Tag Archives: 2000’s

WHAT BASEBALL CARDS FROM THE 2000’S ARE WORTH MONEY

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The 2000s saw continued growth in the interest and market for collecting baseball cards. Many rookies and star players from this era have cards that hold significant value today. With the rise of the internet and online selling platforms, the baseball card market became more accessible and transparent. Prices fluctuate over time based on supply and demand as well as player performance and achievement of milestones, but there are certain 2000s cards that consistently attract strong prices when in high grades.

One of the most valuable 2000s rookie cards is the Bowman Chrome Refractor Jason Heyward. Heyward made his MLB debut in 2010 with the Atlanta Braves and won Rookie of the Year honors. His refractor rookie from 2009 Bowman Chrome has a current market value around $1,000-$2,000 in Near Mint-Mint (NM-MT) condition. The Bowman Chrome Refractor parallels have extremely low print runs, making them highly sought after by collectors. Other top Bowman Chrome rookies from the 2000s that command prices over $500 include Gavin Floyd (2001), Phillip Hughes (2007), Matt Wieters (2007), Stephen Strasburg (2009), and Buster Posey (2008).

The Topps base rookie cards for future Hall of Famers and stars are always in demand from collectors. Cards like the 2000 Topps base rookie of Chase Utley ($200+ NM-MT), 2002 Topps base rookie of Zack Greinke ($150+ NM-MT), 2003 Topps base rookie of Dontrelle Willis ($100+ NM-MT), 2005 Topps base rookie of Ryan Braun ($150+ NM-MT) and 2016 Topps base rookie of Corey Seager ($100+ NM-MT) are consistently popular. Rookie cards for players who go on to achieve milestones and awards gain value over time as well.

Upper deck produced some of the premium base sets of the 2000s like UD Choice, UD Prospect Premieres, and UD Exquisite. Some of the most valuable base cards from those sets include the 2002 Choice rookie of Zach Greinke ($100+ NM-MT), 2002 Prospect Premieres rookie of Zack Greinke ($75+ NM-MT), 2004 Exquisite Collection rookie patch auto of Jered Weaver (#/25, $500+), 2007 Choice rookie patch auto of Matt Wieters (#/99, $350+), and 2005 Prospect Premieres rookie of Clayton Kershaw ($75+ NM-MT).

Autograph cards gained even more popularity after the turn of the century. Top rookies from the 2000s that command four-figure prices for low-numbered on-card autographs include Josh Hamilton (2000 Topps Tek, #/50, $1,500+), Dontrelle Willis (2003 Topps Series 2, #/99, $1,000+), Justin Verlander (2004 Bowman, #/99, $1,200+), Ryan Braun (2005 Topps, #/99, $1,500+), Troy Tulowitzki (2005 Topps, #/99, $1,250+), Tim Lincecum (2006 Bowman, #/99, $1,500+), Clayton Kershaw (2006 SP Authentic, #/99, $1,250+), and Mike Trout (2009 Topps, #/99, $2,000+).

Rookie autograph cards signed by players who went on to achieve great success are extremely scarce and valuable. Rare Mike Trout autographs like his 2009 Bowman Draft Chrome Auto Green Refractor Parallel (#/10) reach over $15,000 in higher grades. A 2006 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto Blue Refractor of Clayton Kershaw (#/50) last brought $11,000 while a 2005 SPX Gold Auto of Ryan Braun (#/50) topped out around $9,000. Base autograph rookie cards for superstars command big money as well. A signed 2001 Topps Base Auto of Albert Pujols is worth $7,500+ NM-MT while a 2000 Topps Tek Auto of Chase Utley goes for $5,000+.

Beyond base and autograph rookies, parallel and serial numbered short prints from flagship sets are highly regarded. Top parallel cards include a 2001 Bowman’s Best Refractor of Albert Pujols ($800+), 2003 Topps Gold Medallion Auto of Dontrelle Willis (#/50, $600+ NM-MT), 2006 Topps Chrome Refractor Auto of Justin Verlander (#/150, $650+ NM-MT), 2005 Topps Chrome Refractor RC of Ryan Howard ($450+ NM-MT), and 2005 Topps Chrome Refractor RC of Ryan Braun ($350+ NM-MT). Parallels of star players achieving milestones gain value as well, such as a 2008 Topps Chrome Refractor of Cole Hamels’ (#/150) first no-hitter ($250+ NM-MT).

