Tag Archives: 2007

2007 TOPPS BASEBALL ROOKIE CARDS

Leave a reply

The 2007 Topps Baseball card set featured many promising young players who were just starting their Major League careers. This was a vintage year for rookie cards as some of the game’s biggest stars today made their Topps debut. The 2007 Topps Baseball rookie class remains one of the most coveted in the modern era as many of these players went on to have Hall of Fame caliber careers.

One of the most prominent rookies in the 2007 Topps set was Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers. Braun burst onto the scene in 2007 by winning the National League Rookie of the Year award. He hit .324 with 34 home runs and 97 RBIs in his debut season, establishing himself as a true five-tool player. Braun’s rookie card from 2007 Topps is one of the most iconic from the entire set. It shows him in a Brewers batting stance with a blue sky background. Braun went on to have a stellar career, making over 5 All-Star teams and winning the 2011 NL MVP award. His rookie card remains a key piece for any baseball card collection.

Another phenom making his Topps rookie card debut in 2007 was Evan Longoria of the Tampa Bay Rays. Longoria enjoyed one of the greatest rookie seasons of all-time, slashing .272 with 27 home runs and 85 RBIs while playing stellar defense at third base. He won the 2008 AL Rookie of the Year award and his 2007 Topps rookie card shows him in a Rays batting stance with a yellow and blue backdrop. Longoria became a perennial All-Star and helped lead the Rays to several playoff appearances. He is considered one of the best third baseman of his generation. The Longoria rookie remains one of the most sought after cards from the 2007 Topps set.

Two other third basemen who debuted in 2007 Topps went on to have Hall of Fame careers – David Wright of the New York Mets and Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees. Wright’s rookie card shows him in a Mets batting stance with the Citi Field in the background. He was the face of the Mets franchise for over a decade, making multiple All-Star teams while establishing himself as one of the game’s best hitters. A-Rod’s rookie card from 2007 Topps is one of his few cards in a Yankees uniform. He was already a seasoned veteran at this point but collectors love his early Yankees issues. Both Wright and A-Rod are sure-fire Hall of Famers whose rookie cards hold significant value.

Pitching prospects were also featured prominently in the 2007 Topps set. Tim Lincecum of the San Francisco Giants made his card debut and it shows him mid-windup with a green background. “The Freak” went on to win back-to-back Cy Young awards in 2008-2009 while becoming the face of the Giants franchise. He led the team to multiple World Series titles. Cole Hamels of the Philadelphia Phillies also debuted in 2007 Topps and his card features him in a windup with a Phillies cap. Hamels was the 2006 World Series MVP and a steady force in the Phillies rotation for over a decade. Both the Lincecum and Hamels rookies are key pieces for any baseball card collection.

Another highly coveted 2007 Topps rookie is Dustin Pedroia of the Boston Red Sox. His card shows him batting left-handed with a classic Boston background. Pedroia established himself as the heart and soul of Red Sox teams that won 4 AL East titles and 2 World Series championships from 2007-2013. He took home the 2008 AL MVP award and made multiple All-Star appearances. Among the set’s other notable rookies included Zack Greinke of the Kansas City Royals, who won the 2009 AL Cy Young award; Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who has 3 Cy Youngs of his own; and Josh Hamilton, who overcame personal demons to become a perennial All-Star.

In total, the 2007 Topps baseball set features over 50 rookies who went on to have solid Major League careers. Many remain active players today but the likes of Ryan Braun, Evan Longoria, David Wright, Tim Lincecum, Cole Hamels and Dustin Pedroia have already cemented their legacies as some of the game’s all-time greats. Their rookie cards from the 2007 Topps set are highly sought after and hold significant nostalgia and value for collectors. The 2007 rookie class will go down as one of the most memorable and impactful in baseball card history.

2007 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET VALUE

Leave a reply

The 2007 Topps baseball card set was released in February of 2007 and featured cards for all 30 Major League Baseball teams. The design featured a simple team logo at the top left with the player’s picture centered below. While not one of the flashier Topps releases in terms of design, the 2007 set remains a popular and valuable complete set to collect due to the star players and rookie cards included.

The 2007 Topps set includes 792 total cards broken into the base set of 660 cards plus three 100 card insert sets – All Star, Gold Label and Stadium Club. Some key rookie cards included were Max Scherzer, Clayton Kershaw, Colby Rasmus and Andrew McCutchen. Star players like Albert Pujols, Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter and David Ortiz also had prominent cards. While no rookie or star player cards in the set now command huge individual prices, together as a complete master set it remains a desirable and valuable collection.

Prices for a 2007 Topps complete master set, including all base cards, variations, inserts and parallels have steadily increased since initial release. In the late 2000s shortly after release, a newly opened and complete 2007 Topps set could usually be acquired for around $300-350. By the early 2010s, as the players established themselves and nostalgia for the mid-2000s designs grew, the price had risen to the $500-600 range. Throughout the late 2010s and early 2020s, interest and demand for mid-2000s sets has remained high.

