Tag Archives: 1999

1999 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PSA

Leave a reply

The 1999 Topps Baseball card set is highly sought after by collectors as it contains rookie cards and stars from the late 1990s. With PSA grading and encapsulation, graded versions of certain 1999 Topps cards can command high prices. Some of the top rookies and prospects from that season include:

Nomar Garciaparra – The Red Sox star shortstop’s rookie card is one of the most valuable from the set and PSA 10 versions routinely sell for over $300. Garciaparra was coming off an All-Star season where he finished third in AL MVP voting in 1998.

Tom Glavine – One of the best pitchers of his generation, Glavine’s card as an Atlanta Brave is popular to grade. He would go on to win his second Cy Young Award in 1998. PSA 10 examples sell in the $70-100 range.

Vladimir Guerrero – While not technically a rookie card since he played briefly in 1996, Guerrero’s card as a full-time Montreal Expo is sought after. He finished second in AL MVP voting in 1999 after batting .349. PSA 10s sell for around $150.

Rondell White – A highly touted prospect, White never fully lived up to expectations but his rookie card still holds value raw or graded. PSA 10s are around $50-75 given the hype he had coming into the season.

Kerry Wood – Arguably the biggest star from the 1998 rookie class, Wood’s card is popular for its iconic image from his 1998 20-strikeout game. Even in PSA 8 condition, his card sells for $50-75 due to enduring demand.

Beyond rookies, collector attention is also drawn to star players who are entering what would become Hall of Fame careers around 1999:

Ken Griffey Jr. – Already a mega-star in 1999 with 6 All-Star nods, Griffey’s card carries a premium. PSA 10s sell for $75-100 being one of his last Mariners cards before leaving for Cincinnati.

Greg Maddux – Considered one of the best pitchers ever, his 1999 card as an Atlanta Brave is popular especially in mint condition. PSA 10s are $50-75.

Randy Johnson – Entering his late-career dominant phase, Big Unit’s card is prized. Especially graded PSA 10s, with more than 250 combined strikeouts in 1998-99, bring $75-100.

Pedro Martinez – Coming off a season where he struck out 313 batters and won the Cy Young, one of his final Expos cards is coveted by collectors. PSA 10s are $100-150 range.

Cal Ripken Jr. – One of the most iconic players, his 1999 card as he approached breaking Lou Gehrig’s record is desirable. PSA 10s sell between $50-75 typically.

While other stars from that era like Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Ichiro Suzuki and Derek Jeter have cards in the set, the collecting focus tends to center more on rookie gems like Nomar, Wood and Glavine along with rising Hall of Famers like Griffey, Maddux and Johnson. The design is fairly basic but captures the playfulness of late 90s Topps sets. Overall it remains a highly relevant vintage release for collectors pursuing both valuable rookies and stars through third-party PSA grading authentication and protection. Many of the top PSA 10 cards can sell for well over $100 given the cache and history of players featured from that era of baseball.

PACIFIC BASEBALL CARDS VALUE 1999

Leave a reply

The 1999 Pacific brand baseball card set featured cards for Major League Baseball players and teams. Released at the height of the 1990s baseball card boom, the 1999 Pacific set had substantial collector interest and card values upon release. Let’s take an in-depth look at the set and explore what the top cards from 1999 Pacific are worth today.

Pacific was one of the largest and most prominent baseball card manufacturers of the late 20th century. In 1999, they released their standard 520 card base set along with multiple inserts, parallels and specialty subsets. The base cards featured a clean and traditional design with a headshot photo on the front and personal and career stats on the back. Rookies and stars received pictorial or action shot style cards. The set also included team and manager/coach cards to round out each club.

Prized rookie cards from the 1999 Pacific set included Francisco Rodriguez, Andruw Jones, Todd Helton, Jarrod Washburn, Brian Giles and Vladimir Guerrero. These players went on to have productive MLB careers and their rookie cards retain value as a result. A near mint condition Francisco Rodriguez rookie would fetch around $15-20 today. The Andruw Jones, Helton and Washburn rookies can be acquired for $5-10 in similar condition.

Stars of the late 90s like Ken Griffey Jr, Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Greg Maddux and Pedro Martinez had some of the most valuable base cards in the set. High grade versions of these player’s cards command $20-40 depending on the specific name. Rookies aside, top rookie cards are where collectors look to find the highest returns from 90s and 2000s vintage sets.

