The 2013 Topps Baseball card set is one of the most popular and valuable issues in recent years. Released in March 2013, the flagship Topps product contained several highly sought after rookie cards that have increased exponentially in secondary market value over the past decade. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top rookies and other notable inclusions from the 2013 Topps set that hold significant collector interest and demand.
One of the biggest hits from 2013 Topps is the Mike Trout rookie card. Widely considered one of the best players of his generation, Trout’s Topps rookie card #338 is a holy grail for many collectors. In mint condition straight out of the pack, Trout rookies were selling for under $20 in 2013 but have skyrocketed in the following years. As of 2022, a PSA Gem Mint 10 graded Trout rookie regularly fetches well over $1000 on the open market, with some examples breaking the $2000-3000 range. Even raw near-mint copies in sleeves are valued around $200-400 minimum depending on centering and condition nuances. The Trout is undoubtedly the most coveted inclusion from the entire set and remains a long-term blue chip holding.
Another breakout star with a highly valuable rookie in the ’13 Topps set is Bryce Harper. Like Trout, Harper established himself as a true superstar very quickly and his card values adjusted accordingly. The Harper Topps rookie #181 also trended upwards sharply since release. PSA 10 examples now sell for $500-800 on average, while raw near-mint copies trade hands from $100-250 based on attributes. Even in lower grades, there is strong collector interest in the Harper RC that keeps prices elevated compared to release prices under $10 back in ’13. This is without question one of the best MLB rookie cards available from the past decade.
In addition to Trout and Harper, the 2013 Topps Baseball set contained rookie cards of other notable talents who went on to great success like Manny Machado (#274), Gerrit Cole (#373), and Wil Myers (#377) that hold substantial value today. Machado’s attainable star power makes his rookie a hot commodity, with PSA 10’s regularly fetching $150-250. Cole and Myers rookie cards have also appreciated considerably from initial pack prices, with PSA 10 examples of each selling in the $75-150 range depending on day of sale and demand. Even in lower grades, these sought after rookie cards fetch a premium in today’s booming baseball card market.
Another key storyline from the 2013 Topps set surrounds Yankees legendary closer Mariano Rivera’s finale season and farewell tour. Rivera’s sharp decline and retirement after the 2013 season made his cards from that year much more precious for collectors. This includes his base card #85 as well as several special parallel and autograph variations. PSA 10 examples of Rivera’s base parallel sell steady in the $50-75 range, with autograph and 1/1 parallel hits commanding mid-triple digit prices minimum when they surface. His inclusion resonated strongly with collectors seeking to commemorate the career of the game’s greatest reliever of all-time.
Beyond rookies and stars, the 2013 Topps set also featured several unique parallels and short prints that spike collector demand. The likes of the Gold #/2013 parallel, Silk parallels numbered to 99 copies, Mosaic blue paper parallels numbered to 10 each, and various Ink parallels autographed to different numbers all carry premiums above the standard base issue. Unique 1/1 printing plates of stars are especially coveted. For set builders, locating all the various parallels complete with low serial numbers can be an exceptionally rewarding and valuable undertaking as well.
Pack fresh condition and high-grade vintage also plays a major role in the long-term value appreciation of any given 2013 Topps card. Due to the relatively recent release date of the set, it’s still very possible to locate pristine near-mint to gem mint quality copies straight out of original wax packs. Cards that achieve the coveted PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 rating, especially of key rookies, parallels and stars, have realized the greatest jumps in secondary market value compared to lower graded or worn examples. Conditions census data shows the 2013 Topps release as quite “tough” overall to grade at the true mint state level as well.
The 2013 Topps Baseball card set has exceptional value propositions for investors, collectors, and enthusiasts of the modern hobby alike due to its world-class rookie class headlined by Trout and Harper. Coupled with key veterans like Rivera’s swan song, numerous premium parallels, and the ability to still locate virtually pack fresh condition examples, the ’13 Topps issue will certainly stand the test of time as one of the premier modern releases to hold. For building a long-term collection centered around investing in the next generation of stars, this set cannot be overlooked.
