stars in the hobby. What sets the Platinum series apart from the base Topps Chrome release is the dazzling full-bleed platinum chrome photo variants for every card in the set. These ultra-premium parallels showcase the players under a striking platinum coating that truly makes them stand out in any collection.

The 2022 Topps Chrome Platinum set consists of 150 total cards with each player receiving the same photo as their base Topps Chrome counterpart. Where the base cards utilize a traditional white border, the Platinum parallels feature edge-to-edge photography for a luxurious aesthetic. As is standard for Topps Chrome over the years, the cards use high quality chrome stock which gives the photographs an incredibly vibrant and textured look under magnification. When combined with the platinum coating, the photographs truly pop off the card surface unlike anything else in the hobby.

For rookie card collectors, one of the biggest highlights of the 2022 Platinum release is the inclusion of rookie stars like Reds’ pitcher Hunter Greene. As one of the top pitching prospects in baseball, Greene’s rookie campaign did not disappoint as he flashed a 100+ MPH fastball all season long. His Topps Chrome Platinum rookie card pays homage to this blazing stuff with a lively action shot of Greene mid-windup. Others like Giants’ catcher Joey Bart, Twins’ pitcher Joe Ryan, and Guardians’ outfielder Steven Kwan also received their coveted rookie introductions in Platinum form. Of course, veterans stars like Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and Aaron Judge add mainstream star power to the set as well.

In terms of print runs, Topps kept the Platinum parallels quite limited to drive demand. Official estimates peg the print run at around 750 copies per card, making each one truly scarce compared to the tens of thousands printed for the base issue. This positions the Platinum cards as true high-end pieces that modern collectors love to slab and showcase in their collections. Low print runs also mean the cards retain their value exceptionally well over time. In fact, most vet cards from past Platinum issues consistently trade for 3-5x their base Chrome parallels on the secondary market.

Slabbing and grading is incredibly important for Platinum cards due to their rarity and premium status. Holders like PSA and BGS offer the authenticity and protection slabs provide, while also enhancing presentation. A pristine PSA 10 Platinum parallel literally glistens under lighting, thanks to its flawless surface and full-bleed photography sealed for posterity. These high-grade specimens are highly coveted and can demand huge premiums in auction. For example, Mike Trout’s 2012 Topps Chrome Platinum rookie card recently sold for over $45,000 in a PSA 10 slab on eBay – more than 10 times its PSA 9 counterpart.

While the 2022 Topps Chrome Platinum release carries an intimidating ticket price tag around $500 per hobby box, savvy collectors know it’s one of the best modern investments in the card market. Rates of appreciation for vintage Platinum parallels far outpace the S&P 500 or gold over the long haul. The limted print runs and increasing population of passionate collectors virtually assure higher prices with age. Even raw ungraded copies retain strong collector demand. For those unwilling to spring for an entire box, singles can still be acquired, especially base veterans, at reasonable prices on the secondary market.

For its exquisite full-bleed photography, ultra-low print runs, intense grading demand, and proven history of appreciation – 2022 Topps Chrome Platinum stands out as one of the top shelf releases collectors eagerly anticipate each year. While not for the budget conscious, the set offers a luxurious collecting experience and preserves the hobby’s legacy of high-end parallels that gain prestige with time. Whether acquired as investments, for PC additions, or simply to admire – Platinum continues dazzling fans as one of the flagships of the modern collecting era.