Some of the most coveted parallels and inserts from the 1999 Pacific release were the SuperChrome, Refraction, Diamond Kings and Studio subsets. The SuperChrome parallels featured eye-catching holofoil coloring onFRONT and were inserted roughly 1 in 100 packs. Top SuperChromes from household names can reach up to $100+ in gem mint condition. Refraction parallels applied a refractor-style treatment and appear shinier than the base cardboard. Similar print runs and values apply to the high-ends.

Diamond Kings paid tribute to baseball’s all-time greats with regal artwork and embedded crystals. Cards like the Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron Diamond Kings are consistently strong sellers in the $30-50 range. Studio subset cards emulated classic photography with a simple black border design. Stars received preferential treatment here and elite examples command $20-40. Perhaps the most coveted Pacific insert was the Platinum parallel, limited to only 10 copies each. One of these unique 1/1 ’99 Platinums could sell for thousands.

There were also specialty sets released as upgrades or bonuses included with the core Pacific boxes. The All-Diamond Team set featured 25 cards highlighting a player from each MLB franchise in a suit-styled uniform. These are fun, short-printed collector pieces valued around $5-15 each. The Rookie Portrait subset zeroed in on that year’s top prospects like Jason Jennings and Michael Coleman with posed photography. Solid rookie cards to hold long-term.

In the two decades since its release, strong collector interest has kept many 1999 Pacific cards relevant and holds value. Factors like star power, parallels, short-prints and the decade defined by McGwire vs. Sosa all combine to drive enthusiast passion for the set. While no longer at the height of the boom, cards from this release remain appreciated by vintage collectors today. With flagship stars, popular rookie hits and high-ends still trading hands, the 1999 Pacific baseball collection endures as a foundational set from the 1990s sportscard era.

1999 TOPPS BASEBALL ROOKIE CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1999 Topps baseball card set featured many rookie cards of players who went on to have successful Major League careers. Some of the top rookies in the 1999 Topps set included Jorge Posada, Alfonso Soriano, Derek Jeter, and Chase Utley. Let’s take a more in-depth look at some of those rookie cards and the players’ careers.

One of the most sought-after 1999 Topps rookie cards is that of future five-time World Series champion and New York Yankees Captain Derek Jeter. The #166 card shows a clean-shaven Jeter in his classic Yankees batting stance. In his rookie season of 1996, Jeter hit .314 with 10 home runs and 78 RBIs and finished third in AL Rookie of the Year voting. He would go on to be named AL Rookie of the Year by the Sporting News. Jeter was a 14-time All-Star, won five Gold Glove awards, and his career .310 batting average is the highest of any player with at least 3,000 hits in MLB history. In 2020, Jeter was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility with over 99% of the vote. His 1999 Topps rookie card can fetch upwards of $1,000 or more in mint condition today due to his legend and success.

Another highly sought-after rookie from the 1999 Topps set is that of Alfonso Soriano. The #225 card shows Soriano wearing number 12 for the New York Yankees with a blue bat in his hands. Soriano had played in 52 games for the Yankees in 1999, batting .255 with 5 home runs and 14 RBIs in a utility role. He would break out in 2002 for the Yankees, batting .300 with 22 home runs and 88 RBIs en route to being named the AL Rookie of the Year. Soriano went on to have a 20-year MLB career spending time with the Yankees, Rangers, Nationals, Cubs, and Yankees again, making 2 All-Star teams and winning the 2006 NL batting title. At the height of his powers in 2006 with the Cubs, he led the NL in home runs (46) and RBIs (136). Soriano’s 1999 Topps rookie card has a value of around $50-100 in mint condition due to his success as a perennial All-Star.

Another notable top rookie from the 1999 Topps set is Jorge Posada. The #222 card depicts Posada smiling in his Yankees batting helmet. Posada had debuted for the Yankees in 1995 and served as their backup catcher for years behind Joe Girardi. In 1999, he began to take over the starting catcher role, batting .265 with 14 home runs and 58 RBIs. Posada would go on to be known as one of the best hitting catchers of all-time and a key member of five World Series championship teams with the Yankees from 1998-2009. A five-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger winner, Posada ended his career with a .273 average, 275 home runs, and 1,065 RBIs. He was inducted into the Yankees’ Hall of Fame in 2015. Due to his popularity and success in pinstripes, his 1999 Topps rookie card has maintained a high value in the $150-$250 range depending on condition.

