2022 Topps Chrome Platinum Baseball Cards – Premium Refractors on the Rise
The 2022 Topps Chrome Platinum baseball card set was released on September 28th, 2022 and featured some of the brightest young stars and veteran superstars in flashy refractors. As one of the flagship premium parallels in Topps Chrome each year, Platinum cards offer collectors high-end hits in a limited printing. With only /99 copies of each card made, they are among the most coveted short prints to acquire. While still relatively new, 2022 Topps Chrome Platinum cards have already started to gain value due to strong player selections and the growing hobby demand for upper-tier inserts. Here’s a closer look at what drives the rising value of these premium refractors.
Top Rookies Lead the Way
Not surprisingly, the top rookie cards in 2022 Topps Chrome Platinum have been some of the most sought after and valuable. Cards like Julio Rodríguez, Benny Montgomery, and Druw Jones are considered hits as they feature some of the brightest young prospects. Rodríguez in particular has seen his Platinum skyrocket after an incredible rookie season that ended with him finishing second in AL ROY voting. PSA 10 examples of his card recently sold for over $800, a major increase from its initial release price in the $150-200 range. Rookie frenzy will likely continue to boost these short prints, making first Bowman Chrome Platinums a wise long term investment.
Veteran Star Power Shines Bright
While rookies get plenty of attention, proven veteran sluggers in the set also hold strong value due to their production and brand name recognition. Topps Chrome Platinum parallels for superstars like Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge and Mookie Betts are sure to retain a premium as long as they stay healthy and performing at an elite level. A PSA 10 Trout Platinum sold for nearly $900, showcasing how his legendary status alone makes for a highly coveted cardboard. Veteran placers provide a level of safety since risks of hype or injury busting are much lower compared to prospects. Their popularity will help ensure steady or increasing demand for years to come.
Limited Print Runs Create Scarcity
With only 99 copies of each Topps Chrome Platinum card in existence, scarcity is baked into the design of the insert parallel. Low populations immediately create natural demand simply due to the rarity of obtaining each specific player version. This scarcity principle drives up interest and in turn, value over time. Fewer duplicates floating around on the secondary market means less availability and more competition for higher grades. While release prices may seem steep initially, limited print runs virtually guarantee longevity as collector’s long term holdings. As the hobby grows and available copies dwindle, the inherent scarcity will continue propping up prices across the board.
Grading Magnifies Rarity and Premium
Obtaining PSA or BGS gem mint 10 graded examples of already scarce Topps Chrome Platinum parallel cards is truly the Holy Grail for super collectors. Population reports show single digit or less counted specimens regularly, multiplying the rarity factor to astronomical levels. A PSA 10 Rodríguez Platinum may be a one-of-one unique entity with a pop of just 1 currently. Naturally, mint luxury examples like these demand enormous premiums from the most avid of investors and enthusiasts. Even PSA 9’s hold enhanced value due to the upgraded protection and third party verification of condition. Savvy collectors understand that maximizing grades is key to maximizing long term profits in this ultra-premium segment.
Hobby Demand is Ever-Increasing
One unmistakable trend driving all high-end MLB cards higher is the red-hot growth stemming from renewed mainstream interest and participation in the collecting space. Millions of new and returning fans are invading the market, fueling unprecedented demand across the board. Limited premium parallels see the biggest bump as the influx of deep pocketed collectors seeks the rarest and most exclusive items to build blue chip portfolios. No signs of slowing either – membership numbers for PWCC Auctions and Goldin Auctions continue smashing records quarter after quarter. This ballooning demand can only serve to further elevate already appreciated 2022 Topps Chrome Platinum rookies, stars and short prints for years to come.
In Summary
With elite young talent, proven veteran stars, scarce print runs, strong grades and surging overall hobby demand, 2022 Topps Chrome Platinum baseball cards have all the ingredients needed to appreciate substantially in the secondary marketplace. Initial release prices often seem lofty, but proven principles of scarcity, popularity and collecting interests point to long term intrinsic value increases. Savvy investors recognizing these attributes are well positioned to build premier modern portfolio ballast with Topps Chrome Platinums at their core. How high they ultimately climb remains to be seen, but 2023 and beyond looks bright for this premier tier of premium refractors within the Topps Chrome flagship.
