The 1998 Topps baseball card set is widely considered one of the most iconic and valuable sets from the 1990s. Produced at the height of the baseball card boom, the 1998 Topps set contains several extremely rare and valuable rookie cards that continue to gain in value as the years pass. For collectors looking to invest in vintage cards from the late 90s, here are some of the most valuable 1998 Topps baseball cards to consider:
Sammy Sosa Bat Piece Autograph /23 – At the very top of the most valuable 1998 Topps cards list sits Sammy Sosa’s scarce bat piece autograph parallel. Numbered to only 23 copies, Sosa’s explosive 1998 season that saw him hit 66 home runs brought substantial attention and collector demand. His autograph on a piece of one of his bats from that epic campaign makes this one of the true Holy Grails from the set. In gem mint condition, examples have sold for over $10,000 when they rarely come up for auction.
Chipper Jones Rookie Card #212 – As one of the greatest third basemen in baseball history and a career-long Atlanta Brave, Chipper Jones’ rookie card from 1998 Topps is a must-have for any collection. Superbly talented and already a multiple-time All Star at the beginning of his career, Jones’ star power translated to huge demand for this rookie issue. High grade copies in the PSA 9-10 range will set collectors back at least $500-800 depending on the market. But for a true mint specimen, expect to pay well over $1,000.
Roger Clemens /1999 – A unique parallel short print variation within the 1998 Topps set, Clemens’ card shows him wearing a Houston Astros uniform while bearing the /1999 designation. As one of the game’s all-time great pitchers, collector interest has always been strong for Clemens cards regardless of set or team. His transition from the Blue Jays to Astros in the late 90s added another layer of scarcity and intrigue to collecting his cards. Pristine PSA 10 examples of this Clemens parallel have sold in the $800 range.
Sammy Sosa #88 – One of the true monster cards from the 1998 Topps flagship set is Sosa’s base issue following his epic 66 home run season. Iconic and capturing Sosa at the apex of his popularity as one of baseball’s biggest stars, this monster card remains a must-have for Cubs and 90s collectors. High grade specimens in PSA 9-10 condition can still fetch $200-300 depending on factors like complete condition history.
Andruw Jones Rookie Card #209 – Aside from Chipper Jones, one of the other huge star rookies introduced in 1998 Topps was Andruw Jones. Having debuted with the Atlanta Braves in 1996, his rookie card status made the demand for this issue soar. An absolute 5-tool stud in center field for over a decade, pristine PSA 10 Jones rookies have crossed the $400 threshold in recent sales. Lower grades still hold substantial value as well at $100-200.
Mark McGwire #85 – One of the bigger cards in the 1998 Topps set depicts St. Louis Cardinals slugger Mark McGwire following his record-shattering 70 home run season of 1998. McGwire’s historic home run chase alongside Sammy Sosa that summer captivated the sports world and remains one of baseball’s most iconic single-season performances. High grades of this McGwire card can still fetch at least $75-100 based on market conditions.
Roberto Alomar #64 – A perennial All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner at second base, Roberto Alomar spent 1998 with the Cleveland Indians following a few standout seasons with the Baltimore Orioles. As a veteran star at the peak of his powers, this base issue from ‘98 Topps has sustained collector interest over the years. Mint PSA 10 Alomar cards can be acquired for around $50-75 depending on recent sales comps.
Ivan Rodriguez Rookie Card #168 – “Pudge” Rodriguez was a true defensive wizard behind the plate for over 20 big league seasons. His rookie card début in the popular 1998 Topps set saw immediate demand upon release. Though not quite as scarce as some others on this list, pristine PSA 10 examples of Pudge’s rookie are still valued at a minimum of $50-75 by discerning collectors and investors.
Brady Anderson #21 – While not a true “rookie” per se, Brady Anderson’s huge 50 home run, 50 stolen base season with the Baltimore Orioles in 1996 was truly one of baseball’s most remarkable individual campaigns. Always a sought-after star for collectors, this 1998 Topps issue of Anderson continued to capture attention in the years following his epic ‘96 season. Mid-grade versions remain attainable starting around the $30-40 range.
While produced over 23 years ago, the 1998 Topps baseball card set endures as one of the most beloved and collectible issues from the junk wax era. Sparkling rookie introductions of future Hall of Famers and captures of epic single-season performances make several cards from this set especially valuable even today. For savvy collectors, investing in high quality examples of the cards profiled here offers an opportunity to hold onto true vintage gems with staying power.