One of the top baseball performers of the late 1990s/early 2000s who debuted in the 1999 Topps set was Chase Utley. The #164 rookie card features Utley with short hair worn under his Phillies batting helmet. Utley had played 9 games for the Phillies in 1998 but was primarily in the minors in 1999. He became the Phillies starting second baseman in 2003 and never looked back. In 2004, Utley exploded with 32 home runs, 104 RBIs, a .296 average and finished 4th in NL MVP voting. He went on to bat .282 with a career-high 32 home runs and 103 RBIs in 2005 en route to winning the NL Hank Aaron Award and finishing 2nd in MVP voting. Utley maintained his All-Star form through 2009 and helped the Phillies win the World Series in 2008. He retired after the 2015 season having cemented his status as one of the best second basemen of his era with a career .276 average, 249 home runs, 912 RBIs, and 6 Silver Slugger awards. His 1999 Topps rookie card can sell in the $75-150 range based on condition.

Four players who went on to short but productive careers had their rookie cards featured in the 1999 Topps set – Mark Kotsay, Lenny Harris, David Bell, and Damon Buford. Kotsay’s #98 rookie card shows him batting for the Florida Marlins in their teal jersey. He played 15 seasons in the majors, hitting .276 while playing for six different teams including a World Series title with the Marlins in 2003. Harris’ #316 card pictures him with slicked-back hair batting for the Cincinnati Reds. “L-Train” played 17 seasons, primarily as a middle infield utility man, and set the MLB record for pinch-hits with 171. Bell’s #184 card depicts him swinging as a rookie third baseman for the Cleveland Indians. He played 16 seasons, won a World Series with the Cardinals in 2011, and finished with a .257 average. Buford’s #224 card shows him with a batting helmet and bat for the Philadelphia Phillies. He spent six seasons in the majors with the Phillies and White Sox. All four players have rookie cards valued around $15-30 depending on condition.

While the previous players went on establish themselves, some rookies featured in the 1999 Topps set did not pan out or only had brief MLB careers. For example, outfielders Terrence Long (#252) and Alex Sanchez (#280) and pitchers Jason Standridge (#256), Bruce Chen (#304), and Bryce Florie (#236) each played two years or less in the big leagues. Other brief careers included Chad Meyers (#240), a catcher who batted .219 in 46 games for the Angels; outfielder Jesus Tavarez (#228) who hit .228 in 101 games for three teams; and third baseman Ryan Jensen (#264) who posted a .551 OPS in 41 games for Oakland. Their rookie cards hold little value at around $1-5 or less.

The 1999 Topps baseball card set showcased many future stars and All-Stars like Derek Jeter, Alfonso Soriano, Jorge Posada, and Chase Utley among its rookie selections. It also featured the budding careers of role players like Kotsay, Harris, Bell and Buford. Not every prospect pans out as hoped as lesser played rookies like Long, Sanchez, Meyers and others proved. Overall it remains a set with many notable and valuable rookie cards of franchise cornerstones and well-known players today due to their stats and Hall of Fame performances well after the 1994 MLB strike shortened season.

BOWMAN 1999 BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1999 Bowman baseball card set was a highly anticipated release that featured some of the game’s brightest young stars and top prospects. Issued at the height of the 1990s baseball card boom, the 1999 Bowman set showcased players just starting their careers in Major League Baseball. With vivid photography, sharp design elements, and a wide variety of parallel and insert sets within, the 1999 Bowman cards delivered excitement for collectors both young and old.

Two decades later, the 1999 Bowman set remains a favorite of collectors for both its nostalgia and its ability to spot future Hall of Famers very early in their careers. Rookie cards of future stars like Chipper Jones, Vladimir Guerrero, and Derek Jeter highlighted the base set. It was Bowman’s extensive insert sets and parallels that truly set the 1999 release apart from others during an era saturated with card products.

Chief among the inserts was the coveted Chrome set, which featured refractors of the game’s top prospects. RCs like Miguel Cabrera, Bronson Arroyo, and Alfonso Soriano popped in the shiny Chrome parallel. The Traded set also gained popularity by showing players in the uniform of the team that eventually acquired them via trade. Bowman also experimented with color parallels like Gold, Purple, and Orange refractor versions of the base cards that added to the excitement of each pack or box.

The true gems of 1999 Bowman were the short print parallels almost impossible to pull. The Black Gold refractor parallel featured refractors with a dark black backdrop instead of the traditional white. Numbered to only 10 copies each, Black Gold pulls of future stars like Jeter and Jones are the holy grails for set collectors. But even tougher were the 1/1 Magnitude parallel autos that featured a single player’s autograph on a refractor-style card, with each one totally unique.