Card products really expanded in the 2000s to include more inserts, parallels, memorabilia cards, and serial numbered short prints. While more common than base and autograph rookies, these cards still hold value especially for star players. Popular inserts include Donruss Redemption (2001) of Albert Pujols ($200+ NM-MT), Topps Total of Ichiro Suzuki from 2001 ($150+ NM-MT), Topps Tiffany of Derek Jeter from 2003 ($175+ NM-MT), Topps 206 Threads of Albert Pujols from 2004 ($125+ NM-MT), and Topps Legends of Albert Pujols from 2005 ($100+ NM-MT).

Among serial numbered cards, Ultra products contained some highly sought after short prints. A 2005 Ultra Moonshots parallel of Albert Pujols numbered to 50 units is valued around $300 in top shape while a 2003 Ultra Natural Cuts parallel of Soriano numbered to 25 reaches $250. Other coveted short prints include 2003 SP Authentic Century Materials of Francisco Rodriguez numbered to 99 ($175+ NM-MT), 2005 Upper Deck Trilogy Prime Materials parallel of Chase Utley numbered to 10 ($250+ NM-MT), and 2001 Topps Yankee Relics Pinstripe Material of Bernie Williams numbered to 99 ($150+ NM-MT).

As you can see, the 2000s were an era that produced many star players whose rookie cards hold significant appeal and value today amongst collectors two decades later. While certain cards are extremely rare and pricy like low-numbered rookie autographs of superstars, there are ample 2000s cards in the $50-$500 range as well that represent affordable opportunities to acquire pieces from that era before prices potentially appreciate further down the line. Understanding the landscape of popular players, brands, parallels, and serial numbered products from each year in the 2000s enables collectors to most strategically seek out valuable cards from that period with an eye toward long-term returns.

The 2000s cards of future Hall of Famers like Pujols, Jeter, Ichiro, and Chipper Jones remain highly collectible today while rookies of current superstars such as Trout, Kershaw, Betts, Arenado, deGrom and others hold tremendous promise for future appreciation. With many stars from that era still actively playing, 2000s cards have very positive long-term outlooks for collectors. Between favorable supply/demand dynamics and iconic milestones being achieved by players each year, this decade has produced no shortage of baseball memorabilia that has stood the test of time and holds financial value two decades later.

VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS FROM THE 2000’s

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The turn of the century brought excitement and significant players to Major League Baseball. Stars like Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, and Derek Jeter dazzled fans with amazing play on the field. As young collectors opened packs hunting for their favorite players, little did they know some ordinary-looking cards from the late 90s and 2000s would become extremely valuable today. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable baseball cards printed in the early 2000s that can fetch thousands of dollars today in Near Mint+ or better condition.

2000 Bowman Chrome Alex Rodriguez (#47) – Considered one of the rarest modern cards, the 2000 Bowman Chrome Alex Rodriguez rookie is one of the lesser known mid-2000s rookie cards that holds immense value now. Rodriguez was already a star by 2000 after success with the Mariners, but this was his true rookie card release printed in just the Bowman Chrome high-end set. Population reports show only a handful are known to exist in pristine condition. Graded PSA 10 examples have sold for over $100,000, showing this card’s immense rarity and desirability for A-Rod collectors.

2001 Topps Derek Jeter (#321) – As arguably the most popular Yankee of all-time, Derek Jeter’s career and collecting appeal has extended far beyond his playing days. His Topps flagship rookie from 2001 remains one of the keys for any baseball collection. This iconic card is remarkably affordable in low grades but exponentially increases in higher grades. Even PSA 9’s routinely command four figures due to the card’s widespread appeal. True gem mint PSA 10’s have changed hands for over $30,000, though condition challenges have kept high-grade totals very thin.

2003 Topps SPx Adrian Gonzalez Printing Plates (#PP1) – 2003 Topps SPx took printing plates, normally reserved for company archives, and inserted one as the literal first card in the base set. Extremely few of these 1/1 Adrian Gonzalez plates are known to exist, and condition is always a factor keeping values extremely high when they do surface. A PSA-graded example sold for over $15,000 in mid-2021 showing the ultrararity and novelty of this absolute one-of-a-kind modern issue. While not a true “rookie” in the traditional sense, these plates captivate collectors.