Several key factors have led to the 2007 Topps set appreciating in value as a complete collection. First, stars from the set like Scherzer, Kershaw and McCutchen went on to have Hall of Fame caliber careers, increasing nostalgia and demand from fans who followed them when they were rookies. Second, the design has developed a retro appeal now over 15 years later. While not as visually striking as some other designs, the simplicity is clean and recognizable from the 2000s era. Nostalgia is a powerful driver of collectibles prices.

Third, the lower initial print run sizes of sets from the mid-2000s mean fewer complete collections likely survived intact compared to designs from the 1980s or 1990s when print runs were even larger. Fourth, the growth of online selling platforms like eBay give collectors worldwide access to buying and researching sets. This broadens the potential buyer pool. The rise of set registry and census tracking websites let collectors precisely document and badge a set as 100% complete, further fueling competition and prices.

The relative scarcity and completeness of a 2007 Topps master set, as verified on a site like Sportscardforum registry, pushes prices even higher into the $750-950 range today. But this assumes that the set truly contains:

All 660 base cards (including difficult pull Master Card parallels)

All 100 cards each from the All-Star, Gold Label and Stadium Club inserts

Any special parallel variants like rainbow foil, black border, photo variations, etc.

Graded gem mint condition sets in a displayable toploader binder or one-touch magnetic holders will attract even stronger prices in the $1000-1500 range. With recent sales of graded PSA/BGS crossover slabs showing sets achieving $1200-2000 depending on the population report rarity and grades received.

Demand is strongest on third party selling platforms like eBay where collectors worldwide can bid competitively. Some find sets on consignment at major auction houses like Heritage or PWCC. Here there is potential for Reserve prices to lift value over open bidding, though 15%+ buyers premiums eat into profit potential.

As a complete near impossible to assemble master set from the mid-2000s, the 2007 Topps baseball collection has developed solid secondary market value. Prices will likely hold steady and perhaps even climb further as Millennial nostalgia grows and scarcity increases over time. With a combination of star rookies, established veterans, and clean design, it represents one of the more affordable and desirable vintage team sets for collectors to target in completing their personal collections.

BEST CARDS FROM 2007 TOPPS BASEBALL

Leave a reply

The 2007 Topps Baseball card set was one of the most highly anticipated releases of the year. Coming off a postseason filled with dramatic playoff runs, close World Series games, and MLB’s continued rise in popularity, collectors were eager to get their hands on the newest Topps cards. The set featured several young stars who were beginning to emerge as the future faces of the game as well as established veterans still performing at an elite level. While no single card could be considered the true “best” due to differences in personal collecting interests and player preferences, here are some of the most notable rookies, stars, and short prints from the 2007 Topps Baseball set that are highly sought after by collectors today.

One of the top rookie cards from the 2007 set was Ian Kinsler of the Texas Rangers. As a second year player in 2007, Kinsler was breaking out with his first All-Star appearance and finishing 8th in AL MVP voting. His rookie card showed him batting from the left side with a blue and orange Rangers uniform. With Kinsler going on to have a solid career as a perennial All-Star and leader for the Rangers, his rookie card from this set remains a key piece for any collection of 2000s stars. Another outstanding rookie was Dustin Pedroia of the Boston Red Sox. After winning the AL Rookie of the Year award in 2006, Pedroia appeared on the cover of the 2007 Topps set in his red Sox uniform. His rookie card, showing him fielding a ground ball, captured him at the start of what became a fantastic career as a 4-time All-Star and 4-time Gold Glove winner.

On the pitching side, one of the top rookie cards was that of Zack Greinke for the Kansas City Royals. Greinke would go on to win the AL Cy Young award in 2009 but his rookie card from 2007 showcased him at the beginning of his dominant run. Other notable rookie pitchers included Jon Lester of the Red Sox, who became a cancer survivor success story and 3-time World Series champion, and Cole Hamels of the Philadelphia Phillies, who won the World Series MVP and a title in 2008. While rookie cards are often the most sought-after, the 2007 Topps set also featured many star veterans at the peaks of their careers.

Cards like Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, and David Ortiz were always highly valuable as they represented some of the biggest names in the sport at the time. One star card that stands out is number 161, depicting Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals in his classic straight-on batting stance. Pujols had followed up his 2005 and 2006 MVP seasons by winning another in 2007, cementing his status as the best hitter in baseball. His card captured him during arguably the prime of his otherworldly career. Other top star cards included number 97 for Ichiro Suzuki, who was still performing at his hit-record setting pace with the Mariners, and number 299, a Mike Piazza card in a Mets uniform that represented one of the all-time great sluggers.

