While 2007 may not have been one of the most renowned vintage years for Topps baseball cards, there were still several notable and valuable rookies cards introduced that year as well as stars continuing to produce on the field. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most notable and valuable Topps baseball cards from the 2007 set.
The biggest star and arguably most valuable card from the 2007 Topps set is Justin Verlander’s rookie card. Verlander was already establishing himself as an ace and workhorse after winning Rookie of the Year honors in 2006. His accomplishments and pitching accolades only continued to grow from there. Within just a few years, Verlander would win the American League Cy Young and MVP awards in 2011 after posting a 24-5 record and leading the league in wins, ERA and strikeouts. This helped drive interest and demand for his rookie card. Today, a Verlander 2007 Topps rookie card in near-mint to mint condition can fetch $100-$250 raw or $300-600 graded by PSA or BGS if it receives a high grade. This makes it one of the more valuable modern age rookies from the 2000s.
Another Blue Jays pitcher also made his Topps debut in 2007 that has proven to be quite valuable. That’s Roy Halladay, who was in his early prime during this time as a workhorse and one of the best control pitchers in baseball. From 2002-2009, Doc piled up excellent numbers including a perfect game and no-hitter. He continued putting up impressive seasons even after being traded to the Phillies. This helped fuel the collection and appreciation for his Topps rookie from 2007 over the years. A Halladay 2007 Topps rookie in good condition sells for around $30-$60, increasing to $80-$150 if it grades well. So while not as valuable as Verlander long term, it’s still a notable modern rookie card.
Two other highly valuable rookie cards from 2007 Topps are those of Ryan Braun and Troy Tulowitzki. Braun, the 2005 NL Rookie of the Year, was just entering his prime of back-to-back 40 HR seasons for the Brewers. Meanwhile Tulowitzki, also a highly touted prospect, was becoming a star shortstop for the Rockies. Their rookies sell in the $50-150 range raw or $150-350 if PSA/BGS graded high. Both players held all-star careers that kept collector demand high for these rookies over the years as well. In fact, the Braun is perhaps is the most consistently graded and sought after rookie card from 2007 Topps outside of Verlander.
Some star performers having career seasons in 2007 resulted in valuable base cards that year as well. For example, Alex Rodriguez was having a huge season for the Yankees that would culminate in an AL MVP award and nearing the career home run record. His base card from that year when he led MLB in home runs sells for $5-15 raw but $15-30 if graded high. Another star wasChipper Jones, who was wrapping up his Hall of Fame career with the Braves. Jones’s 2007 Topps base sells for $3-$10 in average condition but $10-25 for high grades, showing demand from collectors appreciating his legendary career.
Chase Utley was also enjoying an All-Star caliber season for the Phillies in 2007. That year he batted .332, led the NL in hits and doubles, finished top 5 in MVP voting and helped the Phillies reach the playoffs. This recognition translated to solid collector interest in his 2007 Topps base card, which sells for $5 raw but $15-30 if graded high. Meanwhile, reigning NL Cy Young winner Brandon Webb had a strong season to match for the Diamondbacks and his 2007 Topps base is valued around $3-8 raw or $8-15 PSA/BGS graded.
Some parallels and inserts from the 2007 Topps set have also proven valuable depending on the player featured and specific parallel. Of note, the Chipper Jones Gold parallel /250 has sold for $40-80. The Verlander Franchise Foundation parallel /99 has reached $80-150 in high grades. And the Josh Hamilton Stars & Stripes parallel /76 (in recognition of the July 4th All-Star game that year) has sold for $50-100 graded. Insert cards highlighting stars like A-Rod, Pujols, Jeter, etc have found buyers at $8-20 a pop for popular players if graded well.
While 2007 may not be one of the biggest flagship years of the hobby, it did introduce several stars via their rookie cards that have provided value over the long term. Names like Verlander, Braun and Tulowitzki leading the way. Solid star seasons that year by veterans like Chipper Jones, Chase Utley and Alex Rodriguez made for desirable base cards as well. And some parallels and inserts featuring top talents have residual collector demand. Overall the 2007 Topps set shows how even modern issues can birth valuables if the talents pan out long term.