2004 Bowman Draft Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Autograph (#BDPP) – As one of the top hitting prospects of all-time, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. mania reached new heights after his 2018 MLB debut. Savvy collectors knew of his potential far earlier when he was but a teenager in the 2004 draft class. His premium Bowman Draft autograph from that set is one of the rarest modern prospect cards in the hobby. Pristine PSA 10 examples have reached astronomical prices upwards of $80,000 in recent years showing intense demand for anything related to Guerrero Jr.’s early years.

2004 Topps Update Kris Benson Autograph (#US100) – Modern autograph rookies from flagship brands like Topps Update are usually scarce propositions, but some stand out as true anomalies. With a population of just two PSA 10 examples known, Kris Benson’s Update auto firmly fits into the ultra-rare category. Neither example has been on the open market in decades, and if/when it does surface again it could threaten six-figure prices. Speculating on future Hall of Famers is always risky, but some early autographed rookies have proven to move mountains in value.

2005 Bowman Chrome Justin Upton Autograph (/99) – The Upton family produced multiple big leaguers, but Justin Upton showed the most early promise and enjoyed a long, successful MLB career. His Bowman Chrome autographs from 2005 have become quite valuable positives for collectors pursuing high-end Upton rookies. The parallel versions numbered to 99 like /99 are especially tough pulls. Cracking six digits in a PSA 10 slab wouldn’t be a surprise considering the combination of rarity, brand, and player involved.

2005 Topps Derek Jeter Autograph (/25) – Whether it’s his flagship Topps issues or autographs of the Captain, Derek Jeter memorabilia regularly brings top dollar from collectors. With good reason too – this parallel hand-signed Jeter from 2005 Topps is about as rare as it gets at a numbered parallel out of just 25 copies produced. A recent PSA 10 example crossed the $30,000 auction value showing the desirability for anything rare and signed pertaining to the long-time Yankee shortstop’s career. Condition is critical to maximize returns on such a low-numbered parallel.

2006 Topps Chrome David Wright Autograph (Blue Refractor /50) – As one of the faces of the early 2000s “Next Generation” of MLB stars, David Wright thrilled Mets fans for over a decade in Queens. Some of his best cards come from the mid-2000s Topps Chrome issues before injuries slowed his career. The /50 blue refractor parallel captures Wright in his prime and takes an already rare signed chrome card to a whole new level of scarcity. Nabbing one in pristine condition could easily be a five-figure sale.

2007 Upper Deck Spectrum Miguel Cabrera Printing Plates (1/1) – Like the 2003 Topps Gonzalez plates before it, Upper Deck gave collectors an ultra-rare spectacle by inserting one Miguel Cabrera printing plate into their high-end 2007 Spectrum set release. What are the odds of finding such a one-of-a-kind piece amidst packs? Virtually zero, making this true unique appreciated among collectors both for its true singular status and featuring a modern day Hall of Famer in Cabrera. Plate mania is real for those pursuing these ultimate rarities.

This covers just a sampling of the monumentally valuable baseball cards from the early 2000s era that many collectors ripped packs hoping to find but had no idea would become true trophy pieces two decades later. As the years roll on, savvy players recognize that unassuming cards from flagship andChrome sets featuring all-time great careers in their earliest stages can prove to be real long-term investments

VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS 2000’s

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The 2000s represented one of the most dynamic periods for baseball card collecting in the modern era. After the boom of the late 1980s and early 1990s, the industry contracted significantly during the late 90s. As the new millennium began, baseball cards started experiencing renewed interest that has carried through to today. Several rookies emerged who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers, marking their rookie cards as highly coveted pieces for collectors. Meanwhile, licensed products from Upper Deck, Topps, and other manufacturers perfected innovations in design and insert cards that captured collector attention. As the decade progressed and these players’ careers achieved new milestones, certain 2000s baseball cards appreciating greatly in value.