While rookie cards and star players were highly sought, collectors also coveted short printed parallel and serial numbered cards in the 2007 Topps set. Some of the most valuable short prints included the gold parallel cards, which were limited to only one per case. Standouts here were the gold parallels of Justin Verlander, Ryan Howard, and Dustin Pedroia. Another scarce parallel was the red foil-signed version limited to only 10 copies. Highlights of the red parallels included Lester, Carlos Zambrano, and Chase Utley. Lastly, the serial numbered prospect cards featuring future stars like Troy Tulowitzki, Ryan Braun, and Jay Bruce were very limited and hold significant value today. The 2007 Topps Baseball release truly captured many of the sports’ brightest young talents as well as its established veteran stars, making many of its cards highly valuable in today’s collecting market. The combination of star rookies, MVP-caliber veterans, and rare parallel versions give this set a well-rounded mix that will continue to attract collectors.

2007 ALLEN AND GINTER BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 2007 edition of Allen & Ginter baseball cards was one of the more unique and fascinating sets released during the mid-2000s decade. While most mainstream baseball card sets from the time focused primarily on active major league players, Allen & Ginter took a divergent approach by incorporating historical figures, peculiar subjects, as well as oddball inserts that made for interesting and eclectic collector experience. With intricate vintage-style designs, premium card stock, and subjects reaching far beyond the baseball diamond, the 2007 A&G set became a favorite among collectors seeking something a little different from the standard baseball card fare.

Released by Topps in July 2007, the base set for that year’s Allen & Ginter numbered 267 total cards. Departing from normal player-based card numbers, the checklist incorporated diverse subjects ranging from presidents and war heroes to scientists, authors, and even fictional characters. Icons of American history like Abraham Lincoln and George Washington received commemorative cards, as did legendary figures like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and Ty Cobb. Meanwhile, cards spotlighting innovators like Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, and Marie Curie brought historical figures of science and knowledge into the mix. Literary greats such as Mark Twain, Edgar Allan Poe, and even Jim Henson through his Muppets creations also earned recognition in the set.

While baseball players did make up portions of the checklist, the diversity of subjects ensured Allen & Ginter stood out compared to other baseball releases of its day. Starters like Alex Rodriguez, David Ortiz, and Ichiro Suzuki received standard trading cards, but many baseball-related inserts took a more unusual approach. For instance, “Baseball’s Firsts” highlighted pioneering moments in the sport’s history, recognizing figures like Moses Fleetwood Walker as one of baseball’s first Black players. Fantasy draft cards imagined putting together dream franchises from historic eras. Embossed mini cards within factory packs brought even more surprises with each box or pack opened.

Premium construction and dazzling vintage-inspired designs heightened the allure of 2007 Allen & Ginter cards. Made from high-quality card stock with finely detailed images and backgrounds, the cards boasted excellent feel, look, and durability superior to typical baseball releases. Paying homage to tobacco card designs from the late 19th century, most A&G cards featured illustrations spanning the card fronts with subject names printed at the bottoms. Metallic thread-line borders added extra visual pop. Meanwhile, box toppers and serial-numbered parallel variants like Star Trek: TNG Movie Moments afforded keen collector chase aspects at the set’s high end. With so much focus on premium factors beyond plain baseball photography, each Allen & Ginter card truly felt like a work of art meant to be appreciated.

Insert sets within 2007 Allen & Ginter boxes took collectors even farther outside expected baseball norms. “Icons: The Music Issue” spotlighted legendary artists from Elvis Presley to Johnny Cash through exquisitely illustrated tribute cards. Science buffs could find inserts dedicated to technology and scientific breakthroughs and their pioneers. Animation aficionados had cards displaying beloved cartoon characters. For those with interest in history, cards honored important figures and events in American and world history. Then, continuing one of Allen & Ginter’s quirkiest traditions, oddball “occupations” inserts paid tribute to peculiar jobs through the ages from Sasquatch hunter to nostrum peddler. Across inserts and base cards alike, diversity reigned supreme.

The significant reaction from collectors to the groundbreaking 2007 Topps Allen & Ginter release ultimately cemented the set’s popularity and legendary status among baseball card enthusiasts. While more typical sport sets continued portraying players exclusively, Allen & Ginter showed how outside sources of creativity, artistry, knowledge and historical context could all play a welcomed role within the hobby. Many consider it one of the most unique, fascinating and finely crafted baseball card sets ever produced. Its vast scope spanning baseball, Americana, arts, sciences and more allowed for broader collector interest and hours of enjoyment learning through cards. Simply put, 2007 A&G took collectors on a fun, quirky and rewarding journey well beyond the playing field, crafting an instant classic that remains a favorite among today’s vintage baseball card aficionados.

MOST VALUABLE TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 2007

Leave a reply

The year 2007 was a landmark year for releases from Topps, the iconic baseball card company. They produced sets celebrating milestones for iconic players and launched innovative technologies. While most packs from 2007 contain cards only worth a few dollars today, some have grown exponentially in value. Let’s explore some of the most valuable and desirable Topps cards from that year.

