The 2010 Topps baseball card set was the 69th edition of Topps’ flagship baseball card release. As with most years, there were several short prints and rookie cards that have gained significant value in the decade since their release. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable and desirable 2010 Topps cards that collectors seek out today.
One of the true gems from the 2010 set is the Mike Trout rookie card. Trout would go on to have an incredible career that has cemented him as one of the greatest players of all time. His rookie card from 2010 Topps is one of the most iconic in the modern era. In a PSA 10 gem mint condition, his basic base rookie card now commonly fetches well over $1000. Loaded with star power and capturing Trout at the very beginning of his career, this is undoubtedly the crown jewel of the entire 2010 Topps release.
Another highly sought after rookie is that of Buster Posey. As the 2008 #1 overall draft pick and the 2010 Rookie of the Year and World Series MVP, Posey established himself as an elite catcher and leader for the Giants franchise. His base rookie card in a PSA 10 can sell for $400-500 nowadays. Posey rookies hold steady value as collectors appreciate his contributions to three World Series championship teams.
Staying in the National League West, Clayton Kershaw also had his rookie season in 2010. Arguably the top pitcher of his generation, Kershaw has racked up accolades like 3 Cy Young Awards and an MVP. His base rookie card doesn’t fetch Trout or Posey prices, but a PSA 10 still averages around $150-200 in today’s market. Kershaw collectors enjoy owning one of the finest pitchers from the modern era starting from the very beginning.
A criminally underrated rookie is that of Starling Marte. A longtime fixture in the outfield for the Pirates, Marte has established himself as a perennial Gold Glover and productive hitter. Once overlooked, his stock has risen in recent years. A PSA 10 of his base rookie card is now up to around $80. For a key member of those exciting early 2010’s Pirates teams, Marte presents an affordable rising star opportunity.
Moving away from rookies, one of the true short prints of the 2010 Topps set is the Ichiro Suzuki card numbered to 49 copies. Depicting Ichiro in his natural batting stance, this Suzuki short print has all the ingredients to be an iconic card – the subject, the low number, and representing the late stage of a great career. In Gem Mint condition, a PSA 10 version can sell for over $1500. For Ichiro collectors, this scarce subset card is an absolute must-have.
Another huge shortage from 2010 Topps was the Mickey Mantle legend card numbered to an ultra-low 10 copies. Topps took liberties with such subset short prints, imagining famed players in uniforms they never actually wore such as Mantle in a Rangers cap. Numbered to a microscopic amount, the Mantle short print is a true Holy Grail card valued north of $15,000 in pristine condition. Few complete high-end collections without acquiring this legendary piece.
Base cards of other current Hall of Famers from 2010 also hold substantial value today. A PSA 10 of Derek Jeter’s final card in a Yankees uniform can fetch $150-200 given his iconic status and career-capping significance. A PSA 10 Chipper Jones base from his final season goes for $125-150 easily due to his legendary Braves tenure. These all-time greats captured near the tail-end still retain healthy collector interest.
The 2010 Topps set produced some true heavy-hitting rookies like Trout and Posey that have only increased in esteem and value through the years. Scarce short prints of iconic players such as Ichiro, Mantle and others have also gained collector cachet. By grabbing PSA 10 protected copies of these keys cards today, savvy investors can feel confident these Topps gems from 2010 will continue appreciating for years to come. The combination of rookie superstars and shortage subsets make this one of the most rewarding vintage sets to follow and collect a decade later.