One of the most financially significant 2000s rookie cards is that of Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout from 2009 Topps. Widely regarded as one of the best all-around players in MLB history, Trout has won three AL MVP awards so far and remains in his prime. His 2009 Topps base rookie card in near-mint condition can fetch over $300 today. An autographed version regularly breaks $1,000, with gem mint 10 graded copies selling for upwards of $3,000. Trout was not yet a household name in 2009, meaning collectors who realized his future Hall of Fame potential early grabbed his rookie at affordable prices relative to current value.

Another massive gainer from the 2000s is New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez. Though already a star, A-Rod joined the vaunted Yankees franchise in 2004 and his cards spiked from there. His 2003 Topps Traded base in mint condition averages $150 now after being a $5 card upon release. Meanwhile, his 2004 Topps base, capturing him in his first season in pinstripes, reaches $50-75 for a top-grade example. Perhaps most coveted is A-Rod’s 2004 Topps 206 parallel serial-numbered to /399 copies. In gem mint 10, it can command over $1,000 due to the rarity of the parallel combined with capturing a Yankees superstar seasons.

The early 2000s also heralded rookies of future Hall of Famers Albert Pujols and Ichiro Suzuki. Pujols’ enormously successful 21-year career with the St. Louis Cardinals has made his 2001 Topps base rookie coveted by collectors. Graded mint 9 copies trade hands for $300 on average in today’s market. Meanwhile, Ichiro’s dazzling MLB debut season with the Seattle Mariners in 2001 made his Topps and Bowman rookie cards hot commodities at the time. In near-mint to mint condition now, Ichiro’s 2001 Topps base runs $100-150 while his Bowman Chrome rookie reaches $200-300 due to the parallels in Bowman product adding scarcity and value.

Two specific inserts also gained immense worth from the 2000s centered around milestone accomplishments. In 2007, San Diego Padres shortstop Barry Larkin was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. That year, Topps paid tribute to Larkin with a “Hall of Fame” parallel serial-numbered to /1960 copies celebrating his career. These ultrarare Larkin parallels reach $1,000-$1,500 each for collectors seeking a piece of baseball history. Similarly, Topps’ “500 Home Run Club” parallel from 2009 honoring the eleven players who hit 500 home runs was limited to only 999 copies per player. A gem mint Hank Aaron copy can bring upwards of $3,000 in today’s market due to rarity.

The 2000s also saw burgeoning careers of future phenoms like Ryan Braun, Evan Longoria, and Tim Lincecum get their start. Braun’s 2005 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Refractors served notice of his stardom to come. A BGS-graded 9.5 “black border” parallel now fetches $800-1000. Meanwhile, Longoria and Lincecum’s respective 2006 Bowman Chrome and 2007 Topps Chrome rookies hit $300-400 for top-graded versions as their all-star peaks became reality. In the case of Lincecum, demand remains high for cards showing “The Freak” in his long hair days pitching for the 2010-2012 World Series champion San Francisco Giants.

Upper Deck’s exclusive licenses with MLB players also created certain parallels and memorabilia cards from the 2000s decade that have soared in value. For example, the company’s 2003 Sweet Spot Signatures parallel serial-numbered to five copies featuring Babe Ruth with an on-card autograph changes hands for north of $20,000. Their 2006 Ultimate Collection parallel serial-numbered to 10 copies featuring a swatch of jersey material from Stan Musial recently sold at auction for over $11,000. With the licenses in place, Upper Deck crafted rare memorabilia cards during the company’s height that are intrinsically tied to certain players from baseball’s storied history.

Much like the baseball industry itself experienced unprecedented growth in the 2000s, so too did the collectibles market surrounding the game. Rookies from the decade like Trout, Pujols, and others anchored that period and interest in their early cards has only grown stronger with time. Meanwhile, parallels, serial-numbered inserts and star-studded products created many scarce pieces tied to certain players’ milestones and accomplishments. As such, attentive collectors who added strategic 2000s baseball cards to their portfolios have seen remarkable returns on those investments ever since. The decade truly marked both a rebound for the card industry and the emergence of several all-timers whose cardboard remains highly valuable today.

MOST VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS OF THE 2000’s

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The 2000s was a transformative decade for the baseball card industry. While interest had been waning in the late 90s following the peak of the junk wax era, the turn of the millennium brought about renewed enthusiasm from collectors. Advances in technology like the internet allowed the hobby to evolve, opening up new avenues for collecting and connecting with others. It was also during this time that some iconic rookies emerged who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers, making their early cards highly sought after. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable baseball cards produced between 2000-2009 based on their current market values.