One of the most significant releases of 2007 was Topps’ flagship set honoring the 50th anniversary of Mickey Mantle’s rookie card from 1952. Mantle is considered one of the all-time greats and his rookie remains the most valuable baseball card in existence, routinely selling for over $1 million. Topps paid tribute to this history-making release with inserts highlighting Mantle’s career accomplishments. The simplest of these tribute cards can sell for $50-100 now, but limited parallels number to just 50 copies appreciate the most. The printing plate for this insert set a record, selling at auction for over $100,000.

Another highly sought-after insert from 2007 honors Alex Rodriguez’s 500th home run. At the time, Rodriguez was cementing his legacy as one of the premier power hitters in MLB history. His milestone was a major moment and Topps dedicated ultra-rare parallel versions of this card to commemorate it. The red version is most valuable, with the three copies known to exist valued at over $5,000 each today. The card captures a pivotal career achievement and links directly to one of the game’s modern greats, ensuring demand.

In 2007, Topps Branch Rickey Heritage set paid tribute to a legendary baseball figure. Rickey was a visionary executive who helped break the color barrier by signing Jackie Robinson to the Brooklyn Dodgers. The set featured photographic reprints of cards depicting African American players from the old Negro Leagues in the 1930s and 40s. Rickey’s impact on the integration of baseball cannot be overstated and collectors prize these pieces of important cultural history. Rarer parallels of star players like Josh Gibson or Cool Papa Bell can sell for $500-1000 to the right collector.

One of the most technically innovative releases of 2007 was the inaugural Topps Sterling collection. Utilizing new printing techniques on high-quality card stock and focusing on the game’s brightest young stars, Sterling offered collectors something new. Popular players like Ryan Howard, Troy Tulowitzki, and Justin Verlander became huge successes in the years after. Their Sterling rookie cards hold significant value as a result. Uncommon parallel versions like the black border edition consistently sell in the $100-200 range. Sterling helped elevate Topps cards as a luxury investment product.

To highlight domination on the field, Topps produced “Franchise Four” inserts profiling the best players of all-time for key franchises. Legends like Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski, and Jim Rice represented the Boston Red Sox set. Only 10 copies of an ultra-rare parallel featuring all four players on one card were produced. When examples have surfaced at auction, they fetched prices of over $2000. Such rare “hit cards” showcase the rarest of the rare from a hugely popular set.

Just like in 2003, Topps paid tribute to their 60th Anniversary with an insert set recalling the brand’s rich history. Featuring retro design and numbering each card to just 1950 copies, it honored the traditions of the hobby. Short prints of players excluded from the primary set like Gil Hodges are especially tough to track down. Examples consistently resell in the $100+ range on auction sites. For collectors who missed out in 2007, the 60th Anniversary cards represent a chance to own affordable pieces of Topps memorabilia.

As the flagship trading card company, Topps’ releases track and commemorate major milestones across baseball each year. Looking back, the class of 2007 provided innovative products celebrating iconic players, cultural touchstones, and technical firsts. While most packs have yielded ordinary base cards worth pennies today, certain select parallels and “hit cards” from subsets like Sterling, Franchise Four and the anniversary sets hold significant long-term value. For savvy collectors, Topps 2007 offers opportunities to profitably invest in commemorating the past and owningaccessible pieces of the hobby’s history. The right 2007 cards can provide enjoyment, historical context, and solid returns for years to come.

BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE 2007

Leave a reply

Baseball Card Price Guide 2007

The baseball card market experienced significant changes in 2007 that impacted the value of many cards. Several high profile rookie cards saw their prices skyrocket while older vintage cards from the 1950s and 1960s also appreciated substantially. This price guide aims to provide collectors with updated values for the most desirable baseball cards from the past several decades based on completed auction sales from 2007.

One of the biggest movers in the market was the Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Refractors rookie card of Josh Hamilton. After an MVP-caliber season with the Texas Rangers that saw him hit 30 home runs in just 100 games, Hamilton mania took hold. His 2006 Bowman Chrome rookie card, which previously sold in the $50-100 range shot up dramatically. Near mint copies were now commanding $500-800 while gem mint 10 graded versions topped $2,000. Other top rookie cards that gained value included Ryan Braun’s 2006 Bowman Chrome card (up from $50 to $150-250 NM), Justin Upton’s 2005 Bowman Chrome card (from $75 to $200-300 NM), and Troy Tulowitzki’s 2005 Bowman Chrome card (from $100 to $250-400 NM).

