The 1997 Topps baseball card set was one of the most iconic and valuable sets of the 1990s. With 756 total cards, the 1997 Topps set featured many of the game’s biggest stars and future Hall of Famers. Let’s take a look at some of the best and most valuable cards from the 1997 Topps collection.
Ken Griffey Jr. – Card #1 – Ken Griffey Jr. was one of the most popular players in baseball in the late 90s. His 1997 Topps card, which features him in a Mariners uniform, is one of the most sought after rookie cards from the junk wax era. PSA 10 Gem Mint versions of this card regularly sell for over $1,000. Even well-centered raw copies in excellent condition command $100-200. Griffey was still in his prime in 1997 with Seattle and this card captures him during one of his best seasons.
Derek Jeter – Card #92 – As a highly touted rookie in 1996, Jeter’s 1997 Topps card was one of the most anticipated rookie follow-ups from the previous year. The card features a close-up portrait of the young Yankees’ shortstop. PSA 10 copies have sold for over $500, showing Jeter’s enduring popularity and the card’s classic design. This is considered one of the best Yankee cards from the late 90s.
Piazza Refractor – Card #306R – Mike Piazza’s refractor parallel from the 1997 Topps set is one of the most iconic and valuable refractors from the junk wax era. Only one refractor card was inserted per pack back then. PSA 10 Gems have sold for over $2,000 due to the card’s rarity, Piazza’s Hall of Fame caliber career, and the refractor parallel’s popularity among collectors. Even well-centered raw copies sell for $300-500.
Chipper Jones – Card #362 – As one of the game’s brightest young stars in 1997, Chipper Jones’ main issue rookie card has endured as a highly sought after rookie card from the late 90s. Jones went on to have a Hall of Fame career with the Braves that spanned over two decades. PSA 10 versions of this card have sold for up to $800 due to its subject, condition, and the allure of a true rookie card issued during a player’s first MLB season.
Cal Ripken Jr. – Card #388 – Cal Ripken Jr. was one of the most respected players in baseball throughout the 1990s. His 1997 Topps card, issued during a season where he played in his 2,000th consecutive game, is one of the more iconic cards from the set that captures a special career milestone. PSA 10 versions have sold for over $300 showing the card’s popularity and Ripken’s enduring fan base long after his playing days.
Jeff Bagwell – Card #425 – Jeff Bagwell had established himself as one of the game’s premier power hitters by 1997 with the Astros. His main set card from that year remains one of the most sought after from the junk wax era. PSA 10 copies have sold for up to $500 due to Bagwell’s Hall of Fame career and the card’s iconic design featuring the slugger in an Astros uniform.
Larry Walker – Card #479 – Larry Walker burst onto the scene in 1997 by winning the NL batting title with a .366 average. His main set card from that breakout season has become a highly valuable rookie card, even though he played in 1992 and 1993 prior. PSA 10 versions have sold for over $400 due to Walker’s breakout ’97 campaign and his eventual Hall of Fame election in 2020.
Derek Bell – Card #498 – Derek Bell’s 1997 Topps card features him making an outstanding catch with the Astros. The true allure of this card are its incredibly rare parallel variations. The gold refractor parallel #498G is the key card, with only 5-10 copies believed to exist. One gold refractor sold for over $12,000 in PSA 9 condition, showing the card’s immense rarity and popularity among high-end collectors.
The 1997 Topps baseball set remains a highly collectible and valuable release from the 1990s due to its inclusion of so many star players and future Hall of Famers. Cards like Griffey Jr., Jeter, Piazza, Ripken, Bagwell and others have endured due to capturing iconic players during special seasons or milestones. Parallel cards like Derek Bell’s gold refractor also provide immense rarity and excitement for collectors. The 1997 Topps set continues to be a cornerstone for vintage baseball collectors over 25 years later.