Leading off our list is perhaps the most coveted card of the decade, the 2000 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks Refractors parallel of one Albert Pujols. Fresh off being drafted in the 13th round out of Maple Woods Community College, Bowman hit a home run by including the unknown Pujols in their set featuring recent draft picks. Only ten refractor parallels were inserted into packs, immediately creating a hype and scarcity around the rookie. Pujols would go on to become one of the greatest hitters of all time, winning 3 MVPs before turning 30. In pristine gem mint condition, a Pujols refractor now regularly sells for well over $100,000, making it arguably the most valuable modern baseball card in existence.

Another transcendent hitter whose early cards soared in value was Miguel Cabrera. His 2003 SP Authentic megastar materials parallel /50 is one of the icons from that groundbreaking set. Cabrera was already establishing himself as a prolific hitter for the Marlins at a young age. The bat knob material swatch takes the card to the next level in terms of desirability. High grade examples now trade hands for $15,000+ due to Cabrera’s offensive dominance that led to two MVP awards and 500 career home runs before turning 35.

Staying in 2003, the rookies of future Hall of Famers Ichiro Suzuki and Albert Pujols were highly sought after. Suzuki’s Bowman Chrome rookie refractor /399 from his iconic 54 steal and MVP season is valued near $7,500 in top condition. Meanwhile, Pujols’ playoff heroics that year elevated his Topps rookie card to a whole new level, and the prospects of a long, brilliant career drove prices up significantly. A PSA 10 gem mint of his iconic first cardboard now demands $6,000 minimum.

Popularity of the basketball model LaMelo Ball crossed over to the baseball card world in the late 2000s. His 2008 Bowman Draft Chrome Green parallel auto /99 exploded in popularity and value in recent years, as collectors salivated over the prospect of sibling success. Now considered one of the key rookies from that base set, a BGS 9.5 of Ball’s flashy dual-sport card is priced around $5,000 currently. While he never made the majors, LaMelo lived up to the hype in other arenas.

The mid-2000s brought forth many future Hall of Famers as well. Robinson Cano’s sweet swing was on full display as a bright young star for the Yankees in 2005. That year’s Bowman Chrome Draft Blue Refractors parallel /100 was an early indicator of his perennial All-Star status. High grade examples now fetch $4,000. Around the same time, Ryan Braun was lighting up the minors in the Brewers system. His 2004 SP Authentic triple relic auto /99 exploded in the late-aughts after Braun’s breakout 2011 MVP campaign. Condition sensitive, a BGS 9.5+ of this rare Brewers linen relic could sell for $3,500.

Continuing a theme, Clayton Kershaw burst onto the scene for the Dodgers in 2008. That year’s bowman Sterling parallel was electric compared to typical base cards at the time. The refractorized parallel /991 took Kershaw mania to new heights as he dominated the National League from day one. A pristine PSA 10 is worth $3,000 today for one of the greatest lefties of all-time. Kershaw’s LA teammate Corey Seager also made an early splash. The 2014 Bowman Chrome Draft blue refractor /250 previewed a multiple time All-Star and Rookie of the Year. Seager mania has vaulted examples over $2,500 presently.

Rounding out our list are a few more notable young stars whose early cards paid dividends. Philadelphia’s Ryan Howard achieved wrestling fame as part of 2005 Topps Total Memorabilia. His rarity-enhanced triple jersey-bat-ball swatch /10 exploded after multiple 40+ home run seasons elevated Howard to stardom levels. High grade examples crest $2,250. Even further back, a certain Mr. Trout was on the horizon in 2009 Topps. While he didn’t debut until the next season, the prospects of his otherworldly talents made Trout’s base rookie a hot ticket. Pristine PSA 10s now sell for an even $2,000.

The 2000s unearthed some of the game’s modern greats like Pujols, Cabrera, Kershaw and more. Their early cardboard captured imaginations and increased exponentially in value as careers blossomed. While the junk wax era may have dampened short term collectors, long term holders who identified future Hall of Famers were massively rewarded. The decade cultivated new interest and enthusiasm for the hobby through internet forums, serial numbered parallels, and proven superstars.