The 2000 Upper Deck baseball card set was released at the start of the new millennium and provided collectors with cards showcasing the biggest stars from the 1999 MLB season. While not quite as valuable as some vintage sets from the 1980s and 1990s heyday of baseball cards, there are still several notable cards from the 2000 Upper Deck set that can hold significant value, especially in top-graded condition. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top cards from this set that enthusiasts have paid a premium for over the past two decades.

One of the most coveted rookie cards from the 2000 Upper Deck set is that of Sammy Sosa of the Chicago Cubs. As one of the top young power hitters in baseball at the time, there was huge demand for Sosa’s rookie card. In a PSA 10 gem mint condition, his card has sold for over $500 in recent years. Even in graded PSA 9 near mint to mint condition, it has sold for around $250-$300. While not quite on the level of some superstar rookies due to character concerns later in his career, Sosa’s card remains one of the key pieces for 2000 Upper Deck collectors.

Another top rookie card from this set is that of Andrew Jones, the emerging star center fielder for the Atlanta Braves. Jones had begun to break out in 1999 with excellent defense and clutch offensive production for the dominant Braves teams of that era. His rookie card has sold for over $400 in PSA 10 and $150-200 in PSA 9. This is less than the absolute superstar rookies but still reflects Jones’ eventual all-star caliber play and Atlanta fan base interest over the years.

For veteran star cards, the most valuable from 2000 Upper Deck is usually that of Ken Griffey Jr. Considered one of the best all-around players of his generation, Griffey’s cards from the 1990s are iconic. His 2000 Upper Deck card regularly fetches $70-100 in top PSA 9-10 grade due to his continued excellence and broad fan popularity even as his career entered its later stages with Cincinnati and Seattle. Other big name stars like Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Cal Ripken Jr. and Greg Maddux also have desirable cards in 2000 Upper Deck but don’t quite reach Griffey’s levels of popularity and demand.

Rookie cards aren’t the only ones that can hold value from this set. Top rookie prospect cards of minor leaguers also see interest from collectors. Names like Jimmy Rollins, Roy Oswalt, Jose Cruz Jr. and Josh Beckett had prospect cards at the time showcasing the hype around their potential. While these didn’t pan out as true superstars in every case, graded gems have still sold in the $50-200 range depending on the player’s eventual success. Prospecting cards are always a gamble but add depth to a collection.

For teams and parallels, the most coveted are usually those featuring perennial playoff contenders and World Series winners from that era. Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox cards tend to attract the highest prices. Parallel versions like those with signatures, patches or serial numbering are naturally higher than standard issued versions. A Ken Griffey Jr. auto from the set sold for around $800-$1000 recently. Top graded rookie serial numbered cards for Andruw Jones or Sammy Sosa reached $300-500 levels as well.

When considering the overall price and demand trends for 2000 Upper Deck baseball cards over the past 20+ years, several key factors influence valuations the most:

Grading quality has huge effect – prices discussed here assume PSA 9 or PSA 10 quality control
Rookie cards for future stars like Sosa and Jones typically lead values
Veterans Griffey, Bonds, Ripken retain collectors through the 90s & 2000s
Rare autographed and memorabilia parallels command premiums
Atlanta Braves and other top teams from that era attract loyal followings
Supply and demand dynamics – values rise as mint examples grow scarcer
Player performance trajectory – prospects need MLB success to retain interest

While not all cards from the 2000 Upper Deck set will gain extensive long term value, savvy collectors know that top stars, key rookies and scarcer parallel versions can and do appreciate over time. With the nostalgia for late 90s/early 2000s baseball still strong, this set continues capturing attention and dollar amounts from enthusiasts two decades later. For building an investment collection or reliving the great players of that era in pristine condition, 2000 Upper Deck remains a vibrant and rewarding choice.