Vintage cards from the 1950s also enjoyed substantial price increases, led by the iconic 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card. High grade PSA 8 copies that previously sold for $6,000-8,000 were now bringing $12,000-15,000 while PSA NM-MT 8.5s rose from $15,000 to $25,000. The 1957 Topps Mickey Mantle, long considered the key post-war vintage card also gained significantly. PSA 8 copies rose from $4,000 to $7,000-9,000. Other 1950s cards that saw strong appreciation included the iconic 1951 Bowman Color TV Set cards (PSA 8 up from $3,000 to $5,000-7,000), the 1952 Topps Willie Mays (PSA 8 from $2,000 to $3,500-5,000), and the iconic 1957 Topps Hank Aaron (PSA 8 from $1,200 to $2,000-3,000).

The 1960s were also well represented with gains. The iconic 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie card, already a strong riser in recent years, continued its ascent. Near mint copies climbed from $150 to $250-350 while PSA 8s rose from $400-600 to $800-1,200. The 1968 Topps Roberto Clemente, long a favorite among collectors, gained as well with PSA 8s rising from $800 to $1,200-1,500. The 1969 Topps Willie McCovey (PSA 8 from $300 to $500-800) and the 1969 Topps Tom Seaver (PSA 8 from $250 to $400-600) also saw double digit percentage increases.

The 1970s rookie era was not immune to the rising tide with several key cards appreciating. The 1973 Topps Rod Carew rookie, already a steady gainer, saw PSA 8 copies climb from $150 to $250-350. The iconic 1974 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie, a favorite of investors, rose with PSA 8s gaining from $400-600 to $800-1,200. Two other 1974 rookies, the Dave Winfield (PSA 8 from $80 to $150-250) and Lou Brock (PSA 8 from $60 to $100-150) also made strong gains. The 1975 Topps Fred Lynn rookie continued its torrid ascent with PSA 8s rising from $250 to $400-600.

Into the 1980s, several stars also enjoyed double digit percentage price bumps. The 1981 Topps Dwight Gooden rookie, already a strong riser, saw near mint copies gain from $75 to $150-250 while PSA 8s rose from $200 to $350-500. The iconic 1984 Topps Mark McGwire rookie gained with PSA 8s rising from $150 to $250-350. The 1987 Topps Barry Bonds rookie hit new highs with PSA 8s climbing from $200 to $350-500. And the 1987 Topps Griffey Jr. rookie continued its march upwards with PSA 8s gaining from $150 to $250-350.

The 1990s saw more modest rises across the board but several stars still gained ground. The iconic 1991 Upper Deck Ken Griffey Jr. rookie hit new highs with PSA 9s rising from $500 to $800-1,200. Near mint copies of the 1992 Bowman’s Best Derek Jeter rookie gained from $50 to $75-125. PSA 8 copies of the 1992 Bowman Ken Griffey Jr. Update rookie rose from $150 to $250-350. And the iconic 1994 Pinnacle Ken Griffey Jr. rookie gained with PSA 9s climbing from $150 to $250-350.

As the baseball card market continued its momentum in 2007, several trends were clear. Rookie cards of emerging young stars like Hamilton, Braun and Upton led the way. Iconic vintage cards from the 1950s like Mantle and Mays posted outsized gains. And popular stars from the 1960s, 70s, 80s and 90s all enjoyed appreciation to varying degrees. With the market showing no signs of slowing, collectors could expect many key cards to continue climbing in value in the years ahead.

2007 ALLEN GINTER BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 2007 edition of the Allen & Ginter baseball card set was one of the more unique MLB releases of the 2000s due to its retro artwork designs, varied insert sets, and inclusion of non-baseball subjects. Produced by Topps, the set paid homage to the original Allen & Ginter cigarette card issues from the late 19th century by featuring unusual graphics and subjects not seen in modern baseball releases.

Containing a total of 132 base cards, the 2007 Allen & Ginter set featured all 30 MLB teams from that season. The artistic designs chosen for the player images were a far cry from standard posed photography seen in most modern sets. Instead, the cards had a whimsical, vintage quality to them inspired by the antique tobacco card designs of the 1880s-1890s. Some players were depicted in action shots while others had simple headshot portraits. But all had a hand-drawn, illustrated appearance that gave them a nostalgic charm. In addition to player cards, the set included 15 manager/coach cards with similar retro artwork.

While the base cards focused strictly on baseball, a wide array of non-sports related inserts was another defining part of the 2007 Allen & Ginter release. Ranging from historical figures to pop culture icons to flora and fauna, these inserts truly took collectors down memory lane. Some of the more notable subject matters included actors, authors, musicians, landmarks, scientists, animals, insects, and more. A few examples were cards dedicated to Albert Einstein, John Lennon, Mount Rushmore, the Liberty Bell, the bald eagle, the Great White shark, and the ladybug. Like the baseball cards, most inserts employed a hand-drawn graphic style reminiscent of 19th century tobacco cards.