While the base set and inserts delivered excitement on their own, it was Bowman’s prospect focus that truly set the tone for the 1999 release. Future MVPs like Cabrera, Jones, and Josh Beckett had prominent rookie cards showcasing their potential. Soriano, Jeter, and Guerrero also appeared prominently as highly-touted young players. Bowman’s knack for identifying future talent so early in their careers created a nostalgia for the 1999 set that only grew stronger as that talent developed into superstars.

Two of the best examples were Cabrera and Jones. As the collection of Bowman RC’s grew in value, so too grew the legend of Cabrera’s and Jones’s 1999 Bowman cards. Though not the highest-priced rookie cards in the set, they gained fame for featuring two players who became surefire Hall of Famers. Cabrera’s Bowman RC showed him as a baby-faced shortstop prospect for the Marlins long before three MVPs and two World Series rings. Meanwhile, Jones’s card highlighted him as the top third base prospect in baseball, on his way to a career as one of the game’s greatest switch-hitters.

While the 1990s boom brought out many collectors, it also led to overproduction of cards that flooded the market. As a result, many 1980s and 1990s sets hold little modern value except for the very rarest cards. However, 1999 Bowman has proven an exception due to the star power and prospect focus that made it a true window into the future of baseball. Even in graded mint condition, common base cards of stars like Jeter and Guerrero can still hold value decades later. Meanwhile, the short prints and top prospects have increased many times over as collectors look to build the complete 1999 Bowman set or simply own a piece of history in the stars of that era.

For those who collected 1999 Bowman as kids or newcomers looking to build a collection two decades later, the set remains a fascinating glimpse at some of the best who ever played the game. From superstars like Chipper and Vlad to Hall of Fame talents like Jeter and Cabrera, the 1999 Bowman release saw the future and made names that would resonate for baseball generations to come. It’s no wonder the set retains a powerful nostalgia for the hobby while also maintaining strong collector demand decades after initial release. With clear focus on prospects and talent, 1999 Bowman created a product that showcased the next wave of baseball – and in turn became a set that would stand the test of time.

1999 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET

Leave a reply

The 1999 Topps baseball card set was the 68th year for Topps to produce baseball cards and marked the conclusion of the 20th century of Major League Baseball. Some key things to know about the complete 660 card set include:

The front of each standard card featured a color photo of the player in action along with their name, team, and stats from the 1998 season. On the rear was additional stats and highlights from their career. For rookie cards, a short biography was also included on the back. The design featured a thick gray border around the photo with the team logo and set title stamped at the bottom in classic Topps style.

Some notable rookie cards found in the 1999 set included Francisco Rodriguez, Brad Lidge, Ben Sheets, Rocco Baldelli, and Geovany Soto. Future Hall of Famers with cards in the set included Ken Griffey Jr., Tony Gwynn, Randy Johnson, Greg Maddux, Pedro Martinez, John Smoltz and Gary Sheffield. The Alex Rodriguez card was also a popular one to collect as he was just starting to emerge as a superstar.

Insert cards in the 1999 Topps flagship set included All-Stars, Turn Back The Clock, Diamond Kings, Ink-Splattered Leaders, Super Veterans and Topps Tek. The Tek cards featured an authentic MLB stadium photo on the front and stat enhancements detailing a specific game or season accomplishment on the back. This insert added a nostalgic retro flair to the traditional cardboard.

In addition to the standard 660 card base set, Topps also produced three factory sets with additional inserts. The Finest Collection factory set included a parallel image of each base card in an embossed silver foil treatment. The Diamond Anniversary factory set celebrated baseball’s 125th anniversary with throwback diamond imagery on additional insert cards not found in packs.

The hardest cards to find within the 1999 Topps set were usually the short print variations, which had lower print runs inserted into packs at random. Some examples were SP versions of Ivan Rodriguez, Carlos Delgado and Sammy Sosa. error cards were also extremely rare, such as Vladimir Guerrero’s card featuring the name “Wilfredo” printed in error on the front.

The design was a continuation of the clean and classic 1990s Topps aesthetic while still feeling fresh. Bright team colors popped against the uniform gray borders, creating a crisp and nostalgic throwback look. The card stock had just the right thickness – not too flimsy or stiff. It was a solid year for Topps’ flagship baseball offerings both in terms of visual design and star power featured on the cards.

In mint condition, some of the more valuable cards that have held or increased in value from a 1999 Topps complete set include the Alex Rodriguez rookie, Nomar Garciaparra rookie, Derek Jeter, Ken Griffey Jr., Chipper Jones, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire and Pedro Martinez rookies. While still attainable today at a reasonable price, a mint and complete 660-card 1999 Topps baseball set in factory sealed condition could fetch $300-$500 online due to its anniversary year, star players, and nostalgia for 1990s cardboard.

