The 1997 Metal Universe baseball cards were released by Metallic, Inc. toward the end of that year’s MLB season. What set these cards apart from traditional paper cards was that they were made of metal instead – specifically an aluminum-magnesium alloy. Each card had dimensions of 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches and weighed approximately 1 ounce.
On the front of each card was a color photo of an MLB player from that season. The photos were high quality for the time and printed directly onto the metal surface. Beneath the photo was the player’s name, team, and that year’s stats printed in gold foil. On the back of each card was a short biography of the player along with career stats and accomplishments. Some parallels and inserts in the set featured the stats printed in silver foil instead of gold.
In total, there were 750 cards in the base set spanning all 30 MLB teams from that season. The design and idea was meant to capture the essence of the “Metal Universe” theme by having durable, long-lasting cards made of metal instead of the traditional paper/cardstock. At the time, it was seen as a novelty and creative new take on the traditional sports card model.
When first released in late 1997, the Metal Universe cards sold for about $1-2 per pack through hobby shops, mass retailers, and on the Metallic website. A full base set could be completed for around $100-150 if buying packs. Within a few years the whole set along with key RCs, parallels, and inserts could be had for $50-75 complete as the novelty had worn off.
By the mid-2000s, the prices had bottomed out to mostly dollar bin status. Few collectors actively pursued the set anymore. While durable and interesting as a 90s novelty item, the Metal Universe cards never caught on long term like traditional paper cards and sets. They were still fairly obscure in the hobby. Prices remained low for another decade roughly.
In recent years the 1997 Metal Universe cards have begun to experience a resurgence and increase in collector interest and prices. There are a few key factors that have likely contributed to this:
Growing nostalgia and retro collecting trends in the MLB card market. 90s sets and late 90s RCs are in high demand now.
Increased focus on unique and innovative card designs/constructions from that era as the hobby evolved. Metal cards hold appeal as a rare and unusual novelty subset.
Improved awareness of the set through online group sharing by dedicated collectors led to increased demand.
Scarcity of high-grade specimens remains after 25+ years of use and risks of damage from being metal instead of paper. This preserves supply.
Key rookie cards like Ken Griffey Jr, Nomar Garciaparra, Derek Jeter, and others that are iconic 90s players hold strong nostalgic appeal in higher grades now.
As a result of these market factors, prices and demand have increased substantially since around 2015. Popular rookies in gem mint condition now sell in the $50-150 range individually. A complete near-mint/mint set in a factory set binder has sold for over $500. Individual parallels and inserts focused on star players have exceeded $200 each.
While still not mainstream and highly sought after like flagship sets from the era, the Metal Universe cards are developing a dedicated collector base. For those able to acquire higher graded iconic rookie cards, parallels, and complete sets, there is strong potential to realize good returns through appreciation over the next 5-10 years as 90s nostalgia remains prominent. Condition is especially critical given the cards’ construction. Overall the 1997 Metal Universe cards are worth revisiting for retro collectors seeking a unique niche subset with promising long term outlook.
After many years being forgotten pieces of cardboard novelty, the Metal Universe baseball cards have emerged as a potentially valuable specialty set for collectors of 1990s cards and sets with innovative designs. Key factors like nostalgia, construction rarity, and strong rookie class contribution have led to resurgent prices and demand since 2015. Holdings of complete or near-complete sets and especially high graded iconic rookies seem to have good potential for further appreciation matching trends in the late 90s card market. Their unusual construction requires special care but also preserves rarity compared to typical paper issues from the era.