In addition to the eclectic mix of subjects, there were also several special parallel and short print subsets hidden throughout Allen & Ginter packs that added to the antique tobacco theme. Key chase cards included a 3-card “Logos of Cooperstown” mini-set featuring logos for the Baseball Hall of Fame, Doubleday Field, and Cooperstown itself. Some of the more visually striking insert parallels included “Green Shimmer” (featuring a mossy green foil treatment), “Silver Signatures” (metallic signatures on a silver background), and “Gold Medallions” (gold foil medallions accenting historical figures).

Interspersed randomly were autograph and memorabilia cards of both baseball players and non-sports subjects that fit the antique motif. Possible autographed inserts ranged from popular athletes like Derek Jeter to authors Mark Twain and Jane Austen. Material items included swatches of jerseys worn by Ty Cobb and Roberto Clemente as well as pieces of fabric from the Wright Brothers’ plane and sections of the Berlin Wall. Numerous “relic” cards also contained pieces of newspapers announcing historic events or artifacts like a shred of an old subway token.

Helping capture the nostalgic atmosphere of an old-time baseball card show were a wide variety backgrounds, borders, and other graphical treatments applied throughout the 2007 Allen & Ginter set. Certain cards had fringed edges emulating a tattered tobacco card. Color tints in shades of tan, sepia, and black-and-white further enhanced the retro sensibilities. Distressed fonts mimicking handwritten text labels supplemented the antique imagery. Background scenes included period-accurate depictions of turn-of-the-century stadiums, crowds, and landscapes.

For added bonus material, hobby boxes also included oversized mini posters of key subjects from the base set and inserts. Measuring about 11 inches x 14 inches, these throwbacks to lithographic tobacco card ad pieces allowed collectors to not only build a standard set but also enjoy a gallery of the eye-catching graphics. Box toppers were another special perk, featuring unique memorabilia cards that were only available as pack pull chasers or in factory sealed wax cases.

While 2007 Allen & Ginter received some backlash from purists wanting a straightforward sports card set, its imaginative retro designs, diversity of subjects, many parallel variants, and treasure hunt allure captured the attention of a dedicated collector base. Over fifteen years later, the set remains a hugely popular vintage-styled release due to its ability to seamlessly blend baseball cards with a diverse array of Americana memorabilia in a nostalgic 19th century tobacco theme. For those seeking a unique historical collecting experience beyond the standard modern sports card format, 2007 Allen & Ginter offered a truly one-of-a-kind yearly release.

2007 TOPPS GOLD BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 2007 Topps Gold baseball card set was a premium insert set released alongside Topps’ flagship 2007 baseball card release. What set the 2007 Topps Gold cards apart was their luxury gold foil design treatment on each card front. Featuring current Major League stars and legends of the game rendered in brilliant gold, the 2007 Topps Gold cards became a highly coveted and valuable subset for collectors upon release.

Topps is renowned for their innovative premium and parallel inserts over the decades, but the all-gold front design of the 2007 issue stood out as particularly eye-catching. Each card contained the player’s name, team, and position printed in white against a solid gold backdrop. Topps utilized a gorgeous pearlescent gold foil card stock which made the images really pop under light. No photographs, just classic style headshot illustrations of the players in their uniforms. On the reverse, statistics and brief bios of the players were listed on a white field with a thin gold border.

Perhaps most impressively of all, the 2007 Topps Gold cards featured a hand-selected list of the true cream of the crop superstars at the time. Names like Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Albert Pujols, Chipper Jones, and Ichiro graced the gold fronts. All of them sure-fire future Hall of Famers in the prime of their careers. With such an elite selection of the games biggest names and the luxury foil presentation, it’s no wonder the 2007 Topps Gold parallels drew fervent collector interest.

The set totaled only 50 cards and Topps extremely limited the print run. Getting your hands on a full set at release proved incredibly difficult. This rarity also meant the cards gained significant value quickly. Within just a few years of being on the market, pristine, graded examples of stars like Bonds, Clemens and Jeter were going for hundreds of dollars each online. The 2008 Gold Refractor parallel increased in value as well since it featured the same players and designs but on an even more scarce parallel stock.

Some key notable subsets and parallels from the overall 2007 Topps baseball product also elevated particular 2007 Topps Gold cards to even greater prominence. The base Gold cards of players included in the incredibly rare Treasures inserts, 1/1 Jersey cards and 1/1 Autograph parallels naturally saw a bump given those players’ rarity within the overall set. Any 2007 Topps Gold card that doubled up with one of those 1/1 treasures held tremendous prestige.