For collectors and fans growing up during that era, the 1999 Topps set holds a special nostalgia. It was the cards that captured MLB during their childhood discovery of the game. For those not around in 1999, it provides a fun window into the stars and teams of that time period. The retro design also gives the cards an old-school baseball card aesthetic that remains pleasing to the eye decades later. It was among Topps strongest offerings of the 1990s and remains a coveted complete set for collectors to this day.

1999 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE

Leave a reply

The 1999 Topps Baseball set featured cards numbers 1-1080 featuring players from all 30 MLB teams at the time. The design was a shift from retro looks of previous years to a cleaner and more modern style. The borders were thinner than previous years with team banners across the top and player information below. Photography focused more on action shots compared to static posed pictures of the past. Autograph and serially numbered rookie cards featured several notable players who would go on to have great careers. While lacking the superstar rookie cards of past years, the 1999 Topps set featured many solid veterans and future Hall of Fame players.

The base card prices range widely depending on the player and condition. Common players can be found for under $1 while stars command higher prices. Mantaining the cards in Near Mint or better condition is important to retain value. Pristine Mint condition cards often sell for multiples of the Near Mint price.

Some notable base cards and their Near Mint/Mint guide prices include:

Ken Griffey Jr. – $5-8
Sammy Sosa – $3-5
Mark McGwire – $3-5
Cal Ripken Jr. – $3-5
Greg Maddux – $3-5
Pedro Martinez – $3-5
Mariano Rivera – $3-5
Randy Johnson – $3-5

Rookies and prospect cards have more variance based on the player’s career development:

Lance Berkman #800 – $1-3
Michael Cuddyer #720 – $1-3
Nomar Garciaparra #690 – $3-5
Todd Helton #620 – $3-5
Andruw Jones #430 – $5-8
Troy Glaus #360 – $3-5
Alfonso Soriano #310 – $5-8
Jason Giambi #90 – $5-8
Mariano Rivera #630 – $5-8
Jorge Posada #660 – $5-8

In addition to the base set there were several inserts featuring different themes. Embossed cards highlighted foil embossing on players’ uniforms and achieved higher prices due to their rarity and visual appeal. Turf Teams cards spotlighted ballparks and sold for up to $5-10 in top grades. All-Star cards showed players from the 1998 MLB All-Star Game and are generally found for $2-5 each.

Among the autographed and serially numbered rookie cards, the highlights demanding the highest prices included:

Albert Pujols 1/1 Auto /100 – Over $1000
bronson Arroyo /499 Auto – $20-50
Jason Jennings /499 Auto – $10-20
Adam Everett /499 Auto – $5-10
Carlos Beltran /999 Auto – $50-100

The checklist-included Insert sets 1999 Topps Finest Football and Donruss Elite Baseball paralleled these brands’ sister products. Both featured refractors, autos, and numbered parallels with Finest achieving the highest demand due to rarer relic and autographed parallels compared to Elite. With the rising popularity of insert sets in the 1990s, these carried significant premiums above the base cards.

Condition is vital, as even well-centered Mint cards sell for a fraction of the price of their Near Mint counterparts. Creases, corners, and edging issues drastically cut values. Full documentation of autographed cards is very important. Analysis showed unsubstantiated autos sell for 50% less than those with authentication paperwork like a Certificate of Authenticity or Beckett Authentication Services hologram.

While lacking some sought-after rookie cards, the 1999 Topps set featured many stars and Hall of Famers along with various popular inserts at affordable prices. Well-maintained common cards can often be found for under $1 with condition and scarcer serial number or autograph parallels routinely selling for multiples of that figure. As one of the bridges between the iconic designs of the 1990s and more modern photography-centric approaches, 1999 Topps endures as an accessible vintage set for collectors.

The 1999 Topps Baseball Card set provides a glimpse of the transition toward newer styles while maintaining connection to design traditions. Featuring many notable players and affordable price points overall, it retains interest for both completionists and those seeking specific stars or rookie cards. Understanding values is tied to condition, parallels, and documentation alongside baseball performance and careers. As with any vintage product, maintaining authenticity and condition sustains long-term collectability and value.

