The 2022 Topps Chrome baseball card set was released on September 7th, 2022 and contains various cards that can be worth substantial money depending on factors like the player, autographs, printing plates, serial numbers and more. Topps Chrome has always been a premium product that collectors love due to the shiny refractors and photo variations contained within. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top 2022 Topps Chrome cards that hold significant value:
Shohei Ohtani Chrome Refractors – Any Shohei Ohtani card is going to be in high demand due to his unique two-way playing ability as a top pitcher and hitter. His chrome refractors from 2022 Topps Chrome rank among the most valuable. The base chrome refractor can fetch $50-150 while blue and green color parallels range from $150-400. Red and Atomic parallels escalate the value even higher to $300-1200 depending on the parallel and card grading company certification. Numbered parallels like /25, /10 and 1/1 versions command prices well over $1000.
Albert Pujols chrome inserts – Pujols was chasing some major MLB home run milestones in 2022 and collector interest was high around any special Pujols cards. His Topps Chrome insert cards achieve excellent prices. The iconic “SCP” Swingin’ Franchise Partner insert refractors sell for $75-150 in PSA 10 gem mint condition. Rarer parallels like The Franchise /99 or The Machine /75 parallels can sell for over $300 graded. His 1/1 printing plates are true treasures that could pull $2000+.
Autograph cards – Autograph cards are always in high demand from collectors and Topps Chrome features many stars. Rookie autographs of potential future Hall of Famers like Julio Rodriguez and Bobby Witt Jr fetch $150-300 initially but could appreciate significantly if they have great careers. Established stars like Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw, Jacob deGrom autographs range from $150-500 depending on parallel and condition. Numbered auto parallels /5, /10 elevate values higher. 1/1 auto plates are insanely rare treasures valued well over $5000 for top players.
Photo Variations – Topps Chrome is known for its parallels and photo variations, with different photo poses or uniforms for key players. Variations of stars like Aaron Judge, Mookie Betts, and Ronald Acuña Jr can pull prices over base cards. $25-50 for common variations up to $100-200 for rarer ones depending on the player and condition grades.
Green refractors – The traditional highly sought after green refractors from Topps Chrome hold significant value. For rookie stars like Julio Rodriguez and Bobby Witt Jr, green refractors fetch $75-150 already but should appreciate greatly if they pan out as stars long term. Established All Star players like Mike Trout and Fernando Tatis Jr green refractors range from $150 up to over $500 for top graded gem mint condition cards. Lower numbered parallels like /99 and /50 further escalate values considerably.
Numbered parallels – Rarer numbered parallel inserts and refractors from Topps Chrome always see high prices proportional to the parallel rarity. /99, /50, /25, /10 are popular but even lower like /5 or true 1/1 specimens draw immense sums. A nice Julio Rodriguez /99 refractor could sell for $200-500 already based on hype, but a 1/1 printing plate of a star like Aaron Judge or Juan Soto could conceivably achieve bids in excess of $5000-10000 for serious collectors.
Blue Wave parallels – Among the most stunning and valuable Topps Chrome parallels are the ultra-refractive shimmering Blue Wave inserts. A Blue Wave refractor of rookie sensation Julio Rodriguez or Bobby Witt Jr grades a true GEM MT PSA 10 sell initially for $300-600. Established MLB superstars on the level of a Mike Trout, Fernando Tatis Jr etc. could reach $1000+ for their top graded blue waves depending on career trajectory and demand.
Chrome autograph refractors – When Topps Chrome features an autographed chromium refractor card, you can bet that card is a prized treasure. Recent examples include Julio Rodriguez’s 2022 chrome auto refractors that are initially selling in the $750-1500 range based on early hype. Established stars signed chrome refractors such as a Mike Trout or Juan Soto auto refractor would garner $2000-4000 easily for a true gem PSA 10 specimen. These provide the holy grail of aesthetics with a true signed refractor hit.
There you have an overview of some of the 2022 Topps Chrome baseball cards that hold the most value based on players, inserts, autographs, and parallel rarities. As with any trading cards, condition grades directly impact prices from professional grading companies like PSA and BGS. The top rookie hits and stars on premiere parallels will always command the highest sums. With players succeeding or hype continuing to grow, young star cards from 2022 Topps Chrome could appreciate rapidly in the years ahead as collectors seek the best early copies available. This coveted products continues to excite and provide excellent long term collecting and potential investment opportunities.