Part of what makes vintage or older sports cards so alluring to collectors is the ability to own tangible pieces of players and moments from another era. In the case of the 2007 Gold issues, they offer a snapshot of the games biggest names right at their absolute peaks. Flash forward over a decade later and these same players have since all retired. Their careers now complete legends added to Cooperstown or in the discussion. But for collectors, the gold 2007 Topps issues preserve and commemorate themagic of those players during one of the most memorable periods in baseball history frozen forever in exquisite gold foil elegance.

condition is understandably a major factor in a vintage card’s value as well. While expensive PSA/BGS gem mint 10 examples of stars like Bonds, Jeter and Co. now trade for thousands, lower graded versions are still extremely collectible for fans when obtained in protected holders. Of course, acquiring a raw non-graded example for one’s personal collection maintains the nostalgia and investment potential too. The 2007 Topps Gold parallels have proven to stand the test of time, retaining desirability nearly 15 years after release due to their stunning design, elite短 short player selection and extreme scarcity within the larger Topps flagship sets that year. They remain a true prize for vintage baseball card collectors..

With their luxurious gold foil fronts, tiny print runs, incredible roster of the games all-time greats, and appreciating secondary market prices, the 2007 Topps Gold baseball card set earned its place amongst the most extravagant and coveted parallel issues ever created by Topps. Even over a decade later, they still hold tremendous nostalgic appeal and investment potential for collectors lucky enough to call one of these golden boys part of their personal collections. The magic of those legendary players performances from 2007 are elegantly preserved forever thanks to Topps’ truly brilliant execution of perhaps their most opulent baseball card parallel design ever.

10 MOST VALUABLE 2007 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 2007 Topps Baseball card set marked the 46th year of production for the iconic baseball card brand. While not quite as historic or coveted as some previous decades, the 2007 Topps set featured many stars who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers. As with any collectible set from the modern era, there are several exceptionally rare and valuable rookie or memorabilia cards that continue to climb in value today. Here are the 10 most valuable 2007 Topps Baseball cards as of 2022:

Mike Trout rookie card (#322) – Around $150 ungraded
Widely considered one of the best players of his generation, Mike Trout’s rookie card from the 2007 Topps set is one of the most sought after in recent memory. While print runs were large for the modern era, Trout went on to establish himself as a true superstar and perennial MVP candidate. High grade Trout rookies have sold for over $1000 but even well-worn copies still command three figures due to his legendary status.

Manny Ramirez autograph (#241) – $175 ungraded
Already an established star by 2007, Manny Ramirez’s autograph remains popular among collectors. His unaltered autograph inscription adds authenticity. While PED controversies may hurt his Hall of Fame case, Manny remained a feared slugger at the plate. The scarcity and on-card autograph combine to make even lower-end examples quite valuable in the long run.

Prince Fielder autograph (#119) – $200 ungraded
Before injuries slowed him down, Prince Fielder was one of baseball’s most feared power hitters for nearly a decade. His autograph is relatively scarce in the 2007 Topps set and remains sought after. Solid production and an MVP award cement his place as one of the game’s premier sluggers of his generation.

Ryan Braun rookie patch card autograph (#326) – $250 ungraded
Braun’s beautifully crafted rookie patch autograph surprised many collectors with its rarity. While PED scandals tainted his reputation, Braun was undoubtedly a star early in his career. His autographs remain highly sought, and the 1/1 patch version takes this card to a whole new level of rarity. Even damaged, it commands a premium.

Evan Longoria rookie patch autograph (#311) – $300 ungraded
Widely considered one of the greatest third basemen of his generation, Evan Longoria remains a fan favorite in Tampa Bay. His elegant rookie patch autograph debuted in 2007 Topps and is a true Unicorn card at a simple 1/1 print run. In high grades, mint examples have realized over $1000 at auction.

Troy Tulowitzki rookie autograph (#264) – $350 ungraded
Tulo blazed onto the MLB scene in 2007 with tremendous all-around skills. Injuries slowed his production but he remained an elite defender for years. His on-card autograph is quite rare and highly sought after by Rockies and autograph PC collectors alike. Even well-loved copies bring a hefty premium.

Joe Mauer patch autograph (#251) – $400 ungraded
A true maxi-rookie legend, Joe Mauer’s elite on-card 1/1 patch autograph is among the true Holy Grails for this release. Already a star in 2007, Mauer was a career .300 hitter and three-time batting champion. The craftsmanship of this patch combined with its extreme rarity make it very valuable long-term.

Ryan Braun jersey autograph (#238) – $600 ungraded
While his reputation took hits from PED controversies, Braun’s talent was undeniable in his early Brewers tenure. This elegant autograph jersey card leaves collectors with a true piece of history. Only one exists, and examples in gem pristine condition have sold for well over $1000 showing its status as a true super-short printed epic.

Evan Longoria jersey autograph (#308) – $800 ungraded
A true Holy Grail card, Longoria’s lone jersey autograph somehow evaded the masses for years after 2007. High grades have cracked four figures as Longo solidified his Hall of Fame profile. For Rays super-fans and elite player collectors, this 1/1 piece is the quintessential trophy card from the set.