1999 SKYBOX THUNDER BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1999 Skybox Thunder baseball card set was released at the tail end of the baseball card boom of the late 90s. Skybox, which was one of the major brand names in sports cards during the boom years, put out its Thunder brand as a lower priced alternative to its flagship Skybox brand. The 1999 Thunder set contained 330 total cards and had a mix of rookies, stars, and veterans from both the American and National Leagues.

The design of the 1999 Thunder cards featured a simple white border with team logo in the upper left corner. Player names were in large bold font at the top with positions below. Statistics from the previous season were listed on the back along with a career retrospective. Photos showed players in action shots on brightly colored team colored backgrounds, giving the cards a colorful yet basic aesthetic designed to appeal to young collectors. The cards measured 2.5×3.5 inches, standard size for sets of the period.

Some of the top rookies featured in the 1999 Thunder set included Livan Hernandez of the Florida Marlins, Bubba Trammell of the Cincinnati Reds, and Hank Blalock of the Texas Rangers. Each of these players went on to have solid MLB careers after debuting the previous season. Other noteworthy rookies included Mark Prior of the Chicago Cubs who was just beginning what would become an injury plagued career.

Veteran stars in the 1999 Thunder set included power hitters like Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds, and Ken Griffey Jr. as they neared or surpassed the prestigious 600 home run milestones. Pitching stars like Roger Clemens, Randy Johnson, Greg Maddux, and Pedro Martinez graced the cards as well during the steroid era. Flashy players with large fan followings like Derek Jeter, Ken Griffey Jr, and Nomar Garciaparra added to the appeal of the stars in the set.

One of the inserts in the 1999 Thunder set was the “Top Prospects” subset highlighting some of the best up and coming minor leaguers. Included were future All-Stars like Bobby Crosby of the A’s, Scott Podsednik of the Royals, and Bronson Arroyo of the Pirates. Having top prospects in the base set added value and helped the cards maintain collector interest in the future of the league beyond just current stars.

Variations and parallels were not heavily featured in the mainstream 1999 Thunder base sets but insert sets provided some chase cards. The “Diamond Kings” parallel featured embossed photos on silver background cards numbered to 399 copies. The “All-Star Threads” subset showcased player uniforms in vibrant digital colors on 13 unique cards. Textured “Gold Rush” and “Silver Sluggers” parallels on card backs provided some rare parallel chase cards as well.

When first released in 1999, a box of 1999 Thunder baseball cards sold for around $20, containing 12 packs with 11 cards per pack. Singles could be obtained for around a quarter to 50 cents each. By the early 2000s, as the baseball card market collapsed, value of the setdeclined rapidly. Complete factory sets can now be had for under $10 while stars and key rookies remain around a dollar. Graded gem mint 10 rookies may fetch $10-20.

The 1999 Skybox Thunder baseball set remains one of the more accessible vintage 90s sets for collectors. With stars, rookies, and parallels it offered affordable collecting and excitement during the boom. While not as valuable as flagship sets today, it serves as a time capsule to an era of huge home run chases, prospects, and growth before the bust that followed. For budget-minded collectors two decades later, a complete set can still be found for under $20, making it a relatively easy vintage 90s release to obtain.

The 1999 Skybox Thunder baseball card set provided a more affordable alternative to pricier sets during the sports card boom of the late 90s. With 330 cards including stars, rookies, veterans and exciting parallel inserts, it captured the excitement of the era in an accessible package. While values declined markedly after the bust, it preserves the nostalgia and nostalgia of a epic time in baseball history at wallet-friendly prices today. For capturing a moment in time during the hobby’s peak, the 1999 Thunder set remains an worthwhile addition for budget-conscious vintage collectors.

1999 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS BOX

Leave a reply

The 1999 Topps baseball card set was released at the start of the new baseball season marking the 67th year of production for Topps cards. Some key things to know about the 1999 Topps baseball cards include the design, notable rookie cards, chase cards, and facts about the production box.

For the design of the 1999 Topps baseball cards, Topps went with a clean and classic look featuring a solid color panel behind each player photo. The team logo was prominently displayed at the top along with the player’s name and position underneath the photo. Stats from the previous season were on the back along with a brief career recap. The set consisted of 792 total cards including franchise greats, current stars, and up-and-coming young players.

Some of the top rookie cards from the 1999 Topps baseball set include J.D. Drew, Livan Hernandez, Brad Lidge, Cliff Lee, Jason Michaels, Rocco Baldelli, Aaron Miles, and Adam Dunn. J.D. Drew in particular is one of the most valuable 1999 Topps rookie cards to collect given his stellar career and high level of play. Chase cards that fans sought after included Chipper Jones, Ken Griffey Jr, Derek Jeter, and Sammy Sosa amongst the games biggest stars at the time.

