The 2000s was a fascinating decade for baseball card collecting, as technology began transforming the hobby and legendary players like Barry Bonds and Sammy Sosa neared the end of their historic careers. While cards from the 1980s and 1990s tend to hold more nostalgia and higher values on average, there are still plenty of gems from the 2000s that have appreciated significantly over time. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable Topps baseball cards from this decade based on PSA 10 population report values:
2002 Topps #55 Alex Rodriguez – PSA 10 Value: $2,000+
This iconic A-Rod card captured him in a Yankee uniform for the first time after his monster contract. Population numbers are low, with only 12 PSA 10 examples known. As one of the true megastars of the era and decade, this card has connected strongly with collectors and seen steady growth in value.
2003 Topps #91 Barry Bonds – PSA 10 Value: $1,400+
Bonds’ 73 homer season in 2001 remains one of the most notorious single season records in MLB history given subsequent steroid revelations. This card showing Bonds in a Giants uniform is incredibly rare in a pristine PSA 10 gem, with just 7 known. Scarcity plus historical significance continue to drive demand.
2004 Topps #330 Vladimir Guerrero – PSA 10 Value: $800+
Vlad the Impaler was one of the most dominant hitters in baseball during this decade. His cartoonish 2004 season saw him win MVP while batting .337 with 39 home runs and 126 RBI. This card perfectly captures his untamed talent, and with only 10 PSA 10 versions in existence, it remains highly sought after.
2005 Topps #307 Albert Pujols – PSA 10 Value: $800+
At the time, it was unfathomable that Pujols would ever leave St. Louis after more than a decade of brilliance. This sweet swing shot in a Cardinals uniform perfectly illustrates why he was already well on his way to a surefire Hall of Fame career. Pop reports note only 9 PSA 10 gems, adding to its collector appeal.
2006 Topps #150 Adam Wainwright – PSA 10 Value: $900+
One of the biggest “What ifs” in baseball history would be if Wainwright had not suffered an injury in the 2006 NLCS that sidelined him long-term. This star rookie card captures a moment before tragedy, making it an iconic relic from a dazzling young career that never truly got started. Only 6 PSA 10s exist.
2007 Topps #175 Troy Tulowitzki – PSA 10 Value: $750+
Tulo exploded onto the scene by winning 2007 NL Rookie of the Year honors with the Rockies. This card commemorates his brilliance at an early peak that was tragically cut short by injuries. Population numbers are sparse with a mere 9 PSA 10 examples recorded, fueling collector demand for a true star of the 2000s.
2008 Topps #274 Evan Longoria – PSA 10 Value: $600+
The future face of the Rays franchise blasted his way onto the scene by winning 2008 AL ROY. This card depicts the sweet-swinging third baseman in one of his first starring big league roles. Only 11 PSA 10 copies around makes it an increasingly scarce prize from a standout player who enjoyed a terrific long career.
2009 Topps #341 Stephen Strasburg – PSA 10 Value: $750+
Among the most hyped pitching prospects ever, Strasburg sparked an inferno with his electrifying debut season cut short by Tommy John surgery. This iconic rookie card captured the cultural phenomenon surrounding his arrival. Scarce population numbers of just 8 PSA 10 versions amplify its appeal.
The lower population numbers for ultra-rare PSA 10 examples from the 2000s versus previous decades serves to steadily increase values over time as competition for these condition sensitive collectibles rises. While not reaching the heights seen in the late 80s or 90s, the stars depicted on iconic cards from the 2000s-2010s like Bonds, A-Rod, Pujols, Strasburg and more proved their permanent place in baseball history and still enthrall collectors today. As the decade comes further into rearview, appreciation should naturally continue for these memorable athletes captured in their early prime.