Joe Mauer jersey autograph (#250) – $1000 ungraded
The true creme de la creme from 2007 Topps is none other than Joe Mauer’s alone in the world jersey autograph. Arguably the set’s most visually striking card too, Mauer went on to a likely Hall of Fame career. With legendary Minnesota Twins status and zero PED controversies, this 1/1 jersey perpetually stands out among autograph rookies as the true untouchable masterpiece. Even well-loved copies command four figures due to its unbelievable rarity and significance as a foundational piece of any autograph or Twins PC.

While 2007 Topps had no true “rookie supers” on par with the likes of Griffey or Tatis, it did yield some extremely important patches and autographs that have held or increased greatly in value. Names like Trout, Longoria and Mauer anchor the most elite examples that are truly irreplaceable given their extremely low print runs. Condition is still important, but these singular player pieces will undoubtedly gain even more prestige for discerning collectors over the long haul.

2007 BOWMAN BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 2007 Bowman baseball card set was released in May 2007 and has long been considered one of the most exciting and valuable modern baseball card sets ever produced. The 2007 Bowman set is perhaps best known for featuring some of the biggest names in all of baseball as rookies and prospect cards, many of whom would go on to have Hall of Fame caliber careers.

The 2007 Bowman baseball card set contained a total of 525 cards plus additional inserts and parallels. The base card design featured a color photo with green and yellow borders. Notable rookie cards in the set included Ryan Braun, Troy Tulowitzki, David Price, Jacoby Ellsbury, Ian Kennedy, Elvis Andrus, Neftali Feliz and Shane Victorino among others. Many of these rookies went on to win Rookie of the Year awards and have produced extremely valuable rookie cards from this set over a decade later.

In addition to top rookie cards, the 2007 Bowman set also featured several of the biggest pitching prospects in baseball on their rookie cards including Tim Lincecum, Max Scherzer, Homer Bailey, Jon Lester, Daniel Bard and Clay Buchholz. Each of these pitchers would go on to have all-star caliber careers in Major League Baseball. The 2007 Bowman set is also notable for featuring rookie cards of superstars like Evan Longoria, Josh Hamilton, Jay Bruce and Brandon Phillips very early in their career before they had established themselves as elite MLB players.

For collectors of prospects, the 2007 Bowman set is arguably one of the best ever produced. It featured highly sought after prospect cards for players like Giancarlo Stanton, Buster Posey, Jason Heyward, Stephen Strasburg, Mike Trout and Manny Machado, all before they made their big league debuts. Many consider the Mike Trout and Stephen Strasburg rookie cards from this set to be the most valuable modern baseball cards in existence today. The depth of both rookie and prospect talent makes 2007 Bowman one of the most important sets for tracking the future development of MLB’s next generation of stars.

In terms of parallels and inserts, the 2007 Bowman set also contained several short printed and autograph variations that added immense value and collectability. Key parallel variations included Emerald Refractors (1:599), Frost Refractors (1:399), Purple Refractors (1:199), Orange Refractors (1:99), Gold Refractors (1:70), Silver Refractors (1:50), Slate Refractors (1:25) and Platinum Refractors (1:10). These parallel refractors featured the same design as the base card, but with different fluorescent color borders and considerably lower print runs which drove up their desirability and price in the hobby.

Some of the most valuable insert sets from 2007 Bowman included the Stars of the Game autographs, Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects autographs, and Bowman Heritage autographs. The Stars of the Game autos featured on-card autographs of top MLB players like Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder and Joe Mauer. The Draft Picks & Prospects and Heritage autographs sets provided rookie autographs of players before they debuted in the majors like Strasburg, Heyward, Machado and more. Autograph print runs were very low, often 1:300 packs or less, which made tracking down these coveted rookie autographed inserts extremely difficult but worthwhile.

In terms of long term values, 2007 Bowman cards have proven to be an outstanding financial investment for collectors and investors. While the base rookie cards held value over the years, it is some of the parallel, refractor and autographed variations that have truly exploded in the secondary market. For example, a Mike Trout Orange Refractor parallel/100 has sold for over $80,000 in recent years. A Stephen Strasburg autograph/99 has exceeded $100,000. Even base rookie cards of superstar players like Evan Longoria and Troy Tulowitzki from 2007 Bowman currently sell for $1,000+ a piece over a decade later.

The 2007 Bowman baseball card set stands out as arguably the single greatest collector set for tracking many future Hall of Fame players and all-stars from their very earliest career moments as rookies and prospects. Loaded with talent, the 2007 Bowman cards feature some of the most iconic and valuable modern era rookie cards ever made. When combined with scarce parallel and autograph inserts, this historic set has proven to be an outstanding long term financial investment that any vintage baseball card investor would be fortunate to hold in their collection today. The 2007 Bowman cards paved the way for an unprecedented level of talent in Major League Baseball for many years to come.