The packaging and contents of the original 1999 Topps baseball card wax box offered collectors a fun and enjoyable opening day experience. Each wax box contained 24 wax packs with 11 cards per pack. This equals out to a total of 264 baseball cards found in one unopened wax box. The box itself featured vibrant yellow, red, and blue coloring with a classic Topps baseball design drawing collectors attention on the card aisle.

Upon opening the wax box, collectors would find 24 sealed wax packs neatly tucked inside. The wax paper wrapping each pack featured more 1990s baseball card imagery. Opening the first pack offered that exciting reveal of not knowing which players or inserts you pulled. Some packs contained bonus mini posters, sticker cards, or special “photo” cards adding to the surprise element. After opening all packs, collectors were left with the packing materials, empty wrappers, and their newly amassed collection of 264 cards.

Beyond the wax box and pack contents, the production value of the 1999 Topps baseball cards was high quality. The card stock was thick and produced sharp, colorful photos without fading. Register was accurate keeping front images well-centered. Cutting and glossing was consistent providing a premium feel in the hand. Topps assured collectors that cards from over two decades ago still look great when held alongside current releases.

In terms of the financial value of individual cards from the 1999 Topps baseball set today, there is variability depending on specific players and storylines surrounding their careers after 1999. Generally speaking, the most valuable cards command prices of $10-20 in near mint condition with the occasional star fetching $50-100. Rookie cards like J.D. Drew in pack-fresh shiny status could sell for $200-500 given his all-star caliber play. This set also contains cards of legends from the 1990s still in their prime like Ken Griffey Jr. and Chipper Jones that hold value.

The 1999 Topps baseball card set offered collectors another quality year of content commemorating the sport. Within original wax boxes, fans enjoyed opening day fun discovering the next generation of players and reliving stars of that time. While unopened boxes today sell for $100-150, the preserved cards inside maintain relevance for baseball card collectors and historians alike. The classic design, manufacturing quality, and notable rookie cards will ensure the 1999 Topps baseball set remains a cherished part of the hobby for years to come.

1999 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

Leave a reply

The 1999 Topps baseball card set marks the 67th year that Topps produced cards featuring players, managers, coaches, and others associated with Major League Baseball. For collectors, the ’99 Topps set is noteworthy because it features cards of some legendary players that would retire within the next few years as well as rookie cards of future Hall of Famers. The ’99 Topps set holds significant historical value and collectability due to the talented players it memorialized at that particular point in time.

While full sets and base cards from the ’99 Topps release can be found for affordable prices, there are a handful of single cards that stand out as being among the most valuable from that year. Naturally, the top cards tend to be those featuring the game’s biggest stars and most renowned players at the heights of their careers or rookie cards foretelling future greatness. Let’s take a closer look at some of the 1999 Topps cards that command the highest prices in the hobby today.

At the very top of most ’99 Topps value lists is card #307 featuring Ken Griffey Jr. As one of the most naturally gifted and popular players of his generation, Griffey was in his 10th MLB season in 1999 while still in his prime with the Cincinnati Reds. The near-flawless aesthetics of Griffey’s pose and uniform on this card coupled with his legendary status have secured it as one of the all-time premium Topps baseball cards. In gem mint condition, a PSA 10 Griffey #307 routinely sells for well over $1,000, with prices reaching upwards of $3,000-$5,000 at auction depending on bids.

Another superstar veteran command top dollar is card #443 featuring Sammy Sosa of the Chicago Cubs. As one of the game’s premier power hitters who was in the midst of breaking the single-season home run record in 1998, Sosa was a household name. This ’99 Topps issue captures Sosa in his iconic left-handed batting stance. Graded copies in gem mint sale in the $400-$800 range, though a true mint PSA 10 has brought as much as $1,500 at rare auction.

Rookie cards are always highly sought after items for recent Topps releases, and the 1999 set features several budding talents who would emerge as future legends. Chief among them is #431 depicting Toronto Blue Jays slugger José Bautista, who broke out with a 54-home run season in 2010 but was just starting his MLB career in ’99. Bautista rookie PSA 10s command $200-300 and have sold for over $500 before. Other prized rookie cards include those of CC Sabathia (#336), Adam Wainwright (#510), and Chase Utley (#436), all grading mint at $100-250 levels.

Superstar veterans like Barry Bonds (#145), Roger Clemens (#239), Greg Maddux (#351), and Mike Piazza (#559) round out the top value players from the ’99 Topps set. All were future Hall of Famers, and their cards in pristine condition still sell for $50-$150 each depending on the specific player and grade. Rookies of Brandon Phillips (#562), Lance Berkman (#468), and Scott Williamson (#543) have also gained collector interest lately.

Beyond single cards, some of the higher-end ’99 Topps player collection parallels also hold tremendous appeal. The incredibly rare Gold Medallion parallel signatures of Tony Gwynn (#135), Ken Griffey Jr. (#407), and Cal Ripken Jr. (#599) are the holy grail pieces from this set, each numbering under 10 copies produced and worth thousands to tens of thousands graded and preserved in top shape.

While fully assembling the 660-card ’99 Topps baseball base set remains an affordable collecting objective, some individual cards have exploded in value due to the legendary careers depicted. Over two decades later, the ’99 release still resonates as an iconic snapshot capturing the game at a high point between eras. With several future Cooperstown inductees and breakout rookie issues, its enduring collectability and investment potential are well-established in the trading card marketplace. Whether chasing key singles or building full rainbow sets of numbered parallels, 1999 Topps remains one of the most historically significant sets to own in the modern era of cardboard.

TOPPS 1999 BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 1999 Topps baseball card set is arguably one of the most acclaimed and highly collected issues from the 1990s. Produced by The Topps Company, Inc., the 1999 release marked the 57th year of Topps producing baseball cards and contained 792 total cards in the base set. Several factors contributed to the popularity and desired collecting status of the 1999 Topps cards among both vintage and modern card collectors.

The main attraction of the 1999 Topps set was its amazing checklist of superstar players and hall of famers that were immortalized on cardboard. Roster standouts included Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Greg Maddux, Pedro Martinez, Randy Johnson, Cal Ripken Jr., Tony Gwynn, and Wade Boggs among many others. The sheer star power captured at the peak of their careers added tremendous appeal and nostalgia for collectors both young and old. Many of the players featured were in the prime of their MLB tenure and coming off stellar seasons or had hit important career milestones.

Another plus was the visual presentation and crisp sharpness of the cards themselves. Topps utilized high quality card stock and vibrant color reproduction for the photographs on the fronts and player stats/team logos on the backs. The clean layouts and classic design elements blended nostalgia with a modern flair. Closeup action shots and headshots of the players popped off the cardboard in a way that made collecting and displaying them feel special. The images simply grabbed attention and stirred memories of that memorable baseball season for many.

Beyond the star power and visual aesthetics, 1999 was a seminal year in Major League Baseball that further heightened interest in the card set. Home run records were shattered as Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa dueled down the stretch in a chase for Roger Maris’ single season home run mark that captivated the nation. McGwire would ultimately hit #70 while Sosa finished with #66, shattering expectations in one of the greatest displays of raw power the sport has ever seen. Their mammoth blasts launched baseball back into the national spotlight and injected new life and excitement into the hobby.

Memorabilia cards that featured authentic memorabilia chunks or autographed cards of the home run kings commanded big premiums. Rarer 1/1 versions of these attained auction prices in the thousands. The excitement bled into the broader release as even common cards of McGwire, Sosa, and the other stars of ’98 attained new levels of collectibility versus prior issues. Many who grew up with the scene went on to collect and hold onto their cards from that legendary year.

While increased collecting interest boosted prices, production numbers for the 1999 Topps base set cards also remained healthy enough to keep individual cards inexpensive and accessible for most collectors. An estimated printing run upwards of 300 million cards meant there was good availability even years after release. This ensured the classic designs, images and players reached the hands of many fans and maintained an affordable entry point to build full sets. Strong secondary market support from coin shops, card shows and online auctions further promoted liquidity.

In the decades since, the 1999 Topps set has only grown more coveted as its subjects move further into retirement and the memories they elicited continue to feel more nostalgic and representative of a bygone era. Modern production techniques cannot replicate the exact same charm and authentic feel of late 90s era cardboard. With time, demand has organically increased prices into the realm of premium vintage while full sets still hold value as a display-worthy collection capturing a watershed time in baseball’s history.

For all these reasons – its dream lineup, home run magic context, design execution, availability and enduring nostalgia – the 1999 Topps baseball card set remains a true benchmark issue. It perfectly blends roster star power with cultural significance to remain a set thatball card collectors young and old aspire to own in some form whether as singles, stars, or a complete masterpiece. Over 20 years later, it continues showcasing why for many Topps in 1999 defined the pinnacle of the modern baseball card era.